Arlington Tennis Center

In a city that seems to squint through the glare emitted by sporting giants like the new Cowboys Stadium, or more recently by the Rangers themselves at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, there is a third much humbler, but equally notable sports facility in Arlington that is under-recognized by the limelight; the Arlington Tennis Center.  Confusingly, tennis is the only traditional sport to grow in participation in the double digits from 2000-2009, a whopping 48.8 per cent according to USTA.com. 

I had to find out the reason I had not heard about their multi-award winning facility, 18 total since its inception in 1995.  I made an appointment by dialing the general phone number at Arlington Tennis Center as quickly as possible.  Within 24 hours I found myself walking across a pristine lawn, all the while gazing at the wooden Adirondack armchairs among the tennis courts, before striding through the front doors of the multi-million-dollar Arlington Tennis Center.

I was greeted by assistant director Lisa Willaims and escorted to the current facility director Sheryl Osborn, the recipient of the prestigious United States Professional Tennis Association Facility Manager of the Year in 2008.  The same year ATC was also recognized as the United States Tennis Association Outstanding Facility of the Year

Mrs. Osborn has been employed at ATC since 1996, and the staff are mostly part-time employees.  “Virtually all of our staff at least have bachelor’s degrees, several have masters and most of the remaining team are working on achieving degrees,” said Mrs. Osborn.

Arlington Parks and Recreation, which won the United States Professional Tennis Association Organization of the Year in 2009, maintain the delicious grounds engulfing the 20, lighted courts of the public facility, as well as giving support financially.  ATC also works closely with the University of Texas at Arlington and Arlington Independent School District tennis programs.  

Tournaments from both UTA and AISD are regularly played on the courts at ATC.  “Over 50,00 people a year pass through Arlington Tennis Center.  Whether it’s for tournaments, programs, drills or for the pro shop.”

Tennis can be played by practically anyone of any age across the globe, it is a family sport.  “Tennis teaches you how to focus, plan, concentrate.  Skills you can take with you for the rest of your life,” said Mrs. Osborn.  ATC has taken this heavy task of teaching aspiring Roger Federers or Maria Sharapovas and applied one of the newest teaching methods available for children.  “One of the things we have really tried to focus on in the last three years is a method for teaching [10 and under] children tennis called Quickstart,” said Mrs. Osborn.

Quickstart is a very recent development in the tennis-teaching industry that ATC jumped on very quickly; in 2008 they were the first tennis center in the area to incorporate the program. The method is very simple for Quickstart in that it is a program patterned after the development processes of children in other sports.  Basically, it is taking the rackets, balls and courts and making them smaller for children so that their tennis equipment grows along with them and their involvement in the sport.  This method seems obvious because of its popularity in virtually every other traditional sport, but it was only recently that tennis adapted low compression balls, smaller rackets as well as “Quickstart courts,” which are approximately half the size of a normal court, for the sole purpose of speeding up the learning process for children involved in tennis. At ATC the USPTA certified professionals are charged with teaching tennis to children. 

There have been two milestones at the Arlington Tennis Center this year that testify to the national prominence of the facility as well as its reputation in the USTA.  In June the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Tournament for men and women was held at ATC, of which it was the only tennis center in Texas selected to host such an event.  This was also one of Mrs. Osborn’s proudest moments during her tenure at ATC, “It was the confidence USTA had in our facility to host the event, as well as in my abilities as a tournament director.”

In July [2010] ATC also hosted the five-day competition “Zone Team Championship” for boys and girls 14 and under, in which they were chosen to host the event from facilities across the nation.

The ATC  also has a partnership with the Arlington Bowling Congress and host banquets together for the participants in their events.  

Arlington Tennis Center      500 W. Mayfield Rd, 76014

Monday-Thursday; 8 am to 9:30 pm                 Saturday; 8 am to 5 pm                   Sunday; 12 pm to 8 pm

817-459-6163 to reserve a court or register for programs.

Website:   http://www.arlingtontx.gov/park/tennis/index.html

The Downtown Arlington Farmers’ Market, still in the early part of its establishment, has seen great success in the short time that it has been in operation. Located on Front Street, near the central library and the newly rennovated Arlington Music Hall, the Downtown Farmers Market features an average of 25 booths each weekend. Originally open just Fridays, the market has expanded to Saturday hours as well. Fresh produce, locally made honey, art, and crafts can all be found; Farm fresh eggs and grass-fed ribeyes sell like hotcakes!

Joe heads up the main operations of the market, and it’s clear that, to him, this is way more than just some hobby. He works diligently to bring in new vendors and to keep the regularly returning vendors happy. He offers up the building he owns on Front Street to provide shade, he coordinates tent/canopy rentals, and he works hard to continually get the word out. A lifelong gardener, this former city council member understands full well all of the benefits that local farming brings — not just to our health, but also to business — and he wants to share these opportunities with the city of Arlington.

Joe spoke at this year’s Ecofest Arlington, which took place this past Saturday, September 18th. He talked to the community and festival attendees about what really happens when you support local growers, versus the big corporate farm entities. Local food, he says, is not only better for healthier living and better quality products, but it’s great for the local economy.

When you purchase tomatoes from the farmer from Mansfield, the money from the sale stays within the local economy. Not only that, a much larger percentage of the sale stays in the pocket of the farmer. Because the food is being sold directly from producer to buyer, there is no middleman taking a cut. It’s a win-win for both consumer and farmer — the consumer gets fresher, healthier food, and the farmer makes a larger profit.

To hammer home the benefits buying local, Joe has printed t-shirts (available at the DAFM) that say “Know Your Farmer!“. Joe reminds us that we value “knowing” our doctors, our dentists, our children’s teachers, our mechanics, etc. — knowing your farmer should be no different. Have questions about the freshness of food? Ask the farmer directly. He/she can tell you when the produce was picked, how it was transported to the market, and just about anything else you’d want to know.

Joe’s love for urban gardening doesn’t stop with the Downtown Farmers’ Market however. He is currently pursuing an idea to transform the city-owned land adjacent to the market into Arlington’s community garden. The concept centers on members of the community — folks like you and me — working together to plant seeds, nurture growth, and harvest its rewards. We share in the investment, as well as its success. Joe has visited the community gardens in other cities, like Coppell, to learn more about what it takes to make such a garden work. Besides needing cooperation from the city to use the land, a certain level of infrastructure is also required: water, security, etc….and of course, a dedicated crew to organize its implementation.

The potential is great, according to Joe, for what such a community garden can bring to this city. It can help educate people about healthier eating, and it can be a place for families to enjoy with their children. He believes it will attract Arlington residents to participate more in the downtown area, creating buzz and bringing more patrons to the farmers’ market and other downtown venues.

Time will tell whether the community garden vision becomes reality. In the meantime, Joe and the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market keep on keepin’ on! The market is open Friday and Saturday mornings, from 8am til 1pm. For more information, visit their facebook page.

What do you think about the community garden? Have you been to the farmers’ market in Arlington? How do you feel about what the market does for local and small business owners? Share your thoughts with us!

Arlington business woman Connie Sheen is the owner of Mijo’s restaurant and catering service. Located on West Park Row, Mijo’s has been an Arlington favorite for 15 years.

Many of your traditional Mexican favorite dishes are available at Mijo’s, in addition to their custom creations. Their twist on a chicken-vegetable soup is out of this world, and the fajitas with grilled corn bits and superbly sauteed peppers and onions are the best around. The apricot chicken, though not always on the menu, is a Mijo’s hidden treasure not to be underestimated.

Connie is busy these days working on a second Mijo’s location in south Arlington, near I-20 and Green Oaks Blvd. The new restaurant is planned to open in October 2010.

The VIBE sends a special thank you to Connie for sponsoring the VIBE, and for providing great food and atmosphere for a recent VIBE get-together. Connie is a successful Arlington independent business woman whose success story is one we’ll continue to follow and share as the new Mijo’s location opens this fall.

To learn more about Mijo’s, visit http://www.mijosfreshmex.com/

This post, highlighting an Arlington woman, is part of a series commemorating Women’s Equality Day.

Shout-out to food-lover Shaleah Poster for letting us use his great photos of Mijo’s.

The menu is simple, featuring an assortment of specialty drinks ranging from Arabic and American coffee, to be purchased by the pot, to a variety of fresh-squeezed juices, to the mint or sage teas.

Appetizers range from traditional salads, such as Greek and Caesar with Chicken, to native Lebanese dishes like Tabbouli (tomatoes, parsley, and onions) or Fattosh, to Custed Lintel Soup, or Hommous — a Mediterranean appetizer that consists of chickpeas pureed with tahini sauce, lemon juice, and a hint of fresh garlic, all of which is served with olive oil and pita bread.

More Mediterranean dishes present themselves, most noticeably in the Mixed Maza Combo Tray that contains of a mix-match of a little bit of everything — Hommous, Baba Gannosh, Tabbouli, Fattosh, stuffed grape leaves (Dolmades), mixed pies (containing both lamb and chicken), Kibbee, and Falafel. There are also Greek sandwiches, called Gyros, that are one kebob skewer of char-grilled cubes of tender seasoned meat (lamb, chicken, beef), tomatoes, pickles, onions and tahini sauce wrapped and toasted in pita bread.

For dessert there is the Baklava, a Lebanese kind of walnut and cinnamon pastry, and the most winning compliment to a great meal.

Christina Bily works at the Beirut Rock Café part-time while also being in the nursing program at UTA. When asked what she liked most about the restaurant she responded “I like the food, the customers and the atmosphere.” Bily also commented on the hard work of owner Kassam Benjar who works side by side with his employees 7 days a week, 12 hours a day.

The Beirut Rock Café stands out among other less unique fast food stops located around the UTA campus.

More info: Call Beirut Rock Café at 817-860-5499

The Peddler Show takes place from 10am to 4pm on August 13th-15th.

Location: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way 76011

More info: http://www.peddlershow.com/

The 1st annual Vintage Computer Festival Southwest will be held August 7th and 8th, 2010 at the University of Texas at Arlington. An international event celebrating the history of computing, Vintage Computer Festivals have been held at several locations since 1997.

The VCF will be held indoors, rain or shine. VCF is not a swap meet, but you will have a chance to buy things or even come home with prizes. There will be speakers and videos each morning, exhibits each afternoon, and special events throughout the weekend.

Admission: $10 for one day, $15 for both days, free for ages 17 and younger. Parking is free.

Hours: 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Location: Rio Grande Ballroom, in the E.H. Hereford University Center, at UTA.

The VCF event is sponsored by the Museum of Information Technology at Arlington, the UTA College of Engineering, the UTA Office of Information Technology and Vintage Tech. They aim to promote the preservation of early computers by allowing people to experience the technologies and stories that embody the remarkable tale of the computer revolution. Texas companies played a large role in the early days of the computer industry and the VCF Southwest hopes to focus on their contributions.

For more information, visit UTA’s Museum of Information Technology website:
http://mit-a.com/VCF1.shtml

Baseball games are being played at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington every other day, with tens of thousands in attendance, but did you know the Ballpark has more to offer?

The Texas Rangers Hall of Fame has just been renovated to accommodate any type of event. With 13,000 square feet on two levels and also a theater, it can be used for everything from business meetings to trade expos and anything in between. You can have a private, more intimate setting on a non-game day, or make it more public by scheduling when the Rangers play. 

The theater, within the Hall of Fame, has 235 fixed stadium seats and provides a unique environment for meetings, product presentations, and educational seminars. The theater is equipped with a 30’ non-reflective wall, an HD projector, lectern, and microphone. And the clubhouse, field, and players could be available as well… it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Rangers Update:  As of June 1st, the team is 27-24 and tied with Oakland for the AL West Division lead.

For Rangers scores, standings, stats and schedule: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com

Spend a lovely Saturday afternoon at this outdoor art show featuring over 100 artists and live entertainment.

Saturday, May 22, from noon till 5:00pm

For more info: www.artinthepark.biz

David’s Barbecue is 100 years old this year!  Owner Jimmy Harris tells us why it’s lasted so long.

The restaurant is located at 2224 West Park Row in Arlington.

Tom of Tom’s Burgers, and so many others, keep enjoying David’s Barbecue!

Tune in to ESPN2 tonight, May 12th, at 7pm, to watch live coverage of the U.S. Women’s Bowling Open, which will be broadcast from the new International Bowling Campus located here in Arlington.

Having recently moved several of its facilities from various cities to Arlington, the IBC will showcase its state-of-the-art bowling lanes and research center by hosting this women’s bowling tournament that will air live on national TV.

This tournament will conclude a day full of activities at the IBC, including the first ever USBC Bowling Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held here at the new Six Flags Drive location. You can read the USBC’s write-up about the induction by clicking here.

For more information about the new museum and research center in Arlington, visit the Bowling Museum website or www.bowl.com

Visit the family-run Gnismer Farms in Arlington where you can pick your own fruits and veggies!

The estimated spring schedule features:
• April: U-Pick Strawberries, Pre-Picked Onions, Garlic, Lettuce & more
• May – Early: U-Pick Strawberries, Pre-Picked Rhubarb, Onions, Garlic, Lettuce & more
• May – Late: Tomatoes, Beans, Cucumbers

Location: Gnismer Farms, 3010 S Bowen Rd, Arlington TX 76016

Contact Gnismer Farms for more info: 817-469-8704 or Gnismer@sbcglobal.net

Pick produce now through the end of May.

The popular Arlington Farmers Market, created in 2009 by the Downtown Arlington Management Corp. is back for 2010, and is now open on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Arlington Market features produce typically locally grown, handmade, or produced in the north Texas area. Farm fresh eggs, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, lettuce, homemade bread and cookies, hand-made pasta, and honey are just some of the offerings! A limited number of non-food vendors will also be selling retail items such as soap, crafts, flowers, plants, and more.

Location: 215 E. Front Street, Arlington (the corner of E. Front Street & Elm)

Attendance is free.

The market takes place every Friday and Saturday morning, starting at 8am until 1pm or until the vendors sell out.

More information can be found at www.downtownarlingtonfarmersmarket.com and on their Facebook page.