Be a Superhero
Ever wish you could suddenly become Superman or Superwoman and save the world during some daring adventure? Or maybe you envision yourself leaping tall buildings in a single bound as Wonder Woman, Batman or Spider-Man. Make your wish come true Feb. 23 at The Party in Fort Worth Costume Gala.The "super" party, which is in its 20th year, will feature a wonderful gourmet buffet with "super" food prepared by chef James Morris of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel and dancing in the ballroom to live music by the Roof Raisers, a local band that is a favorite of lots of folks.Partygoers will browse the silent auction and raffle to a jazz music background played by the Marcus Rockwell Trio. Casino gaming of all sorts will add some sizzle to the action of the evening's festivities.A lucky raffle winner will work with the designers at Ridglea Watch & Jewelry to craft a piece of jewelry valued at $10,000. Only 250 raffle tickets will be sold.Event spokesperson Linda Fulmer writes, "Join Mayor Betsy and Tom Price to help make The Party in Fort Worth 2013 the most Super Successful in its 20-year history. Celebrate not only our wonderful city, but also the Superheroes among us that help make our All-America City so special."It all happens at the Fort Worth Convention Center 7-11 p.m. Feb. 23. Those who would rather be the superheroes' nemeses can come dressed in cocktail attire -- red capes optional.Proceeds benefit the Fort Worth Promotion and Development Fund. Tickets are $200 each. Get them online at www.ThePartyinFortWorth.org or contact Fulmer at 817-451-8740.Fort Worth:A Love StoryIf you love beautiful mansions, historic decorative art and wonderful food and wine, then you will want to attend this Valentine's dinner at Thistle Hill Mansion, 1509 Pennsylvania Ave., at 7 p.m. Feb. 14.The event is all about Historic Fort Worth's love story with cultural preservation. According to a news release, "Guests will view antiques donated to Thistle Hill by the Binkley-Collins Foundation, along with a temporary exhibit of decorative items and music memorabilia collected by the late Mr. and Mrs. William W. Collins Jr ., creators of the foundation."A lovely three-course dinner with wine will be served to guests seated throughout the house. This sounds like a chance for a unique experience to actually feel what it must have been like to live in this beautiful historic house from Fort Worth's cattle-baron heritage.Ann Collins Florsheim and William W. Collins III, children of the foundation's founders, will attend with their families.Reserve tickets for $100 by contacting Suzy Coleman at 817-336-2344, ext. 100. Learn more at www.historicfortworth.orgMardi Gras, YMCA StyleFried alligator tail, Cajun chicken wings and Cajun chicken salad sandwiches -- the perfect menu for a Mardi Gras party. And that's what guests will enjoy at the Arlington YMCA Campaign Kick-Off event on Feb. 7, starting a 6:30 p.m., at the Y at 7120 S. Cooper St.Campaign chairman Chris Ringel says he is pleased to work with the staff, volunteers and members of the Y to help raise money for the organization. "Many people don't realize that the YMCA is a charity that impacts the entire community. Last year, the Y was able to help 20,819 individuals and families in need participate in programs like sports, summer day camp, swim lessons and afterschool care," he says.What Mardi Gras party would be complete without a king and queen? As part of the festivities, local residents and special guests at the event Dave and Reecanne Joeckel will be crowned Campaign King and Queen.The Joeckels will share what the Y has meant in their lives and the lives of their four children, David, Sarah and twins Matt and Luke. Their children, graduates of Arlington High School and all college athletes, have participated in many of the Arlington Y's youth sports programs.Y spokesperson Pam Webb writes, "Luke Joeckel, a Texas A&M offensive tackle, Outland Trophy award winner, Consensus NCAA All American, FEC Lineman of the Year and top candidate for the first round of 2013 NFL Draft, is sending a video message to his 'friends of the Y' who are participating in the annual campaign kick-off."To RSVP or for information, contact Kay Nash at 817-299-9629, ext. 12, or email kayn@ymca-arlington.org.Embracing the Past to Enlighten the FutureCelebrate African American history at a panel discussion hosted by Arlington's graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Central Library, 101 E. Abram St.Panelists will discuss challenges, contributions and what to expect in the future during a lively dialogue. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.The contact is Bonita Holloway, bgholloway@sbcglobal.net, or 817-265-8097.Stampede!Grab your sweetheart for some healthy fun for Valentine's week and enter the 27th Annual Haltom Stampede on Feb. 9 at the Haltom Recreation Center, 4839 Broadway Ave.The couple with the fastest combined time in the 5K will be given a special couple's prize as part of the "Valentine's Day Couples" theme for this year's event. Chip timing and fun photography will also be provided for all runners.After a warm-up to some great music, the fun run start is 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m. Spokesperson Christi Pruitt says, "Door prizes will include flower arrangements from Paul's Flower Boutique; dinners for two; gift certificates to Dick's Sporting Goods; and Valentine's chocolates."Vintage Stampede shirts are on sale before the race, and of course this year's runners will get the wildly popular long-sleeved race shirt to add to their collection (or to start a new one).Stick around after the race to enjoy a chair massage and munch on fruit, snacks and beverages before an awards ceremony for winners in several age categories. The legendary custom-made ceramic Buffalo trophy will go to the big winners."Proceeds benefit the Haltom City/Birdville ISD Back to School Health Fair, which provides backpacks, free health screenings, family photos and community resources and information to all elementary- and middle-school students in Haltom City," Pruitt said.Download the registration form at haltomcitytx.com/news-events-parks-recreation/941-haltom-stampede-2013 or call Pruitt at 817-831-6464 or email cpruitt@haltomcitytx.com.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
