Archive for category: Local Business

If you can’t grasp Pilates right away, don’t sweat it. You’re hardly alone.

Sarah Cornett, who owns Pilates Concept in Fort Worth, Texas, cautioned all beginning practitioners of Pilates to not put pressure on themselves to “get it” right away. It can take some time to learn just how to navigate your body as it pertains to Pilates, Cornett said. But the rewards can be numerous, from both a physical and mental perspective.

“Pilates is amazing because it helps to create a lean, long, and toned figure,” Cornett said.

Resistance methods are commonly used as a mean of practice in Pilates, with a requirement for no more than 10 to 15 reps. There’s also mat Pilates, again maximizing a small number of reps, which involves a low impact workout that utilizes all planes of movement and incorporates mobility along with stability.

The strengthening of core muscles is what Pilates is most known for, but that’s not to say other muscle groups are forgotten either. In fact, according to Cornett, smaller muscle groups that can be neglected in other workouts are strengthened through Pilates. Joint stabilizers are one example of this.

Cornett described the studio at Pilates Concept as “amazing,” because everyone there is highly trained to work with individuals with whatever their issues may be between injuries or other restrictions.

“We pride ourselves on being able to accommodate anyone, whether they are a major league pitcher to a stroke patient who is working on walking,” Cornett, who is also STOTT certified, said. “I love being able to help people meet their goals and strive beyond what they thought they were capable of. Pilates is low impact and grow with our clients so they can continue for the rest of their lives.”

Pilates Concept can be visited online, at www.thepilatesconcept.com. It is located at 4201 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite C, in Fort Worth.

By Jake Levin

The statistics are grim. Kelly Fuhrman, Director of Development at HOPE Farm, a Christian leadership development program for at-risk boys lays them out plainly: “In studies conducted about children (in any economic environment) who grow up without fathers in the home, we have learned that there are real consequences for the children (both male and female). These studies show that fatherless children are 80.3% more likely to be involved in anti-social behavior, 76.4% more likely to take part in crime, and 69.1% more likely to take drugs. 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes, and 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. Coincidence? We do not believe so.”

Regardless of the economic situation of a household, in the absence of the father young boys are more likely to engage in negative behaviors that have many harmful consequences for themselves, their families and for the community as a whole. Viewing the situation as a crisis, the founders at HOPE Farm believe that the solution is to directly engage fatherless boys at an age when they are searching for a male role model. Fuhrman cites Co-founder and Executive Director, Gary Randle, who “argues that as a society, we will pay one way or another–either now to prepare these boys for a bright future, or later, to keep them locked away so that they do not negatively impact our future. Either way, we pay.”

HOPE Farm’s leadership development program for inner-city boys aims to guide them to become “Christ-centered men of integrity.” These are based on the idea that there is a need for male leadership and guidance and well as the nurturing provided by mothers and grandmothers.

An initial meeting with the family determines whether the mother or female care giver, most often the grandmother, is willing to work with the HOPE Farm model:
*The spirit through character building, Bible study, & prayer
*The mind through reading, language, computers, math, music, and critical thinking
*The body through training and conditioning, nutritious meals & organized athletic activities

After-school and summer programs include tutoring and homework help, physical Ed, Bible study, social skills training including etiquette and leadership skills, music, daily meals and field trips. Music training and performance through the Boys’ Choir and Piano Program, and STEM projects that encourage budding scientists, allow the boys to develop their skills and interests.

There are many opportunities for volunteers, Fuhrman says, “helping with programming (academic/tutoring, recreation, music, Bible, kitchen)…campus upkeep (gardening, painting, planting, repair, remodel),…special events (Open House, Fall Festival, Summer Camp), mentoring, professional motivational speakers for the boys and the mothers, and group work projects.” Donations are welcome and go towards meeting educational costs, programs, and meals for the boys as well as programs for the mothers/caretakers.

Community support takes many forms : funding from individuals and organizations, participation in the Fall Festival and Spring Basketball C.L.I.N.I.C., affirmation from local officials, and partnerships with the Fort Worth Symphony and the Van Cliburn foundation. And there is a long waiting list of mothers who want their sons to join the program.

By S. Mathur

One doesn’t often hear the words “Texas” and “France” in the same sentence. And that’s exactly why the Texan French Alliance for the Arts was established. Engaging local Texas youth, the Texan French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA) creates opportunities to enhance Texas communities through an artistic dialogue between the rich cultures of Texas and France.

The TFAA was founded in 2005 by a group of prominent Texas enthusiasts of the French culture, under the leadership of the former Consul General of France. The original aim of the organization was to create a dialogue between France and Texas, primarily through a sharing their cultures of art, literature and music. “Both Texas and France have thriving artistic cultures and a wealth of talent, so we wanted to facilitate an exchange between them to show that Texas is more than Stetsons and spurred boots and France is more than strong cheeses and good wines,” says the TFAA spokesperson.

Over the years, though, the TFAA has recognized more effective ways to engage with the community. Rather than taking a disinterested approach to the sharing of cultures, the TFAA has moved to facilitate interactions between the cultures of France and Texas by creating programs, events and exchanges.

Moreover, the new programs work towards a purpose beyond simple artistic appreciation. “Our creative programs and varied partnerships aim to improve the quality of life in our cities and local communities, especially those that are at-risk or underserved, using art, along with other disciplines, as a catalyst to create positive change,” says TFAA’s spokesperson.

TFAA has expanded with its new mission into a number of different projects, with plans for more to come. At present, TFAA focuses on three programs: educational programs for kids, such as From a Space to a Place, healing arts programs like the Texas Children’s Hospital Mural Project and Open the Door Veterans’ Program, and public art installations like Open the Door. The organization also holds occasional festivals for the public like Once Upon a Door. Each of these programs addresses distinct groups and aims.

The Texan French Alliance for the Art’s festivals can be wonderful opportunities to investigate the intersections between these two cultures. Recently, the TFAA hosted the Once Upon a Door festival in collaboration with Marjon Aucoin, a central figure at Little Wonders Learning Center. “This project created a 360-degree sensory environment where children and adults could explore their creativity,” says the TFAA spokesperson, “using art and playfulness to transform their perception of the world around them.” With music, theatre, visual images and video and a variety of experience spaces, Once Upon a Door brought all the sensory modalities together to enrich and delight.

But the TFAA doesn’t only hold festivals. The bread and butter of the organization is to help people to learn and expand their understanding of the world, in order to thrive within it. TFAA offers a collaborative mentoring program called From a Space to a Place (FASTAP). FASTAP is a partnership between TFAA and a number of other organizations that works with middle and high school students from underserved neighborhoods. The aim of the program is to allow youths to envision beautiful redesigns for shared public spaces and to help them make those visions a reality.

FASTAP engages young people with the larger community and other cultures, especially the French culture, and helps them to learn leadership, discipline and build bridges to the broader world. To facilitate these connections, the program brings together many kinds of learning and content, from STEM to visual and performing arts to project management to mindfulness.

“Giving the youth a platform from which they can express their ideas empowers them and establishes a sense of ownership through the implementation of their own tangible change in the community, be it an urban outreach installation, such as a park or a mural, or an engaging performance addressing social issues,” says the TFAA spokesperson.

Other programs bring together diverse communities to share and learn from one another through collaborative projects. One program brought people together to create murals at Texas Children’s Hospital. Recently, TFAA started an Open the Door program to assist veterans to re-engage with the community. This program brings veterans together with visual artists and community leaders to collaboratively create art-installment doors situated in public places throughout San Antonio. For many veterans who feel isolated from civilian society, these doors create a genuine sense of participation in the larger community, and a means of creating a deeper conversation.

Texas has been exceptionally fortunate to have such a dynamic organization in their midst. The French culture has much to offer, as does the Texan one. Bringing them together has proved a stimulating and fruitful mix for the people involved, regardless of background. With plans for future collaborations and many projects currently running, the Texan French Alliance for the Arts and Texas have much to be excited about.

By David Boegaard

Just northwest of downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, like most parks, offers the public a place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Unlike most parks, just below the 37 natural plant species and more than 300 trees, runs an 8 lane freeway. As urban sprawl is ever increasing, public green space is becoming harder and harder to find. With the construction of Klyde Warren Park, Dallas has joined NYC, Chicago, Seattle, and many other large cities in finding innovative ways to preserve and create space to enjoy the outdoors, recognizing the impact this space has on surrounding communities. Park president, Tara Green says, “Public parks strengthen our communities and benefit our health, environment, quality of life, and economy. These are benefits that Dallas will enjoy for generations to come.”

The park interior features grouped concrete beams connected with concrete slabs that allow for trees and plant life to grow to their full size without compromising root growth. Klyde Warren Park, an architectural feat spanning 5.2 acres, was designed by landscape architect Jim Burnett, in a joint venture between the private and public sector. The project utilized state and private funds of a combined total $110 million. The park is now owned by the City of Dallas, and operated privately through the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. Green adds, “Klyde Warren Park is a great example of a public-private partnership to bridge a literal gap between downtown and uptown.”

Klyde Warren Park is a gateway into the Dallas Art District, neighbored by attractions such as the Dallas Art Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, AT&T; Performing Arts Center and more. The park is family oriented, offering on average 1300 activities and events annually for those looking for a quiet place to read, entertain the children, or grab a bit of local cuisine. Green adds, “Families enjoy playing at the Children’s Park, taking part in one of our fun, free fitness classes sponsored by Cigna, sitting on the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn and listening to live music, or grabbing a bite to eat at Savor, Relish or a food truck.”

Unique in its architectural design and community impact, Klyde Warren Park plays host to various events throughout the week, including Tai Chi classes, live music in the park’s Muse Family Performance Pavilion, and Saturday morning exercise programs. Klyde Warren Park is literal breath of fresh air in downtown Dallas, and a model of the success possible when communities work together to provide public space in new and innovative ways.

By Jordan Hayes

What was once thought to be a hobby of the wealthy has transformed into a family-friendly activity that just about anyone can participate in, thanks in part to Scuba Toys. The Carrollton based family business has spent its lifetime building a first class reputation and equally respected partnerships with manufacturers to bring this one of a kind sport to the reaches of the every man.

“Scubatoys.com is a family owned and operated dive shop,” states Joey Johnson, Product Manager for Scubatoys. “We pride ourselves on our reputation as well as the quality of divers and gear going out the door.” Although the dive shop prides itself on quality, they don’t seem shy away from quantity either. They currently posses one of the largest inventories in the area, given both their online and in-store options available to customers. “We typically have a larger selection of gear to choose from then most other dive shops in the area combined,” Johnson proudly announces.

With such a large variety of product, price doesn’t seem to be a concern, either, as they provide something in just about every spectrum on the price range. Not mention, they offer a solid based discount program for continual shoppers. “We offer discounts on gear through many different outlets from forums, text, emails and so much more,” Johnson says. “In fact, as soon as you sign up for class you will be handed a folder filled with coupons for instant discounts toward gear and further education.”

But, for those looking to be either hobbyists or professionals, there is more than just great gear and prices available at the Scubatoys dive shop. On their website, you can find trips and travel in addition to the in-store training courses available to those looking to kick-start or improve their skills. “Our newly redesigned website features a vast selection of gear and training as well as trips and travel,” explains Johnson.

“We try to make a point to add or update at least a few things daily to keep it relevant and useful to all types of divers from professional to the occasional weekend warrior.” He goes on, informing us about some of the interesting dive locations in the nearby area, all of which can be located on their website.

“Clear Spring Scuba Park would be one of the top,” he details. “They are equipped with many different entry points and facilities to accommodate scuba divers as well as provide a few cool features under water to look at like airplanes, boats, tunnels et cetera.”

A few other local dive destinations you can find via the Scuba Toys website would include Possum Kingdom, Lake Travis, and Lake Ten Killer; although, as Johnson enlightens us, the best perk is that the shop is located near the DFW Airport. “We are only a few hours from places like Cozumel, Bahamas, Cayman and so many other wonderful tropical dive destinations that seem to be the favorites amongst most recreational divers,” says Johnson excitedly.

The shop offers everything from beginner’s classes that take place in the comfort of a swimming pool to open water training and instructor classes. There is something for everyone- even if you’ve never before attempted to scuba. “We offer dive lessons for any level,” Johnson affirms. “Our beginner Open water class takes two weekends and cost $199.95.”

By Elisha Neubauer