WestFW Lifestyle March 2014

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

MARCH 2014

L

i

f

e

s

t

y

l

e

™

his journey

Matt McEntire built his American dream first, now helping others build theirs

Cook Children’s new staffers barking up the right trees Campisi’s celebrates one year on the West Side Jenkins family faces down fear with faith

Editor’s Letter

march 2014

Ripples in Time T

publisher & sales director

Christie Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com

editor

ime flies like a kite on gusty day in March.

How is it possible that it‘s March already?

Time marches on and waits on no one. There are a couple of articles in this issue that exemply the point.

John Henry | Jhenry@lifestylepubs.com

Entrepreneur Matt McEntire has not wasted one minute. As evidence, take a look at what an Irish immigrant has achieved in 25 short years. A man with a dream who started out with nothing, McEntire today is the owner of several million dollars worth of property off of Seventh Street who helps others achieve their dreams. He also gives back to the community in spades. I hope you enjoy his story.

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

Visit WestFWLifestyle.com

Then there is the anniversary of events from 50 years ago: The Beatles. Many of our readers no doubt recall as if it were yesterday the arrival of the Fab Four to the shores of America. Matt Smith had a good idea: Why don‘t we try to find some local folks who have personal remembrances of those days, including some who saw the cultural phenomenon live in Dallas or Houston or both. He captures it all in our Parting Thoughts.

chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt

contributing writers

Kristin Peaks, Matt Smith

contributing photographer Kat Swift

corporate team chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore national editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd national art director | Carrie Julian advertising director | Mike Baugher

Hope you enjoy the issue. And have a happy and safe St. Patrick‘s Day.

production director | Christina Sandberg regional art director | Sara Minor ad coordinator | Cyndi Vreeland national copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

John Henry , Editor Jhenry@lifestylepubs.com

by Community ™

| WestFWLifestyle.com | on the cover Photography Kat Swift

4 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

join us

talk to us

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.

Fort Worth’s Largest Locally Owned Independent Brokerage.

Over 17 Years of Brokerage Experience Premium Luxury Marketing Visit Our New Incredible Fully Interactive Mobile Website to View All MLS Home Listings!

AlexanderChandler.com Superior Internet Marketing to Hundreds of Websites!

Millions of Marketing Impressions Made Monthly.

We Will Make Your Home Inescapable to a Potential Buyer Full Relocation Department Extensive Community Marketing

Contact Us About Our Free No Obligation Home Analysis or to Purchase Your New Home Today!

6336 CAMP BOWIE BLVD. FORT WORTH, TX 76116 Cell: 817-201-2539 Office: 817-806-4100

AlexanderChandler.com

16

March 2014

Departments 8

Around Town

12

Hot Spot

14

Family Feature

18

Locally Owned

20 Animal Tracks

12 Legend born on St. Patrick’s Day

Angelo’s still smoking up delicious.

16 Walk of life

Matt McEntire lives the American dream, now helping

others live theirs.

Now Open

24

Financial Fitness

27

Sold Properties

28

Parent’s Corner

30 Lifestyle Calendar

18 Put a Cork in It

22

34

Parting Thoughts

TCU-area wine business still pouring on Park Hill.

20 Ruffing it

Cook Children’s new therapists are furry and friendly.

12

18

20

Lifestyle Publications West FW, TX | Newport Beach, CA | Paradise Valley, AZ | North Scottsdale, AZ | Chandler, AZ | Boulder, CO | Boulder County, CO | Tulsa, OK Springfield, MO | Leawood, KS | Johnson County, KS | Lee’s Summit, MO | Northland, MO | BuckHaven, GA | Perimeter North, GA | Mt. Pleasant, SC

Noon-6

We Deliver!

open 11am to 10pm

l S Service i Full Restaurant

817-916-4561

www.campisis.us 6150 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76116

FULL SERVICE CATERING Half Price Bottles of Wine Monday & Tuesday

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 7

Around Town It’s always a wonderful time as hundreds of families have the opportunity to reconnect relationships built during their stay, participate in family friendly games and activities and enjoy refreshments.

Call 855.687.6428.

MEGA SPORTS EVENTS Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to converge on our area when the NCAA men’s Final Four at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Texas Motor Speedway’s RaceWeek take place on the same weekend.

NASCAR Nation will be in town that weekend, too. The Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 runs on April 4, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup’s Texas 500 on April 6.

RSVP UNDERGROUND CARDS WITH A PURPOSE It’s a safe bet that an upcoming charity event to benefit Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis and Team Action for Jackson will offer a great evening of fun and generosity for a good cause.

GO ALL IN TO FIGHT CYSTIC FIBROSIS charity poker tournament is scheduled for 3 p.m. March 23 at the Mule Pub. Put your poker fac eon for prizes, food and more. The Mule Pub is located at 5731 Locke Ave. For more information, visit Booster.com/ ActionforJackson2014 or WorthHisSalt.blogspot.com.

COWTOWN BALL COUNTDOWN The outdoor venue at La Paolma Ranch in Fort Worth will provide the backdrop for the 21st annual Cowtown Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Award-winning country recording artist Tracy Lawrence will perform, as well as Sonny Burgess, Jolie Holiday and Rick Huckaby.

The western-styled gala has raised more than $5 million the past two decades for the American Cancer Society in Tarrant County. This year’s event will feature dinner, dancing, casino games, auctions, midway games and more.

For ticket or sponsorship information, call 817.570.0618.

MAIN STREET CREATES AGAIN The Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival returns next month to downtown Fort Worth. Hundreds of artists, dancers, performance artists, musicians, exhibitors, food vendors and art lovers take part in this celebration of culture, creativity and community.

The largest four-day event in the Southwest includes a nationally-recognized Art Showcase, more than 60 live performances and fantastic activities. For the week of April 18-21, the festival spans nine blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Admission is free. MainStreetArtsFest.org

COOK CHILDREN’S REUNION Cook Children’s Medical Center is celebrating its 31st annual neonatal intensive care unit reunion April 6 on the lawn of the medical center.

The reunion marks milestones and celebrates the achievements and successes of patients who have graduated from the NICU. 8 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

Once a month, RSVP Underground brings together its network of business owners and local professionals for a nonprofit awareness happy hour. The event is an opportunity to meet and network with other business professionals while raising awareness for one of our beloved local nonprofits. In March, the organization will be highlighting Cancer Care Services (CCS) and collecting much-needed supplies for its clients and patients who they assist.

CCS provides help and hope to cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers through direct financial, emotional, spiritual and social programs, services and activities.

RSVP Underground believes you can only truly be successful if you help others on their journey as well. Giving back to our local community has and will always be a top priority for RSVP Underground.

Visit them on Facebook.com/RSVPUnderground happy hour locations and upcoming events.

FOR THE PETS The Lucy Fund is a nonprofit that aids pet owners financially in the treatment of seriously injured or ill pets. Founder Katie Phillips became aware of the huge costs involved in treatsing seriously ill pets when her own dog required treatment. Named for her canine companion, The Lucy Fund steps in and pays vet bills for owners who are financially strapped because of difficult economic times. Their mission is to help keep seriously ill pets in-need from facing hardships due to a lack of immediate finances. For more information, visit TheLucyFund.org.

THE MAD HATTER IS OPEN Belly on up to the newest hangout on Seventh Street. The Mad Hatter can be found nestled between Poag Mahone’s and Wired Willy’s at 706 Carroll Street. This is the first bar for owners Chris Jordan and Melvin Roberson. Jordan worked as a manager at Woody’s Tavern for many years; Roberson is currently the kitchen manager at The Keg. The bar held its grand opening last month with a parking lot party.

The Mad Hatter is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., except Saturdays they open at 11 a.m.

Z-Spa is the new, luxurious medical spa in the heart of West Fort Worth.

Let the NEW YEAR bring a NEW YOU at

Dr. Gardner and his friendly, well-trained staff focus on patient-client satisfaction. All initial consultations are free of charge to ensure that Z-Spa provides the best treatment program to fit each unique, individual need.

Z-Spa developed a variety of different treatment options to assist you in becoming a better you, including: BioTE Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Zerona® • Botox • Juvederm • Microdermabrasion Massage Therapy • Laser Hair Removal Spray Tan • Skin Tightening

GiFt CertiFiCates available

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 817.509.4967

Get 10% OFF when you mention this ad!

6789 Camp Bowie Blvd. • Fort Worth, TX 76116 zspadfw.com

Exams

DEsignEr FramEs

ContaCt LEnsEs

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

Dr. Cindy Zimmerman ~ Optometrist

10 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

&

wesley

A

Wedding Bells

lindsay robinson

little rain couldn’t dampen the joy of the family and friends who gathered to celebrate the marriage of Wesley and Lindsay Robinson on October 5, 2013, at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

The Dallas Karaoke DJ’s provided the unique entertainment for the reception that followed the formal wedding ceremony.

The maid of honor was Jessica Coughran, the bride’s sister.

Bridesmaids were Allison Robinson, Stephanie Robinson, Jessica Hokamp, Melissa Collett and Natalie Chapa.

The best man was Michael Simeroth. Groomsmen were Mac

Williams, David Lanza, Chase York, Daniel Day and Marc Coughran.

Lindsay is a graduate of Arlington Martin High School and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She works as a veterinarian.

Wesley attended Paschal and Country Day and works as a buyer for a metal works company.

The couple honeymooned in Mexico.

To share your wedding and engagement news with our readers, email JHenry@LifestylePubs.com for details.

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 11

Hot Spot

Skeet George stands with the family jewel, Angelo’s Bar-B-Que.

Here’s the rub Angelo’s is worthy of its legendary status Article Randy McGuire | Photography Kat Swift

T

hat the grand opening of Angelo’s Bar-B-Que occurred on St. Patrick’s Day of 1958 was a mere coincidence. That it has brought good fortune to those devotees of the barbecue food genre ... well, that’s undeniable. Over the course of 56 years, Angelo’s, of course, has become legendary.

Anybody who’s anybody has been here.

If it’s good enough for The Fonz, it’s got to be good. That’s right, Henry Winkler was once spotted on the grounds of this world-famous joint, first opened by Fort Worth-native Angelo George.

The end product from the pit is second to none, and everything is better if you chase it with a shot of barbecue sauce. That is no lie.

12 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

“He had only been opened a few days,” says Skeet George, current owner and son of Angelo. “St. Paddy’s Day was the next day and they were going to open that day. It was just a coincidence that it was the grand opening.” The next generation of Angelo’s is carrying on the tradition of great barbecue. Skeet’s son, Jason, is now the pitmaster. He’s there bright and early at 6 a.m. every morning. (Good barbeque doesn’t just appear on a plate. Well, it does ... but you know what I mean.)

And remember, the suggested servings are merely guides.

You can’t go wrong at Angelo’s.

Sliced beef on rye WHAT’S INCLUDED: With mustard, onions, two slices of

Swiss cheese and cole slaw.

WHAT RANDY SAYS: My favorite sammy! A combination of goodness and flavors that complement one another all the way to the bottom of the tummy.

Quarter-pound chicken plate WHAT’S INCLUDED: Potato salad, cole slaw and beans WHAT RANDY SAYS: Moist and perfectly smoked with three

tasty accessories.

Brisket tacos

Details

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, all

held tight in a corn tortilla.

WHAT RANDY SAYS: There’s no better addition to the menu since they added the bear to greet patrons at the front.

Angelo’s Bar-B-Que

2533 White Settlement Road 817.332.0357 angelosbbq.com

N DS C LA West FW Lifestyle Readers:

Sign up for an Annual Maintenance Contract

by March 31st &

Es

I RR ATION IG

A

PE

t. 1 9 9 5

Receive 1 FREE Month!

Call Today to Schedule a No-Obligation Consultation!

Scott Carrell Landscape

817-798-3385

Hardscape, Softscape, and Xeriscaping Design Installations, Maintenance and Landscape Lighting Specializing in Fine Residential and Commercial Properties Since 1995 March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 13

Family Feature

The Jenkins family is facing the health scare involving their youngest daughter head on.

Facing down Fear with Faith One family’s couragous journey with a child’s illness Article Kristin Peaks | Photography Leah Cook and Sabrina Gebhart

P

aul and Arden Jenkins gave up their lazy, slow days years ago.

In a family of six, with their four children ranging in age from 6 years old to 9 months, simply getting everyone dressed for the day was controlled chaos.

But things became frightening when the Fort Worth family learned last year that their youngest daughter and sister, Lake, had a congenital heart defect. Doctors discovered Lake had an enlarged heart five weeks before she was to be born. After extensive testing, the doctors diagnosed Lake with a severe Ebstein’s Anomaly, a rare disorder in which parts of the heart valve are abnormal. One out of 10,000 babies are diagnosed with the condition.

14 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

Lake was born April 23, 2013, and immediately sent to the neonatal intensive care unit. She had open-heart surgery within the first few days of life and spent 10 weeks in the NICU. “We went into survival mode the day we found out,” says Arden.

“Paul and I are both pretty strong and tough people. We just started living the new journey. I still haven’t broken down like many would think. Sure, there have been tears, fear, worry, anxiety and struggles, but no major meltdowns. We just get through it and, of course, pray.” And, they have a network friends to support them.

Then, just a few months after she went home, Lake had a second open-heart surgery and is scheduled for one more.

“Lake was my fourth child, but it was all new, “ says Arden.

“Having a NICU baby can be very intimidating once you get home. You have to let go of your fears, but always be on top of things and be cautious.”

Lake’s long-term prognosis is good, though there are additional hurdles.

Paul is a native of Baton Rouge, La., and works full time in custom home building; Arden owns and operates Arden Prucha Photography, which keeps her busy.

Along with their professional lives, the Jenkins’ real full-time job is keeping up with their four children: Pierson, 10; Parker, 4; Edie, 2, and Lake.

Lake’s heart condition has added stress to their already hectic lifestyles, but Arden says her family has everything under control and eventually she’ll allow herself to let her guard down to think about everything she and her husband have gone through in the less than a year.

“The past 10 months have actually been wild,” Arden says. “I don’t think time has ever slowed down. Even in my ‘slow’ work season we are still doing so many therapies, doctor visits, kicking sicknesses and school stuff that we just zoom through the days.

Perhaps it’s a good thing I haven’t been able to break. We just keep living and are so grateful God gave us today.”

Little Lake Jenkins is in good hands with the care of doctors, nurses and parents Paul and Arden.

Ties 2 The Past AnTique MAll 817.244.3134 Join us for our monthly 20% off Sale

20% Off Storewide Hours

Mon - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 6:00 p.m.

6901 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76116

Nothing else compares.

Store Hours: Mon. ~Fri. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

4215 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-738-1977 www.sallysflowershoppe.com March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 15

Matt McEntire’s first bar was a spartan experience.

He was afraid to spend money on a cash register.

Irish Eyes

are Smiling

Matt McEntire lives his American dream with distinctive Irish flavor.

Article John Henry | Photography Kat Swift

A

conversation with Matt McEntire is an experience. He engages his listener with the brightest eyes and the gift of Irish eloquence that enables him to regale an audience with tales of his American journey.

It all started, he says, when he left his homeland of Longford, Ireland, for the shores of the United States, not to pursue the American dream but rather his dream dame. In the 25 years since his arrival, he has lived his every dream, including his marriage to Julie, whom he met in Ireland while she was vacationing.

McEntire, 60, has built a mini empire. He and his wife own several pieces of property down Seventh Street. Most are occupied by establishments McEntire built and finished out. It’s how McEntire enables others to live their aspirations, just as he did when he scraped together enough money to open his first on Taylor Street. McEntire sees himself in others who lease his properties and run them as their own.

His journey is one of a swashbuckler. But, ultimately, it was filled with lucky breaks.

“The right place at the right time,” says McEntire of the secret to his success. “Timing was exactly dead on.”

McEntire is the product of a Catholic farming family with 11 brothers and sisters.

“As soon as one reached 16 years old, you went to work. There was no college for our people,” he says. He worked on another farm, ran a tavern for a while and lived in London for a spell. It was at a pub that he met his future wife. And his future.

His first baby

The Irish immigrant took a trip downtown to the federal building to get green card. While there he got turned around. He entered the building from the east but unintentionally exited to the west on Taylor. Fate had put in front of him his yellow brick road.

And a bar that had been closed: The White Cat. “There was a ‘For Lease’ sign and a number to call, so I did,”

McEntire’s property on Carroll includes three pubs that he built and finished out.

16 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

Matt McEntire’s first establishment on Seventh Street is now called the Abbey. Many of McEntire’s touches remain.

McEntire says. “On the other end of the line was a gentleman named Charles Rogers, the owner of the building. Rogers was considering just sitting on the property rather than try to open another bar, which hadn’t worked well at that location.

“He asked me what I wanted to do there,” McEntire says.

“I said open an Irish pub.” Rogers obliged. McEntire had only enough money for a beer and wine license and he didn’t want to spend the money on a cash register. So, he opted for something akin to a tin can.

He opened on a Friday in 1990 at 11 a.m. By noon he had a full house of employees from the Star-Telegram and the federal building.

“I think they were just fascinated by someone from a different country,” McEntire jokes. “A lot of people couldn’t even understand what I was saying because I talked so fast.”

With business booming, McEntire entertained an offer from two men to buy his business. He had no real idea what it was worth. Throw out a number, they told him. After only six months in business, McEntire had sold his first business for a nice shiny American penny. He would eventually buy the bar back and sell it again.

McEntire’s Irish way is unconventional. He has bucked the odds and done things in his own way. He sees potential and finds ways to build that others might miss, even going so far as to bet a real estate agent $500 that he could build a bar in a building without a back door. He knew something the agent did not: a solution he’d learned in Dublin, and built a hallway that led to the outside.

(He donated his winnings to a charity of his choice.)

Giving back

At 60, retirement isn’t something McEntire is much considering.

“I’m in good health, and I feel I need to do something everyday,” he says. His work today also includes a volunteer regimen.

McEntire delivers food to the elderly through Meals on Wheels five days a week.

That experience led to another volunteer enterprise with Odyssey Hospice, where he visits the sick and dying, who not only FEEL alone, they ARE alone.

“I also visit a lot of nursing homes,” he shares. “You walk in and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing.’ And they say, ‘Hey, how are you.’ So you know that they want to talk. And you can spend hours talking to them. Some haven’t had a long conversation in years.”

It’s all giving back for the good fortune he’s found in what he calls the greatest land.

“When I first moved here there were no Irish people in Fort Worth,” McEntire says. “It was all Americans who supported me.

That’s why I like to give back, in appreciation for all those who were kind and good to me.”

“When I first moved here there were no Irish people in Fort Worth. It was all Americans who supported me. That’s why I like to give back, in appreciation for all those who were kind and good to me.”

Business savvy

Charles Rogers had given McEntire his break in this country, and he would never forget it.

“My rent was $400 a month,” McEntire says. “They were just good people and you need a break like that.” McEntire began a pattern of investing proceeds from sales of businesses to purchasing another. Eventually he came to own much of the Seventh Street corridor.

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 17

Locally Owned

The inventory at Put a Cork in It is wall to wall.

Left: Chris Keel found his love of wine by accident.

Put a Cork in It

Days of wine are all roses for the owners of this local gem Article John Henry | Photography Kat Swift

C

hris Keel’s most important discovery while a student at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls had nothing to do with the prized lessons offered by the distinguished professors standing at lecterns. Make no mistake about it, his degree in business management turned out to be well worth the effort. But the one moment he put the books down – if even briefly – and picked up a wine glass was a life-changing calling.

Keel and his wife, Deedra, own and operate Put a Cork in It on Park Hill Drive, near the spot where University Drive begins its descent northward into the sector of town occupied by the Log Cabin Village and Fort Worth Zoo. The collegiate epiphany was instantaneous for Chris, who realized he had a gift to recognize quality wines.

“Somebody left a really nice Cab,” he says, recalling one day working at the University Club near the Midwestern State campus. “I asked my buddy if we should dump it. He said, ‘No.’ After work we drank it, and I started drinking red wine. Most start with sweets and work their way up. I was actually the other way. I had to teach myself to appreciate whites.”

When he graduated in 1996, he packed up and eventually made his 18 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

way to Fort Worth to make the jewel of the fermented grape his business. Today, Chris tastes more than 5,000 types of wines annually, putting them to the test of his palate.

The store specializes in boutique wines, those rare blends that are hard to find.

Because of the vast number of varieties he tries each year, Keel knows what’s out there.

“If I don’t have it, I know something that’s close to it. If I don’t stock it, I can order it,” he says.

The store conducts themed tastings from 3-7 p.m. each Thursday and 3-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. During March, he plans to feature wines from Australia, northern California, Spain and springtime blends.

Chris and Deedra are both natives of Graham, Texas. An artist friend painted a striking portrait of the couple enjoying a glass of wine; it is prominently displayed on a store wall. It is one of the many details that capture the unique setting and prevalent entrepreneurial spirit of their business.

Kind of like the Keels’ dog, once as familiar a face at the store as Chris’. Cuvée (named for a French wine term), mostly stays home these days. He’s been replaced by Kieran, the Keels’ six-month-old baby boy.

“We’re literally a ‘mom and pop’ store now,” Chris says. “Everybody used to Put a Cork in It come in to see the dog. Now everybody 2972 Park Hill Dr. wants to see Kieran.”

817.924.2675 And enjoy a taste of wine, of course.

PutACorkInItWine.com

Details

THROW A ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENT & WRITE YOUR OWN HISTORY Book and host your event between now and August 31, 2014 and mention the code TEXAS to receive 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages!* To start planning an event as unique and unforgettable as you, contact our Special Event team at 817.255.9553 or specialevents@fwmsh.org. *Discount does not apply to previously booked events or alcoholic beverages and must have a $5000 food and beverage minimum before discount.

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 19

Animal Tracks

A Child’s Best Friends Therapy dogs bring happiness to kids in the hospital Article John Henry | Photography Provided

O

ne of the newest staff members at Cook Children’s Medical Center is making his way through the hallways, his destination a room where a patient is having a hard time adjusting to her new temporary home.

When he arrives he gets straight to work after immediately recognizing a seemingly inconsolable patient overcome with angst caused by fear and loneliness.

Ralph Lauren climbs slightly up on the bed and nuzzles with his patient, whose apprehension turns almost right away to glee.

“It was like Ralph could sense that she needed him,” says Kizzy Marco, a child life specialist at the hospital. “The patient lit up.

We spent about 15 minutes in the room, which in the span of a day is not that long at all. But from walking in and seeing she wasn’t feeling well to seeing the huge smile on her face when we left … that speaks for itself.”

Ralph Lauren and his litter sister, Chanel, are Golden Retriever therapy dogs recently acquired by the hospital to do one thing: love.

“He amazes me every day,” says Marco, Ralph’s handler. “He almost moved me to tears how well he does with the kids.”

Ralph and Chanel’s lives began in Milton, Ga., at Canine Assistants. Both were born and trained there to carry out the duties that study after study suggests are important healing mechanisms. Research indicates that companion dogs help normalize hospital settings by alleviating anxiety for patients thrown into scary circum20 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

stances. Another positive physiological benefit is lowering a patient’s blood pressure.

There’s even more anecdotal evidence, such as Marco’s account. It’s is already apparent that Ralph and Chanel have had a favorable impact on parents and staff, too.

“You walk through the halls with the dogs and the energy is completely different,” says Marco. The dogs have gotten celebrity treatment since arriving for the first day of work in January.

“I couldn’t imagine being thrown into an environment at work where everybody wants to see me, touch me and talk to me,” Marco says. “He does so well.”

Much of that, one veterinarian said, has everything to do with the bond the dogs have formed with their handlers. That’s something emphasized by the trainers in Georgia. In fact, Marco says the first couple of days during the initial introduction of handler and dog was devoted to time for the two get to know each other. With a good bond established, the dog will do just about anything asked of him, so far as he can understand the request.

Ralph and Chanel work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Just like their humans, the get dressed each morning by putting on a vest. When the vest is on, they know it’s time to work. Generally, a dog’s career is eight to 10 years, depending on the health of hips and joints.

When Ralph returns home with Marco, he’s off work. And it’s play time. Ralph is a clown.

“That’s the only word I can use,” says Marco. “He’s excited to get in the house, and he immediately goes and gets every toy and brings it to my feet. It’s like he was waiting for me to come home all day even though we’ve been at work all day.”

A Lost Treasure

Premiere Western Couture Furniture ° Home Decor ° Gifts Ladies Fine Western Boots

by Double D Ranch, Lane, & Black Star.

6703 Camp Bowie W., Ft. Worth, 76116 www.alosttreasuredfw.com / 817-230-4828

CAMP BOWIE LLCsm

SherryVitek skin care

I offer a diverse range of exclusive skin care products and services including: Facials ~ Microdermabrasion ~ Waxing ~ Body Wraps Acne Treatments ~ Sun Damage / Age Spots ~ Eyelash Tinting Eyelash Extensions ~ Eyebrow Tinting ~ Chemical Peels Anti-Aging ~ Post-Cancer Skin Treatments

Sherry Vitek

Licensed Skin Care Specialist

MEnTion

West Fort Worth Lifestyle AnD rECEivE

20% OFF YOur First service Or treatment Located within Salon’S of Volterra ~

817.456.1573

9336 team Ranch Rd., Suite 200, FoRt woRth, tX 76126

Average wait times 5 minutes or less.

An emergency room, not a waiting room.

$50 off

your rst visit Applies to all out-of-pocket expenses.

Board certiied doctors and emergency room trained nurses.

X-Ray, Cat Scan, Laboratory all on-site.

817.984.1026 ERCenters.com 6006 Camp Bowie, Forth Worth, TX

Open 24/7/365 – we never close!

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 21

Now Open

Campisi’s diners are treated to an intimate, cozy atmosphere.

Buon Cibo Campisi’s ‘good food’ appears to fit here as well as cattlemen Article John Henry | Photography Kat Swift

T

he first thing David Campisi learned when he decided to take his family owned, world-renowned Italian eatery concept west to the other side of the turnpike? He wasn’t in Dallas anymore.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price supplied lesson No. 1 when working with Campisi on a promotion. She had no intention of taking a picture with a Campisi’s pizza box that included the “D” word on it. The result? There in the promotional picture is Campisi, the mayor and restaurant general manager Peter Fraute, who is standing somewhat awkwardly with his arm over the word “Dallas.”

It’s hard to believe that Campisi’s seventh store will be a year old next month.

22 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

That has seemingly been the only hiccup during the first year of Campisi’s in Fort Worth, perhaps the most anticipated arrival in town since the railroad. Next month, Campisi’s celebrates its first anniversary in Cowtown.

“I must admit, when we opened a year ago here in Fort Worth, we had no idea how city would react to our business,” says Campisi. “We’ve always heard stories about how supportive and kind the community is, but we honestly had no idea how supportive.”

Campisi’s management had also heard from its patrons out west through the years. The message: Why don’t you have a restaurant in Fort Worth?

There were many reasons, Campisi says. Most notably, the family didn’t know the market. They knew Fort Worth was different from Dallas, the city which has been home to the original restaurant-turned-institution on Mockingbird since 1946.

Fort Worth had been on the radar for several years when the right location, on Camp Bowie Boulevard, and right time emerged simultaneously.

The Italian eatery has spent much of its first year here trying to plant roots that will grow deep. The restaurant has developed a rapport with the community, using its food to reach neighbors. Campisi believes his team has been successful, serving pizza on the 15th hole, hosting fundraisers for area schools, delivering pizza to every fire station in town one day.

The Campisi’s on Camp Bowie is the seventh location. It’s growth David Campisi’s grandfather, patriarch Joe Campisi, likely never dreamed of.

The restaurant also has rich and fun history to sell. Campisi’s boasts that it sold the first pizza in Texas. As the story goes, a Campisi cousin arrived with the news that there was this phenomenon in New York called a pizza pie. He told them what it was. He left out the detail that it was round, had mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

Business in Fort Worth has been very good, Campisi said. Delivery service has been a boon. While practically no one made deliveries during the ice storm in December, Campisi’s had drivers out and about. Just something else to remember them by.

Kind of like pizza boxes, which as the mayor reminded, look just fine with both the words Fort Worth and Dallas.

Gluten-Free Consultant to Individuals, Families, & Restaurants

·Menu Selection & Presentation· ·Adapting Existing Menu Items· ·Gluten-Free Kitchen Sweep· ·Food Prep & Staff Training· ·Label Reading· March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 23

Financial Fitness

New Retirement Account Option MyRA commendable, but you can do better Article Wade Hicks

L

ast month we talked about the importance of doing an annual review of your finances, and the importance of longterm savings.

Well, obviously President Obama read the article because shortly after the distribution of last month’s issue, he called me and we came up with the myRA. Or not.

Really, I wouldn’t take credit for something like this.

If my clients received the same returns as history shows us the myRA will do year after year, I would quickly be out of business.

It is commendable that the President recognizes that more than half of Americans do not have a long-term savings program.

Fewer employers are offering 401k’s, 403B’s, etc., and if they do they aren’t matching those plans like they had in the past.

Foreign Auto Specialists PREMIUM Land Rover and BMW Service & Support • Expert Repairs - Mechanical, Interior, & More • Maintenance - Oil Changes, Filters, Service Plans • Better than Dealer Pricing • Sales & Consignments

www.cowtownrover.com 24 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

3958 W Vickery Blvd • Fort Worth, TX • (817) 731-3223

After reviewing the myRA plan I realized that I can accomplish the same thing for people and, quite frankly, do much better than the myRA’s current interest rate of around 1.5 percent.

Here are some of the facts about the myRA: 1. Individuals who earn up to $129,000 and couples who earn up to $191,000 will be eligible, assuming their employers offer the accounts.

2. The new accounts will be structured like the Roth IRAs, in which account holders will contribute money after income taxes have been paid. Any investment gains or withdrawals are tax free.

Roth IRA accounts, in contrast to traditional IRAs -- which allow pretax contributions -- make sense for the younger workers who are likely to be in low tax brackets today. So they will get less benefit from the tax deductions available for contributions to a regular IRA. 3. You can contribute as little as $25 initially and $5 through subsequent payroll deductions. As with other IRAs, account holders can contribute a maximum or $5,500 per year unless they are over 50. That demographic may contribute $6,500 per year with the “catch-up” clause.

4. Once an account balance reaches $15,000 the account owner will be required to then roll the funds into an IRA at a private sector financial services company. No, you may not start over with another myRA. 5. One cannot “double dip,” that is, max out a myRA while also maxing out another IRA plan. It is possible, however, to contribute, say, $3,500 to an IRA plan and another $2,000 into a myRA, for example.

6. The myRA features just one investment option: A treasury bond that will offer the same variable interest rate return as the benefit federal employees get when they enroll in the Thrift Savings Plan Government Securities Investment Fund.

The good thing is that account holders cannot lose money on those investments. The bad news: TSP fund had an annual return of 1.47 percent in 2012.

7. Withdrawals work the same way any other IRA account works.

You can take your principal from it anytime. However, earnings taken before the age of 59 1/2 will be subject to income taxes as well as a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.

8. No one is forced to use this type of account and at this time employers aren’t forced to offer it, either. However, it can be a good plan for people who change jobs frequently and are more concerned with safety than returns, and there also are no fees associated with it.

G. Wade Hicks is the owner of GW Financial Inc. in Fort Worth. Wade specializes in helping pre-retirees and retirees plan a tax-free retirement.

At G.W. Financial, we specialize in the following services: • Index Universal Life Insurance • Term Life Insurance • Single Premium Whole/Universal Life

• Final Expense • Medicare Supplemental Insurance • Fixed Indexed Annuities

• Supplemental Health Care • Life Settlements • Rare Diamond Brokerage

Call today for a free consultation and receive a free copy of “The Retirement Miracle”

(817) 887-8043

www.gwfinancialinc.com March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 25

Award-Winning Salsa @ ZESTFEST 2012 in the Fiery Food Competition!

The way Salsa should be - Texan! Order some today!

(817) 682-0869

jesse@halfbreedsalsa.com, gina@halfbreedsalsa.com

facebook.com/hbsalsa 26 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD West Fort Worth Properties neighborhood

original list

sold $$

%sold/orig

dom*

bdrms

f/h bath

Ridglea

$1,700,000

$1,575,000

227

93

3

4.1

LaCantera Team Ranch

$1,295,000

$1,250,000

109

97

4

4.1

Bella Italia

$999,950

$959,000

96

239

5

5.1

Westover

$975,000

$950,000

97

3

3

3.2

Montserrat

$959,500

$949,000

99

28

4

4.1

Montserrat

$799,000

$789,000

99

306

4

3.1

Monticello

$895,000

$750,000

84

55

4

4.1

Overton West

$549,000

$535,000

97

333

3

4.2

Hi Mount

$535,000

$515,000

96

24

4

3.1

Overton West

$455,900

$421,000

92

43

4

3.1

Bellaire Park North

$345,500

$342,500

99

141

4

3

$289,000

$285,000

99

17

3

2

Monticello

$263,695

$263,879

100

0

3

2.1

Westcliff

$279,900

$255,000

91

118

3

2

Ridglea

Information obtained from Heartland MLS for the period of 12/1/13 to 1/31/14. *DOM=Days on Market.

FEATURED PROPERTIES 1813 Rockridge Terrace, Fort Worth

$544,900

Completely remodeled stately home in the prestigious Forest Park area.

Old world doors welcome you into an updated open floor plan. Oklahoma Flagstone fireplace, gleaming hardwoods, open kitchen, stainless gourmet appliances, 6 burner gas stove, warmer & wine refrigerator. Limestone counter, master suite on main floor. Second level features 2nd living room, 5th bedroom or study. Jack & Jill bath & additional 3 to 4 bedrooms.

Detached 3 car garage. Energy efficient. Do not miss out!

6924 Vista Ridge, Vista Ridge

$525,000

Elegance abounds in this custom home in Vista Ridge. Gleaming hardwoods, formal dining, open concept kitchen, living & breakfast area.

Walls of windows & plantation shutters. Study with custom stain glass windows. Huge master suite has hand-etched arched door & custom window over jetted tub. Guest suite has living & full bath upstairs. Sunroom & much more!

Going the extra mile for you!

Ginger Trimble Knox, GRI, e-PRO, CRS, RSPS, Broker Associate Phone: 817-637-9184 Email: ginger@gingerandassociates.com www.gingerandassociates.com March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 27

Parent’s Corner

Gadgets, Great Outdoors Can Coexist A

dvancements in technology over the last decade have children spending more time with gadgets and gizmos, and less time enjoying the great outdoors.

In fact, kids are now indoors up to 10 hours a day, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But kids’ increasing use of technology and opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The Importance of Outside Play

A new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report shows that kids’ media habits can both positively and negatively impact health, and provides real-world advice to help parents serve as positive role models and teach children to use technology in moderation.

“Kids need to be outside all year long, especially in the winter when days are short and we’re all a little more cooped up than usual,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for National Wildlife Federation. “In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wild-

28 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

life around them no matter where they live, it helps them burn off energy, stay fit, and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day.”

Screen Time Plus Green Time

Technology can be a valuable tool to help families balance the lure of screen time with the importance of green time for kids. Today’s connected world enables children to experience nature in ways never before imagined.

NWF’s report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors: 1. Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include anything - from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts.

2. Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos or an electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends.

3. When safe and practical, take hand-held

devices outdoors to combine the best of both worlds (just remember to plan for some fully unplugged time outside, too).

4. Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games and plenty of exercise.

For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors visit www.BeOutThere.org.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • LANDSCAPING • MAINTENANCE • Landscape Design and Install (Degree in Horticulture) • Stone, Concrete, and Wood Hardscape • Irrigation Installation and Repair (LI#6176) • Tree Pruning, Removal, and Planting • Outdoor Lighting (LED) • Drainage Systems (NDS Certified)

com — . e p a c S n — Glen 3 -3553 817-25

— All Work Insured —

10% Off

$100 Off

Limit one coupon per household.

Limit one coupon per household.

Flower Installation or 1 Month of Mowing

Any Job $800 or More

R e s t o R e & R e c o v e R Fa s t e R

with Whole Body Cryotherapy

Just 3 minutes in this revolutionary cold air chamber promotes relief from pain and inflammation, promoting tissue and muscle recovery.

Given the thumbs up by Dr. Oz, cryotherapy is widely used by elite professional and Olympic athletes and training centers around the world.

Mention this ad and

the FiRst FReeze is FRee Monthly Membership only $199

Let Rive tell you a story by the fire.

Famous for No Good Reason Bar Catering • Great Covered Patio • Daily Specials $3 Glasses of Wine All the Time Bottomless Mimosas & Poinsettias at Sunday Brunch 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd #125 | Fort Worth, TX 76116

(817) 732-3833

Open Daily 12pm-2am

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 29

March Lifestyle Calendar

be provided. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. Visit CarterMuseum.org for more information.

March 14 Family Pet Night Painting Class A Piece of Work

Bring a photo of your pet for a family fun night of painting, and leave with a unique work of art featuring your furry family member. 7 p.m.

Visit APieceOfWorkOnline.com to reserve a spot. 5714 Locke Ave.

March 15 Underground: Photographs by Kathy Sherman Suder

March 1

March 7

7th Annual Chili Cook Off

First Friday at the Modern

The Ginger Man

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Celebrate Texas Independence Day as you taste test different chili recipes and enjoy a few brews. Ticket sales benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. Located at 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Enjoy live music from Ginny Mac, a special Cajun Cooler cocktail and a gallery tour.

Café Modern will be open for dinner until 8:30 p.m. with featured specials. Begins at 5 p.m. 3200 Darnell St. Call 817.840.2157 for more information.

The culmination of more than six years photographing people on public transit, this exhibit features 12 oversized photos from the subways of London, New York and Tokyo. Engage with artist Kathy Sherman Suder at the opening March 15 during Gallery Talk from 10:3011:30 a.m. Exhibit runs through August 17. Call 817.989.5030 to register.

Mardi Gras Dinner

March 8

March 16

Culinary School of Fort Worth

Indiana Jones and the Adventure

Sunday Brunch

Join The Culinary School of Fort Worth for its monthly theme dinner from 6-9 p.m. for $35 per person. Call 817.737.8427 for reservations.

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd.

of Archaeology: The Exhibition

Culinary School of Fort Worth

Fort Worth Museum of Science

Delight in a seasonal brunch created by culinary students. Seatings every half hour from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 6100 Camp Bowie Blvd. Call 817.737.8427 ext. 101 for reservations.

March 1

March 4 Fat Tuesday Celebration Winslow’s Wine Cafe

Join Winslow’s on Fat Tuesday for a Fort Worth Mardi Gras celebration. 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd.

March 7 Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Go back in time to ancient Egypt in this IMAX movie that leads viewers through a real-life adventure with thieves and hidden treasures, and a modern day scientific journey to uncover clues about the past. Visit FortWorthMuseum. org for tickets. 1600 Gendy St. 30 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

and History

Experience the exciting field of archaeology in an exhibit that goes beyond just movie props. Visit FortWorthMuseum.org for tickets. Opens March 8; runs through August 10. 1600 Gendy St.

March 10 Free Spring Break Monday Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

The Modern will be free and open to the public all day for the first day of Spring Break in Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St.

March 11-14 Family Fun Week Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Bring the whole family for art exploration and creation featuring the natural elements: earth, wind, water and fire. Refreshments will

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

March 27 Cliburn at the Kimbell Kimbell Art Museum

Enjoy a performance by Musical America’s Musicians of the Year, cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han. 7:30 p.m. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.

March 29 Gallery Night Fort Worth Community Arts Center

Celebrate the accomplishments of many talented artists during Spring Gallery Night in Fort Worth with a reception from 6-9 p.m.

Free and open to the public. 1300 Gendy St. Call 817.298.3021.

Fort Worth Harley Davidson Come check out our selection of

NEW 2014 MOTORCYCLES!

3025 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, TX |

817-696-9090 | fortworthharley.com

Come Explore

CAMP BOWIE BOULEVARD Helping people hear better since 1995.

7801 Oakmont Blvd, Ste 109, Fort Worth, TX 76132 PH 817.263.1800 | FAX 817.263.1802

Bring this ad in for a

FREE Hearing Aid Cleaning and Hearing Check

EAT. SHOP. DINE. PLAY. 6100 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Suite 23 • Fort Worth, Texas 76116 817.737.0100

Diane Blaising, Au.D., FAAA, ADA

Doctor of Audiology Board-Certified in Audiology

www.Hearing-In-FortWorth.com March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 31

p

r

o

ud

sponsors

The

of

Market w

est

fw lifes

ty

le

Health & Wellness Eyes On Camp Bowie (817) 738-9301 eyesoncampbowie.com

Kristin Peaks It Works (817) 528-0279 kristinpeaks.myitwork.com

Campisis (817) 916-4561 campisis.us Half Breed Salsa (817) 682-0869 Oscar’s Pub (817) 732-3833 oscarspub.com

The Gluten Free Geek (817) 988-6123 gfgeek.com

Red Door Bistro (817) 292-0000

Cowtown Rover (817) 731-3223 cowtownrover.com

The Polar Club Cryosauna (817) 731-5884 cryosaunausa.com

Sodexo Fort Worth Science & History Museum (817) 255-9553 sodexousa.com

Fort Worth - Harley Davidson (817) 696-9090 fortworthharley.com

Home Services

Automotive

Jerry’s Cadillac (817) 597-1287 jerryscadillac.com

Community Events & Organizations The Camp Bowie District (817) 737-0100 campbowiedistrict.com

Dentists & Orthodontics

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

Entertainment & Recreation

Ft. Worth Food & Wine Festival (817) 348-0762 fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com

Fashion & Accessories Troy Vinson Jewelers (817) 377-8555 troyvinsonjewelers.com

Financial Services & Planning

Frost Banking, Insurance & Investments (817) 420-5058 frostbank.com GW Financial (817) 706-8119 gwfinancialinc.com

32 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

Bell Brother’s Moving (817) 713-1712 bellbrothersmoving.com

Bliss Lifestyle Management (817) 808-1701 bliss-lifestyle.com GlennScape (817) 926-3553 glennscape.com Hollywood Pools (817) 575-9672 SCL Landscaping (817) 798-3385

Medical Clinics & Facilities Cityview Audiology (817) 263-1800 hearing-in-fortworth.com ERCA Camp Bowie (817) 984-1026 ercenters.com

Real Estate

Alexander Chandler Realty (817) 806-4100 alexaderchandler.com

Restaurants, Food & Beverage Buffalo West (817) 732-2370 buffalowest.com

Salons & Spas

Metropolitan Day Spa (817) 877-3417 metropolitandayspa.com Sherry Vitek Skin Care (817) 456-1573 sherryvitekskincare.com Z Spa (817) 509-4967 zspadfw.com

Specialty Shops A Lost Treasure (817) 230-4828 alosttreasure.com

Lisa McConnell (817) 732-4440 lisamcconnell.com Sally’s Flower Shoppe (817) 738-1977 sallysflowershoppe.com The Mercantile (817) 377-0910 themercantile.com Ties To The Past (817) 244-3134

Metropolitan Day Spa of fort Worth

takes pride in bringing you an invigorating spa experience to help you restore the balance and energy of your mind, body and soul. our services include various facials , massages , manicures

& pedicures , tinting , waxing and laser treatments .

Our newest product line is Biologique Recherche. Featured in multiple magazines, Biologique Recherche is a Parisian company that has a reputation for effectiveness based on a clinical approach to beauty care using intentionally pure, concentrated, and raw ingredients.

Spa Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 8:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm Closed on Sunday.

3417 W. 7th Street Fort Worth, texaS 76107 ph: 817.877.3417 WWW.MetropoLItaNDaYSpa.CoM

f

Like us on Facebook to hear about upcoming specials!

Mention this ad in West FW Lifestyle,

receive

10% off any single service

Surprise your loved one with a gift certificate from Metropolitan Day Spa. Choose from one of our spa packages or tailor your own spa day.

Kristin Peaks 817.528.0279 (call or text) https://kristinpeaks.myitworks.com

HAVE YOU TRIED THAT

CRAZY

THIS IS WHAT IT DOES!

WRAP

THING? IT’SAFFORDABLE

BEFORE

TIGHTENS, TONES, AND FIRMS IN AS LITTLE AS 45 MINUTES

$30

IT’SFUN

HOST A PARTY AND TRY IT FREE WITH COUPON

REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF CELLULITE

ASK ME HOW !

GIVES YOU FAST & LASTING RESULTS FROM A BOTANICALLY BASED FORMULA

HOL LYWOOD’S BEST-KEPT SECRE T! Individual results can and will vary. These testimonials are not necessarily representative of all those who use our products. These testimonials are not intended to make claims that these products can be used to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. These claims have not been clinically proven or evaluated by the FDA.

dt-­half-­blitz-­001

WITH COUPON

AFTER 45 MINUTES

March 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 33

Parting Thoughts

Yesterday:

Residents’ Recollections of the Fab Four Words Matt Smith

I

t’s been 50 years since the Beatles’ invasion of America. The famous group arrived on our soil on February 7, 1964, and over the next two weeks stormed our country and forever changed our culture, playing concerts across the country to record crowds. By the time they flew home, the Fab Four were the most famous band in the world.

The phenomena brings back memories for many around here who were lucky enough to be part of that musical history, witnessing one of those first appearances and experiencing the resulting impact.

Rodger Brownlee managed to catch the Beatle’s in Dallas in 1964 and Houston in ‘65. He even caught them on film with a black and white, silent home movie camera. The influence on American youth culture was immediate, and personal for him, and, as he tells it, he got in trouble with the school principal for wearing his hair like the Beatles and “being disruptive.” Another classmate was asked to leave school because he wore a t-shirt with four bugs on it and the word Beatles. Back then, Brownlee recalls, any mention of the Beatles was pretty well quashed.

The Beatle’s impact on this Fort Worth resident went even further. Brownlee formed Thelite, one of several Fort Worth garage

34 West FW Lifestyle | March 2014

bands to spring up in the Beatles’ wake, and the first locals to copy the English sound and look. Brownlee’s band landed opening gigs at Will Rogers Auditorium for the Beach Boys, Paul Revere and the Raiders and the Byrds.

Mary Carver snagged third-row seats to the Beatles’ second Houston show, and though she couldn’t hear much, she does remember police blocking fans and the crowd going crazy just like the newsreels capture. For her, it wasn’t news, it was her life.

Vicky Chistopherson was living in Shreveport back then but saw the band’s August 19, 1965, Houston concert, too, seven days after her 15th birthday. She remembers being disappointed having driven so far to hear them and being unable to because of the crowd’s noise. It was worth it though. Now that concert wins points with her son, local musician John Stevens, when they play the “What was your first concert?” game with friends. Her mosthip answer wins every time.

Beatlemania. That world-wide wonder has given millions of us all over the world our own memories of that magical music…

Oh, I believe in yesterday.

PRIME RIB, STEAKS, UPSCALE COMFORT FOOD

PRIME RIB SPECIAL

CRAwFISh BOIL Friday & Saturday St. Patrick's weekend

2 for $25 Monday - Thursday 4pm - Close

BUFFALO WEST FOOD

DRINK

MUSIC

ENCLOSED PATIO DINING AND BAR • LIVE MUSIC THURS, FRI, SAT NIGHTS HUGE SALAD BAR WITH CHOICE OF THREE FRESH HOT SOUPS DINING AREAS WITH FIREPLACES • FIRE PIT/WATER FEATURE AREA PRIVATE PARTY ROOM • PLENTY OF EASY IN – EASY OUT PARKING

March 14th & 15th Live Entertainment * *

Customer LoyaLty Program text “points” to 817-330-8592

Visit us at 7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, TX 76116 • 817-732-2370 BuffaloWestFW.com • Facebook.com/BuffaloWestRestaurant

MARCH 2 7

to

MARCH 3 0

BUY TICKETS TODAY!

WWW.FWFWF.COM

C e l e b r a t i n g F o r t W o r t h ’ s C u l i n a r y Ta l e n t s The four-day Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival honors the distinctive and diverse nature of Fort Worth’s culinary and beverage traditions.

Billy B ob’ s Kick Off Party March 27

Billy Bob’s Texas | 7-9 PM | $65 Twelve of Fort Worth’s finest celebrity chefs will prepare tastings paired with a Texas-made craft beer, wine and spirits with live music by Texas/Red Dirt Recording Artist Stoney LaRue.

G rand Tasting March 28

Renaissance Worthington Hotel | 7-11 PM | $125 Over 100 wineries, craft breweries and distillers along with chefs, restaurateurs, celebrated vendors & food artisans.

Sip + Savor March 29-30

Renaissance Worthington Hotel | 11 AM-2 PM | $75 Enjoy over 100 wines and small bites from some of Fort Worth’s most celebrated food artisans.

Tastes of the World:

An Epicurean Stroll Throug h the Arts

March 29

Bass Performance Hall | 11 - 2 PM | $500 Performing arts paired with exquisite cuisine & rare wines.

Burg ers, Brews + Blues March 29

Edwards Ranch | 6-9 PM $60 | 5-9 PM $75 VIP 26 craft breweries and 13 restaurants offer beer & sliders, accompanied by live blues bands.

Meals on Wheels for Meals on Wheels March 30

Coyote Drive-In | 3-5 PM | $50 North Texas’ famed food trucks & live music, benefiting Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Greater Tarrant County.

For tickets + details visit

W W W . F W F W F. C O M THAN K YO U TO O U R S P O N SO RS