HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-13 Euless ArticlesPie Five Expands Local Footprint in Euless Leading Fast Casual
Pizza Chain Opens 17th DFW Location
Pie Five Pizza Co.
DALLAS, Sept. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Pie Five's locations are rising up faster than our dough.
On Friday, September 25, the sauce sultans will open their newest DFW location in Euless, located
at 2921 SH 121 in the Glade Parks shopping center. This will be the 17th Pie Five Pizza in the North
Texas area.
"North Texas is going crazy for our made-to-order artisan pizzas," said Randy Gier, Chief Eating
Officer at Rave Restaurant Group, Inc. "We love bringing more of our fresh toppings and
handcrafted dough choices to our home market and we aren't done yet!"
Pie Five believes in "pie-ing it forward." On opening day, Pie Five will present the PTSA chapters of
Grapevine High School and Colleyville Heritage High School with a check for 50 percent of the
proceeds earned during pre-opening events. In addition, to celebrate the opening of the Euless
location all pizzas will be $5 on Friday, October 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at every DFW location.
At Pie Five, guests can choose from more than a million combinations of farm fresh ingredients,
artisan sauces and handcrafted crust varieties. Pie Five pies bake in just 145 seconds in a custom-
designed, state-of-the-art oven. By the time the guest arrives at the register, their hot, bubbly, pizza
perfection is ready. Additionally, they can add one of Pie Five's freshly-tossed handmade salads
served in a baked pizza dough bowl or a decadent home-baked brownie or cookie pie to their meal.
The rapidly expanding chain is capitalizing on growing consumer demand for fresh dining options
and artisan pizzas without the wait.
ABOUT PIE FIVE PIZZA CO.
Dallas-based Pie Five Pizza Co. is a subsidiary of RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAVE).
RAVE owns, franchises and supplies more than 300 Pie Five and Pizza Inn restaurants operating
domestically and internationally. Pie Five Pizza Co. is the leading brand in the rapidly growing fast-
casual pizza space, offering individual handcrafted pizzas with fresh ingredients made to order in
less than five minutes. Named among Fast Casual's Top "Movers & Shakers" for three consecutive
years, 2015 "Best Franchise Deal" by QSR Magazine, 2012 Hot Concepts winner by Nation's
Restaurant News and one of "10 Hot New Restaurant Chains from Established Brands" by
Forbes.com, the company currently has 68 locations in 17 states and the District of Columbia. For
more information, please visit PieFivePizza.com.
Contact: Shannon Raymond, MWW
214-537-4335; sraymond@mww.com
Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes is host of the Empowering Seniors expo. Till Hezel Courtesy photo
Some of the attendees at the 2014 Empowering Seniors expo. Till Hezel Courtesy photo
Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes is host of the Empowering Seniors expo. Till Hezel Courtesy photo
By Faye Reeder
Special to the Star-Telegram
We all want to live the good life, especially as we enter our golden years. Discover resources to make that
good life a reality at the one-day Empowering Seniors Health & Lifestyle Expo set for Friday at the Campus
West of First Baptist Church in Euless, 205 N. Industrial Blvd. More than 2,000 attended last year, and the
crowd is expected to expand for this event.
Empowering Seniors will be a free, one-stop opportunity for baby boomers, senior citizens and caregivers to
learn about resources in the community at a fun and friendly event designed just for them. The event will offer
free health screenings, more than 150 exhibitors, food, entertainment, bingo, door prizes and workshop
sessions.
Now in its seventh year, the nationally recognized event hosted by Tarrant County Precinct 3 Commissioner
Gary Fickes was created because he wanted to address timely life and health issues for area seniors.
“This event allows us to provide critical information and screenings in a fun and casual environment to this
important segment of our community,” Fickes wrote in a news release.
Managing the expo are Rebecca Barksdale, Devin Wenske and Theresa Parsons from the commissioner’s
staff along with a hardworking volunteer committee that includes Judy Atwood, Faye Beaulieu, Ron Parish,
Renee Frizzell, Michelle Varley, David Stuckey, Amanda English and Michelle Holloway.
Special guest will be Randy White, Dallas Cowboys legend, NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP. Don’t
miss a photo opp with White as he visits with attendees from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“We’re excited to partner with our hospitals this year in providing three ‘Ask the Doctor’ panel sessions that
will feature six physicians, surgeons, pharmacists and other providers in each session,” Fickes said. “Guests
will be able to ask questions of specialists in the fields of cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, family/geriatrics
and many more.”
Other seminars will include such topics as “Medicare & You: Increase Your Power,” “Senior Moments or
Something More?” “Health & Well-being for Seniors,” “Empowerment Through Employment,” “Stressbusters
for Caregivers” and “ID Theft & Fraud.”
A bustling culinary scene expanded from last year will include local eateries serving their signature dishes.
Anna’s Mexican Grill, Bacon’s Bistro, Black-Eyed Pea, Kroger, Palio’s Pizza, Sweet Memories, Chick-fil-A,
Dickey’s Barbecue, McAlister’s Deli, Rita’s Ice and Texas Roadhouse will be ready and waiting to serve
hungry expo attendees.
“More than 150 exhibitors include businesses and nonprofit agencies that serve the over-50 market, among
them travel agencies, real estate, legal and financial services, retirement communities, assisted-living centers
and Alzheimer’s centers,” said Barksdale. “Exhibitors will also offer information on hearing aids, orthopedic
needs, dental and vision services, medical supplies and insurance.”
According to Barksdale, entertainment will range from dance classes and Zumba to piano music and bands,
including Sinatra-style big-band vocalist Ken Nelson and new this year, the popular Steppin’ Grannies. Be
sure to register to win a $500 shopping spree — the winning ticket will be drawn at 1:30 p.m.
“We’ll also have balloon decorating, hula dancing and a scavenger hunt for door prizes. We’re offering
disposal for outdated prescription drugs and a place to apply for handicapped stickers. Medicare counselors
will be onsite to help seniors compare plans.”
The expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Registration is suggested but not required. Call
817-581-3600 or visit www.empoweringseniors.com.
Arlington
Egg Roll Festival & Health Fair celebrates Asian culture
Although there will still be plenty of tasty egg rolls for guests to eat Saturday at the Egg Roll Festival, a new
contest will replace the longtime competition for the best Asian delicacy. Making its debut will be a spirited
matchup to see who can create the best Asian traditional dessert.
The celebration of Asian-American heritage is hosted by the Tarrant County Asian-American Chamber of
Commerce. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, along with other civic and community leaders, will attend the
celebration and greet visitors.
A health fair will offer medical screenings, dental exams and health information along with flu shots. Lots of
exhibits full of products will be fun for attendees to visit and meet the owners of local businesses.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without the impressive dragon dance. And other cultural dance numbers are
also on tap to keep festivalgoers entertained throughout the day.
The lucky judges in the signature contest have the enviable job of choosing the winners in the dessert
competition, in which they will evaluate the entries on overall appearance, presentation, flavor, aroma, texture
and originality. Generous cash prizes will awarded to the top three.
“The Egg Roll Festival is a day of celebration of Asian cultures, arts and food. It’s a unique cultural event and
a chance to experience a little bit of Asia deep in the heart of Texas,” said Yen Nguyen, president of Tarrant
County Asian-American Chamber of Commerce.
The venue for the family-friendly event is the Vietnamese Martyrs Church Hall, 801 E. Mayfield Road.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ample free parking is available.
Learn more at www.tcaacc.com or contact Liem Tran at 214-531-3839 or Yen Nguyen at 817-797-9144.
Party for a Purpose is the ‘Cat’s Meow’
Guests wearing dazzling Roaring ’20s fashions will be worthy of any red carpet show on E! Entertainment as
they arrive at the Party for a Purpose on Oct. 10 at the Arlington Convention Center. With a different theme for
each of the past five years, a “swanky Roaring ’20s affair” describes this year’s soiree, which will have no
trouble measuring up to its predecessors.
The ritzy evening, complete with cocktails, a gourmet dinner, casino games, unique auction items and the
superb music of the Roof Raisers, is guaranteed to be the “Cat’s Meow.”
Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington, the event will raise money to support programs that nurture
and enrich the lives of children in the community and enable the agency to continue to produce confident,
educated and responsible members of society.
Leading this year’s event committee are co-chairs Holly Potter-Harvey and Gara Hill with help from a stellar
group of community volunteers, including Carol Camp, Dana Queenan, Joe Sholden, John Landry, Karen
Bass, Lori Henegar, Mike Gerro and Serena Kundysek just to randomly name only a few.
“We are so excited about leading the planning of the 2015 Party for a Purpose Gala,” writes Potter-Harvey.
This year’s theme “will transport you back to a time of flappers and sheiks, evolving fashions, silent movies,
the jazz evolution and the stock market crash.”
David Finfrock, NBC 5 chief meteorologist, will emcee the program. Partygoers will participate in a Kendra
Scott jewelry lottery and enjoy games of heads or tails and big spender. Make the night unforgettable with a
visit to the photo booth.
Amazing swag in big-board, live and silent auctions includes unbelievable dining and trip packages, including
a week’s stay in the Bahamas at The Reef Atlantis in a deluxe studio condo, a private suite for 20 guests for a
day at the races, a Randy White autographed jersey, designer purses, spa visits and other luxury items.
Tickets are $150 per person. Make reservations by calling Holly Clinton at 817-275-6551, ext. 229, or email
hclinton@bgcarlington.org.
Northeast Tarrant
United Way luncheon to focus on community impact
Giving money to the United Way gives donors a sense that it’s a good cause and that their money will be put
toward worthwhile projects, but they may not know exactly what the contribution does or how it helps the less-
fortunate members of a community.
At the annual Report to the Community luncheon Oct. 7, the United Way Northeast will give supporters a
complete picture of exactly how their money is helping. The lively program will be an update regarding the
past year’s work in Northeast Tarrant County along with a hint at the vision for the coming year.
“We’re excited to share with our Northeast Tarrant stakeholders the good news we have in counting our
families served, volunteer hours committed and lives improved through United Way work,” said Faye
Beaulieu, regional director.
The agency’s goals are to make a measurable impact in the community in the areas of education, income and
health, and the annual luncheon is a chance to describe the progress and outcomes in each of these focuses.
NBC 5 newswoman Deborah Ferguson will keep the program moving as Glen Sirles, chairman of the United
Way Northeast steering committee, reviews the past year of accomplishments and Tim McKinney, CEO of
United Way, describes the work of the organization. Ellen Jones, the 2015 United Way Volunteer of the Year,
will give the call to action at the program’s end.
Jones has volunteered for the United Way for more than 20 years and serves as co-chairwoman of the
Education Council. Well known in the community, she is president of the H-E-B school board.
The luncheon is at the Hurst Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $28 per person. Register
at www.uwnereport.eventbrite.com or contact tonya.cunningham@unitedwaytarrant.org or call 817-282-1160.
Midtown Euless development
to reshape city’s south side
Development moving south of Airport Freeway
Plans are to have town homes, restaurants and urban lofts
Vacant apartment complexes will be demolished
Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
By Elizabeth Campbell
liz@star-telegram.com
EULESS
Three run-down vacant apartment complexes south of Airport Freeway will be torn down this year to make
way for the 57-acre Midtown Euless, a mixed-use development of shopping, restaurants, urban lofts and town
homes.
The development, which is east of South Industrial Boulevard, north of West Euless Boulevard and south of
Airport Freeway, could be a game-changer for an area in need of revitalization. Centurion American bought
the land.
Vacant apartments will be razed to make way for Midtown Euless. Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
Vacant apartments will be razed to make way for Midtown Euless. Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
North of Airport Freeway, Euless is flourishing with a plethora of stores, restaurants and housing for single
families and urban professionals.
Places like Glade Parks are taking off, with restaurants and eateries like Dave & Buster’s, Dick’s Sporting
Goods and the expected opening of a Belk department store in the spring.
Now development is moving south of the highway.
Besides Midtown, the 14-acre Oakcrest Estates with single-family and senior housing, is taking shape south of
the freeway, Euless Planning and Economic Development Director Mike Collins said.
“That represents probably the largest private investment that has been made in this area in the past 25 years,”
he said.
“Money likes to chase money. If you can make a profit, that will support additional investment. Folks
recognize the opportunity to make money, and existing businesses will reinvest in their property. You hope
this will have a domino effect,” he said.
The timing of the new development coincides with the completion of the project to widen Airport Freeway,
Collins said, and the “gateway into Midtown Euless will be at Airport Freeway and [Farm Road] 157, which
will include a new look with decorative light poles and landscaping.”
“We hope that some of the redevelopment opportunities [the Airport Freeway widening] created in Hurst and
Bedford will extend in to this area,” he said.
Construction
The three apartment complexes, Shadow Creek, Concord House and Concord Terrace, dating to the 1960s,
should be torn down by the end of the year, and dirt will turn on Midtown Euless in early 2016, Collins said.
That represents probably the largest private investment that has been made in this area in the past 25 years.
Euless Planning and Economic Development Director Mike Collins
No commercial tenants have signed leases yet, but the city will approve site plans for the different types of
housing and commercial development in Midtown.
Midtown will have “villas,” or single-family homes, town homes and row houses on individual lots, as well as
urban lofts.
Plans also call for an assisted-living center if the market is favorable, he said.
Since some of the land is in the floodplain, Collins plans are to add fountains and ponds, which will also help
with drainage.
Eyes on H-E-B: FabEuless
Memories Historic Tile Wall
project unveiled in Euless
Combines art with historical Euless stories
On display at library
Said to be only one of its kind in Texas
As soon as possible, head over to the Euless library to see some serious eye candy and take a beautiful visual
journey into Euless history. A spectacular art project consisting of more than 200 hand-carved, hand-painted
tiles was unveiled this month at the library, at 201 N. Ector Drive. It is said to be the only one of its kind in
Texas.
“The tile wall is a permanent reflection on the roots of this wonderful city and its founders,” said city
spokeswoman Betsy Deck. “We are so proud to present this project to the citizens of Euless.”
The Euless Library Foundation had the idea several years ago to combine art with historic stories and events to
create a unique work of art. The project was commissioned in conjunction with the Euless Historical
Preservation Committee to create a special tile mural of the city’s history, now called the FabEuless Memories
Historic Tile Wall project.
“The historical committee found photographs of people and places that highlight Euless from its early days to
the present,” Deck said. The tiles highlight places and events in Euless history, as well as animals and plants
indigenous to Euless and North Texas.”
This 6-foot by 9-foot ceramic mural was created by artist Lisa McNamara, who also did the 22-foot mural
displayed in the Euless Historical Museum.
“The tile project is a wonderful donor recognition art piece. Each sculpted tile is fired three times at 2,400
degrees. There are only two artists that I know of in the country who are sculpting high-relief tiles due to the
complicated methods in drying, glazing and firing,” said McNamara.
“This project was dear to my heart because I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the donors and hear
their stories of the days gone by in the city of Euless, not to mention that this is the first of its kind in the state
of Texas.”
To learn more about the library foundation, call 817-685-1679 or visit www.eulesslibraryfoundation.org.
Boots & Bling event Oct. 15 to raise money for Lions Club charities
Back for an encore is the Boots & Bling party hosted by the Northeast Tarrant Lions Clubs. Set for Oct. 15 at
the Texas Star Conference Center, this second-year event is raring to go after a highly successful debut last
year.
The casual Western soiree will serve up a superb chicken-fried-steak dinner with all the trimmings before
guests scoot their boots to some great country-Western music performed by party favorite Texas Two Step.
Chairing the event are Lions Dee Davis and Debby Perella, and member Jerome Davis will capably handle the
emcee duties for the evening’s festivities.
The person with the winning raffle ticket will take home a Nextbook tablet with detachable keyboard, 32GB
memory, 10-inch screen and Windows 8.1.
Auction swag includes a fiddle signed by famed country singer Charlie Daniels, a 1/4 -carat diamond
necklace, golf outing at Mira Vista County Club and more than 100 other exciting items. Ramp up the fun with
personable Scott Shepherd from 6 Stones Mission.
Lions Club President Pat Hannah said, “The success of last year's event help fund 5 scholarships for graduating
Trinity and Bell High School seniors. Proceeds were also used to support 6-Stones and back to school
programs along with local food banks and purchasing child safety seats for police departments in northeast
Tarrant County.”
“Last year over 200 people attended, and our goal this year is to do even better so we can continue to provide
support for children, young adults and adults in answering the needs of our community.”
The party venue is located at 1400 Texas Star Parkway in Euless, and the festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets
are $30 per person or $250 for a table of ten. To make your reservations, contact Perella at 817-545-8240 or
Davis at 817-571-2153.
Express your inner artist at Oct. 11 event
As chapters across the nation commemorate the 125th anniversary of the National Society of the Daughters of
the American Revolution, the H-E-B chapter is marking the milestone by hosting a special event in
conjunction with the National DAR Day of Service on Oct. 11.
Dubbed “Paint One — Feed Many,” the interactive event will have guests painting ceramic bowls to be
donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Local artisans are donating their time to create the bowls, and attendees at the event will have the chance to put
their artistic talents to work as they transform bowls into colorful creations to later be used at the food bank’s
Empty Bowls fundraiser.
The Captain Nathaniel Mills chapter is composed of members in the H-E-B area, and they are excited about
helping the food bank raise money to feed the hungry.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, whose members are descendants of the patriots who won
American independence, was founded Oct. 11, 1890, as a service organization to promote historic
preservation, education and patriotism.
“Here in Hurst, Texas, the Captain Nathaniel Mills Chapter serves by awarding scholarships to local students,
volunteering hundreds of hours of service to museums, libraries, schools and civic causes, celebrating
Constitution Week annually [and] promoting patriotism, ” said chapter regent Patricia Deaton Staley.
“Our chapter, which was organized in 1962, carries out the important mission of the national society here on
the local level,” said Staley. “We’re excited to demonstrate the vibrancy and contributions of today’s DAR by
serving our local community.” To learn more about membership, visit www.DAR.org or contact the local
chapter at cnmmembership@hotmail.com.
The national organization challenged members to complete 10 million hours of service to America from coast
to coast on National DAR Day of Service. Euless recently presented the chapter a proclamation recognizing
Oct. 11 as an official service day.
The public is invited to attend “Paint One — Feed Many” from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Parc Place Retirement
Community, 1301 Airport Freeway in Bedford. To enable proper planning for art supplies, reservations are due
by Friday. RSVP at cnmvr1@hotmail.com.
Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to cover the cost of the paint supplies.
Outspoken legislator Stickland draws
challenge from pastor
A third local Texas House incumbent draws an opponent
The Rev. Scott W. Fisher challenges Republican Rep. Jonathan Stickland
Race is destined to force splits between conservative factions
The Rev. Scott Fisher announced Tuesday that he is running for House District 92.
State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram
By Anna M. Tinsley
Local firebrand state Rep. Jonathan Stickland on Tuesday became the latest lawmaker to draw a challenger —
the Rev. Scott W. Fisher — in next year’s Republican primary.
In a race some say could create a sharp divide between local Republicans, Fisher said he finally decided to
throw his hat in the ring for House District 92 after considering it for a decade.
“If I was ever going to do it, now is the time,” said Fisher, senior pastor of Metroplex Chapel of Euless who
has served on a variety of state and local boards through the years.
Stickland said he wasn’t surprised to draw a challenger.
“We’ve been gearing up for that,” he said. “I’m a little surprised it’s him. He hasn’t been active in Republican
politics in a long time.”
This is the latest local Republican legislative battle to crop up, joining already declared challenges for House
District 99, pitting Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth against newcomer Bo French, and House District 94,
pitting Rep. Tony Tinderholt of Arlington against newcomer Andrew Piel.
Along with the races in HD-94 and HD-99, this contest in HD-92 will make Tarrant County a true hotspot in
the March GOP primary. Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston
But political observers say the battle for HD 92 has the potential to do something the other races don’t: divide
two key groups of local Republicans — social conservatives and fiscal-focused Tea Party conservatives.
“While the two groups have a great deal in common, Tea Party conservatives tend to prioritize lower taxes and
reducing the size and influence of government, while social conservatives tend to prioritize values related
issues,” said Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston.
Social conservatives, compared with Tea Party conservatives “often support an active role for the state in
select areas, especially in providing for the poor, disabled and others with great needs,” he said.
Filing for spots on next year’s ballot begins Nov. 14. The Texas primary election is on March 1.
The challenger
Fisher, 57, said he has had a number of people ask him through the years to run for the local state House
district seat. “It was a community groundswell,” he said.
But the Bedford man said it never seemed to be the right time — until now.
On Sunday, he talked to the congregation he has led since 2000 and told them he planned to jump into the race.
“The response within the church and within the community has been pretty positive,” he said.
He cites a few top issues, primarily protecting the family and de-funding Planned Parenthood, and said he and
Stickland likely won’t have dramatically different priorities.
“I think what really will set us apart is the ability to implement those ideas,” he said. “Jonathan has not proven
successful in trying to do that.”
House District 92 includes Hurst, Euless, Bedford and parts of Arlington, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie.
Fisher has served on a slate of state and local boards and commissions through the years, appointed in 2008 by
then-Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Youth Commission. Two years later, when the agency became the
Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Fisher stayed on and served as chair.
He served on the Board of Managers of the John Peter Smith Network for years, as well as on the state GOP
executive committee, as a three-time national delegate, a precinct chair an election judge and more.
Fisher, who served as director of communications for Texas Christian Coalition from 1992-1996, has made
one other bid for office: he unsuccessful ran for Bedford mayor in 1994.
Fisher called Stickland Monday to let him know he’s getting in the race.
“It was cordial,” he said. “I told him we wanted to run a very competitive and aggressive campaign. He said he
looked forward to it.”
The incumbent
Stickland, an opinionated Tea Party conservative from Bedford, was elected to office in 2012 and re-elected in
2014.
Described as a political bomb-thrower by some, the 32-year-old has served in two legislative sessions drawing
headlines for everything from wearing his concealed handgun nearly every day at the Texas Capitol to being
the focus of an investigation into whether witness cards were falsified.
“You don’t get any flack unless you are over the target,” Stickland said. “My political opponents know I’m
very effective in many, many ways. But we expect to have a challenge every two years.”
While some conservatives at home fiercely defend him, “many House GOP leaders would be ecstatic if
Stickland did not return to Austin in January of 2017,” Jones said.
A months-long Texas Rangers investigation this year over the witness cards issue wrapped up recently
showing that no one committed prosecutable offenses. But Travis County’s District Attorney said there was
evidence of falsification.
“I look forward to facing the voters yet again and asking for their vote,” said Stickland, an oil and gas
consultant. “I’ve done exactly what I’ve campaigned on in the last two sessions and I’m proud of my
conservative voting record.”
Stickland said his priorities include protecting life, liberty and property rights; ending the magnets attracting
illegal immigration to Texas; and improving education for Texas children.
“This race is going to come down to grassroots versus establishment,” Stickland said. “Voters are very familiar
with me. It’s going to take a very compelling message for that to change.”
Tarrant County College
Chancellor Erma Johnson
Hadley dies
Erma Johnson Hadley was the first woman and first black chancellor of the college
She was a champion of higher education
“She was an extraordinarily powerful woman”
TCC Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley spoke at commencement on May 11, 2012. Bob Booth Star-Telegram
archives
Erma Johnson Hadley speaks after being named TCC chancellor on March 11, 2010.
Erma Johnson Hadley with her husband, Bill Hadley in 2008.
FORT WORTH
Erma Johnson Hadley often described herself as “a little girl from Leggett, Texas, who thought she could never
do anything.”
She proved herself so wrong.
At the time of her death on Thursday, Mrs. Hadley had been an educator for all of her adult life, influencing
the lives of untold numbers of students.
She was chancellor of the multicampus Tarrant County College.
She had served on the boards of important institutions in Tarrant County, the DFW Airport board and the JPS
Health Network board among them.
“She was an extraordinarily powerful woman,” Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Brooks said. “She was on
the forefront of every cause that affected the African-American community.”
She worked to expand college opportunities and make sure no one was “locked out of the system,” he said.
“If Erma had her way, there would not be a person — there would not be a child — that Tarrant County
College did not touch in some way to help them on their journey for a successful life,” Brooks said
Mrs. Hadley died of pancreatic cancer. She was 73.
Erma’s whole life was about, first and foremost, serving other people Dionne Bagsby, former Tarrant County
Commissioner
The first woman and African-American to lead the college, Mrs. Hadley oversaw its steady growth.
Under her leadership, TCC’s enrollment grew to 57,424 last fall, an increase of 26.7 percent from the fall of
2008. On her watch, TCC opened an aviation learning center at Alliance Airport and more recently, an
innovative energy technology school at its south campus.
“Chancellor Hadley was laser-focused on the students we serve,” said Louise Appleman, president of the TCC
trustees.
“Every decision she made was driven by her deep desire to provide access to higher education for our
community and for that education to pave a path to success in today’s workforce. We will miss her terribly and
I personally have lost a dear friend.”
Vice Chancellor Angela Robinson has been named as acting chancellor.
A life at TCC
Mrs. Hadley began her career at TCC in 1968 as a business instructor at the northeast campus of what was then
called Tarrant County Junior College. She later moved into administration and rose through the ranks until she
was named TCC’s fourth chancellor in March 2010, replacing Leonardo de la Garza.
Her accomplishments were the subject of a Texas Trailblazers piece by KERA in 2014, in which Hadley
described her earliest memories of loving school.
Ardenia Gould said her mother was a “fierce advocate for education and for young people.”
“I feel tremendously blessed to have had her as a mother,” Gould said. “She was an icon and a trailblazer, but
to me she was my mother.”
Gould said her mother often began speeches or discussions by singing “It’s a beautiful day in the
neighborhood. A beautiful day in the neighborhood — a beautiful day at TCC.”
Mrs. Hadley learned the lyrics when mother and daughter watched Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was her
mantra, Gould said.
Chancellor Hadley was a compassionate chancellor whose focus was student success TCC Trustee Bill
Greenhill
TCC Trustee Kristin Vandergriff, who worked with Mrs. Hadley for about 13 years, also recalled how Mrs.
Hadley often entered a room with those lyrics. She said the chancellor helped build a first-class higher
education institution with “grit and tenacity.”
“The chancellor has been really truly the finest person I have ever had the opportunity and privilege to work
with,” Vandergriff said.
Dionne Bagsby, a former Tarrant County commissioner, said she was among a group of Mrs. Hadley’s friends
who prayed with her most mornings via a conference call.
“She told everyone about her prayer group and encouraged people to fight the scourge of cancer,” Bagsby said.
Building relationships
Building relationships between TCC and area four-year colleges was a continual effort for Mrs. Hadley, who
worked on partnerships to help community college students continue their education at four-year institutions.
University of Texas at Arlington President Vistasp M. Karbhari said higher education has lost a “tremendous
leader, a champion of education and a wonderful lady.”
“UTA will be forever grateful for Chancellor Hadley’s commitment to building a true partnership between our
university and the Tarrant County College District and for effectively creating new opportunities to help TCC
graduates earn their four-year degrees,” Karbhari said in a statement. “We mourn her passing and will be
recommitting ourselves to the tasks at hand and to the initiatives she started and championed for student to
ensure that her legacy endures.”
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, remembered Mrs. Hadley as someone the community cheered on in her
successes.
"The fact that even after she made it very high up in TCC, she still stayed in” the same neighborhood, he said.
“The community was very proud of her.”
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price praised Mrs. Hadley as “one of Fort Worth’s finest leaders.”
“Erma’s legacy and contributions to education, her leadership at Tarrant County College, and her impact on
our community will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Over the years, I had the pleasure of
working with Erma in numerous capacities, but most of all I was blessed to call her a friend.”
Mrs. Hadley will lay in honor from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at Mount Rose Baptist Church, 2864
Mississippi Ave. A wake is being held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at Mount Rose Baptist Church,
2864 Mississippi Ave. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W. Broadway.
The TCCD Foundation has established a scholarship in Mrs. Hadley’s name — the Erma C. Johnson Hadley
Scholarship Fund. People are asked to donate to the scholarship in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made
online at the Tarrant County College Foundation website: http://foundation.tccd.edu.
In addition to her daughter, survivors include her husband, Bill Hadley, and sisters Betty Griffin and Doris
McGinnies of Livingston.
Annual Greek Fest on the horizon in
Euless
Enjoy lots of baklava
Learn to make Greek foods
Stroll through a marketplace to buy souvenirs.
Greek pastries ready for sale at a previous Mid-Cities Greek Fest. St. John the Baptist Greek
Orthodox Church will host the 2015 festival Oct. 16-18. Ian McVea Star-Telegram archives
By Elizabeth Campbell
EULESS
How about an ouzo slushie or some stuffed grape leaves?
Euless is gearing up for the 24th annual Mid-Cities Greek Fest on Oct. 16-18 at St. John the Baptist
Greek Orthodox Church, 303 Cullum Drive.
Greek Fest is a time for food, fun and dancing — with an emphasis on the food — said festival
spokeswoman Harriet Blake.
“People stand behind booths cooking gyros. It’s good for the community and brings everyone
together. It’s a good, cooperative venture,” she said.
The festival will go on rain or shine, she said.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather, but if it rains, blue and white umbrellas will be
sold,” Blake said.
Besides lots of food, the festival features Greek dancing and a marketplace selling Greek souvenirs
and foods.
Dancing is an important part of Greek culture, and children start learning the complicated steps at a
young age.
During the festival, people can see many dance performances.
If you enjoy Greek foods but aren’t sure how to make spinach pie or stuffed grape leaves, church
volunteers are putting on cooking demonstrations using recipes from Yaya’s or Grandma’s
Cookbook, which was published several years ago. You can also try your hand at making lamb
chops or shrimp with feta.
All of the proceeds from the festival go toward operations at St. John the Baptist, which has been in
Euless for 30 years.
County by County: Tarrant County briefs for
Oct. 3
EULESS
Police, fire departments will host open houses
The Euless Police and Fire departments will each host an open house from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. Saturday.
The event gives residents a chance to tour the facilities, climb in and out of police cars
and firetrucks, and ask questions about the departments.
There will also be activities for children and safety demonstrations. Representatives of
the Citizen Emergency Response Team, Citizens Fire and Police Academy Alumni
and Citizens on Patrol will be present.
Visit the police at 1102 W. Euless Blvd. and the Fire Department at Fire Station No.
3, 202 S. Main St.
FORT WORTH
Take a look at classic cars
at weekend auto festival
Check out more than 2,500 hot rods, custom cars, classics, street rods, muscle cars
and trick trucks made in 1972 or before at the Goodguys Lone Star National festival
this weekend.
The festival includes exhibits from manufacturers and vendors, an auto-equipment
swap meet, a classic car sale, autocross demonstrations that test vehicle agility and
performance, an arts and crafts gallery and sessions where kids can make their own
model cars to take home.
On All-American Sunday, all years, makes and models of American-powered cars and
trucks will be on display.
The festival is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Texas
Motor Speedway, 3601 State Highway 114. Admission is $20 per day for adults, $6
for ages 7-12 and free for kids 6 and younger.
For more information, visit good-guys.com.
From staff reports
AAA Texas to hold free paper shredding event
AAA Texas will host a free Shred-a-Thon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 5431 S.
Hulen St.
The group will accept, per person, up to five banker boxes or five paper grocery bags
full of junk mail and personal papers.
To learn more, visit aaa.com.
National Night Out: Where to go in H-E-B
Events in all three cities Tuesday
Hurst Community Park to have gathering
At least 15 neighborhoods in Euless have plans
National Night Out events are planned for Tuesday in Hurst, Euless and Bedford. Star-Telegram
archives Special to the Star-Telegram
Help fight crime by getting to know your neighbors and police officers during National Night Out.
On Oct. 6, neighborhood associations and other organizations in Hurst, Euless and Bedford are
holding gatherings to celebrate National Night Out, which began over 30 years ago as an annual
event to help communities fight crime.
Hurst
Head to the Hurst Community Park, 601 Precinct Line Road, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to meet police
officers and firefighters. Enjoy plenty of hot dogs and cookies.
There is entertainment for children and adults.
Bedford
In Bedford, Police Chief Jeff Gibson said the community has always been supportive of the police,
and many homeowners associations and neighborhoods are planning National Night Out activities.
There is also an event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Meadow Creek Elementary School, 3001 Harwood Road.
Euless
Police Chief Mike Brown said officers always go out in to the neighborhoods during National Night
Out. There are at least 15 neighborhoods participating this year, he said.
“National Night Out is a great opportunity for neighbors to get to know their neighbors and make a
public commitment to work together to make their community a safer place to live, work and play,”
Brown said.
When the National Night Out event began in 1984, 2.5 million neighbors from 23 states participated,
according to the National Association Town Watch, a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting and
preventing crime.
Now, 38.1 million people participate throughout the United States and Canada, along with military
bases and U.S. territories.
Eats Beat: Nearly Market time, plus Greek
Fest in Euless
Market + Table’s healthy all-day cafe will open next week
Chef Kalen Morgenstern converted Tillman’s to lighter fare
Mid-Cities Greek Fest rolls out baklava in Euless
Jen Friedberg Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Egg pancakes with bananas and berries at Market + Table.
By Bud Kennedy
bud@star-telegram.com
The new FW Market + Table will open by Monday.
But chef Kalen Morgenstern’s menu is full of surprises.
Baklava coated with butter for the Mid-Cities Greek Fest M.L.
Market + Table has two dishes featuring 24-seed toast. Kevin Marple Handout photo
Grilled chicken sandwich at Market + Table.
Flatbreads feature fig-apple or kale-squash at FW Market + Table. Kevin Marple Handout photo
The Table dining room side will feature halibut, salmon, maple-ancho pork tenderloin or a vegetable-ribbon
“pasta,” with sides such as a broccolini wedge, a pea-fava salad or a Green Goddess salad.
The Market lighter side will open early to offer nine juices and breakfast dishes such as an egg-white frittata, a
quinoa bowl, egg pancakes with bananas, or breakfast sandwiches with egg whites and turkey bacon.
Lunches at the Market include burgers, flatbreads, and turkey, chicken and ham sandwiches. There’s also a
huge dessert menu with cookies and brownies.
It’s meant to be a lighter-side restaurant but with familiar dishes.
Market will open at 7 a.m. weekdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. Sundays. Table will open Wednesdays through
Saturdays for dinner, both at 2933 Crockett St.; 817-850-9255, fwmarketandtable.com.
Greeked out
The fun begins Friday at the Mid-Cities Greek Fest.
The annual festival in Euless features sampler dinners ($15-$20) with Greek chicken, dolmades, spanakopita
(spinach pie), and salad, a la carte dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, and desserts such as baklava, also served
with ice cream as a “baklava sundae.”
It opens at 11 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday outside St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 303
Cullum Drive, Euless, just south of the Airport Freeway; 817-545-9644, midcitiesgreekfest.info.
Goodbye, Godbey’s
Vance Godbey’s is gone as a restaurant for now, but not forever.
After serving 3,000 guests the past two Sundays, owner Carol Godbey said she might offer an occasional pop-
up dinner along with continued special events and catering.
I’ve never had a Thanksgiving off and I’ve never had a Christmas.
Carol Godbey, who closed Vance Godbey’s, her father’s namesake restaurant, this past weekend
But Vance Godbey’s will be closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, ending a holiday tradition on Texas 199.
“I’ve never had a Thanksgiving off and I’ve never had a Christmas,” said Carol Godbey, daughter of late
grocer, pitmaster and philanthropist Vance Godbey.
Her father bought a chain of barbecue stands in the 1940s and opened the restaurant on Easter 1956.
“If Dad knew we were still here,” she said, “he would want us to close holidays. He’d say, ‘You girls need a
break!’ ”
Customers came from Arizona and Florida for a last remembrance and a last platter of fried catfish, chicken-
fried chicken, fried cauliflower or bread pudding, she said.
Insiders will get the first info on special events on Facebook or by signing up for emails at vancegodbeys.com.
Burgers by boat
Straight from downtown Azle, Red’s Burger House has opened a second location at Lakeview Marina on the
east shore of Eagle Mountain Lake.
The new Red’s is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 6680 E. Peden Road, 817-236-6677,
redsburgerhouse.com.