Southlake Style Magazine March 2024

SMALL PLANES OVER SOUTHLAKE

Mike

Nicole

David@SouthlakeStyle.com

in plane view

Once upon a time in Southlake, hearing the whirr of small planes overhead was a common occurrence. That’s because from the 1950s through the 1980s, the city had as many as 12 different airstrips across its 22 square miles of land.

To put this into perspective, there were twice as many airstrips then as there are Starbucks locations now. The coffee giant only counts five locations, however, those who like a good book also know they can enjoy a Venti inside our Barnes & Noble.

Yes, there were planes touching down before there were Dragon touchdowns (1963), the DFW Airport (1974) and Southlake Town Square, whose ribbon was first cut 25 years ago this month. According to our friends at the Southlake Historical Society, all but one of the airstrips were private grass fields named after their owners, like Goode, Clow, Prade and the Kaspers who adorn this month's cover. Some were also home to livestock where pilots would buzz the runway to chase off any would-be obstacles. It shouldn’t be lost on us that there was once an airstrip adjacent to what is now called Stampede Sports Arena.

So as you’re taking off for spring break vacations this year, take a moment to reflect and enjoy how far air travel and our city have come.

READERS’ CHOICE 2024

Great things happen when you have the right team. Southlake’s Allie Beth Allman and Associates office has a small boutique team of agents that is anchored in relationships, trust, integrity, market knowledge and results. Let our team of experts work for you.

Great things happen when you have the right team. Southlake’s Allie Beth Allman and Associates office has a small boutique team of agents that is anchored in relationships, trust, integrity, market knowledge and results. Let our team of experts work for you.

Keith Conlon President & CEO

Keith

Allie Beth Allman Executive Director of the Board Founder

Allie

Keith

Keith

WWhen you call Susan Mathews, you get Susan Mathews. Today’s real estate climate needs an expert with Market Knowledge and a Heart for Service. Susan takes a boutique approach to curating a custom sales and marketing plan and executes it with a strategy that yields results.

hen you call Susan Mathews, you get Susan Mathews. Today’s real estate climate needs an expert with Market Knowledge and a Heart for Service. Susan takes a boutique approach to curating a custom sales and marketing plan and executes it with a strategy that yields results.

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14

QUARTER-CENTURY

MILESTONE

Southlake celebrates 25 years of town square

32 TAKE FLIGHT

The history of Southlake aviation

58

GUIDED BY GRACE

Rebecca Cox joins GRACE as its new CEO

32

SMALL PLANES OVER SOUTHLAKE

the TICKET

TEXAS RANGERS SEASON OPENER

GLOBE LIFE FIELD

MAR. 28-31

Come out to cheer for your World Series Champion Texas Rangers at their official season opener. Join Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Marcus Semien and the rest of Bruce Bochy’s lineup as they host the Chicago Cubs for a threegame set to open 2024. There’ll be plenty of Boomstick Burgers and fireworks on hand, especially when the team unveils their World Series rings prior to Game 2.

10 More Designs From Southlake Town Square Architect David Schwarz

Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth

New York Botanical Gardens Master Plan

Bass Hall in Fort Worth

Beringer Wine Estates in St. Helena, California

American Airlines Center in Dallas

River Walk At Central Park in Flower Mound

Dickies Arena in Fort Worth

The Linq in Las Vegas, Nevada

Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth

PORCH PIRATE

Southlake possum goes viral after birthday cookie theft is caught on camera.

CARRIED AWAY

American Airlines’ checked bag fees are soaring.

READERS REJOICE!

Southlake Style’s Readers’ Choice 2024 sets new voting records.

EX-FL

Arlington loses its Renegades football team to the XFL and USFL merger.

We'd like to go with you on your next adventure. Take along your copy of Southlake Style, and snap a photo. Share the image with us, and you might see yourself in our next edition! Be sure to include names of those pictured and your destination.

Upload photos at SouthlakeStyle.com or use the QR code.

MARCH SUBMISSION

Rocky Road

No matter what chapter you’re in, we’re here to make it easier. From motherhood to menopause care, our team is right here in Grapevine.

It’s right here

media NOW

MANHUNT

After wrapping up season five of “Fargo,” showrunner Monica Beletsky moves on to another crime thriller about the hunt for Abraham Lincoln’s murderer, John Wilkes Booth. If Honest Abe seems familiar, that’s because Hamish Linklater previously played Father Paul in “Midnight Mass.”

On Apple TV+

March 15

JAMES

PALM ROYALE

Three years after going to Florida with her friend Barb, Kristen Wiig returns in pursuit of the high life in Palm Beach. But she won’t be alone — she’ll be joined by an all-star cast that includes Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett.

On Apple TV+

March 26

EVERYTHING I THOUGHT IT WAS

Somebody call NSYNC, because Justin Timberlake is taking us to a better place with his newest release since 2018’s “Man Of The Woods.”

Available March 15

ROADHOUSE

The writer behind the Academy Award-nominated film “American Fiction” retells Mark Twain’s beloved “Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn” through the eyes of Jim.

Available March 19

Patrick Swayze is channeled by a chiseled Jake Gyllenhall in this remake of the 1989 action classic. Former UFC champion Conor McGregor steps out of retirement and into his film debut that should include plenty of bar brawls.

Photo by Laura Radford

On Amazon Prime

March 21

Celebrating

25 years of Southlake Town Square

When developer Brian Stebbins first unveiled his vision for Southlake Town Square, the response he heard from prospective retailers most often was, "Good plan, good luck." It's hard to believe what was once a hard sell in the late 1990s continues to be a home run for families and today's most sought-after brands.

Twenty-five years ago this month in March of 1999, the first phase of Southlake Town Square opened to the public. Built on 130 acres of what used to be farmland, the square initially encompassed more than 250,000 square feet of office and retail space. Within its first year, 100% of retail and 80% of office space was occupied. Success was immediate as one in three national retailers also reported their Southlake stores had the best opening-day sales on record.

By 2006, the doors to townhome-style brownstones were opening for the project’s first residents, followed in 2019 by 36 luxury condominiums. Brian’s vision of a walkable, downtown area where people could live, work and play had become a reality.

During its short time, Southlake Town Square has witnessed the birth of e-commerce, the electric car and streaming VR headsets. It survived two recessions and a pandemic and still serves as the foundation from which we continue to enjoy everyday life in an ever-changing economy. No matter your reason for dropping in, there’s something for just about everyone, from a simple cup of coffee and a good book to an Apple Vision Pro or even a Tesla Model X.

As a place to enjoy community and commerce, some might say Southlake Town Square was the original hybrid. Whether you’ve been to every Fourth of July fireworks show and holiday lighting ceremony over the last quarter-century or just one, you already know there’s no place like our town square.

SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating the year of the Dragon p. 18

SPRING SPIRIT

Ace In The Hole

Southlake’s Long-Awaited Pickleball Complex Has Arrived

Pi ckleball players no longer have to drive to Chicken N Pickle or Dove Park in Grapevine to get their game on, because Southlake’s new pickleball complex has officially opened to the public.

Originally approved by the Southlake city council in summer 2021, the Southlake Pickleball Complex is a $4.5-million facility located opposite of the Southlake Tennis Center at Bicentennial Park. Initially included in Southlake’s 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan, community service deputy director David Miller says the community has been interested in having a pickleball complex of its own as early as 2020.

“We always have players waiting to play during peak times of court rotation,” David previously told Southlake Style magazine. “It’s pretty common to see entire families coming together to rent a pickleball court as a way to bond over some fun and games.”

The new facility features eight pickleball courts and one championship court and can host up to 72 players at a time. Even more state-of-the-art amenities include a pickleball equipment pro shop, concessions and additional seating and spectating areas.

“Pickleball has become a true social activity not only in the city, but across the region,” David says. “The complex has helped the city further understand just how deep the pickleball roots already are.”

Court reservations can be made in two-hour increments for $30 each. Eight players are limited to each court, and reservations can be made ahead of time at ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com.

SOUTHLAKE RESIDENT COMPETES ON

From Southlake to Hollywood, Dustin Downing has spun the Wheel of Fortune. Last fall, Dustin was notified that he would be a contestant on episode 98 of season 41, which aired on Jan. 24. Dustin did well during the first few puzzles and even secured a trip to the Bahamas. And even though he got stumped on a phrase during the last puzzle, Dustin had an incredible experience traveling to Hollywood and being on his family’s favorite television show. “For everybody who watches ‘The Wheel of Fortune,’ I would say give it a shot,” Dustin says. “It’s worth it. You have nothing to lose, and it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.”

SOUTHLAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY PUTS UP BOOKS FOR SARAH DISPLAY

The Southlake Public Library paid tribute to a former Dragon with their very own display. Earlier this year, friends and family members gathered at Southlake Town Hall to remember Sarah Lacy, a Dragon senior who passed away in early 2020. To honor her legacy, loved ones donated over 300 of her favorite novels to the library’s “Books For Sarah” display, which ran Feb. 5-16. “We are honored to celebrate Sarah’s life and spirit by sharing her love of books and reading,” youth librarian Stacy Wells says. “She was a bright star in our community, and we want to keep her light shining.”

SOUTHLAKE SPRING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR

The Association of Chinese Americans in Southlake, Texas (ACAST) celebrated the Lunar New Year in a big way during the third annual Southlake Spring Festival last month. With over 40 sponsor and vendor tents and over 5,000 attendees, guests spent the afternoon enjoying live music and dance performances, arts and crafts, calligraphy, puppet shows, authentic Chinese street food and sampling various tea blends during a traditional tea ceremony. The festival concluded with a grand dragon parade, which featured the 8-foot mascot BaoBao the Panda.

RECEIVES NATIONAL ATTENTION

Adam Szaronos never expected to have one of the most viewed TEDx presentations in the world, but that’s exactly what happened. Last fall, Adam was one of 14 guest speakers to participate in TEDxSouthlake 2023 at The Westin Dallas Southlake. As the president and CEO of Trukera Medical, Adam discussed barriers to innovation and how to bring great ideas to market. With over 963,000 views, Adam’s presentation was the second-most viewed TEDx talk in the world, according to MindSpeak Academy. “The world has a lot of problems right now… which means the world needs problem-solvers,” Adam says in his presentation. “It needs people who are passionate about this process of innovation and progressing ideas forward to impact.”

GCS MOMS LEAGUE ORGANIZES

MOULIN ROUGE GALA

The Grapevine-Colleyville-Southlake Moms League is giving their 2024 black-tie gala a French twist on April 6. With over 300 North Texas mothers as part of its membership, the GCS Moms League organizes local events and activities that bring the community together. Last year’s gala previously raised more than $70,000 for the Stepping Stones Foundation in Keller, and the GCS Moms League is aiming to go even higher for 2024. With this year’s theme being “Moulin Rouge,” the upcoming gala will feature dinner, drinks, raffles, dancing and a live auction that will benefit Christ’s Haven For Children. “As mothers, we know how important it is for children to feel cared for, and we want to do what we can to make that happen,” gala co-chair Danielle Cellura says.

GRAPEVINE DONATES $35,000 TO GRACE

GRACE received a generous $35,000 donation from the city of Grapevine last month. During its regular city council meeting, GRACE CEO Rebecca Cox presented the 2023 report to the city council, highlighting the 361 families it assisted with housing security and the 5,601 patients it helped through its medical clinic. In total, GRACE helped 10,301 individuals last year. “We couldn't do that without this council and the mayor’s support,” Rebecca says at the meeting. “We really appreciate the support of GRACE and what we’re able to do together in the city of Grapevine.”

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE RECOGNIZES 29 SENIORS

The National Charity League of Southlake honored 29 graduating seniors during its recognition ceremony earlier this spring. Celebrating its 26th anniversary with over 350 members involved, the National Charity League is a group of mothers and daughters who foster relationships through community service. This year’s 29 graduates include a National Merit Scholar, four commended scholars, 19 National Honor Society members, multiple AP scholars and several all-district and all-state winners. “These seniors have excelled in the areas of academics, athletics, service and the arts,” member Angela Schilsky says. “These girls are not only members of teams and clubs, but also served as presidents, captains, founders, treasurers and secretary generals.”

ART IN THE SQUARE UNVEILS FEATURED ARTWORK FOR 2024

On Feb. 18, Art In The Square kicked off its 2024 season with the annual Strokes of Art In The Square event at Southlake Town Hall. Community supporters gathered, enjoyed refresh ments and celebrated as the award-winning festival organiz ers announced its 26 beneficiaries for the year. In addition, the festival also unveiled pieces from its featured artists, including Thomas Le Gault, Erin Hanson, Ali Hasmut, Sam Jones, Lisa Kattenbraken, Bethany Klein and David Palmer. Residents will be able to vote for their favorite artists until March 10, and the 2024 People’s Choice Award winner will be unveiled during the festival April 26-28.

business

MARK WAHLBERG PARTNERS WITH MOXIES

A new margarita has landed in Southlake’s most distinguished patio, and it comes from none other than Mark Wahlberg. Originally called the Marky Mark, Moxies’ exclusive Pineapple Basil Margarita is made with Flecha Azul, the tequila brand championed by the Academy Award-nominated actor. Boasting Flecha Azul Blanco Tequila, lime juice, fresh basil and pineapple syrup, this vibrant and intoxicating beverage can be ordered alongside the rest of Moxies’ delightful offerings, including its popular Millionaire Margarita, Jalapeno Margarita and Spicy Mango Margarita.

CITY OF SOUTHLAKE UNVEILS CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS

The results are in from Southlake’s 2023 Citizen’s Survey, a biannual satisfaction survey that collected feedback from 1,187 residents last fall. According to the results, 98% of respondents approved of the city’s quality of life, with residents valuing fire services, emergency response, neighborhood patrol, traffic management and park maintenance most. However, sidewalks, trails, pedestrian pathways and animal control were a few areas respondents felt needed improvement. Compared to the 2021 survey, there was a 6% increase in satisfaction with emergency preparedness, a 3% increase in satisfaction with water services and a 4% decrease in satisfaction with library services. The next Citizen’s Survey will take place in the fall of 2025.

PARK VILLAGE PURCHASED BY FIFTH CORNER

The Park Village Shopping Center has been acquired by yet another new owner. Previously owned by Excel Trust Inc. in San Diego, the 185,493-square-foot shopping center has been sold to Fifth Corner, a Houston-based real estate company that owns 10 properties across Texas. “With approximately 12 million shopping visits at this intersection each year, Fifth Corner was drawn to the potential for improving connectivity with the surrounding community,” says Chad Braun, Fifth Corner co-founder and managing partner. “Park Village provides the opportunity and the locational fundamentals to fulfill our goals with our investors and the community that visits here.”

NEW & NOTABLE SPOTLIGHT business

FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL

450 W. STATE HWY. 114 GRAPEVINE

682.688.7733

FIREBIRDSRESTAURANTS.COM

The new-and-improved menu debuts at Firebirds’ relocated restaurant.

BUILT 4 IT

1800 E. STATE HWY. 114, SUITE 101

SOUTHLAKE

469.919.6299 | BUILT4IT.COM

League-level sports training and therapy has arrived in Southlake

LOTUS VIETNAMESE CUISINE

310 S. OAK ST.

ROANOKE

682.237.7035

LOTUSINROANOKE.COM

Traditional recipes meet contemporary flavors at Roanoke’s new Vietnamese restaurant.

TRULUCK’S NAMED TO OPENTABLE’S 100 ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS LIST

Southlake’s finest seafood and crab restaurant has been named amongst the 100 most romantic restaurants in the nation. Located across the street from The Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square, Truluck’s emphasizes fresh seafood, thoughtfully crafted cocktails and wines and a captivating ambiance that elevates customer’s dine-in experiences. With a 4.8 rating from over 4,200 reviews, Truluck’s is one of two Texas restaurants named to OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants list, and the only one to be named in the DFW Metroplex.

HEAR USA OPENS IN SOUTHLAKE

A new hearing center has come to Southlake Corners. A global leader in hearing health with over 360 offices throughout the nation, Hear USA offers prescription aids, evaluations and over-the-counter solutions for hearing loss. In addition to its grand opening at 200 N. Kimball Ave., Suite 206, Hear USA simultaneously announced a partnership with the Senior Activity Center to promote hearing health through community events. “This center opening and corresponding partnership with the Senior Activity Center will help us raise awareness around hearing health and ensure local residents receive the highest possible quality of professional hearing care, empowering them to take their first step on the life-changing journey toward better hearing,” president Nick Mengerink says.

GARDEN

SHOP IN STYLE stuff you'll love

yard FLEX

OUTDOOR LIPSTICK LANTERN

Be a girl’s girl with this posh decoration.

Garden Glory | $249

SAVE THE BEES GIFT SET

Get with the trend everyone’s buzzing about.

Uncommon Goods | $88

BEE DRINKING GARDEN BALL

Bee-cause they get thirsty too.

Uncommon Goods | $55

FAIRY SOLAR FLOWER SHOP

Add a little cottagecore to your garden collection.

Plow & Hearth | $70

POP-UP TIKI BAR

POP-UP TIKI BAR

CASTAWAY COVE AT HARVEST HALL MARCH 1ST - MARCH 31ST MARCH 1ST - MARCH 31ST

spring break HARVEST HALL @

Can't decide where to go for your spring break adventure?

Join us for character meet & greets, family magic & comedy shows, & a book fair hosted by Talking Animals Bookstore.

From Seed To Sprout

Give Your Plants Room To Grow With Rise Garden

NDETAILS

The Rise Garden

Dimensions:

16.25” L x 36.25”

W x 39.5-66.75” H

Weight: 50-80 lbs.

Price: $800-$1,449

RiseGardens.com

o t everybody has a green thumb, but with one of Rise’s indoor gardens, you can go from a novice to a gardening pro i n no time. You don’t have to worry about sunlight, fertilizing or watering your plants — The Rise Garden will do it all for you.

As your skills and confidence grow, so does this modular system that expands to your plant capacity. Each of the garden’s shelves can hold up to 36 plants, and up to three shelves can be added. From herbs and vegetables to fruits and flowers, nearly anything can grow in the shelf’s plant pods, and after 30 days, they’re ready to harvest. You can also expand your garden with additional levels and even a trellis to incorporate larger plants.

Every level is equipped with an LED fullspectrum light panel that mimics natural sunlight. You could place your garden in a dark room and still watch your plants flourish. The garden’s gravitational water system then disperses water to your plants from a built-in 9-gallon watering tank.

The Rise app also tracks your plants’ growth cycle, pinging your phone with reminders like when to fertilize, harvest, refill the water tank and replant. You can even sync the Rise app to your Amazon Alexa and relay voice commands such as “run care,” or ask “what stage is my plant in?” From seed to sprout and garden to table, feel accomplished knowing that your produce came from you.

”

Home is a sanctuary. Family is everything. Faith is the foundation.

SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

Design isn’t a business to Susan Semmelmann — it’s a lifestyle. Having worked in the design business for more than 23 years, Susan knows how to make your home pop with its own unique, beautiful and eye-catching appeal. From flooring and countertops to cabinetry and hardware, Susan works side-by-side with her clients to transform their spaces with a fresh, revitalized new aesthetic.

Susan Semmelmann Interiors has grown rapidly since launching in March 2019, moving into a new 10,000-squarefoot building, completing interior design and industrial-style renovations and currently undertaking multiple new projects. Faith, family and community fuels Susan’s passion and drive as she offers clients the very best that luxury design can offer.

Susan Semmelmann believes the spirit of living is in the giving — that’s why she’s committed to designing your home in the way that best speaks to you. If you can dream it, Susan Semmelmann Interiors can make it happen!

SemmelmannInteriors.com

We believe in doing the right thing the first time, every time.

VERANDA DESIGNER HOMES

For over 25 years, Veranda Designer Homes has been exclusively building custom homes in Southlake, Westlake, Colleyville, Keller and Flower Mound. Specializing in highend luxury estates, integrity, innovation and transparency are at the forefront of every Veranda Designer home. The clients are involved through every step of the building and remodeling process to ensure everyone is on the same page as far as goals, cost and timeline to achieve the final result. It’s why Veranda has repeatedly won several ARC and HOUZZ awards, and was even recognized for having the best homes in “D Magazine.”

With more than 100 years of building experience combined, these certified master builders can be trusted through every step of bringing your dream home to life. From their attention to detail to their artisan-quality craftsmanship, you only get the best with Veranda Designer Homes.

We’re ready to turn your kitchen, bathrooms and living spaces into the haven you’ve always dreamed of.

Since 1991, The Kitchen Source team has been transforming homes all across the metroplex. Its team of expert designers works with the client to develop a unique look that best services the needs of the homeowner. From there, The Kitchen Source hand-selects every product that meets the highest standards in quality and aesthetics. Some of their high-end brands include cabinetry from Wood-Mode, Brookhaven, DOCA, Rutt and Dutch Made and appliances such as Wolf, Sub-Zero, Cove, True and Miele.

The Kitchen Source can achieve all kinds of design styles. However, no style is more important than the clients’. By investing in their clients’ input, The Kitchen Source ensures that every homeowner walks away pleased and ready to enjoy their new space.

LONESTAR DESIGN BUILD

Lonestar Design Build is a full-service home remodeling and renovation company proudly serving as a trusted and reliable partner for DFW homeowners for over 15 years. They offer a wide range of services, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, whole-house renovations, home additions and more.

The company prides itself on its commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, which is evident in its attention to detail and personalized approach to each project. Lonestar works closely with its clients to understand their vision and goals for their home, and then use their expertise to bring those ideas to life.

Lonestar Design Build’s design and planning services ensure that each project is tailored to the client's specific needs and preferences. They use advanced technology to create 3D renderings and detailed plans, allowing clients to visualize their finished space before construction even begins.

Their commitment to quality, attention to detail and a personalized approach makes Lonestar Design Build an excellent choice for anyone seeking professional home remodeling services.

Our dream is to provide something that is often overlooked in the home industry — customer service!

GROOVY HUES

Matt Haney’s 20-year career in the home furnishings business has been based on building relationships with designers and homeowners alike. That’s what makes him most excited about Groovy Hues — helping customers beautify their homes inside and out.

Established in 2023, Groovy Hues is a paint, wallpaper and power wash business designed to enhance and illuminate the full potential of residential and commercial properties. Customers are put through an easy-tounderstand communication and estimate process to accomplish the goals they want for their homes and work with a professional team of painters, color enthusiasts and project managers to breathe new life into their rooms, walls and ceilings.

By treating people with honesty and transparency, Matt and Michelle Haney hope to build lifelong customers for all of their wall-covering needs.

SMALL PLANES OVER SOUTHLAKE

SMALL PLANES OVER SOUTHLAKE

By Connie Cooley and Anita Robeson, Southlake Historical Society

The Southlake Historical Society gathered information about airstrips at a "come tell us your story" social at Feedstore BBQ in 2016. Several dozen aviation enthusiasts stopped by to show us on a map where their airstrips had been and to tell stories about flying small planes over Southlake. This feature is taken from the society’s 2016 Town Hall exhibit.

GETTING THEIR WINGS

If you lived in Southlake in the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, it wasn’t uncommon to occasionally hear the buzz of small planes overhead as pilots young and old visited neighbors, took visitors on aerial tours of properties in Southlake or just enjoyed a flight.

There were at least 11 private grass airstrips and one public-use airstrip in then-rural Southlake. Colleyville, Keller, Flower Mound and Grapevine had airstrips, too.

“It was an exciting time because we would visit our neighbors in airplanes, and we were building airplanes and people were learning to fly and being excited about it,” remembers Zena Rucker, who with her husband, Bill, built and owned the Flying R, the only landing strip left in Southlake.

To have an airstrip, you needed a large, fairly level piece of land. You laid out your airstrip, leveled it with a tractor or bulldozer and a roller, and kept it mowed. To make use of prevailing winds, most airstrips ran north and south.

“We took a hot water heater and filled it with sand and tried to level [the airstrip], and we’d no sooner get it the way we wanted it, and here came the gophers and made big mounds in it,” Zena says. “But once you establish a good sod on it, it stays in pretty good condition.”

Few grass airfields were on maps. Everyone just knew where they were and how to get in and out.

Back then, the price for a used airplane was about $2,000 to $5,000. To make the hobby affordable, people obtained a mechanic’s license and worked on their planes themselves.

“Build and rebuild and fix and paint — we were just forever fiddling with our old airplanes,” Zena says.

In Southlake, most landing strips were owned by pilots or mechanics with Braniff, American or Continental. Other residents — including an optometrist, tile setter and doctor — learned to fly because they saw their neighbors flying and having fun.

By the 1990s, as Southlake became less rural, most airstrips had disappeared. But it’s still easy to imagine some of them today. Lazy K Acres airstrip is now home to Carroll High School. Stampede Sports Arena sits on the site of Goode Airport, near Southlake and Davis Boulevards. And the Winding Creek subdivision sits on the site of the Prade airstrip, along Carroll Avenue near Southlake Boulevard.

For some boys and girls in Southlake, learning to fly was a part of growing up.

• Dooley Rucker was 15 in the early 1970s when his pilot dad taught him how to take off and land in a Piper Cub. He soloed on his 16th birthday.

Adventuresome Dooley flew up and down runways being constructed at DFW before it opened. He got into trouble for buzzing a friend’s sailboat on Lake Grapevine and for flying around the Ross Downs racetrack on Friday nights during the motorcycle races. His freshman year at the University of Texas, he flew his airplane to Austin instead of taking his car. (Freshmen had a hard time getting a car parking permit.)

Dooley flew for Northwest Airlines and for years was its youngest pilot, then its youngest captain. He retired in 2014 and continues to fly his Cub.

“I don’t fly into Mom’s [Zena Rucker’s] place anymore,” Dooley says. “Just too much congestion.”

• A Southlake man who wishes to remain anonymous remembers that as a teenage pilot in the ‘70s, he dropped rolls of toilet paper over the homes of friends.

• In 1973, 15-year-old student pilot David “Rusty” Rhodes and his 18-year-old friend and flight instructor Steve White took off from Goode Airport to visit Steve’s grandmother in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They flew a Cessna 140, tail number N90000. Thunderstorms on their first day caused them to lay over in Columbus, Georgia, Rusty noted in his log book.

In 2023, Rusty retired after 42 years from Delta as the airline’s number one pilot. He and his wife continue flying in their Cessna 172.

This Waco UPF7 was one of three antique airplanes that Ted Kasper owned and hangared at his Lazy K Acres airstrip circa 1980s.

Dooley Rucker and his dad, Bill, work on their Cessna 170 in 1988 at Aero Valley/Northwest Regional Airport, located north of Roanoke and still in operation.

WHERE THE 12 AIRSTRIPS IN SOUTHLAKE WERE LOCATED

1. GOODE – On the south side of Southlake Boulevard between Davis Boulevard and Peytonville Avenue. Built by Bob Goode. Known as Flying G, then Goode Field and finally Goode Airport.

2. COPE – Near the northeast corner of Peytonville Avenue and Continental Boulevard in what’s now the Chimney Hill subdivision. Built by John Cope.

3. ROBERTSON – South of Southlake Boulevard and west of Davis Boulevard, near what’s now the Watermere complex.

4. HEFLEY – Near the intersection of Union Church Road and Pearson Lane inside the Southlake city limits.

5. CLOW – On the west side of Shady Oaks Drive across from what’s now Durham Intermediate School. Built by Les Clow, an American Airlines pilot, and his wife, Virginia, after they moved to Southlake in 1958. Virginia had earned her pilot’s license at age 15, but a heart murmur kept her from ferrying planes during World War II.

6. KASPER – On the west side of White Chapel Boulevard and north of Southlake Boulevard. Built by Ted Kasper, an American Airlines pilot. It sat where Carroll High School is today.

7. KREYCIK – On the west side of Sunshine Lane and north of Highland Street. Built by Charles “Bill”

Kreycik, a Texas International (Continental) pilot. “There is nothing like taking off over a bunch of gopher mounds,” remembers his grandson.

8. JACKSON – North of the Kreycik airstrip along Sunshine Lane. Built by Bill Jackson, a pilot for American Airlines.

9. PRADE – South of Southlake Boulevard along Carroll Avenue. Pilots Chauncey and Mary Elizabeth Owens Prade bought the property after World War II and built the Flying Cap airstrip. Today, it’s the site of the Winding Creek subdivision.

10. RUCKER – On the west side of Carroll Avenue south of Southlake Boulevard. Built by Bill and Zena Rucker in the mid-’60s, the Flying R landing strip is about 2,000 feet long. Bill was a pilot when the airstrip was built and Zena later became one. The only airstrip left in Southlake, although it’s no longer used.

11. CARNEY – North of Continental and west of Breeze Way, now part of the Timarron subdivision. Built by Calvin Carney.

12. BANKS – Near E. Southlake Boulevard and the Highway 114 frontage road, about where QuikTrip is now. The airstrip, used for pilot training, was there from World War II until about 1953 when it was sold and turned into a drag racing strip. Built by Weldon Banks.

Special thanks to the city of Southlake’s Geographic Information Systems analyst Patrick Whitham, who created this map.

50 ACRES, TWO RUNWAYS, SEVERAL HANGARS & A FAMILY: THE STORY OF LAZY K ACRES

BY KATHY KASPER FRANK

My parents, T.H. (Ted) and Eleanor Metcalf Kasper, purchased 50 acres, built a house and moved to Southlake in 1956. A barn was built next, as my mom raised registered Quarter horses.

In the early 1960s, my dad rented a bulldozer to clear our large pasture area and then a roller to smooth it for the NE/SW runway listed as 2250' x 50'. He may have sprigged coastal Bermuda grass to fill in the areas that were cleared. The N/S runway was built probably in the early 1970s and was much shorter.

An enclosed T-hangar, then a long hangar — which had a grass floor and space for five airplanes — and finally an enclosed work hangar — originally a T-hangar with a dirt floor — were put up.

Two additional fences were built to enclose what we called the “the hangar yard” and were necessary to keep the horses and cows out. It was always my brother’s and my responsibility to mow the hangar yard and runways.

There were usually two or three hangar spaces and sometimes one or two tie-down spaces rented out. My parents would only rent to experienced pilots, as the long runway had two hills with kind of a dip in the middle. Someone would land and then suddenly find themselves airborne again.

The windsock was approximately halfway, so the old rule was if you weren’t on the ground when you passed the windsock, you better go around and try again. A couple of people ground-looped their airplanes when they couldn’t stop in time. Fortunately, no one was ever hurt.

Since we had cattle and horses, the renters would sometimes have to buzz the runway to get the animals to move so they could land. If we heard a plane buzzing the field several times, we would have to go get feed to entice the animals back to the barn area so the pilots could land.

My mom never learned to fly. Just wasn't her thing. Both Eleanor and Ted flew for American Airlines — she as a flight attendant and he as a pilot. My dad taught my brother, Gary, to fly. He soloed on his 16th birthday. I did not learn to fly until I was older, in the late 1980s.

At various times, my dad kept an Aeronca Champion (Champ), Cessna 140, Waco UPF-7 and Interstate Cadet on site. My brother and I grew up going to airshows. My dad was a member of the Antique Airplane Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. My dad and brother also participated in fun competitions, such as flour bombing.

The airport remained open until my parents sold the property to the Carroll Independent School District in 1996 for Carroll High School.

Kathy Kasper Frank provided many photos to the Southlake Historical Society. Sadly, Kathy passed away in Feb. 2023. The society is grateful to her husband, Nick Frank, for allowing us to use Kathy’s story and photos.

This 1980s photo was taken as Ted Kasper takes off in his Cessna 140.

Kathy Kasper Frank labeled the areas of her family’s Lazy K Acres airfield.

AIRPORT AFFECTED BY WINDS OF CHANGE

When Bob Goode was growing up in Star, Texas, west of Waco, he was fascinated by airplanes.

“I always chased all the airplanes,” he says. “I don’t know. It was just one of those natural things.”

So years later, it was natural for the Bell Helicopter engineer to have his own plane and build a landing strip and hangar on land he and his wife, Norma, had bought near Davis and Southlake Boulevards. Within weeks, other pilots wanted to hangar their planes there, and after a few years, his project turned into Goode Airport (airport identifier 23F), the only public-use airfield in Southlake.

What began as the private Flying G Airfield first appeared on the 1963 Tarrant County Highway map and had a single N/S grass runway, according to the website Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields. By the 1970s, it had two closely aligned grass runways on an extremely tight parcel of land – the entire property was a mere 500 feet wide.

Bob used his retirement from Bell to pave one runway and build more hangars on the other. In its heyday, Goode Airport housed 150 airplanes, several aviation-related businesses and a flight school. Bob, a certified Airframe, Powerplant and Inspection Authorization mechanic, provided aircraft maintenance and inspections to area pilots.

By the 1990s, Goode Airport included 23 hangars but was falling victim to residential growth and high taxes. “Hey you guys, stop doing houses on these landing and takeoff glide paths,” he told the Southlake city council.

In 1991, Bob’s son Stephen bought 434 acres in Canton. While giving his dad a tour of the property, Bob pointed out, “This is where the runway could go.”

In Feb. 2017, Bob Goode was the focus of an AOPA News & Media article, “Airport Owner: Bob Goode: He Built A Texas Airport And Pilots Came,” written by Phil Scott. (Photo by

By 1996, Bob had sold most of his Southlake property to Toll Brothers, which developed the Southlake Woods subdivision. Bob and his wife moved to Canton and opened the private Goode Field with their son.

At age 85, Bob earned his sailplane rating and flew gliders until he was 95. Southlake’s Goode Airport was demolished in 2005, and in May 2021, Bob Goode passed away at age 98.

Canton’s Goode Field (airport identifier TX43) remains a private airfield, owned and managed by Stephen, now a retired American Airlines captain.

Aggie Brooks)

After: Stampede Arena built over Goode Airport

Before: Goode Southlake Marketplace encroches.

This 2002 photo was taken looking south over the remnants of the Goode Airport runway. Several homes in the Toll Bros.built Southlake Woods subdivision are in the distance. (Photo by Paul Freeman, Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields)

Mary Elizabeth Owens prepares to get into an airplane with a parachute she had packed, circa 1940.

WOMAN PILOT AIMED

HIGH: MARY ELIZABETH OWENS PRADE

MDuring the war, while staying at Lou Foote Airport and working 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, she had her grand piano moved to a corner of the hangar so she could practice.

ary Elizabeth Owens Prade (1913-1967), who for 20 years lived where Winding Creek subdivision is now (off Carroll Avenue and south of Southlake Boulevard), was an aviation pioneer.

At age 15, after her father said he wouldn’t teach her to drive because she was too young, Mary snuck out for flying lessons. She soloed at Meacham Field and earned a private pilot’s license — before her driver’s license.

At 19, Mary became one of the first women in the U.S. to hold a transport license, given to pilots qualified to fly commercial airliners. She’s also one of the first women to have received a parachute rigger’s license.

In 1931, she joined the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots. That year, Amelia Earhart was elected its first president.

On Sept. 12, 1934, Mary and pioneer racing pilot Jean LaRene of Dallas took off over Chicago on their fifth attempt at a women’s endurance record of 240 hours aloft. Four previous attempts had been cut short due to engine trouble and storms.

Mary and Jean flew a Curtiss Thrush single-engine airplane with virtually no instruments in the cockpit. They called it the Lone Star. To refuel twice daily in midair, Mary had to climb through a hole cut in the top of the Lone Star and grab for a hose dangling from the refueling plane — all without a parachute. When the plane flew over the Chicago World's Fair, crowds craned their necks to see it. Two days short of the record, extreme fog made refueling impossible and they were forced to land west of Chicago in a cornfield.

During WWII, Mary was one of the first women hired to teach prospective military pilots to fly and was assigned to Lou Foote Airport south of Dallas. An early group of pilots became indignant when they learned their instructor was a woman, but when they found out she was also a Civil Aeronautics Authority (now FAA) inspector who could issue or withhold pilots’ licenses, “they sent me flowers,” Mary said with a laugh when telling the story to a reporter in 1965.

After WWII, she married C.A. Prade, a Navy pilot, and they built a home and airstrip on acreage near what’s now Carroll Avenue. A hangar was part of the design of the house.

In 1967, pilots from all over flew to Flying Cap airstrip for Mary Owens Prade Day (neighbors remember 100 small planes parked along the runway). Friends and admirers came to celebrate her life and also to say goodbye, as she was dying of cancer. She was too sick to get out of bed for the gathering, but she correctly identified every plane that flew over her house by the sound of its engine.

Mary Owens Prade would have been mostly forgotten in Southlake if former councilmember Pamela Muller and her friend Monique Schill hadn’t stopped by the Prade house in 2012 before it was torn down. Winding Creek developer Paul Spain said it was OK for them to look around. They were thrilled to find newspaper clippings about Mary, and they shared them with the Southlake Historical Society. When Paul built Winding Creek, he kept a stone wall built by the Prades as part of its entrance.

The Southlake Historical Society thanks the Prade family for the photos included in this article.

The Southlake Historical Society, a 501c3 organization, was founded in the early 1990s by Gary Fickes, a former mayor of Southlake and now a Tarrant County commissioner, who put an ad in "The Grapevine Sun” newspaper asking people interested in Southlake history to come together. The society’s goal is to promote the preservation, understanding and appreciation of Southlake history. In other words, “Preserve the Tradition.”

Visit the Southlake Historical Society’s website at SouthlakeHistory.org.

In May 1932, Mary Elizabeth Owens sent this Western Union telegram to Amelia Earhart congratulating her for being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Mary Elizabeth Owens, circa 1930.

style GUIDE

Semmelmann Interiors had a dazzling VIP grand opening for its new Fort Worth design studio earlier this spring. Attracting over 200 esteemed guests from across the community, the grand opening featured a delectable spread from culinary chef Tim Love that attend ees couldn’t get enough of.

Whether they were perusing through the furnishings, fabrics or accessories, Semmelmann Interiors' new design studio serves as a testa ment to its commitment to excel lence in design and hospitality.

SemmelmannInteriors.com

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

ELEVATED EVENING

Fine Indian cuisine awaits at Sanjh

When The Sun Sets… Celebrate The Evening At Sanjh Indian Restaurant

Evenings are a sacred time in India. No matter the region, background or cultural differences, evenings across the country serve as an opportunity for people to come together and share a meal. That common thread in communal spirit is exactly what inspired Sanjh, a new fine restaurant that features the best in hospitality from Dallas to India.

for The Four Seasons, Crescent and Omni Hotels in the DFW Metroplex.

With “Sanjh” literally translating to “evening,” Sanjay says the restaurant aims to be a celebration of Indian nightlife.

Sanjh

5228

Suite 126

Irving 972.239.1800

SanjhRestaurant.com

Founded by Dallas restaurateurs Sanjay Joshi and Prob Arora, Sanjh pays homage to over 3,000 years of Indian cuisine in a lavish environment that prides itself on world-class food and service. Their previous concept includes The Saffron House in Addison, which was so highly lauded it earned the exclusive rights to cater Indian cuisine

“Evenings are celebrated very differently for everyone, from North to South India and everywhere in between,” Sanjay says. “We hope that guests will celebrate their evenings with us as it is celebrated in India.”

The restaurant is artfully designed by ID Studio 4, a development firm whose portfolio includes Loro Asian Smokehouse, Original ChopShop, Ford’s Garage, The Ranch At Las Colinas and Del Frisco’s Grille. Emphasizing a neutral palette with warm tones of satin brass

and marble stone throughout, the ambiance evokes a sense of sovereignty that makes

“Sanjh will offer a modern space with clean lines that avoids assumptions of how an Indian restaurant should be designed,” ID Studio 4 president Scott Windle says. “The doubleheight space will feel light and airy during the day and will have a warm, lustrous glow at night, highlighted by a shimmery gold ceiling feature. We wanted to design a space that was rich and luxurious and set the tone for the evening as soon as guests entered the dining

The restaurant is accented by a bar area in the center of the dining room, which is managed by award-winning mixologist and entrepreneur Yangdup Lama. As the co-owner of Sidecar in New Delhi, Yangdup has earned several industry beverage awards throughout his 20-year career, including being named Mixologist of the Year by “Travel + Leisure Asia,” winning the Joint Nikka Highest Climber Award and becoming the first Indian bartender to be named to the Bar World 100

Inside the kitchen, chef Balpreet Singh Chadha will explore the many regions of Indian cuisine through exotic spices and seasonal ingredients. Cooking at various luxury hotels across India, chef Chadha has catered for VIP guests including Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi and Hillary Clinton and marquee events like the Cricket World Cup in 2011. His culinary expertise earned him placement in “Conde Nast Traveller India’s” 40 Under 40 most exciting chefs list and was awarded Best Young Chef by India International Hospitality

“I am excited for the opportunity to introduce guests at Sanjh to the diversity of Indian flavors and palates and expand the perception of what people think about when they envision Indian cuisine,” chef Chadha says. “The menu will be an ode to my home country and a celebration of all Indian cuisines.”

Between the luxurious design, artisan cocktails, culinary delights and decadent desserts, Sanjh invites guests to experience a new expression of Indian fine dining.

“We want our guests to discover Indian food as you’ve never tasted it before,” Prob says. “Our goal is for our guests to experience the cuisine that fed emperors and kings alike — and with the help of our hospitality staff to join them in feeding them like everyday Photos by Samantha Marie Photography

LOCALFLAVOR good eats

Taste Of The South Huckleberry’s Serves Southern Cooking With A California Twist

From the Californian coast to the New Orleans bayou, South ern cooking staples vary by state. But a new brunch spot is expanding beyond its Pacific origins by fusing flavors from across the South. Debuting its first Texas location earlier this year, Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch brings Southern vari ety to Keller.

Established in 2007, Huckleberry’s combines everything that characterizes handmade Southern cooking into one menu. From Louisiana Creole and Cajun cooking to Penn sylvania Dutch country, you’ll find all the soul, comfort and country food imaginable at this dining destination. At the same time, the menu emphasizes a California twist showcas ing light bites and unique flavor combinations, such as hol landaise and balsamic over an avocado eggs Benedict.

You’ll feel right at home with Huckleberry’s wooden floors, booths, walls and awnings that retain a cozy country charm, while decorations such as a large cypress tree and caged al ligator transport you to the Naw’lins bayou. Above all, Huck leberry’s doesn’t overlook what the South is most known for – hospitality.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people come in and say, ‘Oh, I can’t believe how nice everyone is here.’ And I think us as a society have kind of gotten away from that,” Keller franchisee Josh Calvert says. “To embrace that and treat ev eryone like a guest in our own home, it’s very unique for this day and age.”

Serving breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Huckleberry’s cuisine can satisfy any brunch craving, whether sweet or savory. If you’re looking for classic southern flavors, breakfast favorites like Tom’s Scramble feature a scratchmade biscuit topped with your choice of chicken fried steak or a sausage patty, scrambled eggs and Huck’s country gravy. For something on the sweeter side, the Stuffed French Toast grills two thick slices of New Orleans sourdough bread before they’re filled with sweet vanilla cream for a scrumptious bite.

When it comes to lunch, there’s no shortage of tasty op tions. The po’boys are made in classic New Orleans style with shrimp or catfish on a toasted sourdough roll with leaf let tuce, pickles, ripe tomatoes and sriracha aioli for a flavorful kick. For lighter bites, try Huck’s chicken salad made with fresh greens, avocado, tomato, cucumber, bacon and a hardboiled egg. For a sweet treat at the end of the meal, sample Huckleberry’s signature Mardi Gras Beignets filled with va nilla cream and topped with peaches, strawberries, huckle berrys and powdered sugar.

“We want to make people happy, we want to make an experience for people… we want to help the community as much as possible,” Josh says. “We just want that symbiotic relationship where everybody is kind of helping everybody else. I just want to make people happy at the end of the day.”

Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch

711 Keller Pkwy.

Keller

682.593.0437

Huckleberrys.com

Three Barrels Of Beer

Founders of Ferrari’s Italian Villa Debut Grapevine’s Newest Beer Garden

For over four decades, Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House has been Grapevine’s preeminent destination for authentic, generationally-crafted Italian cuisine. Now, the fine dining establishment founded by Fran cesco and Jane Secchi is introducing a new, familyfriendly beer garden concept that also serves as a homage to the couple’s rich Italian and British cultural histories.

“In Europe, we can't take children into pubs. So, a lot of pubs in England created beer gardens so that [patrons] could go outside with the family and their dogs,” owner Jane Secchi explains. “That's really what we wanted to create for Grapevine and the surround ing areas.”

As a child, Jane recalls helping her father roll three barrels of beer into the cellar of their family pub, Lord Roberts, in Southampton, England. It’s those memories that inspired the namesake for 3 Barrels Beer Garden, which serves as a living memento of her father’s legacy.

Situated in the back of Ferrari’s, 3 Barrels features a stone-enclosed indoor seating area and bar designed to resemble an English pub, while the turf-covered patio functions as the beer garden. Creating the perfect family and dog-friendly space, the outside area includes two live music stages, picnic-style seating, cornhole and other yard games, as well as a full-service bar and chef-driven pizza kitchen. Many bottled and draft beers are sourced locally from breweries such as Dallas Blonde, Community Brewing Co. and Gavin Secchi’s brand, 3 Nations Brewing, which crafts flavors like Espresso Creme Brûlée and Mango Smash tropical IPA. The Secchi’s spared no expense in creating a vibrant atmosphere, including authentic California-style pizzas that combine New York and Italian thin crust with nontraditional, creative toppings such as goat cheese and artichokes.

“People love good food, and that's what we're good at,” Jane says. “We can develop that into a ca sual concept, as well as having the higher-end food that we've got here too.”

Later this spring, community events like trivia, ka raoke, Latin nights, weekend barbecues and live mu sic performances will be hosted on the patio. As a concept rooted in family, 3 Barrels Beer Garden wel comes everyone looking to come together, relax and connect over a tall pint.

3 Barrels Beer Garden

1200

817.251.2525

3BarrelsGrapevine.com

ON SALE ON SALE TICKETS TICKETS Now! Now!

ON SALE ON SALE TICKETS TICKETS Now! Now!

CEF CULINARY CELEBRATION

CEF CULINARY CELEBRATION

CEF CULINARY CELEBRATION

CEF CULINARY CELEBRATION

Masquerade Masquerade

Masquerade Masquerade

CHEF CHEF TASTINGS | LIVE & SILENT TASTINGS | LIVE & SILENT AUCTION | CASINO AUCTION | CASINO GAMES GAMES

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APRIL 20, 2024 |

APRIL 20, 2024 |

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WESTIN SOUTHLAKE

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Family-Owned BUSINESSES Family-Owned BUSINESSES

When you work with your loved ones, family is at the heart of everything — especially when it comes to business. Not only have these family-owned businesses stood the test of time, but they’ve also done it while staying true to their roots.

As a family-owned business and parents to three Southlake Carroll graduates, Jesse and Kathy Hull take great pride in providing exceptional customer service at Classic Kia of Carrollton. Thanks to their loyal customers in and around Southlake, the Hull family won Kia’s Presidents Club Award for the second consecutive year in 2023. With only 50 winners in the entire country, this award means more than any other to the Hull family.

Since purchasing the dealership in 2020, the Hulls have been overwhelmed by the community support that enabled them to set consecutive all-time sales records for the past three years. Kia has exploded in popularity in recent years, and now is your best chance to come and test drive one for yourself. So come on down and take the short 15-minute drive to the dealership — you won’t regret experiencing the classic difference at Classic Kia of Carrolton.

(L-R) Garrett, Kathy, Brody, Averi and Jesse Hull

TEXAS AIR DOCTORS

5213 Davis Blvd., Suite K, North Richland Hills

TexasAirDoctors.com • 817.329.0334

In 1997, the Gossett family sat at the kitchen table in their Colleyville home and organized Texas Air Doctors. Rooted in shared values of honesty, integrity and reliability, they embarked on a mission to create an HVAC company that embodies these Texas values. Today, Texas Air Doctors stands as an acclaimed Lennox Premier Dealer, specializing in heating and air conditioning, air quality, gas fireplace and lantern repair.

Now over 25 years later, Texas Air Doctors remains to be locally owned and operated with the continued goal of providing honest, affordable heating and air conditioning to the community. Whether it’s a routine maintenance visit, a complex repair job or an HVAC installation, they strive to deliver every service with the same dedication and attention to detail that has defined the company since its inception.

Mike, Frank, & Jeff Gossett March of 2015

There are no bad feet, just the wrong shoes. That’s why every foot matters at Bear Creek Running Co. With over 100 years of running shoe experience, the Bear Creek Running team works with you to find the right pair that will keep you on track to reaching your fitness goals. Whether you need shoes for walking the dog, running a local 5K, training for a marathon or racing an ultra, Bear Creek Running Co. has a selection of over 120 shoe models to find your perfect fit.

Owners Mark and Betsy Murphy first purchased the running shoe store on April Fool’s Day 2017. Since then, they have been actively supporting Dragon Cross-Country and Track, after-school run clubs, Fit City Challenges and almost every fun run you can imagine in the area. Bear Creek Running Co. isn’t just an athletic store — it’s a toy shop for runners and walkers right here in your own backyard.

arts and CULTURE

NOT-SO-SHY TOWN

"Chicago" is making the rounds p. 57

TOM SEGURA

MARCH 9

Texas In Full Bloom

Celebrate Spring At Tulipalooza

Fl owers, food trucks and family-friendly experiences. Welcome to Tulipalooza, a legendary 10-day festival that heralds the arrival of spring with an explosion of colors, scents and beautiful bulbs of tulips.

For the first time in five years, Tulipalooza will be moving from the Waxahachie Civic Center to Getzendaner Memorial Park, where it will be transformed by hundreds of thousands of bulbs directly imported from Holland. You’ll be swept away by picture-perfect fields filled with every hue you can imagine. You can pick a beautiful bouquet for your significant other, soak in all of the floral scents or snap a pic of all of the bright blossoms. It’s all here at one of Texas’ biggest tulip festivals.

Far from its only attraction, Tulipalooza shines at night as it transforms into a magical wonderland with light displays and evening entertainment. From live music to delightful food trucks and a variety of fun-filled family experiences, this blooming spectacle will have anybody filled with wonder.

Whether you're a flower enthusiast, a couple seeking a romantic escape or a family looking for a memorable outing, Tulipalooza promises an unforgettable celebration of nature's renewal and the vibrant colors of spring.

DETAILS

March 15-24

Getzendaner Memorial Park Waxahachie

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER | Brace yourself for a night of nonstop belly laughs, because Tom Segura is coming to town! Since debuting his first Netflix special “Completely Normal” in 2014, his routine has been anything but with a collection of “Mostly Stories” that are as outrageous as they are hilarious. With his newest special “Sledgehammer” releasing last year, Tom Segura ensures that fans will continue talking about his off-brand style of comedy, no matter how “Disgraceful” it may seem.

BILLY JOEL AND STEVIE NICKS

MARCH 9

AT&T STADIUM | Dust off your guitars and get ready to sing, because two music legends are taking over AT&T Stadium this month. After debuting his first single in 17 years at the Grammys with “Turn The Lights Back On,” the Piano Man himself Billy Joel is returning to the stage alongside Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks for an unforgettable evening filled with timeless classics. Nothing is different, and we’ve all been here before, so don’t miss out on this incredible evening of music that you won’t soon forget. Photo by Debby Wong

ST. PATS 5K

MARCH 16

KELLER | Lace up your running shoes and get ready to shamROCK the St. Pat’s 5K in Keller! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a wee bit of Irish fun, this race is the perfect blend of fitness and festivities. The real pot of gold awaits at the finish, where every finisher will raise their very own St. Patrick’s beer glass and toast to a pint-sized victory! May the road rise to meet you, the wind always be at your back and your beer glass never be empty!

JOSH TURNER

MARCH 16

BILLY BOB’S | Enter a County state of mind when Josh Turner takes over Billy Bob’s Texas this month! Performing since 2003’s “Long Black Train,” the Platinum-certified artist has produced one chart-topping single after another with the likes of “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “All Over Me.” With his soulful sound and his signature baritone voice, you’ll find that Josh Turner is “Your Man” for a boot-stompin’, hat-tippin’ good time.

DAY

MARCH 16

mar 14-17 mar 16

DALLAS | Paint the town green as Dallas comes alive with the vibrant spirit of the St. Patrick's Day Parade! Immerse yourself in a sea of shamrocks, leprechauns and Irish cheer as you follow the parade route down Greenville Avenue alongside over 125,000 attendees. The streets will be adorned with colorful floats, lively music and a contagious energy that will have you dancing a jig! Bring your friends, don your greenest attire and be a part of the biggest St. Paddy's celebration in Dallas that transforms the city into a Celtic wonderland!

ANNIE

MARCH 14-17

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | It’s a hard-knock life for Annie and her friends, but at least it makes a great show for the rest of us! Debuting in 1977, this Broadway musical ran for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With its timeless message of optimism and resilience, Little Orphan Annie’s story resonates with many people of all ages. Its beloved characters and catchy songs provide hope and solace to generations of theater-goers and confidence that tomorrow is always just a day away.

DALLAS ST. PATRICK’S

PARADE

ARTS & CULTURE events

INTO THE WOODS

FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 17

EULESS | Prepare to be enchanted as Upward Theater Co. takes you on a whimsical and mysterious journey "Into the Woods." Featuring beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, this fantasy weaves the classic fairy tales you know and love with the complexities of wishes and the consequences that come from them. With a talented cast, enchanting music and a touch of theatrical magic, Upward Theater Co. invites you to join them on this spellbinding adventure through the woods and beyond.

BLUEY'S BIG PLAY

MARCH 23

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | A paw-some adventure awaits as Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and all their friends hit the stage at Bass Performance Hall! Join the beloved Blue Heeler in “Bluey’s Big Play” – a theatrical event filled with laughter, surprises and heartwarming moments for the whole family. Watch the magic unfold as Bluey and her pals embark on a wild and imaginative journey, bringing the TV sensation to life in a way you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss out on the tail-wagging fun with this unforgettable family experience!

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

MARCH 23

MAJESTIC THEATRE | Prepare to embark on a prehistoric adventure with the most magnificent creatures to have ever walked the Earth. “Dinosaur World Live” is stomping into town, and it’s bringing all of the dinosaurs back to life. Experience a roaring good time as you come face-to-face with the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and many others. Witness the Jurassic magic live and experience a dino-might of a good time!

DALLAS SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL

MARCH 24

DALLAS | Experience the soulful flavors of the South at the Dallas Soul Food Festival! Featuring over 30 vendors from Dallas, Houston, Austin and more, prepare your taste buds for a feast like no other that pays homage to the roots of Southern cooking. From pork chops, oxtails, fried chicken and barbecue to funnel cake, turkey legs, tacos and fish, every entree tells a story and every bite harkens back to tradition. Bring your appetite, your friends and your family, because the delicacies of Southern cuisine are all here at the Dallas Soul Food Festival!

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY

MARCH 24

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | Hello darkness, my old friend. With over 100 million albums sold since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s story is as iconic as it is timeless. Now you can experience their journey from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to becoming one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. From “Mrs. Robinson” to "Bridge Over Troubled Water," this musical journey brings the past to life through stunning projected visuals and impeccable renditions of their all-time classics. Don’t miss this extraordinary tribute that resonates with the heart, soul and sound of silence.

MADONNA

MARCH 24-25

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER | The Queen of Pop is back, and she’s bringing her irresistible sense of style with her. For over four decades, Madonna has ignited the world with the most controversial and dynamic shows ever conceived, selling out nearly every tour within a matter of seconds. Now her newest tour will celebrate the music that defined generations, from her self-titled debut album to “Madame X” released in 2019. Whether she’s singing “Take A Bow,” “Vogue” or “Like A Prayer,” you won’t have to justify your love for the Material Girl while you’re a part of the Celebration Tour.

JON BATISTE

MARCH 26

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | It’s time to turn into “World Music Radio,” because Grammy award-winning artist Jon Batiste is coming to Dallas! As the former bandleader for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” Batiste has previously won Album of the Year for “We Are” and an Academy Award for composing music for Pixar’s “Soul.” This virtuoso pianist and multi-instrumentalist combines jazz, R&B, soul and hip-hop to weave an intricate tapestry of music and rhythm that you can’t help but tap your feet to. With a genre-defying sound and a deep love for the universal language of music, Jon Batiste will

MARCH 31

DICKIES ARENA | Experience the magic of Disney movies right before your eyes at “Disney On Ice: Magic In The Stars.” Enjoy nonstop adventures with beloved characters such as Mickey, Minnie and Elsa as you embark on an epic journey full of music, unbelievable stunts and ice skating. From the magical kingdom of Arendelle to the land of Agrabah all the way to the town of Encanto, your dreams will come to life in this icy extravaganza.

DISNEY ON ICE: MAGIC IN THE STARS

mar 23

mar 31

april 5

APRIL 5

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | After 25 years, “Chicago” is still the musical that makes everyone shimmy shake. With sultry sirens, smooth-talking lawyers and a city gripped by scandal, “Chicago” is a universal tale of fame, fortune and “All That Jazz” that will always have the people talking. Featuring showstopping numbers like “Cell Block Tango,” “Roxie” and “When You’re Good To Mama,” you’ll experience the razzle-dazzle of a theatrical spectacle that’s as sharp as a knife and as seductive as a forbidden dance. Grab your tickets for a night of glamor because the only crime is missing out on the theatrical sensation that is “Chicago.”

Tracey Justice

CHICAGO

New GRACE CEO Talks First Season Of Giving

The hearts of all staff members and volunteers of the Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange are tied to giving — that’s why Rebecca Cox relates so strongly to its mission of helping others. As a homelessness and housing advocate with over 20 years of experience, Rebecca knows how important it is to support a community in need. As GRACE’s newest CEO, she got to experience that up close during her first season working at the Christmas Cottage. Having successfully served through her first holiday season, she is now looking ahead to a full calendar year of building upon GRACE’s legacy of service.

MY VERY FIRST NONPROFIT ROLE WAS… at Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth. At the time, they had 500-700 homeless individuals a night and one social worker to serve them. I was that one social worker for a year and a half and primarily helped those who had a disability or were 55 or older.

ONE OF MY PROUDEST MOMENTS WAS… asking my CEO if I could write grants to fund a special shelter for our clients. I was awarded $15,000 to build a few walls, buy a few beds and create a little office for other service providers to help. It was so rewarding to focus our efforts and find the money to help 50 individuals all at once instead of just one at a time. That was when I realized I was called to serve in a larger capacity.

I CONTINUED TO GROW WHILE… working for the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition and the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance until I was hired as GRACE’s CEO in December 2023. What impressed me most with GRACE was its holistic approach to service. I’ve worked and consulted with many nonprofits, and it often seemed that a lot of rules were put in place to find reasons to say ‘no.’ GRACE takes the time to truly review each family’s situation and find reasons to say ‘yes.’

OUR CARE MANAGERS ALWAYS… look at every problem individuals and families may be experiencing, including housing insecurity, hunger or medical needs. Our food pantry serves 20-50 households daily, and our medical clinic provides free care for individuals who may not have health insurance or Medicaid. GRACE also focuses on housing security, directly helping an average of 30 or more families every month.

MY FIRST SEASON WITH GRACE WAS… during the Christmas Cottage, and it was such a whirlwind of joy. I felt like I was Santa’s personal assistant! We served more families than ever before with a growth of 16% over last year. The way GRACE rallied together and treated each family like their own was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Even though there was a line out the door, every family got personal attention and truly received the spirit of Christmas and of GRACE.

I SPENT MOST DAYS… with team members and departments, chipping in wherever I could and stepping in to help wherever I was needed most. Some days, that looked like helping shoppers in the Christmas Cottage, or packing a food pantry box just in time for it to go out to families in line. On other days, that looked like staring at organizational charts, reviewing the bylaws and going over the financials. It’s really all in the name of GRACE being the best stewards of the blessings we have been given.

SERVING OTHERS WILL ALWAYS BE… a large part of my identity. I honestly can’t imagine a life without my 24 years of community service. It’s so rewarding to see a need and find like-minded servants who also have a heart for helping others.

I AM MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO… seeing where God will take us in 2024 and how He will continue to help us give GRACE to those who need us most. What seems insurmountable for any one of us alone is possible with all of the staff, advocates and supporters who have spent the last 37 years building a community that is so important to so many. I feel beyond blessed to find a family where the idea of GRACE in action is a reality.

FIVE MINUTES with ...

REBECCA COX

Fly At 50 Hop Aboard One Of DFW’s Newest Flights

DFW International Airport has been connecting people to destinations all across the globe for 50 years, with over 600,000 flights cycling in and out every year. With a record 850 departures for 2024, our bustling airport now has access to 35 new destinations around the globe. While you’re busy planning your summer travel schedule, here are a few new flights to check out in the year ahead.

Albany, New York

As the capital of the Empire State, Albany is home to some of New York’s richest cultural and historical sights. Fans of “Hamilton” will love walking in his footsteps at the Schuyler Mansion, where the founding father married and lived with his wife Elizabeth. Once you’re “Satisfied,” step up the Million Dollar Staircase and tour through the chambers of the state capitol built in 1899. When you’re done reliving history, explore the many murals and sculptures that decorate downtown, all of

which lead to The Egg 10,000-square-foot performing arts center. After catching a ballet or comedy routine, soak up Albany’s craft brewery scene through one of its many beverage trails. Whether you try one of the small-batch whiskeys from the Albany Distilling Co. or honey mead from The Bull and Bee, good times are waiting in Albany.

Feel like an explorer and follow in the footsteps of the Mayans with exciting outdoor adventures in Tulum. Dive, swim and snorkel the underwater cave network at The Cenotes Sac Actun, and you just may interact with turtles and wild sea life. The Punta Laguna Nature Preserve is home to over 600 spider and howler monkeys, and Mystika is an immersive sensory exhibit that guides you through centuries of Mayan history. But if you want to experience history up close, venture out to the archeological site and check out 13th and 15th-century ruins for yourself. Zip-lining, rappelling and ATV excursions are always available at the Riviera Maya, and if you want to see Tulum from another perspective, let the Tulum Tower aerobar take you 118 feet in the air and experience all of Tulum’s beauty with an ice-cold drink in your hand.

Barcelona, Spain

With a population of over 1.6 million, Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia and has some of the most exotic experiences on this side of the Balearic Sea. During the day, the nearly mile-long La Rambla is the busiest street packed with several pop-up shops, eateries and street performers — everything from musicians and dancers to painters and mime artists. The cheers of over 99,000 passionate fans can be heard from Spotify Camp Nou, where you can always catch a futbol game with the hometown favorites FC Barcelona. But at night, Barcelona comes alive with dance clubs, disco bars and nightclubs that celebrate the city’s alternative music scene. You can catch the newest opera at the Grand Teatre del Liceu, and if you really want to see a show, swing by the Magic Fountain and see water streams shoot as high as 170 feet in a beautiful display of sound, color and light.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Between the sandy beaches, steep mountains and the colorful Portuguese architecture, Rio de Janeiro has many reasons to call itself “The Marvelous City.” Ride the cable car to the 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain, which has panoramic views of the entire city, or hike through the nearby rainforest if you’re looking to challenge yourself. The Jardim Botanico’s 350 acres are filled with over 7,000 species of exotic flora, while paragliding and scuba diving excursions are waiting at the Red, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Don’t forget to take pictures while you’re strolling through downtown. Between the ceramic-tiled Selaron Steps, the eclectic mix of wall murals and the 98-foot-tall Christ The Redeemer statue, there's much to take in at Rio de Janeiro. DFWAirport.com

out and ABOUT

PARTYING WITH A PURPOSE ME SQUARED CANCER FOUNDATION HOSTS LIVE AUCTION AT CALABRESE

DRAGON TOUCHDOWN CLUB WELCOMES COWBOYS COACH MIKE MCCARTHY TO ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON

PHOTOS

MIKE

LEWIS

PHOTOS

FOXTROT PHOTOGRAPHY

parting SHOT

SNAP DRAGON

Southlake welcomes spring

Sales