West FW October 2015 by City Lifestyle

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

OCTOBER 2015

™

The

Women

of the fort

LISA NUSSBAUM MAKING WISHES HAPPEN THE OASIS ON THE WESTSIDE THE YWCA TRANSFORMING LIVES

LIFE TASTE S BE ST WHEN IT’S

W E L L DON E .

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Publisher’s Letter

Like mother, like daughter... I

was born without an artsy or a craftsy bone in my body. My daughter Hannah on the other hand, can create these amazing, elaborate, beautiful things that just baffle me. I do love to cook though and watch more Food Network than a person should be allowed. Hannah has to call me on how to heat frozen chicken nuggets. My daughter can close her eyes, pick random articles of clothes out of the closet and Voila! a perfect outfit. I have to carefully think out each and everything I will wear then still second guess myself a couple of times. It’s a lengthy process. I love sports, especially college football. I am willing to bet she has no idea who Gary Patterson is. When I look at her I think, how did I create this beautiful creature? We’re nothing alike. Then she opens her mouth and I am like, "Oh there it is!" It’s hard for me to believe my Hannah is a grown adult woman. I look at this beautiful girl and see us riding in the car while dancing and singing, watching Disney movies, and playing dolls. I also see those not so awesome teen years where I truly thought she was taken over by aliens. Now I see her doing these exact same things with my grand girls and I know that she, too, will raise strong beautiful women that are just like her.

OCTOBER 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, Mollie Jamison

contributing photographers Ann Beck, Hayle Hullett, Kat Swift

This month’s issue is all about the strong, beautiful women of Fort Worth. I have wanted to tell a few of their stories since I started the magazine and I am so happy that it has finally happened. Sharen Wilson is Fort Worth’s first female District Attorney. She is brilliant and is a role model for anyone. My friend Kalen was the sous chef at Tillman’s when we met. She is hilarious and extremely talented. She is starting on a new adventure as the head chef of Table and Market this month. All of the women in this issue make Fort Worth an even better place and I hope you enjoy getting to know these women as much as I have!

See you around town! Sincerely,

Christie Thomas, Publisher by Community ™

WestFWLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Lisa Nussbaum at the Make

a Wish Fort Worth Office. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN BECK

West FW Lifestyle | October 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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October 2015

Departments

Good Times

Around Town

Now Open

Locally Owned

Giving Back

History 101

Healthy Lifestyle

Your Neighbor

30 Lifestyle Calendar

12 A New Adventure

Parting Thoughts

Kalen Morgenstern takes on the role of executive chef for the upcoming Market + Table.

20 Women of the Fort Celebrate four women who embody the spirit of Fort Worth.

28 Lisa & Gary Nussbaum Building Hope one wish at a time.

Good Times

Women Steering Business September Kickoff

Park Place Mercedes Benz on Bryant Irvin served as the venue for the event. Executive Chef/Partner Derek Venutolo of The Capital Grille - Fort Worth catered the event. PHOTOGRAPHY RAUL MOSLEY

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

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Around Town

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.

BACKYARD GRILLING Come see us at Backyard Grilling Company for all of your outdoor living needs. We carry a large variety of grills, components, gas logs, HomeCrest Outdoor furniture, Smokers, Big Green Egg, outdoor kitchen design and so much more. Follow us on Facebook or our website to get updates on some of the many grilling demonstrations we do at our store. We are a family owned and operated company, and our main focus is to provide an easy, pressure free selling environment, with top notch customer service. Come see us at the store, or at our booth at the 1st Annual Fort Worth Weekly Backyard BBQ Competition, Saturday Oct 10th, held at the Historic Stockyards. Backyard Grilling Co 6125 SW Loop 820 #140, Fort Worth, Tx 76132 817.292.7611 BackyardGrillingCo.com

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West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

legacy on providing the optimal experience for our customers, offering dedicated service from the very start and long after a sale is finished. Expressions Home Gallery is designed for homeowners, builders, contractors and interior designers and offers kitchen & bath fixtures, appliances and more. Each sales consultant is a highly trained industry expert who can assist in guiding customers down the right path to achieve the home of their dreams. We understand that a new kitchen and bath design is a form of self-expression, driven by passion and creativity, and we set out to create a hands-on environment where ideas can spark and thrive. We’re here to turn your vision into a reality. Contact Greg Haczynski at 817.259.0920, or visit our showroom at 5001 Bryant Irvin Road North (at West Vickery). ExpressionsHomeGallery.com

LENA POPE CEO TODD LANDRY TRAVELS TO CUBA WITH A DIVERSE CHILD WELFARE RESEARCH DELEGATION Lena Pope CEO Todd Landry will travel to Cuba as part of a delegation focused on sharing, learning and networking to ensure all children grow up safely in loving families and supportive communities. To meet with some of the country’s leading childcare, healthcare and education providers, Landry will travel with a diverse child welfare delegation. All 11 members were chosen by CWLA (The Child Welfare League of America) and The Coalition for Research to Practice through a cross-system application process. This year’s chairman of the board of the CWLA, Landry joins community leaders, educators, researchers and officers from children and family service programs. The goal is to learn how best to support our nation’s most vulnerable citizens through maximizing the strengths of Cuba’s community-based child welfare practices and to share the best practices of the United States systems with Cuban leaders. The group will tour the country from September 27 through October 3. “The recent work toward normalization of relations with Cuba after more than 50 years presented an opportunity for a delegation to travel with a focus on child welfare, childhood development, childhood learning, and children’s overall wellbeing,” Landry says. “Our goal is to both share information on our best child welfare practices and to see how Cuba’s practices have developed during the decades since the embargo went into effect. We look forward to sharing information as well as learning.” Though Cuba does not have a formal child welfare system, the country has long practiced raising children communally, to provide them with what they need to be happy and healthy and go on to reach their full potential. The delegation is interested to see how this extended-family and community-based model has transformed throughout the last 50 years. “We are excited to learn about the resilience of families and how they manage without a child welfare system in place,” says Christine James-Brown, president and CEO of the CWLA. “We know there is a good daycare system in Cuba and a good healthcare system as well. This is going to be a good shared learning experience where we can learn from Cuba and then return to the U.S. to share that knowledge with the entire child welfare field.” Landry will blog about his experiences on LenaPope.org, and the entire delegation is committed to sharing what they have learned through webinars, reporting, and other post-trip requirements of their partnership.

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KALEN'S NEW ADVENTURE FORT WORTH'S KALEN MORGENSTERN TAKES ON THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR THE UPCOMING MARKET + TABLE ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY KAT SWIFT

alen Morgenstern’s career trajectory has seemed like one continuous and rapid ascent. The past six years have seen the Fort Worth native gain early exposure at Nashville’s Patterson House, serve as chef de cuisine at Tillman’s Roadhouse and appear as a reality show contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Kalen’s latest adventure — and the next chapter in her exciting career — will see her take on executive chef duties at the brand-new Market + Table in Fort Worth’s West Seventh district. Market + Table, a fresh concept from Todd Fiscus, will bring both an upscale market and gourmet restaurant to the vibrant urban area. Located in the space formerly occupied by Tillman’s Roadhouse, Market + Table serves as an entirely new vision of epicurean living that should go over well with the area’s hip, professional demographic. The restaurant component will welcome diners into an elegant, bistro-style environment where the focus lands squarely on the delectability of Kalen’s menu. Designed in partnership with Todd Fiscus and the rest of Kalen’s team, the menu

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

nevertheless bears the imprint of the new executive chef’s sensibilities. “I was born in Texas and raised Southern, so I lean toward that style of cuisine,” says Kalen. “My aim is to invoke memories and experiences, and try to get people to connect with themselves through food. The goal with Market + Table is to bring back some of the old school stuff that I grew up eating, and present it in new and different ways.” A complete departure from the atmosphere and vibe of Tillman’s Roadhouse, Market + Table stands to reinvent Fort Worth’s notion of fine dining — both in the store and restaurant. “We’re looking to offer fast, healthy and unprocessed options on the market side, and fine dining on the table side,” explains Kalen. “Two ideas in one space; it’s gonna be fun.” The Market portion of the business will serve as an epicurean deli and grocer, with prepared foods ready for pickup and a well-curated assortment of staples and basics. Locals who occupy the area’s surrounding lofts will certainly welcome a fast, convenient option for

high-quality, on-the-go food and an excuse to skip the supermarket. As for the restaurant, Kalen plans to keep things equally fresh and dynamic: “The menu for Table will probably change as much as every week,” she explains. “The idea is to rotate food and keep people coming back without getting stuck in a routine. That’s what people want around here. If something does really well, we might leave it on for a week or two.” It wouldn’t be a West Seventh restaurant without a cocktail menu, and Market + Table aims to impress on the libation side of the equation. “We are designing a complete cocktail menu,” says Kalen. “We’ll have the classics on there, and plan to do more of a pre-prohibition style selection. We’ll also have seasonal cocktails that pair with the food and change more often.” Ready to explore what Market + Table (+ Kalen) have to offer? The Market portion gets a head-start with a soft opening in early October, while Table is set to debut in November with a special introductory menu.

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Oasis on the West Side METROPOLITAN DAY SPA

ARTICLE MOLLIE JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLET

f you’re looking for a Fort Worth facial destination, look no further. Chances are you’ve seen or heard of Metropolitan Day Spa, in the corner of a quaint cultural district shopping center on West 7th Street. And if you’re lucky, you’ve made it to the top of its three month-long waiting list. But what makes this spa so special? We sat down with owner Lupita and her husband and manager Gerald Griffin to learn the unique elements of this family owned and operated business.

get an appointment.’ We’ve got a waiting list. People want to get in.” When you enter this nearly 6-year-old spa you’ll be greeted by the sounds of slow, harmonious music and possibly one of the two Griffin children, ages 9 and 16. Lupita, who doubles as the spa’s medical esthetician, says her daughter is especially keen on manning the front desk and greeting customers. And while the clients are mostly referred by word of mouth and the atmosphere remains famil-

and creams. We have a treatment that we do with it that stimulates the facial muscles. As you get older, gravity seems to want to pull everything down. This helps lift the muscle and gives you a youthful look and diminishes wrinkles. It’s very popular. Everyone wants to know everything about it.” Gerald went on to say that you wouldn’t find these products on your neighborhood drug store shelf. The Biologique Recherche

“I call it the best kept little secret, but we really don’t want to be kept a secret,” laughs Gerald. “We want people to know we’re here. A client once said, ‘I’m afraid to let people know that you’re here because I don’t want to have a difficult time trying to

iar and family-like, the skincare products are internationally known and turning heads. “We have a new line called Biologique Recherche from France,” says Gerald. “It’s a new product that’s out there. It has natural ingredients in their lotions

brand won’t let just anyone represent them; Metropolitan Day Spa remains the only carrier in Texas. The service is so new, that it’s not even on the menu yet. (Ask for the Biologique or BR treatment when you visit.)

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

CONTINUED >

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For a taste of what Gerald calls the “ultimate pampering,” book the Metropolitan Package for up to three people. This service features a facial, hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure and a catered lunch from either Michaels Cuisine or Lucile’s Stateside Bistro. (They’ll even accommodate dietary restrictions when needed.) You’ll escape the outside world for a total of 245 minutes when you purchase this package for $310 per person. But we’d like to think you couldn’t put a price tag on this type of peace and quiet. However Metropolitan Day Spa is much more than just top-ofthe-line products and fancy fare. “We pride ourselves on not being a cookie cutter kind of spa,” says Gerald. “We’d like to think that we’re a little bit more upscale, professional and knowledgeable. We have a medical director so it’s more than just your basic spa. The medical director oversees the operation if we have any questions as far as skin and health. Also anything that has to do with laser. Just to make sure that everything is done properly” Metropolitan Day Spa staff will even refer their guests to trusted dermatologist in the area, should they need additional consultation. At the end of a visit, Lupita and Gerald understand the satisfaction that customers get when they look in the mirror post-treatment and see a difference. But for them, the real satisfaction comes from knowing they provide a place where spa-goers of all ages feel rejuvenated from the inside out. “We want them to feel renewed and refreshed,” says Gerald. “That’s the greatest part about this industry. They come in here and they’re tired and then when they walk out of here they just look and feel like a new person. They’re very bubbly and you can just tell they have this renewed sense of feeling about themselves.”

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For more information visit MetropolitanDaySpa.com or call 817.877.3417. October 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

YWCA

Giving Back

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF FORT WORTH WOMEN AND CHILDREN

ARTICLE MOLLIE JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLETT

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ou’ve heard the saying, “If you love [blank] so much, why don’t you marry it?” In 2010 Trish Rodriguez said her vows in the YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s historic building. Fast-forward five years and now she’s the non-profit’s chief development and communications officer. Fate can be funny. But what Rodriguez really fell in love with that day was the YWCA’s mission to transform the lives of women and their families from poverty to independence via programs supported by three social enterprises, one being facility rentals. “My husband is a photographer and he really fell in love with the building,” says Rodriquez. “The ballroom has these huge windows with natural light. But I personally fell in love with the mission. I loved what they did. I loved the idea that by getting married at the YWCA we would be starting our lives together but we would be helping a women and her family start a new chapter in her live.” The downtown building is located on West 4th Street and can be used not only for weddings but also receptions, corporate meetings, bridal shoots and other special events for a price tag of $150-$3,550. “It was built in the 1920s and the YWCA purchased it in the 1950s,” says Rodriquez. “We have a really gorgeous ballroom that’s been restored to its original glory and a great room on the first floor.” But renting out the YWCA isn’t the only way to help support the non-profit’s cause. The three social enterprises (or entities that operate as businesses but also promote social change) work as a tripod to help support the organization and make it function as a self-sufficient machine. “These businesses help us bring in much needed revenue to support our programs serving women and families in Tarrant County,” says Rodriquez. “They also provide opportunities for a client as well, in a variety of places.” The YWCA’s Resale Shop & reDesign on Camp Bowie Boulevard for example, is a gift that keeps on giving. “We sell to the community but we also make those items available to our clients,” says Rodriquez. “They get what we call resale

bucks and can come get a couch if they need it or housewares if they’re moving into a home, out of a housing program or if they need clothing for a job interview or for their kids.” Power Lunch acts as the third social enterprise by offering lunch delivery and catering options to the downtown area while simultaneously providing job training for YWCA clients. If you're hungry for change in the Tarrant County community, choose from sandwiches, salads, wraps and homemade desserts for your next weekday corporate lunch or meeting. Box lunches start at $8 each and online ordering is available. Money accrued from Power Lunch, Resale and reDesign and facility rentals make the YMCA’s mission possible by directly supporting its programs. These programs include offering affordable, high-quality childcare, financial empowerment services and housing stability to women and children in need. “We provide childcare at no cost for homeless families and at lowcost for low-income families,” says Rodriguez. “We have subsidies and they pay us based on what they can afford. They have to have a safe place for their kids to go while they’re working. We also teach women, men, and families how to manage their money, budget, save and pay down debt. We offer some programs to repair credit and savings incentives to help people become self-sufficient. We operate an emergency shelter and a housing program for families” If you’d like to get involved with YWCA’s programs, Rodriguez suggests attending a Transforming Lives Tour, held twice each month at the historic downtown Fort Worth facility and their Arlington Child Development Center. “The tour takes about an hour and it really allows you to go behind the scenes of the work that we do and learn about our programs, housing, childcare and financial empowerment,” says Rodriguez. “That’s just a great introduction to the YWCA and everything that we do and the population that we serve.” For more information, visit YWCAFortWorth.com or call 817.332.6191.

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October 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

Becky Renfro Borbolla Sharon Chester Walters

Women of the fort

Imbued with strength and grace, these four women embody the spirit of Fort Worth. ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

Sharen Wilson Helen Bowers

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

FORT WORTH'S DEFENDER

You might not recognize her face, but you’ll certainly recognize her name: Becky Renfro Borbolla, an inheritor of the legacy of Renfro Foods, and the current vice president and co-owner of the iconic Fort Worth company. Since the name “Mrs. Renfro” adorns the labels of a vast assortment of salsas, relishes, peppers and sauces, one has to wonder: does Becky get taken as the face of the brand? “People do ask me if I’m Mrs. Renfro, and I say that I’m her granddaughter,” says Becky. “We put her picture on the lid, though, and I’m thinking, ‘I don’t look like that!’” Renfro Foods, founded in the 1940s by Becky’s grandparents, George and Arthurine, has grown and thrived over the past seven decades. A large portion of the company’s success — which first bloomed thanks to the popularity of Dixieland Syrups and Chow Chow — can be attributed to the Renfros’ talent in navigating changes in consumer tastes. Becky credits the company’s longevity to another source: family. “Our success is based largely on having the third-generation of Renfros active in the company,” says Becky. “There are three of us involved in daily operations. We’re testing and tasting products, and we’re not going to send something out the door that’s not the quality we expect.” As for advice for young women just getting started in life, Becky says the following: “Follow your dreams. If you want to do it, go for it,” says Becky. “I get up every morning and I never know what’s going to happen. I might expect a routine day, but something will come up and we’re suddenly going 90 mph; but I love what I do! I think everyone should follow their passion and work at something they enjoy.”

As the first female District Attorney to ever serve the people of Tarrant County, Sharen Wilson is used to the “trailblazer” label. Ironically, the historic nature of her election hardly influenced her during the campaign. “Of course we knew that I could become the first female DA, but it really wasn’t something we thought about or talked about during the campaign,” says Sharen. “Our focus was on who had the ability to do the job and do it well.” Since she took office in January of 2015, Sharen has quickly come to appreciate the talent of those around her, along with the desire to serve that motivates the talented, driven people in the Criminal District Attorney’s office. “The absolute most rewarding thing is working with the incredibly bright people in this office,” says Sharen. “We have excellent attorneys, staff members and investigators. It’s a big office, and everyone’s at the top of their game.” As for community service, that’s the name of the game for Sharen Wilson. “Everyday we try to do right by the people of Tarrant County,” she says. “If someone calls us, it’s likely because something has gone terribly wrong in their lives. The ability to help the people who need you most, that’s what motivates us. Crime victims don’t get to pick another attorney; they only have us.” Young women would do well to emulate this former prosecutor who became a licensed assistant DA at the age of 24. “My advice for young people is to set goals and work hard,” says Sharen. “An 18-year-old doesn’t have to know exactly what she wants to be at the age of 50, but should have basic principles to live by and a desire to work hard. Keep your priorities in order and always give your employers an honest day of work.”

HEART OF THE WESTSIDE

For many, many residents of Fort Worth, no single person embodies the sense of westside community better than Sharon Chester Walters. Sharon began her career as a dental hygienist back in 1975 in her father’s practice on Camp Bowie Boulevard. Twenty-two years later, when her father retired, Sharon joined the practice of another dentist and took her father’s sizable clientele with her. To inspire such loyalty bespeaks a unique gift of personality and talent for connection; for Sharon, though, it just exemplifies the bonds that unite westside lifers. “I’m blessed to have patients who have been coming to me for 40 years,” says Sharon. “There’s one family I’ve seen for four generations now. My favorite story involves a boy whose teeth I’ve cleaned since he was 2 years old. When his brother got married, I was invited to the wedding, and his finacee came up to me. She said, ‘So you’re Miss Sharon; I’ve been told I need to get your approval!” His finacee later became a patient herself, and it was “Miss Sharon” who was the first to learn about her pregnancy. Relationships like these have defined Sharon’s life and career, and are what, to her, make the westside special. “People stick together here,” says Sharon. “We’re like one big family, and those who move here from elsewhere get surprised when they hear that people live a half-mile from where they were raised. Six people I went to grade school with live within a block-and-a-half of my house.” When asked how she works to nurture the community that’s been home for so long, Sharon has a simple and elegant answer: “I just love my family, and I love my patients,” she says. “At the end of the day, they’re one and the same.”

TASTE OF ELEGANCE

Helen Bowers’s Rose Garden Tearoom, which has locations in Arlington and Fort Worth, calls to mind a bygone era of sophisticated ease and delectability. Inspired by the aesthetics of English gardens, these lunchtime havens cater to a loyal clientele that expands with every newcomer’s first experience of the famous Rose Garden Variety Plate. “We strive to create a relaxing atmosphere and ensure that the food is wonderful,” says Helen. “We make everything fresh daily, including the pies.” It’s a testament to the broad nature of Helen’s talents that she never intended to become the proprietor of one of the Metroplex’s favorite lunch-spots. After her graduation from TCU, Helen worked as a teacher, florist and interior designer, started a successful children’s goods business and owned a dress shop. In the 20 years that she has owned the Rose Garden Tea Room, Helen has seen the business expand to include two of her daughters, along with a second location. “My daughters have cooked since we first opened. It’s wonderful, and I don’t think I could do it without them,” says Helen. “It’s a family affair. They're just as invested as I am in the quality, and they haven’t fired me yet.” For the next generation of TCU graduates, Helen offers some wisdom gained throughout a dynamic life: “Just embrace every moment,” she says. “Everything you experience serves to lead you toward your passion in life. That’s what life is all about — finding what you really care about.” October 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

Offering high quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service at a great value. We believe in ensuring that our client’s dreams are turned into reality. The end result is a breathtaking custom home or remodel and a satisfied customer. That’s why we personally supervise every phase of construction with an unparalleled attention to detail. Glendarroch Homes is owned and operated by TCU graduates. Go Frogs and Go Big 12!

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Scarecrow Day - Oct. 18th

Get creative and build a scarecrow for your Fall Garden. Bring an old shirt & pants, and we will take care of the rest from 10-2!

www.ArchiesGardenland.com www.ArchiesGardenland.com 6700 Z Boaz Place Fort Worth, Texas 76116

History 101

The Imagined Arch ARTICLE JULIET GEORGE

he War to End All Wars in the endeavor.” The reImage from The Bohemian (1904), courtesy of the Amon Carter ended with the Armistice porter noted that “It is likeMuseum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas. on 11 November 1918 inside ly that when the promoters a railway car in a glade of of the scheme having gotCompiègne, north of Paris. ten a little further along Far away in Fort Worth, Texand have computed the as, Mary Pearl Hardy Tramexpense attached to the mell envisioned a triumphal proposition that the City and memorial arch with a Commission will be called keystone shaped like a panon to make an appropriather, spanning and curving tion for the structure. . . . over Camp Bowie Boulevard. . it is believed such a plan It would bear the name of would give every taxpayer every soldier from the Panin Fort Worth the opportuther (36th) Division, Amernity of having a hand in the ican Expeditionary Forces, undertaking that will not who had perished in service only be a matter of civic during World War I. Even pride, but will be a lasting as new houses were going monument to the men that up in the Arlington Heights trained at Camp Bowie.” neighborhood that had hostMrs. Trammell was no ed their military training canstranger to civic projects tonment for two years, she and city governance. Her focused on remembrance. father had served as mayAlong with fellow civor of San Marcos, and her ic committee members husband – Jefferson Davis of the local Federation Trammell - was a promiof Women’s Clubs, Mrs. nent municipal engineer. Trammell had already preIn addition to membership sented to city commissionin a dance club and freers a choice of new names quent mentions in society for Arlington Heights Boucolumns, she was affiliatlevard in January of 1919, ed with the Texas Womand had committed to an’s Press Association, caring for donated trees wrote poetry, and paintto be planted along the ed. Before the war, Ula le thoroughfare. She took the Hentz- Bass profiled her commemorative project a as a “Belle of Texas” in step further with her arch an essay,”Types of Texas proposal. Suggested loBeauties,” published in cations included the western terminus of the Seventh Street the World’s Fair edition of Fort Worth’s The Bohemian magabridge or the beginning of the renamed boulevard at what is zine. Bass stated that she was “essentially domestic, and her now the University Drive intersection. home has always been of paramount interest to her. . . “ The As reported in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on February 9 of Trammells often entertained at their “Dixie Lodge” residence that year, “W.E. Connell of the Park Board has given the idea his along the Dallas Interurban route; by 1922, they had moved indorsement [sic] and efforts will be made to interest all of the to 104 Penn Street. members of the Park Department as well as the City Commission Evidently, the arch was never built.

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

Remember, a new hip doesn’t actually make you hip.

Advanced Orthopedic Care Joint pain can make simple activities like playing with kids and swinging a golf club hurt too much to enjoy. That’s why at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, we offer joint replacement options so you can get back to where you belong. The team has the expertise to perform total knee replacements, hand surgery, hip replacement, shoulder surgery, rehabilitation services and more to help you return to your active lifestyle. Call and we will help you experience greater range of motion and emotion.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Fitness for a Woman's Life TWO FORT WORTH TRAINERS HAVE ADVICE ON WOMEN'S FITNESS, MOTHERHOOD, AND THE NAVIGATION OF BOTH

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLETT

otherhood informs a major transition in many women’s lives, one in which former primary concerns become secondary, and life’s focus shifts to the welfare of another. It’s an unfortunate consequence of these new responsibilities that many mothers let their commitment to fitness lapse. To get some tips on the integration of fitness into motherhood (and women’s lives in general) we found a pair of experts with firsthand knowledge of both: Sarah Cornett of the Pilates Concept, and Shawna Gibson of the Brick Gym.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN WHO NEED TO JUGGLE FITNESS AND MOTHERHOOD?

Sarah: Workout with your kids! If they’re babies, get that jogging stroller and hit the trails. Lots of studios and gyms offer “mommy and me” classes or childcare. It’s important for moms to take care of themselves and not always put themselves last. Sarah & Carter

Shawna: The biggest thing I can say is to give yourself grace. It took you nine months to put that weight on; you shouldn’t expect it to disappear in nine weeks. Work back slowly, and listen to your body and your doctor. Your body will come back, and will come back better and stronger than ever. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENT WAYS THAT YOU TAILOR WORKOUTS TO PREGNANT CLIENTS? WHAT ABOUT FEMALE CLIENTS IN GENERAL?

Sarah: We can modify our workouts for every client, whether they’re in a group class or private lesson. Every woman is different, both in terms of where she is in life, and also how she goes through an experience like pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her body progresses through stages that affect what exercises she can and cannot do. We make sure to keep tabs on the heart rate, ligament laxity, prone/supine lying, excessive rectus abdominus work, and also encourage lots of pelvic floor exercises.

Shawna & Greyson

Shawna: We keep pregnant clients moving throughout the nine months of pregnancy. This allows them to jump back into workouts sooner than normal, once they receive the doctor’s okay. We also work to strengthen the pelvic floor. For women in general, we offer tailored CrossFit programs and a specialized program called LeanFit. We’ve found that a lot of women are intimidated by CrossFit because they don’t want to bulk up. With LeanFit we go lighter on the weights and focus on body sculpting and fat burning. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EFFORTS TO BALANCE MOTHERHOOD AGAINST YOUR CAREER?

Sarah: The first few months were hard, and I felt guilty anytime I wasn’t with my son. I did learn, however, that I loved being back at work, and as he’s gotten older, I’ve gotten more used to our schedule. Every family situation is different, and you have to figure out what works for you and not dwell on what you think is “normal.” As mothers, we are very hard on ourselves, but I’ve learned to do what I feel is right. Shawna: I’m blessed that I’m able to bring Greyson into work with me. I don’t know if I’ve found the secret balance yet, but I’ve learned that life happens around being a mom. Living in the moment now forms my identity, and that’s what I try to do every day. You have to be flexible and remember that nothing is black and white. If you can keep that in mind, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Sarah Cornett is the owner of The Pilates Concept located at 4201 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.763.9889 Shawna Gibson is the owner of the Brick Gym located at 6913 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.296.1769

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Your Neighbor

Building Hope, One Wish at a Time

LISA NUSSBAUM AND THE NORTH TEXAS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION SHINE A LIGHT INTO THE LIVES OF SUFFERING CHILDREN

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

isa and Gary Nussbaum, owners of Fort Worth’s AG Builders, have it made their business to realize the wishes of clients. As custom home builders, the Nussbaums channel their own talents and those of sub-contractors to accomplish the multi-layered complexity of one-of-a-kind dwellings. The home you’ve always wanted — both inside and out — constructed with accountability and the most exacting of standards: this is the business of AG Builders. Thanks to the generosity of Lisa, Gary and the AG Builders crew, this business also functions as a means for philanthropy. Through a partnership with the North Texas chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lisa and AG Builders work to realize the dreams of local children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses. Lisa’s involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation extends deeper than her role as a wish-granter. She also serves on the foundation’s regional council and, along with her husband, helps with fundraising. Somewhat ironically, the Nussbaums’ exposure to Make-AWish happened not at a hospital or fundraiser, but at a bank.

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

“I was introduced to the Make-A-Wish Foundation through my banker at Ciera Bank,” says Lisa. “He asked if I would like to serve as AG Builders’s representative on the regional council, and I agreed.” As a council member, Lisa meets with the Fort Worth chapter every month to discuss the chapter’s health and welfare, along with upcoming wishes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation functions nationally through local chapters. The North Texas chapter, headquartered at 3509 Hulen Street in Fort Worth, is its own 501(c)3 non-profit that works to grant wishes for children in 19 counties. While many people associate the Make-A-Wish Foundation with celebrity meet-and-greets and other extravagant wishes, the Fort Worth office stays active with charity work large and small on a daily basis. Jessie Wente serves as the director of development for Make-A-Wish North Texas. “Our Fort Worth office has both program staff and development officers,” says Jessie, “And we work closely with local wish families. We’ve granted 155 wishes locally so far this fiscal year, so you can imagine that the program team stays busy.”

The development team engages the North Texas community to make wishes happen through in-kind gifts and donations. Partnerships with entities such as Cook Children’s Hospital allow Make-AWish to identify eligible children, while wish-granters like Lisa Nussbaum and AG Builders donate the services to make wishes happen. For their latest project with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, AG Builders have made one girl’s dream of the ultimate playhouse a reality. Katherine, a 12-year-old who lives in Denton, had a simple request: a backyard playhouse where she could practice her art and have fun with friends. Of course, as soon as Lisa and Make-A-Wish got involved, the idea for a playhouse quickly evolved into plans for a child-sized mansion. The playhouse project illustrates the collaborative spirit of the MakeA-Wish Foundation, and shows how people work together to make wishes happen. For example, Katherine’s playhouse depended on the contributions of several area businesses, including Flynn + Watson Architects, AG Builders, Teague, Lumber and Ferguson Enterprises. Always one for close client partnerships, Lisa worked one-on-one with Katherine to design the playhouse’s interior and pick out furnishings. “This has been memorable for me because this little girl has a heart of gold,” says Lisa. “She’s really tugged at my heartstrings because we share a common appreciation for art and design. This playhouse is going to be a sanctuary for her. At the end of the day, no matter what she’s going through, she’ll have an oasis.” Lisa and the Make-A-Wish team have gone above and beyond on Katherine’s “playhouse,” which will feature air conditioning and heating, along with electric lights, a microwave and fridge.

“We like to take it a step further,” says Lisa. “We don’t know where to stop, and just want to bless these children. The greatest part is when they first see their wish come true. The look on their faces is priceless, and that makes everything we’ve done so worthwhile.” Of course, you don’t need to be an architect or home builder to contribute to the happiness of an afflicted child. If you appreciate what the North Texas Make-A-Wish Foundation does, you can visit them at NTX.Wish.org to donate money or find other ways to help.

October 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

October Lifestyle Calendar

OCTOBER 1 - 4

OCTOBER 23 - 25

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

BOO AT THE ZOO

CASA MAÑANA

FORT WORTH ZOO

Fiddler on the Roof features a cast of Broadway stars, including Bruce Winant as “Tevye,” Mary Gutzi as “Golde,” Mary Stout as “Yente,” as well as local audience favorites including David Coffee as “Rabbi,” Greg Dulcie as “Lazar Wolf” and Bob Reed as “Mordcha.” Directed and choreographed by Tee Scatuorchio. 817.332.2272

The Fort Worth Zoo’s family friendly Halloween celebration is a zoowide event, offering guests 64 acres of Halloween fun with all-day hours running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for one weekend only — October 23, 24 and 25. 817.759.7555

OCTOBER 3

OCTOBER 23 2015 WORLD STEAK CHAMPIONSHIP

25TH ANNUAL BIG BAND HANGAR DANCE

BILLY BOB'S TEXAS

VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM

Billy Bob’s Texas and the Steak Cookoff Association partner to bring the World Steak Championship to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Teams from the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean will compete for $15,000 in total payouts. Event will determine the first true World Champion. Enjoy music, food, vendors, trade show, and meet champion cooks.

Swing to the sounds of the Dynamic Swing Machine Band under the wings of the SkyWarrior. There is room for everyone to dance on our main hangar floor at Meacham Airport. Night flights over Fort Worth, a silent auction and maybe a performance by an area swing dance team. 817.624.1935 Tickets $30 in advance.

OCTOBER 9 & 11

OCTOBER 24 & 25 FALL FESTIVAL IN THE JAPANESE GARDEN

FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PAUL MCCARTNEY TRIBUTE

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

Serpentine paths entice you to surrender your senses and discover a new treasure at every turn. Feed thousands of exotic Imperial Carp (Koi) that beseech your attention. Stone, earth, leaf, and water become one in this 7-acre land of wonder

When the power of pop music meets the beauty of symphonic orchestration, it's not just "Silly Love Songs." Be there when Beatlemania and Classical Mystery Tour veteran Tony Kishman recreates Paul McCartney's most popular songs including "Hey Jude," "Penny Lane," "Yesterday," "Live And Let Die" and many more.

OCTOBER 15 - 17 CHRISTMAS IN COWTOWN GIFT MARKET WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER

Join the Junior League of Fort Worth for our 9th annual Christmas in Cowtown Gift Market.

OCTOBER 16 & 18 TEXAS BALLET THEATER: DRACULA BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

This spellbinding masterpiece brought to the stage by the legendary Ben Stevenson will transfix you from first to last bite. Accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

OCTOBER 27 - 31 KINKY BOOTS BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen's shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price struggles to continue the family business. With the factory's future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely form of Lola, a performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

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October 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

business directory 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

Drennan Family Dentistry (817) 732-5522 drennanfamilydentistry.com Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (817) 737-6601 ngreendental.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Charles R. Green & Associates Inc (817) 348-8700 charlesrgreen.com Pinnacle Bank (800) 227-7715 pinnbanktx.com

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS Glendarroch (817) 966-9751 glendarrochhomes.com

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Backyard Grilling Co (817) 292-7611 backyardgrillingco.com Expressions Home gallery - Morrison Supply (817) 259-0920 morsco.com/news/expressions-home-gallery Oliver Dyer (817) 244-1874 oliverdyersappliance.com

HOME SERVICES

Wilco Realtors (817) 703-7491 wilcorealtors.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Buffalo West (817) 732-2370 buffalowestfw.com

Mi Cocula Mexican Grill (817) 708-2895 Oscar’s Pub (817) 732-3833 oscarspub.com

Archies Gardenland (817) 737-6614 archiesgardenland.com

Winslow’s Wine Cafe (817) 546-6843 winslowswinecafe.com

Magnolia fence and Patio (817) 995-7467 magnoliafenceandpatio.com

SALONS & SPAS

Mean Green Lawn and Landscape (817) 995-0324 meangreenlawncare.com Southern Harvest (817) 236-5296 harvestlandscape.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Metropolitan Day Spa (817) 877-3417 metropolitandayspa.com Z Spa (817) 509-4967 zspadfw.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Fort Worth Billiards (817) 377-1004 dfwbilliards.com

Texas Health Resources Willow Park (817) 757-1500 texashealth,org/willow-park-fitness

Lisa McConnell Custom Jewelry Design & Repair (817) 732-4440 lisamcconnell.com

OTHER

Roy Pope Grocery (817) 732-2863 roypopegrocery.com

Evans Vacuums (817) 732-5400 evansvacuum.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Virginia Cook Realtors (817) 665-1222 viginiacook.com

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Parting Thoughts

Mulling Over The Wine Reviews DENISE SNODELL

was a weary shopper looking for a simple Riesling when my innocent eyes fell upon this: “Opens with a gorgeous bouquet of yellow flowers, stone fruit and musk against a backdrop of chalk and minerals. It’s richly fruity, with a sharp, honed acidity that’s shocking and penetrating. Finishes long, with an elegant honeyed touch.” Wuuut? I wasn’t sure if I was in a liquor store or in some seedy place reading Fifty Shades of Grapes. As E.L. James would say, “Holy cow!” I looked left. I looked right. I unlocked my cell phone and photographed the posted review card. The description of this pricey 94-pointer just floored me. I had to have it. The words, not the bottle. It’s an old story. Those of us who are, shall we say, less experienced wine lovers are intrigued and bemused by the industry’s word sommeliers. They can be a bit too passionate, or even bizarre, when explaining the flavor subtleties trapped beneath the cork. Call me a rube, but I don’t think my taste buds could ever fathom a backdrop of chalk. Yet the words quoted above had been fermenting in my cell phone picture gallery for a full season, and I had this crushing column deadline. The time arrived to fully investigate this exotic verbiage at a bigger wine store. Lo and behold, my research day coincided with a storewide wine tasting. Everywhere I turned, there was a rep tempting customers with sips of their forbidden fruits. They were stationed at the aisle endcaps, pouring samples of “honed acidity” and “deeply pitched notes of blistered tomato and pomegranate.” It was like a high octane Saturday at Costco. The place was crowded, but I managed to sneak some shots of the review cards. I honestly had no idea a bottle of pinot 34

West FW Lifestyle | October 2015

could tease your palate with supple tannins that build slowly to frame a sappy floral pastille, but apparently it can. I hadn’t quite snapped enough reviews when a champagne expert waved me over to her table. As I slammed down a few sips of Taittinger, I explained why I was there, “I am baffled at how specific and bizarre some of these booze reviews can be. For instance, how can you taste underbrush? Underbrush! Do these aficionados crawl through the woods and chomp on low lying twigs?” She shrugged and told me descriptions including “forest floor brambles” are, indeed, a thing. But, as she poured me something dryer, she said linking squirrel environments to Syrah was the least of the crazy. “I’ve actually seen reviewers use the words ‘manure’ and ‘cat pee.’” I was stunned. “Really? Surely they finessed the descriptions with something like ‘hints of fertile meadow and subtle feline mist.’” Though concerned, I managed a quick sip of the dry stuff. But as she poured me yet another sample, she insisted, “No. The exact words were manure and cat pee.” Wow, I thought. Animal droppings. The dark forest’s underbelly. It was dizzying to imagine the wine scribes getting so noir. But a funny thing happened. We continued discussing all the weirdness right there under the fluorescent retail lights. I was on my fifth (or sixth or seventh) sample and— boom-- I tasted it. My senses took me back to a private champagne cave tour I was fortunate to experience years ago in Reims, France. That one sip blossomed into a sweet, yet musty-dry medieval tapestry of tarnished armor, lightly sun-kissed by a lavender reduction… In other words, I think the secret to writing this stuff requires a full immersion.

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