October 2022

Today Today

Local Business STARS Local Business STARS

Dr. Kenyon Godwin and siblings Aziz and Elizabeth Kobty at Prince Lebanese Grill typify the leadership that helps drive Arlington’s success

Dr. Kenyon Godwin and siblings Aziz and Elizabeth Kobty at Prince Lebanese Grill typify the leadership that helps drive Arlington’s success

Local Business Stars

Here is a collection of business leaders who go above and beyond to make our area a better place.

Fulfilling childhood plans

In kindergarten Dennis Brown said he wanted to own a Mack truck. See how that wish came true.

Home SWEET! Home

George and Sandra Campbell share their beautiful Interlochen dwelling with us this month

46

UTA Today

The university is pioneering STEM curriculum for elementary students with disabilities.

A better alliance

With an enhanced facility almost complete, Alliance for Children will better serve area youngsters.

Mainly Mansfield

A collection of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center murals have earned national recognition.

DEPARTMENTS

Starting Line 10

Itinerary 12

This ‘n Data 14

Around Town 22 Scene 24, 52

Style 44 Bulletin Board 58 Keen Cuisine 60 NMOHM 62

Speaking of Sports 64 Finish Line 66

COMING NEXT MONTH

Doctor Kenyon Godwin and siblings Aziz and Elizabeth Kobty at Prince Lebanese Grill are local business stars who make a difference.

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

I’ve been wanting to dot and dash in this space for a while, so I’ll start here: What do you get when you add Alliance for Children to the Arlington Police Foundation, and then add the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant and CASA ...

... And then add the Junior League of Arlington, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, the Mansfield Women’s Club, the Open Arms Clinic, Run with Heart, and Theatre Arlington?

In addition to the answer being that you get news you can use about every organization/cause noted on pages that follow this one, I would venture that you also get a very well-served community. After all, each of the aforementioned entities was conceived to do good things for their fellow citizens, and their altruism spans a variety of spectrums.

We, the team members who bring you coverage of practically every spectrum in the area, are honored to note such benevolence. You see, we think it’s pretty cool that our neighbors make a point to take care of their neighbors, and we want to make sure you know about the lovin’ that is being given to people who are often the ones who need it most. Goodness knows lovin’ is in short supply in a lot of places these days. Obviously not here, though.

Kudos to those of you who have chosen to volunteer, donate or physically lend support to the worthwhile causes I mentioned and all the others that I didn’t. You make Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie ... well ... Arlington/Mansfield/Grand Prairie.

Speaking of making things, I’m not making this up: In this, the 107th issue we’ve produced since starting Arlington Today in September of 2013, you’re going to read about somebody who inspires you.

Certainly, the folks on this issue’s cover are inspirational. Dr. Kenyon Godwin’s heartwarming journey to become the first African American person named Chairman of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is chronicled in Richard Greene’s “Finish Line” column on page 66. And when you check out their profile in our Local Business Stars section on page 27, you will quickly discover why siblings Aziz and Elizabeth Kobty at Prince Lebanese Grill are prominent roster members. (Spoiler alert: These prize acorns didn’t fall far from the prize tree.)

Finally, I want to share a notion I’ve been harboring, pretty much since the day I wrote the first words in this space some nine and a half years ago. I have lived/worked in six communities over the span of my life, and I’ve visited dozens of burgs very large, very small and very “in between.” But I’ve never experienced a community that is more congenial, harder working or dedicated to the greater good than this one.

Technically, I suppose, that’s not a dot or a dash. In fact, I’ll call it an !.

yale@arlingtontoday.com

Phone us at (817) 303-3304

Yale

ITINERARY ...

FLOWAPALOOZA IS SET FOR OCT. 7-9 AT EPIC WATERS INDOOR WATERPARK

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie will host the third annual FlowaPalooza on Oct. 7-9. The action gets underway at 9 a.m. on Oct. 7 and concludes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9. Activities at the free event will include:

• Live Entertainment

• Vendor Village

• Family Village

• Food Trucks

• Beer Garden (and more)

Musical artists scheduled to perform include Joshua Tree (at 9 p.m. on Oct. 7), Metal Ed (at noon on Oct. 8), Mason Adams Project (at 2 p.m. on Oct. 8), Paul Renna (at 4 p.m. on Oct. 8), Tejas Brothers at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8), Forgotten Space (at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 8), Latin Express (at noon on Oct. 9), Mahagonie (at 2 p.m. on Oct.9) and Texas Latino (at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 9) facebook.com/flowapalooza

COWBOYS FOOTBALL

3 home games are on tap this month

The Dallas Cowboys will have three home games against National Football Conference opponents at AT&T Stadium this month. The defending NFC East champions will play the Washington Commanders at noon on Oct.

2. They will entertain the Detroit Lions at noon on Oct. 23, and they will finish the month hosting the Chicago Bears at noon on Oct. 30. dallascowboys.com

MORGAN WALLEN CONCERT

Country favorite will play Globe Life Field

Country music singer/songwriter Morgan Wallen will perform at 5:30 p.m. on Oct.8 at Globe Life Field as part of the national Morgan Wallen Tour. Wallen made his first mark on the national music scene when he competed in the sixth season of The Voice.

He is a CMA award winner who was dubbled “the most wanted man in country” by The New Yorker because of his 9 billion on-demand streams. globelifefield.com

SOUTH STREET ART FESTIVAL

There’s all manner of art, for your sake

The 9th Annual South Street Art Festival returns October 7-9, 2022. The longest running and only fine art festival in the Downtown Cultural Arts District of Arlington has been voted the 2022 BEST Outdoor Festival in Arlington by the Arlington Today Magazine readers. Artists from across the country line South Street from Elm to Jefferies Street with booth after booth of quality art. southstreetartfest.com

Photo: South Stree Art Festival

•

A music at Levitt Pavilion Arlington (100 W. Abram St.) will be highlighted by Do Good Fest, which will run from 7-10 p.m. on Oct. 7. The evening will feature a free concert by Gangstagrass, and donation at the event will go to support the Parkland Foundation’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Program.

Elsewhere on the October Levitt calendar are performances by the following: Los Músicos at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8; The Latin Breed Band at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8; September Moon at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14; The Zeppelin Project at 8 p.m. on Oct. 14; Dustin Massey at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15; and Kody West at 8 p.m. on Oct. 15.

levittpavilionarlington.org

ARLINGTON

S

ymphony Arlington will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Arlington Music Hall. The featured performer at this concert will be pianist Arseniy Gusev.

The musical fare at this event will include Strauss’ “Overture to Waldmeister,” Finzi’s “The Fall of the Leaf, “Franck’s “Symphonic Variations,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 in F Major .” symphonyarlington.org

Theatre

Grand Prairie (1001 Texas Trust Way)

‘Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil will run from Nov. 25-Dec. 11 at Texas Trust Credit

Photo: dallascowboys.com

Photo: tasteofcountry.com

THIS ‘N DATA ...

Tlast month honored Tom Grieve for his remarkable 55year career with the franchise that wraps up with his retirement this month.

Grieve spent all but one of his 56 seasons in professional baseball as a player, executive, and broadcaster with the Senators/Rangers franchise.

To honor the local legend, the club gave away Tom Grieve Bobblehead dolls to fans at a September game, during which the Rangers wore vintage uniforms from Grieve’s days as a player.

Grieve threw the ceremonial first pitch at the game. In addition, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation presented the University Little League of Fort Worth with a grant in Tom’s name.

HOW’S THIS FOR A HAT TRICK?

RAISE YOUR HAND if you took part in a lock-in at Big Wheel Skateland in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Keep that hand up if you had to explain to your children what a Big Wheel was and how it was important to you.

ARLINGTON

BY THE NUMBERS

$100 million

The annual amount of economic output for the City of Arlington and Tarrant County produced by Texas Live!

Source: arlingtontx.gov

32

The number of years (at least) the Texas Rangers will be playing in Arlington, per an agreement between the club and the city.

Source: arlingtontx.gov

0.73

The percentage of growth rate of the population of Arlington in 2022.

Source: worldpopulationreview.com

24

The number of footballs the Dallas Cowboys are required to provide at each game, per the NFL.

Source: sportskeeda.com

If you’re duefor a Covid-19 booster, know that they are available at the ArlingtonTx Fire’s Public Health Unit, which offers shots to the public twice a week. The address is 2920 S. Cooper St.

Tom Grieve

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Michael Jacobson and his wife Kristen had quite an eventful stretch recently. The couple welcomed their first grandchild, Bennett, to the world on Aug. 30, the same day they celebrated the 96th birthday of Michael’s father, Dr. Bruce Jacobson. Meanwhile, Michael and Kristen also found time to mark their 39th wedding anniversary.

NEW CITY BUDGET WILL PRODUCE ANOTHER CUT IN PROPERTY TAX RATES

The Arlington City Council last month approved the $597 million Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget, which includes the largest property tax rate reduction in the past 30 years, and increases for residents’ water rate, the garbage collection rate and stormwater fee.

Plans for next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, include investments in public safety, city streets, buildings and other public infrastructure, and support for Arlington’s award-winning parks and recreation amenities. This includes new playgrounds, smoother parking lots for park patrons and money to make sure parks services are equitably accessible for residents.

The City Council also voted to lower the Arlington property tax rate for a seventh consecutive year – this time by two pennies. The City’s property tax rate, which is currently $0.6198 per $100 of assessed value, will be $0.5998 per $100 of assessed value.

The Council also reauthorized a variety of residential property tax exemptions, including the largest homestead exemption by state law of 20% of the property value. The City also offers a senior tax freeze as well as $60,000 exemptions for those who are over 65, disabled veterans and disabled persons. Exemptions are also available to surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members and first responders who are killed in action. Seniors over the age of 65 in Arlington may also be eligible to defer payments.

The City’s budget and business plan is built around supporting the City Council’s six priorities: Build Unity, Champion Great Neighborhoods, Support Youth and Families, Invest in Our Economy, Enhance Regional Mobility and Leverage Technology.

For more: tinyurl.com/2x66cdm4

– Susan Schrock

TO DAMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC).

Texas Trust has been a premier partner of the DAMC since 2016 and creator of the DAMC’s annual Dream Builder award.

Minge serves on various civic and community boards and contributes to making downtown Arlington a prime destination.

“Downtown Arlington has become a vibrant community again with a mix of retail boutiques, restaurants, cultural events, and new residential developments,” Minge says. “It’s a privilege to serve on the DAMC Board with other business and community leaders who are doing their part to revitalize downtown Arlington.”

This is Pixie Patterson, and she is a Shih Tzu. She is the imperial size (smaller size), and in this picture she was 3 months old.

– Brenda Patterson

TRIO HONORED BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Three Arlington men – David Sargent, Richard Greene and Randy Ford – were presented special awards last month at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Show dinner and awards event.

Sargent, shareholder of the StripeA-Zone pavement marking company, and Greene, who served as the mayor during pivotal years in the city’s history, were presented with Star awards.

Ford, the owner who turned J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill into one of the city’s premier restaurant gathering places, was presented the Business Hall of Fame award.

Jim Minge

Scoops

1. The Spa at The Sanford House is offering a new Hydrafacial service. A powerful, nonabrasive process, hydradermabrasion removes dead skin cells and impurities while simultaneously infusing moisturizing serums into the skin. For more: 817-861-2129

2. LaSharndra “Sharn” Barbarin, CEO of Medical City Arlington, was recently honored by the Dallas Business Journal as one of 25 Women in Business Awards recipients. Known for her servant leadership and community commitment, Barbarin is highly regarded by the area’s business community, the magazine noted.

3. The Mansfield 2022 Fall Sweep litter cleanup project will take place from Oct. 1-20. Volunteers are invited to pick up litter at locations throughout Mansfield. For more information, call Rebecca Sales at 817-728-3610.

CODE COMPLIANCE RECENTLY HONORED

A rlington’s Code Compliance recently received the 2022 International Code Council Community Service Award. Code Compliance Services Director Brian Daugherty attended the annual ICC conference held this year in Louisville, Kentucky on Sept. 13, 2022, to accept the prestigious award.

The ICC Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service that promotes public health, safety and welfare. Code Compliance in Arlington has new innovative programs that increase community engagement, provide essential services and build public trust while helping create and sustain healthier, safer and more beautiful neighborhoods.

CURNUTT & HAFER HAS BEEN LAUDED AS ONE OF THE AREA’S BEST PLACES TO WORK

Curnutt & Hafer, LLP, a downtown Arlington law firm, was recently awarded one of Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s annual “Best Companies to Work For” awards. The full-service law firm, founded by partners Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer, specializes in business formation and litigation, personal injury, estate planning and inheritance disputes, family law and oil and gas matters. Curnutt & Hafer is staffed with experienced attorneys

and paralegals recognized for their dedication – not only to the legal profession, but also to the firm’s creed: SEEK bottom line results, SERVE with excellence, DO the right thing. This corporate creed sets the tone for how the firm does business with others and how they treat their own team.

The “Best Companies to Work For in Tarrant County” program is judged based on policies and practices, including work-life balance, training, career development and charitable contributions among other key aspects that impact the corporate culture.

“We consider this award as a real testimony to doing business the right way, where employees and their talents and skills are celebrated,” said Doug Hafer, a founding partner of the firm. “We work to embrace the whole individual. Whether it’s allowing time off for volunteer work, serving on community boards, hosting events designed for employees and their families to enjoy, along with more traditional benefits such as generous health and 401K plans, we want our corporate culture to attract and retain the best attorneys and staff.”

UTA SELECTS

2 NEW VICE PRESIDENTS

The University of Texas at Arlington recently named two new vice presidents.

Yolanda Bevill will serve in the new role of vice president for marketing, messaging and engagement.

John R. Davidson is the new vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer (CFO).

Bevill has more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience, most recently at Colorado State University.

Davidson brings more than 20 years’ experience in government and higher education finance leadership positions to his new role at UTA, where he had been serving as interim CFO since February. His new role took effect Aug. 22.

Finding a home. Then the task of finding a life.

Ministry conferences are usually upbeat, uplifting affairs that leave you invigorated and hopeful, but when Kile Bateman was headed back to Texas after attending a Christian gathering in California, he couldn’t shake what he’d seen. It was a teenager exiting a van as if being tossed out, his possessions stuffed in trash bags.

Bateman would later learn that age was the culprit in the troubling scenario. The teen was a foster care kid who was no longer a kid, at least according to the foster care system.

By their 18th birthday, foster youth are told they can go anywhere they want. They just can’t stay where they are.

Bateman, a pastor from Wichita Falls, first figured, oh, okay, those crazy Californians. Not so. No state is immune. Children age out without resources – or skills, for that matter, where they could at least find employment in a trade. Being the unwilling nomads foster kids often are, a high school diploma isn’t usually stuffed in that trash bag. Moving from home to home can leave them with few graduation credits.

“Imagine being the new kid in school every three to six months without the security and stability of a loving mother and father,” Bateman says. “Imagine, for a moment, that you are in a group home or treatment center simply because there is nowhere else to go – believing that no one wants you. Finally, on your 18th birthday, you are “out” without any resources or place to call home?”

That’s when Bateman stepped in, founding the non-profit Phased IN in Wichita Falls.

Bateman wanted a place resembling a family’s bosom where these teens could receive unconditional support. Family dinner or a birthday celebration would be nice, too. This supervised independent living center has received kudos for servicing over 100 former foster care teens in the past six years.

Phased IN provides what many of these young people lack: a place to belong, to start over, to complete their education possibly, to get on with their lives.

In Arlington, over on Oakwood Street, a once vacant Assembly of God church building is being renovated as a new Phased IN facility. It will house 14 young women, give or take, says Cindy Wright, an Arlington Sunrise Rotary Club board member whose organization has been intimately involved in this project.

“It’s a perfect location because it has two buildings,” Wright tells me. “The girls will be in the big building. Then there will be a resident director who lives on the property. “

Each summer, the non-profit hosts the 18 Candles Gala (the last one was at the Collins Event Center), which offers community members an opportunity to get involved.

Phased IN needs all the help it can get. Administrators’ goals are lofty, sure, especially since transitional living programs don’t come cheap. Renovation alone is over $1 million.

Whenever one of its participants heads out on their own, it’s a win for Phased IN and society, trying to keep everyone, particularly teens, off the homeless roll.

Getting Phased IN phased in here has been both a love fest and a challenge, Wright adds, but “we are on track to open by December, or early January, at the latest.”

By the way, the Arlington location will house females only because they are considered natural prey, Wright says, for sex trafficking. I get it. After bouncing around five, ten homes, it’s doubtful anyone would notice if they disappear.

“To be able to pull them out and give them an opportunity to be loved, get a roof over their heads, some training, that’s a big deal,” Wright says. “It’s important to plant seeds, to give hope and motivation that they can live outside that cycle as long as they are willing to do the work.”

If you would like to find out more information, or if you would like to find out ways you can help Phased IN help area young people, visit phasedin.org/campuses/arlington-tx.

Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today for nearly a decade. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

Kenneth Perkins

The recent 18 Candles Gala offered community members an opportunity to support Phased IN’s efforts to create transitional programs for young people who have aged out of foster care.

Photo: phased IN

SNAPSHOTS

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce ‘Annual Show’

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce ‘Annual

PRAIRIE

New Chamber Chairman Dr. Kenyon Godwin (right) poses for a picture with family and friends.

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Michael Jacobson addresses the crowd.

Karen Williams and former Mayor Jeff Williams

Karina Cassell

Paul Brodie and Mayor Jim Ross

Photo courtesy of Karina Cassell

Photo courtesy of Sylvia Greene

A few days following the ‘Annual Show,’ Chamber President and CEO Michael Jacobson shared this message with the business people who made the event an overwhelming success.

Photo: Prudence Mathis

Photo courtesy of Paul Brodie

Photo courtesy of Dr. Kenyon Godwin

Photo: The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Active Family Wellness Center

The past few months have represented one of the busier – and more rewarding – periods in the life of Dr. Kenyon Godwin, founder and owner of Active Family Wellness Center, a premier holistic practice that helps local residents acquire and maintain good health.

In addition to running his practice, which has two Arlington locations, Dr. Godwin last month was introduced as the new Chairman of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. That means that he now is not only entrusted with enhancing his patients’ well being, but he will also have his hand on the pulse of the local commercial community, as well.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” Dr. Godwin says of his new Chamber assignment. “When I first joined the Chamber, I just wanted to add value and never imagined I would emerge as chairman.”

When Dr. Godwin says he is excited, that’s no exaggeration. Rare is the moment that he doesn’t have a smile on his face or pep in his step. He says that’s simply because he feels called to do all the positive things he does.

“I’m inspired by the God I serve, I am made in His image, and I’m sure it’s a positive one,” he says. “I love people, and there’s so much negativity in the world, we should be intentional on being grateful and spreading love whenever we can.”

On the job, his fervor extends beyond fixing “what ails you.” He embraces a holistic approach to help each patient take positive steps toward a healthy lifestyle and focuses on enhancing not just the body, but also the mind and soul.

The Facebook pages for both offices feature almost-daily posts that share tips to help you attain/ maintain a healthier you, from recipes for delicious and nutritious foods to researched reports on common health challenges and the best ways to deal with them. On his personal page, Dr. Godwin routinely shares stories rooted in faith in action.

So, in essence, his patients – and his many friends in the community – get the best of Dr. Godwin every time they converge, even virtually.

As for the practice, the team at both Active Family Wellness Center offices addresses your body’s structure and supports your lifestyle with useful advice and a range of additional services. AFWC offers an effective lifestyle modification program utilizing Functional Medicine. This program incorporates the best of wellness: Chiropractic, Nutrition, Detox, Comprehensive labs, Supplements, Fitness, Mentorship and Meditation / Prayer.

Dr. Godwin is also certified in the Webster Technique for pregnant women.

His devotion to his patients has made him a successful health care practitioner – prior to his recent big Chamber news, his practice was honored as the organization’s “Veteranowned Small Business of the Year.”

And the Chamber isn’t the only entity to pay tribute to the good doctor. He has been named an Arlington Today Readers’ Choice All Star nine straight years, including this one.

For Dr. Godwin, the accolades aren’t what is important; serving patients is always his focus.

“We believe people should have the freedom to pursue their purpose without limitations!” Dr. Godwin says. “Our catalyzing statement is to make Arlington the healthiest city in the state of Texas.”

Active Family Wellness Center

North: 4120 N. Collins St., #100 South: 4927 S. Collins St., #105 817-557-2770 • txwellnessdoc.com

Dr. Kenyon Godwin

Prince Lebanese Grill

While the food fare at Prince Lebanese Grill has been drawing rave reviews for years, there’s another element that has earned the popular eatery devotion that borders on reverence. Prince is an Arlington institution in practically every sense of the word.

That’s no surprise, given the restaurant’s very strong roots. Prince Lebanese Grill was founded by Francis “Prince” Kobty, and though he passed away a little over a year ago, his legacy lives on – in the delicious food, in the unmatched service, and, especially, in the commitment to making sure the community “Prince” loved so much feels like it is part of his extended family.

The restaurant is now managed by his immediate family: his wife Amira, his son Aziz and his daughter Elizabeth. Collectively, they simply “do it right.”

For instance, Aziz is not just a restaurant manager; he is an ambassador for all things Prince Lebanese Grill. Recently, that meant preparing Lebanese cuisine for fans of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers at their respective Arlington Stadiums. It also meant working with the Arlington ISD to help hone high school “chefs to be” at the restaurant in real-world food preparation situations. One of those students, Preston Nguyen, earlier this year became the youngest World Food Champion in history, besting master chefs from around the globe to earn the top prize.

Aziz, Amira and Elizabeth routinely hold special events at the restaurant for local groups hoping to raise funds for their organizations or for projects.

Prince Lebanese Grill even recently participated in the “Best Taco in Arlington” contest. Its Lebanese version of the taco found such favor that the delicacy was featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The next big project at Prince, in conjunction with the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation, is set for Nov. 15, when the restaurant will pay tribute to its founder by announcing the winner of the Francis Kobty Hospitality Scholarship. The Culinary Arts Scholarship will go to homegrown talent from Arlington Independent School District and Mansfield Independent School District. Details about the event are available via the QR tag in the upper left corner.

Last year, the vastly popular eatery was featured in Texas Monthly magazine, Aziz was chosen to serve as the celebrity chef for the Dallas Cowboys’ home opener at AT&T Stadium, and the Kobty family was inducted into the Arlington Highlands Rotary Club as honorary members.

And those were just September 2021 highlights.

All of what the Kobty family does – really, what the Kobty family is – is a testament to the magical bond between the restaurant and the community. So, not unexpectedly, patrons enthusiastically embrace Amira, Aziz, Elizabeth and “Prince’s” memory.

In August, Prince Lebanese Grill earned its fourth straight Arlington Today readers’ choice All Star honor. It has been earning – and maintaining – the business of hungry Texans since 1989, providing a veritable home away from home for virtually every one who dines there.

“Our vision at Prince is top-quality food, reasonable prices and a family environment,” Aziz says. “Prince Lebanese Grill’s philosophy is to take care of others. From the customers to the staff we strive to treat everyone like family.”

Prince Lebanese Grill

502 W. Randol Mill Road • 817-469-1811 PrinceLebaneseGrill.com

This Facebook photo posted shortly before Francis Kobty passed away, epitomizes what Prince Lebanese Grill is all about: family.

This Facebook photo posted shortly before Francis Kobty passed away, epitomizes what Prince Lebanese Grill is all about: family.

Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids

Aseven-time Arlington Today Readers Choice

All Star winner and an Editor’s Choice winner the past two years, Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids owner Dr. Melissa Danchak has been virtually unmatched in achieving the honorable mission of “helping people hear better” – and she has been doing that for more than three and a half decades.

That kind of longevity underscores just how consistently important Dr. Danchak and the stellar team at Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids has been for its patients and to the community since the practice was founded in 1985.

“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,” says Dr. Danchak. “Our entire staff believes 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 in providing an exceptional experience for those with hearing health care needs. An experience that helps people feel confident in their decision to hear the best they can! 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 began working at Kos/Danchak Audiology in 1997 and purchased the practice five years later. She has a passion for providing unparalleled care and service for her patients, and their gratitude for her investment in their lives is on full display in the hundreds of online reviews they have been sharing for years.

While her formal education gave her the book

knowledge needed to become an audiologist, Dr. Danchak certainly believes that learning is a lifelong process.

“Like any small business, we experience change, adversity, success, and a whole host of other ‘stuff’ on a regular basis,” she says. “We try to learn, every day. We evaluate how we help people, and we try to make the hearing health care experience better for the people

person to have a better experience with us every time they visit. That is reflected in the

Dr. Danchak and her team live by a fairly simple (professional)

best to serve our patients and fellow employees to the best of our ability; continue to learn and grow, every day, so that we can accomplish that in the best way

people’s lives,” she says. “We see it on their faces when they hear and understand clearly what a loved one is saying. We see it when a spouse or child experiences the feeling of being able to communicate again without raising their voice or repeating themselves. Patients and their families share with us that their investment in better hearing, and us, has changed their lives. It’s not always easy for people to admit that they have hearing loss or that they need hearing aids. We know we make a difference in people’s lives because so many of the

current patients that we have been helping for years! It

The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt

DJ. Smiedt, principal attorney at The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, has been a Board Certified Family Law Attorney since 1991. She leads a team of divorce attorneys that approaches the complexities of Texas law with the help of over 30 years of experience.

Donna graduated from SMU Law School at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest women to graduate at a time when less than a quarter of practicing lawyers were women. She opened her family law practice as a Solo Practitioner immediately after graduation.

“Since that time,” she says, “I have devoted my practice entirely to the area of Family Law, becoming Board Certified by the Texas Board of Specialization.”

As one of the state’s premier family attorneys, she assists clients suffering divorce and the break up of their families, always seeking to make this process as least devastating as possible. Among the many accolades in her career: Twice selected by her peers as a Superlawyer (an honor reserved for 5% of practicing lawyers in Texas) ... Voted by clients as an Avvo “Top Rated Lawyer” for many years, including 2020 and 2021 most recently ... Voted by peers as a Top Attorney in Fort Worth every year for over a decade. She also was named an All Star by Arlington Today readers in each of the past three years.

As an outspoken advocate for the best interest of the children going through high-conflict family law custody battles, Donna and her Non-Equity Partner, Desaray R. Muma, are both specially trained as Collaborative Lawyers, a form of family law litigation structured toward assisting parties in negotiating their own family agreements in private meetings removed from the courthouse application of judicial rulings and or jury decisions that can be arbitrary and unreliable. However, if all alternate dispute resolution methods fail, Donna has built her reputation as a specialist in the area of high-conflict custody litigation, especially with

the explosion of Parental Alienation cases filed against the other parent peppered with false abuse claims in order to obtain an “upper hand “ in custody or divorce proceedings.

Not easy cases for the novice litigator, these intense and damaging allegations must be met with the rare but requisite expertise and experience Donna has in this burgeoning area of the law. This specialization coupled with her equally extensive knowledge of separate tracing and characterization cases, as well as representing wealthy clients with large complex estates or closely held family businesses, make her the first choice for many clients needing this level of superlative representation in the field of family law.

Donna is very active in the community, serving on the board of the Arlington Animal Shelter, as President of the Arlington Bar Association and of the Arlington Business and Professional Women’s Association.

She says it has been gratifying to grow her career in such a positive

“It has been inspiring to watch the metamorphosis of Arlington from a small town to a vibrant, cosmopolitan city,” she says. “I attribute the success of this city to the dedicated public servants who have labored ceaselessly to attain this goal. But what is truly amazing about Arlington, notwithstanding the amazing stature that the city has now accomplished, is that it has never forgotten that it started as a small town between Dallas and Fort Worth.”

The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt 3216 W. Arkansas Lane • 817-539-6571 arlingtondivorces.com

Photo: Bobbie Jo Majors

Frost Bank

Frost is a rapidly growing financial services company with locations across the Metroplex. Founded in 1868, Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services across Texas.

While other banks have been closing branches, Frost is expanding. We plan to open 28 new locations in the Dallas area over the next two years, and we have built the largest ATM network in Texas. With overdraft grace protection, early payday for direct deposit customers and our 24/7 customer care line, we work every day to be a force for good in people’s everyday lives. And to meet the growing needs of our communities, Frost is developing a process that will lead to us offering consumer mortgage loans in accordance with our awardwinning levels of customer service.

Because of our philosophy that emphasizes building long-term relationships and treating everyone with integrity, caring and excellence, we have earned numerous awards for customer service to consumers and businesses.

In each of the past seven Arlington Today Readers’ Choice polls, Frost has earned our readers’ collective nod as an Arlington Area All Star. That’s not surprising. After all, this is a bank with a rich tradition of exceeding customer expectations.

We have a lot going on at Frost, but we haven’t lost sight of what has made us successful. When you have an account with us, you also have a relationship with us built on honesty, trust and respect. Find out more at www.frostbank.com.

Frost Bank

Arlington: 101 E. Abram St., Ste 160 3801 Matlock Road • 1881 Ballpark Way 5500 W. Arkansas Lane • Mansfield: 1000 N. Walnut Creek Drive frostbank.com

Jim Ross Law Group, P.C.

The Jim Ross Law Group, P.C. prides itself on excellent service to its clients and to its community. Jim Ross and his stellar team comprise a family-owned law firm that treats its clients with three major hallmarks: loyalty, honesty, and respect.

“If you are looking for a law firm that will be on your side through difficult times in your life, you’ve come to the right place,” says Ross, who is also owner of the popular local restaurant, Mercury Chophouse.

This firm was established by Ross, a former Marine, Texas police officer, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) task force officer – and Arlington’s current Mayor. Jim supervised local offices for some of the country’s most prestigious law firms before opening his own practice in Arlington. Having developed a strong tradition of service to his community and country as a Marine and police officer, he brought that tradition to his law practice.

The firm focuses on five major practice areas: family law, personal

injury, business litigation, and wills and probate. “Our lawyers have decades of experience in these areas and have seen just about everything there is to see in a courtroom,” Ross says. “You will get straight answers and a clear plan of action after meeting with our attorneys.

“We believe that a successful business should give back to the community that helped make it successful. Our firm donates time and money to several charitable causes in the Arlington/Dallas area. You may have seen our logo on the back of a 5k race t-shirt or on a flyer for a fundraiser.”

Jim Ross Law Group offers free consultations, and Ross’s team can meet with you in person or help you over the phone, even on a Saturday if you’re busy during the week. The firm has offices in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Jim Ross Law Group

2221 E. Lamar Blvd., #800 • 817-275-4100 jimrosslaw.com

Maria Morales, Brittany Carnes and Cassandra Wills of Frost Bank

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club owner Brenda Cureton-Hunt began her career in the skin care and beauty business as the first U.S. franchisee of Canadian-based Faces cosmetics. Taking that experience, she founded Great Skin, which has evolved into one of the area’s premier day spas and skin care providers.

At Great Skin Cureton-Hunt has championed the practice of receiving professional spa services as part of personal care, as opposed to a special occasional visit or gift due to affordability. Great Skin Facial Club members receive a wide range of treatment options at the spa, as well as guidance and products they can use at home.

“I developed the concept of Great Skin based on the goals of the thousands of clients – men and women – wanting to have more beautiful skin and manage the signs of aging skin through treatments, knowledge and skin care,” CuretonHunt says.

Great Skin offers a full line of award-winning skin care products for anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and general skin care, as well as skin and body care for men, women and teens, and waxing, teeth whitening and massage.

Services also include microneedling, non-needle lip plumping and enhancement, non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifting and contouring, cellulite and fat melting treatments, along with body contouring, foot detoxing and an extensive line of skin and body care.

Cureton-Hunt offers “Hemp Healing Cream” for skin and body care to pay homage to her mother, Mattie, who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Great Skin is also known for its instant slimming treatments, and it now offers Care Credit, which is a credit card for health and beauty.

“We specialize in treating every skin type, tone and texture with excellent results from knowledge, education and experience,” Cureton-Hunt says. “It’s about partnership at Great Skin. Our slogan is ‘Relax, Rewind, Renew!’”

Customers rave about the calming and happy atmosphere, services, results and knowledge of staff – “A gem in Arlington!”

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club 3851 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-478-2114 • greatskin4you.com

Women’s Health Services

Women’s Health Services is an all-female OB/GYN practice that delivers compassionate, comprehensive care to women throughout the DallasFort Worth Metroplex. With two convenient locations in Arlington, WHS offers a wide array of innovative treatments, therapies, and in-office procedures.

When Dr. Joan Bergstrom first launched Women’s Health Services, in 1986, it was her mission to build an all-inclusive practice designed by women for women. Today the doctors offer a state-of-the-art facility and have recruited a top-rated staff. At Women’s Health Services, patients are thrilled to find so many services under one roof.

From preconception counseling, pregnancy care, and birth control to LEEP procedures, colposcopy procedures, in-office hysteroscopy, ablations, and hormonal consultations, Women’s Health Services has the skills, facility, and resources to suit every patient’s unique needs.

In addition to Dr. Bergstrom (right in the photo above) the Women’s Health Services team of physicians includes Dr. Maya Kuriakose, Dr. Jessica Brown, Dr. Joy Carter, Dr. Sheri Puffer, Dr. Kiran Nangrani, and Dr. Dawnette

Pepper. Collectively, they have more than 90 years of combined experience, ensuring they always deliver exceptional care to their patients. The team is highly regarded in the Arlington community, which has helped them connect with their patients on a personal level. In total, the skilled team at Women’s Health Services delivers hundreds of babies every year, thanks to the trust they have earned from their dedicated patients.

WHS’ North office is located adjacent to Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, where the group does all deliveries and inpatient surgeries. The South office is at Cooper and Wimbledon, just south of I-20.

Women’s Health Services has been a steady provider of women’s healthcare for more than three and a half decades.

Patients can count on Dr. Bergstrom and her colleagues to be accessible for any female issues from puberty through menopause.

Women’s Health Services

1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 275 817-277-9415 • womenshealthservices.com

C&W Antiques

Over the years, the brand has evolved as they transitioned from renovating upscale properties to operating their popular, upscale antique showroom in Grand Prairie.

In fact, C&W Antiques has so enthralled clients that it has been named an Arlington Today Readers’ Choice All Star for the past four years.

C&W Antiques offers unique, rare and interesting furniture and accessories not found at most stores stateside. The plentiful fare is displayed in vignettes and showcases that beautifully capture their artistic and historic grandeur.

But that’s just part of the charm of this enchanting venue.

From their flagship showroom, Carpenter and Walsh create an inviting

ambiance with fragrant Market candles, music and vignettes of old-world rooms that stimulate the senses.

“C&W Antiques’

philosophy is to make each customer feel welcome,” Walsh says. “With our passion for antiques, we welcome each customer and provide a friendly atmosphere for their unique shopping experience. We treat each customer like family.”

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. The showroom is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well as by appointment.

C&W Antiques

2100 N. Hwy 360, Suite 705-706 • 817-637-7637 • candwantiques.com

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C.

Stephanie Foster started her legal firm, The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C., in 1992 and for the three decades since, she has been devoted to the practice of family law.

The practice concentrates in family legal issues, including divorce, modifications, custody, child support, spousal support, visitation, enforcement of custody/support, paternity and stepparent adoption.

Stephanie says her dream of having her own law practice was nurtured as a child by her father, John Foster, who is an attorney.

“When I was a child,” she recalls, “I would beg him to take me to work with him at his law firm every summer.”

Throughout her career, Stephanie has focused on family law.

“My professional philosophy is divorce with dignity,” she says, noting that she has taken many special measures to serve her clients in the best manner possible. “I was one of the first attorneys trained in collaborative law in 2008. Collaborative Law is a way to divorce with dignity with no

court and no war.”

She believes the collaborative law 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.

A graduate of Arlington Martin High School, Southern Methodist University and St. Mary’s Law School in San Antonio, Stephanie has been honored for her prowess as an attorney multiple times. In fact, she was named a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine in 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Suite 1000 • 817-277-2805 • stephaniefosterlawyer.com

Jim Carpenter and Patrick Walsh, co-proprietors at C&W Antiques, have been in the antique and fine arts business for more than a decade and a half.

Gracie Lane

As a long-time enthusiast of the best boutique venues, Teresa Burda started Gracie Lane in 2013 along with her husband Mike and their daughter, Mary Macken. Founded on the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Arlington, Gracie Lane has evolved into the region’s “go to” venue, offering more than 50 individual boutiques under one roof.

T he members of the Gracie Lane team have gathered the most impressive local collections – featuring all manner of delightful items that generally fall under the category of “the perfect something for the perfect someone.”

When you visit Gracie Lane, you will be pleased with the quality and excited by the experience –plus you get an added bonus that comes in the satisfaction of supporting local businesses.

From the moment you walk through the door you will feel a sense of elegance, and lovely fragrances catch you by surprise. You have to spend time at Gracie Lane to truly know the wonderful variety of children’s clothing, stand out pieces for women, gifts that

express true personal connections, home decor that will become focal conversation pieces, a wide variety of jewelry items, and “more.”

In addition to the shopping options, Gracie Lane also offers the Rose Garden Tea Room, which has a menu that features sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts, thus making it a great place for gatherings. Gracie Lane also has become known throughout the region for its workshops led by local artists, who share their expertise in a number of genres.

Manager Mary Macken says the real key to Gracie Lane’s success, though, is the relationships she and the team build with those who pay a visit.

“I believe our philosophy of treating every person that walks through our doors as a family member really resonates with our customers,” she says.

4720 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-5263 • gracielanecollection.com

FunDentist Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

FunDentist Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry provides comfortable dental care to achieve your child’s best smile. Offering dental exams and cleanings, the practice’s team of doctors and fellow oral health care providers are dedicated to seeing that your child grows up with the healthiest smile possible.

FunDentist has four local offices, each featuring a unique, open concept that provides a cheerful and enthusiastic environment to educate and promote oral health for the children of the community.

The practice provides a variety of dental treatments that are comfortable, safe, and effective. FunDentist is equipped with the latest dental technology, so the team can provide complete care for each patient’s smile.

The team includes Dr. James E. Hyde, Dr. Charles W. Miller, and Dr. Ed Watts, who, collectively, have been addressing the oral health needs of young patients for more than 100 years.

Dr. Hyde is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Miller is

a current member of the ADA, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Watts is the past president of the Arlington Dental Study Club and is currently the President of Dental Health Arlington 2010.

One of the practice’s founders, Dr. Philip M. Bailey, retired in 2014, but you might catch him from time to time stopping in to check on the gang.

The FunDentist team understands that many of their patients’ families have busy schedules, so the office staff will gladly work with you to make sure that appointments are scheduled at your convenience. Also, appointments are scheduled to ensure minimal waiting time.

FunDentist Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

N. Arlington: Arlington Medical Plaza, 801 W. Road to Six Flags, Suite 101 • 817-459-1313

S. Arlington: 4220 Little Road • 817-478-2300

Central Arlington: 3101 S. Center St., #101 • 817-466-7057

Mansfield: 2300 Matlock Road, #28 • 817-539-0500 fundentist.com

Gracie Lane

Teresa Burda

Shroyer Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Dr. John V. Shroyer, D.D.S., P.A., has earned a reputation as one of the foremost oral surgeons in North Texas. Named a “Superdentist” 10 times by Texas Monthly magazine, he also recently was selected the top Oral Surgeon in the Arlington Today Readers’ Choice poll after it was discovered that some readers had inadvertently voted for a candidate who wasn’t an oral surgeon, making Dr. Shroyer the clear readers’ favorite.

Following nine years of training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, he established Shroyer Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, where he has served patients in the Arlington area for 34 years. Along with Dr. Bryan Moore, Dr. Shroyer provides services that includes extraction of teeth including wisdom teeth, dental implant placement, facial bone grafting, surgical treatment of traumatic facial injuries, correction of skeletal jaw deformities, management of benign and malignant lesions of the mouth and jaws and anesthesia.

“The nine years of specialized, intensive learning makes oral and maxillofacial surgeons the most skilled dental professional for the placement of dental implants to allow for the replacement of non-restorable or missing

teeth,” Dr. Shroyer says. “Over my 34 years of practice, I have placed over 24,000 dental implants, which have provided thousands of patients with much-needed reconstruction and replacement of missing teeth.”

Dr. Shroyer says his practice philosophy has been and always will be to provide patients with excellence in oral surgical care: “We strive to treat each and every patient exactly how I expect to be treated in a health care office.” To that end, for patients undergoing dental implant tooth replacement, the practice offers a life-time guarantee on the implants that are placed in the office.

“I feel that God blessed me with the abilities to provide oral surgical care for our patients,” he says.

“Certainly, the most gratifying aspect of my career in oral and maxillofacial surgery is to repair, rebuild and restore the defects and deficiencies of patients who have lost teeth, had facial injuries and had jaw deformities which prevent them from enjoying a normal lifestyle. Providing patients with a higher quality of life is indeed a privilege. “

Shroyer Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

2712 Matlock Road • 817-468-5400 • drshroyer.com

Anything Goes

Anything Goes has become a “must visit” place for North Texas-area shoppers and visitors to the Arlington/Mansfield/Grand Prairie area who are looking for that “special something” for everyone from infants to adults. Fun products are hand-selected by owner Mary Davis, whose keen eye brings the fun into shopping from visit to visit.

Anything Goes started out as a dream and has far exceeded Mary’s expectations. Beginning with 1,200 square feet, Anything Goes has gone through two expansions and now occupies more than 3,600 square feet of showroom space.

Davis says, “The growth has been exciting and is attracting customers from all over the Metroplex.”

Mary’s philosophy is to keep the customer first and ensure that each person who comes to Anything Goes has a great shopping experience.

Though Anything Goes is closed on Sunday and Monday, you can shop

pretty much any time the lights are on. Although Mary’s responsibilities are focused on the overall operations of the store, what she does prior to opening and after closing – and, certainly, during business hours – helps distinguish Anything Goes as a store like no other.

Traveling to different markets such as Las Vegas, New York and Atlanta allows her to bring diverse and unique products from across the country.

“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. “Anything Goes prides itself in the level of customer service that we provide and making everyone feel at home the minute they walk in the door.”

2504

817-542-0862

Mary Davis

Dr. John Shroyer

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Small Businesses of the Year

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of our 2022 Small Business of the Year Awards. As some of the best examples of entrepreneurs in greater Arlington, our six recipients not only care about the success of their own organizations but the success of the entire community.

“The success of a small business is defined by more than sales numbers and profits; it’s about the lives you impact in your community,” said Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, “All six of our small business award recipients this year exemplify passion for their work, determination to succeed and devotion to the greater Arlington community.”

Small Business of the Year: Chick-fil-A at North Collins Street has quickly become a staple in the community, thanks to Carmenza Moreno’s phenomenal leadership. Their values of honor, dignity and respect over everything has really helped them create a strong culture among their staff and customers. Carmenza is also passionate about education and creating better futures for students. She has partnered with Making and Empowering Today’s Ambassadors (META), North Arlington YMCA, and the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center to make these futures possible.

For-Profit: Over the past 22 years, Curnutt & Hafer has been a law firm with the know-how, experience, and resolve to solve a variety of legal problems. Dedicated to its cornerstone beliefs to seek bottom line results, serve with excellence, and do the right thing, Curnutt & Hafer maintains a vibrantly growing practice meeting the needs of both individuals and corporate clients in areas such as commercial and personal injury litigation, wills and probate, family law, and business transactions.

Nonprofit: When the marquee lit up in 1973, Theatre Arlington opened their doors and never looked back. Although they have had ups and downs through the years, their masterful pivots have allowed them to become one of the most beloved places in Downtown Arlington. In the heart of Arlington’s Cultural Arts District, Theatre Arlington provides 50 weeks of entertainment and arts as well as a yearround theater school.

Minority-Owned: Established in 2018, Urgentology Care has demonstrated the importance of quality medical care by creating a safe, efficient, and affordable health care environment for all patients. Yaman Subei, CEO of Urgentology, has created an atmosphere that is welcoming and makes healthcare easy.

Veteran-Owned: Since 2018, Lone Star Drone has been creating cutting-edge drone aerial solutions. Owner Drew Smith has created a fullservice drone company that is dedicated to using the best of the best technology to create superior aerial solutions.

Woman-Owned: The Sanford House Inn & Spa is a mother/daughter-run business that has seen quite the growth throughout the years. Owner Joan Bergstrom opened the doors to the hotel in 1997 and for the last 25 years, they have become a household name in the community. Located in the heart of Arlington, The Sanford House is a luxury boutique hotel that offers a unique hospitality experience that welcomes everyone.

It’s a pleasure to recognize these six organizations that have given so much to the greater Arlington community. They have shown that they are community players and want to see others climb the ladder of success along with them.

Learn more about each organization by visiting Arlingtontx.com

Fulfilling his Childhood plans

y mom used to ask me what I was going to do when I grew up, and I told her, ‘I’m going to drive them big trucks and fix broken cars.’”

That conversation took place between Dennis Brown and his mother when he was in kindergarten.

In all the car stories and their collectors I’ve written about on these pages, I don’t recall any of them identifying their lifelong passion before they entered the first grade.

But Dennis came by his attachment helping his father work on big trucks. “I was fascinated by the big cattle rigs – bull haulers they called them – and dreamed of having one of my own someday.”

That day finally came around when he was out of high school and discovered that the city’s major propane dealer, Emmitt Godfrey, had a Mack truck stored in his garage as a backup in case his main delivery truck was out of service.

“It was a 1977 MAC RS 700L Westcoast model, and I had to have it.

“I told him several times that I wanted to buy that truck. The day came when I approached him one more time and asked him if he was ready to sell it to me.” He replied, Dennis remembers, ‘Dennis, I know you want

Dennis Brown decided when he was in kindergarten that he wanted to own a big rig. Now he has this 1960 Mack.

Story and photos by Richard Greene

DENNIS BROWN put this Mack truck to good use most recently at the city’s Fourth of July Parade.

Big trucks have long been a passion with Dennis Brown, and this beauty is a source of pride, for sure.

that truck, and if you bring me $19,000 by 2:30 today, it’s yours.’”

Dennis, then 19 years old, didn’t hesitate, “I shot out of there, came back with the money, and it was mine and virtually new since it had spent all its life in Emmitt’s garage.

“I put more than a million miles on that truck in the dirt hauling business I had built that ultimately became an operation with 16 Mack trucks in service.”

That bit of Dennis’ history brings us up to now. Dennis acquired the 1960 Mack featured here about six years ago from a Fort Worth friend and he has put it to use in community service.

Most recently it was a crowd pleaser in the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade. Decorated to the hilt in the nation’s prime colors, he trailered his fellow board of director members of the non-profit organization, Men Serving God, along the parade route to cheers throughout.

He piped in patriotic music, provided seating for everyone, and even managed to set up an air conditioner for his passengers – likely the only such comfort afforded by any of the other floats on that 100-degree July day.

The big crowd got to see the only 673-cubic-inch Thermodyne diesel engine at work in the parade pulling its

guests throughout downtown and using only a couple of its 10-speed duplex transmission gears to make the trip.

The Mack was first delivered from the assembly line at the company’s Allentown, Pa., facility to the massive Armour & Company meat packing plant in Williamsport. Armour used it to haul its processed leather shoe soles to customers throughout the country.

The Mack B Series, like this one, was touted in 1960 by the well-known company in its promotional materials as, “the only completely new line of heavy-duty trucks developed by any manufacturer since before WWII. New from stem to stern, they have set a new standard in design, performance, and reliability.”

Considering that it’s in full service with Dennis in the driver’s seat some 62 years later, such claims seem to have been proven out.

Dennis currently has a dozen of these trucks stored on his three and a half country acres, and I asked what his plans were for them now that his lifelong passion seems fully realized.

“I’m going to restore all of them when I retire to keep me busy and out of trouble,” he replied with a big chuckle – just what he told his mom he was going to do some time ago.

The home of Sandra and George Campbell features an array of vistas, including the living area as viewed from upstairs. The spacious, 6,000-squarefoot dwelling is ideal for entertaining, and the scene you experience when you step into the backyard is right out of a story book.

George and Sandra Campbell devoted their careers to enhancing the lives of residents and their offspring. So it’s only appropriate that they now have the ideal home – in the enchanting Interlochen neighborhood – to help them devote time to themselves.

George was Arlington’s City Manager from 1991-99 (after serving as Assistant City Manager eight years prior) and also worked in city management in Midland, Lubbock, Pampa, Coppell, Weatherford, Denton and Kennedale. Sandra taught at Arlington High School and was Assistant Dean of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Honors College.

In 2017, when they chose to celebrate their retirement years in

Interlochen, they soon discovered that their time of service was not quite over. Not in the area’s most holiday-riffic neighborhood, anyway.

“It is the place where 300 to 400 kids come by on Halloween to get candy and other treats,” Sandra says. “Traffic is bumper-tobumper for miles, and no one cares.

Everyone is having fun! Christmas brings miles of cars, too. It is fun and exhausting!”

The Campbells love that their 6,000-square foot, four-bedroom home features a spacious living

room that is two stories high. Other highlights include one two-car garage and one three-car garage, wood floors (as well as an “amazing” tile floor in living room and dining room) two upstairs bedrooms with private baths, and a study. Downstairs, there’s a Solarium that overlooks one part of the backyard where the pool is located. Outdoors, beautiful huge trees line the property along the famous canal.

“It is a beautiful experience just to take our boat rides through the entire canal,” Sandra says. “All the homes here are beautiful, unique and longstanding.”

George and Sandra Campbell share their Interlochen dwelling with us this month

Sandra and George Campbell

Photos: Bruce MaxwellPhotos: Bruce

Engineering S uccess

UTA to support elementary teachers focused on STEM lessons for students with disabilities • By Devynn Case

The University of Texas at Arlington will use a $789,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop and assess engineering lessons for students with disabilities in elementary schools.

Bree Jimenez, associate professor of special education in the College of Education, was awarded the highly competitive grant for a new research project titled “Engineering for Students with Extensive Support Needs.”

“As researchers and former teachers, we have seen over and over again what students with extensive support needs can achieve when provided a quality education,” Jimenez says. “This grant will provide the funding necessary to equip teachers with tools to implement evidence-based teaching methods and STEM curriculum into their classrooms.”

The three-year project will focus on evaluating elementary teachers’ development of engineering practices and how teachers support students’ development, particularly students with disabilities and extensive support

needs. The funding will also provide professional development, stipends and curricula for the teachers.

“There is nothing more meaningful than to support all students in developing engineering and problem-solving skills,” Jimenez says. “My hope is that all students are provided the opportunity to become problem solvers and thinkers who question the world around them.”

The grant’s unique focus will help the research team provide teachers with strategies to promote engineering and STEM lessons to students who experience intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Cory Forbes, department chair of curriculum and instruction and inaugural director of UTA’s STEM Education Research Collaboratorium and Resource Center, says this new NSF grant

represents the kind of research he wants to see taking place at UTA.

“This is the first example of what this center is designed to do over the long term,” says Forbes, a Fenton Wayne Robnett Endowed Professor of Science Education. “At UTA, we want to bring in innovative new STEM education projects and push them forward within our community and beyond. This is an important project and a tremendous accomplishment for Dr. Jimenez.”

Jimenez, the principal investigator, will work in collaboration with Forbes, coprincipal investigator Ginevra Courtade of the University of Louisville and researcher Christine Cunningham of Penn State University.

“This research will have national and international implications for both STEM education and special education, and it has the potential to help education professionals redefine the way we think about a student’s learning potential,” says Teresa Doughty, dean for the College of Education.

Bree Jimenez

Photo: Discover Magazine

A true Alliance for Children

With the ongoing expansion of its Arlington Center at 1320 W. Abram St., Alliance For Children, the children’s advocacy center serving all of Tarrant County, is extending the network of tailor-made healing and support services provided to child abuse victims and their protective families.

This expansion, due to be completed in the spring, will provide more space to deliver depth to investigative and healing services,

Safety. Security. Truth. Trust.

“Since Alliance For Children was established in 1992, our mission has remained the same: to protect Tarrant County children from child abuse through teamed investigations, healing services, and community education,” Julie Evans, Alliance For Children’s chief executive officer, says, “Since then, we have served more than 60,000 child abuse victims and their families completely free of charge through tailor-made services that ensure healing is a reality.”

and severe. Alliance For Children’s team delves into the worst cases of child abuse in Tarrant County, including child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, trafficking or pornography, neglect, medical abuse, fatalities, and child witness to a violent crime, including homicides of both adults and children alike. These expanded facilities help us to serve the child abuse victims and their families even more effectively in our community well into the future.”

THESE VALUES ARE THE BASIS OF OUR WORK AT ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN, the foundation on which we have built our physical spaces and the morals we live by daily. When a child walks through our doors, they are entering a “home” in the best sense of the word – a place where they can feel safe and secure, where their truth is heard by believing ears, and their case assessed and coordi nated by experts whom the child and their protective family can trust.

The children’s advocacy center movement began in 1985 in Huntsville, Alabama, with the hope of decreasing trauma, streamlin ing investigations, and expediting healing services for child abuse victims. With other proactive communities watching, this thought ful and detailed model soon spread across the nation ensuring all involved local parties, including law enforcement, the Department of Family and Protective Services, medical experts, and the District Attorney’s Office, had a seat at their local table. In 1992, our founders laid the groundwork for Alliance For Children, serving our first child at our Arlington location. We continue that legacy daily in our work at each of our locations throughout Tarrant County. Today, our Board of Directors (which strategically includes members from our partner agencies), alongside our staff and partners, work to bring an end to abuse, to bring justice for child victims, to keep children safe, and to educate the public on how they can prevent child abuse from ever taking place in their communities.

As we reflect on serving our first child 30 years ago, we remind ourselves that now more than ever, Tarrant County child victims need us. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath continue to have disastrous effects on children. Trapped with their abusers, or suffering the stress of isolation or loss of income, child victims suffered immeasurable harm over the last two years. However, there is hope in that darkness. With the help of safe adults, children are speaking up about what has happened to them. Because of their bravery, we continue to serve child abuse victims as we have throughout our 30-year history.

Child abuse does not discriminate – it can happen in every comm unity, to every type of family. But through our work, we know child abuse can be prevented. Children can heal. The joys of childhood can be restored.

Join us over the coming months as we celebrate 30 years of protecting Tarrant County children. You’ll learn about our history, the why behind the work we do every day, and the values that define us.

Join us in The House that Trust Built.

upgrades to technology to better serve victims of child abuse, and room for growing partnerships and staff.

Evans adds, “Our overarching goal is to reduce the trauma of child abuse, which can be life-threatening

The expanded Arlington location will allow Alliance For Children to meet the growing needs of Arlington and the surrounding community, including Kennedale, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Dalworthington Gardens, Pantego and other neighboring cities.

At its Arlington location, Alliance For Children staff co-locates with the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Arlington Police Department and investigators with the Department of Family & Protective Services.

Through this multidisciplinary teamed approach, the organization proactively investigates and provides healing for victims of child abuse in the greater Arlington area.

allianceforchildren.org

Photos: Alliance for Children

All Star CPA/Tax Preparer

President Cowley throws the first pitch President Cowley throws the first pitch

SNAPSHOTS

University of Texas at Arlington President Dr. Jennifer Cowley poses with Texas Rangers manager Tony Beasley after she threw the ceremonial first pitch at a game last month.

St. Joseph Catholic School showed gratitude to the city’s First Responders last month with a breakfast in their honor.

Tajanni Cuevas and Barrett Teakell are all smiles following their recent wedding.

Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys surprised Alyce Monroe, a teacher at Arlington ISD’s Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, with a $4,000 grant through Cowboys Class Acts powered by Reliant.

Rotary Club of Arlington New Member social

Rotary Club of Arlington New Member social

Chapter President and former city Councilperson Victoria Farrar-Myers addresses the crowd at the Rotary Club of Arlington New Member social.

Photo: Pierpont

Photo courtesy of Francisco Cuevas

Carmenza Moreno, Cindy Salter and Georgie Zang took in the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Globe Life Field.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert

Photo courtesy of Georgie Zang

St. Joseph Catholic School

Joseph Catholic School

Photo: Jock Bethune

Photo: UTA

Photo: St. Joseph Catholic School

Here comes the bride Here comes the bride

The “Mansfield Legacy” mural on the Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center, was created by Eddie and Mary Phillips and is one of three downtown murals commissioned by Methodist Mansfield Medical Center to earn the Aster Gold Award.

Drawing attention

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center downtown murals earn national recognition

The Mansfield City Council recently showed appreciation for Methodist Mansfield Medical Center’s downtown murals, which have won national recognition.

The City Council noted the honor at a late-August meeting. The medical center received the national Aster Gold Award for its downtown mural program. The medical group worked with downtown businesses and Murdoch Partners to create three distinct pieces.

“These beautiful works of art celebrate Mansfield,” says Mayor Michael Evans “We are thankful to have such an involved corporate

citizen like Methodist Mansfield here in our town.”

The Aster Awards is one of the largest and most respected national competitions of its kind. This elite program has recognized outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in advertising/marketing for more than 21 years.

“We are honored to receive this award on behalf of our city and marketing teams,” says Methodist Mansfield President Juan Fresquez, Jr. “Being recognized nationally among our healthcare peers is a testament to the exceptional talent and expertise of our community and marketing team.”

“Mansfield Legacy” by Eddie and Mary Phillips on the Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center, pictures a woman walking across Main Street from one side of the roadway representing the Main Street of yesterday toward a modern vision of downtown Mansfield. The mural “Love Your Vibe” by Jerod “DTOX” Davies on Flying Squirrel Coffee Company depicts an artistic heart with wings on a rainbow sky background. “Jigsaw Puzzle” also by Eddie and Mary Phillips on the second story of Hilltop Bicycle Center features a collage of colorful puzzle pieces that show a variety of athletes.

Photo: City of Mansfield

MATA to host charity golf tournament on Nov. 12

THE MANSFIELD AREA Tennis Association will host the The Sixth Annual “Raise Your Racquet for Rae Jean” Tennis/Pickleball Tournament and Fundraiser on Nov. 12 at Walnut Creek Country Club.

The tournament will raise funds that will go to charitable donations. To date, the tournament has allowed the association to donate more than $15,000 to local charitable causes.

In addition to this year’s tournament, events associated with the event include an online silent auction with a wide range of prizes. The auction will run from Oct. 31until 6 p.m. on Nov. 13.

This year, all the proceeds will be donated to Alliance for Children, an Arlington non-profit organization that helps children and families affected by abuse.

To register to play in the tournament, to donate to the cause or to find more information, visit linktr.ee/Mansfieldareatennisassociation

BGCGTC will honor its 2022 Youth of the Year on Oct. 13

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS of Greater Tarrant County will honor Yohana V. at the 2022 Youth of the Year gala at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Globe Life Field.

The event is presented by BNSF Railway and is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County’s premier fundraising event. It is dedicated to uplifting the voices of the youth the organization serves, as well as its mission to enable young people reach their full potential. All of the proceeds go directly to projects for the boys and girls the clubs serve.

This year’s honoree will speak. The keynote speaker will be Emmy Award Winning Journalist, John Quiñones. bgcgtc.org

ACPAAA golf tourney will take place on Oct. 10

THE ARLINGTON CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION will host its Eighth Annual Golf Scramble on Monday, Oct. 10 at Mansfield National Golf Club (3750 National Pkwy.) Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and play will begin at 8 a.m.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of items for the Arlington Police Department not included in the city budget. The tournament will have separate prizes for women and men for closest to the pin on all par 3s and for the longest drive on three of the par 5s.

Even if you can’t play, you can be part of this altruistic endeavor by donating for a playing spot for an Arlington Police Department officer or for an officer from your own community.

For more: acpaaa.org.

Tool-sharing program can help you get jobs done

THE CITY’S CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT Tool Sharing Program offers Arlington residents a variety of tools and equipment to check-out free of charge to assist with property cleanup and home improvement.

Simply visit the Tool Sharing Program website (arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/code_ compliance/we_can_help/tool_sharing_program), browse the icons to choose a category that best suits your need, and fill out the online form to borrow a tool or piece of equipment to get the job done.

“I’m very excited to see a Tool Sharing Program being established for the residents of Arlington,” says Linda Finley, resident of Fish Creek community. “Not everyone has a vehicle large enough to transport a lawn mower or power washer, or the funds to purchase/rent these items. The best part is being able to reserve the equipment, know it will be delivered and picked up without having to leave the house.”

Once your request is received, city officials will schedule drop-off from the program’s mobile tool trailer at your Arlington residence. Items may be borrowed for up to three calendar days.

KEEN CUISINE ...

UPSCALE

Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com

Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas

Mercury Chophouse • 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 • mercurychophouse.com

Piccolo Mondo • 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 • piccolomondo.com

Restaurant506 at The Sanford House • 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541 • restaurant506.com

AMERICAN

Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com

Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140

frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com

No Frills Grill • 4914 Little Road • 817-478-1766 • 1500 Eastchase Pkwy., Suite 1200 • 817-274-5433

2851 Matlock Road, Suite 422, Mansfield • 817-473-6699 • nofrillsgrill.com

The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX

Cartel Taco Bar • 506 E. Division St., Suite 150 • 817-200-6364 • carteltacobar.com

El Arroyo • 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557 • elarroyoarlington.com

El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill • 2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160 • facebook.com/elgabachotexmex

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 • 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226

1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682 • fuzzystacoshop.com

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

ITALIAN / PIZZA

Café Sicilia • 7221 Matlock Road • 817-419-2800 • cafesicilia.com

BARBECUE

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

INTERNATIONAL

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

R'Haan Thai Cuisine • 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-795-9188 • facebook.com/rhaanthaicuisine

Dino’s Subs

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Recipe of the Month (with Dr. T)

Tofu Potato Scramble

INGREDIENTS

1/2 bag riced caul flower

1 package of firm tofu, crumbled

3 russet potatoes, cubed & steamed

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1/2 cup white beans

1/2 1 cup mushrooms, chopped

2 TBS onion flakes

1 tsp favorite mustard

1/4 tsp garl c granules

2 TBS tahini

3 TBS nutrit onal yeast

dash of black salt, kala namak

2 3 cups chopped, steamed broccoli, kale, spinach

b ack pepper, salsa, hot sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a ski let, water saute zucch ni until soft, add onion, cauliflower, tofu steamed potatoes, beans, mushrooms, mustard garlic, salt, and pepper Cook for 5 7 minutes st rring to avo d sticking until done to your taste Add a little more water if necessary

When finished, top with greens until heated Sprinkle b ack salt spar ngly. Serve on heated, corn tortillas or just as s Add hot sauce or salsa if desired

Patricia Thomson, aka Dr. T, is a recently published author of “WFPB20 - A Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a Plant-Based Lifestyle, a certified plantbased nutritionist, and geeky scientist. She is the co-Founder of Wellness20 along with author, former vegan restaurant owner, chef, and certified nutritionist Brooke Ali. They have created classes, workshops, summits, markets and coaching services, all designed to successfully assist people who want to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. They aim for the whole person approach including nutrition, mindfulness, spirituality and incorporating physical movement into daily lives. They also meet people wherever they are on their health and wellness journey. wellness-20.com

Alonzo Cushing: A hero at the High-Water Mark

On the afternoon of July 3, 1863, after a nearly two-hour long artillery bombardment that had nearly destroyed his battery of six three-inch rifled cannon, First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing looked across the field separating Union and Confederate positions at Cemetery Ridge and Seminary Ridge.

In what became the culminating moment of the Battle of Gettysburg, he watched as roughly 12,000 Confederate troops advanced toward him and his remaining guns.

The next hour would come to define his military service and place him in the pantheon of Union junior officers killed while demonstrating superb battlefield leadership.

Pickett’s Charge, known as the “High-Water Mark” of the Confederacy, had commenced.

Cushing, already suffering from a shrapnel wound in the shoulder, received an almost certain mortal wound to the abdomen. He refused to leave the field, an inspiring sight to survivors of his battery.

While manning one of his remaining guns, Cushing was killed when a bullet smashed into his mouth. He was interred at his former school of West Point and received a posthumous promotion to lieutenant colonel.

In addition to his sacrifice, his three brothers also served. His younger brother, William B. Cushing, distinguished himself in the October 1864 raid that sank the CSS Albemarle. For this, he received the Thanks of Congress, a formal resolution of appreciation. Another brother, Howard, was killed in 1871 in Arizona during the Indian Campaigns.

Veterans continued to remember Alonzo Cushing’s sacrifice at this key moment of the battle after the war. On the 24th anniversary of the battle, veterans of the 71st Pennsylvania, a regiment that also took part in the repulse of Pickett’s Charge, dedicated a stone marker noting the position of Cushing’s battery.

Evan Phifer

Born in Wisconsin in 1841 and raised in New York, Cushing attended and graduated West Point in the class of 1861. As his classmates were torn between northern and southern sympathies, Cushing received a commission as a lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery. Two years of service exposed him to numerous battles where, as an artillery and staff officer, he not only led men into battle but had to make quick mathematical decisions regarding the aiming and firing of artillery at various ranges. Well-placed cannon fire often determined the success or failure of battle.

After the Battle of Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee moved north into Pennsylvania, and the armies found themselves engaged around the hills of the small town of Gettysburg. After two days of fighting, Lee had failed to decisively push Federal forces from their strong positions and launched an assault against the Union center.

Cushing’s battery’s position in the Union center placed it directly in the path of the Confederate assault. As several hundred rebel soldiers, mostly Virginians and North Carolinians, approached within yards of the Union lines, men and officers scrambled to secure the increasingly fragile Union position. While defending his battery,

His actions also received a place of prominence in a massive painting by artist Paul Philippoteaux known as the Gettysburg cyclorama. Among the numerous events portrayed in the work, currently displayed at Gettysburg National Military Park, a wounded Cushing is shown in a defiant pose against one his cannon pointing at the Confederate breakthrough.

The decades-long effort to secure Cushing a Medal of Honor began in the 1980s with a letter campaign by researchers in Wisconsin. On Nov. 6, 2014, 151 years after his death, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony.

Evan Phifer is a Research Historian for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing, though severely wounded, bravely held off on-charging Confederate troops during a key moment at the Battle of Gettysburg. Though he died in the battle, his valiant effort was lauded for decades, and he was named a recipient of the National Medal of Honor in 2015.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Run with Heart

12,

Step out for your health and a good cause. Choose from a half-marathon, 5K, or one-mile fun run/walk. Enjoy family activities including; clowns, music, and face painting!

THE RACE STARTS AT Methodist Mansfield Medical Center 2700 E. Broad Street · Mansfield, TX 76063

7:30 A.M. USATF-certified half-marathon*

A.M. 1M fun run/walk 8:10 A.M. USATF-certified 5K* *chip-timed

Juan Gavalda, MD, Salvador Gavalda and Family

They say, ‘Wear a coat and tie.’

Technically, I do.

October is such a great month in these parts. The temperatures go down and stay down. The State Fair of Texas welcomes us, entertains us and feeds us. Oh, and soon after the fair closes, we get to dress up for Halloween.

As many of you know, I am no stranger to “masquerading.” Lots of our readers have seen me at Globe Life Park and now at Globe Life Field wearing an outfit that makes it look like I am a professional broadcaster from the waist up and like I am an overheated Texan from the waist down.

The suit coat, tie and shorts almost always gets a reaction. The audience only sees me from the waist up, so why not be comfortable at least my lower half?

There are many occasions during the summer that we wear a “costume.” For almost every show our faces are covered in makeup. At the ballpark our makeup artist is Renne’ Young (funny how the older I get the more makeup she needs to cover my face. What is that all about?)

She bought me this Pooh tie, her eyes filled with pride. So excited to give it that her dad almost cried.”

It is the only time I ever wore the Winnie the Pooh tie on air, and at the end of the sportscast the camera zoomed in tight on my tie, which was a good thing because, not surprisingly, my eyes were watering.

On Nov. 5, 2000 the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 16-13. Troy Aikman missed the game with an injury, and Randall Cunningham started at quarterback. It had gotten to the point in Troy’s career where he had become a question mark because of health concerns.

The next day I flew home from Philly, and, upon landing, I received an urgent message on my pager. Some of you may have had cell phones by 2000, but I did not. I was still at NBC 5, so I called my producer, Bob Schmelzle, who had issued the urgent page. He told me to bring three suits to the station for the 10 o’clock news that night. I said, “three suits?” He said, “trust me.” I did, so I brought three suits.

John Rhadigan

There are many times when we dress for the day. Like on Fridays, since the Rangers wear red, we try to wear a red tie and/or pocket square. On Sundays we are all baby blue, just like the team.

There are other times when we dress for the day, the occasion, the holiday or the season. Here are a few examples of when I have carefully selected my clothes to fit a very specific purpose.

On Dec. 25, 1997 I was working at NBC5. Christmas is a fairly big sports day with NBA games, College Bowl games and sometimes NFL. That year there was not much involving our local teams. In the spirit of the season I decided to attempt a rhyming sportscast in the meter of “‘Twas the Night before Christmas.”

It turned out well, as my producer Sean Hamilton and I cut the highlights and got the entire three minutes to rhyme. The last stanza was my favorite, it read, “I saw this Christmas through eyes that are two, That meant lots of Barbie and Winnie the Pooh.

November 2000 was an election year, so the airwaves had been inundated with political advertisements and debates. I got to the station to learn that the idea was for me to argue both sides of “The Aikman Debate. “ I was also the moderator of the debate. We produced the segment in the evening with all of the same treatment that NBC News would give to a presidential debate. I argued that Troy should retire, in a different suit I argued that Troy should not retire and in a third suit I was the moderator yelling at both “candidates” about going over their allotted time.

Finally, in late 2001, Fox Sports Southwest did a promotional spot with me and my co-anchor at the time, Randy McIlvoy. The camera showed us applying makeup in front of a large lighted mirror. The announcer was introducing our new show, “The Southwest Sports Report.”

He told viewers how we devoted a full 30 minutes to your favorite teams, not just a few minutes like the local newscast. The tag line was “Fox Sports Southwest there is nothing brief about our coverage.” Just then Randy and I turned and walked out of the makeup room wearing a suit coat, shirt, tie and boxer shorts.

Maybe that’s where I got the idea to wear shorts with a suit.

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

When you see our sports columnist on air with the Bally Sports Southwest Network, he’s often all snazzied up in his jacket and tie. In this column, he reveals that what’s going on under the desk tends to run on the more casual side.

(Photo courtesy of the Arlington Senior Men’s Club)

A first for the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Yes, I know, that happens every year, and there’s been lots of business leaders over the 77-year history of the Chamber to occupy that office (including me). But there’s something of historic consequence about Dr. Godwin’s turn with the gavel.

My wife and I first met him when he was a guest of one of this magazine’s events we hosted for a Texas Rangers game at our old office in The Ballpark in Arlington overlooking the baseball field.

Learning that he was a chiropractor, I engaged him in a conversation about my wife’s ongoing back trouble that was the consequence of her having fallen out of our backyard swing when its chain broke some years earlier.

He told me he specialized in dealing with that kind of injury that had longterm effects. I shared that conversation with my wife and told her she needed to get an appointment with him to see if he could help.

With neither of us having ever seen a chiropractor, she was hesitant, and it took some time for her to call his office for an initial visit to evaluate her condition.

Now, I’ll make this long story short: Dr. Godwin has been caring for her, me and other of our family members for the past several years.

At his interview during the recent gathering of Chamber members and others for the annual banquet, he described his journey that brought him to his induction as the board chairman.

He recalled what were just two routes for teen-aged black boys finishing high school: “There were drug dealers and those who went to the military.

“My cousin Perry served in the U. S. Army for 20 years, and when he came home for a visit, he drove me around and said, ‘You are too smart to stay here. Whatever you do,

make sure you leave because there is a whole world out there, and you need to see it.’ That became my inspiration to leave and join the Air Force at age 17.”

For eight years he remained in the service, where he met his wife, Courtney. “I loved serving my country, and so did she – everything you see me do is an extension of that. We stand together as one.”

Learning about the practice of chiropractic care in the service seemed to resonate with him. “I realized it was for me – it was holistic, natural care for the body. I prayed, and God showed me it was what I was supposed to do.

“I discovered Arlington and set up my practice here. I also met a lovely lady, Judy Rupay, who told me I should join the Chamber. So, I did.”

Kenyon moved into service beyond that of just being a member. He became an ambassador, major investor and was recognized as the recipient of the Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year award. Later he joined the board of directors, then the executive committee.

“I just wanted to add value and never imagined I would emerge as chairman.”

Now for this history-making part of his story – he’s the first black chairman in the organization’s 77 years of serving the community.

“I understand I’m not the first deserving of this position. There are other black businessmen and women who could have been here – it would be wrong of me to believe that I am the first deserving.

“There are two concepts I see. The first is the Chamber’s mission that says, ‘Together We Succeed,’ so walking into this role all can see we are doing this together.

“The second is to embrace Arlington’s claim as the American Dream City, and being able to do this is a loud statement across the world that the American Dream is not just for some Americans, but for All Americans.”

The year ahead for the Chamber is in the best of hands.

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

Dr. Kenyon Godwin is taking the reigns as the new chairman of the board of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Richard Greene

Photo courtesy of Michael Jacobson

Dr. Kenyon Godwin is shown on the big screen as he discusses his hopes for the future during the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s “The Annual Show” event last month.

66 ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2022 • arlingtontoday.com Finish Line Dr. Kenyon Godwin is shown on the big screen as he discusses his hopes for the future during the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s “The Annual Show” event month.

October Is Month

Did you know that hearing your best requires more than just a hearing aid?

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