West FW Lifestyle February 2014 by City Lifestyle

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

FEBRUARY 2014

A Knife & Forkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Friend

West Side-native Juan Rodriguez is taking his creative culinary energy and building his own restaurant venture

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Editor’s Letter

Have you ever tried those self-help books authored by a motivational speaker, or one of those success coaches? Not me and not because I don’t need it. We all need attitude adjustment from time to time. I go to a different source: history. The subject is a passion of mine. It’s also where I derive quite a bit of inspiration. Applying the lessons of the experiences of historical characters to my own life has at the very least been interesting. But, I came across an email recently. It was titled the “Seven senseless habits to drop in 2014,” derived from motivational speaker Shawn Anderson. Having never heard of him, I went to Google to find that he has authored six self-help books. His mission in life, the email says, is to empower “1 million people to lead a more positive and purposeful life.” Who doesn’t need that?

february 2014 publisher & sales director

Christie Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com

editor

John Henry | Jhenry@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Elizabeth Sehon Harris, Kristin Peaks, Matt Smith, Randy McGuire

contributing photographer Kat Swift

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39. Visit WestFWLifestyle.com

He lists seven habits to ditch this year:

1. Quit hanging out on Facebook. “Facebook is a fun way to kill time, but that’s what it does; it kills time. Time that could be used to create, inspire and build.” Duly noted. 2. Quit keeping up with the Kardashians. Not a problem. 3. Quit staying up late. This has gotten much better for me over the years. If I find a page turner I’m going for it; doesn’t matter how late I stay up. However, I am aware that early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. I do have my health. 4. Quit spending money you don’t have. I only spend all the money I have. (Editor’s note: See Wade Hicks’ sage advice on page 26.) 5. Quit working at a job you hate. This is a trick: see above. 6. Quit hanging out with negative people. He’s right. They’ll drain all the life out of you. 7. Quit pointing fingers. Accountability, accountability, accountability is life’s most important lesson. Check out West Side-native Juan Rodriguez’s story on page 18 who is likely living all out all these points. He’s one of a few inspiring people in this issue. He’s leaving his job as executive chef at Reata to live his American dream of opening his own restaurant.

Hope you enjoy the issue, by Community ™

| WestFWLifestyle.com | John Henry, Editor Jhenry@lifestylepubs.com

4 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

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10500 Barkley, Suite 228 Overland Park, KS 66212 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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February 2014

18 Departments

14 This food business is on fire

Salsa Fuego serving up the best of Tex-Mex on the West Side.

18 A taste of the American dream

Reata executive chef Juan Rodriguez is opening his own venture.

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Hot Spot

Star Students

Family Feature

Financial Fitness

Sold Properties

30 Lifestyle Calendar 34

22 Thinking through song

Parting Thoughts

Como elementary students becoming classical learners.

24 Dad knows best

Former TCU football player as the exemplar of the ‘modern dad.’

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Good Times

Christmastime at Cook Children’s Medical Center Celebrities take time out of their schedules to visit Cook Children’s Medical Center, bringing cheer and wide smiles to children and parents during the holidays.

Country-and-western legend Charley Pride takes part in a Christmas concert for the children at Cook.

Fort Worth police officers and SWAT team members were on hand one day to donate teddy bears.

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Cowboys defensive lineman Jason Hatcher.

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The Giokas annual Christmas soiree

Paul and Jan Giokas’ party to benefit Toys for Tots doubled this year as a 20th wedding anniversary gala. Friends gathered for festivities at the Rose Chapel to celebrate with the Giokases. Poo Live Crew provided the entertainment.

8 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

Around Town CHRISTMAS BLESSING

NEW DOC ON BOARD

Christmas isn’t the same without Santa Claus or Fred’s Texas Cafe. For more than 30 years, the restaurant and volunteers handed out meals to the needy on Christmas day. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 700-800 meals of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables for delivered, along with blankets and socks. Fred’s donates and cooks the food. Volunteers pack the plates and make the deliveries. “It’s the blessing of helping other people,” says Randy McGuire, who took part for the 13th year. “It’s such a great feeling to help.”

ER Centers of America has hired Clay Roberts as medical director. The good doctor will be responsible directing medical staff, patient safety and quality of care and treatment protocols. Roberts comes from Lamesa in West Texas. Over the last five years, he has operated his private practice there. He was also the chief medical officer at Medical Arts Hospital in Lamesa. Roberts knows Fort Worth. He went to medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed his residency at Texas Tech University. Welcome back, Dr. Roberts.

WALK WITH PURPOSE One of the most exciting community events in Fort Worth is back for a seventh year. The Blast 5K run and walk, benefiting Cook Children’s neuroblastoma research is set for March 29 at 3024 Acme Brick Plaza near Bryant Irvin Road. The 1K starts at 8:30 a.m. The 5K will follow at 9. After the race, a live DJ will entertain and face painting and other activities for children will be featured. A “Burger Blast” hosted by chef Jon Bonnell is also on the agenda. To register, visit to NBWalk.org. Great food is included with the price of registration.

AIM HIGH Another benefit for Cook Children’s Medical Center is on the schedule: clay shooting. The Black Dog Shootout is set for March 21-22. On the evening of March 21, a party at Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork will be held. The event, emceed by WBAP’s Hal Jay, will include raffles, silent and live auctions and music by Hank Hankshaw. And, of course, don’t forget the Traditional Black Dog Auction in which a lucky bidder will have the opportunity to take home an outstanding black Lab puppy. The clay shoot will be the next day, Saturday, at Chula Vista Ranch in Aledo. The event benefits Cook Children’s and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you are interested in participating, go to BlackDogCharity.com.

DO YOU HEART SOME ART? The Samantha Schmidt heARTs for ART Benefit and Silent Auction on March 2 will be a celebration of the life of a very special girl, her passion for art and her desire to defeat acute myeloid leukemia. Sam found healing and comfort in art while she was being treated for pediatric leukemia at Cook Children’s. The fun evening will include a silent auction and raffle, hair and face painting, art workshop, arts and crafts and much more. All proceeds from the art show benefit Cook Children’s AML pediatric leukemia research. The event is set for 2-6 p.m. at Allen High School’s Performing Arts Center. For more information, go to Hearts-for-art.org.

10 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

HEY, HARLEY FOLKS Fort Worth Harley kicks off riding season from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 22. Come see the beautiful new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles ready for the open road, join the fun with fashion shows, bike accessory demos, information seminars, food, music and a back door sale on takeoff parts and obsolete inventory items. Visit ForthWorthHarley.com.

GLUTEN FREE, YOU SEE Gluten free doesn’t mean you have to eat sticks and rocks, so says Weldon Adams, a consultant of gluten-free diets for individuals and restaurants in the Fort Worth area. If you and your family want to move to a gluten/dairy/soy-free lifestyle, Adams is your man. Learn how to read ingredient labels and know what to look for. He can help you convert your favorite dishes. His services to restaurants include help with menu selection and presentation, adapting existing dishes to be gluten-free, helping establish a gluten-free work area and properly training staff on how to prepare and serve gluten-free dishes. Visit GFGeek.net or call him at 817.988.6123.

ART IN GLASS SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery on West Magnolia on the south side offers all those interested an opportunity to experience the rich tradition of glass as a creative medium. The new studio founded by glass artists is available to everyone, from the beginning student to the professional who wishes to learn new skills in glassblowing, kiln-formed glass and flameworking or to perfect their current skill level. 1013 W Magnolia Ave Fort Worth TX 76104 817-8990024. SiNaCa.org

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Locally Owned

Robbie Turman and wife, Yvonne, are the total package of team members.

Pub owner always raising the bar article John Henry | Photography Kat Swift

obbie Turman constantly counts his blessings, particularly for his wife, who vetoed his vision of naming a first-born son “Oscar.” “She said, ‘no,’” says the always playful Turman with his trademark rictus grin. However, he’s not one to let an idea just fade away. So the owner of the Mule Pub opened a second bar. Turman and his wife, Yvonne, have a little boy and a girl now, and a third baby, Oscar’s Pub, which opened in September 2009. It was built on the same model as the Mule: Have a good time. “I have fun with every bit of it,” says Turman, a TCU graduate. “When we opened the Mule, I wanted a place that I would hang out at. This one was the same way.” And in managing and marketing his West Side establishments, he does what he thinks is fun. It’s a strategy that has worked since the Mule opened in 1999. Where else can you go to a place that is “world famous for no good reason,” a marketing catch phrases he has used over the years to attract patrons. Turman has come a long way since his early days as a bartender. For six years that’s how he learned the business he came to love. “My dad told me if I was going to work in a bar I might as well own it,” Turman says. He found the site of the future Mule at 5731 Locke Ave. most intriguing because it was sitting vacant but ready to go. It had, after all, been the one-time home of the Pig and Whistle. It was also affordable, he says.

12 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

The bar soon became an instution on the West Side, celebrated by many, including Turman, as the dive that it is. It was (gasp) near demise in 2011 until an agreement was reached with the landlord on a new lease. He decided to expand with Oscar’s at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd. The newest place also offers a menu for food. What he has created over the years were two places that resemble the work of ministry. One immediately feels welcome with all the neighborly chatter and close friends have been made. People share in the joy and grief of others’ lives. During the recent holiday season, they, of course, congregated to celebrate. “It’s a bunch of good people,” Turman says. Many have become good friends to him and his wife. Turman has also broken some of the established rules of management. He has a reputation for treating his employees as if they were family members. He praises his staff, who he says does all the hard work. “Some places have rules where management can’t hang out with staff,“ he says. “I guess that’s a good policy, but I couldn’t do it. I like hanging out with everybody.” Turman also met Yvonne along his way. She is his indispensable partner. “I couldn’t do it without her,” he says.

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Hot Spot

Salsa Fuego a Volcano of Flavor Words Randy McGuire | Photos Kat Swift

itting just off the Weatherford Traffic Circle is a quaint oasis of Tex-Mex goodness. Salsa Fuego on Alta Mere Drive is full of the unique, in dish and flavor. It really is hard to argue the restaurant’s assertion that it is the best and freshest Tex-Mex in North Texas. Many already know that. The worst thing about this place is that it’s not open on Sundays. But proprietor Carlos Rodriguez and his heady staff deserve time off every now and then for going long beyond the extra mile in satisfying appetites. Rodriguez does it with a diverse menu that contains every-

14 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

thing from your standard enchiladas and fajitas to duck tacos to Mexican lasagna. His sauces are made fresh to order. Rodriguez doesn’t start making them until you order. The experience, of course, begins with the salsa, which many say is the best indicator of good Mexican food. If that’s the case, then this is a no-brainer. Holy moly, was the salsa good. It’s blended and flavorable. And it’s warm, as in to the touch. We tried our best to fill up on chips and salsa but managed room for all sorts of Tex-Mex delight. Take a look.

Chipotle Pan Seared Meatballs

Pork chorizo, ground beef, chipotle, caramelized onions, cheese sauce, sour cream. What Randy says: Great smokey taste and the caramelized onions give it a nice touch. I’m not generally big on chipotle because it’s often used as a cover-up, but this is a great complement to a these meatballs. The dish comes with three meatballs. What’s in it:

continued >

Appetizers Fuego Ultimate Queso Dio What’s in it: Queso, refried beans, New Mexico red chile sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream. What Randy says: This layered dip is deceptive. The cheese on top is a great start, but this thing gets better and better as you progress to the bottom of the bowl.

Elote (Mexican corn on the cob) What is it: Roasted corn on the cob, feta cheese, sour cream, chili powder and fresh cilantro. What Randy says: An explosion of unexpected flavors. So tender and delicate kernels. I’ve never even thought of eating corn on the cob that way.

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Hot Spot

(continued)

Main courses Chicken Fried Ribeye What’s in it: One half-pound, cut to order, served with charro beans, french fries, jalapeno cream sauce. What Randy says: Who would have thought the viablity of this unique chicken fried creation for the nation? But here it is. The reality: This made me miss chicken fried steak. Can’t mess with the original. The jalapeno cream sauce, though is a winner. Oh, and sub the fries for the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted. The poblano cream sauce could bring world peace.

California Burrito What’s in it: Fajita Beef, shrimp, french fries, avocado and cheese.

Details Salsa Fuego 3520 Alta Mere Dr. 817-560-7880

What Randy says: Fuego’s biggest selling burrito is topped with cheese and chipotle mole. You better be hungry. I haven’t lifted a weight that heavy in years.

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His Dreams Chef Juan Rodriguez steps out on his own

Article Matt Smith | Photography Kat Swift

aced with the inevitable fears, Juan Rodriguez chose his dreams. The risks involved with launching a new restaurant are immense, but Fort Worth chef says moving forward with plans to open Broad Street Bistro in downtown Mansfield later this year was his calling. “It’s a big step, any venture like this, and a little nerve-racking,” Rodriguez says. “All eyes are on me and now, not just the food, I’ll have to worry about the business end, make sure employees get paid. But, it’s also exciting to be building a name.” Rodriguez appears poised to become the next in line of Fort Worth’s proud history of residents who excel in the culinary arts. March will mark Rodriguez’s seventh year at Fort Worth’s Reata Restaurant, where he serves as executive chef. Stints at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in the Stockyards, Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose and New York eateries preceded that gig. Rodriguez’s culinary journey kicked off inauspiciously out on Highway 80 back in the day at Steak and Ale. “That was originally just a job to pay for my class ring,” says Rodriguez, 32, a Western Hills High School graduate. His inner foodie

18 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

Opening this summer, Juan Rodriguez’s new restaurant in Mansfield will serve a broad range of food.

soon emerged, however, and he quickly worked his way up. Intending to pursue computer animation at the Art Institute of Dallas, Rodriguez instead enrolled in the culinary program. “Why not?” Rodriguez says. “I was already working in a kitchen.” Thinking back on it later, Rodriguez realizes his passion for food stretched even further back. “My parents took us to Mexico every summer growing up and my grandma and uncle were just great cooks,” Rodriguez says. “I remember going to the markets with my grandmother and the butcher with my uncle. They even used to harvest their own veal, goats, chickens.” That think local credo carries over to Rodriguez’s new restaurant. “The trend is to go local and I want to specialize in serving food from local farmers and ranchers, independently owned purveyors,” Rodriguez says. “Get to know the local farmers and ranchers and their products and help the local economy. So, the menu will change often depending on whatever products I can get.”

Juan Rodriguez definitely has his hands full with a wedding in April and a restaurant opening only months later.

Don’t expect too much Reata crossover among Broad Street’s fare. “They’re more southwest, Texas cuisine, big steaks, big portions,” Rodriguez says. “We’ll have smaller portions, but more prep time. Lots of love and time and packed with flavor. Rodriguez characterizes the fare of Broad Street, which he hopes to open late summer, as classic American. “We’ll serve a broad range of everything,” Rodriguez says. “Southwest, Cajun some Tex-Mex, California and East Cost, which is where I’ll get my seafood from.” And, not forgetting his signature paella. “My go-to dish,” Rodriguez says with a laugh. “I have this big skillet that feeds 70, cooks over a wood flame. I use mussels, scallops, chicken, rabbit sometimes.” Joint venture

As if he didn’t already have his plate full, April 4 brings Rodriguez’s wedding to Paige Walker. The two met at Reata when she was the catering manager. “She’s excited about the restaurant,” Rodriguez says. “Said it’s time to do something and the opportunity came up.”

A 1904 built home in downtown Mansfield provided the location and opportunity. It’s a colonial-style mansion with character. “I call the theme industrial chic,” explains Rodriguez. “You’ve got an art deco feel in a home built by one of the main guys of Mansfield’s history. He brought the railroad and post office to town. You walk in and see the 110-year-old flooring. There’s this cool steel lamp, sliding doors and all these other vintage touches, which we plan to mix with just a bit of modern.” His enterprise fits Mansfield’s plans to revitalize downtown. Officials there hope to start a pattern of local, chef-driven restaurants. The home is one of several structures purchased by Walker’s uncle and one he thought would make a perfect restaurant. From younger foodies to the older crowd who know their way around a bottle of wine, Rodriguez says he hopes to see all ages stop by to experience his locally sourced cuisine. Rodriguez describes his view of food. “Art and passion. Throwing your own spin in and trying to communicate what you feel through food and conveying your background story. Jennifer Brightman, the first chef I worked for professionally, at The Classic Cafe at Southlake, taught me to love and respect food. You know, someone had to pull that lettuce from a field, someone slaughtered the beef. Every piece has a story, and that’s what I hope to bring to Broad Street.” February 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 19

Star Students

Molding Minds through Music Article Elizabeth Sehon Harris | Photography Courtesy of the Goff Foundation

hildren in Fort Worth and particularly in Como are proving every day that music can mold beautiful minds. Three years ago, the Goff Family Foundation launched B Sharp, a program for elementary school children designed to help change lives of Fort Worth’s youth through music. This year, the program is taking it one step further by stepping in the middle school and high school levels. Esteban Rojas, director of the program as well as conductor of the B Sharp orchestra, pulled from 65 applications from the older students throughout the Fort Worth school district for the program’s first auditions. Jill Goff, executive director for the Goff Family Foundation since 2007, says the auditions will help build band programs throughout FWISD. “The students have their class during the day, but the orchestra practices give students more time to progress in their music,” explains Goff. There is no cost to students; only an audition and acceptance for the orchestra that starts rehearsals this month. 22 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

“We’re finding a way to bring these children together,” she says. Although auditions were open to schools throughout Fort Worth, the Foundation primarily works with Como Elementary School. The B Sharp program launched August 2010 in Como and the surrounding neighborhood. Goff explains that after the Foundation completed a state-ofthe-art science lab for the elementary, her brother, John, asked “What should we do next?” Goff was familiar with the highly successful El Sistema youth orchestra program started in Venezuela, a visionary global movement that transforms the lives of children through classical music instruction. Goff decided to bring the rewarding program to underserved children at home. “It was a new movement headed into the U.S. and I had been looking for something that would not only be impactful for the kids but something that would spread into the community and bring it together,” she says. The program is the first El Sistema-inspired organization in

North Texas. And, with a 90 percent parent attendance at events, it has proven to bring the neighborhood together. Gofff says organizations throughout the city call on the young orchestra to perform. Last year the orchestra presented 15 concerts at Fort Worth venues, including the Fort Worth Convention Center and Sundance Square. “The program provides something that these children may not have been exposed to and serves as a release for the kids to explore music and find an outlet,” Goff says. Students exposed to music education show higher math scores and improved behavioral skills along with self-esteem. The children aspire to be in the orchestra and, with that goal in mind, respect, discipline and perseverance must be taught and understood. “They know it takes good musical skills and good behavior to make it to the orchestra” Goff says. “We teach respect for teachers, the school and, of course, the school’s property, which includes their instrument.” These hard-learned attributes may serve the children for the greater good throughout their entire lives. After all the practices and hard work, the students get to teach each other different musical notes and show off their latest music ventures to their family and friends. “We’re constantly working on self-esteem,” Goff says. “They’re proud of what they can do and they can hear it.”

February 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 23

Family Feature

J.W. Wilson has found fulfillment as a stay-at-home dad to Ryder, right, and Reese.

Family Guy Modern dad manages family’s most important asset: the kids Article Kristin Peaks | Photography Skylar Reeves

.W. Wilson responds to his morning alarm, walks into his kitchen and makes himself a cup of coffee. He’s a morning person by nature and enjoys the time alone. After all, he’s got a big day ahead of him and it will begin in about 30 minutes. Once it starts, it won’t stop until bedtime. Like other 37-year-old men, Wilson’s job means the world to him. But this isn’t what you might expect. In his case, the children are this dad’s most important job. That is at least most of the day, when he’s not working at home for his energy company, JAWS Investments, or coaching the defensive line for All Saints Episcopal School’s high school varsity football team. J.W.’s wife, Andrea, is a vice president at iProspect, a global digital marketing agency.

When children became a part of their family, it made more sense for J.W. to stay at home with their two children, Ryder, 6, and Reese, 4. It’s an arrangement more and more fathers are taking on these days, the “modern dad,” as Wilson describes himself. His day begins with what he calls “coffee time” with the kids. The conversation would make even Matt Lauer dizzy. They discuss everything from princesses to art to space and even current events. In the Wilson household, the kids are treated as equals and are spoken to as adults. Growing up in a traditional household, J.W. says his dad was a strong role model who taught him to think for himself. His father grew restless easily, was handy around the house and was never overly reliant on others. These are all traits J.W. says he picked up from his father, but there are definitely differences.

“I take pride in watching my wife succeed and needing me at home. I cherish the opportunity. Modern dads bring culture, education, respect, adventure, fun and flexibility to their kids’ lives every day.”

24 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

“My role in our house is in stark At home, J.W. coaches Ryder in sports contrast to my father’s,” says J.W., and takes Reese to ballet. who played on the defensive line as “I can’t coach her in ballet or I would,” a TCU football player from 1996-99. Wilson says. “I work from home most of the time, His duties have given him new appreciwhich allows me to handle many of ation for the role of a mom. the responsibilities that the tradi“I think that being a mother is the tional father didn’t.” hardest job there is,” he says. “My wife It is J.W. who usually feeds the does this, plus still works at a very high kids dinner, tidies up the house level. So for me to complain about and gets the kids ready for school, changing diapers, washing dishes, planas well as drops them off and picks ning a princess party, waiting in a car them up nearly every day. He takes pool line would be laughable. I take them to their extracurricular acpride in watching my wife succeed and tivities--sports, chess club and pineeding me at home. I cherish the opano--to get haircuts and make docportunity. Modern dads bring culture, tor appointments. education, respect, adventure, fun and While the kids are away, he works flexibility to their kids’ lives every day.” from home. Andrea’s job requires her And it must be working. to be at the office or traveling. His son calls being with his daddy the “J.W. has a strong relationship with best part of the day and both parents the kids and even though it’s hard for The Wilson children’s close relationship with their father agree the situation at home has made me to leave, it makes it easier to know may have some influence on their becoming football fans them a stronger family unit. of TCU, where J.W. Wilson played in the late ‘90s. that everything is going to be fine and “I can see the positive effects of this on taken care of while I’m gone,” says Anthem,” Wilson says. “If I get kids that truly drea. “Every waking minute he spends love life and understand what that means time with the kids, teaching them things. He just loves being then we have done our job.” around them and makes sure they know that. Our balance works And, he makes a pretty great cup of coffee. out and it’s right because it works for us. And our kids are thriving.”

J.W. Wilson and his wife, Andrea, agree that the roles they have each taken on have made them a strong family unit.

February 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 25

Financial Fitness

Financial Resolutions Don’t give up on saving Article Wade Hicks

ow that it’s February most people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions for one reason or another. An attitude of perfectionism can be easily defeating. Missing the gym one day, so why go the rest of the week. Cheating on a diet and eating pizza so giving up on working out. Have you given up yet? I’m no different from anybody else. Like everyone else I want to be a better person, have better habits, more discipline and so on. And I have given myself leeway to understand that I am human and will continue to make mistakes. So if I eat that pizza then I’m back on the diet my next meal, if I can. If I miss the gym on Wednesday I will go on Thursday, if I can. One of the things that I encourage people to do is review is their budget every year (at the very least). What can you lower your costs on? What isn’t important that could be deleted entirely

from your budget? What can you change that will save money for the long term? Just like any financial adviser, I think it’s important to have money in the bank for emergencies and unexpected expenses. However, not enough people (and I’m talking to the younger people here) have a long-term savings program set up. It’s always more fun to “budget” that boat in rather than contribute more to the 401k. Hopefully you can do both. It’s always interesting to see people’s priorities when I work with them. I’m not here to judge; to each their own. But I have a client who is 27 and contributes $150 every month to his long-term savings because we reviewed where he spent his money. You know what he cut out? Big Gulps. Seriously, Big Gulp sodas. That’s a lot of soda, and he thanked me three months later because he had lost 15 pounds as a side-effect. It’s also interesting to see people continue

to buy Certificate of Deposits because that is what they have done for the last 15 years. Only now they are earning .01 percent when if they would keep an open mind to other finanical vehicles they could park that money somewhere else and maybe make up to 5 percent per year without the restrictions of CDs. Others could save more but don’t because they max out their Roth contribution each year because they didn’t know of another way to a tax-free retirement. Well, there is another way and the sky is the limit as long as you use after-tax dollars. Review your budget and investments with a knowledgable adviser, if you haven’t already, and see where you can save more, as well as make better returns or, perhaps, invest more safely. The truth is, you’ll need the discipline to do it, just like any other resolution you may have. You’ll fall short from time to time, but don’t give up.

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26 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

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Recently SOLD West Fort Worth Properties neighborhood

original list

sold $$

%sold/orig

dom*

bdrms

f/h bath

floorplan

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$634,000

$600,000

95%

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Monticello

$600,000

$575,000

96%

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$599,000

$560,000

93%

3/0

Ridgewood

$530,000

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96%

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95%

4/0

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$402,250

91%

130

3/0

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$395,000

92%

3/1

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3/0

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February

Lifestyle Calendar

February Wizard of Oz Children’s Educational Exhibit

ern will be open for dinner until 8:30 p.m. with featured specials. Call 817.840.2157.

Fort Worth Museum of Science

February 8

and History

Beer and Chocolate Tasting

Go over the rainbow in this exhibit where you will see Dorothy’s ruby slippers, explore munchkin houses and enter The Emerald City. On display through May. Visit FortWorthMuseum.org for tickets.

The Ginger Man

February

Bring your sweetheart for a pre-Valentine’s Day date featuring perfect pairings of chocolate and beer, beginning 3 p.m. Located at 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd. Visit FtWorth.GingerManPub.com for tickets.

Flying Monsters

February 9

Fort Worth Museum

David Bates

of Science and History

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

World-renowned naturalist David Attenborough sets out to uncover the truth about pterosaurs – flying reptiles from the age of the dinosaurs – in this National Geographic film shown in IMAX. Visit FortWorthMuseum.org for show times and tickets.

In collaboration with the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, the Modern presents a retrospective of works by artist David Bates. Forty-five paintings will be on view until May 11.

February 2 Drawing from the Collection for Children Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Children ages 5 to 12 years can enjoy a free drawing class taught through artistic exercises related to works in the galleries. Starts at 2 p.m. Bring a sketchbook and pencils. Visit TheModern.org.

February 2 Super Bowl Party Winslow’s Wine Cafe

Join Winslow’s for its annual party for the big game on Super Bowl Sunday. Call 817.546.6843.

February 7 First Friday at the Modern Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Enjoy live music, a special Cupid’s Kiss cocktail and a gallery tour. Begins 5 p.m. Café Mod30 West FW Lifestyle | February 2014

Week of Feb. 10

February 16 Samurai: Armor From The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection Kimbell Art Museum

Experience the life, culture and pageantry of Japanese samurai warriors from the 12th through 19th centuries. Various pieces of armor, including full suits, helmets and accessories, will be on display through August 17.

February 16 Sunday Brunch Culinary School of Fort Worth,

Kids Who Care Musical Theatre

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Fort Worth Community

Delight in a seasonal brunch created by culinary students. Seatings are every half hour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 817.737.8427, ext. 101 for reservations.

Arts Center

Perfect for the aspiring actor-singer, new classes begin the week of February 10 for children ages 4 to 18 years. Visit KidsWhoCare.org

February 14 Valentine’s Dinner Winslow’s Wine Cafe

Enjoy a romantic dinner complete with wine pairings at Winslow’s, 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd. Call 817.546.6843 for reservations.

February 14-March 2

February 21-23 Cowtown Marathon

The 36th annual Cowtown Marathon weekend kicks off with an expo at the Will Rogers Memorial Center on Friday, 5K and 10K races on Saturday and the marathon, half-marathon and ultra marathon on Sunday. All races begin at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Visit CowtownMarathon.org to register.

Stolen Shakespeare Festival

February 22

Sanders Theatre at Fort Worth

Art and Appetite: American Art,

Community Arts Center

Culture, and Cuisine

Two of Shakespeare’s works – As You Like It and All’s Well That Ends Well – will be performed by the Stolen Shakespeare Guild in this multi-weekend festival. Visit FWCAC. com for performance times.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

This special exhibit explores the art and culture of food, including many iconic works such as Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup. Sixty works will be on view until May 18. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.

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EAT. SHOP. DINE. PLAY. 6100 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Suite 23 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Worth, Texas 76116 817.737.0100 February 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 31