CoACT Mindful Market

• Collective Action Network (CoAct) North Texas implements initiatives such as Grow Southeast, which helps grow urban farms, and Funkytown Mindful Market, an artisan and farmers market hosted at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, designed to increase food access and cultural representation in East Fort Worth. Funding will allow the organization to expand educational efforts and support its Market Money program, which offers clients money to spend on local food at the Mindful Market.
• Community Link serves families in Northwest Tarrant County by providing food, case management, and mental health counseling, and through operation of the Azle and Saginaw farmers markets. The project will use funds to improve food production for its Fresh Link Farms initiative and support its Farmer Buyback Program, which allows the organization to purchase produce from farmers at fair market value.
• Erath County Community Garden is managed by the Stephenville 20th Century Club and three area churches to grow and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local food banks. The project will utilize funds to cover the cost of drip irrigation for its next phase of expansion and add more garden beds, which will allow them to greatly increase the amount of fresh produce supplied to Erath County residents.
• Feed the Streetz Outreach serves ZIP codes 75203, 75215, 75232, and 75180. The nonprofit works to minimize hunger and promote food security in Dallas by providing culturally nutritious foods to individuals and families, particularly those affected by systemic barriers out of their control. The organization will use funding to expand its mobile pantry efforts and introduce “Table Talk” community sessions with the goal of engaging and empowering residents by educating them about the links between diet, health, and lifestyle sustainability.
• New Life Farms in Dallas seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem that provides nutritious organic foods to underserved individuals as well as everyone else in the community. The organization firmly believes food is medicine and taking proper care of the soil is crucial to maintaining the health of the community. New Life Farms plans to use funds to create an onsite farmers market near UNT Dallas, where residents can receive fresh produce and other products.
• Ridglea Giving Garden in Fort Worth is a food production garden that uses sustainable and regenerative methods to grow healthy fruits and vegetables for local food banks. The goal is to educate students and families about healthy living habits and how food is cultivated. Ridglea Giving Garden will use funding to expand its production and education programs, with the goal of producing 2,000 pounds of food within the next year.
• Southside Community Garden is a grassroots initiative designed to increase access to fresh produce by creating home gardens for community members living in Fort Worth’s 76104 ZIP code, which has one of the lowest life expectancies in Texas. Funding will support garden revitalization days involving a network of home gardeners, volunteers, and organizers, which are planned in September and October.

New Life Farms

The post And the Growing Good Food Award Goes To… first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

“It just kind of happened naturally,” Asa said. “People were going through things, and [I thought] let’s create space where we can come together. I would lead meditations and play the [sound] bowls.”

Sound bowls, also known as singing bowls, are essentially inverted bells and can be played by striking them or running a suede-covered mallet around the edge to produce a note. They are used in meditative practices and in sound healing.

Her meditation practices inspired her to learn more about sound bowls, so Asa found an instructor online and began working over the next nine months to understand how sound affects the body. She began to feel pulled towards sound healing as its powers became clear to her.

“My name means ‘healer’,” said the 34-year-old. “So I was drawn to it. And as I learned more about it, I was like, ‘Yes, this is for me. This is what I want to do.’ It started a journey. This is a part of me. It grows with me.”

Most people think of crystal bowls when they think of sound healing, says Asa, but these never resonated with her. Instead, she was trained to use her voice in sound therapy (also known as sound bathing) and other instruments like the tongue drum, wind chimes, and rattles. She says sounds should mimic the elements.

“Rain sticks and the ocean drum are my favorite,” she said. “You want things that are like water, air, and things that ground you.”

Of course, not all south baths are created equal. Asa says sound is simply a frequency your body absorbs; some can be disrupting and irritating.

“Some people claim to be sound healers, but they’re just playing sounds. They don’t understand what they’re doing with the sound,” she said. “Sound bowls are very transient, so the person playing them also affects the sounds being played… If [the person using the sound bowl] is not also a calm person, the sound can be affected.”

Like many people who are passionate about their work, Asa isn’t in it for the money. The deep love she has for sound healing makes it hard for her to put a price on it.

“I can live off my passions,” she said. “But that puts a constraint on it because now you’re trying to put a price on it, you’re trying to put a time frame on it, you’re trying to market it to certain people.”

But Asa cannot, in good conscience, package sound healing as just another health trend or sell it as “corporate wellness.”

“I don’t want to put any of those categories on it because it’s very personal,” she said. “The sound that come for a person comes from what they need at that moment. Everyone’s going to have a different experience. People cry. People release. It’s deeper than just a surface service.”

While she is willing to work with larger groups, Asa prefers more intimate sessions that can be done anywhere: at home, outside, or even in creative and communal spaces. Through sound healing, she says people can do deep work. They ask themselves important questions, connect to their inner self, and maybe find moments of stillness and feelings of peace.

“Sound healing gets you to be clear on what you want in life,” said Asa. “What you’re here to do… to connect you with your own passion and purpose. Sound healing can be a tool to know your passion and your purpose. You need stillness. You need peace. You need calmness. Sound healing can start you on that journey.”

Photo credit: Yohann Nganza

Asa, known in her professional life as a DJ as ASA ACE, is using sound healing and live music to promote wellbeing in Fort Worth and around the world. Preferring to be known as a “vibe facilitator,” she has played DJ sets everywhere from Africa to Asia and at local venues like The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. She says music found her when she was not looking.

“I was a full-time respiratory therapist and trying to figure out my passion,” she said. “I wanted to create more. I just wanted a hobby.”

After becoming inspired by the way a friend mastered the room as he DJed, Asa decided to dedicate herself to the craft. Her uncle, a former DJ and producer she says worked with some big names in New York in the 1990s, encouraged her to follow her passion. He helped set her up with all the right gear and pushed her to work hard.

“All my days off, I would be in the house, practicing mixing,” she said. “I would take courses from people. I would find DJs that I like and ask them for lessons.”

Asa loves watching people as she DJs.

“You see the reaction of people – how they relax and are excited. This is what people need. It’s a form of healing. It opened up a whole new world for me.”

One of Asa’s first big shows as a DJ was in 2019 when Leon Bridges flew her to Las Vegas to DJ at a nightclub. From there, she went on to score residencies at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas and Hotel Dryce in Fort Worth. She released an EP in 2024 called “Sound Heals” with Zimbabwean producer Josh Major, and DJed shows in Ghana and South Korea.

Asa says you don’t always know what you are moving towards, but if you pursue your passions, journeys of self-discovery can begin.

“That’s what I found out about DJing,” she said. “These are the places that I’m supposed to be in and that I feel most alive in. And it’s because I followed my passion.”

When she is not facilitating vibes around town, you can find Asa at her and her sister’s boba shop, 1102 Bubble Tea & Coffee in Flower Mound. Go by and say hi, and stop for a bit to listen. It may be the first step on a new journey.  

The post Asa Aziz’s Healing Journey of Sounds first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Join us for an unforgettable run through the breathtaking scenery of Camp El Tesoro, featuring 5K, 10K, and a Kids 1K Fun Run. Walkers and runners are welcome, so bring the whole family!

Whether you’re racing for a PR or just soaking in the beauty of nature with friends, this course offers woods, prairies, and scenic creek-side paths to explore.

Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

With upgrades like a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Jon Bonnell and a cozy cabin overnight before your run, it’s bound to be a great weekend!

Register early to save your spot!

Register by February 17 to guarantee your exclusive race shirt.

Sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship of this exciting event allows your business to directly support North Texas youth while contributing to a community-focused legacy. Your involvement ensures vital funds continue supporting impactful Camp Fire programs that foster academic, emotional, and social growth for local youth.

Don’t miss out on this springtime adventure! Secure your spot today and make a difference for youth in North Texas!

The post Hit the Trails – Now in Warmer Weather! first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Tournament and daily passes are on sale now starting at $36 plus fees at VNLTickets.com. Fans from across the globe will gather to witness the pinnacle of volleyball action at this state-of-the-art venue, a proven hub for VNL action which hosted the finals of the 2023 edition and a preliminary phase of the 2024 edition and drew over 60,000 fans from around the world.

This premier volleyball competition will feature the world’s top women’s volleyball teams, including the reigning Olympic silver medalists, Team USA along with Germany, Canada, China, Thailand and Dominican Republic. These dynamic teams will compete in thrilling, action-packed matches as part of the five-day, 12 match pool. Arlington will be pool 3 where the teams will be fighting to secure their spot in the finals.

Photo courtesy of Volleyball Nations League

Finn Taylor, CEO of Volleyball World, shared his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be returning to Arlington for the VNL 2025. This city has proven itself as an exceptional host of world-class volleyball, and its large community of passionate volleyball fans will ensure an electric atmosphere for our athletes next July! The VNL has seen some exciting changes to its structure since the last edition, and I am excited to see this play out as the teams compete in the USA and beyond.”

The 2024 edition of VNL set new records for attendance, viewership and global engagement, highlighting volleyball’s growing international popularity. The 2025 tournament will be the largest VNL to date, with 18 teams, with two teams per gender competing for the first time: China and Ukraine for men, and Czech Republic and Belgium for women.

VNL is an annual international volleyball competition organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball World. Launched in 2018, the VNL showcases the top men’s and women’s national teams worldwide, competing in a league-style format. It is designed to boost global interest in volleyball by providing a high-profile tournament featuring the world’s best players, with the goal of providing increased visibility for the sport. The competition involves a series of preliminary rounds where teams compete in matches, followed by a final round featuring the top-ranked teams. Both men’s and women’s tournaments take place concurrently in an array of cities. Teams earn points based on their performance, and the tournament ends with a championship round where the best teams vie for the VNL title. The VNL emphasizes sports innovation and incorporates technology and entertainment features, including digital fan engagement and enhanced in-venue experiences.

Photo courtesy of Volleyball Nations League

The VNL tournament spans the globe with competitions for men’s and women’s teams. The women’s tournament starts June 4-8 in Ottawa, Canada. For the complete schedule, including the men’s pools and competing nations, visit VW Schedule Page. Fans can watch all VLN matches world-wide on VBTV.

The VNL serves as a critical pipeline for Olympic qualification, making it one of the most important events on the volleyball calendar for prospective Olympians and fans.

The schedule for matches at College Park Center in Arlington is as follows:

Wednesday, July 9

• 12:30 PM – Germany vs. Canada
• 4:00 PM – Dominican Republic vs. China
• 7:30 PM – Thailand vs. USA

Thursday, July 10

• 4:00 PM – Thailand vs. Germany
• 7:30 PM – Dominican Republic vs. USA

Friday, July 11

• 4:00 PM – Thailand vs. Dominican Republic
• 7:30 PM – Canada vs. China

Saturday, July 12

• 4:00 PM – Germany vs. China
• 7:30 PM – Canada vs. USA

Sunday, July 13

• 11:30 AM – Germany vs. Dominican Republic
• 3:00 PM – Thailand vs. Canada
• 7:00 PM – China vs. USA

The Arlington Sports Commission is a key stakeholder of the Women’s VNL 2025 USA stop. With a mission to elevate Arlington’s profile on the international stage, the Commission is helping to ensure the event’s global impact while highlighting Arlington as a premier sports destination.

Be Part of the Action – Tickets Now Available at VNLTickets.com.

The post World’s Best Volleyball Stars Return to Arlington in July first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

As the largest and most immersive touring Titanic experience, Titanic: The Exhibition is a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship with stories, artifacts, and ship re-creations, and will open on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Pepper Square located at 14902 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75254 in Addison, TX.

“Titanic has been a part of my life since the late 90’s when I had the incredible opportunity to dive to the wreck site, and since that firsthand experience, I’ve presented hundreds of exhibitions about the ship, her people and her stories.” Said Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine “One of the first Titanic exhibitions I was a part of was at Fair Park in Dallas in 2000. It’s been more than 20 years since I’ve presented a Titanic exhibition in the Metroplex and I’m extremely excited to be returning. This story continues to fascinate people; it’s every man’s story – the story of hopes and dreams. Our exhibition is designed to immerse the visitor in the history of the Titanic in a new way, with incredible media experiences and recreated environments that bring the story to life.”

Titanic: The Exhibition is an interactive exhibition that tells the chronological and dramatic tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage and tragedy of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world at that time. Guests will admire over 350 artifacts including china, menus, personal items and more, as well as props and costumes from the beloved James Cameron 1997 blockbuster film Titanic. Set inside fully immersive re-creations of the ship’s interior, the artifacts help navigate guests through Titanic’s timeline from sinking to underwater discovery.

Once “aboard,” visitors will receive a boarding pass corresponding with a passenger on the ship – allowing each guest to follow an individual passenger story as they explore the first, second, and third-class galleries with their corresponding artifacts. The stories of love and loss culminate in the final galleries, showcasing personal effects and individual anecdotes surrounding a tribute wall where each passenger’s fate is revealed.

Music from the era plays throughout the exhibit as patrons examine incredibly detailed recreations of the ship’s interiors including a two-story full-scale recreation of the ship’s famous Grand Staircase, the first-class hallway and millionaire’s suite, the third-class hallway and cabin, the boiler room, and the ship exterior promenade deck complete with a starry night sky.

The Discovery Gallery, dedicated to the discovery and research of the Titanic’s wreckage site, features a raised glass floor, simulating the impression of walking along the ocean floor. Broken china in the sand allows visitors to experience some of what discovery teams saw during dives to the Titanic site.

The exhibition also includes a striking and informative film that provides an in-depth look at the most recent forensic research related to the collision, breakup, and sinking of the Titanic and award-winning underwater photography of the Titanic lines the walls of the Discovery Gallery in a stunning display of the ship’s current state on the seafloor.

A companion VR Experience allows guests the opportunity to descend the 2.5 miles in the Atlantic to Titanic’s final resting place and experience firsthand what it is like to explore the ship far beneath the surface of the ocean.

Guests may also opt in to the companion audio guide, providing a rich companion narrative with additional in-depth stories of passengers, crew, and the events leading up to and following Titanic’s fateful sinking in April 1912.

“Titanic: The Exhibition connects visitors to the moving human stories of Titanic’s passengers and crew”. Said Mark Lach, Creative Producer of the exhibition. “As a member of the last team to dive to the Titanic wreck site to recover artifacts, I saw firsthand the awe-inspiring scale and significance of the ship. Of course it was exciting, but also very emotional as well. Through the passengers ‘stories, immersive recreations and authentic artifacts, we’ve brought that sense of wonder and discovery to our guests, allowing them to step back in time and experience Titanic’s legacy like never before.”

Exhibition Details and Tickets:

Exhibition Dates: 

Opens Friday February 14, 2025, for a limited time

Location:

Pepper Square 14902 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75254

Ticket Availability:

Tickets are on sale now at www.thetitanicexhibition.com

Ticket Pricing:

Tickets range from $21.50-$38.00 with discounts for seniors, military, and groups.

A 15% “early bird” discount applies for tickets purchased between December 18th and December 24th.

The post Titanic: The Exhibition Returns to North Texas first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Camp Fire First Texas (CFFT), our local Camp Fire affiliate, was founded in 1914. That’s 110 years of providing experiences through both outdoor and after-school programs that allow children to connect with nature, their peers, and themselves. In 1934, Camp El Tesoro, with its mission to cut the cord and allow kids to be kids, was established. In 1987, El Tesoro de la Vida Grief Camp was established to help children ages 2 through 17 navigate grief with the help of their peers. And for 40 years, An Artists’ Christmas gala has helped raise the necessary funds to support Camp Fire First Texas and its mission to provide every child in our community with “access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

This year, Carley and Brandon Moore are serving as chairs of the 40^th annual An Artists’ Christmas. I recently spoke with Carley, who has been involved for more than 15 years, about her experiences with Camp Fire First Texas.

Originally from New Mexico, Carley is a local realtor who moved to Fort Worth in 2008. She met her husband Brandon, owner of Mustang Credit Solutions, at the Colonial in 2007. (In a delightfully romcom-esque twist, they both worked for the same bank.) Carley was living in Lubbock at the time, and after dating long-distance for a year, Carley moved to Fort Worth.

“I sold my house and moved without a job,” Carley said. “Plus, I was ready for something new [instead of working at a bank], and I thought about looking for a job in marketing. I had always volunteered with local nonprofits and enjoyed it. Volunteering has always been very important to me.”

During her job search, Carley met a member of CFFT’s board, and thus, a decades-long relationship was born.

“I started volunteering in the fall of 2008, right before the 25^th anniversary of An Artists’ Christmas,” said Carley. “And then I actually started working there! I was on staff from 2009 to 2010 as I was beginning to build my real estate business, and I’ve continued to volunteer. Mainly I’ve worked on An Artists’ Christmas, but I’ve also been lucky to do some speaking for CFFT at things like corporate events. So to be asked to chair An Artists’ Christmas is a huge honor.”

For 40 years, art lovers and supporters of Camp Fire have come together for a night of great music, gourmet food, a silent and live auction, and dancing, all to ensure that area children can experience the magic of Camp Fire.

photo credit: Rachel Delira
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

“I love this gala so much,” Carley said. “We’ve got such a great art community in Fort Worth, and there’s a real desire within that community to support CFFT.”

An Artists’ Christmas Gala 2024 will take place on Saturday, November 1 at River Ranch Stockyards. The emcee is local businessman Carlo Capua. “Carlo is so fun,” Carley said. “I’m really looking forward to [him being the emcee].”

Fort Worth favorite Josh Weathers will be making music to make you kick up your heels and strut your stuff on the dance floor. And if you don’t want the party to end, don’t worry. This year, CFFT has introduced an After Party, where you can enjoy more music and drinks and make s’mores around the campfire.

photo credit: Rachel Delira
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

Of course, the highlight of the gala is the art. If you want a sneak peek of the art show before November 1, head over to the William Campbell Gallery at 217 Foch Street from October 25 through 26.

“The very first gala was in 1985,” Carley said. “In the 1985 gala catalog, the William Campbell Gallery received an award for enlisting the support of so many artists for the first gala, and 40 years later, they’re still helping!”

I asked Carley if she had any juicy tidbits about the gala to share with us. “Of course, we’re still putting together some amazing packages,” she said. “But the 40^th anniversary is traditionally the ruby anniversary. We’re working with very well-known, local jeweler on an extra-special something for the raffle!”

An Artists’ Christmas

When: Saturday, November 1, from 6:30 to 10:30
After Party is from 8:30 to 10:30 (tickets to the After Party required)

Where: River Ranch Stockyards

Attire: Cocktail – Sequins and Sparkles!

To purchase a table or individual tickets, click here, and we’ll see you on November 1!

The post Celebrating a Ruby Anniversary: The 40th Annual An Artists’ Christmas Gala first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

“Practice makes perfect,” the old saying goes, but does it really? In baseball, a player is considered great if he hits the ball slightly more than three times out of ten, and those guys take batting practice daily. The world’s best surgeons experience “complications” in what is commonly referred to as their medical “practice,” and every chef at every Michelin-starred restaurant in the world overcooks the fish or undercooks the chicken on occasion. In fact, perfection is likely the state of being experienced by fewer humans than any other.

Occasionally, though, perfection happens.

Photo courtesy of Gold Over America Tour

Come with me to the 2019 Collegiate Challenge, a gathering of the nation’s top college gymnasts. Katelyn Ohashi stands in the corner of the floor exercise mat, no doubt nervous but looking entirely relaxed. Her UCLA gymnastics team had won the 2018 PAC-12 and National Championships, so this is just another day at the office for the highly-decorated, 21-year-old North Texas gymnast. However, something magical is about to happen.

Before the music starts, Ohashi smiles and does a little dance. You can tell she’s in the groove. The music begins – a medley of Motown, R&B, and pop that gets the blood pumping. When she sticks her first breathtaking tumbling pass, the look on her face is one of supreme confidence, the culmination of a lifetime preparing for this moment. It’s as if she knows she has this one in the bag. Her next pass is even more electrifying, and for the next two minutes, Ohashi dazzles the crowd and the judges alike. She dances, flies, struts, claps to the crowd, and grins from ear to ear while her teammates dance along and cheer in the background. It’s a moment of perfection.

In the world of gymnastics, where precision, determination, and commitment reign supreme, Katelyn Ohashi captured the hearts of millions with her electrifying performance. That routine left an indelible mark on the sport and became a beacon of inspiration for countless young athletes worldwide.

What made Ohashi’s performance genuinely remarkable was not just her technical proficiency but also the palpable joy and exuberance she exuded throughout the routine. From her infectious smile to her energetic choreography, she radiated pure happiness with every movement.

Those two minutes of perfection went viral immediately and have since garnered 244 million views on YouTube. What is more astonishing, though, is this was the first of SIX perfect 10s Ohashi would achieve in the 2019 season and one of ELEVEN she achieved over her college career. That’s a whole lot of perfection for one person, especially when you consider the subjectivity inherent in a judging process conducted by multiple fallible human beings.

UCLA Athletics – 2019 UCLA Women’s Gymnastics versus the Utah State. Pauley Pavilion, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.
March 16th, 2019
Copyright Don Liebig/ASUCLA
190316_GYM_1172.NEF
Courtesy of Gold Over America Tour

When I asked her about that routine, Ohashi shared, “To have that highlight in my career shows that I didn’t need the Olympics or any medals to make myself feel whole or to create that level of success. It didn’t come from being number one. It came from me having so much fun in the sport.” Ohashi then went on to recount two of her favorite moments in a career rife with accomplishment.

“I remember the 2012 Pacific Rims [Pacific Rim Gymnastic Championships]. It was one of my bigger international assignments I had done. I hit my peak at this point. My whole family got to come out. We [the athletes] were all struggling with injuries. We were all struggling together, and it was this beautiful competition… I just remember the American flag coming down and we had won… we were standing on the podium, and it was this moment that felt like everything was worth it. All the struggle, all the pain that we felt. It was really beautiful to me.”

Ohashi paused. “Another one was in 2018 at the NCAA Championships. It was a story of triumph and never giving up. UCLA was down really bad halfway through the competition. It would have been easy to say, ‘Okay, well we’re not going to win. We’ll do what we came here to do, but we have no hope.’ We needed to average a 9.95 on beam. No one had gotten a 9.95 on beam that whole competition, and that’s what we had to average. Then our second girl fell so the pressure was on. In that moment, I told everyone this is where we thrive; under pressure is where we do the best and have the most fun.” UCLA went on to win that competition in a magical come-from-behind triumph.

Ohashi was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up right here in North Texas, graduating from Plano Senior High in 2015 before attending UCLA. She started gymnastics at age three and began competing at the national level at age 12. She has spent a literal lifetime in the pursuit of perfection. While perfection has come, it has come at a cost. Like most athletes, Ohashi has dealt with more than her fair share of injuries. In April 2013, after winning the American Cup in March (defeating teammate Simone Biles), she suffered a shoulder injury that took her out of competition for the rest of the year. In 2014, she suffered two torn shoulders, had spinal surgery, and did not return to competition until 2015. As a freshman at UCLA, she landed on her neck when dismounting a faulty balance beam and suffered a sternal fracture. In typical Ohashi fashion, however, she persevered and returned even stronger. And while she never competed in the Olympics, she is still one of the most-recognized and most-loved women gymnasts of the 21^st century.

Photo courtesy of Gold Over America Tour

In a sport infamous for intense pressure on and scrutiny of children, Ohashi, like so many other gymnasts, suffered routine body-shaming from coaches and developed an eating disorder at an early age. She is very outspoken about the win-at-all-costs attitude within youth sports that often sacrifices kids’ mental and physical health on the altar of Victory. Ohashi is refreshingly candid about her struggles with body image, self-esteem, and the pressures of elite competition. While her athletic prowess is undeniable, her authenticity and vulnerability have resonated the most with her fans. In many candid interviews and heartfelt social media posts, Ohashi uses her platform to advocate for self-love, body positivity, and mental health awareness, inspiring young athletes to pursue their passions without fear of judgment.

Because of her honesty and willingness to speak out, Ohashi has become a sought-after speaker and activist, using her voice to champion causes close to her heart. From advocating for gender equality in sports to speaking out against all kinds of bullying, Ohashi is deeply committed to creating positive change in the world. Through her actions and words, she inspires others to stand up for what they believe in and use their voices to make a difference.

In 2021, Ohashi came out of retirement and took her message of positivity on the road as part of the Gold Over America Tour. When I asked if she had any advice for young athletes, Ohashi said, “My advice is to not compare yourself to one another… This tour is the perfect example of that because we all come from different walks of life, we’ve all had different experiences, we don’t look the same, our gymnastics doesn’t look the same, so I feel like it shows you follow your own unique path. You can have motivation from us, you can get inspiration from us, but really, your journey comes from you… there’s something really important in living authentically to yourself, and that’s what this whole tour is about. It’s supposed to bring joy and be uplifting and inspire people to feel comfortable in their own skin.”

Conceived by Olympic champion Simone Biles and featuring an ensemble cast of world-class gymnasts, dancers, and entertainers, the Gold Over America Tour transcends traditional boundaries to deliver a spectacle that celebrates the power, grace, and resilience of women in sport.

As the most decorated gymnast in world championship history and a four-time Olympic gold medalist, Biles not only shattered records but also shattered stereotypes, proving that greatness knows no bounds. Inspired by her journey and that of her fellow gymnasts and fueled by a desire to empower the next generation of female athletes, Biles envisioned a tour that would showcase the incredible talents of women athletes while celebrating their individuality, strength, and resilience. So, who better to include in that ensemble than Katelyn Ohashi?

Photo courtesy of Gold Over America Tour

At its heart, the Gold Over America Tour is a celebration of athleticism, artistry, and empowerment. It is a groundbreaking extravaganza that combines breathtaking gymnastics routines with electrifying performances, dynamic choreography, and powerful storytelling. From gravity-defying flips and twists to mesmerizing dance sequences, each performance is an inspirational testament to the dedication, skill, and passion of the athletes who grace the stage. Led by Biles herself, the tour features a diverse lineup of gymnasts from around the world, each bringing their unique style and flair to the spotlight.

What makes the Gold Over America Tour especially unique is its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, both in terms of the performers and the audience. Representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, the athletes on tour serve as role models for young people everywhere, proving that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance. From Olympic champions to rising stars, the tour showcases the full spectrum of talent within the gymnastics community, inspiring audiences of all ages to dream big and reach for the stars.

Beyond the dazzling displays of athleticism, the Gold Over America Tour is a platform for empowerment and advocacy. Through their performances and personal stories, the athletes on tour address important issues such as body image, mental health, and the culture of winning no matter the cost, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of solidarity among audience members. By sharing their triumphs and challenges, these elite athletes empower others to love themselves and pursue their passions with courage and conviction.

Katelyn Ohashi ©Emily Howell Forbes
Courtesy of Gold Over America Tour

As the Gold Over America Tour enters its fourth year, it continues to dazzle audiences and inspire change; its impact on the world of gymnastics and beyond is undeniable. From its groundbreaking performances to its commitment to empowerment and advocacy, the tour represents a new era of possibility and potential for female athletes everywhere. Through their talent, passion, and resilience, the athletes on tour are redefining the sport of gymnastics and reshaping the narrative surrounding women in sports.

For Katelyn Ohashi, the tour represents an opportunity to showcase gymnastics outside its most popular format. “Gymnastics has grown so much in the last several years, gymnastics beyond the Olympics. Gymnastics is always huge during the Olympics, but now people are watching college gymnastics, and we’re selling out arenas all over. So, when Simone decided to create this tour, it was kind of like for the first time, you get to see gymnasts that aren’t at the Olympics, that aren’t the top one percent [of competitors], and little girls can have a really tangible goal… the Olympics is only five girls every four years, and you realize not everyone gets that opportunity. So it was a no-brainer for me to do the tour.”

This year, the tour will feature several gymnasts who are bound for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and many who are not. Fortunately for Fort Worthians, the tour will make a stop here with a performance at Dickie’s Arena on October 20^th. It’s a rare opportunity to see the best gymnasts in the world doing what they love to do. And who knows, a new Olympic Champion may be in the house.

The post Shining Through: An Interview with Katelyn Ohashi first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

As Volleyball Nations League kicked off their first stop in Brazil, the women’s VNL did not disappoint as the best of the best came out to fight for a place on the final roster for Arlington and the coveted VNL trophy. The final roster includes three Texans and seven Olympians. North Texas will have their chance to see middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Asjia O’Neal and outside hitter Avery Skinner all from Texas at College Park in Arlington May 28-June 2. Tickets are available at VNLTickets.com, offering U.S. fans the opportunity to Be Part of the Action. Pricing starts as low as $16, for a child’s ticket and $23 for adults, not including fees.

This will be the last major volleyball event before the Paris Olympic Games and the only VNL matches in the USA this year. VNL is the world’s premier annual international indoor volleyball tournament where the top 16 teams in the world play for the coveted VNL Trophy.

L to r: Avery Skinner, Asjia O’Neal, Chiaka Ogbogu

Top local favorites to watch on the U.S. Women’s Team:

• Chiaka Ogbogu from Coppell, TX – Middle
  • Ogbogu has been a member of Team USA since 2018. Winning the Olympic gold in 2020 and VNL in 2019 and 2021
  • Has played professionally in Italy, Poland and Türkiye
  • Three-time AVCA First Team All-American at University of Texas
  • Left Texas with most blocks, block assists in school history
  • Represented U.S. on Women’s Collegiate National Team
• Asjia O’Neal from Southlake, TX – Middle Blocker
  • Made her senior national team debut at 2023 Volleyball Nations League
  • Two-time AVCA first team All American at the University of Texas who helped the team to NCAA championships in 2022 and 2023
  • Finished at Texas with the most blocks in school history topping her U.S. Women’s teammate Chiaka Ogbogu
• Avery Skinner from Katy, Texas – Outside Hitter
  • Helped the U.S. Women earn berth to Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the 2023 FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier
  • Made her senior national team debut at 2022 pan Am Cup
  • Won the 2020 NCAA National Championship with University of Kentucky
  • All-American at both Kentucky and Baylor University (played 2017-20 at Kentucky and final season in 2021 at Baylor)
  • Best Spiker and Best Scorer at 2022 Pan Am Cup

Players on the roster from the team that won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: setters Micha Hancock and Jordyn Poulter, libero Justine Wong-Orantes, outside hitters Jordan Larson, opposite Jordan Thompson, middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Haleigh Washington.

Other players who have competed in previous VNL to include setters libero Morgan Hentz outside hitter Ali Frantti,Khalia Lanier, Kathryn Plummer, and middle Dana Rettke.

USA Team 2023

Head Coach Karch Kiraly is a three-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist as a play who took over as head coach in 2013. Hea has led the U.S. Women to a World Championship in 2014 and an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Kiraly’s first assistant is Tama Miyashiro, who won a silver medal as a libero with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team. The second assistants will be Marv Dunphy, Alfee Reft and Erin Virtue.

VNL will go on to Fukuoka, Japan (June 11-16) with the VNL Final round June 20-23 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The U.S. Women’s National Team, three-time VNL champion and the reigning Olympic Champion, will welcome to Arlington, Texas VNL 2023 Champion Türkiye along with Canada, South Korea, Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Poland. Spectators can expect a week of intense volleyball action featuring the world’s best athletes.

Volleyball World will provide fans, athletes, partners, and other sport afficionados with the ultimate volleyball experience. It will be memorable for all attendees whether new to the sport or a volleyball pro.

The post Volleyball Nations League Women’s Storms into Arlington first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Mr. Mahrouq is the chairman and CEO of MEI Group and ikon Technologies. He is also a graduate of UTA College of Business which is what he says fuels his commitment and personal connection to the mission of Taste Project. “This project is close to my heart because it encompasses feeding two very important groups of people, the hungry and UTA students,” says Sam Mahrouq. “I remember, in the beginning when I was a student, I lived on meals that cost $0.99. Taste Project provides healthy meals for whatever a student can afford.”

Taste Project founder, Jeff Williams, understands all too well what this is like. Growing up in a family where food was sometimes scarce, Jeff watched his parents skip meals so his sister and he could eat. Today, families like Jeff’s and students like Sam can enjoy a healthy, nutritious meal at Taste Community Restaurant, a nonprofit, pay-what-you-can restaurant that focuses on healthy, chef-prepared meals made from fresh ingredients that are available to all. Taste Community Restaurant has become a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families facing hunger and food insecurity.

Sam Mahrouq
Photo courtesy of Taste Project

To date, Taste Project has raised nearly $2.3M. To help expedite the remaining funding needed for renovations to open this summer, Sam and Rania Mahrouq have generously pledged $100,000. Furthermore, they’ve agreed to match donations made before summer, dollar-for-dollar, to secure an additional $275,000!

“My heart is to feed, educate, and serve our community, and we are blessed this is a mission close to Sam’s heart as well,” says Jeff Williams, founder and executive director of Taste Project. “We are grateful for the generous pledge and match from Sam and Rania that brings us closer to opening day.”

Taste Project is in the process of renovating the city-owned building at 200 N Cooper Street, formerly used by the Water Utilities Department and the Arlington Public Library, into a 100-plus seat full-service restaurant that includes a production kitchen, culinary training classroom, and headquarter office. Programing is funded in part by Texas Health Resources and will mirror services offered in Fort Worth including breakfast, lunch, and brunch pay-what-you-can meal services; and for those who need more than a meal, culinary job training, financial workshops, nutrition counseling, and healthy living assessments are also offered.    

Image courtesy of Taste Project

Located within walking distance of UTA, Texas Health Resources Arlington Memorial Hospital, and numerous Downtown homes and businesses, the future Arlington restaurant will bring affordable healthy food choices where they are needed most in Arlington. The project will also add one of Yelp’s Top 100 Best Places to Eat to Arlington’s growing list of dining options in Downtown.

With support from philanthropists like Sam and Rania Mahrouq, Taste Project is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of UTA Students and Arlington residents as they anxiously await the launch of the next Taste Community Restaurant.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Taste Community Restaurant in Arlington. You can help feed our community, nourish college students, and pave the way for a brighter future through job training and stability with your special opening day gift. And if you give before summer, Sam and Rania Mahrouq will match your donation and double your impact!  

For more information on how to support Taste Project and its Arlington Capital Campaign, please visit www.tasteproject.org/arlington.

Image courtesy of Taste Project

The post Pledge of Support for Taste Project Arlington first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

“But wait,” I hear you say. “It’s only March.” Sure. It’s only March. But spring break is NEXT WEEK, and after that comes SUMMER. Which means we need to find something to keep the Little Darlings from killing each other STAT.

Luckily for all of us, we have the perfect solution. Introducing Tanglewood Moms’ Summer Camp Guide 2024!

Whether it is a sleepaway camp or a day camp close to home, summer camp can be an important part of a child’s physical and mental development. A few years ago, the American Camp Association did a study on the value of summer camp. The study showed marked growth in campers’ independence, self-confidence, and self-assuredness. Ninety-three percent of campers reported that camp allowed them to become friends with people who are from different backgrounds. Seventy-four percent of campers reported that they did things that they were afraid to do at first. Seventy percent of parents reported that their child gained self-confidence at camp.

Camp can expand a child’s horizons in ways that school, with its heavy emphasis on test results, cannot. Whether it’s doing a ballet intensive, building a robot, learning a new sport, or putting on a play, camp allows children to focus on something they love or learn something entirely new.

Perhaps most importantly, camp allows children to just be children. Yes, there are expectations placed on them at camp. They have to learn to work with strangers and resolve minor conflicts that may arise. They have to learn that their every want will not be accommodated. But without the pressure of grades and the expectations of family, teachers, and peer groups, campers are free to simply live and soak up every adventure and learning opportunity. Simply put, they can stop being students and simply enjoy being kids.

There are many wonderful possibilities for your child this summer in Fort Worth. No matter what it is that makes your kiddo smile, they can do it here. We hope that this will be a comprehensive list of summer camp options in Fort Worth for you to consult from year to year. We’ve organized our index to separate camps by age as well as theme for easy navigation. Many of our partners have generously sponsored ads with full details about the camps they offer. If you’d like to learn more about advertising with us, please email tanglewoodmoms@gmail.com.

The post Happy Campers – 2024’s Summer Camp Guide first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.