Hello Friends! Wow, it is hard to believe that we are

Volume 4, Issue 4 - July 2014
Hello Friends!
Wow, it is hard to believe that we are already half way through summer! I hope that you’ve had
the chance to rejuvenate and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Commissioner Andy Nguyen
Tarrant County, Precinct 2
IN THIS ISSUE…..
Commissioner’s Corner
1
Back to School Resource Fair 2
Congratulations Graduates!
3
Serving Our Elders
3
Town Hall - August 20th
4
Celebrating Asian American
Pacific Islander Heritage
Month
4
Pct 2 Maintenance News
5
Arlington Improving Roads
5
Hometown Heroes
6
Ms. Ruthe’s Fig & Fudge Fest 7
Job Fair in Mansfield
7
Arlington’s New Brand
7
UT Arlington - Helping
Student Veterans
8
Calendar of Events
9
Tarrant County Contacts
9
www.tarrantcounty.com
Arlington Sub-Courthouse
700 E. Abram St., Suite 304
Arlington, TX 76010
Mansfield Sub-Courthouse
1100 E. Broad St., Suite 101
Mansfield, TX 76063
Many of us have a favorite summer moment. My favorite summer memory is our big family annual retreat, in which my siblings and I (all 8 of us), along with our families and parents (sometimes
including in-laws and close friends), gather for a week at a chosen spot. Yes, it can get rather hectic to plan for a gathering of 30 plus people, but once we arrive at our chosen destination (usually
Destin, Florida or Galveston, Texas), the joy of being together is sure worth the headache. Over
time, we’ve learned to let go of the small hiccups along the way to really focus on the essence of
family. A simple activity, like waking up early in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee together, is a
deep emotional experience that genuinely strengthens our family bond.
Make a family memory this summer right here at home - the staycation center of Texas. There, of
course, are the standard favorites, but have you considered these hidden gems right here on our
community? Bowling at the International Bowling Museum, learning about the stars at the Planetarium at UTA, catching a concert at Levitt Pavilion or Arlington Music Hall, seeing Ansel Adams
at the Arlington Museum, racing cars at K1 Speed indoor racing track, splashing at the water parks
in Arlington and Mansfield, climbing the walls at Dyno Rock Indoor Climbing Gym, checking out
nature at the River Legacy Living Science Center and the Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park in Mansfield, or fishing and boating at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. Share your favorite 2014 summer
activity with us by posting a picture on my Facebook Page at Tarrant County Commissioner Andy
Nguyen.
Summer is also the time to plan for the next school year. Many families in our community need
help sending their children back to school fully prepared to learn. That’s why I will be hosting my
4th Annual Pre-registration event for families wanting to attend the Tarrant County Back 2 School
Roundup resource fair scheduled for August 6, 2014 at Will Rogers Coliseum. The Preregistration event will be held at Globe Life Park (Texas Rangers Hall of Fame) on Friday, July
18th from 9:00am - 11:00am. Free parking is available in Lot B. Several local service providers
and vendors that can help with year-round resources will be on hand to educate and assist attendees. There will also be a variety of give-away items and door prizes. Assistance seekers need
to bring a valid picture ID, proof of Tarrant County residency and proof of income showing the
family falls below the poverty level.
We are still in need of volunteers for this pre-registration event so if you can spare a few hours
that Friday morning, please contact my office staff to let them know. We appreciate your assistance in making sure all our children are prepared for the 2014-2015 school year.
(continued on page 2)
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 2
(continued from page 1)
For those working with Tarrant County government, summertime also means time to wrap up loose ends for the current
year and plan for the next fiscal year. To stay engaged with you (my bosses and constituents), I will be holding a town
hall meeting on the evening of August 20, 2014 at the Arlington Sub-Courthouse. All are welcome. I will brief you on
the progress that my office and I have made, on your behalf, during the past year. This is also the time to express your
concerns, ask questions, get updates on issues, and even provide compliments or constructive criticism! Check your
email, my Facebook page, my Website or follow me on Twitter (@andynguyentc) for additional information as it becomes available.
We all have a job or multiple jobs to do, and remembering why we do what we do enriches our lives. Summer is a good
time to reflect on our motivation, clarify our focus, and recharge our energy. You are the reason I serve as County Commissioner. It may sound corny to some, but I do thrive on serving you and the needs of our community. Thank you for
the opportunity to do so. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and I look forward to meeting you at the Tarrant County Back 2
School Resource Fair on July 18th and/or my Town Hall on August 20th.
By the way, don’t forget to make a family memory this summer, right here at home, in our beloved community.
My office and I are always open and ready to hear your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me at 817548-3900. or you can reach your Constituent Service team at 817-473-5151 or by email - [email protected].
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving Southeast Tarrant County as your Commissioner.
VOLUNTEER Opportunities Still Available: If you, a family member or friend, are looking for a fun and worthwhile
way to spend a summer morning helping your community, please email Kelly Rodriguez or call 817-548-3900.
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 3
Enjoying time with our Elders is one of the most important and rewarding things that we do
as part of serving our community. At our quarterly Your Commissioner Cares activities,
we have great conversations, answer questions, and connect them with helpful resources and services.
We value the inspiring stories and wisdom that they share with us!
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 4
Commissioner Nguyen was invited to speak at the VA North Texas Health Care System to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage
Month this past May. The Commissioner shared his story of living under the evils of communism in Vietnam; his subsequent dangerous escape
with his family; his arrival in the United States and ultimate success as an entrepreneur, and becoming the first Asian American Tarrant County
Commissioner. Guests were entertained by Violinist, Brandon Ramos, who performed specially selected music for the occasion, and all feasted on
the samples of cultural food provided by the attendees.
May was designated as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1992 by President George H. W. Bush. May was chosen to
honor the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and mark the anniversary of the completion of the
transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 which was built mainly by Chinese immigrants.
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Interlocal Projects in Process


City of Kennedale – Link Street/High Ridge Road (new construction/reconstruction)
City of Mansfield – Hardy Allmon South Parking Lot
(reconstruction)
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 5
Precinct 2 Maintenance Center
Employee Recognition
Completed Interlocal Projects

City of Kennedale –Hudson Village Creek Drainage Easement
Pending Interlocal Projects

Ron Edwards presents the June Employee
Recognition award to Billy Redmon.
Town of Pantego – Wagonwheel Trail, Dickerson Dr. & Sarah
Dr. (reconstructions)
Pending County Projects

Wilson Road (reconstruction)
It Takes a Team!
Please join us in welcoming the two newest members to Commissioner Nguyen's team.
Mary Gilman, our new Community Outreach
Coordinator, graduated with a BA in Government and a minor in English at the University
Texas at Austin. Prior to working for the
Commissioner, she worked in Sales, Marketing
and Investments for Milliman, Inc. for over
seven years. She has also worked in Public
Relations, Communications and Development
for several Arlington businesses and organizations. Residents of Arlington since 1992, Mary
and her husband Toby helped establish St. Joseph’s Catholic
School in South Arlington and have been extensively involved in
Ulster Project Arlington since 2006. They have three children Candace (24), Andrew (22) and Thomas (20).
Jim Sparks has joined us as our new Director of Field Operations. Jim graduated
with a BS in Civil Engineering from UTA.
He has worked for cities of Arlington, (5
yrs - Traffic Engineering Technician,
Graduate Traffic Engineer), Hurst (13 yrs
– Graduate Engineer, City Engineer), Cedar Hill (4 yrs – Director of Public
Works), and Grand Prairie (11 yrs – Director of Transportation Services). A resident of southwest Arlington since 1976, Jim is married to Linda, has two children - Andrea and Andrew, and two grandchildren - Parker (4) and Ava (1).
Celebrating a very special birthday with Karen
Kayser, our Asst. Director of Field Operations.
City of Arlington Improving Roads
Since last summer, drivers throughout Arlington have witnessed the results of a citywide road construction boom not
seen in decades.
From street repairs to new bridges and sidewalks, improved
sewer and water lines to widened roadways, these projects
are funded by previous bond elections combined with some
federal grants and state transportation dollars.
As many 16 major public works and water utility upgrades
totaling as much as $80 million will roll out over a two-year
period.
For the complete story and an overview of current and upcoming street projects, click here.
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 6
Reaching New Heights: Dreams Come True
In 1986, Lauretta Hill was a 15-year-old usher leading people to their seats at the NCAA Final Four games in Dallas.
Fast forward 28 years, and Lauretta Hill is seeing many of her dreams come true in Arlington. As the chair of the 2014 Regional
Public Safety Planning Committee, Lauretta Hill was responsible for overseeing the security operations for one of the largest sporting events to ever come to North Texas - the NCAA Men’s Final Four Tournament at AT&T Stadium, and Hill’s task was to ensure
that fans were safe in their seats.
She has enjoyed 20 years of progressive experience in policing. Hill joined
the Arlington Police Department in 1994 after graduation from UT Arlington. She has achieved many milestones, graduating from the FBI National
Academy and becoming Arlington’s first female African American assistant
police chief. In the U.S., she is among an elite, but growing class of black
females excelling in law enforcement executive roles.
With a good foundation, hard work and determination, Hill says her dreams
are coming true.
For full story, click here.
Isaiah Austin – Overcoming and Inspiring
Isaiah Austin, graduate of Arlington’s Grace Preparatory Academy is positive and strong in the light of what would weaken
many. He has led a gifted basketball career playing brilliantly for years without sight in his right eye, which was the result of
an injury sustained in middle-school. After several surgeries, Isaiah’s sight would never come back fully. In the face of this
obstacle, his mother gave him profound advice that he obviously took to heart – “You can make it your excuse, or you can
make it your story. You can touch lives or you can be a quitter1.”
His love of the game drove him to overcome and not let it be a limitation. He was back on the court a year later, but had
lost all depth perception. Despite this challenge, he worked hard, practiced tirelessly, and excelled on the basketball team at
Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington. As a senior at Grace Prep, Austin averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks
a game. He was named Fort Worth Star-Telegram Super Team Player of the Year two consecutive years, and was also
named to the ESPN HS All-American Elite second team and was the nation’s no. 3 recruit according to ESPN2. His incredible stats caused him
to receive numerous recruiting letters, enough to actually crash his email. Austin committed to Baylor and went on to star on the Bears’ basketball
team.
At Baylor, this 7’1” Center’s stats were no less exceptional and his talent undeniable. He played in 73 games
in his time at Baylor, starting in 72 and averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, in 28.9
minutes per game on average. He earned many accolades, including All-Big 12 and All-District recognition
after starting 35 games as true freshman, and was part of the 2013 NIT Championship team, and helped
Baylor advance to the Sweet 16 in this year’s NCAA Championship.
After playing two impressive seasons at Baylor, he declared early for the NBA draft this year. The 20 year
old was expected to be the first-ever partially blind pro basketball player and had been projected as a late
first-round pick, but just four days before the NBA draft, Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a
*AP Image
life-threatening and career-ending medical condition. The disorder was discovered following genetic tests
that were ordered after an EKG abnormality during his standard physical at the NBA combine. Marfan affects the connective tissues that help
hold together the body’s cells, organs and tissues, according to the Marfan Foundation’s website 4.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Austin shared, “I had a dream that my name was going to be called.” Despite this latest challenge,
Isaiah remains strong and positive in his outlook. He closed the interview saying, “It’s not the end, you know,” he said. “It’s only a beginning.5”
He also tweeted, “Words can't explain how thankful I am for the time I had to play this wonderful sport. It changed my life forever.
#NewBeginnings.”
Baylor has invited Isaiah to come back and finish his education which they will pay for, and have also discussed hopes of integrating him into the
staff and coaching program.
1 No
Excuses: Isaiah Austin, ESPN Video, http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10312002, Retrieved June 23, 2014
2,3
"Isaiah Austin Bio". BaylorBears.com. June 24, 2014.
4,5
http://www.kcentv.com/story/25839798/baylor-basketball-star-center-diagnosed-with-career-ending-medical-condition by Chris Davis, Updated: Jun 22, 2014 1:38 PM CDT
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 7
Mrs. Ruthe’s Fig & Fudge Fest
The Grand Prairie Farmers Market, 120 W. Main
St., is gettin’ figgy with it for the inaugural Mrs.
Ruthe’s Fig and Fudge Fest on Saturday, July 26
from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The city lost its legendary
Grand Dame and Mayor Pro Tem Mrs. Ruthe
Jackson at age 92 last year. Mrs. Ruthe loved
picking figs from her mother’s trees and ate
chocolate fudge every chance she got. This festival will celebrate her life of service.
Mrs. Ruthe’s figs will be available for purchase, and, in her honor, all
proceeds will benefit LifeLine Shelter for Families. The festival will
include a fig preserve and fudge contest and tasting, and a Chef cooking demonstration featuring figs by Chef Susan Faulkner and Mrs.
Ruthe’s daughter, Councilwoman Jorja Clemson. Numerous Farmers
Market vendors will also feature figs and fudge in their wares.
For full story, click here. For more information about the Grand
Prairie Farmers Market, call 972-237-4599 or visit www.gptx.org/
farmersmarket.
Arlington Launches New Brand: “Arlington: The American Dream”
The City of Arlington and the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced the City’s official brand “Arlington:
The American Dream City.” Officially launched on June 25, this brand marks the first time in which the City and the CVB
have aligned in developing an identity for Arlington. The City and CVB worked closely together to develop the brand, interviewing hundreds of people from across Arlington to understand their perception of our past, present and future.
With an excelling education system (four independent school districts, the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County
College), a strong entrepreneurial business community and diverse neighborhoods where the housing dollar stretches further than most cities,
Arlington is a direct reflection of how the American Dream thrives when citizens have a can-do, independent spirit and city pride.
Throughout its history, even when faced with those who said it wasn’t possible, Arlington has become home to a host of international brands,
including:





The nation’s first regional theme park of American family fun, Six Flags Over Texas
American manufacturing with the General Motors plant
America’s pastime with the Texas Rangers and the iconic Globe Life Park
America’s Team with the Dallas Cowboys and its world-class AT&T Stadium
the United States Bowling Congress, celebrating the most participatory sport in the world
All of this growth has increasingly placed Arlington on a global stage, as it plays host for major, prestigious events, such as the Super Bowl, World
Series, NBA All-Star Game, NCAA Final Four, NCAA Football and International Soccer.
The American Dream City reflects that Arlington is where many dreams start as aspirations that can turn into a reality and a better future. A complete implementation of the logo will happen over time through attrition, due to fiscally responsible planning. As the city placements of the current logo wear out or are used up, they will be replaced with the new brand.
See Arlington business leaders, students and residents share their personal experiences in relation to the city in which they live and work and also
provide their point of view in: “Arlington: The American Dream City.” Video URL: http://youtu.be/19uKmRrXNrI
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 8
Researchers to examine where memory fails student veterans
UT Arlington researchers have successfully used a portable brain-mapping device to
show limited prefrontal cortex activity among student veterans with post-traumatic
stress disorder when they were asked to recall information from simple memorization tasks.
The study by bioengineering Professor Hanli Liu and Alexa Smith-Osborne, associate professor of social work, and two other collaborators was published in the May
2014 edition of NeuroImage: Clinical. The team used functional near infrared spectroscopy to map brain activity responses during cognitive activities related to digit
learning and memory retrial.
Bioengineering Professor Hanli Liu, left, and Alexa
Smith-Osborne, associate professor of Social
Work, discuss their work with student veterans
who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Dr. Smith-Osborne has used the findings to guide treatment recommendations for
some veterans through her work as principal investigator for UT Arlington’s Student Veteran Project, which offers free
services to veterans who are undergraduates or who are considering returning to college.
Read more about the PTSD brain mapping research.
What’s your favorite summertime recipe,
perfect for picnics, backyard parties,
or a day at the lake?
Share yours on our Facebook page!
Creamy Pesto Shrimp
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound linguine pasta
1/2 cup butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pesto
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and
deveined
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente;
drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir
in cream, and season with pepper. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Stir Parmesan cheese into cream sauce, stirring until
thoroughly mixed. Blend in the pesto, and cook for 3 to 5
minutes, until thickened.
4. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink, about 5
minutes. Serve over the hot linguine.
Enjoy your summer!
Senior Center Activities
Arlington Central Senior Center
(817) 269-5322
Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM-2 PM; Lunch Noon
401 W Sanford, Suite 1100, Arlington 76011
Arlington - Eunice Activity Center
(817)277-8091
Call or visit the website for hours of operation;
Lunch not served at this location
1000 Eunice St., Arlington TX 76010
Arlington - New York Senior Center
(817) 460-5009
Open Mon-Thu, 8:30 AM-4 PM; Lunch 11:30 AM
1815 New York Ave., Arlington 76010
Kennedale Senior Center
(817) 985-2131
Open Mon-Fri, 8 AM -2 PM ; Lunch Noon
420 Cory A Edwards Dr., Kennedale 76060
Mansfield Senior Center
(817) 453-5420 ext 2227
Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM -2 PM; Lunch Noon
106 S. Wisteria, Mansfield 76063
Roosevelt Senior Center (Vietnamese)
(817) 200-8070
Open M, W, F-8 AM-2:30 PM; Lunch at Noon
2117 Roosevelt Dr, Suite #F, Pantego 76013
Southeast Newsletter
“Where Community Empowerment Begins with YOU!”
Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court
Regular meeting days - Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX
www.tarrantcounty.com
Keep up with What’s Happening in
Southeast Tarrant County.
Visit our website here,
and find us on Facebook and
Arlington SubCourthouse
Constable
817-548-3910 - Precinct 2
County Clerk
817-548-3928
District Clerk
817-548-3963
Justice of the Peace 817-548-3925 - Precinct 2
Juvenile Services
——
Tax Office
817-548-3936
Tarrant County - Precinct 2
Andy Nguyen, Commissioner
Administrative Office:
Jeni McGarry, Precinct Administrator
[email protected]
Mary Gilman, Community Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
Kelly Rodriguez, Assistant Precinct Administrator
[email protected]
Southeast Tarrant County Contacts
Department
Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 9
Mansfield SubCourthouse
817-473-5110 - Precinct 7
817-473-5135
817-473-5113
817-473-5101 - Precinct 7
817-473-5118
817-473-5127
Community Services & Corrections Department
724B Border Street Arlington, TX 76010 - (817) 548-3905
Amanda Au, Executive Secretary
[email protected]
Lisbeth Maldonado, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Precinct 2 Southeast Maintenance Center Office:
Jim Sparks, Director of Field Operations
[email protected]
Karen Kayser, Assistant Director of Field Operations
[email protected]
Outdoor Movie: Brick Mansions - FREE
Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:00pm – 11:00pm
West Lawn behind Maverick Activities Center
500 W. Nedderman Drive
Arlington, TX 76010
Parking: Student Lot 33; open parking after 5 p.m.
Summer Music Series - FREE
Friday, July 25, 2014 9:00pm – 11:00pm
The Black Dog Pizza
309 Curtis Mathis Way #147
Arlington, TX 76018
Ansel Adams: Masterworks
$8 for adults; $5 for students and seniors
Saturday, August 2, 2014 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 3, 2014 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Arlington Museum of Art
201 W Main Street
Arlington, TX 76010
Outdoor Movie: Million Dollar Arm - FREE
Thursday, August 7, 2014 9:00pm – 11:00pm
West Lawn behind Maverick Activities Center
500 W. Nedderman Drive
Arlington, TX 76010
Bridgett Burciaga, Office Administrator
[email protected]
Bailey Batts, Office Clerk
[email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Constituent Services
817-473-5151
[email protected]
Arlington Sub-Courthouse
700 E. Abram St., Suite 304
Arlington, TX 76010
817-548-3900
Mansfield Sub-Courthouse
1100 E. Broad St., Suite 101
Mansfield, TX 76063
817-548-3900
Southeast Maintenance Center
1203 E. Kennedale Pkwy.
Kennedale, TX 76060
817-483-6920
To join our newsletter distribution list, please
email us at [email protected].