The Eastham Family

James and Marvene Eastham, pictured here at their ranch in Parker County, met while working at JPS Hospital. this year, they will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with a river cruise through Europe.

Marvene grew up in healthcare, working in her father's medical clinic in Mineral Wells. She is a senior partner with a national executive search firm specializing in healthcare and medical education.

James was a healthcare executive for many years and recently retired to begin a career in education. He has stayed active running his first marathon, hiking the Grand Canyon and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro within the past 2 years. He will complete his PhD next year.

In January, James assumed  the position of Director for UTA's Master of Science in Health Care Administration.

The Easthams's hope to continue to be a positive influence in the Fort Worth area for many years to come.

The Wade Family

Meet the Wade family:  Jim, Kay, Kaitlyn, Kylie, Kyndal and Kaden.  Kaitlyn, a 2012 graduate of Key School in Fort Worth, suffered near fatal injuries including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2007 while riding in a car that was t-boned by a drunk driver who was a repeat offender.  Often those who suffer TBI’s experience difficulties with memory, information processing and learning.  Public school was not an option.  After hearing about Key School, the Wade’s scheduled a visit.  They were immediately sold and knew Key School was the right place for Kaitlyn.  The individualized curriculum and structured program that focuses on the success of each child was just what she needed.  “I truly believe Kailtyn would not be where she is today if not for this amazing school,” said Kay, Kaitlyn’s mother, who now serves on Key School’s Board of Directors.  Kaitlyn’s dad, Jim, is in sales operations at Verizon, sister, Kylie, is a freshman at The University of Texas, and sister, Kyndal and brother, Kaden attend Lamar High School in Arlington.

The Ve Bola Family

Ve Bola is an interactive video queuing software. This concept was born out of our combined experience in computers, music, and entertainment. Pictured left to right, Bobby Blair (designer/co-founder), Lyndsay Cummins (admin), Terressa Nordstrom (Creator/founder), Bobby Benton (Partner), and front Ryan Cummins (support).

Bobby Benton and Terressa currently claim a local “hole in the wall” venue called Nos Bar located in Azle as well as a Trim and Spray Foam Insulation company.  They partnered together with Bobby Blair to bring Ve Bola to light.  The pairing has been magical with the latest version offering smart phone applications.  With the help of Ms. Nordstrom’s children Lyndsay and Ryan, who each have extensive service experience, the goal has been achieved.

Ve Bola officially launched nationally February 2015 with venues in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.  In addition to venues we welcome home users, the service is free and fun for all ages.  We are truly blessed to have the amazing community of Fort Worth as home.

The Van Donselaar Family

Van and Cecelia Rollins Van Donselaar feel blessed to be celebrating their 13th anniversary.  Both have six siblings and enjoy spending time with family.  Van 's son Vance lives in Austin, and his daughter Tammy lives in Maryland with her husband Eric and their daughters, Hanna and Olivia.  Cecelia's son Robert attends UTA.

Van grew up as an Iowa "farm boy", worked his way through Iowa State and was hired by the founder of USPA & IRA, now known as First Command Financial Services. He retired after 31 years, having served as Regional Vice President as well as Director of Field Marketing.

A Fort Worth native, Cecelia is in residential real estate with Williams Trew.  Van plays golf at Ridglea Country Club.  Cecelia enjoys playing tennis with friends at Ridglea and TCU.  Tap dancing with the Dancing Dames is another passion of Cecelia's, and the group regularly performs at military shows.  Together, Van And Cecelia belong to Dinner Dance and Farando Dinner Dance Clubs and serve as volunteers in the Children Department at Southcliff Baptist.

The Sathyamoorthy Family

Dr. Mohan Sathyamoorthy is a Cardiologist practicing on the Baylor All Saints campus in Fort Worth. He is commonly referred to as "Dr. Mo" by his patients. He is the Chief of the Cardiovascular Division at Baylor All Saints Medical Center and Medical Director of the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital Fort Worth.

  He attended Johns Hopkins University earning an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering, a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a doctorate with distinction in research from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine. There he was awarded a coveted spot at the National Institutes of Health expanding his research training in functional genomics. Following medical school, Dr. Mo completed his internship, residency and fellowship at Vanderbilt specializing in Cardiology and training as a Physician Scientist. He remains on the adjunct faculty there.

In Fort Worth Dr. Mo is active in the community serving as the current President of the Tarrant County Chapter of the American Heart Association and an Advisory Board member for the Fort Worth Opera.

His wife Heather Romine a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and former design and advertising professional currently spends her time as a Mom and as a personal fitness trainer. Their children, Carson and Arlie, are involved in music and sports programs at TCU and Texas Ballet Theater. They are happy to call Fort Worth home.

The Rushing Family

Amy and Mike Rushing are pictured here at their West-side home on Mattison Ave. Mike is the General Manager of Colonial Country Club where he has held this position for the past year and is also making a return to the club where he began his career thirty-seven years ago. A Fort Worth native and graduate of University of Texas at Arlington, Mike is enjoying his return home.

Amy, a University of Texas Alumna and recent owner & General Manager of her family’s RV business, is also a past president of the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association and an executive member of the National Board for the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association. She has actively supported many charitable organizations and is looking forward to continuing her volunteer work in Fort Worth.

Amy and Mike are enjoying Fort Worth life and feel very fortunate to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive city. When their busy schedules afford, they enjoy the arts, golf and exploring some of the city’s vast dining venues.

The Rose Family

Matt and Lisa Rose are pictured here at The Gatehouse, a supportive living community where women and children in crisis discover new paths for permanent change.

Matt is Executive Chairman of BNSF Railway company after having served thirteen years as Chief Executive Officer and eleven years as Chairman -- during which time BNSF became a Berkshire Hathaway owned company in 2002. Headquartered here in Forth Worth, BNSF operates one of the largest rail systems in North America with 32,000 route miles covering 28 states and two Canadian Provinces.

Lisa is Founder and President of ProjectHandUp, a non-profit organization that gives women a hand up with life's challenges through the First Friday event and The Gatehouse. She has served on GRACE's Advisory Council, the Dallas County Jail, and currently as a board member for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Performing Arts Fort Worth, and on the United Way Homelessness Allocations Committee.

Lisa and Matt live in Westlake and have two grown children, both graduates of TCU. They are members of Compass Church and enjoy their ranch in Marble Falls, Texas.

The Rogers Family

If the Rogers clan ever opened a restaurant, it would definitely have to be kid-friendly.  With four pediatricians and a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, the family has provided almost one hundred and fifty years of service to children in both Fort Worth (home to Tom and Joan Rogers, MD and Audrey and Jeff Rogers, MD along with daughter, Diana) and Boise, Idaho (home to Kelly and Larry “Buzz” Showalter, MD and their four boys-Ben, Sam, Hank, and Jack).

Doctor Tom (as three generations of patients know him) started practice in 1967.  Jeff and Audrey followed in 1989 and joined him to form Forest Park Pediatrics, now part of the Cook Children’s Medical System.  Drs. Tom and Audrey still practice together while Dr. Jeff took an early retirement and now writes full-time.  Buzz and Kelly have practiced in Boise for almost twenty years.

More than ever, a large part of the family’s interests and energies revolve around TCU:  Joan is on the Board of Trustees and three of the five grandchildren-Diana, Ben, and Sam-are currently students there.  Both Ben and Sam are pursuing pre-med tracks so, perhaps, the legacy will continue.

Standing, left to right:  Diana, Jeff and Audrey Rogers; Sam and Buzz Showalter; Tom and Joan Rogers.  Seated:  Jack, Kelly, Hank, and Ben Showalter.

The Rodger Family

Allan and Debra Rodger moved from Dallas to Fort Worth 19 years ago with their daughter Allison and son Matthew.

Allan is a native of New York but fell in love with Texas after meeting Debra. Debra and Allan own Zenith Roofing Services and Christmas by Zenith.

Allison is a 2011 graduate of Texas Christian University. She then attended San Diego State University to achieve her Masters in Communication. She met Captain Blaine Sibby of the US Marine Corp in 2013 while living in California. Their upcoming marriage is planned for May of this year, in Fort Worth.  After their wedding, the couple will be moving to Frankfurt, Germany for three years where Blaine will be serving our country at the United Sates Embassy.

Matthew graduated high school in 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a two time State Champion in wrestling during his high school years. He elected to attend Texas Tech University and is currently a senior. While at Texas Tech he has served two terms as President for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and is achieving his degree in Business focusing on Advertising and Marketing. Upon completing college, Matt plans to work and live in Texas.

The Rodger Family loves being a part of the Fort Worth community. Allan and Debra are very involved in various charities including The Ronald McDonald House and Toys- For-Tots. They are looking forward to watching their family grow in the upcoming years.

The Robertson Family

George and Kathy Robertson grew up in Big Spring, Texas and relocated to the area in the mid 80's. Ft worth is home now along with their son Joshua and wife Kristina and their two sons Jack and James. Their daughter Rebekah is also following in the entrepreneur regimen by currently working on operating a new boutique this summer in Fort Worth. The Robertson family has been involved in the healthcare hospice services to assisted living centers. The family enjoys giving back to their community and around the world through their foundation -- Project 4031; providing assistance for terminally ill patients and their families.The Robertsons recently developed and operate GrowCo Capital which works closely with entrepreneurs and startup businesses providing capital and management solutions. The entire family enjoys and loves the community that they live in and they strive to serve others through meeting needs with positive growth opportunities.

The Rich Family

Tara and Mark Rich have been married for 10 years and are pictured with their children, Jaxon and Madelyn. Mark is the director of investments at the Kimbell Art Foundation. He is a third generation CPA and is a CFA charter holder. He is on the board of directors of the Fort Worth Chapter of the TSCPA and serves on the investment committee at the Community foundation of North Texas and the United Way of of Tarrant County. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance and a Master of Accountancy degree.

In 2014 Mark was honored with the AICPA Maximo Mukelabai Award, presented to a young CPA for outstanding service toward the advancement, stewardship, and promotion of the accounting profession.

Tara graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in elementary education. After teaching pre-kindergarten for several years, she is currently raising Jaxon and Madelyn.

The Riches enjoy cross-country road trips together and are active members at the Hills Church in North Richland Hills.

The Prefontaine Family

Timothy and Almy Prefontaine live in Eagle Mountain with their three Children, Brendon, Isabella and Ryan. Timothy is a certified Executive Chef and has been the Chef of the Fort Worth Club since 2008.

Timothy has a degree in Culinary Arts from White Mountain Collage in New Hampshire and Almy a business degree from TCC. They moved to Fort Worth in 2008 from Houston. Timothy was the executive sous chef at the affluent River Oaks Country Club.

Timothy has been involved with numerous Charities since moving to Fort Worth including Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Lena Pope home, and Dinner Party for life. For the last 5 years with the help of Mayor Moncrief and Chief Jackson, Timothy has also organized a “Firefighters Feast” where he invites about 110 of  the Fort Worth Fire fighters that are scheduled on Thanksgiving day to the Club where they can Relax and enjoy a nice meal.

An avid competitor, Timothy has spent the last 10 years representing the United Sates as part of ACF Culinary Team USA, competing in events like the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg, IKA or “Culinary Olympics” in Germany.

The Opitz Family

After growing up in Haskell, Texas and graduating from McMurray University in Abilene, Dennis and Lochie moved to Fort Worth in 1969 where Dennis began his career in public accounting at Ernst & Ernst.  In 1974, Dennis and  John Clay purchased a small bookkeeping and tax practice that became the public accounting firm of Rylander, Clay & Opitz.

Under Dennis’s leadership, Rylander, Clay & Opitz has become one of the largest and most respected firms in Fort Worth.  Although Dennis recently retired from the firm, he is continuing his commitment to serve the Fort Worth community through his involvement on several local boards and committees.

Rob succeeded Dennis as managing partner of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, Sean is Controller for Jerry Durant Auto Group, Matt is Vice President at Frost Bank and all three along with their wives, Christy, Jana and Kristin serve on a variety of local boards and committees.  Also pictured are grandchildren Reagan, Connor and Crawford.

The Okruhlik Family

Troy and Meredith Okruhlik are happy to call Fort Worth home.  They are pictured with Will (7), Elliott (4), and Lucy (2).

Troy is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Harris, Finley & Bogle, where he began practicing after graduating from Baylor Law School in 2001.  Troy is licensed in Texas and Pennsylvania and specializes in business litigation, including the resolution of oil and gas disputes, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. Outside the office, you may find him coaching baseball at University Little League, coaching basketball at the Y, playing basketball at the Fort Worth Club, or cheering for the Aggies. After a career in health education, Meredith now spends her days volunteering at Tanglewood Elementary, hosting get-togethers for any reason, calendaring everyone’s sporting events, and nurturing her family and garden. Married almost 15 years, Troy and Meredith love to chase their kids down ski slopes, up hiking trails, or to the park on family bike rides, and are most grateful for their community of friends and neighbors.    

The Murray Family

Carole and Scott Murray began their journey together in college, when Scott was studying to be a pediatrician. They have been married over 35 years, while raising their two greatest joys, Doug, their son, and daughter, Stephanie.  Both graduated from Baylor University.

Scott spent over 30 years with NBC television as a multi Emmy Award-winning sports anchor and broadcast journalist.  Today he is Chairman/CEO of Murray Media, a video/HD/television production and A/V media event company that he founded in 2005 with his son, who is the company’s President.  Meanwhile, Stephanie is a corporate event planner based in New York City.  Both Scott and Carole have long remained active community volunteers spending the majority of their free time assisting others, while serving on the board/advisory boards of countless children’s, civic, charitable and non-profit organizations such as Cook Children’s Medical Center and Jewel Charity Ball.  

Scott has served as master of ceremonies at thousands of charity galas and non-profit events, raising money and awareness for hundreds of agencies that deal with medicine, the arts, military veterans, children and families in need for decades.

Aside from Murray Media, Scott stays active as a keynote speaker, published author and host of the weekly television program, Conversations with Scott Murray, on KTXD-TV.  His commitment to community has resulted in his being honored with such awards as: Man of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Director’s Award from the FBI and the US Department of Justice and Father of the Year.

Carole and Scott were inducted into the Philanthropy World Hall of Fame in 1996.  And, Scott, weekly shares their philanthropic spirit on The Scott Murray Radio Show on KLIF, when he talks with the leaders, legends and difference makers in our world, signing off each week with his trademark close….  “LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A GO-GETTER…. SHARE YOUR LIFE AS A GO-GIVER”.

The Mosier Family

Can You Find the Monkey?

Sheri and Trey Mosier’s families have lived in Texas since the early 1800’s.  Trey is a venture capitalist and serves on the Board of Directors for Strattec Advanced Logic, Westinghouse Securities, and Actuator Systems, which are security/biometrics access technology companies.  Sheri, a realtor for Virginia Cook, Realtors, serves as president of the AHHS Dance Guild, Children’s Leader for BSF, and an active member in The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Revolution and The Order of the Crown of Charlemagne.

Cameron (23) has a finance degree from Baylor, pursues his passion in video production and owns Aminal Productions. Clay (20) works at Old Home Supply and attends Tarrant County College.  Alyssa (16) is on the AHHS volleyball and dance teams.  Spencer (14) plays golf and is on the Monnig football and soccer teams.  Sofia (13) dances with Ballet Frontier of Texas.  Malena (11) loves gymnastics and riding horses, along with Evelyn (7) who also plays the violin.  The Mosier’s attend Christ Chapel.

The Miao Family

Ever since getting engaged in Sundance Square, Fort Worth has always had special meaning for Winjie and Darryl Miao. Darryl is a native Canuck who practices neonatology with a great group of physicians and nurse practitioners throughout Tarrant County. Winjie grew up in Decatur, Illinois and after living in three states in six years, is happy to call Fort Worth home. Winjie currently serves as the President at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance.

After raising their children in central Illinois, Daniel and Jeanne Tang retired to Plano in 2001.  They enjoy volunteering in the community, traveling with friends and are avid Dallas Mavericks fans. Their son, Anson, reunited with the family in Texas when he started medical school at UT Southwestern. He is currently finishing a neonatology fellowship. He met his wife, Emily, when she was assigned to Dallas as part of the Teach for America program. She is an instructional coach with Dallas ISD.

Pictured (l-r): Anson & Emily Tang, Jeanne and Dan Tang, Winjie & Darryl Miao

The Avila Family

John and Jane Avila are pictured here with their children and grandchildren.  The couple recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. John is the Chairman of Thos. S. Byrne and Jane the Founder of The Art Station, a nonprofit agency that provides art therapy for children and adults throughout the area. From left to right are their daughter Janine Berger with husband Jeff Berger, their children  seated Dana, Erin and Elizabeth.  Next is Paul Avila, Senior Vice President at Byrne, his wife Heather and children Megan, Conner and Caitlin.   Next is Matthew Avila , CEO at Thos S. Byrne with wife Kamela and children Oren and Ila.

John, a long term area construction executive purchased Byrne in 1995.  Jane combined her Art Degree from Trinity University with A UTA Masters in Social Work to open the Art Station over ten years ago.  Matthew serves as the FWISD Trustee for District 8.  Matt and Kamela enjoy sailing and snow skiing.  Paul and Heather enjoy camping, hunting and the outdoors.   Janine is an accomplished chef and she and Jeff enjoy their children, BBQing and traveling.  Jeff is a Senior Consultant with Accenture LLP.  Papa and Granny enjoy spending time with the grandchildren.

The McCay Family

As vice president in Buxton’s public sector division, Lisa works with proactive cities to improve their retail economic development efforts. She works with communities to maximize their ability to generate sales tax revenue and enhance quality of life for their citizens by successfully recruiting new retailers, retaining businesses as well as maximizing current retail options.  She is focused on communities in Texas, Illinois and California.

Lisa was recognized as the top revenue generator at Buxton across all sales divisions for the years 2013 and 2014. Her expertise in retail economic development has made her a popular speaker at conferences, luncheons, and webinars hosted by organizations such as the International City/County Management Association, the International Economic Development Council, and the Texas Municipal League.

 Lisa received her B.A. degree from Texas Wesleyan University and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

She recently married on 3-23-2013 and she and her husband Tom McCay live in Aledo, TX. Tom works in sales and enjoys hunting and all outdoor activities. Lisa is a step mother of twins (girl and a boy) who are now 17 and attend Aledo High where Michael (not shown) plays football, baseball, basketball and runs track. Kristin is a top 10% student in her class and takes all AP classes in an effort to attend A&M following graduation. We all love animals and have a dog we rescued named Baxter and 4 cats.

Hobbies: We enjoy scuba diving and have dived in Curacao, Grand Caimans, Antigua, St Lucia, and more. We snow ski most years and try to find a new place in CO or NM to try a new mountain or resort. We also water ski all summer on lake with our dear friends and neighbors. I have 2 older siblings who I am very close to and who live in Keller and Irving as well as my mother who is also in Keller.

One of the most interesting things about my job is I have had the opportunity to work on so many different projects and all across the country to truly see our hard work improving the overall quality of life for the people living in the communities. I have worked with Fire Authority’s to quantify incidents and reduce the loss of life and property damage caused by fires. I have assisted utility companies like Fort Worth Water understand usage, payer mix and overall customer propensities in order to conserve our resources and their educational targeting.  I have worked with communities who have food deserts (which means their residents don’t have reasonable transportation and/or resources to access fresh foods) in those cases our work has been the catalyst of a community having a grocery store and things taken for granted in more densely populated regions. My work also improves the sales and property tax of a community which goes into the City Coffers to pay our roads, fire, police and services.

The Lixey Family

Brian and Kimberly Lixey live in Hudson Oaks with their two children, Kyle and Faith.  Brian holds a BS in Psychology from UMHB and an MBA from Tarleton State University. Kimberly has a BS in Education from Texas A&M University.  They were married last year and Kimberly relocated herself, Kyle, and Faith from Pflugerville. They both grew up in Copperas Cove and their fathers served in the Army.  Brian has lived in Hudson Oaks since 2006, where he also serves on City Council.

Brian works for Branch Banking & Trust and is the Market President for Fort Worth.  He also serves on the Board for the Child Study Center and Texas Neighborhood Services.  Brian is also involved with Catholic Charities and serves on the finance committee.  Kimberly is a stay at home mom.  She devotes most of her time volunteering at their children's schools, and is very involved with their church.  They are both very passionate about their church, family, and community.

Brian also enjoys scuba diving, riding his Harley, fly fishing, and hunting.   He loves the Fort Worth area and the people, and feels it is a great place to live and work.

The Hodges Familly

Don and Freddie Hodges grew up in Canadian Texas a small ranch and farming community in the panhandle. They moved their family to Dallas in 1968. The Hodges Family owns and operates Hodges Capital Management. Each of the three kids work in the business. The family is a business family with a core belief that they are called to help every body with their investment needs regardless of asset size. Pictured are Don and Freddie and their kids and grand kids. Camille and Stan Hays and their family. Craig and Jo Ann Hodges and their family and Clark and Kristina Hodges and their family.

The Hockman Family

Pictured is the Hockman Family, Steve, Carla and Ryan.

Steve and Carla were married 27 years ago at Southcliff Baptist Church feel blessed  to call Fort Worth home, where they have lived the majority of their lives and raised their son, Ryan.

Steve is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and is Senior Vice President of Lending at Ciera Bank. Carla is a Fort Worth native, graduating from Southwest High School and works as an Administrative Assistant for Southwest Bank’s Trust Department. Ryan is a recent graduate of The University of North Texas, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and is employed with Ciera Bank as a Financial Credit Analyst in the Flower Mound region.

Steve is a former Chairman of the Board for the Day Resource Center for the Homeless and a current member of the Regional Counsel for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Carla, Ryan and I get true joy through giving back and volunteering in our community in any way that we can. Having the opportunity to help those that have been less fortunate than ourselves really gives our life prospective and purpose.”

The Hansen Family

Mitchel Hansen is pictured with his wife, Wendy and son, Bryce. Mitchel is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Summit Casting Equipment, an oil-field service company headquartered in Fort Worth. Mitchel earned a BS in Business Management from Iowa State University and has worked in the oil field business for 14 years. He co-founded Summit Casting Equipment in 2004 and has been instrumental in developing new products and currently holds two patents with the United States Patent and Trademark office. Professionally he is a member of the American Petroleum Institute and the American Association of Drilling Engineers. Mitchel is involved with the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and the Forth Worth Stock Show Syndicate.

Wendy is an senior Facilities and Real Property Analyst for Lockeed Martin in Grand Prairie. She received her BS in Business Management at the University of Montana and has 15 years of experience in real estate. Wendy is a member of the International Facility Management Association (FMA) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA.) She recently joined the Junior League of Fort Worth and volunteers with Toys for Tots and Special Olympics.

Bryce is an active 2 year old that enjoys throwing the ball and playing with trucks and trains! The Hansens reside in Aledo and are active in church, traveling, golfing, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and the Texas Rangers.

The Garcia Family

Meredith and Alan Garcia grew up in Fort Worth, attended Paschal High School and Southern Methodist University. They returned to Fort Worth in 2003 for Alan to work for Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Company, owned by Meredith’s parents, Judy and Price Hulsey. Alan worked for the family business for nine years and purchased Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Company in 2012. Alan considers the employees at Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Company family and continues the company’s 40-year-old tradition of putting employees first. They have never laid off an employee, even during economic downturns.

Alan and Meredith have three children, twin daughters Megan and Emily, and son, Sam. They enjoy spending time at Alan’s family’s ranch in Palo Pinto County, at Meredith’s family’s lake house on Possum Kingdom Lake, and in Big Bend.

The Del Conte Family

Pictured here is the Del Conte family. Chris is the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Christian University and has held this position since 2009. He serves on the Davey O'Brien Foundation Board, the National Sports Marketing Network Board, the Division I-A Athletics Directors Association, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He is best known for his vibrant personality and many suits! Chris’ wife, Robin Ward, is a professor of mathematics at Rice University. She also teaches an integrated mathematics-visual arts program to the children enrolled in the early childhood program at All Saints’ Episcopal School, and she does extensive professional development in mathematics with local schools, including TCU’s Andrews Institute, Everman ISD, Fort Worth ISD, and Educational First Steps. She is a former aerospace engineer and the author of five teacher resource books that integrate mathematics with the visual arts and with children’s literature. Their daughter, Sienna, is enrolled in 8th grade at All Saints’. She enjoys volleyball and the visual arts, and has even begun her own jewelry-making business with a classmate. Her sister, Sophia, attends 6th grade at All Saints’ and enjoys tennis, cooking, and photography. The entire family counts their blessings that they belong to such a genuine, supportive, and dynamic community here in Fort Worth.

The Daniel Family

Jackie and Benge Daniel are pictured with their family, Lauren and Kyle Trodden (pictured left), and Kathryn and Rob Daniel (pictured right.)  Jackie and Benge have lived in Fort Worth most of their married life.   Benge is a Periodontist and has served as President of the Fort Worth District Dental Society, as well as serving in many other leadership positions in the dental field.  They’ve been active in Jewel Charity, volunteering with dentistry in the community, First United Methodist Church, and River Crest Country Club, among other things.  Jackie works in their dental office, too.

Their son Rob Daniel is an Attorney in the Texas Justice Court Training Center in Austin, and his wife Kathryn is an Assistant County Attorney in Travis County.  Lauren, their daughter, and her husband Kyle Trodden live in Fort Worth where Lauren is a Research Associate with Saks Fifth Avenue and Kyle is Assistant Vice President at Hudson Advisors.

The Daniels all enjoy sports, traveling and spending time together.  (“Owen” is also pictured.)

The Clay Family

In 1984, the Lee Clay family was able to invest in a ranch, which had been settled by and operated by the same family for 3 generations.  It’s history was apparent with original log cabin, barns, fencing,  beautiful surrounding hills and  spring fed creeks leading to the headwaters of the Puluxy River.  It was named the 4C Ranch by Lee, Alan, Charlotte and Courtney Clay. A new brand was created-the 4 and the C were placed together so as a cross held the brand together:   “With Christ, all things are possible”, has been our family’s motto.

Lee was a practicing CPA at the time.  He retired in 2005 to be a full time rancher.  Both daughters married wonderful men and had started their own families by 2000.   Alan continues doing what she can as Lee’s ‘Domestic Engineer’ and Mimi, the grandmother.  Lee is now Boppy/Poppy.

The thirteen of us continue making memories together at the 4C Ranch.  Pictured in the portrait are grouped on left: Jeff, Charlotte, Brent, Ashlee, Sarah and Caleb Buell.  Alan and Lee in center. On right: Todd, Courtney, Ashton, Sawyer and Caroline Breeding.

Even with family fun together, all three families remain active in Fort Worth in their activities with education, work, play, friends and church.

These years of growing have brought many trials and blessings.  These changes and challenges have been experienced as we continue to see the natural beauty working together to inspire us to be dedicated workers wherever we awake---city or country.

The Brender Family

Tarrant County Bar Association 2015 Blackstone Award Recipient

Art Brender was born in Chicago, the eldest of three children and raised from the age of three in Dallas.  He graduated from Jesuit High School, worked as a baker and attended the University of Texas at Austin graduating with a B.A. in History.  He served as Lt.(jg) in the U.S. Navy (1969-1971), and attended law school at University of Texas at Austin on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1973.

In 2011, Brender was named a Trial Lawyer of the Year finalist by the national Public Justice Foundation and received the 2010 H.G. Wells Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association.

Brender counts as his proudest achievements winning two decisions before the U.S. Supreme Court.  In an employment discrimination case, . Watson v. Fort Worth Bank & Trust, the Supreme Court held that statistical evidence alone could be used to prove discrimination in subjective employment decisions.

Married to Lynda for 46 years, they have restored and placed on the National Register three historic homes located on Eighth Avenue, one of which serves as Brender’s office.  The Brenders have three children and six grandchildren.

The Barnes Family

Life long West Side Fort Worth residents Michael, Cindy, Cody and Austin Barnes have the distinct opportunity of working together at The Architects Barnes/Associates, Inc. Michael started the firm in 1977, just as the twins were born. Cindy became office manager when they left for college. When they are not working, they are lake rats on Possum Kingdom Lake,, and beach bummin' in Port Aransas! From design to construction, they are truly a one of a kind family business.