Staff & Reader Submitted

City Center to Host 3rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb on Saturday, September 14

Carolyn Alvey — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:29:42 Z

City Center Fort Worth will host the 3rd annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb on Saturday, September 14 in downtown Fort Worth. The event will commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascend the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

First responders from across North Texas can register in advance at citycenterfw.com/memorial-tower-climb. The $50 registration fee will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Brotherhood of the Fallen.

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments will climb the tower's 36 stories three times, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber will wear a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

This year, the event has expanded to include a larger 'community' component. The Fort Worth Police Department will bring the dogs from their Critical Incident team. The dogs will be available for participants and supporters to interact with and enjoy, offering a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department will have their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with smoke. In addition, the Fort Worth Fire Department will have an ambulance onsite for families to explore inside and ask questions of the EMTs.

Also new this year, City Center will display a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11. The quilt will be on display in the Bank of America Tower lobby for public viewing from September 9 to September 28.

Check-in begins at 7 am on September 14, and the event will commence at 8:25 am followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The climb will begin at 8:47 am.

Key moments will include:

8:46 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am Moment of Silence All Pause

Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Collapses

10:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Collapses

Noon First responders finish and the event concludes.

More information, including a link to registration, is available at citycenterfw.com/9-11-memorial-tower-climb/. A memorial video from the 2022 City Center Memorial Tower Climb is here.

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalledthe first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

City Center is the premier business address with Class A office space in downtown Fort Worth. Comprised of the Bank of America Tower and the Wells Fargo Tower, the two iconic towers offer stunning views of Fort Worth, connected parking and an on-site private club with fitness center. More info at citycenterfw.com/

2024 Solar Car Challenge Brings Teens from Across the U.S. to Fort Worth

Kelly Hunter — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:46:19 Z

Thirty-two teams of high school students from across the United States are preparing to head to Texas for the 31^st annual Solar Car Challenge, during which they will race around Texas Motor Speedway for four days to see which teams car goes the greatest distance. The race begins July 14.

The Solar Car Challenge, which is a finalist in the 2024 D CEO Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards in the Innovation and Education category, was established in 1993 by educator Dr. Lehman Marks. The program is designed to help motivate students in the fields of science, technology and alternative energy. Preparations for this years race began with educational workshops last September, though it can take teams two to three years to see their ideas come to fruition. Students built the cars using their own ideas and starting from scratch. Before the race, their cars will face scrutineering rigorous evaluation by a panel of experienced judges at the speedway from July 11-13.

During the race, car breakdowns, weather conditions and team experience will limit the number of miles a team can drive each day. The team driving the most miles accumulated over the four days of racing at Texas Motor Speedway will be declared the winner.

Students who take part in the Solar Car Challenge have a 23% greater chance of going into a STEM career than students participating in other STEM programs. This is the top project-based STEM program in the country, Marks said. We teach the kids how to build a plan, come up with a budget, fundraise, how to engineer the car and manage the project, all while theyre learning about how to harness energy from the sun to make a car go down the road.

This years Solar Car Challenge will feature 32 teams from 12 states, including 16 teams from Texas, four teams from California, two each from Kentucky and Florida, and one each from Idaho, Maryland, Connecticut, Missouri, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas and Michigan. There are teams in various stages of development in 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Spain and Singapore. A cross-country version of the race occurs biannually, with alternating years showcasing cars on the track at Texas Motor Speedway.

This is the brain sport, Marks said. Its not just about building the car, but how to drive that car, solve the inevitable problems that happen with the car, and keeping your team intact through four grueling days of racing. Doing the Solar Car Challenge makes these students better equipped to face the challenges theyll have in life.

For more information on the Solar Car Challenge, visit https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/media.shtml.

For photos and videos of prior races, contact Sunwest Communications at HEC@sunwestpr.com.

A media day will be held on Friday, July 12, at Texas Motor Speedway. Contact Sunwest Communications at HEC@sunwestpr.com for more information.

For sponsorship information on the Solar Car Challenge Foundation, contact Dr. Marks at 214.587.8489 or LehmanM743@aol.com.

ABOUT THE SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE

The Solar Car Challenge & Education Program is designed to help motivate students in Science, Engineering, and Alternative Energy. We teach high school students how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. Students demonstrate that green technology can create a better world. The Solar Car Challenge has 261 ongoing high school solar car projects located in 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Spain and Singapore. These teams are in the process of designing, engineering and building roadworthy solar cars in anticipation of an upcoming solar racing event. The Challenges Education Program provides support for schools seeking to be a part of this top project-based STEM Initiative. The Solar Car Challenges Education Program has served the educational community for 26 national events. More than 65,000 students have directly benefited from this program.

Matthew Sartorius named Medical City Fort Worth COO

Elizabeth Couch — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Matthew Sartorius has been named chief operating officer (COO) at Medical City Fort Worth.

In this role, Sartorius will oversee hospital operations and work closely with medical staff leadership, senior leadership and management to ensure high-quality, compassionate care and unparalleled patient service.

Before joining Medical City Fort Worth, Sartorius served as COO for Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital, Abrazo Surprise Hospital and an off-campus emergency department. He has also held other leadership positions including vice president of operations at HCA Healthcares StoneSprings Hospital Center, and associate administrator at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville.

Matthew brings an impressive record of operational excellence and strategic leadership to Medical City Fort Worth, says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. We look forward to his leadership's positive impact on our hospital and the community we serve.

Matthew earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Health Administration from the University of North Florida, Jacksonville. He is an active American College of Healthcare Executives member and has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the healthcare industry.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is a 378-bed, acute care hospital located in Fort Worth, Texas. With a medical team of more than 700 physicians, Medical City Fort Worth offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services in a wide range of specialties, including cardiovascular care, neurosciences, oncology, surgical services, orthopedics, kidney transplants and emergency care. Part of the Texas Stroke Institute stroke care network, Medical City Fort Worth is a designated comprehensive stroke center and a Joint Commission-certified chest pain center. Named one of Americas 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, Medical City Fort Worth is A-rated for safety by the Leapfrog Group and Magnet® recognized for nursing excellence.

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Experts Offer Mosquito Season Safety Tips

Elizabeth Couch — Tue, 28 May 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, which also ushers in mosquito season. The first mosquito positive for West Nile virus was confirmed in North Texas recently, prompting experts at Medical City Fort Worth to provide tips to help the community stay informed and safe from the potentially deadly Virus.

West Nile Virus is a severe mosquito-borne illness that peaks in the United States from mid-August to early September. The severity of the virus can vary, depending on a person's immune system and existing medical conditions.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus might not show any symptoms. According to the National Library of Medicines National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 25% may develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms such as meningitis, weakness, paralysis and seizures.

Symptoms may include:

Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Back pain or muscle aches
Rash
Nausea or vomiting

Most mild symptoms can be managed at home with rest and hydration, says Anupama Chennupati, MD, an expert in infectious diseases at Medical City Fort Worth. However, if you experience severe symptoms, including neurological issues, you should seek medical attention immediately at your nearest emergency room.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, as West Nile Virus has no specific antiviral treatment.

Dr. Chennupati suggests residents take the following precautions and practice the Four Ds to protect against West Nile:

Dusk/Dawn: Limit time outside during dusk to dawn, when mosquitos are most active
DEET: Use FDA-approved insect repellents that contain DEET
Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure outside
Drain: Eliminate standing water around the home to reduce mosquito breeding sites

By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection and enjoy a safer summer, says Dr. Chennupati.

Local authorities may also spray areas with mosquito-killing agents during outbreaks to control the mosquito population. Currently, no human vaccine is available for West Nile Virus.

To learn more about Medical City Fort Worths emergency care services, visit: https://www.medicalcityhealthcare.com/locations/medical-city-fort-worth-hospital/specialties/emergency-care

Memorial Day marks the start of outdoor summer cooking and the time to heed food safety measures

Taylor Mayad — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:33:57 Z

By Dr. Carolyn Scott, Family Medicine, WellMed at Rosedale

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country. Its also the traditional start of the summer vacation and travel season a time for family getaways and flavorful barbecues and picnics.

During this time, its important to take precautions when it comes to safe food handling, preparation and cooking, to avoid foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases.

Typical food-poisoning symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever, all of which may range from mild to serious and can last from a few hours to several days. Health care professionals caution that certain people have an increased risk of becoming very sick from foodborne illness including pregnant women, older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

To help you keep your families healthy and protect them from food poisoning, here are some general food and kitchen hygiene tips to help you safely prepare and serve your Memorial Day meal. Foodborne illnesses tend to increase during the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when its warm, so following food safety guidelines is especially critical for raw meats, summer salads, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, which are among the most perishable foods at cookouts.

Clean everything: It is important for those preparing and handling food to frequently wash their hands before, during and after they start cooking, and to use fresh, clean plates and utensils for serving cooked food.

Do not cross contaminate: Raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat food unless you keep them separate.

Cook to the right temperature: The only way to tell if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. When food is left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, bacteria grow rapidly. For temperatures over 90 F, food should be refrigerated within an hour.

Have fun this Memorial Day but be mindful of food safety to help keep your family healthy.

Dr. Carolyn Scott is board certified in Family Medicine and practices with WellMed at Rosedale. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Scott is proud to work with such a resolute team of medical professionals to help her patients achieve their healthcare goals.

Resources:

Medical City Fort Worth Appoints New ACFO

Elizabeth Couch — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:14:00 Z

FORT WORTH Medical City Fort Worth has appointed Benjamin Baggi as the hospital's new assistant chief financial officer (ACFO). In this role, he will also support Medical City Weatherford. In this position, he will work closely with hospital leadership to oversee financial operations and strategy and ensure the hospital's continued success in delivering high-quality patient care.

Baggi brings a wealth of experience in financial management and healthcare operations to his new role. Before Medical City Fort Worth, he served as the financial systems and reporting manager at Florida Cancer Specialists in Tampa, Florida, where he played a pivotal role in implementing a new financial reporting and recording system.

In addition to his role at Florida Cancer Specialists, Baggi has held leadership positions in finance at prominent healthcare organizations where he piloted innovative ideas to improve budget timelines and systems, reduce workload and enhance communication between departments.

"We are pleased to welcome Ben to the Medical City Fort Worth team," says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. His extensive experience and proven track record make him an asset to our hospital as we continue to grow and serve the healthcare needs of our community."

Baggi holds an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Southwestern Adventist University.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

SYMETRIA RECOVERY EXPANDS NORTH TEXAS PRESENCE WITH NEW CLINIC OPENING

Britt Carman — Sun, 05 May 2024 19:00:00 Z

Symetria Recovery, a leading provider of evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest clinic in Arlington, TX. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Symetria Recovery as it continues to bring comprehensive addiction treatment services to communities across Texas.

The new state-of-the-art rehab clinic, located at 2623 Matlock Rd in Arlington, will offer a range of personalized treatment programs tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Symetria Recoverys approach is centered on harm reduction, meaning they don't dismiss individuals for relapses; instead, they support them until they no longer require assistance. They provide dual diagnosis treatment, addressing concurrent issues such as anxiety and depression alongside substance use.

"We are thrilled to expand our footprint and bring our evidence-based treatment programs to the Arlington community," said Masroor Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer at Symetria Recovery. "At Symetria Recovery, we believe in providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Our new clinic will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and pursue lasting recovery."

Symetria Recovery's Arlington clinic is CARF Gold Seal accredited and will offer a range of services, including medication-assisted treatment, counseling, unlimited 1:1 therapy, and support services to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. The clinic's multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care in a supportive and welcoming environment. Symetria Recovery prides itself on its unique approach that combines both intensive therapy and medications.

"Symetria Recovery's commitment to treating individuals with dignity and personalized care sets it apart, remarked Dr. Lea McMahon, LPC, EdD, Chief Clinical Officer at Symetria Recovery. At Symetria Recovery, you're treated like a person, not a label or a number. This patient-centered approach, coupled with evidence-based treatment modalities that rely on harm reduction principles, leads to our outstanding success. Additionally, Symetria Recoverys streamlined process ensures fast access to medications, empowering individuals to begin their journey to recovery without delay."

For more information about Symetria Recovery, please visit their website at https://www.symetriarecovery.com/.

Get Your Groove On at Levitt Pavilion Arlington's DreamFest 2024!

Saffie Farris — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:11:52 Z

This weekend, Levitt Pavilion Arlington kicks off its season with DreamFest 2024, a two-day extravaganza of free music and fun!

Friday Night Soul Food

Unwind on Friday, April 26th, with a double dose of soulful sounds. The evening begins at 7:30 pm with Chef Dee, a multi-talented artist who brings his passion for both music and cooking to the stage. Chef Dee's soulful voice is sure to get your feet tapping, and his story of dedication to his craft is inspiring.

Following Chef Dee, Memphis Soul takes the stage at 8:30 pm. This high-energy 8-piece band brings the rich musical legacy of the 50s, 60s, and 70s to life with their powerful vocals, tight horn section, and infectious grooves. Get ready to dance the night away to classics by Earth, Wind & Fire, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and more!

Texas Twang and Latin Flair on Saturday

DreamFest continues on Saturday, April 27th, with a lineup celebrating the diverse musical landscape of Texas.

The afternoon kicks off at 4:00 pm with Chloe Jobin, a rising star in the Dallas music scene. Her blend of alternative, indie-pop, and slow-core sounds creates a captivating atmosphere.

Next up at 5:00 pm is Pugh Funk, a family band bringing their joyful energy to the stage.

Get ready to move at 6:00 pm with Marissa Chibli, a Dallas-based Latina singer-songwriter who blends Reggaeton, Pop, and EDM into a unique and danceable sound.

Rounding out the night are the Tejas Brothers, the original Tex-Mex Honky Tonk band from Fort Worth. Since 2006, they've been captivating audiences with their energetic live shows and original Americana/Country/Folk music infused with Country, Rock, Blues, and Tex-Mex influences.

Bring Your Blanket and Your Appetite!

DreamFest is a free event, with open seating on the Levitt Pavilion lawn. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, and feel free to pack a picnic basket and cooler (including alcoholic beverages, but no glass containers). Parking is also free.

So come celebrate the start of summer, Arlington-style, at DreamFest 2024! Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover new favorite artists and experience the Levitt Pavilion's vibrant atmosphere. For more information visit https://levittpavilionarlington.org/

New Attractions & Amenities Coming In 2024 To Hawaiian Falls Waterparks

Mary Jane Coker — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:54:46 Z

Parks Open May 4th & 5th for Season Passholders

Hawaiian Falls announced new attractions and enhanced amenities at its waterparks in Mansfield and Roanoke for the 2024 Season, which kicks off in early May with a sneak peek for Season Passholders.

We are thrilled to bring new attractions, ride enhancements and guest amenities to our Texas parks this summer, said Ron McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer, Hawaiian Falls. Our waterparks are extremely popular within the communities they serve. We are continuing to invest in the parks, so families have a safe and fun environment to create memories now and in the future.

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will introduce the Wahoo Wave, a fun and exciting family water ride designed to deliver just the right amount of excitement for thrill seekers while making sure the ride finishes with a refreshing splash to complete the experience.

Hawaiian Falls Mansfield will introduce the Lava Launch, a new take on the exhilarating drop capsule experience. Venture if you dare to the top of Mount Doom, a dormant Hawaiian volcano. Enter your launch capsule where youll anxiously await a sudden free-fall, plummeting to escape a massive volcanic eruption just as Mount Doom erupts into a fiery finish!

In both Mansfield and Roanoke, the parks will debut Ohana Hall. (Ohana is Hawaiian for family.) Mansfield will offer a 2,500 square-foot outdoor shaded food and beverage facility and Roanoke a 4,500 square-foot facility. Ohana Hall will be a place for families and friends to gather for food, refreshing drinks or adult beverages.

Season Passes

2024 season passes are on sale now and include unlimited visits to all three Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks and other amazing perks. Season passholders will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek weekend on May 4th & 5th.

Summer Jobs

Hawaiian Falls is now hiring applicants 15 years of age and older to work in a safe, fun environment. There are opportunities for first-time job seekers, students, teachers, single parents, extra wage earners and senior citizens to become Hawaiian Falls Ambassadors.

Ambassadors enjoy flexible hours and schedules to fit their availability and receive a complimentary Season Pass plus four daily admission tickets each month they work to bring friends and family to enjoy the waterpark.For more info and job descriptions, visit hfalls.com/employment.

For information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets, and season passes, visit hfalls.com.