May 2015

PLUS: Attorneys you need to know ... Mother’s Day ... Camryn’s K9s

your community • your magazine

To the future!

The Salvation Army’s YET opens new windows of opportunity for area families

Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

May 2015

PLUS: Attorneys you need to know ... Mother’s Day ... Camryn’s K9s

your community • your magazine

To the future!

The Salvation Army’s YET opens opens new windows of opportunew windows of opportunity for nity areafor families area families

Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

May 2015

Got your back.

And brain.

Advanced Neuro Services When you suffer from sensitive brain or spine issues, you need a team you can trust.

At Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, the physicians on our medical staff collaborate to determine the best course of action for your treatment. Taking a conservative approach, treatment may start with physical medicine and therapies.

If problems persist, treatment moves to pain management and, lastly, surgery. Since every patient is different, each approach is customized to your needs. Our goal is to provide the right treatment for you at the right time.

1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org/Arlington-Neuro

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. Š 2015

Contents May 2015

Highlights 24 To Mom, with love

Four great ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with that special someone in your life – all close to home.

31 Attorneys you need to know

Here are some area law firms that are dedicated to helping improve the lives of their clients.

40 Camryn’s K9s

31

A Mansfield girl launches a charity to help protect North Texas police service dogs.

42 Corvette therapy

How restoring a car helped Randy Jordan, a choral leader by trade, beat vocal cord cancer.

48 The Project! (Part III)

On the Cover The Gene and Jerry Jones Family North Texas Youth Education Town is part of The Salvation Army’s Arlington community center and family shelter. Since opening in 2013, the YET has provided a means for area youngsters and families to develop life skills while having fun. Our story on page 28 reveals just how important this facility is to the region.

Departments Starting Line ... 10 This ‘n data ... 12 Scene ... 19, 53, 61, 73 Around Town ... 22 Style ... 26 Golf Tip ... 68 Dollars & Sense ... 70 Health/Fitness ... 74 Sights/Sounds ... 76 Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 Finish Line ... 82

40

In this, the third of four parts, Luke and Cynthia Doyle show how they converted an ordinary kitchen and bath into something special.

54 One great slate

Arlington Museum of Art’s blockbuster 2015-16 schedule will feature the works of, among others, Pablo Picasso.

56 Paradise found

42

Want to make the most of spring and summer?

You can start by finding ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

62 Education celebration

AISD rewards six longtime stellar educators by naming new facilities in their honor.

64 The stage is set

Theatre Arlington is planning renovations that will dramatically enchance downtown.

66 The stars came out that night

How the city of Arlington got a chance to shine under the national spotlight.

56

All-New 2015 Lexus RC

Cutting-edge design.

Leading-edge customer service.

Fort Worth / Dallas / SewellLexus.com

Complimentary Mommy Makeover Consults for the Month of May Expires May 30, 2015

Gift cards available

• Breast Augmentation • Robotic Hair Transplantation • Eyelid Lift Surgery • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction • Mini Facelift • Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss • Laser 360/Paragon Liquid Laser Lift

~ Laser Treatments/Hair Removal ~

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Mark A. Bishara, M.D.

Harvard Fellowship trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

2014 Arlington Area All Stars Readers’ Choice “Favorite Plastic Surgeon”

1101 Matlock Rd. Mansfield, TX 76063 • 817.473.2120

1203 S. White Chapel Blvd., Ste. 150 Southlake, TX 76092 • 817.473.2120

www.markbisharamd.com

NEW This Summer!

FEATURING

OVER 3 MILLION POUNDS of SAND

A 12 Degree Entertainment™ production

Enter the SANDsational world

of larger-than-life sand sculptures featuring iconic scenes and favorite characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! located by GLOBE

LIFE PARK, Arlington

may 22-august 23 • Also included is America the Beautiful, sand sculptures

recreating our nation’s most beloved icons and monuments

• 2,000-square-foot sandbox for the kids to enjoy (the largest in Texas!)

• Snacks and frozen drinks available • Interactive retail area

FantasyInSand.com

: s t e k c i t ith w s e g a pack antasyinSand l e t o h Save on lington.org/F Ar

Congratulations Dr. Joan Bergstrom “Favorite OB/GYN”

Starting Line

Special is as special does Why I celebrate Mother’s Day with D.Anne Youngblood

G

et ready to put up your dukes: My mom is better than your mom. There, I said it. And here, I’ll back it up. And after I’m finished, I fully expect to receive a note from the folks at Hallmark, who finally will have to admit that they might have been a tad hasty in rejecting the sample card idea I proposed, back in the day: Roses are red. Cannas are yellow.

So are Cheez-Its. Now, have a Happy Mother’s Day! There are many reasons I made such a bold claim at the outset of this missive, not the least of which is this: I have known several hundreds of thousands of people over my lifetime, but only one who can claim to have accomplished the following: • Changed my first diaper (and virtually every one thereafter).

• Sang me my first lullaby (and definitely every one thereafter, unless you count Dad’s rendition of Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” a lullaby).

• Cooked me stuffed bell peppers on an almost weekly basis – and then convinced me that this budget-inspired entree was a delicacy.

• Not only attended every Little League baseball game I ever played, but served as each team’s official scorekeeper (one year recording five whole singles and a triple by the team’s wiry shortstop).

• Rehearsed Slue-foot Sue’s lines while I laid some Oscar-worthy Pecos Bill dialog on her in preparation for the fifth grade play.

• Kissed wounds, wiped away tears and applied Band-Aids, literally at first and figuratively thereafter.

• Refused to let me settle.

Yale Youngblood • Attended both graduations of significance – but Editor only after helping with the homework that would ensure that I could receive two diplomas of significance.

• Accepted the notion that my wife wasn’t going to replace her but complement her in my development as a person. (OK, that was done with some reluctance. But she did it.)

• Never once told me I wasn’t raising my children right, but instead let me learn how to do it right on my own.

• Convinced me I was smart enough, brave enough, strong enough to become a contributing member of society.

• In fact, she convinced me by showing me how it is done.

Happy Mother’s Day, D.Anne Youngblood. I love you!

yale@arlingtontoday.com

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Assistant Editor Sara Pintilie Contributing Editor Sarah Martinez Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Director Rhonda Aghamalian Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Amy DiStefano, Susan Richtman Contributing Writers Corey Callaway, Donna Darovich, Sue Stevens Durbec, Michele Duskin, Kenneth Perkins, Toni Randle-Cook Contributing Photographers Gary Coots, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell

SALES/CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Kyle Hargrove

PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2015 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher.

The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products.

Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues (price includes tax and shipping).

E-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

For daily updates on all things Arlington, visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter • Phone number: (817) 303-3304

This ‘n data

Re-acting

Former Martin student & teacher now stars in ‘American Crime’ WHEN LOCAL television viewers tune into the ABC drama “American Crime,” a good portion might be tempted to say, “Wait, isn’t that the person who taught my drama class at Martin High?”

The answer is “yes” – the Emily Warfield who plays the character Lisa on the series, Emily Warfield indeed, has theatrical roots at Martin.

But they go even deeper than her stint as a mentor. She also attended the school as a student in the late 1980s

Hot Shots:

before launching an acting career that earned her roles in more than two dozen television shows and movies. After taking a hiatus to start a family – and teach at her alma mater – she returned to the screen and is now a regular character on the hit crime drama series.

One of Warfield’s castmates on the show is Academy Award-winner Timothy Hutton. “He’s every actor’s dream to work with – professional, helpful, and so passionate about his craft,” Warfield said on her Facebook page.

“I’m so lucky to have been able to work alongside him.”

Previously, she acted with a number of other Hollywood dignitaries, including Reese Witherspoon, Ben Johnson, Sam Waterston and Tess Harper.

Theatre Arlington’s schedule of 2015-16 plays will kick off with ‘Hello Dolly’ THEATRE ARLINGTON’S 2015-16 season will “Honor the past, Envision the future” – and celebrate a capital improvement project on the theater that is outlined this month in our story on page 64. Here are upcoming plays and dates ...

• Sept. 11-Oct 4: “Hello, Dolly” starring Persis Ann Forster • Oct. 30-Nov. 8: “The Outsiders” • Dec. 4-20: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” • Jan. 15-31: Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky,” the first show for the newly organized Arlington Community Theatre in 1974, directed by Cliff Redd • Feb. 19-March 6: Youth Musical “Cinderella” • April 1-17: “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” starring long time favorites B.J. Cleveland and Todd Hart in an outrageously funny gothic spoof • May 6-29: “My Way, Tribute to Frank Sinatra” • July 1-17: The winner of American Community Theater’s Playfest competition for new plays • Aug. 5-21: “Calendar Girls” Season ticket packages are available at the theater website, theatrearlington.org.

Kiwanis Club Woodrow Counts Teacher-of-the-Year Awards

Chairperson Jannette Workman with honorees Michelle Fratto, Dr. Harrison McCoy and Michele Hosey

Raquel Valadez, David Adrian Trevino and Judy Johnson

Kim Griffiths, Nikki Jerkins and Susan Michelle Thompson

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Deborah Falls, Susan Schwertz and Jeannie Burt

Fantasy in Sand coming to Arlington OPENING MAY 22, located by Globe Life Park in Arlington and for the very first time anywhere in the U.S., Fantasy In Sand™ features intricate, hand-carved sand sculptures, some 20-feet tall, from 3 million pounds of sand. The main attractions include the “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” sculptures of some of our nation’s most notable landmarks in “America the Beautiful,” as well as the largest indoor sandbox in Texas (2,000 square-feet), all taking place within a 20,000 square-foot, air-conditioned tent. For more: FantasyInSand.com.

This ‘n data

Scout’s honor Arlington’s Conor Callaway has charted a unique course in his quest to ‘soar with the Eagles’ CONOR CALLAWAY’S BID to become an Eagle Scout has, on occasion, been a pit-iful experience – but, as you’ll soon discover, that’s actually a good thing.

For his Eagle project, the 17-year-old Arlington resident constructed a GaGa Pit for his church, Woods Chapel Baptist. The pit, a wood-bound octagon, now offers church and area fitness enthusiasts a new way to get their exercise, thus fulfilling the Scouts’ “service” requirement of Callaway’s enterprise.

For those not well-versed in Israeli sporting activities, a GaGa Pit is a venue for a dodge ball game played in that

3 Scoops ...

country and gaining in popularity here. Conor did his homework on the sport, then planned and led the building of the pit, which, as the picture suggests, has already been put to use.

The completion of that project has Conor on the cusp of earning the rank of Eagle, after serving in the Boy Scouts since he was 7 years old.

But that’s not all he has accomplished. While working his way up the Scout ladder, Conor had to overcome Autism and Type One Diabetes. The Scout Law notes that members are trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. As Conor shows, it might be high time to add “tenacious” to the list.

Sylvia Greene’s wounded arm

Richard Greene’s banged-up eye

1. We say, ‘Olé!’ ... Arlington has a new,

“true Mexican food” restaurant. La Blue Casa opened last month at 471 S. Pecan Street in College Park. The business is inspired by famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and promises no Tex-Mex influence, focusing instead on original Mexican recipes. Per the eatery’s Facebook page, “Our authenticity lies on our gourmet sauces, which is what our entire concept is based on. Our sauces go from poblano to Mole to tomatillo, and we even have Chipotle and habanero. And none of them lack any authenticity.”

2. Sun-day on Monday ... The American Academy of

Dermatology has designated Monday, May 4, as Melanoma Monday® to raise awareness that melanoma can be a deadly form of skin cancer and what to look for. The academy is urging people to seek information from the American Cancer Society, DFW Dermatological Societies and area hospitals – including Texas Oncology-Arlington North. For more: (888) 864-4226.

3. Step by step... Methodist Mansfield Medical Center has partnered with the PTA at James Coble Middle School to provide a pedometer to a team of staff members to promote fitness and kickoff STAAR testing. The staff will count steps and spring into action as they move from class to class monitoring students during testing. By helping principals and school personnel create a healthier atmosphere for learning and working, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is creating a healthy environment for the community.

Mike Dinkins

Who says baseball isn’t a contact sport?

IF YOU THINK last month’s home-opening stand was a tough one for your Texas Rangers – they went 2-4 vs. the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels – consider the plight of poor Richard and Sylvia Greene.

In less than a week’s time both the former mayor and his wife were nailed by foul balls that went into the stands as they were trying to enjoy the action from seats near the field.

First Sylvia “took one for the team” of fans surrounding her, in the form of a line-drive foul ball that plunked her on the right bicep during the season opener against the Astros. Then, less than a week later, Richard fell victim to a bad-hop, foul-ball grounder that hopped over his glove and smacked him on the eyebrow.

Thankfully, both of the Greenes are OK now. In fact, Sylvia joked that, unlike some players who were hurt during the homestand, neither she nor Richard had to go on the disabled list.

MEMORIAL DAY IS ONLY ONCE A YEAR

but our gratitude is endless.

Please join us for a special Memorial Day in honor and 30th Annual Memorial Dayevent Services 30th Annual Annual Memorial Day Services celebration of those who have proudlyDay served our country.

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For the record

This ‘n data

RAISE YOUR hand if you know how many batters Texas Rangers rookie pitcher David Clyde, struck out in his debut in 1973. Just out of high school, Clyde fanned eight Minnesota Twins en route to a 4-3 win.

THIS MONTH, we offer a laurel (and hardy handshake) to Morgan Woodard, who not only became a successful actor after leaving Arlington, but who recently donated several of his awards and other memorabilia to the Arlington Historical Society. The Arlington High School grad appeared in some 250 television shows or movies, including “The Great Locomotive Chase,” Disney’s first full-length live-action motion picture.

Don’t miss it ...

TIERRA VERDE GOLF CLUB is the place to be on the fourth Friday of every spring and summer month. Well, it is, if you love good company, music, food and drink. You’ll find all those and more at the club’s “Party on the Patio,” which will be held next on May 25. Blaze of Glory – The Bon Jovi experience is this month’s featured band; 7 p.m. is this month’s starting time. For more: (817) 478-8500.

1. Our branch of the University of

YOU MIGHT know that Hurricane Harbor is the largest water park in Texas, but you might not be aware that “largest” is defined thusly: 3 million gallons of water and 47 acres of cool, family fun. To put that former figure in perspective, the average person drinks roughly 14,000 gallons of water in a lifetime.

ACCORDING TO the Mansfield Historical Society, about 123 veterans from Mansfield served in the Civil War. About 13 fought for the North; the rest served the Confederate States of America – with at least one who served on both sides during the war.

EXCAVATION OF THE Arlington Archosaur Site began in the spring of 2008 when the Huffines Group granted land access to UTA. The excavation of the site continues and, to date, more dinosaur fossils have been recovered from the Arlington Archosaur Site than from any other site in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Heart smart:

Texas system has the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies driving leading-edge research with a major impact on scientific study and entrepreneurship.

2. Oh, and it has Bed Races, too.

3. Have you checked out the Arlington Tennis Center lately?

You should.

4. Where does Eric Nadel, the radio voice of the Texas Rangers, ply his craft 81 days a year, again?

5. Two words: Highland Games!

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center cited for its ability to help stroke patients

METHODIST MANSFIELD Medical Center recently received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke” Bronze Quality Achievement Award.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appro-

priate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

To receive the award, Methodist Mansfield achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all “Get with the Guidelines – Stroke” achievement indicators for one calendar quarter.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost,

and this award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring patients receive care based on nationally-respected clinical guidelines,” said John Phillips, FACHE, president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. “Methodist Mansfield is dedicated to improving the quality of stroke care for our patients, and [this program] helps us achieve that goal.”

Summer Concert Series Weds. 9:30 AM & 7:30 PM

Open lawn seating on chairs & blankets.

Picnics & coolers welcome.

Concessions available.

FREE MUSIC UNDER THE STARS!

Thursday 8 PM

MAY 22-24

Food, Art and Free Music!

MAY 28 THE SUFFERS

Friday 8 PM

MAY 22 HAYES CARLL

Saturday 8 PM

MAY 23 SOUL ASYLUM

MAY 24 CHARLIE ROBISON

MAY 30 THE DIRTY RIVER BOYS

MAY 31 THE QUEBE SISTERS BAND

sponsored by

sponsored by

MAY 29 SPOONFED TRIBE

Sunday 8 PM

sponsored by

sponsored by

sponsored by

sponsored by

Free parking!

100 W. Abram St. in Founder’s Plaza

24-Hr Info Line:

sponsored by

JUNE 4 LOS TEXMANIACS

817-543-4301

levittpavilionarlington.org

JUNE 10 AARON NIGEL SMITH

sponsored by

JUNE 17

TERRANCE SIMIEN & CREOLE FOR KIDZ sponsored by

JUNE 24 VOCAL TRASH

sponsored by

SARA HICKMAN

sponsored by

sponsored by

JUNE 6 MARCHFOURTH!

JUNE 7

TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA sponsored by

sponsored by

JUNE 11

THE JONES FAMILY SINGERS sponsored by

JUNE 18 THE ROOMSOUNDS sponsored by

JUNE 25

THE ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD sponsored by

sponsored by

JULY 1

JUNE 5 CHARLA CORN

JULY 2

THE STATESBORO REVUE sponsored by

JUNE 12 SARAH JAFFE sponsored by

JUNE 19 HUDSON MOORE

JUNE 13

RICH ROBINSON OF THE BLACK CROWES

sponsored by

JULY 3

sponsored by

sponsored by

JUNE 20 BLACK VIOLIN sponsored by

sponsored by

JUNE 26 LARRY g(EE)

JUNE 14 KAYLEE RUTLAND

JUNE 27

WALT WILKINS & THE MYSTIQUEROS

sponsored by

JUNE 21

GEDEON LUKE & THE PEOPLE sponsored by

JUNE 28 THE WORLD FAMOUS

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA sponsored by

JULY 5@8:30PM THE BAND OF HEATHENS

NO Concert July 4

SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY BLUEGRASS BAND

BRAD THOMPSON @7:30PM Fireworks@9:45pm!!

sponsored by

sponsored by

JULY 8

JOEL LAVIOLETTE & RATTLETREE MARIMBA

sponsored by

JULY 9@8:30PM

BETTYSOO & MATT THE ELECTRICIAN

sponsored by

JULY 10@8:30PM THE O’S

sponsored by

JULY 11@8:30pm RAY WYLIE HUBBARD

~ 2015 SUMMER SEASON SPONSORS ~ levittpavilionarlington.org

sponsored by

JULY 12@8:30PM JAMESTOWN REVIVAL sponsored by

Picture-perfect moments

Photos: Terry Ip

Stacey Quinn, Billy Quinn, 2014 Cinderella Caroline Quinn, 2015 Cinderella Riley Mohorc, Dan Mohorc and Kelly Mohorc Julie Holloway, Katie Holloway and Maureen Maidlow

Megan Gray, Shelby Mayo, Elisabeth Crosier, Erin O’Brien

Valerie Landry, Sarah Merrill Young, Shelli Walker and Nicky Austin

Scene

Snapshots from Cinderella Ball and the Women’s Alliance’s Tiara Tuesday at Arlington Highlands.

The Cinderella candidates blow kisses to the camera.

Emily Lowke, Mary Catherine Arnott, Hagan Griffith, Samantha Choi, Emma Harper and Erin O’Brien

Photos: Alexander Portrait Designers

Bola Sijuwade, Belinda Holley and Jackie Smith

Happenings in the AISD

Prekindergarten registration begins soon F

amilies can begin online preregistration for prekindergarten on Friday, May 1 using Infosnap. Both paid prekindergarten registrations and prekindergarten prequalifications will be accepted. Schools will hold Prekindergarten Roundup the week of May 11 – 15; a complete schedule is available online.

The paid prekindergarten 4 program is for students who do not currently qualify for the state-funded prekindergarten program.

This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows and will serve 4-year-olds (must be 4 by Sept. 1, 2015) through the current half-day program. Hours are 8:05 – 11:05 a.m. or 12:20 – 3:20 p.m.

The cost will be $240 per month and must be paid by the first business day of the month.

The state-funded prekindergarten program serves 3- and 4-year-olds who qualify through one of six ways: qualifies for school free/reduced-price lunch program, speaks limited English, is homeless, has a parent on active military duty, has a parent who was injured or killed in military action, or is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. This program is free for students who qualify and is also a half-day program.

Through the secure online enrollment system, families are able to enter their child’s information prior to on-campus

registration, thus cutting down on wait times and paperwork at roundup and ensuring accurate information for all students.

Parents and guardians of current PK3 students who will attend Arlington ISD for PK4 will receive an email and/or letter in the mail. Each individual student will be given a snapcode and online preregistration instructions. A snapcode is a unique registration code assigned to each student on a yearly basis. You will not be able to begin the online pre-registration

process until you have received a snapcode for each continuing student. If your current email address is not on file with your child’s school, please contact the school to update that information, as email will be the main form of communicating this information.

Using the online enrollment system will make pre-registration easy for currently enrolled students, as previously entered data for each student in the AISD student system is prepopulated into the system.

Parents and guardians of PK3 and PK4 students new to the Arlington Independent School District enrolling for the first time will not need a snapcode. You will be able to proceed directly to the site to begin the pre-registration process.

Once online pre-registration has been completed, you will receive a fast pass that should be taken to your home campus along with any required documentation during prekindergarten roundup. Individuals prequalifying for prekindergarten will need to complete registration by completing the qualification process and showing updated documentation in August.

Individuals wishing to register for paid prekindergarten will be notified of acceptance based on space availability in August.

More information is available online at www.aisd.net. Please call 682-867-7317 with any questions.

Happenings in the AISD

Arlington ISD announces new instrument repair course

T

he Arlington ISD has partnered with one of the largest band and orchestra dealers in the United States to establish a new professional high school course geared toward teaching students the art of band and orchestral instrument repair.

When it comes to school curriculums, making an investment in music and the arts can enhance traditional studies. The addition of an instrument repair course can help create a more well-rounded opportunity for students. This course will also help meet the increasing demand for skilled technicians in the industry.

“One of our objectives as a district is to ensure that 100 percent of students will graduate on time and excel at their school or career of choice. Providing students the opportunity to succeed in courses that allow them to learn the skills and earn certifications

for a career in a field like instrument repair is key to helping our students reach their full maximum potential,” AISD Superintendent

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “We are excited about the possibilities that this new instrument repair course will provide.”

Kindergarten Roundups MAY 4-8

Dates for each campus will be posted at aisd.net.

Follow Arlington ISD on...

1203 W. Pioneer Pkwy Arlington, TX 76013 682-867-4611 AISD.net

Around Town

Maniacs of love Celebrating mothers – especially the one named Mary Frances Doskocil • By Kenneth Perkins

M

Mary Frances Doskocil is 77 now. Still petite, still reserved, still gracious.

“Mom was just always really involved with all the kids,” recalled her daughter, Cynthia Doyle.

She was often in good spirits. Didn’t tolerate gossip or negativity. Be respectful to one another, she always preached.

others are maniacs of love, a rather extraordinary species that gives unconditionally and graciously and generously and happily even when that affection is undeserved, unwarranted and unwanted.

I once heard someone call motherhood the highest salaried job, since payment is pure love. Sounds corny, sure, but who would disagree?

Not the Doskocils.

Mom is Mary Frances, who raised a brood of 10 and now oversees 35 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with two on the way. The Easter family guest list contained 65 names.

The family’s closeness is a testament to a matriarch’s love; everyone has refused to move away from the Arlington mothership, residing within a 10-mile radius throughout Mansfield and South Arlington.

Mary Frances is 77 now. Still petite, still reserved, still gracious. She may not get up and go the way she did years back (her favorite thing to do is travel, though it’s the journey that excites her, not the destination), but when you’ve done as much as she has, that’s reason enough to step out the way and let others have their day.

We wanted to do a Q&A with Mary Frances about raising her clan, but she was a bit under the weather. So we did the next best thing.

We asked around.

Everyone knows Mary Frances because she and her husband Benjamin have been around these parts for decades. He’s a prominent businessman, founder of Doskocil Manufacturing, which makes pet care products and sells them to both distributors and retail chain stores. The company was founded in 1962 when Doskocil developed a plastic kennel for transporting dogs and cats on airplanes. Yeah, that Doskocil.

Mary Frances was in the mix the whole time, working with her husband until the little ones beckoned her home. But she was there when her husband needed her. There for the community work led by their own

foundation. There when the family donated a large portion of land to build St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School.

The members of the Doskocil clan are close in age because Mary Frances had 10 of them in 13 years. That’s seven teenagers at one time. In one house. Five of them girls.

One of them is Cynthia Doyle. Second oldest. She said mom and dad grew up in big families, so this is just par for the course.

There were 13 kids in dad’s immediate family, six in mom’s. “Mom was just always really involved with all the kids,” said Doyle. “She tried to help dad out as much as she could.

She kept the books.”

That was Mary Frances. Helping folks along. Her big brood describes her as the ultimate server, a woman of God who is in her element when making sure all are taken care of.

“When we were little she always sent us off each day with a hot breakfast,” Doyle recalled. She was often in good spirits. Didn’t tolerate gossip or negativity. Be respectful of one another, she always preached.

As the children became young adults and then adults with their own families, Mary Frances took her hands off and let them be.

“She knew we had our own lives to lead and needed to find our own way in the world,” Doyle said.

That’s mothers. Birth you. Raise you. Point you in the right direction and watch you go.

One more thing about moms: There is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been.

Oh those maniacs of love.

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

www.nothingbundtcakes.com

Mother’s Day

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To Mom, with love

4 great ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with that special someone in your life – all close to home

ON SUNDAY, MAY 10, sons, daughters and extended families will celebrate mothers throughout the area. To that end, we offer four Mom-centric gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile or two dozen ...

1. Go to Brazil for dinner ... Actually, just direct the Familymobile to 4606 S. Cooper St., where you’ll find Chamas do Brazil and Mother’s Day dining nirvana simultaneously. This restaurant’s meat-roasting method is based on the centuries-old Gaucho tradition, known as churrasco. The concept is to serve a wide variety of different cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken to each diner individually right at his/her table. That noted, he/she definitely needs to rise at least once to check out the expansive and delicious salad bar.

2. A spa will make her say ‘ahhhhhh’ ... The Sanford Spa & Salon (501 N. Center St.) offers a “Million Dollar” Mom package, which includes lunch with a glass of wine. “Your mom will come home feeling like a Million Bucks!.” promised General Manager Valerie Landry. “‘Million Dollar’ Mom includes a 60-minute Swedish massage, spa manicure and pedicure, derm-renewal facial with lunch and wine for $290.

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3. Shop ‘til you drop... There are at least two ways Gracie Lane (4720 S. Cooper St.) can be incorporated into the Mother’s Day celebration: (1) You can find a gift for her among impressive local collections under one delightful roof, and (2) You can take mom shopping there as part of her special weekend. Hint: She’ll love both ideas.

4. Spend some time with the most famous Mother of all, Nature ... The picture just to the right was taken at the rocky ford overlook at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park in Mansfield (1650 Matlock Road). Picture a picture of mom situated at the center of this scene. Better, yet, we suggest that you take such a photo.

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1. Blush flower statement necklace with earrings and blush clutch - Jazzy Jems. // 2. Spartina Amelia Yacht Club mini wallet and East West shoulder bag - Gracie Lane. Tyler candle “Hippie Chick” and Tyler luxury hand lotion “French Market” - Dixie’s inside Gracie Lane. // 3. Consuelo tote Anything Goes. Creative Co-op painted frame - Jazzy Jems. // 4. Lilly Pulitzer travel mug and insulated beach cooler - Gracie Lane. // 5. “LOVE” gold/ turquoise beaded necklace - Gracie Lane and Turquoise/white eyelet circle scarf - Jazzy Jems // 6. Grace sun hat and Scala 50 UPF blue & green sun hat - Gracie Lane. Blue, green and chartreuse scarf - Anything Goes. // 7. Angie cream tank with black/white with orange fringe wrap top - Gracie Lane. // 8. Turquoise and navy chevron poncho-style top - Gracie Lane. // 9. Lush neon orange romper and Miss Daisy top with ace tie back - Jazzy Jems // 10. Akola Project necklace (pink & green) - Jazzy Jems. // 11. Texas “Home” mug, Get Relaxed herb tea for relieving stress - Gracie Lane. Mud Pie engraved coffee spoons - Jazzy Jems. // 12. Fizzy bath bombs - Gracie Lane. // 13. “All you need is love” sign, mustard yellow clay bird - From my Place to Yours inside Gracie Lane. Two-piece caddy Trimani lotion/hand soap - Gracie Lane.

Cover Story

To the future!

The Salvation Army’s Youth Education Town opens windows of opportunity for area youngsters and families

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or those keeping score at home, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in the 2011 Super Bowl at AT&T Stadium. But the biggest winners in the aftermath of The Big Game, version XLV, never set foot in the massive venue that evening.

Those would be the children and families of the Arlington area, who now have a world-class facility that allows them to develop valuable life skills. The North Texas Youth Education Town (YET) opened in October of 2013, a byproduct of the generosity of the NFL and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Charities. Each donated $1 million to create the facility, which became The Salvation Army’s family center in Arlington and which immediately began to provide after-school programs, tutoring, college preparation classes, fitness and art instruction and other programs that have already changed thousands of lives for the better.

lives,” said Lt. W. Patrick Jones, corps officer for The Arlington/ Mansfield area Salvation Army and the mayor of Youth Education Town. “Whereas we used to do an after-school program for the kids staying in our shelter, we can now serve children from many area schools. We are already serving kids from seven different area schools with the ability to serve many more.”

BUT WHERE THE YET really shines, Lt. Jones said, is in its broader scope. “We have a keen understanding that if you have any hope of impacting the life of young people today, you have to involve the family,” he said. “So we are about much more than just youth and just education. We offer, through a partnership with Tarrant County College, GED and ESL (English as a second language) classes at our facility during the morning hours. In the evening, we have computer skills and interview skills classes.

We also offer parenting and financial courses.”

Stephen Vincent is a member of The Salvation Army’s local advisory council and co-chair of the first Inspiring Hope Luncheon, set for May 6 at AT&T Stadium to address the work of and raise funds for the organization. “Many individuals and corporations came together to make the YET in Arlington a reality,” Vincent said. “Many more have stepped up to make the Inspiring Hope Luncheon a reality.

We really didn’t have enough time to pull off a fabulous luncheon of this magnitude. We started from zero in January, but the talent that makes up the luncheon committee and the community support made it happen.

Raising funds to support the YET is a cornerstone of the luncheon, but acquainting the Arlington/ The local Youth Education Town is a beautiful structure, both outside and inside – and it accomplishes beautiful results.

Mansfield area with the powerful work of The Salvation Army is equally important. This lun By any estimation, the Youth Education Town is a plus for the cheon committee is humbled to tell the story of the Arlington/ city and region – and it definitely put The Salvation Army in Mansfield Salvation Army and the YET Center.” an unprecedented position to carry out its stated mission to im The event’s other co-chair, Jeff Williams, said he has been inpact the community with hope by enabling its citizens and their spired by the excitement of local youths using the Youth Edufamilies to aspire, learn and achieve new possibilities. “At the cation Town. “The best thing about the YET is that it provides a most basic, the YET allows The Salvation Army to impact more

Top and middle photos: Academy of Country Music

YET staff recently took youngsters to the Fort Worth Zoo as part of the fun learning curriculum at the facility.

Photos courtesy of The Salvation Army

Programs at the YET run the gamut, from those with an educational and cultural bent to those that are simply fun. The beneficiaries of the facility are the children and families of the Arington area, one of whom (below) received some personal coaching from one of the principals responsible for the facility, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

safe, Christian environment where education and fellowship are being offered to our youth, fostering hope and dreams for their future,” he said.

Williams also noted that a project of this magnitude can only come about when people work together, and he gave the community a big thumb’s up on that front. “Many have donated their time, in-kind services and monetarily to the campaign,” he said. “But there are many needs, and more help is needed.”

Lt. Jones said any assistance would be appreciated – and would go toward enhancing the programs, which, he reiterated, are more than just simple education. “On top of the standard after-school program, we offer classes in dance, music (performance and production), drama (through a partnership with Theatre Arlington), art, fitness and nutrition (including healthy meals), and more,” he said. “We have character-building programs similar to scouting programs.”

This summer, The Salvation Army will run a summer day camp, as well as two digital media programs specifically designed for teens, at the YET. “Our vision is to inspire hope in our citizens,” Lt. Jones said.

“For some, that will mean improving grades in school. For others, it will mean excelling in sports or music. For others, it will mean learning that, yes, you can go to college, and we’ll help you get there. For others, it will simply be the realization that life can be better tomorrow than it is today. If we can help the citizens of our community achieve some of this, then we are successful.”

For more information about the YET or about The Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyyet.org.

Attorneys you need to know

The staff of the Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton

The Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton 2310 W. Interstate 20, at Bowen Road • (817) 429.4299 • rockywaltoninjurylawyers.com

I

f you needed heart surgery, you wouldn’t hire a general surgeon. If you have a death or serious injury case, you need an attorney specialist, a board certified specialist in personal injury trial law. Roger “Rocky” Walton and Ron Walton are certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm will work hard on your case and will constantly keep you informed on its status.

When did the firm begin? The firm began in 1975 and has always been located in Arlington. It has been at its current location since 2004.

Roger “Rocky” Walton is a former Arlington City Council member.

Who are the principals/partners? Roger “Rocky” Walton and Ron W. Walton are the attorneys. Rocky Walton is the owner.

Legal specialty areas: Wrongful death and serious injury claims.

Honors/accreditations: The Firm is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, which puts the firm in the top 5 percent of law firms nationwide. Rocky Walton and Ron Walton are both board certified specialists in the area of Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Less than 3 percent of Texas attorneys have this certification. Both attorneys are members of various local, state and national bar associations.

Rocky Walton has an advanced law degree (LL.M.).

What can clients/prospective clients expect during an initial consultation? Our prospective clients can expect a friendly meeting in person with Rocky Walton and have all questions answered, at no cost or obligation.

What makes the firm special? Our credentials and experience.

We also work very hard for our clients and keep them constantly informed. We treat them the way we would want to be treated.

Attorneys you need to know

John R. Lively Sr. and John R. Lively Jr.

Lively & Associates 201 Main Street, Suite 1260, Fort Worth • (817) 338-1030 • livelyllp.com

T

he law firm of Lively & Associates, LLP, is a boutique business and litigation firm located in Fort Worth. The firm’s primary areas of practice include business law, business litigation, civil appellate law, creditor rights, estate planning and probate, oil and gas, real estate and alternative dispute resolution. The attorneys are licensed to practice in all courts in Texas at both the state and federal levels and the United States Supreme Court.

Lively & Associates focuses on its clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout the legal process. Legal strategies are developed to fit the client’s specific needs, goals and objectives. The attorneys possess a broad knowledge of business that allows them to identify and seize upon critical issues specific to a wide range of business practices.

When did the firm open? January 2008 Who are the principals/partners? John R. Lively and John R. Lively, Jr. Honors/accreditations/associations: John R. Lively – AV®Pre-

eminent™ rated by Martindale Hubbell; accepted into the Texas Bar Foundation.

John R. Lively, Jr. – Named Texas Super Lawyer “Rising Star” by “Texas Monthly” 2009-2015; accepted into the Texas Bar Foundation.

Legal specialty areas: Business and business litigation What can clients/prospective clients expect during an initial consultation? Attentive and engaged attorneys who desire to learn the facts and the client’s needs and goals.

What makes the firm special?: Family (father and son working together). Collective legal experience, availability and timely response.

“My father and I specialize in business law to protect our clients who have family businesses both big and small,” John R. Lively Jr. said. “Working together with my father has allowed us to truly understand the personal side as well as the daily operations of these businesses. There is so much that goes into a family business. We are here to help.”

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Attorneys you need to know

Frank P. Skipper, Rhonda L. Spencer, Aida Martinez-Chinappi, Brent G. Burpee, Donna J. Smiedt, Patrick J. Clabby, Jill C. Fitzgerald, Selina A. McManus, Brandon D. Neal. The dogs are Nigel, Sidney, and Falkor.

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt 3216 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington • (817) 572-9900 • arlingtondivorces.com

D

onna Smiedt has been practicing law in Tarrant County since 1986. During that time, she has dedicated her practice to exclusively family law. Donna has been Texas board certified in family law since 1991.

Donna’s office handles divorces, child custody disputes, child support issues, modifications, adoptions, termination of parental rights, paternity questions, grandparent rights and more. She also offers a collaborative law option for her clients. Collaborating is becoming more popular because it is a less expensive and less stressful way to resolve your family law issues.

When did the firm begin? “In 1986, when I graduated from law school, I hung out my shingle as a sole practitioner at the age of 22 years,” said Donna J. Smiedt.

Who are the principals/partners? Donna J. Smiedt, Managing Partner; Frank P. Skipper, Attorney; Patrick J. Clabby, Attorney; Brent G. Burpee, Attorney Honors/accreditations: We have been named or received the following awards and distinctions: • Super Lawyers • 1 of the Top 10 Divorce Attorneys in the United States

• Arlington Family Law Attorney of the Year • Top Lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas • Women in Business Worth Knowing, “Fort Worth, Texas” Magazine • Texas Justice • Texas Women Legal specialty areas: Donna J. Smiedt – Board Certified Family Law & Mediator; Collaborative Divorce What can clients/prospective clients expect during an initial consultation? The knowledgeable attorneys at the firm evaluate the client’s case and advise the client what strategy the firm would pursue to obtain the very best outcome for the client with the least stress endured by the client and family.

What makes the firm special? It has the combined experience of almost 70 years practicing family law. Donna J. Smiedt brings her board certified trial skills and her collaborative training to round out this exceptional practice. The highly skilled staff are receptive to the client’s needs and provide the attorneys with the highest level of preparation for both the trial and settlement of complex family law cases.

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Attorneys you need to know

David Cook, Chris Harris and Kimberly Fitzpatrick

Harris Cook, LLP 709 E. Abram St., Arlington; 309 E. Broad St., Mansfield • (817) 275-8765; (817) 473-3332 • harriscooklaw.com

H

arris Cook, LLP, offers over 70 years of combined legal experience to give clients a wealth of expertise when they have legal issues. The firm has a variety of practice areas to offer clients, which often results in the office handling multiple legal issues for the same client.

When did the firm open? 1971.

Who are the principals/partners? Chris Harris, David Cook and Kimberly Fitzpatrick.

Honors/accreditations/associations: Chris Harris – 2009 & 2011 Texas Family Law Foundation “Champion for Texas Families” Award; 2009 Fort Worth Business Press “Power Attorneys” Award; 2009 Texas Association of Business “Fighter for Free Enterprise” Award; 2010 Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) Legislative Excellence Award; 81st Legislative Session 2009 Committee Appointments: Chairman, Economic Development; Vice Chairman, Business and Commerce Finance; Jurisprudence and State Affairs committees; 82nd Legislative Session 2011 Committee Appointments: Chairman, Jurisprudence; Vice Chairman, Business and Commerce; Transportation and Homeland Security and Economic Devel-

opment committees; 2007 Senior Citizen Services of Greater Tarrant County, Inc. “Outstanding Citizen for Seniors” Award; 2009 & 2011 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) “Big Voices For Little Texans” Award, for children’s advocacy in 81st & 82nd Legislative Session; 2009 NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) Labor and Economic Development Committee Member; 2011 Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas “Community Builder” Award, awarded by the Arlington Lodge No. 438, A.F. & A.M. David Cook – AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell; current mayor of Mansfield.

Kimberly Fitzpatrick – Junior League of Arlington, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Arlington, Mansfield Cares, Tarrant County Bar Association and the Arlington Bar Association.

Legal specialty areas: Family law, commercial/civil litigation, business formation, personal injury, criminal defense, wills and estates, administrative law and collaborative law What makes the firm special?: We strive to maintain a reputation with clients, attorneys and courts for professionalism and proficiency. We seek to aggressively advocate for all of our clients to create individualized, fair and functional solutions.

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If nurture’s in your nature, let’s talk!

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Please attend the next foster parent expo to find out how to become a foster parent.

May 16, 2015 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Mac Bernd Professional Development Center 1111 W Arbrook Arlington, TX 76015

For more information, please visit www.thefosteringcommunity.org or call 1-844-644-9240.

Attorneys you need to know

Kelly Curnutt

Doug Hafer

101 E. Park Row Drive • (817) 548-1000 • CurnuttHafer.com

T

he mission at Curnutt & Hafer is to treat every client’s problem as if it were our own and focus on achieving the best results possible. We have assembled a team of attorneys made up of accomplished business professionals, compassionate advocates, experienced litigators and studied legal experts.

When did the firm open? “Y2K” – January 1, 2000 Who are the principals/partners? Kelly Curnutt (KCurnutt@ CurnuttHafer.com) and Doug Hafer (DHafer@CurnuttHafer.com) Honors/accreditations/associations: Both Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer are listed as “Texas Super Lawyers” in the “Texas Monthly Super Lawyers” Magazine, an award given to only five percent of lawyers in Texas, Kelly in Business Litigation, and Doug in Energy & Natural Resources.

• Listed as a “Go To” litigation firm in the Fortune 500 list of attorneys, with current clients that include at least two different Fortune 500 Companies • AV “Preeminent” (5.0 out of 5) Peer Review Rated for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability, by Martindale-Hubbell • Both Kelly and Doug are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization 39

ARLINGTON TODAY • May 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

Legal specialty areas: Commercial litigation, oil and gas disputes, franchise litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith claims, trade secrets and non-compete disputes, select personal injury and death cases.

What can clients/prospective clients expect during an initial consultation? We first focus on listening to clients to determine their goals. We can then formulate the strategies that best help accomplish those goals as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Clear and open client communication is critical to achieving success, and that starts from the very first meeting.

What makes the firm special? Bottom Line Results. That is our clients’ business focus, and so we make it ours for them through five key values: passion, dedication, experience, creativity and success. At Curnutt & Hafer, our focus is on your success. We combine our background, training and experience with technology to provide “big firm” ability and boutique firm personal attention. We can take on the most complex and serious case. Our capabilities and creativity allow us to offer alternative fee arrangements, including contingency fees, flat fees, and blended rates.

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Hometown Heroes

Camryn’s K9s A Mansfield girl launches a charity to help protect North Texas police service dogs • By Toni Randle-Cook

W

hen it comes to birthday wishes, most kids have a list of things they want. But Camryn Samuel of Mansfield is not like most kids. In September, she decided to forego birthday presents and instead asked loved ones to gift her money that she would then donate to charity.

While her mom Kristen was the one who suggested the idea, Camryn embraced it. She began researching different organizations to decide where she would want to send the money. And after reading a story about a girl in Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul, she chose to help buy ballistic vests for K9s used in local law enforcement environments.

But there was just one problem: Kristen discovered that no such charity existed in

North Texas. “We tried to find a charity that we could make a donation to, and there was nothing here,” she said. “We decided that we were going to do dogs that were local, and we tried to find something around here and we couldn’t, and Camryn said, ‘Well, can’t we start our own charity?’ and POOF!” They started their own charity.

The 10-year-old and her family began selling t-shirts and set-

ting up donation stations at local businesses. Camryn’s initial goal was to buy vests for Titus and Ranger of the Cedar Hill Police Department. But she raised more money than was needed.

Camryn was surprised by the response. “I thought it was just going to be small donations,” she said. “But then I started getting $100, $200 donations, and it just got really, really big.” So big the Samuels started to get special recognition and media attention.

They knew they had to decide on a name for their charity.

Mom came up with Camryn’s K9s. But the slogan, “Protecting the Dogs Who Protect Us” was the fourth grader’s original vision. Since the fall, Camryn’s K9s has collected more than $5,000, enough to buy six ballistic vests. This protective gear is not standard issued equipment in most departments due to budget, even though the dogs assist law enforcement officers in dangerous, even life threatening situations.

Corporal Michael McCorkle of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is a K9 handler. “We use these dogs for their eyes, nose and ears,” he said.

“They are substantially more sensitive than a human.”

McCorkle and Riko have worked together 24/7, for a year and a half. He said the animals become a part of the family, which is why he’s both personally and professionally thankful for Camryn’s generosity. “You always talk about the gift that keeps on giving,” he said. “This is a perfect example of that.”

McCorkle works with a regional K9 training team. Four of the dogs in the group have been vested thanks to Camryn’s selfless campaign, but now the team has challenged Camryn to outfit the remaining dogs.

She plans to rise to the challenge.

And as if she wasn’t already determined to make a difference, Camryn is now on a bigger mission. “The sky’s the limit on how many vests,” she said. “That’s my goal.”

Camryn Samuel poses with Blade, which, along with Riko (opposite page) serves the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. Both animals are now better protected, thanks to the youngster’s generosity.

Photos: Toni Randle-Cook

Classic Cars

Randy Jordan’s restoration project involved this beautiful, 1972 red Chevrolet Corvette – and a whole lot more.

Who knew a Corvette could be therapy?

How restoring a car helped Randy Jordan, a choral leader by trade, beat vocal cord cancer • By Richard Greene

W

hen Randy Jordan’s two teenagers reached driving age, he had to find a way – on a teacher’s salary – to get them a car. His search led him to a ‘70s era Volkswagen Beetle that needed a lot of work to make it serviceable. So began his first venture into rebuilding old cars.

He enjoyed the outcome of that first one so much that he proceeded, over time, to recondition a total of six VWs, with the last one being the most challenging.

He found that particular vehicle in a farmer’s pasture – in pieces. He gathered them up, gave the farmer $200 for the privilege, and went to work to putting the 1963 Beetle convertible back together and getting it on the road.

When it was ready, he sold it for $3,500, recovering, as he recalled with a broad grin, almost 30 percent of his cost in fixing up the classic. But it was a lot of fun, and succeeding with such a challenge was priceless.

Now we can fast forward to a recent time when his wife’s brother asked him if he wanted to acquire his 1972 Corvette that had been sitting in the family’s barn on their ranch for more than 20 years.

All that experience with Volkswagens would translate into something really special – the beauty that is pictured here in all its glory. He brought the somewhat-modified, racing-yellow version of Chevrolet’s “America’s Sports Car” into his home garage,

where he stripped it down to the body and frame and went to work to produce what you see on these pages.

As it turned out, the project could not have occurred at a better time, for it was a way for him to focus on something other than a surprise cancer diagnosis that occurred at just about the same time he had acquired the ‘Vette.

Anyone who knows Randy – and that comprises a very large number of Arlington residents – would sympathize with the emotional gamut he ran after hearing the news.

The worst period was marked by depression over concerns about what the future would hold for him.

ANY CANCER DIAGNOSIS would be bad enough, but Randy’s was a malignancy of his vocal cords – something especially devastating for someone who had spent his entire adult life advancing the art of choral conducting and performance.

Randy’s 30 years in public education included his leading the choral program at Martin High School from its opening in 1982 to his retirement in 2005.

He then devoted himself to the mission of directing the Arlington Master Chorale (AMC) program and raising the city’s experience in choral music to its highest level since the organization was first created 42 years ago.

In addition to his leadership in AMC, The University of Texas Arlington convinced him to take on duties as adjunct professor of

Randy Jordan’s restored Corvette is a work of art – and love. From the classic exterior curves and pristine interior to the high-powered engine, Randy’s Vette is every bit an automotive masterpiece.

Randy Jordan is ready to hit the road in his sleek, shiny Corvette.

cer, together with filling his rehabilitation time working on the Corvette, have resulted in the best possible outcome for Randy and the community he loves.

The cancer is gone, he has resumed his role with the Master Chorale, and he regained most of his voice.

While he said he won’t be doing solos, he has found different ways of directing the music that lights up our lives.

And he has this really cool car to enjoy and show around, to the delight of car enthusiasts and other admirers of classic vehicles.

While his life expectancy has been restored, there will come a day when his tombstone is being chiseled, and You’ve seen the “after” pictures. Here’s a good look at the “before” and “during” phases of Jordan’s Corvette restoration process. he knows what it’s suppose to say.

“Here are the words I want on it,” he said. “‘He waved his not attempt to utter a single word for six weeks, and precious arms for a living.’” few after that for a period of six months.

Between now and then, however, you can celebrate and be “Working on that car gave me something to do,” he said. “It uplifted by the performances of the 110 members of the AMC. was the best kind of therapy because it took my mind off the Check out their schedule and learn more of their history on their cancer and I had no time to feel sorry for myself.” website, arlingtonmasterchorale.com.

The skill of his world-renowned specialists in treating his canChoral Conducting and Director of the University Singers. So it would be quite an understatement to say it was a very bad time when his surgeon explained his days of directing and performing at the level he had reached were over.

Radiation followed the surgery, and then he was told he could

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Celebrating Teachers

The Class of 2015 Annual AWARE awards banquet will take place May 5 and recognize the city’s outstanding educators

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ounded in 1989 by private citizens, the AWARE Foundation recognizes and rewards exceptional classroom teachers in Arlington ISD for their innovation and lasting influence in the development of their students. AWARE stands for “Arlington

Will Award and Recognize (Educational) Excellence.”

The 2014-2015 banquet to award and recognize will be held at 7 p.m. May 5 in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at The University of

Texas at Arlington. Typically, a winner and runner-up are selected from each of the five categories of Pre K - 1, 2nd through 4th, 5th and 6th, Junior High and High School.

AWARE is a volunteer organization that coordinates a formal, structured process in which students, parents, fellow educators, and community members are able to nominate teachers for the Award of Excellence.

AWARE winners are selected through a process of classroom observations and interviews conducted by the AWARE Selection Committee. Committee members consist of a cross section of business, community and educational leaders. Each winner of the Award of Excellence receives an unrestricted cash award.

As of 2014, AWARE has honored more than 330 AISD teachers with cash awards exceeding $377,500.

For more information, contact Ouida Garner at (817) 277-5726 or Bonnie Harmon at (817) 261-3330.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington Fundraiser

Comedy Night May 28, 2015

South Street Patio • 400 E. South St. • Arlington, TX Doors @ 5:30pm Show @ 6:00pm

featuring

Troy Walker

recent guest on The Late, Late Show Sponsors

- All proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington - Ticket Price: $80 - Price includes: Entertainment, Hors d’Oeuvres, Cash Bar - To buy tickets call 817-275-6551, ext. 228 or visit www.bgcarlington.org

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We’d like to thank the following individuals and companies, who teamed up to ensure that our first Inspiring Hope Luncheon lived up to its name.

Sponsors: The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Dallas Cowboys Arlington Today Magazine Caffey Group Al Clark - State Farm Insurance Ray Davis and the Texas Rangers Legend Records Lamar OutdoorAdvertising PlainsCapital Bank Power From the SON Republic Services Wheeler Advertising

Artist: Aquile Mistress of Ceremonies: Karen Borta Luncheon Co-Chairs: Steve Vincent

Jeff Williams

PR/Publicity Sales Co-Chairs: Mark Caffey

Judy Rupay

Committee Members: Mayor David Cook Michael Cunningham

Jerry McCullough Victor Medina

John Rhadigan Tamara Sample

Mary Jean Moloney Andrea Proctor

Claire Wheeler Hon. Kathryn Wilemon

Venue/Program/Caterer Co-Chairs: Rattana Mao

Susan Skaggs

Committee Members: Julie Eastman Tom Heinz

Mildred Hinson Diana Combs-Selman

Treasurer: Robert E. Brackeen, CPA Support: Shari Bowie Dixon Holman

Norm Lyons Anita Moore

Terry Moore Kristin Vandergriff

Thank you, Capt. Jennifer and Lt. W. Patrick Jones and the Arlington/Mansfield Salvation Army Staff.

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Finance

From Wall Street to Main Street: A

A Day in the Life of Financial Advisor Derrick Kinney

t first glance, it may seem Derrick Kinney is just your typical financial advisor. Take a longer look, though, and you’ll quickly see that this long-time Arlington resident is about so much more than spreadsheets and investments. Since its in-

Derrick Kinney talks finances on radio station KCBI.

ception in 1995, his practice has evolved into one of the top financial services firms in the country and today, Kinney is regularly interviewed by national media.

Whether he’s calling or meeting with clients, Kinney’s goal is always top of mind – to find out what is important to them financially and implement a reasonable plan to help them reach their goals and be prepared for the future. As a retirement income planning specialist, he creates strategies that help

He went on to get his bachelor’s degree from clients understand the realities of protectthe University of Texas at Arlington. Today, ing their retirement. He and his team walk Derrick is known for giving back to Arlington alongside clients through all of life’s financial schools through Teacher of the Month and decisions by helping them build and protect Student of the Month programs, and is an extheir wealth. ceptional example of corporate and commu Kinney is called on by the media as the nity citizenship. “easy-to-understand financial advi Continually striving to bring added value to sor.” his clients and the community, Kinney recent Kinney appears regularly on ly completed the Certified Retirement PlanCNBC, FOX Business, FOX News ning Counselor (CRPC) designation. He has and PBS. He is known for helping now achieved the two highest designations in make complex financial topics easy financial planning from the two most respectto understand. He has been deemed ed financial colleges in the country. Taking “One of the finer financial minds of this into account, you might think Kinney’s Wall Street” by FOX Business’ Neil advice would go right over your head. NothCavuto. ing could be farther from the truth. His clients After a recent interview, Gerri Willis, Host of FOX Business’ “The Willis Report” recently said, “What I like about what you say is you take your analysis and give people actions to take.” Kinney has also been interviewed by Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Newsweek, SmartMoney, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Entrepreneur Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

As a business owner, Derrick believes that today’s business sucKinney (right) with Jay and Sonja Musser at a holiday gathering with cess is defined by how well we infriends last year. vest back in our local community. and friends often say they appreciate how he His goal is to make a lasting impact on the can take financial news from Wall Street to students and teachers in Arlington. Derrick Main Street, making even the most complicated himself is a product of the Arlington Indepenfinancial language easy to understand. dent School District where he attended Amos Derrick Kinney and Associates can be reached Elementary, Hutcheson Junior High and at 817-419-6001 or DerrickKinney.com. graduated from Sam Houston High School.

Picture-perfect moments

Photos courtesy of Dental Health Arlington

D’Ana Karr, Executive Director Nancy Blinn and Sharmyn Long

Sally Hopper Golden Crown Award winner Laura Stinson

Audra Gittings, Katie Shiely, Debby Foley, Bob Foley, Kelly Romans and Joey Romans

Guest speaker Jim Douglas of WFAA - TV addresses the audience.

Scene

Snapshots from the recent Dental Health Arlington “Love That Smile” dinner at Cacharel Restaurant.

Dr. John Avila and Noet Avila

SMILES Director Glenda Bell, Cindy Heitzman, Kristin Parrino, Sarai Cervantes, Sacha Runion, Jeanie Sutton and Dr. Tamyra Maxey

Rosa Torres, Dr. Eric Wilson and Estela Manzo

Art Exhibits

ARLING TON MUSEUM OF ART 2 015 - 2 016 S C H E D U L E

One great slate Arlington Museum of Art’s blockbuster 2015-16 schedule will feature the works of, among others, Pablo Picasso • By Sue Stevens Durbec

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Arlington Museum of Art’s 2015-16 schedule of exhibits will include works

by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso, will highlight famous images of rock stars who graced the pages of “Rolling Stone” magazine and will give locals a rare look at notable modern art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Ray Lichtenstein and Robert Motherwell.

he Arlington Museum of Art hit it out of the ballpark this spring with the announcement of three upcoming world-class exhibits featuring names like Toulouse-Lautrec, Andy Warhol and – drum roll, please – Pablo Picasso.

Asked how he got such exciting exhibits to Arlington, Texas, Executive Director Chris Hightower said it took lots of time and hard work to research what was available and evaluate its appeal to his audience. “Then the stars have to mysteriously align so that it all comes together and we can make it happen,” he said.

Apparently, the stars were cooperative. From May 16 through Aug. 16, “Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910” will be on display. Built around the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde post-Impressionist artists working in a new French modern style.

Next up, Sept. 5 through Oct.18, is “Rolling Stone, The Early Years: A Backstage Pass with Baron Wolman.” Wolman was the first director of photography for “Rolling Stone” magazine. The exhibit includes contact sheets, cover shoots and candid photos of some of rock and roll’s most iconic musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, B.B. King and Tina Turner. A companion exhibit features photographs of rock and roll billboards from Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

On Nov. 14, the museum will display work from modern artists including Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Ray Lichtenstein and Robert Motherwell. This exhibit, “Modern Masters,” will explore traditional mediums of art “outside the box.”

Modern art has brought a fresh, unconventional, and unexpected honesty to the creative community and changed the face of fine art in America. In a world of information overload, it’s often difficult for a message to cut through the noise. But the museum came up with a unique way to get the word out on these impressive exhibits. Robyn Wood, registrar and development director at the museum, suggested a Facebook campaign, Hightower said. Information about each exhibit was posted separately on March 31, along a timeline, several hours apart. The third and final posting began with a poem: When I was a child, my mother said to me, ‘If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general.

If you become a monk, you’ll end up as the pope.’

Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.

~ Pablo Picasso Then, the post revealed that the museum will present Picasso’s ceramic masterpieces in the summer of 2016. According to famed auction house, Sotheby’s, many Picasso collectors are being priced out of the market for his paintings and works on paper. Consequently, his ceramics have become more valuable to collectors and curators. A 2014 sale, “Important Ceramics by Pablo Picasso,” brought in a lofty $2.6 million. The Facebook blitz certainly lived up to the hype!

For more information: (817) 275-4600.

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Outdoor Living

Paradise found Want to make the most of spring and summer? You can start by finding ways to enjoy the great outdoors

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ell, we certainly had the April showers, so the May flowers can’t be far behind. But flora is just part of the outdoor living picture these days. Indeed, given how the yard has evolved into a veritable playground – and how North Texans spend this month playing to the hilt before we wilt in the summer heat – finding new ways to maximize fun in the sun is an annual ritual in these parts.

You can start by taking a trip to your favorite garden center, where a reasonable investment in a colorful assortment of annuals

In the Arlington area, outdoor living takes on many faces. A drive – or, better, a walk – around town will always reveal the work and artistry of dedicated gardeners.

And don’t be surprised by the sweet smell of grilling success if you take that walk around dinner time.

and perennials, some decorative stepping stones and a few stately urns can produce a garden paradise. But that’s just the conventional Point A for today’s outdoor journey – the sight others will behold. To satisfy the other senses, there are ample options available to the great outdoorsperson, as well.

For example, consider the Big Green Egg. No, not the one that teamed with ham to make Dr. Seuss a famous and rich author, but the versatile grill that has produced scrumptious aroma throughout area backyards for several years now.

Bill Adams, co-owner of Texas Appliance, said the revolutionary cooking device can be used to grill burgers, smoke ribs and bake pizzas and cakes. But that’s simply the ground floor of potential uses. The Big Green Egg website features recipes for beef, lamb, poultry, pork, seafood and casseroles, as well as official “Big Green Egg” sauces to sprinkle or pour over pretty much anything sizzling inside the egg-like structure.

“Some people have five or six Green Eggs of different sizes – it has almost become cultlike,” Adams said. “We build cabinets around them called ‘nests.’ They have added a new dimension to the outdoor lifestyle.”

Of course, if your grilling preference is more “Texas-sized,” Adams has an array of large grills to accommodate the grandest of outdoor kitchens.

Another growing trend in outdoor living is tailored toward recreation. NexCourt® owner Mark Kundysek has installed thousands of sport courts in backyards all over North Texas through his career and will be busy this spring and summer, as well.

“A backyard court gives children a safe place to play and to practice and to build self-esteem by achieving better performance,“ Kundysek said. “I talked to a father who wanted to build a court for his up-and-coming basketball star.

He said, ‘If that’s his dream, I want to provide him a place to practice.’”

Speaking of practice, few athletes pay as much attention to preparation as golfers, who

Recreationally speaking ...

For some area residents, outdoor fun isn’t just a notion. Rather, it’s a literal exercise on grounds tailored for sports or recreational endeavors. NexCourt can turn a backyard into a veritable basketball or volleyball arena, where grownups and kids alike can engage in a variety of games. And, if golf is your passion, ForeverLawn Fort Worth can create a muli-hole practice green made of synthetic turf that requires no maintenance.

Photo: Texas Appliance

Photo: Lambs Landscape Lighting

Photo: kozzi.com

Outdoor inspiration ...

IF A PICTURE IS, indeed, worth a thousand words, here is a 4,000-word testamonial to The Great Outdoors. From the holy grail of grills to a simple (and simple-to-accomplish) patio ... from lights that accent just right to a pretty-as-a-picture garden, your outdoor scene can go pretty much wherever your imagination takes it.

Photo: Wolf Lawn & Landscape

routinely turn the carpet in the living room or office into a putting green. Now, thanks to ForeverLawn Fort Worth, they can hone at home, but outdoors, on a synthetic turf green that is custom-crafted to suit their needs and desires.

In fact, ForeverLawn Fort Worth offers all manner of synthetic turf options for area homeowners looking for a beautiful, virtually maintenance-free landscape. “Whether you are considering a synthetic lawn for your home to save water, eliminate maintenance, or a putting green to add enjoyment to your home, artificial grass can be the right solution for your home or business,” said Roger Spathias, company president. “The benefits offered by synthetic grass will only further be appreciated as drought conditions continue as projected, and water restrictions become more relevant, making it difficult to maintain the green yards many of us have become accustomed to.”

Spathias said artificial grass eliminates the need for watering, meaning no more mud and no more mowing or maintenance, plus it is both child- and pet-friendly.

Advances in artificial grass technology have resulted in cutting-edge, eco–friendly products that are a far cry from the “astroturf” products of the 1970s, Spathias said.

“This new breed of artificial grass is realistic, sustainable, functional, and best of all, it’s virtually maintenance-free,” he said.

Not that maintenance is a bugaboo for some local outdoor enthusiasts. Gardening remains a favorite pastime. To wit, you can find several garden clubs in both Arlington and Mansfield, where members turn their passion for plants into an endeavor that beautifies the environment and exercises both the soul and body.

According to Jeff Restuccio, author of “Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way,” deep breathing while you work in the garden – and increasing your range of motion, exaggerating the raking motion or the digging motion – can burn as many as 500 calories in an hour.

Plus you wind up with a yard or landscape that inspires you to venture from inside your home on a regular basis – and that’s what outdoor living is all about.

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Advertorial

World-class health care is right here in Mansfield Y

munities we serve.” our home for health care, Methodist To keep improving, our family is collabHealth System is growing to meet orating on your care. Today, doctors here your family’s health care needs, all at Methodist are working with physicians at while continually improving processes and Mayo Clinic to find answers to your toughest gaining recognition in our industry as one of medical questions, at no added cost to you. the best health care providers in the nation.

As the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Methodist’s primary market area is home Network in Texas, Methodist gives your family to over 6.7 million people and is expected to increase by 8.6% over the next five years. As we continue to grow, our foMethodist Mansfield cus will remain on providing the highMedical Center est quality of care. Here’s how: Methodist recently received the distinguished Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) from the Quality Texas Foundation. A result of rigorous onsite visits by state examiners, the prestigious TAPE recognition is the result of performance excellence in the areas of organizational leadership, strategic planning, customer and workforce focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, and process management access to world class Mayo Clinic specialists. and results.

Using digital technology to consult and col “The TAPE Award recognizes our emlaborate, physicians have access to the latest ployees for the exceptional quality of care evidence-based medical information and can they provide our patients and acknowledges connect with Mayo specialists for complex their individual expertise,” said John Phillips, medical cases.

FACHE, president, Methodist Mansfield Medi Methodist is near or better than Top Quartile cal Center. “For 11 years, Methodist has been in composite CMS Core Measures for acute recognized as one of the top ‘Best Places To myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart Work’ in the prestigious Dallas Business Jourfailure (CHF), pneumonia (PN), and the surnal program (97th percentile). These awards gical care improvement project (SCIP). The further validate the standards of excellence latest Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog we provide our patients each day in the com-

Group® (Leapfrog) awarded Methodist hospitals high marks in patient safety.

At Methodist, wellness isn’t just for patients and communities, but also for our employees. Since the TAPE survey, Methodist has taken first place in the 2015 Healthiest Employers in North Texas list by the Dallas Business Journal.

Even better, for the past 11 years, Methodist has been recognized as one of the top “Best Places To Work” in the prestigious Dallas Business Journal program (97th percentile).

Rest assured, when you’re looking for the best and brightest in medicine, look to Methodist. Whether you or your loved ones need a routine checkup, are looking for a family doctor or specialist, or have unanswered questions about your health, you can trust Methodist for the right answers, right here at home.

Have health care questions? Find your physician today at Answers2.org or 214947-6296.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff, including those practicing at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.

Picture-perfect moments

Photos courtesy of Arlington Urban Ministries

The Zach Coffey Band provided the entertainment at the Arlington Urban Ministries event.

Samantha Pfaff walks the runway at the Karrousel Fashion Show.

Scene

Snapshots from Arlington Urban Ministries’ “Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats” fundraising event and Jazzy Jems’ Karrousel Fashion Show.

Don Henderson addresses the crowd.

A large turnout “got their Country on” at Arlington Urban Ministries’ “Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats” dinner and auction.

Photos: Gary Coots

Olivia Reynolds, Brandon Gomez and Rian Emily Stalcup go “formal.”

AISD Legends

AISD Trustee John Hibbs, Eddy Peach, Debbie Peach and AISD Trustee Jamie Sullins

AISD Trustee Dr. Aaron Reich, Sandy McNutt, Mike Burcie, AISD Trustee Gloria Pena, James Adams and Barbara Adams

AISD Trustees Gloria Pena and Peter Baron, Leslie Johnston, AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Dr. Diane Patrick, Dr. Ned Howard Patrick and AISD Trustee Dr. Aaron Reich

AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Trustee Peter Baron, Laura Jones and Jimmy Jones Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Education celebration

AISD rewards six longtime stellar educators by naming new facilities in their honor

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rlington ISD Trustees announced last month the names of three new elementaries and one Fine Arts/Dual Language Academy.

Those names are familiar ones, indeed, as they represent six prominent members of the AISD educational family, who were honored during a special school board meeting during which the new facility names were introduced.

The new elementary on Timber Oaks Lane will be named in honor of Diane Patrick. The elementary on Baird Farm Road has been named in honor of Eddy and Debbie Peach. The elementary on the Workman Junior High site has been named to honor Sandy McNutt.

And the Fine Arts/Dual Language Academy in North Arlington will bear the names of Jimmy and Laura Jones.

Patrick, a former school teacher, served four terms, including four years as president, on the AISD Board of Trustees, and she served four terms as a Texas State Representative for District 94 in west Arlington.

Eddy and Debbie Peach have a combined 81 years working in the Arlington ISD. For four decades Eddy served as the Lamar High School head football coach, and in 2008 became the first head coach to win 300 games at the Class 5A level. Debbie, who taught 36 years

in Arlington, worked at Bailey Junior High (PE), Roquemore Elementary (PE), Shackelford Junior High (English) and Lamar High School (English).

McNutt worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the AISD for 29 years. She started as a teacher at Ditto Elementary from 1978 to 1987. McNutt became an assistant principal at Starrett Elementary in 1987, and, in 1990, she was an assistant principal at Moore Elementary when the school opened. McNutt was the principal at Wood Elementary from 1992 to December 2007.

Jimmy and Laura Jones combined to work 64 years in the Arlington ISD. Jimmy spent time at Hutcheson Junior High and Sam Houston, Bowie and Lamar high schools. He was at Lamar for 24 years, first as a teacher, then as an assistant principal, and finally as the principal from 1996 to 2006.

Laura started in the Arlington ISD in 1979 as a biology teacher at Bowie High School. She taught at Martin High School for one year before becoming an assistant principal at Gunn Junior High from 1985 to 1989. Laura went back to Martin as an assistant principal from 1989 to 2001, and she was the principal at Martin from 2001 to 2008.

Find your physician at Answers2.org or call today 214-947-6296 Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.

Theater

TA ar )))

The stage is set

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Theatre Arlington is planning renovations that will dramatically enchance downtown • By Sue Stevens Durbec

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heatre Arlington is embarking on a $1.5 million capital campaign to renovate its theater building and buy the building across the street for its education program and administrative offices. The project will include landscaping and beautification of the surrounding areas.

“The theater’s new look will be a big plus to Downtown Arlington revitalization,” said Theatre Arlington Board President Craig Lidell. “The theater already brings 33,000 patrons downtown every year. After the renovation, it will be an impressive presence at the West Street entrance to downtown Arlington.”

Theatre Arlington has offered classes since 1996 in the building it plans to purchase, 316 W. Main. The education program is a proven success. Its alums include the founding members of Pentatonix, currently on a second European tour before touring this summer with Kelly Clarkson; Dylan Chambers, a musician in Los Angeles who just toured with “Dancing with the Stars,” and Jennifer Stone,

best known as Harper Finkle on the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

Other alums include Will Ganss, an Emmy award-winning segment producer on ABC’s “Good Morning, America,” and Caroline Vandergriff and Ann Pierret, television news anchors in North Carolina and Michigan. Last summer while still an undergraduate, Connor Lidell was chosen for the prestigious Sankt Goar International

Music Festival and Academy in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, where he studied and performed opera. He will be teaching voice to Indiana University undergraduates next year while he earns his master’s degree.

Award-winning film and television actor Barry Corbin said the educational program is why he is volunteering as Celebrity Chairman of the capital campaign. “Every student who enters the door at Theatre Arlington gets training that will be a plus no matter what occupation they choose,” Corbin said. “My grandkids, Jordan and Cori, both did plays at Theatre Arlington.”

THE THEATER PROVIDES programs for at-risk students in partnership with the Arlington Independent School District. More than 1,500 children annually at Crow and Thornton Elementary schools participate in ACT UPS – Applied Creative Thinking Using Performance Skills – developed 15 years ago to target culturally diverse, at risk-students. And each summer it offers Camp Be a Star, a free weeklong theater camp for homeless and transitional housed children in AISD. The unique camp teaches theatrical and communication skills and helps develop self-esteem and confidence.

Chairman Steve Pierret said the directors chose the theme “Honor Design renderings show the past, Envision the future” for what the enhanced Theatre Arlington will look like. the capital campaign, recognizing four decades of presenting quality productions in Arlington.

SINCE ITS BIRTH in 1973, Theatre Arlington has grown from a small group of people performing in a dance studio to the second-largest and second-oldest theater in Tarrant County. It regularly presents major musicals and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays at affordable prices, right here in Arlington.

Campaign sponsorship gifts range from $10,000 to $500,000, but there are recognition levels as low as $100, which buys a brick with a name on it, and lots of choices in between. As Lidell said, everyone has a chance to play a part in the project.

For more about the campaign, go to theatrearlington.org and click on the links to the capital campaign and to a Barry Corbin video.

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ACM Awards

The stars came out that night

Among the many stars who ventured down the red carpet: (clockwise from left) Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and wife Candice, Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert, and Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of the group Lady Antebellum.

How the city of Arlington got a chance to shine under the national spotlight • By Toni Randle-Cook

I

t was a North Texas event, three years in the making. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he pushed for the American Country Music Awards to be held at AT&T Stadium. And what better year than this one – marking the show’s 50th anniversary?

The ACMs are broadcast annually on CBS. So once the management teams for the event and for the network agreed to move country music’s “biggest party” from Las Vegas to Texas, they thrust the city of Arlington into the national spotlight.

Numerous concerts and charity fundraisers were held over the course of the April 17-19 weekend, including the two-day “ACM Party For a Cause” at Globe Life Park. Severe storms delayed the musical acts on both days, but the rainy weather moved out of the area in time for a Sunday evening of beautiful weather for red carpet arrivals.

Singer Kayla Adams said, “It’s incredible. I’ve never been in a venue this big, ever, so I’m just excited to look around.”

With Texas’ rich history of country music, up-and-coming star Austin Webb said he felt right at home. “I think Texas is amazing … we’re in one of the hotbeds of country music,” he said. “This is Texas, by God, Lone Star beer and Willie Nelson. I mean Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff Walker, I’m a big fan of all of it. I’m just grateful to be here.”

Others, like Milestone Award winner Reba McEntire, have family in North Texas. And aside from her mother-in-law’s cooking, McEntire said she loves to come to Texas to eat. “So anywhere in Texas we go to,” she said, “we find some great Tex-Mex, great steaks, great barbeque, so way to go on that!”

Paulette Carlson won ACM awards in 1988 and 1989 for “Vocal Group of the Year” with Highway 101. She said one of their first gigs was in Arlington, and she was happy to be back. “The ACMs to throw this gigantic party not only for the fans but for us artists, too,” she said. “Thumb’s up for the ACMs!” The venue that has come to be known as “Jerry World” provided the perfect backdrop for this mega event. The stadium was transformed, and artists said the energy and excitement were undeniable. Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan said the crowd was “loud.”

“It was awesome,” added Top Male Vocalist Jason Aldean. “The energy in the room, to me, was a lot different. It didn’t quite seem like an awards show, it felt more like a show ... The crowd here seemed like they were really into what was going on and obviously very support-

Photo: justjaredjr.com

Other photos: Getty Images

ive, which makes all the difference in the world.”

That crowd of 70,252 people set a new Guinness World Record – for the most-attended live awards show.

As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.”

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Golf tip

Eliminate three-putts Shave six to eight shots off your score with these tips • By Mike Berneburg

T

he quickest and easiest way to lower your golf scores is to improve your putting. To reduce the number of putts in a round, one must eliminate three-putting. The average golfer will improve six to eight strokes a round just by eliminating all of their three-putts. The majority of three-putts are the result of poor distance control, rather than direction. Here are two practices drills to help all golfers improve their distance control: First, practice to a six-foot line rather than the hole. Trying to putt to a six-foot target is much easier than a 4.25-inch hole. If you are unable to put a line on the green, this drill is easily accomplished by putting to the edge of the green. Practice this drill on both uphill and downhill putts.

The second drill is designed to help develop a sense of feel on the greens. Practice putting 15-

20 foot putts with just one hand on the grip. This drill works best using just your dominant hand.

Once again, practice this drill on both uphill and side hill putts.

If you are unable to get out to your local course to practice, both of these drills could be done in a carpeted area of your home.

Put both of these drills into your practice routine and enjoy closer lag putts, more “gimme” second putts, reduced number of three-putts – and most importantly lower scores!

Mike Berneburg serves as PGA Head Golf Professional at Lake Arlington Golf Course and Meadowbrook Park Golf Course. He urges you to check out Arlington Golf’s $59 Frequent Player Program. Program benefits include one free round of golf, green fee and pro shop discounts, early twilight rates and advanced booking privileges. Call (817) 478-8500 or visit ArlingtonGolf.com for program details.

By mastering distance control, golfers can improve their putting and lower their scores.

E E R F S E E F N E E R G R A E Y A R FO

Text GOLFTX to 86677 to register for Arlington Golf’s SMS club and be entered into a drawing for free green fees at all of the Arlington Golf courses for an entire year!

Message and Data rates may apply. Winner picked 10/1/15. Some restrictions apply. Visit ArlingtonGolf.com/sms for more info.

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4/17/2015 3:48:03 PM

Arlington Urban Ministries thanks to all of our many sponsors, donors and volunteers for their support of

Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats Arlington Urban Ministries provides emergency assistance for utilities and food for those in crisis in the Arlington Community.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

ARLINGTON Today

your community • your magazine

Al Clark State Farm Insurance, B&H Insurance, City Club, Drs. Alexander Orthodontics, First Rate, Inc., Frost, Olenjack’s Grille, Wade Family Funeral Home, and Ripley ’s Believe It or Not!

Thank you to our table sponsors:

Joan & Chris Church Carol & Charlie Coleman Brenda & Don Henderson

Beth & Joe Owens Toy & Jim Wooley St. John the Apostle, UMC Mission Team

Thank you to our Co-Chairs Mary Helen Burnett & Mary Davis, Cowgirls and Cowboys Ali Baer Terr y Brawner Kim Buchmeyer Joan Church Meghan DeFreeuw Kathr yn Dowd Carolyn Elkins

Dara Fulton JoAnna Hentze Vivian Johnson Sarah Jones Susan Mackey Susi Mitchell Maggie Mixon

Beth Owens Suzy Salomon Dawn Serman Gail Smith Ging-Ging Vitek Amy Wooley Toy Wooley Kristin Zick

Mike Colin Don Henderson Patrick Johnson Doyle Mackey Chris Olson Aaron Perales Jeff Smith Joe Stenger

In addition we would also like to extend our gratitude to our emcee Jim Douglas, auctioneers Larr y Scala and Jim Reeves, entertainment by Zoe and Drew Thorne, live music by Zach Coffey, volunteer efforts of Mrs. Buchmeyer ’s AHS students, graphic design by Caitlin Musch and photography by Heather Mackey.

Dollars & Sense

And baby makes three The time to think about life insurance is before you need it • By Lezlee Liljenberg

I

Things to do.

Places to go.

Friends to meet.

Stop by arlingtontoday.com first!

n a blink of an eye, life can pass you by, but that doesn’t mean that the hardship of your death should compound your family’s grief with financial ruin. Most experts will agree that life insurance is an important component of any solid financial plan. There are several situations in life when a parent should think about life insurance, especially before they need it.

There are two types of insurance – term and permanent. Term insurance is a good option for someone who simply wants to make sure that their life is covered for a certain amount Photo: squawkbox.com of time such as 5, 10 or 20 years. Permanent insurance is a good option for someone who wants to protect their life for a lifetime and perhaps take advantage of investment options available on a permanent contract.

Permanent insurance is typically more expensive than term insurance, but both provide security to ensure that your loved ones will be cared for following your death. The following are situations when parents may want to review their life insurance path, to make sure that they’re headed in the right direction.

While expecting parents prepare for their bundle of joy by purchasing baby clothes, decorating the nursery, selecting a name, and even establishing a college savings account, they often overlook protecting their children should the unthinkable happen in the future.

Most U.S. households are not sufficiently prepared for a loss of one or both parents.

Twenty-five percent of household heads feel they don’t have a plan in place to provide a decent standard of living should anything happen to them. U.S. households believe they have enough life insurance to sustain their current lifestyle for up to six years in the event the primary breadwinner passes away.

In reality most households only have enough life insurance for 2.98 years. 1

A single parent is often the sole breadwinner and caregiver for their children. As such, life insurance can help provide peace of mind that children will be cared for in the event of parent’s untimely death. A common misconception is that stay-at-home parents don’t need life insurance coverage.

Although many families cover only main breadwinners, a recent study conducted by salary.com estimated the services of the stay-at-home parent typically exceed $130,000 a year. The survey accounts for the tasks that would need to be replaced in the event that the stay-athome parent dies. These tasks include childcare, housekeeper, cook, bookkeeper, chauffer and healthcare provider.

Determining how much and how often

While there is no set answer, a good rule of thumb is that your life insurance should be seven times that of your annual salary, although individual circumstances should be taken into account when estimating actual coverage needs.

In addition to your income, consider your expenses, assets and liabilities. Also think about whether or not your home is paid for, or if you plan to send children to college.

Life insurance can help provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones that regardless of what happens to you, they’ll always be cared for.

1

“Facts About Life” LIMRA, September 2006

Lezlee Liljenberg, an Allstate personal financial representative in Arlington, can be reached at (817) 794-5887.

Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA), Registered Broker-Dealer. Member NASD, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727.

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Pet Corner

A pet’s best bet Revolutionary VREHA takes veterinary care to a new level

T

he Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital of Arlington (VREHA) was co-founded by Dr. Antonio L. Bowens, Dr. Forrest O. Cummings and Dr. Jantzen A. Strother and opened to the public in January.

The hospital, located at 1350 Caplin Drive, is an expansion of The Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery Center of Texas Dr. Bowens started in 2011. The practice now provides not only veterinary neurology and neurosurgery services but also internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, surgery, physiotherapy/conditioning and rehabilitation, palliative care, pain management and 24/7 emergency services.

“We offer a full diagnostic imaging center on site, which includes a digital X-ray unit, CT scanner, MRI unit, and abdominal/thoracic ultrasound unit,” Dr. Strother said.

Additionally, VREHA is the only 24-hour veterinary emergency/reDrs. Jantzen A. Strother, Forrest O. Cummings and Antonio L. Bowens ferral hospital in the state to house opened the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital in January. To a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that reach the veterinary hospital, call (817) 225-0558. enables pet patients to breath oxygen in an atmospheric pressure raised up to tatives with a smile and are immediately ofthree times more than normal, which leads to fered complimentary refreshments while they improved circulation, reduction in inflammaare waiting to be seen for their appointment,” tion, and quicker healing. he said. “Our doctors use dry erase boards Also, VREHA’s physiotherapy center houses and other visual tools to aid in owners’ underan underwater treadmill, land treadmill, elecstanding of their pets’ medical conditions. Trutro-stimulation unit and cold laser (K-laser) ly educating our clients is a number one pritherapy – collective technology that represents ority. If a client’s pet is hospitalized, they will an alternative to traditional medical therapy receive, at minimum, two phone calls daily for animals that may not be ideal candidates. for updates or another opportunity to answer Strother said the hospital also specializes in questions. Lastly, clients will leave our facility outstanding customer service. “Our customers with a gift bag with a few tokens for their caare greeted by our customer service represennine and/or feline friends.”

Providing Experienced Specialty and Emergency Care with a Personalized Touch • Emergency and Critical Care • Internal Medicine • Oncology • Cardiology • Neurology/Neurosurgery • Surgery • Advanced Imaging • Laser Therapy • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) • Physiotherapy, Conditioning & Rehab • Palliative Care & Pain Management

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Picture-perfect moments

Pablo Munoz, Janet Middlebrooks, Glynda Patterson, Greg Guse, the Rev. Dr. Russell Hildebrandt and Daniel Smith Bill Jeffreys, Emily Wilcher, Tillie Burgin and Andy Mangum

Sandra Barber, Lou Anne Hoffman, Phyliss Spanks and City Council member Lana Wolff

John Muelschen, Michael Ledford and Bill Herte

Scene

Snapshots from the recent ribbon cutting ceremony at the YMCA fields behind Grace Lutheran Church.

Cindy Wright, Bryant Colley and Deb Huste

Janet Middlebrooks, Rev. Dr. David Joeckel, Judy Joeckel and Roberto Aguirre

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Kelly Bozeman, Gina Woodlee, Cindy Wright and James Wright

Health/Fitness

A new approach to a better life Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital offers program to help reverse coronary heart disease • By Chandra Caradine

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• Heart attack exas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital is the first hospital in the • Coronary artery bypass surgery state of Texas to offer the Dr. Ornish Program for Reversing Heart • Current stable angina pectoris Disease ™ — the first program that has been scientifically proven • Heart valve repair or replacement not only to prevent coronary heart disease but also to reverse it. The • Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary stenting non-invasive approach uses lifestyle changes to address the root causes • Heart or heart-lung transplant of each patient’s heart disease.

“I’m delighted that THR will be offering our program to reverse heart The 9-week, outpatient program helps implement changes in the way disease by making comprehensive lifestyle changes,” Dr. Ornish said. we live to make its impact. Participants attend two four-hour sessions “We are working together to help create a new paradigm of health care each week aimed at altering the way they eat, move, manage stress and find emotional support to improve overall well-being. The group sessions can accommoChanges in lifestyle, such as switchdate up to 15 participants. “This evidence-based, ing exclusively to a heart-healthy diet, can not only forestall coronary heart groundbreaking program gives North Texans disease; they can reverse it. living with heart disease one more tool for improving heart health, quality of life and overall well-being,” said Dr. Dan Varga, chief clinical officer for Texas Health Resources. “We’re excited to pave the way with an approach that addresses the bigger picture of what can impact health, including stress levels and lifestyle habits.”

In addition to reversing heart disease, The Ornish Reversal Program has proven to reduce weight, depression, chest pain and blood pressure among participants. The outcomes are based on more than three decades of research conducted by agencies unaffiliated with Texas Health, and all demonstrating that The Ornish Reversal Program can often treat heart disease as effectively as invasive procedures and surgeries.

Research also shows that diabetic patients who that empowers people to transform their lives. People with severe heart participated in the program were better able to control their glucose levdisease who make these diet and lifestyle changes often become painels and often able to reduce or discontinue diabetes medications (under free within weeks. Their doctors usually reduce or discontinue medicatheir doctor’s supervision) that they otherwise would have needed to tions that they otherwise would have taken for a lifetime as their heart take for a lifetime. disease usually improves. They rediscover inner sources of peace and The program has four primary components: well-being.”

• Fitness — emphasizes regular, moderate and sustainable exercise.

Texas Health Arlington Memorial offers both the Dr. Ornish Program • Stress Management — helps participants cope with and manage for Reversing Heart Disease ™ and a traditional cardiac rehab program stress, while also fostering an increased level of physical and emotional that last 12 weeks. Both programs are covered by Medicare and many self-awareness. insurance companies.

• Group Support — connects individuals with others who are par If a patient meets the criteria for a cardiac rehabilitation program, ticipating in the program and facilitates long-lasting relationships and their primary care physician or specialist can evaluate their condition adherence. and make a recommendation for a traditional or intensive cardiac re • Nutrition — develops and cultivates a low-fat, whole foods, planthab program. based eating plan.

For more information about the intensive cardiac rehabilitation pro To qualify for the program, participants must have one or more of the gram, patients can talk to their physicians or call (817) 960-6475. following:

Enjoy Augmented Reality on: Page 48 • Page 64 page 48 TA ar )))

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ARLINGTON TODAY • May 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

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tap your phone screen and unlock hidden content, watch videos or shop!

Theater

TA ar )))

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Theatre Arlington is planning renovations that will dramatically enchance downtown • By Sue Stevens Durbec

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heatre Arlington is embarking on a $1.5 million capital campaign to renovate its theater building and buy the building across the street for its education program and administrative offices. The project will include landscaping and beautification of the surrounding areas.

“The theater’s new look will be a big plus to Downtown Arlington revitalization,” said Theatre Arlington Board President Craig Lidell. “The theater already brings 33,000 patrons downtown every year. After the renovation, it will be an impressive presence at the West Street entrance to downtown Arlington.”

Theatre Arlington has offered classes since 1996 in the building it plans to purchase, 316 W. Main. The education program is a proven success. Its alums include the founding members of Pentatonix, currently on a second European tour before touring this summer with Kelly Clarkson; Dylan Chambers, a musician in Los Angeles who just toured with “Dancing with the Stars,” and Jennifer Stone,

best known as Harper Finkle on the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

Other alums include Will Ganss, an Emmy award-winning segment producer on ABC’s “Good Morning, America,” and Caroline Vandergriff and Ann Pierret, television news anchors in North Carolina and Michigan. Last summer while still an undergraduate, Connor Lidell was chosen for the prestigious Sankt Goar International 64

Music Festival and Academy in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, where he studied and performed opera. He will be teaching voice to Indiana University undergraduates next year while he earns his master’s degree Award-winning film and television actor Barry Corbin said the educational program is why he is volunteering as Celebrity Chairman of the capital campaign. “Every student who enters the door at Theatre Arlington gets training that will be a plus no matter what occupation they choose,” Corbin said. “My grandkids, Jordan and Cori, both did plays at Theatre Arlington.”

THE THEATER PROVIDES programs for at-risk students in partnership with the Arlington Independent School District. More than 1,500 children annually at Crow and Thornton Elementary schools participate in ACT UPS – Applied Creative Thinking Using Performance Skills – developed 15 years ago to target culturally diverse, at risk-students. And each summer it offers Camp Be a Star, a free weeklong theater camp for homeless and transitional housed children in AISD. The unique camp teaches theatrical and communication skills and helps develop self-esteem and confidence.

Chairman Steve Pierret said the directors chose the theme “Honor Design renderings show the past, Envision the future” for what the enhanced Theatre Arlington will look like. the capital campaign, recognizing four decades of presenting quality productions in Arlington.

Watch our pages come to life with

AUGMENTED REALITY

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This month, you can use our new Augmented Reality technology in two ways: First, go behind the scenes with Clarke & Doyle Living to watch the progression in “The Project.”

This month’s third in a four-part series on The Project shares thought processes and construction practices that are turning an old house into a classic home. Then be sure to check out a video outlining exciting new developments at Theatre Arlington.

SINCE ITS BIRTH in 1973, Theatre Arlington has grown from a small group of people performing in a dance studio to the second largest and second oldest theater in Tarrant County. It regularly presents major musicals and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays at affordable prices, right here in Arlington.

Campaign sponsorship gifts range from $10,000 to $500,000, but there are recognition levels as low as $100, which buys a brick with a name on it and lots of choices in between. As Lidell said, everyone has a chance to play a part in the project.

For more about the campaign, go to theatrearlington.org and click on the links to the capital campaign and to a Barry Corbin video.

ARLINGTON TODAY • May 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

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Nightlife, etc.

Sights/Sounds Your resource for entertainment options in and around the city

Levitt Pavilion ready to rock (and more) YOU KNOW SUMMER is nigh upon us when the eclectic mix of musical sounds starts emanating from the Levitt Pavilion.

Arlington’s revered music venue has more than 50 free outdoor concerts planned this year, with a broadbased calendar of professional musical artists, from world music to jazz and home-grown Texas country to hot Indie artists. This month, the list of performers includes Hayes Carll (May 22), Soul Asylum (May 23), Charlie Robison (May 24), The Suffers (May 28), Spoonfed Tribe (May 29), the Dirty River Boys (May 30) and the Quebe Sisters Band (May 31).

For more: levittpavilionarlington.org.

THEATER: “Urinetown: The Musical” When: May 1-24 Where: Theatre Arlington (305 W. Main St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: With the most awful title ever in musical theater history, this funny, innovative, big-hearted musical will leave you cheering and humming the tunes. In an attempt to regulate water consumption, Urinetown (a mythical, bad place) has outlawed the use of private toilets. This play was nominated for 10 Tony awards and won three.

For more: theatrearlington.org MUSIC: Tracy Lawrence When: May 2 Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington Show time: Immediately following the Texas Rangers-Oakland A’s game Notes: Country music favorite Lawrence will perform his hits and more during a post-game party at the ballpark.

For more: texas.rangers.mlb.com MUSIC: Symphony Arlington presents Lindsay Garritson, pianist When: May 7 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Pianist Lindsay Garritson has performed throughout the United States and abroad since the age of four. She has appeared as soloist with the Orchestre Metropolitain (Montreal), Orquestra Sinfonica Barra

Mansa (Brazil), the Yale Philharmonic Orchestra, the European Philharmonic Orchestra (France) and the Alton Symphony.

For more: symphonyarlington.org MUSIC: Gregg Allman When: May 8 Where: VerizonTheatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: One of rock’s legends, Allman will team with the Devon Allman Band for this show, which will feature both classic and new music.

For more: verizontheatre.com MUSIC: Boz Scaggs When: May 9 Where: VerizonTheatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Scaggs gained fame in the 1960s as a guitarist and sometime lead singer with the Steve Miller Band, and in the 1970s with several solo Top 20 hit singles, including the hits “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle” from the critically acclaimed album Silk Degrees, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200.

For more: verizontheatre.com MUSIC: Dave Millsap Band When: May 9

Where: Farr Best Theatre (109 N Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Mentored by blues legend Sonny Terry, Millsap paid his dues early in Texas bars and clubs. He spent many years as Delbert McClinton’s touring guitarist, playing all over the world, which won him a Grammy nomination in 1989 for Best Contemporary Blues Album, “Live In Austin.”

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: Gospel Music Celebration When: May 16 Where: Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie) Show time: Noon-5 p.m.

Notes: Traders Village and contemporary gospel station KHVN 970 AM will present a celebration of gospel music on the Big Red Patio.

For more: tradersvillage.com/grand-prairie MUSIC: Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney When: May 16 Where: AT&T Stadium Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: The Aldean Army and Chesney’s No Shoes Nation are both known for their ability to work hard and play harder. This show featuring two country music icons is destined to be memorable.

For more: ow.ly/L8Aas MUSIC: Elvis T. Busboy and the Texas Blues Butchers When: May 30 Where: Farr Best Theatre (109 N Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Elvis T. Busboy (aka Stephen Shaw) provides amazing lead vocals. He founded the band 20 years ago along with John Sprott, an amazing guitarist/vocalist. Tim Alexander, five-time Grammy award winner, provides keyboards and accordion for the band.

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: Steve Miller Band When: June 1 Where: Verizon Theatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: After a three-year hiatus, legendary singer/songwriter Steve Miller returned to performing in 2004, thus continuing a rock music legacy that includes a greatest-hits album that sold more than 14 million copies. Miller’s more popular songs include “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Swingtown,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Abracadabra,” “Rock’n Me” and “Jet Airliner.”

For more: verizontheatre.com

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Speaking of Sports

Don’t give up on the Rangers Despite a second straight year marked by injuries, this team will continue to battle • By John Rhadigan

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Photo: wikipedia.com

Sometimes the talent level dictates the outcome of a game. But Adrian Beltre is a great team leader who will not let his teammates give up, despite a second straight year of potentially devastating injuries.

he phrase “say it ain’t so” is closely tied to baseball. Legend has it that as Shoeless Joe Jackson was leaving the courthouse having been convicted of “fixing” games, a young fan shouted to him, “say it ain’t so, Joe.” As baseball fans we want our favorite players to be talented, pure and healthy.

At the start of the second inning of the Ranger’s home opener, I found myself thinking about that familiar phrase. After noticing that Derek Holland did not return to the mound for the second inning, I may have even shouted, “say it ain’t so!”

Not that Derek did anything wrong – in fact, just the opposite. My heart breaks for a guy who is talented, pure and – for the second year in a row – not healthy.

The loss of Holland meant the continuation of a disturbing trend – that is, the Rangers must try to win without some of their most talented players. Last year the most significant losses were position players, but this season Texas has lost its top two pitchers in Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. Therefore, by game five of the season many fans were ready to throw in the towel on 2015. But I implore you, don’t give up on these guys, because I guarantee you they won’t give up on you.

The team slogan is #nevereverquit, and the tenacity and inspiration of Jeff Banister will help, but the truth is most of these players were here last year, and they didn’t give up then.

It is easy to watch and think that because they lose or make an error that they aren’t trying or they have thrown in the towel. Believe me when I tell you that the Rangers’ players don’t have that in them. These are some of the most competitive people in the world, and they hate losing, so not trying just isn’t in their DNA. Besides, there are two veteran leaders on the team that wouldn’t let them quit even if the others were inclined to do so. They are Colby Lewis and Adrian Beltre. Both will be 36 before the season ends. Both are leaders in the Rangers clubhouse. Both demand that the younger players live up to an old school standard of effort and team pride.

Their leadership styles are similar. Neither is a rah rah leader. Both are quiet and lead by example, but that is where the similarities end.

The Adrian Beltre example is very different from the one set by Colby Lewis. Beltre is one of the most talented, fun loving and gifted players in the game. Colby is one of the hardest working, stoic players, who gets the most out of his talent. This is a perfect mix of examples, because most big league players fall somewhere in the middle of the two.

Adrian is certainly more vocal; as early as the All-Star Break last year, he was imploring his teammates, asking them to never accept losing. Sometimes the talent level dictates the outcome, but he knew then and now that to accept losing is to be mastered by it. He did not let that happen last year, and he will not allow it this season either.

Colby is much more quiet in his approach to leading the pitchers and any young player on the team. If Hollywood were to cast Colby in a movie they would need John Wayne to play him. Lewis is larger than life, like the Duke, and he has done something no other man has ever done. Colby is pitching after hip replacement surgery. All a young player needs to do is watch him work and hear his story to know what it sometimes takes to succeed in professional sports.

I am proud to be associated with these two men and with this team. Unless the Rangers win the World Series, this team will not be as good as we hoped it would be. But it will follow its leaders, it will fight hard every day and it will Never Ever Quit. I hope it makes you proud, too.

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

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Itinerary

History, Mansfield-style

Your official Arlington/Mansfield/Kennedale/SW Grand Prairie guide to fun (and the like)

News-splash:

Hurricane Harbor opens May 9 SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR will launch its 2015 season on May 9, with the big news focusing on the new Wahoo Race, which will debut on May 24.

Hurricane Harbor has 47 acres of water wonderland to enjoy. Visitors can embark on an interactive family adventure at Hook’s Lagoon or experience nine stories of wild water on Sea Wolf. They can try to hang 10 on Surf Rider, take on the “zero gravity” slide, Mega Wedgie, or hop on Dive Bomber, a 5-story free fall experience that will leave them breathless.

Wahoo Racer is a two-tier mat racer slide that sends guests, head first, down an exhilarating, zigzagging and refreshing ride.

For more: sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas.

May 1 What: Annual Festival of Quilts Where: Bob Duncan Center (2800 S. Center St.) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

In a nutshell: The Quilters’ Guild of Arlington 2015 festival, “Joyful Reflections,” is for anyone who wants to celebrate the love of quilting. There will be approximately 200 judged fabric art and quilt entries, plus a miniature quilt silent auction, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more: qgoa.org May 1-3, 11-17, 28-31 What: Texas Rangers baseball Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington When: Check website for game times.

In a nutshell: The Rangers will continue their quest for a third American League championship by hosting four teams this month: the Oakland A’s (May 1-3), the Kansas City Royals (May 11-14), the Cleveland Indians (May 1517) and the Boson Red Sox (May 28-31).

For more: texas.rangers.mlb.com May 3 What: Cinco de Mayo celebration Where: Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie) When: Noon-4 p.m.

In a nutshell: Traders Village will be celebrating Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, now called Cinco de Mayo. There will be live music and fun with radio station La Mexicana 87.7FM and LATV.

Admission is free, and it’s just $4 to park.

For more: tradersvillage.com/grandprairie May 7 What: Home School Family Day Where: Six Flags over Texas When: 11 a.m-6 p.m.

In a nutshell: Six Flags Over Texas invites home school groups, associations and families to enjoy an exclusive day at the park. This is a private event especially for home schoolers and their families.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas May 8-10 What: Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games Where: University of Texas Arlington Maverick Stadium (1307 W. Mitchell) When: 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday; 9 a.m.-midnight on Saturday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday In a nutshell: More than 65 vivid clan tents cover the grounds at this festival, where Scots strut proudly, wearing kilts and displaying their clan tartans. The notes of bagpipes float through the air, while market stalls show off Scottish and Celtic wares. Competition flourishes amid Scot-descended attendees and curious festgoers at professional or amateur athletics, as well as in an all-Scottish-breed dog show.

For more: texasscottishfestival.com May 15 What: Teen Truth Anti-bullying Rally

Where: Six Flags over Texas When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

In a nutshell: Six Flags Over Texas is teaming with Teen Truth to help raise awareness concerning bullying. The Teen Truth assembly will feature an award-winning film that was created by students, as well as a professional speaker and interactive activities. Bring your class or youth group for an educational field trip during this engaging event – plus a day of fun of rides and attractions at Six Flags Over Texas.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas May 16 What: Wisteria Street Market Where: Mansfield Activities Center (106 S. Wisteria St.) When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

In a nutshell: The family-fun event is one of Mansfield’s annual highlights and will feature activities, food trucks, face painting, a free make+take, vendors, a silent auction and more.

For more: mansfieldtexas.gov/event/wisteria-street-market May 16-Aug. 16 What: Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910 Where: Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday In a nutshell: This exhibit contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists and explores the anti-establishment movement among artists seeking alternative means to bring their art to a broad public.

For more: arlingtonmuseum.org May 21-24 What: Special Olympics Texas Summer Games Where: University of Texas Arlington When: Check website for event times In a nutshell: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Competitions will feature the following events: athletics, basketball, cycling, equestrian, gymnastics, kayaking, soccer and tennis.

For more: specialolympicstexas.org May 24 What: Cheep Thrills Trained Bird Show Where: Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie) When: Noon-5 p.m.

In a nutshell: The show creates a spell-binding aura of intrigue as trained macaws and cockatoos perform unusual feats of balance, memory and coordination in an exciting and fast-paced 20-minute review.

For more: tradersvillage.com/grandprairie

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Finish Line

Participant or bystander?

On May 9, we’ll elect a mayor, city council and school board members. Will you take part? • By Richard Greene

A

fter more than 20 years of service in local government, almost that much time in state government, and two presidential terms in the federal government, it is my settled conclusion that democracy works best when it is practiced closest to the people.

That means right here in our local community.

Take, for instance, your access to your elected officials. At the next city council or school board meeting you are welcome in the meeting room and, in most such forums, you can walk right up to the podium and address them.

You can tell them all what’s on your mind. What you like and don’t like about things happening in your town. If you have a compliment, you can share it publicly. If you have a complaint, you can voice it for all to hear.

Neighborhood and quality-of-life issues, like the conditions of our roads, traffic flow, job opportunities in a healthy local economy, police and fire protection, beautiful parks to enjoy, an abundant water supply, reliable garbage collection and much more are in the hands of local officials.

Whenever major decisions about the future of the community are at stake such as in bond elections or adopting comprehensive plans that will chart the future, there is almost always a town hall meeting somewhere in your part of town to attend and participate.

Such initiatives will often require approval of voters, and public hearings will be held before elections are called, so you can have your voice heard even before a vote is taken.

That kind of access to decisions that will impact your daily life and your future, perhaps in profound ways, can only be achieved in the forums at city hall, at the school district administrative building and other local offices.

Any effort to walk onto the floor of the state legislature in session will end in frustration. Doors to that entrance are closed. If you attempted to enter a session of the House of Representatives or the Senate in the U. S. Capitol, you could be arrested and taken to jail.

While your state and federal representatives are accessible in other ways, you are barred from deliberating with them. You won’t be there as they make final decisions, cast their votes and perhaps change the course of history and you along with it.

It’s a scenario that gives rise to the question of one of the most perplexing things about participatory democracy: Why do local elections attract so few voters? These days we find about 60 percent of eligible voters showing up for elections when a president, members of con-

gress, governors, and such are being chosen. In election years when there are no presidential candidates on the ballot, that number drops to about 35 percent.

At the local level when just 10 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, headlines the following day will call it a “big” voter turnout.

That’s because we often see only six or seven percent of the electorate when we, and the citizens of most other Texas cities, are electing city council and school board members.

The same kinds of numbers occur even when we are deciding on hundreds of millions of dollars of improvements to public facilities.

On May 9, Arlington voters will elect a mayor, city council and school board members. While Arlington Today doesn’t take sides and endorse any candidate, we do believe it’s of vital importance to encourage everyone who is eligible to vote.

On Election Day, nothing less than the future direction of our community is being decided. The quality of life for us all is on the ballot along with the names of those seeking to represent us.

Wouldn’t it be a good idea to spend a very few minutes to cast a ballot just a few blocks from where we live?

Surely we can do better than an embarrassing 10 percent turnout.

When leaving Independence Hall following the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin encountered a citizen wanting to know what kind of government we had been given.

His response: “A republic … if you can keep it.”

We all know what he meant. Our future was on the shoulders of “We the People.” If we like the freedom to govern ourselves, we have a duty to preserve it.

What happens next is up to us.

Richard Greene served as Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in the University of Texas Arlington’s graduate School of Urban and Public Affairs.

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