BE NICE. WORK HARD. DO GOOD. That’s the motto of the Joseph Berkes Group. Plain and simple, we are here to take care of our clients’ needs. Whether that means finding the right handyman, coffee shop or home. How can we be of service to you?
T H E B E R K E S G R O U P. W I L L I A M S T R E W . C O M
JOSEP H BERKES 817.570.9453
Joseph@WilliamsTrew.com JosephBerkes.WilliamsTrew.com
WilliamsTrew.com | 817.732.8400
©2021 Equal Housing Opportunity
Raphaelle Peale (1774–1825), Peaches and Grapes in a Chinese Export Basket (detail), 1813, oil on panel, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, Acquisition in memory of Ruth Carter Stevenson, President of the Board of Trustees, with funds provided by the Ruth Carter Stevenson Memorial and Endowment Funds, 2014.17
COME FOR THE PAST, STAY FOR THE FUTURE
Mary Cassatt (1844–1926), Woman Standing, Holding a Fan (detail), 1878–79, distemper with metallic paint on canvas, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, Acquisition in honor of Ruth Carter Stevenson and the 50th Anniversary of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art with funds provided by Anne T. and Robert M. Bass, The Walton Family Foundation, Marsland and Richard W. Moncrief, and the Council of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 2011.20
Charles Sheeler (1883–1965), Conversation – Sky and Earth (detail), 1940, oil on canvas, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 2009.7
Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Egg Beater No. 2 (detail), 1928, oil on canvas, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 1996.9
The Carter is celebrating 60 years! 60 years of collecting. Curating. Carefully preserving. 60 years of showing off the classics and showcasing the new. 60 years of building momentum, gaining energy, creating inspiration, finding connections, encouraging community, and sharing our vision. We’re celebrating 60 years of American art all year long! Join us as we look back on our story and look forward to our journey ahead.
Lewis Wickes Hine (1874–1940), Steamfitter (detail), 1921, gelatin silver print, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, P1981.80.3 Severin Roesen (1815 or 1816–after 1872), Still Life of Flowersand Fruit with a River Landscape in the Distance (detail), 1867, oil on canvas, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 1987.9
CARTERMUSEUM.ORG #CARTER60
CONTRIBUTERS’ ® What’s one memento you’ve kept from your childhood that you will never let go?
Issue 24 | All in the Family | July /August 2021
P U B L I S H E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Wise E D I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Virden Geurkink A S S O C I A T E P U B L I S H E R . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Kieta ILL U S T R A T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trish Wise L E A D D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sovic Creative
A: My dad’s collection of National Geographic. Every issue from the early 1900’s to the mid-2000s.
A: A needlepointed pillow my grandmother made me.
- Lee Virden Geurkink
A: One of my maternal grandfather’s dog tags from when he served with the Army in the Pacific in WWII
- Buck Elliott
- Victoria Wise
A: The first book I ever read: Billy Brown Makes Something Grand.
- Lyle Brooks
C O V E R D E S I G N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Wise C O N T R I B UTI N G W R I T E R S Lyle Brooks
Irie Price
Buck Elliott
Julie Rhodes
Sharla Horton-Williams
Angela Weaver
A: I’m more of a “loser” than a “keeper.” I can’t remember anything that I would have kept even if I hadn’t lost everything I owned as a child.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
A: Diaries that I’ve been keeping since grade school.
- Carolyn Morris
- Sharla Horton-Williams
A:
An antique music box owned by my grandmother. She died before I was born, so I love this small physical connection with her.
- Irie Price
A: My father’s complete set of the 1959 edition of the Hardy Boys mysteries.
- Julie Rhodes
Carolyn Morris, OMG Photostuff
Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience. For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com. Looking for more copies Madeworthy Magazine? You can subscribe at TanglewoodMoms.com for free, or pick up copies at Central Market in Fort Worth or Whole Foods in the Waterside shopping center.
B
by Irie Price
ILY
& FA A E M KS & T O O
photos by Rhonda Brunson
Leaves Book and Tea Shop reflects not only the up-and-coming Near Southside neighborhood in which it resides, but also the tightknit Howard family who brought it from dream to reality. The gleaming white tile wall behind the counter was hand-tiled by owner Tina Howard and her husband, Todd (“We decided that’s a testament to our marriage,” Tina said, laughing). Their daughters, Maddy, 15, and Jane, 11, helped paint the shop’s walls, and all four Howards sampled tea to help decide which varieties to offer. When the shop opened in 2018, it wasn’t uncommon to find Jane or Maddy doing homework at the counter while Tina rang up orders and Todd washed dishes and made tea. Though the girls do their schoolwork at home now and Todd puts in fewer hours at the shop, they all still help during events (Tina calls Todd “the pop-up king” because of his ability to work a crowd) and when the shop gets busy. And although Tina has the final say on which books end up on the shelves, customers might run across a copy of the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series beloved by Jane, and there’s always a copy of Todd’s favorite book. “Regardless of whatever else that Tina has selected,” Todd said with a smile, “there will definitely always be at least that copy of Jurassic Park here.” Since opening, Leaves has become a local favorite for its thoughtfully curated book selection, its tasty teas, and its
A: The cross-stitch Bambi baby blanket my Grandma made for me.
A: A beautiful green rosary my grandmother brought from Ireland.
- Angela Weaver
- Trish Wise
welcoming, community-building vibe. Everything – from the minimalist décor to the more than 50 varieties of tea to the wideranging book selection and diverse authorship – was designed to create an inviting experience, Tina said. “We’ve always wanted this space to be welcoming and hospitable to anybody who comes in,” she said. “And that’s regardless of age or gender or race or identity, or any of those things. We want it to feel like a safe, welcoming space that encourages being present with someone else – truly present – and having conversations about important things.” It was a conversation that birthed the idea for Leaves. Tina was in a book club lamenting the closure of several bookstores in town. “We started talking about how bookstores used to be this gathering place where people connected and shared ideas and talked about topics in a manner that was more than a Facebook article headline or a 140-character tweet,” Tina said. Tina and Todd knew they wanted the shop to hold more than books. “It seemed like: Okay, well, what else besides books?” said Todd, who works as a recruiter for Radiology Associates of North Texas. Hoping to bring something new to Fort Worth, the couple settled on tea. Next came nearly two years of research and planning. Tina reveled in the process. She and Maddy traveled to Portland, Oregon, where they sampled tea from a dozen shops in just two days. Though the trip was a whirlwind, “it was fun,” Maddy said. Leaves now stocks dozens of high-quality teas that can be served hot or iced and enjoyed in-shop or on-the-go. Its flavorful sparkling teas – which were inspired by the Portland trip – have become a standout menu item. During its first year, Leaves acquired a loyal following, hosting events like yoga for families, improv comedy shows, a Halloween read-aloud of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, and, of course, a book club. “It’s been a fun process of trying to earn our voice in the community – to speak into what’s happening and speak into how we can support,” Tina said. Then the pandemic hit. With it came the near-daily ritual of deciding how to adjust the business to reflect the most recent public health guidance while keeping customers safe, keeping staff safe and employed, shifting in-person events to virtual offerings, and adjusting as a family to virtual school and working from home. Now, the Howards are ready to move forward with a new slate of events and collaborations with their Near Southside neighbors. They’re also considering expanding Leaves’ wholesale offerings or (maybe) even a second location. “We did two-and-a-half hard, hard years,” Tina said. “Surely now we can handle anything that comes our way – and so, I feel excited for what we can continue to do in our community.”
MEET THE HOWARDS TINA favorite genres: Food memoir, memoir, neuropsychology, and race. recommended read: Broken in the Best Way Possible by Jenny Lawson
TODD favorite book: Jurassic Park recommended read: Robopocalypse, a sci-fi end-of-the-world thriller
MADDY favorite genre: Fantasy and young adult dystopian fiction recommended read: The Chaos Walking series, a dystopian sci-fi series
JANE
favorite genre: Fantasy, though it’s hard to pick a favorite because “I like all the books!” recommended read: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Remember These
Are Loved by God by Angela Weaver “Remember these children are loved by God. Pray for their blessed souls. I believe the world is a better place because they lived – even if it was for a short time. You do this for them and those other babies and children who need you.”
the effectiveness of child abuse investigations. This approach helps children and their families feel comfortable with the system, and it eases some of the trauma the children endure. This collaborative model involves staff from Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, detectives from participating law enforcement agencies, the Cook Children’s Medical Center CARE Team, JPS Health Services, Tarrant County Juvenile Services, and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. These professionals investigate reports of serious, life-threatening child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, and child fatalities. Children, ages birth to seventeen, are referred to the centers by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or by law enforcement.
Sergeant Rachel DeHoyos, an officer who leads a team of 18 detectives in the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Alliance For Children building, has this quote by her sister, Tonya DeHoyos Detten, framed and hanging prominently on the wall for all who enter her office to see.
Alliance For Children aims to provide a safe, childfriendly, neutral space where the staff of all these different agencies can work together to meet a child’s needs. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff have seen a massive rise in referrals and cases; they worked over 2,700 cases of child abuse and abandonment in 2020. Alliance For Children advocates for each child at the center of these cases and strives to provide a place where they can feel safe.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Sgt. DeHoyos while I was on a tour of the Alliance For Children facility. Upon meeting Sgt. DeHoyos, I could tell instantly that she was passionate about the work she does and the impact she is making in our community by investigating accusations of child abuse and abandonment. Day in and day out, every person who works for the non-profit Alliance For Children fights tirelessly and fiercely to protect Tarrant County children from the horrors of abuse.
Each child referred to Alliance For Children is greeted with a snack or a toy which helps to help build connection and express support from the moment they step through the doors. Programs offered include camps where children can see and understand that they are not alone or isolated, counseling programs (both group and individual) for victims and families, and educational programs to both help the public recognize abuse and help children speak up when they need help.
Approximately 2,000 children are referred to the four Alliance For Children centers every year. The organization’s goal is to unite the communities in Tarrant County to fight child abuse and reduce the level of trauma on these victims by assisting different local and state agencies to work together to enhance
As I toured the facility, two thoughts kept running through my mind: “How can I help?” and “What do they need to continue the work they are doing?” The answers are simple: donations and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the Alliance For Children website and include opportunities for
personal interaction (with training) and helping with special events. Events throughout the year in which the community can get involved include the Back-toSchool Backpack Drive, the Let’s Play Bingo! Ladies Luncheon, the Sporting Clay Tournament, and more. There are also workshops to help parents learn to keep their children safe. Donations of new, unused children’s items are always welcome. Just some of the things that are constantly needed are clothing of all sizes (including school uniforms), diapers, wipes, toiletries, Pack-and-Plays, and twin beds. Children are incredibly resilient. They can and do heal from abuse. Alliance For Children provides services to rebuild the lives of child abuse victims and their protective caregivers and the support needed to begin the healing process. During the tour, we were repeatedly told that it is vitally important to report abuse if you suspect it. So often, the victims cannot speak for themselves. The identity of the reporter is always confidential. Reporting suspected abuse very often means saving a child’s life. So make the difference in a child’s life. Speak up. Keep your eyes open and always be discerning about who and what is safe to be around your children. Blue pinwheels at TCU representing Tarrant County’s victims of child abuse. Blue pinwheels are the symbol of children’s advocacy centers. photo courtesy of Alliance for Children
FR OM FOR T WOR TH'S FOOD MASTERS In this issue’s Fresh Family Recipes, we feature two recipes from sister restaurants GRACE and Little Red Wasp. While GRACE focuses on upscale, elegant dining, and Little Red Wasp features “straightforward food and lots of beer,” both restaurants are known for the freshness of their ingredients and their imaginative takes on classic American cuisine. Adam Jones, mastermind
LITTLE RED WASP’S PIMENTO CHEESE
behind both restaurants, shared the following recipes.
ingredients 2 pounds cream cheese 1½ cup Tillamook cheddar
GRACE’S CHORIZO STUFFED DATES
cheese, grated
2 pounds seeded Medjool dates
Editor’s note: when we made this recipe, we found we prefer Tillamook’s extra-sharp cheddar that we grated ourselves
1 pound ground beef
½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise*
1 pound ground pork
1½ cup jarred red peppers,
ingredients
1 pound applewood smoked bacon 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 yellow onion, minced 6 dried chipotle chiles 3 dried ancho chiles 3 dried guajillo chiles 3 dried arbol chiles ¼ cup peanut oil Sea salt Pepper Toothpicks roast the chiles Remove the stems from the dried chiles and place on a baking sheet. Roast the chiles in a preheated 200° oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chiles are crunchy. Place the chiles in a spice grinder or a blender and grind into powder. Turn the oven up to 350°.
drained twice and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste directions In a large mixer, beat the cream cheese until soft and creamy. Add the grated cheese and mix well. Add the mayonnaise and red bell peppers, mixing until well-combined. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Be sure to scrape down the sides while mixing. Chill. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. Editor’s note: pimento cheese on a burger is a thing of great beauty. Try it. You’ll thank us!
*There is great debate among pimento cheese aficionados concerning the proper mayonnaise to use in your
make the chorizo
pimento cheese. These
Heat a medium-sized sauté pan over medium heat. Add the peanut
experts fall into two camps:
oil and heat until slightly smoking. Add both the ground beef and the
Duke’s and Hellmann’s. While
ground pork, cooking until slightly browned. Add the minced garlic,
Duke’s is undeniably Southern,
minced onion, and ground chiles. Cook through. Season with salt and
a blind taste test among the
pepper and set aside to cool until you can handle the mixture.
South’s top chefs resulted
stuff the dates Gently stuff approximately 1 tablespoon of the chorizo mixture into a date. Wrap each date with one piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet and cook until the bacon is slightly crisp. Serve warm. This makes approximately 50 dates.
illustrations by Trish Wise
in every single chef preferring Hellmann’s.
Move, Deliver, & Store,
Quality bedding at dream prices! A 124-year-old, Fort Worth family business, the Original Mattress Factory manufactures quality bedding and sells directly to the public nationwide. We are focused on innovating the best way to give our customers a great night’s sleep at a low price. A Texas original since 1896, our family takes pride in continuing the tradition of excellence, quality, and value in our products that the generations before us established.
Simply.
SCAN TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER!
Don't disrupt your busy life. Let us connect you to professionals to move or deliver anything simply. From your full home to a single item, we've got you covered!
ENTER COUPON CODE
MW2021 for 10% off your first order.
DIRECT FROM OUR FACTORY TO YOU! WE WANT YOUR FAMILY TO HAVE A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ON US. BRING IN THIS AD FOR AN EXTRA 15% OFF. VALID THRU 8/15/21. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS.
gozova.com | @GozovaApp | 855-465-1681
SNORING ISN’T SEXY... It could be linked to serious health problems.
Are you pregnant and hurting from pelvic and back pain? Are you tired of hearing it’s just discomforts of pregnancy? Everyone deserves a joyful pregnancy! At Sky Women’s Health, we relieve pain and help you move freely in your body throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Rely less on medication and more on your body’s alignment. Doesn’t matter where you are in your pregnancy. We will customize your treatment to your specific needs. In our office we offer hands-on drug-free osteopathic adjustments by a Board Certified OBGYN with 14 years of experience and a Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine fellowship. We will complement all the things your OB is doing to manage your care. Dozens of patients in the last 6 months have said, "I wish I had seen you sooner." "My pain is gone." "I'm back on my yoga mat and feeling great.” If you want solutions to feel your best in pregnancy and enjoy your newborn on your own terms, request an appointment on the website and we will call you to get set up.
To schedule an appointment, call 817-915-9803 or visit skywomenshealth.com
Oral appliance therapy is a great option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring patients who find CPAP uncomfortable or inconvenient when traveling. OSA and snoring have been linked to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and obesity, so the quality of your sleep does matter. Our treatment options are designed to be easy to use, comfortable and convenient.
We are in network with most major medical insurance plans. To guarantee oral appliance therapy to be covered in 2021, schedule before October 4th. Call Dr. Mitch Conditt at 817 835 9933
MITCH CONDITT DDS
Sleep Better. Feel Better. Live Longer 5722 Locke Ave., Ft. Worth, TX | www.sleepsnoringtmj.com
HUMILITY and HONOR:
T H E B EAUT Y O F TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION by Sharla Horton-Williams
The Carpenters, missing Chaz photo by Ashley Canfield Photography
“I choose you.” These are words that everyone wants to hear. Every person wants to know that they are valued and wanted and loved. Adoption says just that: I choose you. Eight years ago, Fort Worth parents Monica and Chuck Carpenter chose to welcome two additional children into their family of six. Not just any children, though. Two spunky children. Two fragile children. Two smart children. Two inquisitive children. Two funny children. Two Black children. Why are we bringing race into this? Adoption should never be about race; it should simply be about giving loving homes to children, right? Yes. And no.
Imagine not knowing your biological family. Imagine having little, if any connection to your cultural or racial heritage. Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing yourself, then seeing the rest of your family, and things are different. Very different. While we fantasize about living in a post-racial or colorblind society, we don’t. So helping children from minoritized backgrounds develop a strong and positive racial and cultural identity must absolutely matter to their adoptive parents.
place. If I could figure out how to honor them, I would likely love them well.” Adoption is a choice. It is a beautiful gift to the world. Transracial adoption is no exception. When you choose to raise a child from a different racial or cultural background, you are also choosing to parent, love, and minister to that child in a way that affirms them fully and completely. You are choosing all of them. That’s what Monica realized the day she and Chuck chose to say yes to Cara and Chaz.
“How do I comb her hair?” “How do I teach him to be proud of himself?” “Do they need sunscreen?” “What kind of music should we listen to?” “What kinds of foods should I offer?” These are seemingly innocuous and maybe even silly questions, but to a conscious transracial adoptive parent, even the simplest questions can keep you up at night. And they should.
· Consider that other voices, opinions, and
Monica’s reflections on raising Black children:
· Set aside time for conversations with Black
“When Chaz and Cara entered my home, what I thought might just be a learning curve turned into a learning rollercoaster. Emotional ups and downs. Feelings of being upside down in my understanding of how my children would navigate their world. I was struck that they would probably never navigate their world like my other children do. I quickly learned that they weren’t just children, they were Black children. I quickly realized that I had so much to learn. I was overwhelmed because I wanted to love them the right and best way. So I started with honor. How could I honor them? Their culture? The historical representations of their people. In order to honor them, I would have to spend the rest of my life engaging in conversations that would continue to challenge the deeply rooted mindsets I grew up with. I would have to listen more than I spoke and learn more than I try to teach. If I were to honor them, I would need to resign to the way I saw life and do my best to pick up a different lens through which to parent them. From hair products to conversations about language and law enforcement, I knew that honor was the starting
Monica suggests these six considerations for nonBlack parents adopting or raising Black children: experiences are just as important as yours.
· Invite humility to the degree that you assume you know nothing of the culture. friends and be their student.
· Start with the understanding that you are in
infant stages of growth within a culture that may be entirely different from your own. Don’t expect to change them. Don’t judge. Listen to their judgements instead.
· Consider how white your life is: church, places
you shop, places you eat, the friends you hang out with, things you read and listen to, places you go on vacation, etc. Perhaps it’s time to diversify.
· Pay attention to the tendency to make your
Black children white. Learn what that even means. When asked how life has changed, Monica said, “Chaz and Cara have impacted me by making my world larger to include a culture that exists almost separately yet right alongside me. They broadened my secluded and limited understanding of how to love in ways that reflect the humility, servanthood, and ministry of Jesus.” Transracial adoption is a choice - a beautiful choice. Choose humility for yourself. Choose honor for them.
EV ENTS
ACTIVITIE S
Victoria Wise, TanglewoodMoms.com founder and Madeworthy publisher, brings you the top Fort Worth experiences. You do not want to miss these!
Events date and time are subject to change. Please check online for changes.
LIFE
HOME
AUTO
Whether you've purchased a home, gotten married, had children or started a business, it's a good idea to review your Life insurance policy.
Your home is perhaps your most valuable possession, so you'll want to make sure your insurer has withstood the test of time.
Farmers offers unique discounts to support nurses, teachers, doctors, police officers, firefighters and military members.
Jul – Aug 22
Jul 30
An Expanding Vision, Six Decades of Work on Paper: Amon Carter Museum | cartermuseum.org
Tulips Grand Opening with Band of Heathens: Tulips FTW | tulipsftw.com
Jul 31 Twista: Wild Acre Brewing Company | wildacrebrewing.com
Aug 6-8 Bonnie & Clyde: Casa Mañana | casamanana.org photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art
DERRICK MERCHANT FARMERS INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC dmerchant@farmersagent.com | 817-614-9306 101 S. Jennings Ave. STE 200A | Fort Worth, TX 76104
Charles Wilbert White (1918–1979), Trenton Six, 1949, ink and graphite on paperboard, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 2004.16, ©️ 1949 The Charles White Archives
Jul – Sep 5
Aug 7 Brasianna Unykue: Ridglea Theater | theridglea.com
Aug 14 Car Seats for Cowtown: Panther Island Pavilion | pantherislandpavilion.com
Buddha, Shiva, Lotus, Dragon: Kimbell Art Museum | kimbellart.org
Jul-Oct 10 Sean Scully, The Shape of Ideas: The Modern | themodern.org
Jul 4 Fort Worth’s Fourth: Panther Island Pavilion | fortworthsfourth.com
Jul 8 Parent and Child Sushi Basics: Central Market | centralmarket.com
Aug 27 Kid Rock: Billy Bob’s Texas | billybobstexas.com
Aug 13 Lost Dog Street Band: Tulips FTW | tulipsftw.com
Aug 13 – 15 Home and Garden Show: Will Rogers Memorial Center | fortworth.com photo courtesy of Central Market
Jul 10 KXT 91.7 presents Bastards of Soul: Ridglea Theater | theridglea.com
RENEW YOUR HOME
Jul 10 – 11 La Piscine: Magnolia at the Modern | themodern.org
Jul 12 Kids Summer Academy: Top Golf | topgolf.com/us/fort-worth
Jul 16
Aug 14
Lady A: Billy Bob’s Texas | billybobstexas.com
Wicked (touring): Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas | ticketmaster.com
Jul 17
Aug 19 – 21
Dirty River Boys: Panther Island Pavilion | pantherislandpavilion.com
Jul 17 Dig Deep, A Conference for Growers: Botanical Research Institute of Texas | brit.org
Original Sewing and Quilt Expo: Irving Convention Center | sewingexpo.com
Aug 20 Kyser, Blue Sunday A Tribute to 80s New Wave: Ridglea Theater | theridglea.com
Jul 18 National Ice Cream Day: Kimbell Art Museum | kimbellart.org
Jul 19 Summerland Tour: Billy Bob’s Texas | billybobstexas.com
Jul 24 Fine Point Homes renovates the remodel process. As homeowners and parents, we understand how a project can affect your day to day. We emphasize clear communication, a detailed approach and transparency at every stage.
ALAN LITTENBERG finepointhomes.com 817.822.9294
Ensuring the highest standards of quality, Fine Point Homes crafts gorgeous kitchen and bathroom renovations while saving you money. Call us today to start talking about your next home project.
Green Day: Globe Life Field | ticketmaster.com
Jul 24 – 25 31st Annual Yellow Rose Classic Car Show: Arlington Convention Center | ntmc.org
Jul 24, 25 Mega Adoption Event | fortworth.com
Aug 20 – 22 Fort Worth Kennel Club Agility Trials | fortworth.com
Aug 21 Chris Stapleton All American Road Show: Globe Life Field | livenation.com
Aug 22 Mötley Crüe/Def Leppard/Poison/Joan Jett: Globe Life Field | ticketmaster.com
Aug 27,28 Jim Gaffigan: The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory | thepaviliontmf.com
Aug 28 Jason Eady: Tulips FTW | tulipsftw.com
Aug 28,29 PBR’s Elite Unleash The Beast Fort Worth Invitational: Dickies Arena | dickiesarena.com
A FA M I LY
PORTRAIT THE ART OF HEALING AFTER LOSS by Julie Rhodes
Usually, people ask if Ale is Tess McDonald’s granddaughter
While Tess was grieving the loss of her beloved husband, on the other side of town, an eight-year-old girl named Alejandra (“Ale” for short) was grieving the loss of her mother, who had just died of cancer in August of 2017. Ale was one of seven children, five of whom were living together in a precarious situation that would ultimately raise the eyebrows of their teachers and Child Protective Services. Ale’s church stepped in to help, which eventually led to a temporary arrangement with a couple who agreed to keep Ale and her older brother.
or if Tess is Ale’s caretaker. That’s what I assumed when I opened my front door expecting Ale’s mother on the porch and found Tess smiling at me. Ale and my daughter Maddie had become friends in their class at school, and I had only exchanged texts with “Ale’s mom” to arrange a playdate. With gracious awareness, Tess has come to anticipate the question she sees in the eyes of people who meet them.
Meanwhile, Tess had been grieving Mark for three months. It was time for Fort Worth’s Spring Gallery Night, an annual event into which Tess had entered her art many times before. The custom had been for Tess and Mark to get half a dozen couples together to go to dinner and visit the galleries, but Tess’s heart couldn’t handle that. “I just couldn’t go without him. I didn’t want to… I was getting more and more depressed. It just took me down to my knees. I cried out to God and said, ‘Please, give me something significant to do in my life.’ I was just all alone, and I needed some purpose. So, I went to bed, and the next morning at about 10 a.m., my dear friend calls me and asked if I lived near the zoo.”
Tess and Ale’s story is a story worth knowing, as are all stories about loss and the unexpected love that sometimes lies beyond it. For over 30 years, Tess and her husband Mark shared what seems to have been an especially devoted marriage, raising two kids (Rachel, 30, and Chase, 31) and living in several different places while Mark worked as an engineer and consultant and Tess raised their children and worked in the nonprofit sector. At the age of 51, Tess discovered a love and a talent for painting, which Mark wholeheartedly supported. “Mark was my biggest fan, my cheerleader. He thought my work was wonderful,” said Tess. “I always painted for myself, but in the back of my mind I was always thinking, ‘I hope he loves it.’” On the day after Christmas in 2017, Mark got up early to go on a hiking trip. He woke Tess up unexpectedly. She thought he needed her help remembering if he had packed everything, but he simply whispered, “Tess, I love you more than anything in this world.” Those were the last words he would ever say to her. While hiking in Fort Davis, Mark died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 55.
Tess’s friend was keeping Ale and her brother for the day and hoped Tess might join them to see the animals, but in retrospect, Tess thinks her friend might have had an inkling of what needed to happen. “We never made it to the zoo. The kids played, and [my friend and I] talked about their situation,” she said. Tess volunteered to help, suggesting maybe she could keep the younger one, Ale, on the weekends.
Tess couldn’t paint for a long time after that.
Ale and Tess began a new routine. Tess would pick Ale up on Fridays and drop her off at school on Mondays. The two got
12
It was the first thing she ever asked me. I said, ‘Yes I do, Ale, almost every day.’ She said, ‘I cry about my mom.’ I said, ‘Yes I know, honey.’ So we would talk about her mom as her heavenly mom, and how I am her earthly mom. So that also helped. We clearly understood which mom was which. And I never ever let her feel like she couldn’t talk about her mom.” In the past few years, Ale and Tess have found a nice rhythm together. The COVID-19 quarantine ultimately helped bring them closer, and though their journey been difficult at times, they’re settling in together. “Ale is funny,” observed Tess. “She has a different sense of humor, but it’s funny. I let her put Kool-Aid coloring in the tips of her hair. I let her wear more black than I would ever like. I try not to get into her room until I smell things,” Tess laughed.
acquainted slowly throughout the rest of the school year, until the first week of June, when things came to a head. Ale’s dad, who was struggling to care for his children on his own, was feeling mounting pressure from CPS. He feared his children would be split up and dispersed by the foster care system, forever out of reach. A wonderful family in Weatherford had offered to adopt the older brother. Would Tess adopt Ale?
Ale, who coincidentally also has a skillful eye for art and drawing like her earthly mom, illustrated a picture of her new family for Tess when they first came together. It included Tess’s older children, their dog… and Mark. One thing Ale has been adamant about: she will not let Tess give her art lessons, which doesn’t faze Tess. “Ale’s found a home, but what she really did was find a home in my heart,” she said. “And because of that, she knows I’m not going anywhere.” Since adopting Ale, Tess has begun painting again, converting Mark’s old office into an art studio. She has also renovated her home, adding a family room onto the back of her house as well as a pool so Ale would have a happy place to bring friends. “I just thought if I’m going to have this kid, I’m going to put a pool in my tiny yard!” she laughed. “It’s been wonderful. It’s the best thing I’ve done.”
Tess recalls the moment that changed her life. “I put Ale down to sleep and told her I’d be back in 15 minutes to check on her like I’d do every time. There was an office in the room next door where I had been packing a lot of Mark’s things. Way back in the corner was a red duffle bag filled with things I wanted to save of his, special things. He used to wear different hats, and one of the hats was the one he always took when he went hiking. He had it on when he died. It was in the duffle, all zipped up and ready to take to the attic. I checked on Ale after a while — and she had the hat on her head! It just took my breath away. I just said, ‘Okay. I got it. It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay. This is the right thing to do.’ I felt it was a way God and Mark were telling me that they were good with it, that this was the right direction for me. So I never really looked back after that.”
Tess’s grown children, her seven brothers and sisters, and her 99-year-old mother all have been incredibly supportive and helpful with Tess’s transition from widowed empty-nester to new mom of a tween girl. “Rachel and Chase had questions about it,” said Tess, adding, “The typical advice for someone who has lost her husband is not make a big decision in the first year. But I was really grateful that no one said, ‘You can’t do that.’”
Tess adopted Ale in April of 2019.
I asked if parenting Ale was different from how she parented Rachel and Chase. “I think it’s very different,” Tess said. “My children were more compliant! I had them from Day One, so they knew what’s what. Also, I had Mark to help guide me. I’ve found what works on one kid doesn’t necessarily work on another.”
One day before the adoption was officially underway, Tess began going through Mark’s huge stack of old journals. “They were mostly just prayers,” said Tess. “Just Mark talking to God, working out his problems and issues.” The very first journal she picked up was from June 2011. She opened it up and discovered he had been reflecting on the times in their marriage Tess had wanted to adopt a child. It hit Tess like a ton of bricks.
Ale, who just finished her fifth-grade year, loves swimming, playing piano, skateboarding, doing puzzles, and, of course, drawing. “I love Tess because she is very kind and supportive of me,” Ale said. (Ale still calls her “Tess” and not “Mom.”) “I also love her cooking and her smoothies. I really like our life together because I have a room all to myself, a dog that I love, and we take fun vacations!”
Adoption was always something she had wanted to do, but Mark had always had his doubts. Tess would be a fabulous mother, he wrote, but he wasn’t sure about the financial aspects or if it would be a good fit for the family. “We had serious talks about adoption through the years,” reflected Tess before admitting, “… we never could figure out the right thing. We have two children — so do we usurp the baby? Make the oldest child the middle child? What if we get a child that wreaks havoc on our family? I could never come to terms with it or feel comfortable with it.”
“I just don’t know what I’d do without her,” said Tess. “I have a reason to get up every morning. I have someone to love.”
Suddenly there was another sign confirming the trajectory she was on with Ale as if all the concerns she and Mark had shared over the years had finally been eliminated and the path made clear. The journals were a double blessing for Tess as she realized from his writings how much she had really meant to Mark. “I always thought he loved me, but the more I read in his journals, the more I came across, it was really incredible how much he loved me.” It’s clear how Mark’s love continues to bolster Tess as she forges a new path without him, a path that can be challenging at times. As in any new relationship, things between Ale and Tess aren’t always perfect. “She was difficult when I got her,” said Tess. “Ale told me no to EVERYTHING. Are you hungry? Want to go to sleep? Want to play? NO, NO, NO.” But Tess was quick to observe, “You realize she is strong-willed and was always saying NO because she didn’t have a say in anything that was happening to her. She couldn’t make any of her own decisions. What could she do? She could say no. And it was a perfectly reasonable thing for her to do under her circumstances.” Tess continued, “What eventually happened was I just had to come up with a lot of patience and focus on the beautiful things I was seeing. And part of that was our grieving together. That’s what kind of loosened her up. She would ask me, ‘Do you still cry about Mark?‘
13
Think BIG. Think First Financial Bank. Home Improvement Loans There’s real value in your home and chances are it’s growing every day. We offer competitive rates and great terms on loans. Talk to one of our expert lenders today and see what a home improvement loan can do for you.
YOU FIRST | FFIN.com
MEMBER FDIC
E TH
LEASH LIFELINE
AS A
by Lyle Brooks
The global pandemic of 2020 monumentally reshaped our sense of home and family, whether we live together or maintain relationships with kinfolk virtually. With my family located in another city, my pod consisted of my dog Mingus. He’s a seven-year-old poodle mix with Muppet tendencies. As the pandemic continued, Mingus and I left any species hierarchy behind. Settling into a surreal life, we negotiated various routes around our daily neighborhood walks. And, once it re-opened, we made regular visits to our favorite dog park. My mental health flagged as quarantine continued. The leash became my lifeline, giving both of us unexpected adventures to anticipate each day. Some rare outings were the occasional meetings of our dog club, orchestrated by a former neighbor, Hayley Spinks. We would socially distance in her lovely backyard littered with colorful blooms, have a drink, and watch the dogs.
Mingus among the clouds at Shipping & Receiving. // Lyle Brooks
Her senior bichons, MissyLu, bald from alopecia due to Cushing’s, and Annie, a fluffy snowball, are quite the pair. After adopting Annie as a pup, Hayley was looking to add to the pack. Following a visit from a dog that wasn’t a good match, MissyLu came into their lives. “MissyLu was an owner surrender.
“Happy first birthday, Smokey - I rescued you from the Tom Thumb parking lot at 6 weeks old, and you rescued me from COVID.”
The gentleman who brought her in was heartbroken because they could not afford the care she needed,” she explained. “He sent her heartworm medicine which had the owner’s name on it. I was able to look them up and send a letter letting them know she had been adopted and was loved and taken care of.”
// Justin Anderson
Her dogs offered Hayley a sense of normalcy and routine during the pandemic, often acting as icebreakers while they were out on walks. During the shutdown, we appreciated more than ever the vital importance of sharing brief exchanges with our neighbors. Through her work with Good Neighbors Animal Rescue, for whom she has fostered more than ten dogs, Hayley met Maddie Love, who caught the rescue bug as a junior at TCU and never looked back. Love’s own family of animals runs seven deep, consisting of Belle, a 12-year-old Jack Russell; Miley, a 7-year-old rat terrier; Titan, a 3-year-old cane corso; and the pit bulls Diva, Koda, Diamond, and Vanilla Bean. Love started funding rescues on her own in 2019, eventually making it official under the auspices of Love & Paws Rescue about a year ago. She has rescued more than 110 dogs and 70 cats. When asked for a highlight, she tells the story of Sunny. Part of a semi-feral pack of more than 40 animals left behind when their owner died, Sunny was a senior dog who had never been socialized and remained unsure of people. Love was not sure Sunny could find a home until a wonderful family saw her story on Facebook. “They had the patience and understanding, as well as the love to give a dog that was broken and needed it.
photos courtesy of Justin Anderson, Lyle Brooks, and Lee Virden Geurkink
She still takes special attention and probably always will. But they have no problem putting in extra time to their routine for her to feel comfortable,” Love said. “It’s very rare that a family puts the dog’s needs before their desires. They accept that she doesn’t want to play fetch, go on car rides, or do ‘normal’ dog things, and they love her anyway.” Our beloved animals transform us. They impact our lives in ways we could never imagine before they enter our homes and become a part of our families. We share love and comfort, speaking secret languages as we become devoted to one another. For Madeworthy editor Lee Virden Geurkink, her “dogcat” Spot became a source of sweet salvation following her divorce, especially when her children were with their father. “I was alone for the first time in my life for 50% of the time. Spot is a great listener. I would talk to him (still do), and he would listen intently,” she recalled. “Then he would roll over and lick his nethers. But simply having another living being in the house kept me sane(ish).” The charming camaraderie has only grown with the addition of Fido (a female cat) to the household. According to Lee, both cats help her teenagers with homework Spot, taking a break during remote learning, despite from his role as occasionally disrupting classes by sitting scholastic support cat, on the keyboard, demanding attention. surveys his domain. Perhaps, if we are lucky, the past year // Lee Virden Geurkink has taught us the true value of the friends and connections we make throughout life. This goes double for the furry ones who curl up beside us or plop down in our laps and remind us to live in the moment and take one day at a time.
by the Madeworthy Team In 2012, new moms Amanda and Paige were struggling to find clothing for their growing children. So instead of moping, they founded a clothing company. Lila+Hayes is centered around classic children’s clothing made from luxuriously soft Pima cotton. Beautiful monograms, contemporary prints, and timeless styling ensure that Lila+Hayes clothing is a perennial favorite! Madeworthy sat down with Amanda to talk about their brand, e-commerce, and, of course, monograms. photos courtesy of Lila & Hayes
Madeworthy: How did Lila & Hayes come about? Amanda: As new moms, Paige and I struggled to find sweet, soft pajamas for our growing toddlers that we had loved so much when they were babies. After coming up empty handed, we flew to Lima, Peru, in 2012 to a pima cotton trade show and from there, Lila+Hayes was born.
At Delucca, you will find an elegant and lively neighborhood pizzeria where you can enjoy the exciting theater of an open kitchen with its wood-fired oven and sexy bossa nova. Come by and unwind over terrific wines, classic cocktails, and the most delicious pizzas! 3010 S HULEN ST | FW | WWW.DELUCCA.COM | 682-224-5194
MW: Tell us about the products you design and carry. What’s your bestselling item? A: Our product line has expanded over the years as we design things to meet the evolving needs of our own children. Paige and I both love classic children’s clothing with a modern spin. We now carry children’s items that range from newborn to 16, as well as men’s and women’s pajamas. Our best-selling items are our 2-piece pajama sets. MW: From the beginning, did you know you would be expanding into clothing for the whole family? A: We didn’t! When we would attend holiday gift markets like Christmas in Cowtown, women would always stop and say they wished we made pajamas in their size... So we developed a women’s line that became a huge hit, and then we started to get requests to be able to match the whole family... thus the men’s lounge pant came along. MW: A Southern lady loves a good monogram. Is this a current trend or are monograms perennial? A: Monogramming is definitely a huge part of Lila+Hayes, and we, too, love a good monogram! We have seen this trend hold steady throughout the years, and the ability to personalize our styles has always played into the design process… we pride ourselves on having the best monograms around. MW: What surprising things have you learned about e-commerce? A: Number one: photography is the key to a successful e-commerce business! Customers will only buy what looks good to them on a screen. Putting money behind both lifestyle and whiteboard photography is worth every penny. Number two: how much
817-738-1756 WWW.CITYROOFING.COM
e-commerce has grown over this past year. We were so fortunate to be selling pajamas and loungewear in a time where people were doing a lot of lounging… [so we] were able to capture a broader audience. MW: Have you found Fort Worth to be supportive of small businesses? A: We truly can’t imagine a place being more supportive of a small business than Fort Worth! Our local customers remain our bread and butter, even as we have grown into a national brand. When we opened LOCAL Design Studios 3.5 years ago, we didn’t know if anyone would respond to a store that was only open one day a week, but our Fort Worth customers have… supported us BIG! MW: What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome? A: Dealing in international business, communication and imports has definitely been our biggest challenge. We are always researching new ways to improve logistics and workflow… Constant communication and brainstorming with our team keep us in sync and help us overcome small obstacles before they become too big. MW: What’s your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? A: Don’t give up! Starting a business takes so much time and perseverance, and there will undoubtedly be many obstacles along the way. It is so easy to want to throw in the towel. Build up a team around you so that you are supported; you can’t do it all. Don’t be afraid to lean on the help of friends and family and look to other entrepreneurs around you for answers as many have probably faced the same obstacles. MW: What do you want for the future? A: Lila+Hayes is on a very exciting trajectory, and both our wholesale and retail arms are growing quickly… We have grown from just the two of us to a team of 14, and we continue to grow. Our hope for the future is that we continue to foster expansion while also being able to focus on what’s most important - being moms, daughters and friends, and spending time with those we love the most!
P L AY I N G W I T H T H E
by Lee Virden Geurkink
don’t we all need that?) When I visited, Christine let me see into the behind-the-scenes yards, and one of the bulls, Romeo, was in a yard by himself, enjoying some alone time under a tree. Angel, another of the cows, is the herd’s napper. “Her
In 2016, the Fort Worth Zoo announced A Wilder Vision, the $100-million capital campaign to create new habitat spaces, renovate existing habitats, and give visitors new ways to observe, interact with, and learn about animals, as well as making the Zoo even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Phase I, the African Savannah, opened in 2018, allowing guests to learn about and watch such diverse species as reticulated giraffes, greater and lesser flamingoes, Southern Black rhinos, lesser kudu, and springbok. The Zoo’s hippos swim through a lazy river. The African Savannah exhibit has been a hit with the Zoo’s visitors and raised the bar for zoo exhibits across the nation. Now it’s the elephants’ turn. Phase II of A Wilder Vision, Elephant Springs, opened in April of 2021, and it changes the paradigm for elephant management in zoos. The Asian elephant herd at the Fort Worth Zoo has long been a favorite of most Zoo visitors. All of Fort Worth celebrated with the Zoo when the youngest members of the elephant herd, Bowie and Belle, were born a month apart in 2013. Generations of Fort Worthians have taken photos with the statue of Bluebonnet, who is now 22 years old and is Bowie’s mother. (Bluebonnet’s statue is back in the exhibit, ready for more pictures.) We Fort Worthians love our elephants, and now they have an exhibit worthy of royalty. The herd at the zoo are Asian elephants. Asian elephants are typically smaller than their African cousins, although when you get a closeup of Colonel, the 30-year-old bull, during a keeper chat, it’s hard to imagine anything bigger. The average life expectancy for an Asian elephant is between 60 and 70 years. An elephant herd is typically matriarchal, although not as matriarchal as African elephant herds. Due to the destruction of the elephants’ natural habitat, as well as ivory poaching, it is estimated that there are fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants in the wild. Elephant Springs also is home to the Zoo’s greater one-horned rhino, Parvesh. Like their African cousins, the black rhino and the white rhino, the greater one-horned rhino is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and horn poaching, with fewer than 4000 estimated to live in the wild. As the name suggests, the greater one-horned rhino has only one horn, and they
have a much more “armored” appearance than the African rhinos. Life expectancy is approximately 40 years. Recently, I sat down with elephant keeper Christine Del Turco and Avery Elander, the Zoo’s Assistant Director of Public Relations to talk about the development of Elephant Springs and how the elephant herd and Parvesh the greater one horned rhino are reacting to their new habitat. Del Turco has been with the Zoo’s elephant herd for almost eight years and has worked with Asian elephants for 14. She came to the Fort Worth Zoo from an elephant sanctuary in Arkansas, and her love for her charges is obvious. Her love for the new habitat is equally obvious. “We’ve tripled the yard space for the elephants,” Del Turco said. “We can customize the exhibit for what the keepers and the elephants need.” The barn is state of the art and enormous. The off-exhibit yards are just as lush as the public yards with grass and shade trees and water holes. The Zoo wisely involved the elephant keepers in the planning of the new habitat, and the behindthe-scenes spaces are just as gorgeous as the public spaces. One of the first things that visitors will notice about the new habitat is the water. Between the river, the water holes, and the waterfall, as well as the interactive water streams, the elephant herd enjoys over 400,000 gallons of water, which are kept sparkling clean by a water filtration system that ties into the Zoo’s irrigation system. Little Bowie is especially enamored of the water streams. “He stands there trying to catch the streams of water in his mouth.” Water is especially important to Asian elephants, whose natural habitats include forests and wetlands. “Belle was the first one to go in for a good swim when we introduced [the elephants] to their new space,” Del Turco recalled. “Her mom, Rasha, was more cautious. But then we got some rain, and Rasha came over to investigate the river. Belle came up behind Mom and pushed her in! Now Rasha loves the river… she’s our old girl, so it’s really good for her joints.”
first time in the new yards, she looked around, found her nap spot, and that was that,” recalled Del Turco. She showed me a photo on her phone of Angel peacefully sleeping with construction workers behind her, as proud as any mother showing pictures of her child. Elephant Springs is designed to look like a floating fishing village. There are multiple spots for visitors to stop in the shade of thatched huts (complete with overhead fans and misters), the aforementioned water streams to play with the elephants, and a shaded demonstration area for keeper chats. I just happened to be walking through the exhibit with my guides when it was time for a keeper chat. Two keepers took Colonel through a demonstration of his daily training, which is designed to help the keepers make sure that the elephants are healthy and happy. The crowd on a weekday afternoon overflowed the seating area. When I visited, Parvesh, the teenaged greater one-horned rhino, was sunbathing in a wallow. “His yard had nice grass,” Del Turco said. “But after all the rain [I visited during the May rains], he tore up the grass to make himself a mud bath.” Del Turco said the Zoo is currently looking for a mate for Parvesh, although he looked perfectly content, napping in the sunshine and mud. Along with education, animal conservation is one of the Fort Worth Zoo’s main missions. Both Asian elephants and greater one-horned rhinos are endangered, and through careful breeding, the Zoo helps ensure that future generations will get to know and love these incredible creatures. “That’s ultimately why we’re here,” Elander said. “To establish these connections that kids and people would not otherwise be able to have… to inspire them to learn more about the animals and conservation and how they can help… and further strengthen the bond between them and the animals.”
The beauty of the new yard system is that the elephants can be a part of the herd or have some alone time. (And photos courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo
817-870-0556 3045 Hamilton Avenue fortworthtexasdentist.com Everyone in Fort Worth deserves the best! Meet Dr. Ku. H. Peter Ku D.D.S., P.A. has served out the local community in the field of dentistry for over 20 years. The focus of his practice is on family and cosmetic dentistry which consists of implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental hygiene, restorative treatments including fillings and crowns, along with root canal therapy and oral surgery. Dr Ku’s entire team goal is to treat each patient as an individual and not just a set of teeth. Call today to make your appointment! Don’t forget to ask about the “Tanglewood Moms’ Bleaching Special”.
When Texas turns up the heat, pop the top on bubbly brunch mimosas, poolside sparklers, and Rosés the color of a summer sunset. We have thousands of wines for every taste, everyday meals, and every special occasion under the sun! FORT WORTH | 4651 WEST FREEWAY | 817-989-4700 SOUTHLAKE | 1425 E. SOUTHLAKE BLVD. | 817-310-5600
the
by Buck Elliott
celebrating his 19th anniversary with his wife Kristen vacationing at Barton Creek.
and [she] loves being around the players,” Saarloos said of his youngest.
father
Rest is in short supply for the couple who met thanks to a blind date during their college days. In addition to raising three children – Brady (14), Emery (11), and Lane (7) – their extended family of more than 35 adopted college-aged sons keeps life moving fast.
When he is asked by parents how to best prepare their children for a shot at collegiate or professional athletics, Saarloos has two words of wisdom: “Play everything.” As a former three-sport high school athlete, Saarloos understands that parents want their children to excel, but he remains adamant about the value of letting kids try anything they’re interested in without finding a single focus too early. “That way when you do want to specialize, maybe late in high school, you’re already a really good athlete.”
of
An All-American pitcher for Cal State Fullerton, Saarloos is a relief pitching specialist who spent seven years with Major League Baseball playing for the Astros, the Athletics, and the Reds during his pro career. Saarloos might be new to the role of head coach, but his talents for coaching and recruiting have been appreciated by Frog fans since he joined the staff as an assistant back in 2013.
Summer and baseball are synonymous. You’d be hard-pressed to name a more American activity – except possibly apple-pie eating contests. Just in time for summer, TCU announced Kirk Saarloos as their new head baseball coach on June 15. Despite a full recruiting season ahead, Saarloos spent the weekend following the announcement
Friends wishing to congratulate the new first family of baseball will have to wait; July’s recruiting obligations demand Saarloos hit the road to find the next generation of TCU players. While Kirk is on the road in the summer, Kristen uses the time to return to her hometown of Seattle to connect with her family and enjoy a reprieve from Fort Worth’s trademark heat. “She’s a single mom most of the time,” Saarloos said of his wife. “[She’s] phenomenal in terms of being supportive, and [she does] a great job raising our kids.” When home, Saarloos tries to be present as possible. He avoids his cell phone (“My best and worst enemy”) during quality time. Family nights and unscheduled evenings, when possible, are a must for the Saarloos crew. Even with his demanding job, the new head coach believes in dedicating individual time to each of his children. Lane, who Saarloos calls his Texas Tornado, will sometimes join her dad on team road trips without Mom or siblings in tow. “She doesn’t lack confidence
Fort Worth Botanic Garden/BRIT
Top Four Family Activities
by the Madeworthy Team
A frequent question in the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group is, “What can I do with my children in Fort Worth to keep them away from their screens?” The Madeworthy editorial staff has gathered the top four answers to this difficult question, and we present the Top Four Family Activities in Fort Worth.
“You have to be firm, but you have to be fair,” Saarloos said. “Instead of raising three kids of my own, I’m raising 35-40 kids. I have to be fair and firm sometimes, and I have to be soft sometimes. There’s not going to be a one-stop shop on how to do things.”
Whether it’s a picnic by the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Festivals in the Japanese Gardens, or Concerts in the Garden, the Botanic Garden figures large in the lives of generations of Fort Worthians. Now in partnership with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, the Botanic Garden hosts wonderful exhibitions as well as educational and conservation programs to ensure that future generations can enjoy our natural heritage.
Photo courtesy of Lyndsay Kennedy
Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park
Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall is not as tall as Angel Falls or as majestic as Niagara Falls, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to visit. In fact, this beautiful little gem of a waterfall with its wadable pools along the Trinity Trails is much better, and it’s a stop on the annual monarch butterfly migration flyway from Mexico northward.
TCU Games
2
From baseball to volleyball, soccer to track, we have world-class athletics right down the road. This being Texas, football reigns supreme, and with so many alumni in town, a Saturday home game is absolutely de rigueur. Tanglewood Mom member Lyndsay Kennedy admits, “TCU games are some of our favorite family activities! As Horned Frog alumni, we love showing our son the TCU sports traditions we enjoyed for years.”
Tanglewood Moms member Bonnie B. Lehr has some great advice for your visit. “Pool noodles are fun if you have them [as well as] some cold drinks and some towels for the car. You park at the little parking lot and then walk down the paved trail to the falls.”
Photo courtesy of Katie Rogers
Photo courtesy of Bonnie B. Lehr
The Fort Worth Zoo!
When asked about his coaching style, Coach Saarloos said that he approaches coaching the same way he tries to be a husband and a father.
Tanglewood Mom member Maddy Simmons says, “I have special memories of my grandparents taking me to the Botanic Gardens when we came to visit them in Ft. Worth. I love taking my nine-year-old daughter there, sharing and creating new memories.”
Photo courtesy of Maddy Simmons
1
The coach also cautioned parents against expensive national travel leagues and applauded the quality of Texas’ in-state tournaments. “If [they’re] good, your kid is going to be found,” Saarloos asserted. Due to the accessibility of social media and HUDL (a sportsspecific scouting and recruiting software), he said, “There are no hidden gems; everybody knows about everybody.”
3
Fort Fun's
4
“Play everything” is especially important considering the rise of overuse injuries in teen athletes who have played only one sport or position. The former major leaguer credits his career to his experience in a variety of sports which gave him a competitive edge. “You can get hurt doing anything. Play it all, have fun, be a kid.”
Since 1909, the Fort Worth Zoo has been delighting families from all over the world and is consistently rated as one of the top zoos in North America. With A Wilder Vision, the Fort Worth Zoo has upped the bar for zoos everywhere. The new African Savannah and Elephant Springs have been instant hits as families can engage with the animals in new and fun ways, while Safari Splash brings welcome relief from the Texas heat. 18
Riff, Ram, Bah Zoo! Lickety, Lickety, Zoo, Zoo! Who, Wah, Wah, Who! Give ’em Hell, TCU!
Tanglewood Moms member Allison Cobb says, “I have two boys, ages four and eight, [and] their favorite area… is the Texas Wild area! We normally walk down there first since it’s less crowded when the zoo first opens, and then we ride the train back.” Katie Rogers, another Tanglewood Mom member, says, “I have two boys that love going to the zoo… [Safari Splash] is their favorite place to be… [and] it’s not too big that I worry about losing sight of my boys while they hit the slides.”
The Fort Worth Neighborhood Where You Can Have It All
N EW HO M ES F R O M THE $ 300S TO $ 1.5M+
Google Reviews
SCHEDULE A VISIT
W A L S H T X .C O M
WHERE EVERYTHING HAS A HOME.
We are a professional organizing company who strives to make every space beautiful, organized and functional. Each project is unique and we take pride in exceeding your expectations from start to finish. Franchise opportunities available.
www.organizednest.com
JOHN M. KELLEY JR. DDS, MS 4901 BRYANT IRVIN RD. N, STE 300 (817) 338-0771 | www.kelleyortho.com
Introducing the digital memory book app that easily allows you to pass on love and wisdom to your family Legacy of Love is the place to capture moments, memories, and lessons to be passed down to future generations. A place to tell the stories of your life and weave the stories with photos, videos, and even audio files.
We have an IOS and Android app that makes capturing your memories super easy and at your fingertips.
CAPTURE FAMILY PHOTOS, LETTERS AND VIDEOS TELL YOUR KIDS’ STORIES RE-LIVE SPECIAL MOMENTS AND SHARE THEM CAPTURE AGING GRANDPARENTS’ LOVE & WISDOM
legacyoflove.app | support@legacyoflove.app | 800-269-0624 2442 Forest Park Boulevard , Fort Worth, TX 76110
George Goldthwaite grew up in Fort Worth before joining the Navy as a pilot, eventually becoming a flight instructor. His love of backpacking, canoeing, and the great outdoors adds to his writing, especially the middle reader Eagle Mountain Adventures trilogy. He and his wife came back to North Texas where he continues to write for children and grownups alike.
by Lee Virden Geurkink
Jeff Guinn is the granddaddy of Fort Worth authors. A former investigative journalist and the Star-Telegram’s former book editor, Guinn is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction. A member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, Guinn’s latest book is War on the Border: Villa, Pershing, the Texas Rangers, and an American Invasion.
Marjorie Herrera Lewis is an award-winning sportswriter, quite the feat in that maledominated field. Her love of football lead her to write When the Men Were Gone, based on the true story of a woman who coached football during World War II, and to coach football at Texas Wesleyan. She teaches Media Ethics at the University of North Texas.
Although Jessica S. Olson is originally from New Hampshire, these days she calls Fort Worth home. Her debut novel, Sing Me Forgotten, is a fantastically lush, feminist twist on the classic The Phantom of the Opera. The mother of three, Jessica has learned to appreciate the value of a good air conditioner here in North Texas!
Fort Worth native Jennifer Drez’s first book, Goodnight Cowtown, was inspired by teaching her young sons about their hometown. The success of Goodnight Cowtown led to other books about Dallas and San Antonio. Jennifer’s latest, Goodnight Firehouse, is sure to be a favorite of all little firefighters.
A Southern California girl, Macy Gilson came east to play volleyball at TCU and promptly fell in love with Fort Worth. After earning a master’s degree at Baylor, Macy came back to Cowtown to be a speech-language pathologist. Her debut book, Kindness Is Golden, celebrates diversity and raises disability awareness.
Growing up in Fort Worth, D.M. O’Neal has lived a life worthy of a novel. One of seven children, Michelle became a forensic lab technician while attending college and learning to be a single mother. Her experiences as a Senior Forensic Chemist in the Fort Worth Medical Examiner’s Office add to her debut novel, Shambles, a gripping mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!
Allison Speer, author of the Fort Worth favorite Theodore, the Turkey Who Found a Zoo, has just released her second book! Faith Flies is about a little flamingo, quite literally, who learns to love herself. A former journalist, Allison is the mom of five children and teaches eighthgrade reading in Fort Worth.
Based on the real-life Berachah Industrial Home for the Redemption of Erring Girls in Arlington, Home for Erring and Outcast Girls is Julie Kibler’s second novel. Inspired by some of the headstones in the home’s cemetery, the book is a memorable, character-driven story about the strength and resilience of women at the turn of the last century. 21
F O R T W O R T H R E A L E S TAT E
4209 SHADOW DRIVE | 76116 | $750,000
3724 WESTCLIFF RD N | LOT | 76109 | $1,150,000
1808 VIRGINIA PLACE | 76107 | $325,000
JOSEPH BERKES
JOSEPH BERKES
JOSEPH BERKES
joseph@williamstrew.com 817.266.1355
joseph@williamstrew.com 817.266.1355
joseph@williamstrew.com 817.266.1355
2009 HURLEY AVENUE | 76110 | $499,000
4140 TAMWORTH ROAD | 76116 | $925,000
4208 LAKE VISTA | BENBROOK | 76132 | SOLD
CARLEY J. MOORE
CARLEY J. MOORE
CHRISTA HOLBERT
carley@leaguere.com 817.734.8185
carley@leaguere.com 817.734.8185
christa@leaguere.com 214.734.0285
Helping Fort Worth Sleep Better for Over 30 Years Custom Beds I Factory Price I Texas Made
Solve the Dream Bed Maze and Receive an Additional
10% Off Your Purchase!
900 S. Haltom Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76117 I 817-834-1648 I citymattressfactory.com
DIY Craft Studio - The Trendiest DIY Projects!
*Girl's Night Out * Kid's Projects
* BYOB * Event Venue
* Summer Camp * Splatter Room * Classes for all ages!
Bring this ad in for BOGO* Tues-Thurs: 1pm-6pm ( For Walk-ins or Reservations;
*BOGO - Buy one project, Get one 1/2 off (682) 224-6356 | fortworth@pinspiration.com 3700 Vision Dr. Suite 108, Fort Worth, TX 76109
by Lee Virden Geurkink There are Pinterest boards for all things motherhood. Boards for gender reveal parties and birth plans. Boards for Halloween costumes and back-to-school lunches. Boards for birthday parties and graduation parties. Unfortunately, there aren’t boards for what to do when you lose your job. Or boards for what to do when your husband goes to visit his family and decides not to come home. Single motherhood is difficult. It’s difficult to find support. It’s made even more difficult when you lose the job you love. All the motivational quotes and inspirational memes on social media won’t help you get out of bed in the morning when the only things that keep you moving are your children’s well-being. You can either fold under the pressure, or you can create a new reality. Ana Rabicoff Lim, faced with the loss of her job and single motherhood, didn’t fold under the pressure. She scrimped and saved and fought for her children and herself to create a new reality that has, in turn, created a community of people who help support each other. Ana grew up in Longview, a small city deep in the heart of East Texas, with parents who felt the need to give back to their community. Her mother was once the unofficial mayor of the town, and both parents served in all sorts of local organizations. With a group of friends, her mother saved the Texas Eagle, the Amtrak service that runs between Chicago and San Antonio. Amtrak wanted to re-route the service from Chicago to Los Angeles to save money, but her mother’s friends lobbied and cajoled and raised funds to make sure that East Texas didn’t lose their train service. “Mom jokes that she’s a ‘Committee of One,’” Ana said as we sat by the Trinity, sipping coffee one morning recently. “Mainly because she can get things done on her own. She’s a giver and a doer.” After leaving East Texas to attend Hollins College (now University), Ana always stood out. “I was the only person wearing all black while everyone else was in pastels at Hollins,” she said. “I had friends in most groups, but I wasn’t a part of those groups.” After a year abroad in Paris and spending the decade after college in Atlanta and Seattle, Ana settled in Boston, where she built up a business as a highly successful conference organizer and married.
Ana had just found out she was pregnant with her older son, now 13, when the economy tanked in 2008. She and her husband decided to move back to Texas to be closer to her family once the baby came. “With the economy like it was and the cost of living in Texas being a lot cheaper in Texas than it was in Boston, we decided to move,” Ana said. Friends in Texas advised the couple to steer clear of Austin; it had gotten popular, and housing prices were crazy. They advised looking at Fort Worth. Ana and her husband decided that Fort Worth would be a good place to raise their family. Her business continued to grow, and their second son was born in 2013. Those first years in Fort Worth proved, unfortunately, to be the calm before the storm. Ana’s biggest client decided, after 14 years of successful conferences, to change direction in 2018. “My whole world shifted,” said Ana. “I poured my heart and soul into that job. Now, my family’s main source of income was gone, just like that.” Ana’s husband became the breadwinner for the family overnight. A talented carpenter, he quickly became overwhelmed with the responsibility of being the main source of financial support for his family. Ana theorized that pressure provoked a fightor-flight response. “In 2019, he went to visit his family in the Philippines and just never came back,” Ana said. “I had to figure out how to tell my boys that their father wasn’t coming home. I had to figure out how to survive.”
Fortunately, her younger son was accepted into a FWISD Program of Choice school lottery. In an attempt to make ends meet on a severely restricted budget, Ana pulled her older son out of his private school, so the boys could attend the same school together. As positive as that seemed at first, it quickly became another trial for Ana. “[My older son] was struggling with ADHD and the divorce and the loss of his friends. His old school’s method of teaching is very different from his new school’s, and he was dropped into fifth grade, into a teaching method he didn’t understand, and into a group of kids who had been together since at least first grade. His frustration and anger affected all of us,” Ana remembered. While Ana was talking about this series of events that would bring most people to their knees, her face was serene. She was matter of fact, and she 24
didn’t play for pity. She recounted her story with a calmness and an acceptance that is the result of being dropped at the mouth of Hell and making it out the other side, perhaps smoking a bit, but with her children and her family intact. Ana moved her boys to Benbrook. “That was the start of making life happy for us,” Ana said with a smile that lit up her face. Her older boy is now in honors classes. Her younger son is thriving. “Everything you hear about Benbrook schools is true,” Ana said. “Not having a sense of normalcy for so long was hard for my kids, and the move gave them that back.” To support her family, Ana started multi-level marketing, but for a woman who organized conferences, who was a professional innovator and troubleshooter, it wasn’t the best fit. And then she got hungry for a lobster roll. “When I lived in Boston, summer meant lobster rolls,” Ana said. In July of 2020, she woke up craving a lobster roll. After trying to find a decent lobster roll in the area, she came across the website for Cousins Maine Lobster Truck. “I thought, ‘Hey, I could book the truck for my neighborhood – introduce my neighbors and get a lobster roll for myself!” SW Food Truck Gigs by Ana was born from the simple urge for a lobster roll. Well, that and a lot of work. Ana’s neighbors loved Cousins Maine Lobster Truck. Ana asked if they wanted to continue having food trucks come to their neighborhood, and when the answer was a resounding “YES,” she got to work finding more food trucks. “There were no interesting food options near our neighborhood,” Ana said. “And all my neighbors who owned restaurants were suffering from the pandemic.” “That was my lightbulb moment.” Now Ana has built a community of food trucks who rely on her to find them work. Fort Worth ISD uses her to bring food trucks to schools for “Food Truck Fridays.” “I would see an event coming up, and I would reach out to ask if they needed food trucks.” So now she has event organizers who rely on her business. Ana started a Facebook page, and “the business blew up. I knew there could be a way for me to tap into my love for food, love for events, and love for bringing my community together…and I feel blessed that I think I have found it.” “The world is small,” said Ana. “With the pandemic, it’s been bad, and we need happy people and good food and positivity.” In recognizing that she could use her talents to not only support her family but feed and nurture her community, Ana Rabicoff Lim, daughter of a giver and a doer who clearly inherited those genes, has created a new reality for her family, for her community, and for herself. photos by Ohana Memories by Lisa Marie
Say NO to laundry day. FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY
Dr. Steele’s aesthetician, Jennifer Geyer, offers many non-invasive treatments for those men and women that do not want any down time, but still want noticeable results. She is a highly soughtafter Licensed Aesthetician and Certified Injector in Fort Worth. Jennifer is patient-focused in providing a customized treatment plan for each individual. She has over 18 years of increasing proficiencies in multiple laser modalities including IPL, laser skin resurfacing, and laser hair removal . With her attention to detail and artistic background, she delivers natural results using Botox, Voluma, Juvederm, Restylane, and other dermal fillers. Incorporating microneedling, Hydrafacial, and dermaplaning she can exfoliate, rejuvenate, and hydrate your skin to an enhanced new you!
www.DrSteelePlasticSurgery.com 817.731.5330 | INFO@DRSTEELEPLASTICSURGERY.COM | @DRSTEELEPLASTICSURGERY 5656 EDWARDS RANCH ROAD STE 202 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76109
®
P.O. Box 101704 Fort Worth, TX 76185
PEOP LE YO U K N O W ARE EX PE RIE NC ING VA CA TI O N S UN L IKE AN Y OT HE R So why aren't you?
(ǞȺƧȌɨƵȲ ǿȌȲƵ ƊƦȌɐɈ ɐȺ ƊɈ ɩɩɩىȺɐȲ٧ǶƵƊɐىƧȌǿى
MAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION UNFORGETTABLE
:
�ur ��eau i� no� ta�in� re�er�ation� �or �inter ����. �oo� t�rou�� The Shameless Tourist �or an e�c�u�i�e "Name Your Price" promotion.
SAIL SUR L'EAU
For more information
:
hello@theshamelesstourist.com IȌǶǶȌɩ ۥȺǘƊǿƵǶƵȺȺɈȌɐȲǞȺɈ ǏȌȲ ɈǘƵ ǶƊɈƵȺɈ ɈȲƊɨƵǶ ɐȯƮƊɈƵȺ ى