West FW September 2015

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Publisher’s Letter

School dazed.

H

ello, West FW! Summer was rather tardy this year so I can only guess that fall will regrettably take its sweet time getting here as well. I am ready for football and TCU tailgating. Go Frogs!

But before that I have to get my youngest ready for his junior year. Yikes! It was just yesterday that he was starting first grade at St Paul Lutheran in his chapel uniform. I held his hand and didn’t want to leave him but he made it through the day just fine without me. Now the only thing he needs from me is to buy him new school clothes and keep his lunch account full. It’s with extreme reluctance that he allows me to take his picture on the first day. Sometimes I have to do it without his knowledge. He’s an amazing kid and I am so incredibly blessed to be his mom.

In this month’s issue we have four celebrities--The Cowboy, The Voice, The Musician and The Mayor--who will share some memories from their days in school. Then Juliet George will tell you about a 10-year-old girl who gave a speech over a 100 years ago at the opening of the Arlington Height’s Public School. We hope you enjoy the many levels of educational stories we have put together this month.

SEPTEMBER 2015 publishers

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com 817-290-2120

account manager Ashley Sanchez editor

Christie Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Douglas Matus, Juliet George

contributing photographers Ann Beck, Hayle Hullett, Britney Jensen, Kat Swift

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor

Proverbs 4:13 “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

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Sincerely,

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Christie Thomas, Publisher

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WestFWLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Brileigh “The Noodle” Ray

at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DASHING DARLING’S PHOTOGRAPHY 817.901.7978 4

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West FW Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Fort Worth’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West FW Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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September 2015

Departments

18

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

16

History 101

22

Hometown Hero

26

Healthy Lifestyle

28

What’s Cooking?

30 Lifestyle Calendar 34

Parting Thoughts

18 Back to School Memories

Some of Forth Worth's finest residents share golden memories.

22 The 1st Annual Winslow Memorial Event

A special dog has a lasting memory, and helps his fellow K-9s.

28 Cooking With Chef Style Studio's

Bradford Spradley

Your own personal chef makes dinner easy.

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Good Times

Charlie Campbell's Last Show at Ridglea Country Club One of Fort Worth's own has brought together generations of friends through music and dance. For more than 50 years, The Charlie Campbell Trio has been a catalyst for our community, especially for those enamored with ballroom dancing.

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West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

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Around Town GALLERY NIGHT AT LISA MCCONNELL’S CUSTOM JEWELER’S SEPT 12 Fort Worth art lovers should mark their calendars: September 12th, from 1 to 9 p.m., Lisa McConnell Design Studio will play host to artist Cyn McCurry in celebration of the Fall Gallery Night. Lisa’s pedigree as a craftsman identifies her as someone with a acute artistic sense, and her choice of Ms. McCurry should please collectors and casual viewers alike.

“McCurry’s art has a broad appeal through its images and symbolism,” says Lisa. “It reflects deeply personal visions that can connect to viewers’ memories, dreams and experiences.”

The name of the show, “From Fire and Brush,” reflects the elemental inspiration behind McCurry’s work. Anyone who thinks that great art remains the sole province of Renaissance Italy owes themselves a visit to McCurry’s exhibition, as her handling of form and approximation of the Old Masters beggars belief. The evening itself will entail wine and snacks, and attendees can feel refreshed through their support of local artists and vendors. “As a local businesswoman and founder of Fort Worth Retail, I have greatly enjoyed the community’s support of local artists,” says Lisa. “We’ve attended these events for more than 24 years, and they provide an excellent opportunity to connect with the artistic community.” 3913 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76107

FIRST ANNUAL AVENTINO'S ITALIAN MEATBALL COMPETITION We’re pleased to announce the First Annual Aventino’s Italian Meatball Competition, sponsored by West FW Lifestyle magazine, where home cooks get a chance to show off their culinary skills. Send us your favorite homemade Italian meatball recipe with a photo for a chance to have your recipe featured in the magazine and served on the Aventino's dinner menu for one night. Each month November through January, one winning recipe will be selected and promoted via social media, and one Grand Prize Winner will be featured in the February Food Issue of the magazine and have their delicious winning meatballs served for one weekend at Aventino’s Italian Restaurant.

Send your recipe and photo by email only to meatballs@aventinos. com no later than November 30, 2015 to enter. Aventino’s Italian Restaurant, 5800 Lovell Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107 Aventinos.com Rules: Home cooks only. Participants can not be currently employed, or have been employed as a cook or chef. Italian meatball recipes only . One photo must accompany all entries. One entry per person per month. Winner must be willing to have name and recipe shared in print and social media, and have their meatballs served at Aventino’s Italian Restaurant.

SINACA ART STUDIO SiNaCa Studios, a non-profit school of glass art in Fort Worth, will hold its 4th annual Artists in Heat event and membership drive on 10

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

September 4-5 to kick off a new instructional year. The organization will host award-winning, internationally-renowned Canadian glass artist Laura Donefer for the weekend for a series of free, public events.

On Friday, September 4, Donefer will host a lecture at the Kimbell Art Museum's Renzo Piano Pavilion from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., followed by a special reception at The Lilipad at 5 p.m. The next day, Donefer will give glass-blowing demonstrations from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at SiNaCa Studios.

The work that Donefer creates during the demonstrations will be featured during Gallery Night at SiNaCa Studios the following weekend on Saturday, September 12 from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. An RSVP at Bit.ly/artistsinheat is required to attend.

SUPERHEROES ASSEMBLE! Did you ever want to be a Superhero? Fight the good fight? Be amazing!? Spectacular? Incredible?! Let’s make it happen, already!

CASA of Tarrant County needs your help!

CASA of Tarrant County will host its 2nd Annual Superhero Run at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington on October 31. Suit up in your favorite superhero outfit and kick off your halloween with this fun, family-friendly event. The best costumes for youth, adults, and dogs will win fun prizes. Join us for games and candy in the kids’ area and check out local vendors.

The Superhero Run supports advocacy for children in foster care, and is an amazing way to make a big difference in a child’s life. CASA of Tarrant County is preparing for over 1,000 big and little superheroes from around the community who will run and walk for the most important cause imaginable.

CASA of Tarrant County Executive Director Rebecca Farrow says, “We’re stretching out our tights, grabbing our masks, and donning our capes for the Superhero Run because we believe every child deserves a life free from harm.”

In 2014, more than 350 CASA volunteers – superheroes – agreed. They joined CASA of Tarrant County by serving as friends of the court, speaking up for children who were placed in foster care. Volunteers raised their voices against the unspeakable atrocities of child abuse and neglect and served 874 children in Tarrant County. But the need for courageous advocates is still great. Tarrant County had the highest number of confirmed cases of child abuse/neglect in the state, and over 350 children are still waiting on the voice of a crusading CASA volunteer. There are yet mighty deeds to be done.

Located in the heart of downtown Arlington, the 5K Run/Walk is a USATF-Certified course. The event also features a 1-Mile Fun Run, costume contests for youth and adults, kids’ activities, free parking in multiple lots, free t-shirt and goody bag for all registrants, and a vendor lane.

For more information on the Superhero Run/Walk or CASA of Tarrant County, call 817.877.5891 or visit SpeakUpForAChild.org. The event also includes costume contests and prizes. Join us as we celebrate the everyday superheroes who are making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. Contact: Teddi Wiggins at teddi@casatc.org. 101 Summit Ave., Suite 505, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. 817.877.5891.

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Giving Back

A Selfless Project A RARE ILLNESS HAS LED TO ONE YOUNG BOY'S MISSION FOR AWARENESS ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

I

t’s a little-known illness with tragic consequences: Krabbe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that leads to the degeneration of white matter in the brain. If detected before symptoms develop, it’s possible to treat Krabbe Disease through stem cell transplants. Once symptoms arise, however, the disease’s progression is unstoppable, and will kill children within an average of two years. While infants get screened for a host of disorders at birth, Krabbe Disease is not included in the state of Texas’s roster of screened illnesses. The Jackson Project, a Fort Worth non-profit founded in honor of Krabbe-fighter Jackson Wallace, seeks to change all that.

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West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

“So much depends on early detection,” says Michael Wallace, Jackson’s father. “We were first-time parents when we went through the process. Newborn screening wasn’t a topic that really came up, and we didn’t even know this condition was out there.”

Michael and his wife, Jenna, submitted to the standard range of newborn screenings. With no problems detected, the firsttime parents welcomed young Jackson into what was assumed a healthy and happy life.

“Jackson was a thriving baby boy for the first five months of his life,” says Michael. “At around the five month mark, we noticed he was growing more and more fussy and uncomfortable.”

The disease’s symptoms begin innocently enough: rigidness and general discomfort that can be attributable to any number of childhood afflictions. Initial doctor visits led to uncertain diagnoses, and it wasn’t until an emergency-room MRI that Michael and Jenna discovered the truth.

“If the disease is not caught through screening, it becomes really challenging to identify it in time to get beneficial treatment,” says Michael. “The ideal situation would be to screen for Krabbe uniformly across all 50 states.”

Progression is rapid once the disease takes hold. A form of leukodystrophy, Krabbe Disease affects the nervous system and leads to a general loss of cognitive and physical abilities. Myelin, the sheathing that coats nerve cells, becomes gradually broken down, a scenario that can lead to anything from hearing loss to seizures.

The most common form of Krabbe Disease affects newborns, which makes infantile screening all the more important.

“With screening, bone marrow transplants become available as treatment for pre-symptomatic cases.” says Michael. “We’ve met transplant recipients who are completely healthy and show no signs of the disease.”

Texas’s non-inclusion of Krabbe Disease screening meant that Jackson’s illness went undetected. Since Krabbe Disease becomes quickly untreatable, Jackson’s parents now focus on the child’s comfort.

“We’ve seen the disease take root and have a huge impact on him,” says Michael. “We’ve seen him progress through several stages of the disease process. Overall he’s good, but compared to a healthy child, we’ve seen a dramatic effect.”

The Jackson Project exists to raise awareness of this disease and encourage screening at a general level. In addition to raising awareness, the Jackson Project also supports afflicted families and provides assistance for those with financial need.

“The bulk of our allocation is to family support,” says Michael. “A lot of the awareness we raise comes through volunteer effort. We have aspirations to grow the organization and continue to increase our ability to contribute to research efforts towards a cure.”

As for Jackson’s involvement, he’s lent not just his name, but also a nickname to the organization’s efforts. The Jackson Project’s logo, a stylized bird, was derived thanks to its namesake.

“We’ve called Jackson by the nickname J-Bird from the time he was about two weeks old,” says Michael. “It was a random scenario that caused it, but the nickname stuck.”

For those who want to support the Jackson Project, the 501(c)(3) charity accepts donations online at TheJacksonProject.org.

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West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

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September 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

15

History 101

1946 image courtesy of the Billy W. Sills Center for Archives, Fort Worth Independent School District

ARTICLE JULIET GEORGE

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n the afternoon of Friday, November 19th, 1909, 10-yearold Annelle Chandler addressed a crowd of 300. Hers was the only speech given for the Arlington Heights Public School’s official opening.

Annelle had already spent five days there, after moving from a much smaller building nearby. She noted “how much more the children liked to study in their new school.”

The streetcar suburb began as Chamberlin Arlington Heights in 1889-90, but the first developers’ fortunes sank, and growth had been slow despite a successor group’s elaborate marketing.

Still, the first schoolhouse was deemed inadequate by 1903.

Even in that simpler era, bureaucratic mills ground slowly. Residents wanting a self-governing authority took a vote and sent returns and other documents to Austin. They waited four years. On Nov. 2, 1907, an official notice confirmed Arlington Heights’ incorporation. A reporter stated that “some of the papers in the case were lost or misplaced, which caused delays, and the matter has hung fire in the attorney general’s office ever since.” With the new status, an independent school district could be formed and bond elections held to fund buildings and road improvements “and to put on city airs generally.”

Fort Worth architect and historian John Roberts describes the two-story landmark that still stands where El Campo angles off of Camp Bowie Boulevard. Designed by Sanguinet and Staats as

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West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

a T-shaped structure, “most of the building is [faced with] yellow brick with a maroon brick used at the base, in bands, and in a decorative pattern at various locations. A combination of arched and rectangular openings is used for the school’s windows and doors.”

From 1917 to 1919, the military occupied much of the neighborhood, training soldiers at Camp Bowie for battle in France while educators and students carried on. Arlington Heights filled in rapidly after World War I ended and the camp closed, and Fort Worth reached out to incorporate the suburb in 1922.

In that year, the first Arlington Heights High School was built next door; the 1909 building became an elementary school.

Several metamorphoses later, it is now part of the Fort Worth school district’s Boulevard Heights School and Transition Center, serving students with special needs.

Physical changes have detracted from its beauty. Sometime after 1946, district officials ordered the gracefully curving eaves and spiral fire escapes lopped off. Brick and mortar connected it to a 1954 structure that also links to the former high school.

Standing on the green lawn near the main entrance, one can imagine the scene and sounds and hopes of that autumn day nearly 106 years ago. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer recalled that, ” . . . when the children raised their voices in song while the f lag was being raised, the national airs could be heard for blocks.”

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

THE COWBOY

Back to School

Memories

Golden memories from some of Fort Worth's finest.

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK Steve Murrin 18

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

The term “schoolhouse” does little to describe the often massive structures that serve the modern-day student. Most schools now occupy several buildings and dominate the surrounding area, with restricted traffic zones, expansive sports facilities, fleets of buses and hordes of students. Back in Steve Murrin’s day, things were a little different.

“My first grade school was Chapin School, which used to be in the little community of Westland around what’s now West Camp Bowie,” says Murrin. “Back then it was way out in the country, a little rock school that had grades one through four.”

The little rock school, now commemorated with a historical marker, contained just two rooms. Originally opened in the 1870s, the Chapin School persisted until its closure in 1968. In Steve Murrin’s time, one teacher handled the lower grades, while another teacher did double-duty as the upper-level instructor and principal. The classroom arrangement wasn’t the only thing that might throw current students for a loop: “We had dry toilets outside,” says Murrin.

“Just four holes in the ground, no partitions.

When it got cold in the winter, the older boys had to haul in the coal to heat the room.”

There was no drop-off zone or buses, but rather a hitching post for the students to tie up their ponies. After school let out, Steve would make the mile trek back home and take care of the daily chores.

“I was something of a non-student,” explains Steve. “I never did homework. We always worked after school, and joined in with whatever was happening out at the ranch.”

Still, Fort Worth’s Cowboy treasures his memories of the little rock school in Westland. As for back-to-school rituals, you wouldn’t catch a young Steve stocking up on clothes or supplies: “This was right in the middle of World War II, so everything was rationed,” explains Steve. “We may have gotten a new pair of shoes, but that was it.”

THE VOICE

As the co-anchor of NBC 5’s Today morning show, Deborah Ferguson is used to waking up before the crack of dawn.

It should come as no surprise that, as a child, the early mornings that marked the transition from summer to school caused Deborah little concern.

“I was always ready to get back into the routine,” says Deborah. “To get to see friends again and meet new people made going back to school an exciting time.”

The excitement was also tempered with a little anxiety, as Deborah often had to negotiate the demands of new schools and fresh starts. An itinerant “new kid,” Deborah moved often with her family, and split her grade school years between Temple, Austin and San Antonio.

“There were some mixed emotions, too,” says Deborah. “When you transfer to new schools, you worry about whether the other kids will like you, whether you’re wearing the right thing or have the right supplies. I’d also wonder about my teachers, and what they would be like.”

Thanks to field trips and a teacher’s fashion sense, a couple of memories in particular stand out: second grade in Temple, and fifth grade in San Antonio.

“I had a teach named Mrs. Dingus, and I remember this one polka-dotted dress she would wear,” says Deborah. “In fifth grade, we’d take field trips to the San Antonio Symphony, and I would always dress up. The first time I shaved my legs was for a symphony field trip.”

CONTINUED >

Deborah Ferguson

BACK TO SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

THE MUSICIAN

Pat Green has played shows practically everywhere, and beaten a trail that’s crisscrossed the globe. He broke his traveling shoes in early, too, as a schoolboy that could never quite get settled.

“I changed schools six times between the second and sixth grades,” says Pat. “School was always a new place, and I was always the new kid.”

His talent for performance also began to develop at an early age, as the “new kid” strived to make an impression.

“I was definitely the class clown,” says Pat. “I came from a blended family of yours, mine and ours with 10 kids. I was number eight. I screamed for attention at the house, and I did the same thing at school. Class clown or teacher’s pet, I got as much attention as I could.”

It wasn’t just the new environment, friends and teachers that made school exciting for Pat; as a young student, the future musician already had a gear-minded bent.

“I loved going down the paper, pencils and crayon aisle and picking out my new stuff,” says Pat. “The lunchbox was really important, and what color my folder would be for the year.”

The class clown has come a long way in the intervening years. Pat’s thirteenth album, Home, released in August. A strippeddown, return-to-roots style record, Home should energize Pat’s longstanding fans and win him new ones alike.

“Overall, we went towards a sound with less polish than the records I made at RCA,” says Pat. “I think that the title track, Home, says quite a bit.”

Pat Green 20

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

THE MAYOR

The future mayor of Fort Worth had a special reason to look forward to back-toschool: chocolate milkshakes.

“Back then, everyone went to Skillerin’s Drug Store to buy their school supplies,” says Mayor Betsy Price. “Everyone got a free chocolate milkshake when you bought your supplies, so it was always a fun day.”

It would make sense that the future leader of Cowtown was a good student; back-to-school represented an exciting time that presaged future achievement.

“I was a good student,” says the mayor. “I was the fourth of four kids, so the teachers all knew my family. My mother was president of the PTA and was very involved at the school.”

It wasn’t all gold stars and honor roll, though, as Betsy got in trouble for a future attribute: “I was a real talker,” says the mayor.

“On my report card, it would say: fails to exercise control in talking.”

As for words of wisdom for new students, the mayor has a few: “Get excited about what you’re going to learn and your new teachers,” says Price. “An education will take you wonderful places in your life, and is truly the backbone for everything you will do.”

Mayor Betsy Price

Hometown Hero

We Remember

Winslow

A SPECIAL DOG LEAVES A LASTING MEMORY, AND HELPS HIS FELLOW K-9'S

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLET

T

hey work long, grueling hours in often dangerous conditions, and risk their lives to serve and protect. Because of their watchfulness, bravery and determination, Fort Worth’s neighborhoods remain safe for families and children, while criminals, drugs and weapons get taken off the streets. Most people admire and respect these noble protectors, but fail to grasp the hardships and demands of the profession. This description, while perfectly applicable to the fine men and women who comprise the Fort Worth Police Department, is meant for a different type of law personnel: the brave dogs of Fort Worth’s K-9 unit.

Joe Berry has a special affection for dogs. The owner of Winslow’s Wine Cafe, Joe named his establishment for a beloved heeler that passed away earlier this year. In memory of Winslow, Joe Berry has organized the first annual Winslow Memorial, scheduled for September 27th at the cafe. A fundraiser to serve canine-affiliated non-profits, Winslow’s Memorial’s first beneficiaries are none other than Fort Worth’s dogs-in-blue. Unlike their human partners, Fort Worth’s K-9s do not receive pension packages.

“Once a dog retires from the force, the city no longer pays vet bills,” explains Joe. “The policeman who was partnered with the dog takes it home and becomes responsible for it."

A group of Fort Worth officers founded a charity organization, Police K-9 Support, to help raise awareness and funds for retired K-9s. In the past, Police K-9 Support has created and sold calendars to raise money. This year, they’ll get a little help — thanks to one dearly departed canine and a chance, late-night encounter.

“Two weeks after Winslow was put down, I was out walking my other two dogs, Pancho and Lefty, around 11:30 at night,” says Joe. “As I passed by a school, I heard a noise from up on the roof. I took my dogs back home, then called 911.”

As chance would have it, Joe’s awareness helped prevent a break-in, and one of the responding officers arrived with a K-9 partner.

“That night I met Officer Marc Macy with a K-9 and talked to him a little bit. He had read the Star-Telegram article about Winslow’s death and told me all about the charity, which he had taken over in 2012.”

K-9 work places extreme demands on the bodies of the dogs, to the extent that most retire at an earlier age than people would assume.

“These dogs are first responders and have careers similar to football players,” says Joe. “The type of training they go 22

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

through can be pretty brutal, and they retire at an early age.”

As for the memorial fundraiser itself, Joe Berry has planned a one-of-a-kind event to remember. Tickets for the evening cost $100 each, with only 125 available. Wine vendors will have ten stations spread throughout Winslow’s Wine Cafe’s interior and outdoor patio area. Food will be provided, as will crystal glasses engraved for the occasion.

Entertainment will be provided by a Spanish guitarist, while the guests-of-honor, Fort Worth’s K-9 team, will be on hand as well.

“We’ll have easels around the restaurant with pictures and stories about each dog,” says Joe. “There will also be a tent in the parking lot where officers will demonstrate how the dogs are trained to attack. One of our goals is to raise awareness of these dogs’ skills and what they're capable of.”

If you’d like to attend the event, Winslow’s Wine Cafe will have tickets for sale on a limited number of evenings. The K-9s themselves will be the only animals at the event, and no pets will be allowed. As the first annual Winslow’s Memorial, this year’s event promises to set a standard of excellence for years to come.

“Our goal is $10,000 for K-9 Support, and we hope to exceed even that,” says Joe. “So many charity events are cookie-cutter, and we plan to do something where afterwards people say, ‘Wow, that was a great evening!’”

For updates on the Winslow’s

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Memorial and ticket sales, follow Winslow’s Wine Cafe on Facebook and visit their webpage at WinslowsWineCafe.com. Interested parties can also contact Tina Grissom at 817-731-6515 September 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

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Healthy Lifestyle

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY KAT SWIFT

W

hen it comes time for back-toschool, parents can worry about a lot of things: bullies, bad teachers and whether the lunch menu is up-to-snuff.

An often under-appreciated concern fitness - can cause problems down the road for children who don’t pay attention to it. As a lifelong habit, physical fitness can yield more dividends than practically anything; we talked with Sarah Cornett, owner of the Pilates Concept, about the results that she sees: Do you ever have clients who hire you to work with children or teenagers?

We mostly get kids aged 10 to 15 who come in because they’re ballet dancers or gymnasts, and they want to get ahead in the sports they’re in. We also get young 26

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

people who come in because they have injury or rehabilitative need. From the ages of 15 to 20, we will get kids who just want to work out, or try something different for their existing workout routine.

How would you describe the importance of regular exercise for a growing child?

It’s extremely important, especially at the younger ages and when kids are going through puberty. In this day and age, with so many video games and so much screen time, kids simply don't get enough exercise. You see reports all the time about this generation’s obesity problems, and children don’t even get the basic outdoor exercise of previous generations. Regular exercise helps with sleep, and it helps with brain development. The child doesn’t have to go to the

gym or take pilates, either; just being active, running around, playing sports, that’s a great start for kids at that age. Extracurricular activities are a great outlet for a lot of kids.

What are the particular benefits of Pilates for young people?

Children who practice Pilates are going to get more strength training than kids who simply play sports or play outside. Pilates provides resistance training that helps with muscle development. It also develops a physical consciousness that kids who are puberty-age don’t quite have yet. Kids who are pre-teen often won’t have awareness of their core, or how to fire their abdominals. For young people, these benefits of Pilates have an impact across the entire body, in addition to what they get from the strength training.

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September 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

27

What’s Cooking?

What's Cooking?

ON DEMAND, YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF MAKES DINNER EASY

28

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLET

I

t’s a common icebreaker question: would you rather have a maid, chauffeur, personal assistant or chef? For many people — including this writer — the choice is obvious, and even laughable in its simplicity. Even for those who love to cook, the availability of a personal chef ranks as one of life’s most desirable luxuries. To simply request the meals you want and have them available through no personal effort would make life easier and more healthful; not to mention the ease with which you could host guests or family for the holidays.

If you think that this fantasy rests well out of reach, you should acquaint yourself with the services of Bradford Spradley. The creator of Chef Style Studio presents Bradfoods 2Go, Bradford makes fresh, chef-prepared meals a reality for anyone. Bradford, who clocked over 10,000 hours of experience in the kitchen of the Ridglea Country Club, created the service when he recognized a particular need: his own.

“My wife and I first started a to-go business in 2009,” says Bradford. “We were so busy with our careers, we wanted home-delivered meals but couldn’t find them. We started to make our own meals in larger quantities, and figure ‘why not do this for other people?’”

This initial foray into the world or personal cooking was vary successful — a little too successful, as a matter of fact.

“We ran the business out of our home, and it got so big we had to shut down,” explains Bradford. “We recently decided to start it up again, and just moved into a 2100-square-foot kitchen to better serve customers and cater private events.”

Bradford’s career as a chef began at El Centro culinary school in Dallas. A period of extensive travel saw Bradford get exposure to a wide variety of international cuisines, and revealed southeast Asia as his very own culinary nexus.

“My main love is Asian food,” says Bradford. “For a few years, I didn’t shop in American grocery stores at all. I bought ketchup maybe once. I was fortunate enough during culinary school to get placed at Ridglea for my apprenticeship, where I worked with a Thai chef.”

While Bradford has a personal fondness for Asian dishes, Chef Style Studio’s Bradfoods 2Go menu is varied and ever-changing. A sample of available dishes could include everything from lasagna to brisket, with lean options and a wide selection of sides.

“We offer our customers a choice of what I call Full Fat Flavor, or the Lean and Mean,” says Bradford. “We just got a smoker, and will do both deep-fried and smoked turkeys for the holidays as well.”

So how does it work? Every Monday, Bradford sends out an email blast that details the week’s menu and specials. The menu also appears online at ChefStyleStudio.com, and you can follow your new personal chef on Facebook as well. Deliveries currently go out on Fridays, though Bradford hopes to expand the service soon. Customers can place orders through the website Facebook.com/chefstylestudio, email Bradford@chefstylestudio.com or text 817-614-5896 September 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

September

SEPTEMBER 2

SEPTEMBER 20

BANDS ON THE BRICKS (THE NIGHTOWLS)

BIRDS ON THE MOVE, BOARDWALK

SUNDANCE SQUARE

FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND REFUGE

Come join us for a Happy Hour series we’re calling Bands on the Bricks! Experience great live music from some of the hottest bands around. Enjoy a FREE live concert every Wednesday this September in Sundance Square Plaza.

September means migration season. Join a naturalist as we search in and around the Boardwalk area for birds that are moving through.

Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the Center. FREE (with paid admission). 1 - 3 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 3 - NOVEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 23

GRACE & GRIT: VISIONS OF THE WEST BY TERRI KELLY MOYERS

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - OF MICE AND MEN

NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME

MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

Enjoy 28 paintings of Terri Kelly Moyers, which will include cowgirls, Western landscapes, and Hispanic women depicting the Western lifestyle the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame preserves.

Admission $10 Adults $8 Children

Golden Globe Winner and Academy Award nominee James Franco (127 Hours, Milk) and Tony Award nominee Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids, Girls) star in the Broadway production.

Landmark revival of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck's play is a powerful portrait of the American Spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship.

SEPTEMBER 11 - 13 ART IN THE GARDEN FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

Artwork exhibited in the halls of the Garden Center. Over 60 different artists displaying oils, watercolors, sculpture, photography and jewelry. Wine and cheese reception during Gallery Night.

SEPTEMBER 24 - 26 OKTOBERFEST PANTHER ISLAND PAVILION

You’ll find authentic German food, music, dancing, games, biergartens, dachshund races, Spaten and other fall and Oktoberfest craft beers from around the country. Dust off your lederhosen, Oktoberfest is back in Fort Worth! The Panther Island Pavilion hosts this authentic German celebration with just the right amount of Texas thrown in.

SEPTEMBER 26 RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

SEPTEMBER 12

The fastest and most exhilarating motorsport on the planet is not an air show but a competitive eight-event air racing series. A combination of high speed, low altitude and extreme maneuverability make it only accessible to the world's most exceptional pilots. Admission $29 Children 12 and under free.

CABELA'S KIDS EXPLORER WORKSHOP - CAMOUFLAGED CRITTERS

SEPTEMBER 26

CABELA'S

FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - DOC SEVERINSEN

Ever wonder why some animals are so hard to find? Many animals are camouflaged to help hide from their predators (or prey). Learn more about this amazing adaptation and how it helps animals in the wild. Go on a scavenger hunt, and create your own creature to hide.

Admission is free but RSVP required space fills up fast.

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

30

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

Heeeere's Doc! In this tour de force concert, Doc Severinsen pays tribute to the American songbook and highlights some of his favorite tunes of the Big Band era and beyond. Doc takes a trip down memory lane and shares some of his favorite stories and greatest musical influences with audiences.

At we love what we do, and it shows!

We have made some exciting changes at Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry! This summer, Dr. Nikki Green welcomed Dr. Ryan Knight as her partner and full-time colleague. We are proud to be a Comprehensive Dental Practice, where we combine the passion and talents of our Doctors in into a full-service dental team. With our expanded team of Doctors, we are better able to provide beautiful smiles and restored oral health for more patients in the Greater Fort Worth area!

Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is YOUR West Fort Worth Center for: COSMETIC DENTISTRY • Small changes to your smile can give you a brighter, healthier, more youthful appearance.

• Smile Makeovers are created every day to significantly change the appearance of broken, discolored, or worn teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS • Placed and restored in our office using the latest in radiographic and implant technology.

• The solution for tooth replacement, whether a single tooth or multiple missing teeth.

SEDATION DENTISTRY • Conscious sedation for the fearful patient or the patient who justs wants to have several dental visits completed at one time.

• IV sedation for surgical procedures including implants, wisdom teeth, and gingival surgery.

At Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, the possibilities for your smile are limitless!

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business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Ann Beck Photography (817) 401-0134 annbeckphotography.com

Hayle Hullett (972) 800-9271 haylehullettphotography.pixieset.com

AUTOMOTIVE Cowtown Rover (817) 731-3223 cowtownrover.com Jerry’s Cadillac (817) 597-1287 jerryscadillac.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS

Benbrook Chamber of Commerce (827) 249-4451 benbrookonline.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (817) 737-6601 ngreendental.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Charles R. Green & Associates Inc (817) 348-8700 charlesgreen.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Eyes on Camp Bowie (817) 738-9301 eyesoncampbowie.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Glendarroch (817) 966-9751 Glendarrochhomes.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

HOME SERVICES

Mi Cocula Mexican Grill (817) 708-2895

Oliver Dyer (817) 244-1874 oliverdyersappliance.com Archies Gardenland (817) 737-6614 archiesgardenland.com

Magnolia fence and Patio (817) 995-7467 magnoliafenceandpatio.com Mean Green Lawn and Landscape (817) 995-0324 meangreenlawncare.com Southern Harvest (817) 236-5296 harvestlandscape.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Baylor Scott & White Health (817) 926-2544 baylorhealth.com Dr. Laura Morris (817) 989-0300 lauramorrismd.wix.com/dermatology Reconnectiing Relationships Therapy (817) 885-7777 reconnectingrelationships.com Texas Health Resources Willow Park (817) 757-1500 texashealth,org/willow-park-fitness

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE Virginia Cook Realtors (817) 665-1222 viginiacook.com Wilco Realtors (817) 703-7491 wilcorealtors.com

32

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

Buffalo West (817) 732-2370 buffalowestfw.com

Oscar’s Pub (817) 732-3833 oscarspub.com

SALONS & SPAS

Metropolitan Day Spa (817) 877-3417 metropolitandayspa.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Evans vacuums (817) 732-5400

Fort Worth Billiards (817) 377-1004 dfwbilliards.com Lisa McConnell Custom Jewelry Design & Repair (817) 732-4440 lisamcconnell.com Roy Pope Grocery (817) 732-2863 roypopegrocery.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE Backwoods Fort Worth (817) 332-2423 backwoods.com Ed Wilkens (817) 888-0078

Benbrook Businesses Are Open!

We know it’s messy... but, please support our businesses during the expansion and improvements to Benbrook Boulevard.

GoBenbrook.com Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce 8507 Benbrook Blvd., Ste. C, Benbrook, TX (817) 249-4451 • info@benbrookchamber.org

FRIENDS – FUN – RELAXATION

Quality Game Room Furnishings

(817) 377-1004 • dfwbilliards.com 2312 Montgomery Street Ft. Worth, Texas 76107

Dr. Cindy Zimmerman, Optometrist 817-738-9301 | www.eyesoncampbowie.com 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ste. 272 • Fort Worth, TX

September 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

The Sweet Smell of Back to School WORDS JIM COSGROVE

E

very time I step into a school cafeteria (which is easily 100 times a year) the acrid smells of sour milk, baked mystery meat, and bleachy cleansers swirl into an unpleasant olfactory gumbo that assaults my brain’s limbic system, somewhere near the hippocampus. That’s the spot where smells trigger memories.

Instantly I’m hurled back to third grade. I’m sitting at the lunch table nibbling on a crumby peanut butter sandwich and an apple, while my friend Steve inhales a “real” lunch of potato chips, a Hoho, and a can of Cragmont Lemon-lime soda wrapped in foil. His mother must really love him.

Over in the corner stands George the janitor standing ready with his mop and bucket and a box of sawdust, just in case one of those nervous stomachs decides to heave back its lunch.

Ahh…the smells of school send my mind reeling. Each room and each hallway prompts its own cascade of memories.

Over in the dank and musty gym – the woody smell of the floor mixed with rubber and leather and perspiration-soaked cotton reminds me of the single glorious victory we had in five years of elementary and middle school basketball.

In the kindergarten room, the distinctive aroma of Play-Doh, and Elmer’s glue, and the dusty scent of construction paper takes 34

West FW Lifestyle | September 2015

me back to a time when I was five, and my classmates and I sat with our eyes riveted to a tiny black-and-white television screen as we watched Apollo 14 splash safely back to earth.

And in early afternoon, in almost every classroom, nostrils are shocked to attention by the unique clammy bouquet of a gaggle of sweaty students fresh from recess. I’d like to bottle that scent and market it to retired teachers as “Eau de Playground.”

And then there are memories that trigger smells, like purple-inked hand-outs duplicated on ditto machines. Cool and still slightly damp as they come off the silver cylinder – there wasn’t a kid in my class who didn’t kill a few brain cells sniffing that irresistible chemical odor.

But the most hope-filled smells of all come from the supply aisles at the back-to-school sales.

Every August I’d joyfully inhale a stack of brand new school supplies that held infinite promise. There’s nothing that reeks of hope as an unmarked Big Chief tablet and an unblemished Trapper Keeper, or a freshly sharpened #2 pencil and a soft pink eraser. I’d cram what could fit into a sweet chemical-smelling plastic pencil bag with a zipper that still worked.

The smell of school is in the air. Think of the possibilities!

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