November 2020

Chuck Morgan /// Editors’ Choice Awards /// Thanksgiving Thoughts November 2020

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I C E - S K AT I N G

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EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

©2020. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Pantego: businesses and residents first!

SMALL TOWN CHARM. BIG CITY OPPORTUNITIES. Initiatives in the Town of Pantego are on a roll! We have welcomed

Economic News

several small businesses throughout the year thanks to our helpful

New to Town Coutured by Jess DM Esthetics Jazzy Jems La Isla Restaurant Simply Divune Cafe Starsanti Mexican Food Texas Nail Lounge Texas Traffic and Barricade

Town staff. This spring, Pantego supported its establishments by launching our Small Business Relief loan program which awarded $150,000 amongst 60 places. Additionally, the Town distributed $30 gift cards to all of its residents to shop and dine locally!

Please continue to support our local economy during this time.

If you’re looking to start, expand or move your company, check out Pantego! Contact Cathy Allen at callen@shoppantego.com for incentives.

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Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2020

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

UT Arlington welcomes largest freshman class MORE FRESHMEN STUDENTS ARE CHOOSING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON THAN EVER BEFORE, attracted by the University’s faculty excellence, expertise in e-learning, growing

42,733 6.8% TOTAL ENROLLMENT for fall 2020

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Contents

ON THE COVER

November 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 11

HIGHLIGHTS 46

The world’s best bull riders will battle it out at the PBR World Finals at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 12-15 for the $1 million bonus and coveted gold buckle.

Story, page 28

52

DEPARTMENTS

26

62

26 The right call

Rangers PA announcer Chuck Morgan shares how he came to Arlington

Starting Line 12 This ‘n Data 14 • Around Town 22 Scene 24, 64 • Style 56 Bulletin Board 66 • Keen Cuisine 68 Speaking of Sports 70 • Itinerary 72 Finish Line 74

28 The best 8 seconds in all of sports

The PBR World Finals is coming to AT&T Stadium this month

42 Everyone digs the new digs

IN THIS ISSUE

UTA’s E.H. Hereford University Center undergoes a facelift

44 Chapter 2

Trinity Stallins and Samantha Maldonado are overcoming challenges at MIT

46 Rolls Royce cachet

Adlai Pennington got a real bargain when he purchased this classic

52 Home SWEET! Home

This elegant abode was built to last, built to impress and built to be enjoyed

60 A LOT to love, indeed

Mansfield’s The LOT Downtown introduces new ways to engage the community

62 For this we give thanks

Some local leaders share that for which they are especially grateful

10

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

Our second annual Editors’ Choice awards reveal our selections in more than five dozen categories.

Story, page 30

Dr. Sheri Puffer

Dr. Maya Kuriakose

Dr. Joy Carter

Dr. Joan Bergstrom

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Kiran Nangrani

Dr. Dawnette Peppler

Women’s Health Services has been providing outstanding health care for women of all ages for the past 36 years. Originally founded by Dr. Joan Bergstrom, the group has just added their seventh female physician, Maya Kuriakose, MD. She joins Dr. Joan Bergstrom, Dr. Dawnette Peppler, Dr. Kiran Nangrani, Dr. Sheri Puffer, Dr. Joy Carter, and Dr. Jessica Brown. WHS has been recognized in the community for its reputable and thoughtful care.

The group offers state-of-the-art female services at two locations in Arlington. They provide all obstetrical and gynecological surgical services at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital which is the premier community hospital in the city. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital was awarded the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Status in 2017.

The physicians of Women’s Health Services have won Arlington Today Women’s Healthcare Star Award for the past 7 years, Suburban Parent Magazines’ award for Best of Family Healthcare in Obstetrics and Gynecology, DFW Child Magazine’s Mom-Approved Doctors award for OB/GYN. Women’s Health Services offers the full array of OB/GYN services and all physicians are skilled in managing every aspect of women’s health care, including normal and high-risk pregnancy care, gynecologic sur ery i of e ia os i a hera eu i ro e ures for a or a ee i i o i e e rea e annual exams, and contraceptive and hormone therapy needs. Visit their website to schedule your appointment online at www.womenshealthservices.com.

Winner Seven-Time ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

2014-2020 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

North Office:

South Office:

1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 Arlington, TX 76012

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

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

www.womenshealthservices.com

Winner!

All Star OB/GYN

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STARTING LINE your community • your magazine

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

Waxing bovinically

CEO Richard Greene

L

et the record show that I have never ridden a bull. Let the record further show that I hope the previous six words appear as a quote from me in my obituary. If they don’t, there’s a pretty good chance you don’t have to keep reading it to find out the cause of death.

While I’m still on the record, it should be noted that I’m not anti-bull or even averse to bull riding as a hobby or vocation. In fact, I heartily admire the folks who endeavor to remain seated some eight seconds after the chute opens. You think your life has its ups and downs ...

Their life has something most of the rest of us can only imagine: virtually unparalleled bravery. They also possess something else to which many of the remainder of us can only aspire: an unmatched ability to keep getting up no matter how many times they’ve fallen. As life metaphors go, I can think of few more inspirational than the routine Yale of the bull rider. Down, up, down, up, Youngblood down again, up again ... those people Editor are remarkably driven by a passion that makes them refuse to stay down.

Maybe it’s something genetic. Maybe they were just “brought up” well. Whatever the case, you would have to look long and far to find persistence personified any better.

This month, that quality will be on display in spades at AT&T Stadium. The best of the best bull riders will congregate in our fair burg to determine the last man sitting.

The PBR World Finals is the Super Bowl of bull riding, but instead of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the conclusion of the competition, this month’s winner will wear the coveted gold buckle. Oh, and he will walk away $1 million richer than he was when he arrived in town. That probably should be noted.

The event is chronicled in our cover story this month on page 28. After you read it you will not only know more about the World Final and the sport; you’ll meet the principals vying to become known as king of the arena. Given where the PBR World Final is being held this year, that’s some arena.

Speaking of kings of arenas, this month we’re also spotlighting local versions of the best of the best – kings and queens (and even some institutions) – as deemed by our editorial team. This is the second year of our Editors’ Choice Awards, and I urge you to turn to page 30 to see who we’ve selected.

You likely have already taken a liking to most of them – that’s one of the reasons we chose them. And I fully expect that you might take exception to a selection or two dozen, but that’s OK. The truth is: Our region is full of greatness, and it is nigh impossible to give everyone his or her due whenever we reveal our selections.

This, however, is not nigh impossible: We fully plan to have a third annual Editors’ Choice Awards edition this time next year, if just to spur and continue the conversation. Spoiler alert: It’s highly unlikely I will win the bull riding category.

yale@arlingtontoday.com Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 12

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

and follow us on Twitter

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and Instagram

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Contributing Graphic Artists Francisco Cuevas, Susan Darovich Contributing Writers Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers 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 Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2020 Arlington Today, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products. Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues.

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

ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors the Junior League of Arlington, The Salvation Army and Theatre Arlington.

Phone number: (817) 303-3304

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Melissa Danchak Audiologist

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THIS ‘N DATA

Dignitaries cut the ribbon to offically mark completion of the Abram Street Rebuild through Downtown.

Photo: City of Arlington

ABRAM STREET REBUILD HAS BEEN COMPLETED!

C

ity, community, and businesses leaders last month celebrated the transformative Abram Street Rebuild through Downtown – a final milestone that also marks the completion of the largest street rebuild in Arlington’s history.

Downtown is the fourth and final section of the voter-approved $50 million Abram Street Rebuild, which started at the Grand Prairie city limits east of SH 360 in July 2014 and has progressed west to Cooper Street over the past six years. In all, nearly seven miles of one of Arlington’s major thoroughfares and the gateway to the heart of the city were rebuilt as part of the City Council’s priority to Enhance Regional Mobility.

Since March 2018, the Department of Public Works and Transportation has been working to transform the section of Abram between Cooper and Collins streets.

The $26 million project brought much-needed roadway and utilities improvements, additional on-street parking, enhanced landscaping and pedestrian amenities such as benches and LED lighting designed to create a more vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for Downtown shoppers, diners, and visitors.

“Abram Street is one of the major gateways into The American Dream City … but it’s much more than that. It also provides access to the nearby world-class Entertainment District, Downtown’s state-designated Cultural District and of course, The University of Texas at Arlington,” Mayor Jeff Williams says. “And this project was a team effort all the way. Arlington is always stronger when we work together … and this project is a terrific example of what we can accomplish as a community when we dream big and buy into the same vision.”

ART FANS, TAKE NOTE: Show Me the Monet Gallery of Fine Art has recently expanded its space inside Gracie Lane (4720 S. Cooper St.), added new artists and expanded its line of gift items. Plus it continues to offer painting workshops hosted by local artists. For more: 817-313-6327.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

PUBLIC GETS FIRST LOOK AT NMOHM

R

afael Viñoly Architects last month shared a first look at renderings of its National Medal of Honor Museum, which is set to open in Arlington in 2024. The museum will honor the over 3,500 Americans who have been conferred the country’s most prestigious military decoration.

GET IN QUICKER WITH ONLINE ER CHECK-IN.

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center provides quick and convenient treatment for emergencies. At QuickER.org, you can select a treatment time and wait at home instead of the waiting room. With easy, online check-in, Methodist Mansfield is not only one of the area’s most convenient ERs, it’s also QuickER. Trust. Methodist.

QuickER.org

For life-threatening or severe symptoms, please call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. 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. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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THIS ‘N DATA

CELEBRATING KINDNESS

Steinborn honored for helping resident while making a routine stop to pick up a feral cat

I

YOU CAN SUPPORT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THIS FALL

B

ecause the COVID pandemic forced the Arlington Historical Society to cancel its annual fundraiser, the organization is seeking donations for a virtual online silent auction, “Thanks for the Memories,” scheduled for Nov. 12 - 14.

Money raised from the auction will support the society’s mission to ensure the preservation of Arlington’s rich history and help the organization to make improvements on The Fielder House and to the cabins at Knapp Heritage Park.

Items on Executive Director Geraldine Mills’ “Wish List” include: • Restoring the east side balcony of The Fielder House • Refinishing the ceiling and installing shelving in The Fielder House Toy Room • Installing uplighting in trees in front of The Fielder House • Resurfacing The Fielder House parking lot • Painting The Lampe House exterior • Updating original log cabins at Knapp Heritage Park, including chinking, log repair and roofing • Adding benches and exterior lighting at Knapp Heritage Park For more information about the Arlington Historical Society, visit historicalarlington.org. To donate something for the auction, email fielderh@swbell.net.

t started out as an ordinary day on Sept. 16, 2020, as Animal Services employee Crystal Steinborn was picking up a feral cat trap in her job as code compliance officer and coordinator of the trap-neuter-return program. That is, until she heard someone screaming.

Steinborn reacted quickly and calmly as she went toward the screams to help. A resident had fallen and was bleeding from the head. Steinborn promptly called 911, and applied pressure until paramedics arrived. Once the situation was under control, she left. The 911 dispatcher called the shelter manager to compliment how calmly and professionally Steinborn helped the resident. The resident was taken to the hospital, and Steinborn reported that when Photo: City of Arlington she followed up later in the day, thankfully the resident was released and able to return home.

Last month, Steinborn received a Certificate of Appreciation by Mayor Jeff Williams for her extraordinary acts of kindness.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you voted in the historic city election of 1990, during which Elzie Odom became the first African-American person elected as Mayor of Arlington and Dan Serna became the first Latino elected to the Arlington City Council.

INTERLOCHEN LIGHTS WILL BE SHINING AGAIN

A

Photo: dallas.culturemap.com

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

t press time we got word that the 2020 Interlochen Christmas Lights event has been given the OK by the city to go on this year.

The Arlington Police Department will officially control traffic at the popular holiday attraction for eight nights, from Dec. 18 - Dec. 25. The free twomile car tour is an Arlington tradition. For more: lakeinterlochentx.com/christmas-lights.

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THIS ‘N DATA #atpetofthemonth

T

CITY COMMITS TO ACHIEVE GBAC STAR ACCREDITATION

he City of Arlington last month announced its commitment to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Arlington is the first city in the United States to implement the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention at its public facilities under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association.

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program will verify that the City of Arlington implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics. In all, the City is seeking accreditation for 23 public facilities, including all recreation centers, golf course clubhouses and libraries, City Hall, and the Municipal Court.

The City is also seeking accreditation for Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, which is home to the largest dedicated esports facility in North America and can host up to 2,500 spectators for live competitions.

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the City of Arlington will demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.

OPTIMIST CLUB FOOTBALL MOVED TO THE SPRING

D

ue to COVID delays of 2020 fall football, the Optimist Club of Arlington has rescheduled its football and cheer season to the spring of 2021. Sign ups will begin in early December.

Practices are scheduled to begin in February, and the season will go through May. For more: facebook.com/OptimistArlingtonTX.

Arlington By the numbers 18

104,793

18,510

This is my little one. He is 2 years old.

He is the friendliest, most loving, caring, fluffy, tail-waggin’ dog you ever met.

– Diane Norwood

3

SCOOPS 1. The Arlington City Council recently approved $325,000 for fiscal year 2021,the first year of a three-year phased process that will provide all Arlington Firefighters with a second set of firefighting gear.

2. Applications for the 2021 Cinderella Ball will be available, beginning on Nov. 1. The Ball, the oldest continuing social event and charitable benefit in Arlington, features girls from local high schools who solicit donations for Arlington projects of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. For more: contactus@cinderellacharityball.com.

3. Road construction is almost complete at the new Mansfield International Business Park, located near Klein Tools. This and other projects are detailed in the Fall 2020 Road Report. For more: mansfieldtexas.gov/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=378.

82.4

The number of people who

The approximate number

The percentage of Arlington

attended the George Strait

of military veterans who call

households with a broadband

concert at AT&T Stadium in 2014

Arlington their home

Internet subscription

Source: dallascowboys.com

Source: census.org

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Source: census.org

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AROUND TOWN

Meet Ryan Smith, the Rabbit King

W

Ryan Smith not only is an award-winning rabbit breeder, he created his own virtual show for fellow breeders that attracted 1,300 entries.

job with that,” Tanner Smith says. “But we have 40 to 50 kids hen the coronavirus pandemic forced us into hiding, who have rabbits and she can’t answer all those questions.” school activities darted for cover as well. No sports, At the pandemic’s outset, Ryan noticed a few rabbit shows no band, no Key Club. popping up online. So he decided to do the same, but with And no rabbit showings. “some flavor.”

That news nearly wrecked Ryan Smith, age 16.

He made digital awards for winners, offered up pictures of Not the sports. Or the band. Or Key Club. the rabbits, and with an entry fee paid out a winner jackpot.

The rabbits.

The first show lured 700 exhibitors. Soon his Online Rabbit Quarantine for Ryan was watching his furry little friends Show Extravaganza was averaging 1,300 entries a pop and, to peer out from their cages, all gussied up with nowhere to go. make it legit, included a pair of recognized judges from the Or, better yet, to show.

American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), the national Ryan is a breeder, a sort of Dr. Frankenstein of rabbitry. club for domestic rabbit breeders.

Breeding is not rocket science, but there’s an exact science to “What he pulled off was absolutely amazing,” Tanner Smith it. Ryan knows what judges desire for the rabbit shows and says. “He’s been able to create opportunities for not just other obliges. That means a little mixing of this and matching of that.

FFA and 4H members but opportunities for anyone who has He’s awfully good at it. a rabbit to show. This is quite the accomplishment from a His rabbits have won Best in Breed 13 times and Best in junior to be organizing and running a Show twice in major rabbit contests nationally recognized rabbit show.” in and outside Texas – one as a grand Oddly, Ryan didn’t possess a rabbit champion, no less. passion early on. He was sold after his In fact, Ryan is so knowledgeable first Freshman AG class. about purebreds he has become the Kenneth Perkins “I just thought showing rabbits go-to student in Arlington ISD for All would be easier than showing, like, Things Rabbit. goats,” Ryan confesses.

During a visit to the district’s WHEN AG students ask Showing rabbits is all about making Agriculture Science Center recently, judges get excited over a purebred I watch as the Arlington High School Advisor Tanner Smith fitting its 100-point Standard of junior rolls his finger over a rabbit’s something about rabbits, Perfection, a grading system based ears, saying how judges for that he speed-dials Ryan. on strict guidelines centered around particular breed prefer ears to be short features such as fur quality, color and open, not folded, and how the descriptions, markings and weight. head should not have a flat brow.

“Can you get to that 100?” Ryan says. “That’s the goal.”

“You want it to round over the brow,” he tells me. “The While there is not much rabbit breeding at the collegiate body must have a short shoulder, not a long one. Same with the ranks, post-grad Ryan plans to enter contests as an Open midsection. You look at his markings for color in how the eye Exhibitor and eventually become an ARBA judge. circles go all the way around. You want it to be nice and full, He’s off to a good start. He can already give you the lowdown not thin, or no eye color at all. The idea is to breed to get what on 40 to 45 unique breeds, right off the top of his head. the judges are looking for.”

Not bad, considering the ARBA lists only 50 of them.

If fellow students ask Arlington High School Ag Science Teacher and FFA Advisor Tanner Smith something specific about rabbits, he speed-dials Ryan.

“There’s an advisor over rabbits and she does a really good Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today since it debuted. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

Scene

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

Unite Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams was one of some 750 volunteers who took on community projects during Unite Arlington.

Photos: City of Arlington

Volunteers during Unite Arlington tackled dozens of projects to help out their neighbors, including doing electrical work, sowing seeds to enhance yards and painting homes.

A special birthday celebration

Pentatonix

Image: mlb.com

Arlington’s own Pentatonix (Mitch Grassi, Matt Sallee, Scott Hoying, Kevin Olusola and Kirstin Maldonado) performed the Star Spangled Banner virtually prior to Game One of the World Series at Globe Life Field.

Dana McCoy, Tony McCoy and violinist LeeAnne Chenoweth

Timeless Concerts

Photos: Timeless Concerts

Deidra Hepp and Kelly Girnas dressed up for the Orient Express-themed concert at Arlington Museum of Art.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Photo: City of Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen turns 70 in December, and Grand Prairie residents are invited to celebrate by serving the community. The city has created 70 ways you can do just that in the #MayorJensen70for70 program, which runs this month throught Dec. 27. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6adlczo.

Pianist Erik Barnes, Cheryl Forrester and David Durham

Photo: City of Arlington

Mayor Jeff Williams joined students from Green Oaks School to mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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Donna J. Smiedt and her team of fine Lawyers have almost a half a century of cumulative experience as dedicated family law practitioners.

Donna J. Smiedt is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been so certified for 29 years.

Donna J. Smiedt has been practicing family law for 35 years in the DFW area.

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

Winner 2018-2020

All Star

All Star Family Law Attorney

ARLINGTON Today

- Arlington Today Readers

Readers’ Choice

your community • your magazine

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

UTA celebrates the

LARGEST FRESHMAN CLASS in University history

3,820 FRESHMEN

enrolled in the fall 2020 term

6.8% increase in first-time-in-college students

Against the bac drop of CO ID-19, this increase is a testament to UTA’s reputation as a leader in higher education in Texas and beyond.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

25

•

LOCAL HEROES

THE RIGHT CALL

You know Chuck Morgan as the PA announcer for your Texas Rangers. Here he shares something else about his great career

I

have welcomed Texas Rangers fans to Arlington Stadium, Globe Life Park and Globe Life Field over the past 38 years.

Most Rangers fans know my history, but I’m sure there are some baseball fans who have no idea that I had another great career before moving to Texas.

Imagine spending most of your working life either introducing country music stars on the radio and at The Grand Ole Opry or announcing players coming up to bat in Major League Baseball.

In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, I did the late-night radio show on WSM in Nashville. Traditionally, working that shift was prime time for country music stars to bring in their new records, talk about their careers and where they were going to play on the road. That time of night, WSM would reach 35 to 40 states. And it was also a tradition for the announcers that worked those shifts at WSM to become announcers on the Opry. Guys like Country Music Hall of Famers Ralph Emery and Grant Turner. Being fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, I was also an announcer at the Opry.

Photos courtesy of Chuck Morgan

1982 was a special year for me. In April, WSM started the first-ever, satellite-delivered country music radio show, “The Music Country Network.” I was named the primary host on 100 stations. My competition at the time was Larry King talking politics. I talked country music and interviewed the stars that came by night after night. Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins, 26

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

“I VISITED Arlington in February of ‘83.

When I saw Six Flags and Arlington Stadium and its Texas-shaped scoreboard, I knew I was home.”

Waylon Jennings, Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty and, well, name them and they came by. I was hosting a couple of TV shows on The Nashville Network that was just starting up. I made appearances in the Hee Haw cornfield and in October, I was named the Country Music Association’s DJ of the Year.

In December, I got a call from Larry Schmittou, owner of the Nashville Sounds. I was the Sounds PA announcer in their first three years. Larry told me he was taking a job with the Texas Rangers in Arlington. He said, “I know it’s a shot in the dark, but how would you like to work in the big leagues?” Larry was a good friend, but with so much good going on in Nashville, I turned Larry down.

It wasn’t long after that call that one of my good friends, Marty Robbins, passed away. I spent hundreds of hours with Marty on the radio at WSM and at the Opry. Losing Marty had a big impact on me. I think Marty’s passing played a role in my decision to leave Music City, USA. After reconsidering my decision, I visited Arlington in February of ’83. When I first saw Six Flags and Arlington Stadium and its Texas-shaped scoreboard, I knew I was home. I fell in love with Texas and Arlington. However, I knew I couldn’t make a living just being the PA announcer; selling Rangers sponsorships would also be part of my responsibilities.

Highlights from a Saturday, March 5th, was stellar career: (Left) a young Chuck Morgan my last night on The Grand calls an Old Timers’ Game; (right) Chuck Ole Opry. I loved the Opry today. and what it meant to country music and Nashville. The King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, called me out to center stage to the “circle.” Mr. Acuff and every one present that night wished me the best of luck in Texas. A month later, I was announcing Buddy Bell playing third base for the Texas Rangers.

Looking back, it was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. I made the right choice – Arlington was home.

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE

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27

COVERSTORY STORY • •COVER J.B. Mauney shows the expertise that makes him one of the premier riders on the PBR circuit.

A

t the most challenging championship in sports, the world’s best bull riders will battle it out at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Nov. 12-15 for the $1 million bonus and coveted gold buckle.

Some of the greatest moments in PBR history have happened in the NFL’s largest stadium.

And now, fans headed to Texas are bound to see a lot more history unfold when the 2020 PBR World Champion is crowned at the end of a truly unforgettable season.

For the first time in league history, the PBR World Finals will be held outside of Las Vegas, debuting in Arlington, inside AT&T Stadium, where one of bull riding’s most captivating World Championship races unfurls at the four-day 2020 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast.

“The PBR World Finals, the biggest event in bull riding, will crown our next champion rider and bull in the NFL’s largest stadium in the heart of cowboy country, giving fans the sport they love in a comfortable, socially distanced environment,” said PBR Commissioner Sean Gleason. “We are very grateful to Governor Abbott and the state of Texas, who moved at lightning speed to make this happen, as well as our partners in the city of Arlington, the Visitors Bureau, and AT&T Stadium for welcoming PBR and our loyal fans for championship week.”

THE BEST 8 SECONDS IN ALL OF SPORTS 2020 PBR World Finals to Debut in Arlington on Nov. 12-15 as an Exhilarating World Champion Race Unfurls in AT&T Stadium

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos: Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media

While the 2020 World Finals will mark the first-time ever the event has been held in the Lone Star State in the league’s 27-year history, AT&T Stadium is no stranger to holding some of PBR’s most historic events.

PBR has bucked in the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys for the past decade; in fact, in 2018 AT&T Stadium hosted the largest single-day event in league history, as more than 46,000 fans attended the season’s Iron Cowboy Major.

In 2019, the venue welcomed the first-ever United States iteration of the prestigious PBR Global Cup, a five-nation tournament where the world’s best bull riders ban together in national teams, competing for the title of “Toughest Nation on Dirt.”

And in 2020, led by two-time, and reigning, PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood, Team USA made history at the global event inside “Jerry World,” becoming the first country to win the event in their native country, and defend home soil.

“Man, I am so excited and ready for it,” young gun Mason Taylor said ahead of his career-first event in the iconic venue.

“I have always wanted to ride in Jerry’s World. It’s not even 30 minutes from my house, so saying it’s a home-field advantage is an understatement. It’s my backyard, so what better time for a first appearance than to have the most prestigious bull riding there?”

“I’m pumped about it,” 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis echoed. “I think it’s awesome. There are just certain stadiums that give off a certain feel that makes you want to up your game. You know that top athletes have come before you that have busted their butt in that stadium, and you don’t want to go in there and half-ass it.”

Davis will travel to the 2020 PBR World Finals as a surging dark horse in the 2020 PBR World Championship race, electric since his return to competition in May following a four-month recovery from a neck fracture sustained at the season-launch Unleash The Beast Major in New York City in January.

The revered Texan won his first event back to competition, a Touring Pro Division stop in Sheridan, Wyoming. He then logged a premier series event and 15/15 Bucking Battle victory, in addition to six Top-10 Unleash The Beast finishes in the five months since.

As a result, he has surged from No. 28 to No. 6 in the world, now 779.5 points behind No. 1 Jose Vitor Leme at the conclusion of the regular-season for the elite tour.

In addition to being within striking distance of Leme to notch his second World Championship, Davis, the 2015 PBR World Finals event winner, is also in position to win the seasonculminating event for the second time in his career.

Only three riders in PBR history have won the World Finals event average title two times or more – Robson Palermo (2008, 2011, 2012), J.B. Mauney (2009, 2013) and Troy Dunn (1995, 1997). Davis could join those three legends with a memorable performance of his own in Texas.

“This is an opportunity I probably will never have again, riding for $300,000 in my home state and winning the World Finals,” Davis said. “That dang sure makes you want to put a little extra stick on your rope and hang on a little tighter. It would be pretty special to win.”

Much like Davis, two-time PBR World Champion Mauney, who is now a Texas resident as well, is also amidst a secondhalf surge which led him to cement his 15th consecutive qualification to the PBR World Finals.

“Everything’s rolling,” the legendary rider said Cooper Davis from the final regularseason Unleash The Beast event in Nampa, Idaho.

Mauney, who also was sidelined for the entire first half, due shoulder surgery, concluded Jose Vitor Leme the 2020 regularseason with four consecutive Top-5 efforts. Consequently, he skyrocketed from No. 98 to No. 29 in the world.

However, while fan favorites Davis and Mauney have both made head-turning, second-half pushes, both are chasing current world No. 1 Leme, a Decatur resident, who has been nothing short of dominant in 2020.

“I am excited for the Finals,” Leme said. “World Finals close to home. It’s going to be awesome. Surely Las Vegas is an event that I hope to go to every year, because I always managed to make a good Finals there. I had many special moments in that place.”

“Arlington hasn’t brought me anything special in my career

yet. I didn’t do so well at The American events and we didn’t win the Global Cup, but maybe this place will become a special place in my career at the end of the season.”

After finishing No. 2 in the world the past two seasons, the Brazilian phenom has looked unshakable in his quest to capture his first World Championship, leading sports experts to run out of superlatives to describe his season.

In addition to winning a league-leading seven Unleash The Beast events, Leme concluded the year with a PBR-best 15 round wins, and eight 90-point rides, having ridden 41 of his 60 bulls on the premier series for an impressive 68.33% riding average.

He amassed a collective 1,341.5 world points and concluded the regular season with double the world points of all riders except No. 2 Joao Ricardo Vieira.

“You’re not going to stop him,” Mauney said of Leme. “He rides way too good.”

With a mere handful of days remaining prior to when the 2020 PBR World Champion is crowned, fans will not have to wait long for the World Championship to unfurl.

Featuring four long rounds and one championship round of competition, the 2020 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast will get underway on Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13 at 8:30 p.m. CT, Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT, and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. CT. In addition to crowning the 2020 PBR World Champion, who will receive the coveted $1 million bonus, the 2020 J.B. Mauney PBR World Finals event winner will take home $300,000, while the 2020 YETI PBR World Champion Bull will earn $100,000.

Apart from the action in the arena, the PBR will hold a free-to-attend, four-day fan zone in Lot 4 of AT&T Stadium. In addition to holding the 2020 MBR (Miniature Bull Riders) Finals, the fan zone will also feature LIVE tapings of Flint Rasmussen’s “Outside The Barrel,” talk show, mechanical bull rides from veteran rider Chase Outlaw and more.

Additional programming for the 2020 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast will be announced in the coming days. Stay tuned to PBR.com for more information.

Tickets can be purchased at attstadium.com, seatgeek.com, pbr.com and by calling PBR Customer Service at (800) 732-1727. arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

In August’s All Star edition, we shared the results of our readers’ poll that celebrated their favorite people, places and things in the Arlington / Mansfield / Grand Prairie area. Here, we offer our editorial picks in more than five dozen categories.

Eats / Drinks / Merriment

Home Life

Boutique Ashlaroo’s

Burger Al’s Hamburgers

Builder Mansfield Custom Homes

Flooring Hiltons Flooring

Coffee House Salter Bros. Coffee Roasters

Exterior Projects Baldi Gardens

Florist Urban Country Flower

Craft Beer On Tap

Financial Advisor Edward Jones Group

Furniture Ivan Smith Furniture

Date Night restaurant506 at The Sanford House

Financial Institution EECU

Gifts Anything Goes

Financial Services Frost Bank

Jewelry Troy Vinson

Podiatry Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers

Garage Door Company DFW Garage Door Plus

Shopping Experience Gracie Lane

Spine Surgery Texas Spine Associates

Formal Dining Mercury Chophouse

Insurance Classic Family Agency: Allstate Insurance

Wellness

Urologist Dr. Justin Lee

Happy Hour The Tipsy Oak

Pet Care Pixie Paws Pet Palace

Allergist Cure Allergy Clinic

Personal Services

Italian Cuisine Cafe Sicilia

Pet Culinary Care Three Dog Bakery

Customer Service Wade Family Funeral Home

Music Venue (tie) Levitt Pavilion Texas Live!

Real Estate Ebby Halliday

Audiologist Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids

Dessert/Lunch Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery Dining Experience Chamas do Brazil

Pizza Gino’s East

Remodeler Medford Design Build

Place to Meet Grounds & Gold

Retirement Community The Orchards at Arlington Highlands

Salads Salata

Roofing RJ Construction

Seafood King Crab House

Veterinarian Richter Animal Hospital & Pet Resort

Steak VB Steakhouse

Chiropractic Care / Wellness Dr. Kenyon Godwin Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Ravi Doctor Emergency Room Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital

Pediatrician Gold Pediatrics Pharmacy Randol Mill Pharmacy

Dance Studio Miss Persis Studio of Dance Golf Course Tierra Verde Hair Salon Maren Karsen Salon Hotel Live! by Loews Natural Setting River Legacy Parks

Family Physician Dr. Theresa Stretch

Photographer Terry Ip Skin Care Great Skin Spa & Facial Club

Tex-Mex La Isla

Storefront

Wine Bar Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar

Antiques C&W Antiques

OB / GYN Dr. Joan Bergstrom

Appliances Texas Appliance

Oncologist Dr. Alfred DiStefano

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Orthodontics Drs Alexander Orthodontics

Family Dentistry Dr. Jackilyn Dang

Hospital Methodist Mansfield Medical Center

30

Optometrist Gayle Karanges - First Eye Care

Spa Spa at The Sanford House Wedding Venue Howell Farms

A

AL Ebby E R Halliday E T A T ES

s we head to the end of the year 2020, which happens to mark the 75th anniversary of Ebby Halliday Realtors, we offer this award as a birthday present for a company known for serving the real estate needs of North Texans and those relocating to the region.

It all began in 1945, when one bold woman parlayed her wisdom, generosity, business acumen and endurance into what is today the No. 1 residential real estate brokerage in Texas.

Acquired by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, in 2018, the widely admired company has in the past year implemented a concerted effort to modernize homeownership services and ensure that homeownership is available to everyone buying or selling a home in North Texas. Since the acquisition, the Ebby Halliday Companies’ expanded leadership team has focused intensely on ensuring its agents and clients benefit from the latest technology and tools. Today, Ebby Halliday is the largest real estate company in Texas and has more than 30 offices covering some 12,000 square miles of North Texas.

Ebby Halliday’s first Arlington office opened in 1977. Due to growth, the office has moved twice since then to its current location in west Arlington, and the Ebby Halliday family further expanded in 2010 when the Mansfield office opened. For more: ebby.com.

W

E

C N A Texas I L PP AAppliance RE STO

hen it comes to goodies for the home and yard, Texas Appliance is virtually without peer in this area.

With roots back to the 1940s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs.

The company operates its retail division from three professionally staffed and well appointed showrooms in South Arlington, Hurst and Fort Worth, along with its outlet store in Pantego.

The beautiful showrooms offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet practically every household need. With more than 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built-in and free-standing appliances in the state of Texas. Whether you need a new refrigerator or are looking to upgrade your washer and dryer, Texas Appliance provides a full array of options to help you find what you need. From the economical to the luxury brands, Texas Appliance offers refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers and dryers, indoor and outdoor cooking appliances, ice makers, wine coolers, disposers, trash compactors, mattresses and more, all of which can be delivered straight to your home. Its experienced staff of contract sales representatives will meet with builders or their customers at their offices, job sites or in the showroom to assist in the selection, installation and demonstration of the appliance package.

For more: txappliance.com.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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F

or the second straight year, we tip our hat to Dr. Joan Bergstrom, founder of Women’s Health Services – and to her team of dedicated physicians taking care of women’s health needs in the North Texas area.

Dr. Bergstrom has come about her success by establishing a unique rapport with each patient over a span of more than three decades, during which she has delivered more than 4,000 local babies.

“The ability to develop relationships with patients that last through decades of life is a very special opportunity,” she says. “Every day I get to go to work and meet new patients and continue relationships with established patients.”

The Women’s Health Services team also includes Drs. Jessica Brown, Joy Carter, Maya Kuriakosi, Kiran Nangrani, Dawnette K. Peppler and Sheri Puffer. Collectively, they and their support staff strive to provide excellent patient service, and the practice was one of the first in the area to implement on-line flexible appointment scheduling.

Dr. Bergstrom founded Women’s Health Services in 1986 when she moved to Arlington after completing her residency in Ob/Gyn at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City.

Women’s Health Services opened a second office in South Arlington in 2016 to offer a more convenient location for patients who live in the south part of the city.

For more: womenshealthservices.com.

N Y G / OB

Dr. Joan Bergstrom

M

Y G O L AUDIO

Kos / Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

indful that Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids has spent 2020 celebrating its 35th anniversary, we offer this award to Dr. Melissa Danchak and her stellar team as a way to commemorate Kos / Danchak’s honorable mission of “helping people hear better.”

“There are not many audiology practices in the North Texas area that can say they’ve been helping people hear better for over 35 years,” Dr. Danchak says. “We believe that the hearing health care experience is about making folks feel confident in their decision to address their hearing health care needs first and foremost. We believe our patients feel confident in the services we provide – they know we are walking with them on their journey to better hearing!”

Dr. Danchak says the practice’s first, and main, priority is to honor its commitments to each patient. “Better hearing health care is a journey – not a transaction,” she says. “Each day, we meet with people that have trusted their hearing health care needs to us for five years, 10 years – some even 20 years. We also meet with people that are addressing their hearing health care needs for the first time. They have confidence in us because of a referral from a friend of theirs. The referrals from an existing patient and the positive online reviews are humbling, to say the least.”

For more: northtxhearing.com.

T

Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital

ER

exas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital offers full emergency services in an exemplary fashion worthy of an Editor’s Choice award for the second consecutive year.

The emergency department is staffed by independent, full-time physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine and by nurses certified in emergency care and advanced life support.

Many Texas Health Arlington Memorial nurses have also earned the title of Certified Emergency Nurse and have completed the Trauma/Nurse Core Curriculum as well as training in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Emergency physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health Arlington Memorial and the nurses and technicians all participate in ongoing continuing education programs to keep abreast of current trends and developments in emergency care.

Texas Health Arlington Memorial emergency facilities are as specialized as the staff. The department includes 40 treatment rooms and eight “fast track” rooms equipped to meet needs that range from heart attack to trauma, asthma attacks to poisoning.

Four years ago, the hospital began an innovative program designed, ironically, to avert emergencies. This outreach program at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, in collaboration with the Arlington Fire Department, helps hundreds of patients with chronic conditions avoid emergency room visits. For more: texashealth.org/arlington.

M Methodist Mansfield Medical Center

L A T I HOSP

ethodist Mansfield Medical Center, a 262-bed acute care hospital, has served the community for more than 13 years while it continues to expand to meet patients’ needs.

The Breast Center at Methodist Mansfield was recently relocated to the Professional Office Building on the hospital’s 23-acre campus.

In this beautiful tranquil facility, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers offer breast imaging services, women’s health services, bone density scans, and pelvic health therapy — all under one roof. To enhance care for its smallest patients, an $8.7 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit expansion opened in July, providing a neonatal procedure room, lactation center, and newborn clinic. The advanced facility also boasts robotic telemedicine services, the AngelEye camera system for enhanced security, a respiratory therapy work area, and rooms for parents with an adjacent laundry unit and family lounge.

The newly completed 82,000-square-foot, four-story Professional Office Building II on the south campus is home to family medicine physician practices and Texas Oncology – Methodist Cancer Center; an ambulatory surgical center is currently under construction.

In addition to the latest medical advancements, Methodist Mansfield has achieved exceptional patient safety scores – and now it receives an Editors’ Choice award.

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

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S Drs Alexander C I T N O Orthodontics RTHOD O

or each of the six years we’ve had orthodontics as a category in our Readers’ Choice poll, Dr. Moody Alexander and Drs Alexander Orthodontics have been selected to the All Star team. So it should come as little surprise that the venerable practice gets our nod, as well.

Over the past five and a half decades, Drs Alexander Orthodontics has focused on providing orthodontic treatment for children and adults, many of whom have become like family to Dr. Alexander and his staff.

“We work hard to provide a 5-star service experience for our patients, from their initial phone call to the ‘getting braces off’ celebration,” Dr. Alexander says. “We understand that the orthodontic journey is so much more than just straightening teeth. We count it a privilege to get to know our patients and their families and strive to be the best part of our patients’ day.”

Another thing that sets the practice apart is its yearning to “give back.” Twice a year, the practice provides an opportunity for patients to be involved with a humanitarian project by donating the actual value of wooden nickels they earn by being good patients. Dr. Alexander and his wife Emily also conduct dental health-based mission trips and are active in many altruistic endeavors with their church and in their community.

For more: drsalexander.com.

W Randol Mill Pharmacy

Y C A M PHAR

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

e love local entities with staying power, so it’s worth noting that Randol Mill Pharmacy has been an area favorite for more than five decades.

Since its genesis in 1965, several generations of talented team members have been striving to provide the friendliest, most professional and efficient pharmacy service in town.

Five words embrace the Randol Mill Pharmacy team’s philosophy, highlighted in the company’s “5-C’s”: Care, Convenience, Cost-effectiveness, Confidentiality and Communication.

Randol Mill Pharmacy is one of the area’s premier resources for prescription medications, over the counter (OTC) medications, flu shots, shingles shots, pneumonia shots, tetanus shots and compounding (where you are not bound by commercial medications, but can have medications in the strengths and dosages that fit your particular needs). The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans, provides complementary local delivery for your convenience – and now Randol Mill Pharmacy is a package pickup Hub for Amazon.

At Randol Mill Pharmacy you will find 6,000 square feet of shopping space stocked with a full range of medical equipment, as well as unique upscale gifts, greeting cards, seasonal gifts and candies. As always, it offers complimentary gift bags with any gift purchase.

For more: randolmillpharmacy.com.

O

G N I F ROO

RJ Construction

R E D L I BU

Mansfield Custom Homes

ver the years, Robert Jordan, owner of RJ Construction, has gotten all kinds of lovin’ from our readers, earning All Star distinction in a variety of categories. But it all started with him on top of a house, roofing to make ends meet as a high schooler.

Fast forward 13 years, and now RJ Construction is one of the more prominent construction businesses in the North Texas area.

Indeed, Jordan’s company not only roofs, but builds, remodels, plumbs and more.

In essence, any part of a home that needs to be created, fixed or enhanced falls in Jordan and Company’s domain.

“Our goal,” says Jordan, “is to provide a wide array of roofing and construction services to meet any need that may arise, and to become your contractor of choice for all of your homeowner needs.”

The yearning to do stellar work for his neighbors is one of the things that sets Jordan – and his company – apart. “This is my community – I was born and raised in Arlington – and my clients are like family,” he says. “When I started this business I made a promise that I would do whatever it takes to make sure I took care of my customers – even if it’s not easy to do.”

That dedication is certainly worthy of an EC award. For more: rj-construction.com.

M

ansfield Custom Homes proudly notes that it “builds dreams from the ground up.” Based on the fact that the company has this year won both Readers’ Choice and Editors’ Choice awards, the custom home company obviously also meets its customers’ expectations. “Mansfield Custom Homes is truly a custom builder,” says Julie Short, the real estate specialist at the company. “Start with your dream, and the MCH team will make it your address.”

The team’s owner Stoney Short will work with each customer during every step of the process. The design team helps you choose stylish finishes that fit your liking, the real estate team helps find the ideal location, and the construction team does the rest.

For more: mchtexas.com.

T

R E L E D REMO Medford Design / Build

he Medford Design-Build team has been remodeling homes across Tarrant County since 1982 and has enhanced dwellings for thousands of happy customers across Tarrant, Hood, Johnson, and Ellis Counties. Owner Mike Medford and “Mike’s Guys” are dedicated to providing homeowners with the highest level of service at a fair price, utilizing professional business, planning, estimating, designing and building practices that produce high-quality projects, quickly and affordably.

Medford Design-Build earned our favor through, among several factors, overwhelmingly positive reviews noting the quick turnaround times, the quality work and comprehensive design packages that left customers knowing just what to expect. For more: remodelmm.com.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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T N E M E RETIR UNITY COMM The Orchards at Arlington Highlands

G N I R FLOO E STOR Hiltons Flooring

T

he Orchards at Arlington Highlands is redefining active adult living in the resort style community that is all about relaxation, beauty, character and individuality for its age 55+ residents. That means a new level of activities, scenery and experiences where life is more fun, healthy and vivid.

The Orchards provides an array of standard pleasures for its residents, including one and two-bedroom dwellings with expansive 9-foot ceilings, built-in bookshelves, an elegant kitchen with granite countertops, a glass-top range and pantries; and showers with glass enclosures. Residents also enjoy an elegant clubhouse with a coffee bar, a Bistro lounge with Starbucks coffee, a theatre room, outdoor recreation areas and more. For more: orchardsarlingtonhighlands.com.

H

iltons Flooring is an ideal one-stop showroom for practically any floor-covering need. Since 2013, Hiltons Flooring has been passionately serving customers as an accredited business with an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.

For more than seven years, Hiltons Flooring has been devoted to providing the best and largest selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate vinyl, tile and stone in a friendly, comfortable and helpful atmosphere.

Hiltons carries most name brands of flooring and also granite, marble, quartz, quartzite countertops, backsplash and showers, making it the ideal place to shop for practically any home improvement/enhancement project.

For more: hiltonsflooring.com.

T

Y R L E JEW Troy Vinson Jewelers

roy Vinson Jewelers is a Family owned business that has met – and exceeded – the jewelry needs of North Texans since 1971.

We love how the Troy Vinson team caters to its customers’ tastes, always striving to provide only the highest-quality jewelry, repair and custom design.

Troy Vinson has the largest fine-custom jewelry and repair facility in the area, using state-of-the-industry technology, such as CAD computers, mills and 3-D growing machines, a Pantograph model-making machine, laser welders, and gemstone and diamond setting under microscopes. Even more noteworthy: All of the company’s jewelers are Jewelers of America Certified.

For more: troyvinsonjewelers.com.

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T S I R O FL

Urban Country Flower Co.

36

ike the emotion that accompanies every one of the gifts that come from Urban Country Flower Co., our hearts go a-flutter as we recognize this unique business that has captured the affection of area shoppers as a European-style fresh/silk bucket shop that has something for just about everyone.

Urban Country Flower Co. has become a go-to place for flowers for events, weddings, parties, and holiday decorations. It also specializes in arrangements for anniversaries, birthdays, get well, “I’m sorry,” “Congratulations!” and “Just because.”

Its retail shop also carries home gifts, garden gifts and accessories (both vintage and new), gourmet food, coffee and more. For more: urbancountryflowerco.com.

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

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GIFTS

Anything Goes

n 2012, Mary Davis’ dream of creating an eclectic gift shop became a reality when Anything Goes opened its doors at 2504 W. Park Row in Pantego. We don’t know if Mary ever dreamed of winning back-to-back Editors’ Choice awards, but we’re going to guess she will gladly accept our appreciation of her fine business.

Over the past eight years, Anything Goes has grown from 1,200 square feet to almost 4,000 square feet of retail space that features products that meet the needs of customers of all ages. “I work hard to find our customers new products so they have the diversity in the gifts that they’re giving, and there’s always something new and fresh for them on the shelves,” Mary says.

For more: anythinggoesgiftshop.com.

E

E U Q I T BOU Ashlaroo’s

arning an Editors’ Choice nod after only three months of business shows just how quickly Ashlaroo’s has become a shopping hot spot. Ashlaroo’s started as a dream by Arlington native Ashley Barling, who founded the company based on her love for fashion and her passion to create joy in the people around her.

Ashlaroo’s carries women’s and juniors’ clothing, accessories, gifts and more. Barling came up with the name based on a nickname her family gave her during her childhood. In addition to her business acumen, Barling also engages in her community, recently hosting a philanthropic event for Martin High School Cinderella candidates, as well as a shopping fundraiser for Hagar’s Heart. “I feels it’s so important to give back to the community that raised me,” she says. For more: ashlaroos.com.

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S E U Q ANTI C&W Antiques

G N I P P SHO NCE E I R E P EX Gracie Lane

Readers’ Choice All Star for three straight years, C&W Antiques can now add Editors’ Choice winner to its list of accomplishements. This great showroom features unique, rare and interesting furniture and accessories not found at most stores stateside. Co-proprietors Jim Carpenter and Patrick Walsh routinely create an inviting ambiance with fragrant Market candles, music and vignettes of old-world rooms that stimulate the senses.

C&W Antiques specializes in 17th, 18th and 19th century English and French furniture. It also has an exquisite collection of original fine art by Italian, French, Russian, English and U.S. artists, and its Faberge Collection is the largest in the state of Texas and perhaps the world. For more: candwantiques.com.

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sk virtually any shop-aholic in town, and he/she will tell you that a definite “go to” destination in Arlington for items both fun and functional is Gracie Lane. We agree – this is the second straight year we’ve given an Editors’ Choice award to Grace Lane.

Since opening in 2014, Gracie Lane has rapidly become recognized as the Arlington area’s premier destination for clothing, jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. Manager Mary Macken says the real key to Gracie Lane’s success, though, is the relationships she and the team build: “I believe our philosophy of treating every person that walks through our doors as a family member really resonates with our customers.” She’ll get no argument here. For more: gracielanecollection.com.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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T

E R U T I FURN Ivan Smith Furniture

L A I C N FINA CES I V R E S Frost Bank

he friendly, knowledgeable and helpful team at Ivan Smith Furniture prides itself on helping you find everything you need to furnish your home both stylishly and affordably. While the company has 45 stores located throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, we can vouch for the one in Mansfield, where we discovered a great furniture selection, amazing furniture discounts, and top-quality customer service.

Living room furniture selections include love seats, recliners, and complete sofa sets. Dining room packages feature tables and dinette sets, as well as stylish home bar furniture. And there’s plenty of great options for the bedroom (for adults and children), the office, the entertainment room and the kitchen. For more: ivansmith.com.

I

n each of the past five All Star polls, Frost Bank has earned our readers’ collective nod as an Arlington Area favorite, so who are we to argue with our readers?

Founded in 1868, Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services across Texas.

With a philosophy that emphasizes building long-term relationships and treating everyone with integrity, caring and excellence, Frost Bank has earned numerous awards for customer service to consumers and businesses, and it is one of the more locally philanthropic financial instutions in the area.

As our readers have learned, when you have an account with Frost Bank, you also have a relationship built on honesty, trust and respect. For more: frostbank.com.

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SPA

Spa at The Sanford House

HAIR N O L A S

Maren Karsen Aveda Salon

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perennial Readers’ Choice All Star, the Spa at The Sanford House is now also a back-to-back recipient of Editors’ Choice recognition.

And why not? The award-winning, full-service day spa and salon offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, microdermabrasion, waxing, as well as hair and nail services for both men and women.

General Manager Valerie Landry says the company’s professional philosophy is to provide tremendous, sincere hospitality to everyone.

“The Sanford House is most special because of the unparalleled service we provide,” Landry says. “Our vision is to lift up all of our guests so they feel nourished, accepted and celebrated. Come visit our restaurant, spa, and hotel, and enjoy a respite from the everyday.”

For more: thesanfordhouse.com.

M

aren Karsen Aveda Salon & Store is a full-service hair salon and Aveda Experience Center located in the heart of Downtown Arlington in the beautiful Vandergriff Town Center, next to Grease Monkey Burgers and across from Babe’s Chicken, Mellow Mushroom and Arlington Music Hall.

Aveda is an industry leader in haircare, skincare, body products and cosmetics. That is why Maren Karsen carries only Aveda products and uses only the Aveda hair color line.

Whether you visit for a professional haircut, highlights, color or just your favorite styling product, Maren Karsen Salon is ready to deliver by offering evening and Saturday appointments, in addition to serving the “9 to 5” crowd. For more: marenkarsen.com.

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

SKIN CARE

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club

L A M R FO G N I N I D

Mercury Chophouse

E E F F CO E S U O H

Salter Bros.

Coffee Roasters

G

reat Skin Spa & Facial Club owner Brenda Hunt began her career in the beauty business as the first U.S. franchisee of Canadian-based FACES Cosmetics. She developed Great Skin Spa & Facial Club in Arlington 10 years ago, and the company has continued to grow and gain notoriety as an exceptional day spa and skin care provider.

Great Skin specializes in dozens of skin treatment protocols and instant slimming and body contouring procedures. Through its Facial Club, Hunt and her team make it affordable for clients to care for their skin in the spa and at home.

Hunt also offers franchise opportunities for prospective owners who would like to achieve the kind of success she has enjoyed. For more: greatskin4you.com.

Y

ou know the best-in-town view. You know the delicious cuisine.

You know the impeccable service. And now you know why, for the second straight year, Mercury Chophouse has earned an Editors’ Choice award.

In very short order, Mercury Chophouse has gained a reputation around town (and around all of North Texas, for that matter) as the place to meet for a business lunch or for a dinner to celebrate a special occasion. Because of its vast reserve of fine wines and cocktails and the small-plate selection introduced last year, Mercury Chophouse has drawn in the happy hour crowd, as well. Add it all up, and the sum is literally an award winner. For more: mercurychophouse.com.

S

alter Bros. Coffee Roasters began with one simple premise: Every good day begins with a great cup of coffee. The coffee drinkers on our team concur – and agree that Salter Bros. is a GREAT place to go to satisfy their coffee cravings.

Salter Bros. Coffee Roasters is the only coffeehouse and roastery in Arlington, offering globally sourced specialty coffee, artisan roasted, in its downtown coffee shop.

Local residents and those who visit or work in Arlington love that the coffee house is a small, local, family owned business, and, when they can’t come to the business proper, Salter Bros. brings the coffee to them online. Bottom line: These folks do coffee right.

For more: SalterBrosCoffee.com.

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E C N A R INSU

Classic Family Agency-Allstate

he Classic Family Agency, Inc., is an award-winning insurance company owned by Michelle and Tom Grothouse. Prior to opening the agency in 2010, Michelle was a top agent in another Allstate agency, while Tom was an Allstate regional office division manager with 23 years of service.

Classic Family Agency provides consistently outstanding personalized care as Michelle, Tom and their team help customers protect what is important in their world. Insurance products include auto, home, condo, renters, motorcycle, business, life, ATV and boat. The agency is relaxed and kidfriendly with a play area. Visitors always enjoy refreshments and an engaging décor that includes sports, automotive, and Allstate memorabilia. For more: classicfamilyagencyinc.com.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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C I T C A R P Dr. Kenyon O R I H C Godwin S S E N L L & WE

Y G O L ONCO Dr. Alfred DiStefano

L A I C N A FIN OR ADVIS

Jack Webb Edward Jones Group

PET CARE

Pixie Paws Pet Palace

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D

r. Kenyon Godwin, founder of Active Family Wellness Center, has earned Editors’ Choice honors in consecutive years.

The practice, which now has two offices, is based on a simple philosophy. “We believe people should have the freedom to pursue their purpose without limitations!” Dr. Godwin says. “AFWC offers an effective lifestyle modification program utilizing Functional Medicine.

This program incorporates the best of wellness: Chiropractic, Nutrition, Detox, Comprehensive labs, Supplements, Massage, Fitness, Mentorship and Meditation / Prayer. Our catalyzing statement is to make Arlington the healthiest city in the state of Texas.”

We’re Arlington Today, and we approve of that message. For more: txwellnessdoc.com.

A

perennial recipient of our annual Readers’ Choice award in the oncology category, Dr. Alfred DiStefano can now add an Editors’ Choice honor to his list of many achievements.

Dr. DiStefano founded Arlington Cancer Center four decades ago with a vision to craft a medical facility that would be all-inclusive for patients undergoing cancer treatment – the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities would all take place under one roof.

It was a revolutionary concept in 1980, and it became a model for effective cancer treatment all around the country and internationally. Last year, Arlington Cancer Center became part of Texas Oncology and is now Texas Oncology-Arlington Cancer Center North.

For more: texasoncology.com/cancer-centers/arlington/arlington-cancer-center-north/medical-oncology.

J

ack Webb, CRPC®, has become one of the area’s premier financial advisors by adhering to a constant tenet. “I believe it is important to invest time to understand what you are working toward before you invest your money,” he says. “Working closely with you and your CPA, attorney and other professionals, I can help determine the most appropriate financial strategy for you and your family.”

Basing all their efforts on the foundation of relationship building, Webb and the local Edward Jones branch has “been blessed” to serve the Arlington community since 1994. “Some say, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees,’ we have to earn it. It’s my responsibility to help you save some of those earnings so that you can live, and to help you live because you saved.” For more: tinyurl.com/y6bt28ks.

I

t’s little wonder that Pixie Paws Pet Palace has found a spot on our Editors’ Choice roster, given how well the business puts a check mark in that most famous of boxes, “All of the above.”

Indeed, Pixie Paws is a veritable all-in-one destination for pet services, including vet services, doggie day care, grooming and boarding. There’s even extended parking available to pet owners who leave their animals at Pixie Paws Pet Palace and take an Uber to catch a flight out of town.

Pixie Paws quarterly vet clinics take place from 10 a.m. - noon and include some eight options for vaccinations, plus protective services that fight worms, fleas and ticks. Here’s the deal: Your dog has it good at Pixie Paws Pet Palace. For more: pixeespawspetpalace.com.

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

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

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

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

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

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

One option is traditional courtroom litigation.

Another option is collaborative divorce.

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•

UTA TODAY

UTA’s E.H. Hereford University Center undergoes a facelift

• By Devynn Case

T

he University of Texas at Arlington recently unveiled the latest update to campus, a newly renovated entrance to the E.H. Hereford University Center. The enhancements provide a more welcoming entrance for students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests who visit the UC. “The University Center hosts nearly 8,000 events in a normal year, and I am confident that the entrance will be enjoyed by the entire University community,” says Teik C. Lim, the university’s interim president. “We look forward to the day when we can gather here in person.”

Due to concerns regarding COVID, the ribbon cutting at the end of September was a closed event to ensure a small gathering where participants could maintain social distance from one another.

Designs for the $9.8 million project started in 2018, with construction to transform the space near the Bluebonnet Ballroom and Rosebud Theatre beginning in September 2019. The updates include a new entrance, pedestrian walkway, formal promenade and a parking lot that extends to UTA Boulevard. Final touches,

EVERYONE DIGS THE NEW DIGS

Photo: UTA

including landscaping and outdoor lighting, wrapped up just prior to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“The goal was to develop the north side of the UC into an inviting and open campus entrance in order to create a signature entrance to a building that suffered from a lack of identity,” says Troy Yoder, director of institutional construction. “Since most of our VIP events that we have on campus involve the Bluebonnet Ballroom, it really is a premier location. The entrance to the building now lives up to its function.”

The transformation features a two-story glass entrance, limestone materials and terrazzo flooring that matches the space with newer parts of the UC, such as the Lockheed Martin Career Development Center atrium.

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•

EDUCATION

CHAPTER 2

In our June 2019 cover story, we featured Arlington Martin STEM engineers Samantha Maldonado and Trinity Stallins. The two students are now conquering academic challenges – and a pandemic – at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Trinity Stallins & Samantha Maldonado are overcoming challenges at MIT

W

hen last we checked in on Trinity Stallins and Samantha Maldonado in the June 2019 cover story, the Arlington Martin STEM engineers were preparing for studies at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here’s an update on the students, now sophomores – during a pandemic, no less ...

Stallins says her experience has been filled with “learning things I never thought I’d want to know, trying things I never thought to try, and being supported more than I knew I could be. This is the first semester we have grades, so there’s a lot more pressure now than there was last year. The switch to online classes [because of COVID precautions] has definitely been an adjustment, but I don’t have a ‘normal’ semester to compare it to. I do know that I’m lucky it’s a small school because I have people I know in all of my classes which made finding virtual study groups much easier.”

Maldonado echoes that assessment. “School’s looking a bit rough right now,” she says. “Currently, it’s midterm season, so everybody is swamped with studying for those and balancing everything else going on. In regard to how the pandemic has affected the way students learn, all of my classes are remote. It sometimes feels like this has led to having to do more work than if I were taking classes in person, but MIT has let us put one class on pass/no record, which takes the stress off.”

Stallins has a double major: Urban Planning and Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Global Development. She came to the school not even knowing about Urban Planning but became intrigued during her first semester, “and I’m really excited to pursue it.” Maldonado, likewise, has a double major, in Political Science and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, “Currently, I’d say I am further into my EECS major since I entered MIT with that focus in mind, planning to take those classes,” she says. “It was not until this summer that I decided to switch course from a STEM career path into one of law.”

COVID has even affected living arrangements for the two students.

Because all classes are still online, only seniors are required to live on/ near campus. Stallins lives in a house that is a two-hour drive from MIT in western Massachusetts with two other MIT students and one from American University. Maldonado chose to continue the semester from her home in Arlington. As might be expected from all the uncertainty wrought by the pandemic, both students have found their MIT experiences challenging. “Yes, it’s difficult, yes, it can be frustrating, 44

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

but everyone around me understands the workload and is there for words of support, or to be silly for a little bit so we can take a break from the pressure we put on ourselves,” Stallins says.

Maldonado calls it a roller coaster. “I met so many great people my freshman year and was able to adjust well to the course load,” she says.

“Finding out we were getting kicked out of campus and sent home mid-spring was definitely a shocker. Having to re-adjust to working and being as productive at home as I was on campus has been a bit of a struggle. But being sent home and having experiences here over the summer made me realize I was far more interested in making an impact in government than STEM.” Despite the inconsistency of the learning environment, both women have experienced academic highlights, notably through a learning community, Terrascope, through which freshmen are tasked with finding a proposal for a challenge. Stallins and Maldonado were charged with making hurricane relief in Puerto Rico quicker, more sustainable, and more equitable. They spent the fall organizing about 50 students and studying community centers to propose a standard for them for hurricane response. During the spring, with the same learning community, Stallins designed a mechanically powered doorbell for the deaf community for hurricane response, and made a radio program about the changing social dynamics caused by the pandemic.

Maldonado, meanwhile, earned an undergraduate Research Position with the Political Science Department dealing with the spread of misinformation. “I literally get paid to study conspiracy theories,” she says.

Though they don’t get to spend time together this term, both women are grateful they have each other for the latest round of academic challenges. “They say college is about reinventing yourself,” Stallins says, “but it is comforting to have someone there who knows more of what you’ve been through.”

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•

BEHIND THE WHEELS

ROLLS-ROYCE CACHET

Adlai Pennington got a real bargain when he purchased this classic • By Richard Greene

I

f you pulled into almost any parking lot of almost any size 50 years ago with a Rolls-Royce like this 1978 Silver Shadow II, it is entirely likely that you would have the car with the greatest prestige and the most expensive of them all.

What if you encountered a Cadillac owner, you may ask?

The GM flagship in the 1970s could be had for about $10,000.

According to the big insurer of classic cars, the Hagerty Insurance Company, a Rolls would cost you more than six times that amount. Or, somewhere north of $280,000 in today’s dollars.

So, when classic car collector Adlai Pennington made this vehicle number 25 in his very eclectic collection of cars that he keeps in just the condition he finds them, he was able to say that he had an exceptional example of a classic from five decades ago.

Readers may recall that I’ve featured a couple of other Adlai’s cars that he keeps in his garage/warehouse/mancave on his property tucked away in a wooded area along a nearby stream.

Recalling how his collection is arranged bumper to bumper and door handle to door handle, I asked him if there was space for this new addition. “Oh yes,” he assured, “there’s room for this one, too.”

He went on to say through his affable smile, “I’m thinking about holding a one-man car show someday. It will require some doing since most of my cars haven’t been started in a very long time and some of them will require towing, but I’ve got what is needed to do that, too.”

I hope he is serious because such an event would reveal a car collection like no other – all of his cars are one-of-kind, and

Adlai Pennington stands with his 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, which was acquired at an auction during the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event.

Photos: Richard Greene

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

SO, HOW much did Adlai Pennington pay for this classic Rolls at auction? A nifty $11,000.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

47

he should expect offers from other enthusiasts who would like to take some of them off his hands.

His response to such a suggestion will leave any would-be buyers disappointed: “I’m a buyer, not a seller.” Even though he doesn’t drive many of them very much, he gets a lot of enjoyment from having them, all while learning their histories and imagining what their original owners were like and what were their plans for how they would use them.

It wouldn’t take too much guess work for this RollsRoyce, as whoever first purchased it did so for its stunning luxury for the era, as well as cachet that would certainly turn heads.

Adlai’s acquisition of the car occurred unexpectedly at an auction that took place during the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event. “I was there to watch with no intention of buying anything,” he says. “When this Rolls took the stage, the auctioneer This 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II is vehicle number 25 in Adlai Pennington’s eclectic collection of cars that he keeps in just the condition he finds them. declared that its owner had spent $60,000 restoring it to top condition inside and out and under the hood. So, he announced, ‘We’ll start the bidding there.’

“No hands went up, so ‘What about $50,000,’ and still, no hands, and that went on until the asking price for the no-reserve auction entry reached $10,000. Then there were two bidders at that price, and they raised the price another $500, and when the guy with the gavel asked for $11,000 both of them dropped out. So, I raised my hand, the hammer fell, and I had bought it!”

Hagerty puts the value on the mid-1970s Rolls-Royce vehicles today (depending on their condition) around the mid$20,000 range, so Adlai did really well in his spontaneous purchase. Really nice ones that have been restored and mechanical issues solved like this one are worth even more.

After the auction was over, the owner, apparently depressed it didn’t sell for a lot more, approached him and offered to buy it back for $25,000. Not being sure of why he would want to do that, it really didn’t matter.

Adlai, as we learned earlier, isn’t a seller.

We’ll let you know if and when that one-man car show ever gets scheduled. You won’t want to miss it.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

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LOCAL DWELLINGS

HOME SWEET! HOME This elegant abode was built to last, built to impress and built to be enjoyed

T

his month’s featured house, located in Arlington’s Forest Hills neighborhood, is an elegant retreat that is on the market and listed by The Brandee Kelley Group.

As it was the builder’s personal home, no expense was spared in the quality of construction – but you probably guessed that already, given the 12,000-word testament found on this and the ensuing page.

The 6,530-square-foot dwelling anchors .33 acres and features four bedrooms; six and a half baths; marble flooring with brass inlays in the foyer and master bath; wood in the formal areas, family room, kitchen and master bedroom; tile in most wet areas; and carpet in the secondary bedrooms.

The staircase pictured on the opposite page in the upper right-hand corner has hand-forged brass and iron railings and is illuminated by a 14-carat gold chandelier from Paris.

Indeed, the stunning architecture, elegant finishes and breathtaking views will captivate you at every turn of this spectacular estate. Designed for an executive’s lifestyle with entertaining in mind, the home showcases dramatic ceiling treatments, European light fixtures, intricate moldings, striking cast stone balconies and fireplaces. The aforementioned grand staircase in the foyer opens to elegant formal areas and the family room, which overlooks the private backyard, covered veranda and pool.

Multiple entertainment spaces include the media room, game room with built-ins, and a spacious, second-floor landing with a seating area. There’s a coffered ceiling in the study (also pictured on the next page), and there’s a craft room or artist studio with a sink. All bedrooms boast en-suite full baths and walk-in closets.

For information about this magnificent dwelling, contact The Brandee Kelley Group’s Listing Coordinator Debi Campbell at 817-233-5731 or email homes@brandeekelley.com.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos courtesy of The Brandee Kelley Group

Here are highlights of the interior and exterior of a Forest Hills neighborhood dwelling that was originally owned by its builder. It’s little wonder, then, that every inch of the home boasts of style and craftsmanship. arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

53

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•

MAINLY MANSFIELD

A LOT TO LOVE, INDEED

Mansfield’s The LOT Downtown introduces new ways to engage the community

A

fter COVID put the kibosh on the spring and summer entertainment season, members of the board of Mansfield’s The LOT Downtown have been working diligently with local performers to return musical artistry – and revive enthusiasm among local residents – through the “A LOT to Love” Streaming Series available on the venue’s website, thelotdowntown.com.

“The name, of course, is a play on our name but also an ode to Mansfield because we feel like there is a lot to love in our community and we want people to show it with #ALOTtoLoveMansfield,” says an official statement from The LOT’s board prepared especially for Arlington Today. Here are other highlights from the statement: As schools and businesses and restaurants and bars start to open back up, we still take our guidance from Tarrant County health officials in regards to attendance at these large events, protocol, etc. For this reason, the streaming events were the best way to follow the guidance and finally to provide music and entertainment for the community without prolonging a hiatus. We were designed to be a Live Outdoor Theatre for the community, and we’re doing our best to continue our mission to not only give our community a quality show, but also to provide a safe environment for EVERYONE.” As always our venue is available to be rented by other organizations and entities for their own private events, but during this unique time, being a large, open, outdoor area equipped with a stage in the middle of the community is an asset. In addition to rentals, we are also co-hosting smaller events to provide an opportunity for our community to come together during these difficult times. Since September we’ve partnered with the local YMCA branch at Cooper Street (who was suffering from a large decrease in membership) to provide a free workout weekly called, “A Lot to Love Wellness Series, presented by Baylor Scott and White Orthopedic – Arlington.” Participants sign up for a “spot” to get an outdoor workout from a trained professional and a free membership to the YMCA ...

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

We, like so many businesses and people throughout our nation have been financially impacted from the COVID pandemic. As a non-profit organization, we run a very streamlined operation with so much of our operational budget funded through grants, sponsorships and tips from people gathering at our venue ... With so many small businesses impacted by the pandemic shut down, as well as the City hotel occupancy tax funds being cut, we simply do not have the budget to provide any live entertainment events in 2020 ...

As the economy begins to open back up and we look forward to 2021, we hope that we can deliver on our mission and the community will join us in supporting to continue to provide arts and entertainment to Mansfield at The LOT. Our goal has always been to provide free events for the whole community – with no tickets or assigned seating in place – we accommodated everyone. With our current conditions of limited group events, we have devised a way to provide limited free ticketing with sectioned lawn space to provide ample social distance as well as other precautions such as sanitizing stations throughout the venue. With these new safety precautions in place and with several rental events already hosted at The LOT with other organizations, we’ve created a future model for successful operations of the venue.

“The LOT to Love Streaming Series” has been our immediate way to pivot to supporting musical arts working with local artists to help promote their music and even our other local neighbors by featuring their businesses. Additionally through rentals, we’ve been able to support musical acts of all types including recitals from local dance companies, full-scale theatrical productions from local high schools like The Oakridge School and other community partners like the Kiwanis Club. By providing them a centralized location that’s outdoor with proper social distancing and safety measures in place, we’re still continuing to act on our mission to continue to provide arts in the community that The LOT was founded on. And of course, with hopes for 2021, we’re hoping to give promise to local performers, up and coming and established, a place to play very soon.

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Schedule a tour at T H E OA K R I D G E S C H O O L . O RG and discover what makes us

The Junior League of Arlington will be hosting a Festival of Trees from December 4-23. Sponsors will decorate a tree and visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trees. The most popular trees will have grants awarded to their favorite non-profits.

THE OAKRIDGE SCHOOL IS A COED COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL SERVING STUDENTS AGE 3 THROUGH GRADE 12.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS For more information, email jla@jlarlington.org

The Oakridge School admits students of any race, color, sex, religion, physical ability, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Oakridge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, physical disabilities, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid, and other school sponsored programs.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• THOUGHTS OF THANKSGIVING

Mayor Jeff Williams and wife Karen celebrated the arrival of their newest grandchild. Their son Ryan and his wife Morgan introduced Olivia to the world last month – and THAT’s something for which to be grateful.

Jerry McCullough, Retired educator and longtime volunteer on local projects

A

s for everyone, 2020 has been an unusual year. First, I am thankful for my family, my wife, Becky and my son, Mark. I am thankful for God’s protection in Mark’s job as a captain of a fishing vessel in Alaska. I am thankful for my health and the assistance I received from my doctors at the Heart and Vascular in the Arlington Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Even with the pandemic and my health issues, I am grateful for the opportunity I have been afforded to serve our community through volunteering at Mission Arlington (pastor of an apartment church in east Arlington), Salvation Army, Young Life, Mended Hearts, Child Protective Services, River Legacy, and Men Serving God organizations.

I am grateful to have been honored with the Bill and Shari Bowie Community Service Award from the Arlington/Mansfield YMCA. I am grateful to lead several Bible Studies for men each week. I am grateful for my friends who have supported me through my health crisis and my volunteering. I have been blessed.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Williams

FOR THIS WE GIVE

THANKS

Dr. Aaron Reich, President of TRINU Healthcare and Arlington ISD Trustee

T

hanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year. Settling into the holiday season, appreciating the blessings that have been afforded to me, and usually taking some needed time away from all of the hustle and bustle to focus on family and what is really most important is what makes it such a special time of year.

I am thankful to God for everything I have been blessed with. My wife and two children are at the top of that list. My children are young adults now, and there is nothing more special than being with them, interacting with them at a whole new level, and witnessing the incredible humans they are growing to be, all with the love of my life at my side. This is absolute completeness. I also take this time to make sure I focus on what other family I have while thinking of all those that have moved on to be with the Lord. Our time here is finite, and no matter how I try to appreciate every moment of every day, Thanksgiving is a window of reflection of the time to come with the dawn of a new year on the horizon and the time past with the dusk of the current year.

This time of reflection also makes me think of the sincere gratitude I have for friends and the relationships I have with so many. I am grateful to simply be alive, to live in a community that cares, works together for the betterment of all while striving for safety, comfort, and prosperity of every person. I feel truly blessed to live in Arlington and serve our community while contributing my little part of something that is so much bigger than myself.

The actual day of Thanksgiving – I can’t wait for it to get here. Cinnamon rolls, Thanksgiving Day parade, family, food, football, and an incredible warm feeling of comfort and gratitude.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Geraldine Mills, Director of the Arlington Historical Society

I

am most thankful in 2020 for Dakotah Daisy Best, born during this pandemic. She is our fifth great grandchild; her mother, our third grandchild, is a Type 1 diabetic, diagnosed at age nine. This was going to be a challenge to her and the baby even during a normal pregnancy; add COVID-19 to the equation and you have more serious complications: Hospital visits, with only one person to be present ... a premature birth and time in intensive care ... Mom and Dad unable to visit her together, let alone Grandparents or Great grands. The threat of COVID always present. I am proud of our family that pulled together to keep this baby safe and thankful for the many prayers we received.

Today I am thankful for a four-month-old, beautiful, fat, healthy Dakotah Daisy!

I am thankful for my past: My parents Claude Howell and Daisy Powell Nash brought me home to 205 Arnold Street in the year 1941. We were just a few blocks west of Meadowbrook Park; we had great neighbors: the Houstons, the Borens, the Hydens.

These same people and their stories would come back to me later in my work. We spent a few short years in Pantego and came back to Arlington, and I started first grade at Southside School. An incredible group of teachers left me with a sense of what I could achieve. Two of my favorites were Ruby Peters, who laughed and shared happiness, and Coach Harris, who listened.

I am thankful that diversity was an integral part of my life. My Mother had the Fort Worth Press paper route in Arlington, as far south as Arkansas Lane, north to the Hill, plus the local newsstands. The variety of people I met during this time left me with memories that I share today in my work. These were wonderful, interesting people with stories to tell, and I get to help tell them.

I am thankful for my work at the Fielder Museum and the Historical Society. The people I work with are a blessing. I am often asked when I will retire, and I reply when it stops being interesting and fun. I am thankful for my hometown and the people of our past and those of our present.

Derrick Kinney, CEO, Good Money Framework

S

elling my business in January to pursue opportunities I was passionate about was a bold move. The unwavering encouragement of my wife, Kara, and the support of family and friends is something I will always cherish. In the midst of the pandemic when my college daughters landed back home and my high school boys’ schedules cleared, I found the evenings when the six of us sat around the dinner table together, laughing and occasionally arguing, priceless.

I am thankful for learning to appreciate the “messy” —changing course when every planned event was canceled, we were stuck at home, and felt out of control. The reset button we were given for renewed family time, spending less money and evaluating the things of true importance — in the rear view mirror, it was all a gift, blessings in disguise. Each of us has experienced struggle in some way or another during 2020. I am thankful to live in such a great community with generous people, navigating together the uncertain times. May you look back and reflect on the gifts you have been given, your blessings in disguise, as well.

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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS Baseball at Globe Life Field

Scene

Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/Grand Prairie area Photo courtesy of Daryle Perez

Daryle and Melisa Perez took in some postseason baseball at Globe Life Field.

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

An Open Arms Health Clinic health care specialist does a blood pressure check.

The health services were sponsored by Walgreens and Americares.

Open Arms Health Clinic

Mission Arlington

Open Arms Health Clinic provided a variety of health services to local residents last month.

Ben Carson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, paid a visit to Mission Arlington and got a tour from the mission’s Executive Director Tillie Burgin before posing for a picture with her and Mayor Jeff Williams.

Photos: City of Arlington

Arlington Fire Department Members of the NMOHM team with the organization’s float that was part of the parade

National Medal of Honor Museum

Photos courtesy of Amber Zuckerman

Representatives of the National Medal of Honor Museum participated in the Alliance Air Show parade.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

The Sanford House

Photos: Arlington Fire Department

Firefighters from station 12 participated in a clean up event for the Fish Creek Community.

Photo: of City of Mansfield Photos courtesy Valerie Landry

Here are a couple of shots from the recent Chef Demonstration presented by The Sanford House. Socially distanced groups were entertained and well fed by program’s end.

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•

NEWS & NOTES

Bulletin Board Photo: theshorthorn.com

Daniels will be the next Arlington on Zoom speaker

Luminova Holidays, a spectacular light show and interactive winter playground, will be the first event open to the general public at Globe Life Field.

It will run at the stadium from Nov. 20 - Jan. 3.

Luminova Holidays will come to Globe Life Field this month

L

uminova Holidays will come to Arlington’s Globe Life Field with larger-than-life light displays from Nov. 20, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021. Luminova Holidays marks the first event to be open to the general public at the new stadium. Here are some of its prominent features: • 2.7 million lights • More than 270,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space • A 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink • A 65-toot-tall Christmas tree • Photo opps galore • Interactive activities, including light up hopscotch • Train rides for the kids • Strolling holiday entertainers • Old Saint Nick and his elves • Booths with food and special mementos to bring the holiday magic home “It’s wonderful to see this spectacular holiday event in Arlington,” says Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “We’ve always been the perfect family-friendly destination for creating holiday memories, and that’s why we’re excited to welcome the world class Luminova to Arlington!”

In collaboration with the Texas Rangers, Luminova will take place inside and outside Globe Life Field. Ticket prices start at $14.99. A family pack, which includes two adults and up to three kids, starts at $59.99. VIP packages are also available for large groups. Tickets can be purchased at LuminovaHolidays.com. Limited tickets are available per night during the Nov. 20, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021 engagement. For a full list of available dates, visit the Luminova website.

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J

oe Daniels, CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum, will be the featured speaker at Arlington on Zoom at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11. The talk will take place on Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ DowntownArlingtonTexas.

Arlington on Zoom is this fall’s alternative to the popular Arlington On Tap series, which featured speakers at local pubs and eateries discussing matters of importance to Arlington. Because of the pandemic, the series was moved online this fall, but it still features the same speaker format – only online. And it still takes place on the second Tuesday of the month.

However, the series will take a break in December and resume in the spring.

A young chef in the making is plying his trade at the popular eatery Prince Lebanese Grill

T

hanks to an innovative program at Arlington Independent School District’s Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center, local eatery Prince Lebanese Grill has a new employee who is wowing customers – and his bosses – with some “way beyond his years” culinary skills.

Preston Nguyen is the studentturned-chef-in-training, who came to the restaurant via the center’s Practicum Program. But what started as a twice-a-week educational project has evolved into the beginning of a career that Elizabeth Kobty, Preston seems to have no ceiling for the Nguyen and Aziz Kobty high schooler.

“This kid loves to cook, and he is great at it!” says Aziz Kobty, the restaurant’s general manager. “He comes in with a great attitude and wants to learn everyday. He grew up in the restaurant business and knows his way around a kitchen. He is always cooking, sharing recipes, and even posts videos/photos on his Instagram. To me, it is a privilege to invest our time in someone who truly shares the same passion for food we do at Prince.”

Initially Preston’s role at Prince Lebanese was to come in during his school lunch break and assist the chefs as part of the twice-a-week Practicum Program. But he learned so quickly that he is now working a couple of nights a week at the restaurant’s appetizer and salad station.

Kobty got involved with the program via his family’s longtime friendship with Dan and Linda Dipert, frequent customers of Prince Lebanese Grill. “We wanted to support their vision, [the center’s] Chef Alyce Monroe and the AISD students anyway we can,” he says. “Chef Monroe emailed me after I toured the CTC, and we immediately jumped on board. Prince is honored to be partnering with AISD for their Chef Practicum Program.

The Chef Practicum Program is a class that students must apply for in their second year of the Culinary Program at the Dan Dipert Career Tech Center. The goal is for students to get real life experience in real kitchens to help prepare them for the next chapter of their career.

To be accepted into the Chef Practicum, they must go through testing, sharpen their skills, and be interviewed

by Chef Monroe.

Inspiring Hope Luncheon has been canceled, but you still can help the cause

A

s the COVID pandemic forced cancellation of The Salvation Army’s annual Inspiring Hope Luncheon in early 2021, the organization’s administration began putting in place #RESCUECHRISTMAS to help replace financial support that usually comes from that event.

The project features four opportunities for local residents to continue to support The Salvation Army’s North Texas Youth Education Town: Opportunity 1: Make a donation quickly and easily online at https://bit.ly/3jUWVyR. Opportunity 2: Join the Virtual Red Kettle Challenge.

You can create a personal or business challenge site or create a Red Kettle Team engaging your friends or employees. Determine your amount, donate it to your Virtual Red Kettle, set your goal at double that amount and challenge friends and family to help you hit the goal.

To set up an account, visit https://bit.ly/3njrFf3.

Opportunity 3: For a donation of $1,500 you can sponsor a Red Kettle location. Your name or company logo will appear on the signage at a prominent location from Nov. 20-Dec. 31. In addition, you will receive a sign for your home or business signifying your Kettle Sponsorship with a QR code so employees, business associates, family and friends can also donate. To become a kettle sponsor, call (410) 422-7117.

Opportunity 4: Register to ring the bell. You can do this as an individual or with a group of friends, and you can take on an entire location for a day or more. If you are a business owner, you can also make this a great team building opportunity. For every volunteer hour more funds are raised, as The Salvation Army does not have to hire individuals to ring the bell.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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DINING GUIDE

Keen Cuisine UPSCALE

Cut & Bourbon

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

AMERICAN

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

Frieddaze

frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.com Mac’s Bar & Grill • 6077 W. I-20 • 817-572-0541 • macsteak.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX

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

The Grease Monkey

ITALIAN / PIZZA

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

BARBECUE

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

INTERNATIONAL

Prince Lebanese Grill • 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811• princelebanesegrill.com 68

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

El Gabacho

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SPEAKING OF SPORTS

Globe Life Field gets its chance to shine

Special touches, such as life-size Ranger bobble heads and upper-level rocking chairs, put a Texas stamp on this year’s postseason.

Y

Photos: John Rhadigan

stadium had the attention of sports fans everywhere. ou could see it in their eyes! Of course, all you could see Globe Life Field looked great on TV and it sounded great, was their eyes. The lower two thirds of their faces were too. As real fans entered for the first time they were informed covered by masks, the top of their heads, covered by that there would be artificial crowd noise tracks used to caps. Baseball caps. They wore the colors of their favorite team, enhance the “sounds of the game.” But from game one of the there were Dodgers and Braves and others. But mostly Rangers.

NLCS the Rangers realized that the taped crowd noise was It was game one of the National League Championship Series. not as necessary as they thought. Ten thousand fans who are Even though the Rangers were not in the playoffs, even though excited about the games and excited about the stadium can fill the Rangers are not in the National League, Rangers fans were this place with noise. I can’t wait to hear 40,000 blow the roof all over the NLCS. off this joint! Next opening day? I hope so!

After spending 60 days this summer in the beautiful new Oct. 12 was opening day of the NLCS. On that day Chuck Globe Life Field with no fans, I was so eager to see the reaction Morgan said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a of real fans to this fantastic structure. So I watched their eyes. pleasure to say for the first time, ‘Welcome, baseball fans, to When they entered the roof was still closed, so they looked Globe Life Field.’” The crowd cheered. Soon after that he said, up to see the largest single-panel retractable roof in the world.

“It’s baseball time in Texas.” And the crowd roared.

Then they looked down to see a field that was lined and Those who watched the NLCS or manicured and ready for baseball.

World Series on TV got a glimpse.

Then they looked around to see a Globe Life Field was celebrated. Joe stadium that they will be proud to call Buck said more than once, “Welcome the home of the Texas Rangers. back to the new Globe Life Field; it is a From the life-sized bobble heads of John Rhadigan beauty.”

Pudge Rodriguez, Adrian Beltre and Buck is right. It is a beauty. Here’s Michael Young in centerfield to the hoping that very soon the World Series larger-than-life rocking chairs in left, GLOBE LIFE FIELD is a is decided here again. Not as a neutral this place is full of Rangers history sight. Not as a part of a baseball and all the comforts and character beauty. Here’s hoping the bubble. But with the home team of today. It was well received by the World Series is decided winning the ultimate prize in front of fans who raced to the railings to have here again. a full house of frenzied fans. pictures taken or to take selfies with If that happens, and if the fans are baseball’s newest cathedral in the still wearing masks, I will be watching the eyes. And I know background. what I will see: tears! Tears streaming down faces and soaking The World Series was in our new ballpark, too. By the time masks as we all celebrate what we have waited nearly 50 years it was played the number of visitors to Globe Life Field had to experience. It is going to happen. I don’t know when, but grown exponentially. In fact, to get a real feel for this place you when it does, we will all agree it was worth the wait. must visit. If you were able to do so during the playoffs, good for you. If not, you are in for a treat when fans are allowed back.

The world was watching baseball’s best battle in a bubble.

Major League Baseball made the right choice when Globe Life Field was picked as the host of baseball’s biggest games. Not surprisingly, World Series tickets sold out quickly, and the new Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Fox Sports Southwest television network.

70

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HOLIDAYS at JAZZY JEMS! arlingtontoday.com • November 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

71

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EVENTS, ETC.

Itinerary Dallas Cowboys Football

THE SECOND ANNUAL Art Market will be held from 1- 6 p.m.

This month, your Dallas Cowboys will play host to a pair of longtime rivals: the Pittsburgh Steelers (at 3:25 p.m. on Nov. 8) and the Washington Football Team (at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 26). dallascowboys.com.

Photo: nflspinzone.com

on Nov. 7 at 400 E. Division St. in Downtown Arlington. Hosted by Downtown Arlington Texas and Catalyst Creative Arts, the event will feature eight local artists showcasing their paintings, prints, handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking and more. The market is free of charge to visit, but you are welcome to purchase items from the respective artists. For more: https://tinyurl.com/yy3jzffy.

ARLINGTON MUSIC HALL (224 N. Center St.) will present the following concerts this month: Sammy Kershaw (at 8 p.m. on Nov. 6), Cuando el Mariachi Suena el Mundo Canta (at 7:30

River Legacy Living Science Center As you visit River Legacy Park this fall, be sure to check out the Living Science Center, which is open from 9 am to 5 pm Mondays through Saturdays. riverlegacy.org.

Photo: River Legacy Parks

p.m. on Nov. 7) and Beatlemania Sammy Kershaw

64 (at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13). For more: arlingtonmusichall.

THE KRINGLE VILLAGE Holiday Hoedown will take place from 5 - 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19

Fall Scavenger Hunt Hike

at Knapp Heritage Park (201 W.

Part of the “Hike with a Naturalist” series, this event will be held from 2:30 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Mansfield’s Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park (1650 Matlock Road). https://tinyurl.com/y6ys4c7e

Front St.). Holiday Hoedown fun includes parades, stories, elves on the stage and more, and each hoedown ends with a special tree lighting. For more: https://tinyurl.com/y6s4kqjy.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Photo: City of Arlington

#RescueChristmas Our goal is to raise over $360,000 through Red Kettle donations for the Salvation Army, North Texas Youth Education Town. Because there will be no Inspiring Hope Luncheon in 2021 please help us double that amount by pledging your financial support today!

Opportunity #1

Quickly and easily make a donation online: https://bit.ly/3jUWVyR

Opportunity #2 Join The Virtual Red Kettle Challenge

You can create a personal or business challenge site or create a Red Kettle Team engaging your friends or employees. Determine your amount, donate it to your Virtual Red Kettle, set your goal at double that amount and challenge your family, friends and employees to help you hit that goal.

Build a Red Kettle Challenge here: https://bit.ly/3njrFf3

Opportunity #3 Sponsor a Red Kettle Location

For a donation of $1500 you can sponsor a Red Kettle location. Your name or company logo will appear on the signage at a prominent location from November 20 to December 31. In addition you will receive a sign for your home or business signifying your Kettle Sponsorship with a QR code so employees, business associates, family and friends can also donate.

Deadline: Nov. 10, 2020.

To become a Kettle Sponsor, please call (410) 422-7117

Opportunity #4 Register to Ring the Bell

You can do this as an individual or with a group of friends and take on an entire location for a day or more.

If you are a business owner you can also make this a great team building opportunity. For every volunteer hour more funds are raised as we do not have to hire individuals to ring the bell.

Register to ring here: https://bit.ly/34vBDBL

All funds raised will go directly to support the Arlington, Mansfield and surrounding areas.

Thank you for your support! #RescueChristmas

You can also mail a donation to The Salvation Army, 712 W. Abram, Arlington, TX 76013

•

THE FINISH LINE

Being thankful in a tough year

I

He had experienced some discomfort in his throat and n a year like no one living today has seen before, it may be wondered if a tonsil was the cause. A cancerous tumor was counter intuitive to think there has been much to be thankful discovered on a tonsil that potentially involved other areas in for; however, there always is, and our family has a couple of the neck and throat. examples to share.

After having the tonsil removed and the pathology confirming My wife’s sister Penny, her husband, their daughter and her the diagnosis, he was referred to an oncologist who specialized husband together with their two children all live in a twoin treating that type of cancer. The doctor was encouraging family home in Lake Charles, La., where the deadliest and most about the treatment plan he successfully used on patients, but destructive hurricane ever to make landfall there came ashore it would require rigorous radiation and chemotherapy with on Aug. 27. significant side effects.

Left in its wake was unimaginable damage to the entire A special metal mesh mask would be made for his head and city that Mayor Nic Hunter summed up as, “A tragedy and shoulder area that is literally bolted down on the treatment table so catastrophe the likes of which we have not seen in a lifetime.” as to focus the nuclear beam directly on the cancerous mass.

Hurricane Laura brought 150 mph winds and a storm surge Repeated weekly sessions of radiation spanned two months, up to 15 feet, forcing more than half a million people to evacuate with the chemo infusions adding to the regimen with its own set of southwest Louisiana. The eye of the massive storm passed right side effects to try and manage – including concerns about lung and over Lake Charles. kidney functions impacted by the poison injected into his body.

Among those fleeing the onslaught, that would result in 77 During all of this, he lost his deaths and more than $14 billion in taste sensation, and his gag reflex damage, were Penny and her husband became intense, which resulted in and their two grandchildren. Their his becoming disinterested in eating destination was our Arlington home. anything, adding another dimension That left behind their daughter, a Richard Greene to his condition because it was vitally pharmacist in a Lake Charles hospital important for him not to lose weight and considered essential, and her during the treatment processes for husband, a petrochemical operative three reasons: The mask would no who would be needed in that vital PRAYERS WERE lifted longer hold him in place, he needed industry. and answered. That’s when nutrition for the healing process and You can imagine the anxiety as Thanksgiving occurred. to rebuild his kidney function that had we watched television broadcasts all been damaged. night from the safety of our den as the What he was going through was so storm approached, knowing that they, complicated that doubts were raised that he could tolerate it all together with their son-in-law’s elderly mother, were crouched and the cancer would win the battle. in the safest area of their home literally hoping to survive.

Soon, although he and his family didn’t think soon was Prayers were lifted and answered. That’s when the coming around soon enough, thanksgiving occurred. thanksgiving occurred during Hurricane Laura. As they were Surviving all of that produced the hoped-for healing. when Hurricane Delta came through on Oct. 9, when they all Following subsequent tests, scans, and lab analysis, his doctor stayed sheltered in their home. delivered the cancer-free declaration.

While homes in the family’s neighborhood were destroyed, Although he still awaits the return of “normal” – the most theirs was spared with only minor damage. The family was important diagnosis any of us can hear from any doctor – prayers unhurt and soon able to help those who were. again have been answered and gratefulness is experienced as this The second of the blessings for which we are thankful most uncommon year is drawing to a close. occurred in the life of my wife’s brother Jay and his family.

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

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