As COO, Rios will oversee day-to-day operations of the Center’s Rape Crisis & Victim Services, Mental Health Services, and Employment Solutions; help develop and advance organizational strategy; and partner with teams across development, finance and business operations. She brings a distinguished record of leadership in nonprofit management, operational excellence, and community service – making her a strong addition during a pivotal period of succession and long‑term planning for the organization.

Prior to joining The Women’s Center, Rios served as Chief Philanthropy Officer at Presbyterian Night Shelter (PNS). In her tenure at PNS, she worked adjacent to the CEO, Chief Financial Officer, and Program Directors to develop and implement the strategic plan, expand programs, and grow PNS’s social enterprise business.

Photo courtesy of The Women’s Center

“Brenda is an exceptional leader whose vision and commitment align deeply with our mission,” said CEO Laura Hilgart. “She is dedicated to maintaining The Women’s Center’s culture of excellence, community collaboration and partnership, employee engagement, and trauma-informed work.”

“We are so excited to have Brenda Rios joining us while Laura continues to lead the Center into 2027, at which time Brenda is expected to step into the Chief Executive Officer role. This gives us the opportunity to maintain seamless continuity in services to our clients while also preserving and building upon the legendary impact Laura’s leadership has made to our community over her many years of service,” said Frank Anderson, Board Chair of The Women’s Center.

The post The Women’s Center Announces New Chief Operating Officer first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Set over nearly two decades, King James traces the evolving friendship between two men brought together and at times divided by their shared devotion to basketball during the era of LeBron James and the cultural shifts that surrounded his rise. What begins as a simple bond over fandom grows into a nuanced exploration of loyalty, identity, ambition, and what it truly means to stand by someone.

At its core, King James is not just a sports story. It is a story about connection. It examines how the teams we root for, the cities we claim, and the cultural moments we live through shape who we become.

photo credit: TayStan Photography

The production stars Davayun Chase* as Shawn and Micah JL Brooks* as Matt, with Kae Styron as DJ. The creative team includes Kris Black Jasper* (Stage Manager), Crystal Williams (Assistant Stage Manager), Leah Mazur (Scenic Designer), Ryan Matthieu Smith (Costume Designer), Matt Wilson (Lighting and Sound Designer), and Bekah Barham (Props Designer).

“Rajiv Joseph has written something incredibly human,” says Director Cherish Love*. “You do not have to love basketball to love this play. It is about friendship in its most complicated and imperfect form. It asks how we grow, how we change, and whether the people who met us at one point in life can still recognize us years later.”

photo credit: TayStan Photography

Written by one of America’s most celebrated contemporary playwrights, King James blends humor with cultural reflection while examining loyalty, identity, race, class, and the American dream.

King James is recommended for ages 14 and up and contains strong language, including references to racism.

Performances run March 5 through March 28, 2026 at Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth. Tickets are available at www.circletheatre.com. Season tickets are on sale now and include King James as part of Circle Theatre’s upcoming ICONIC season.

*Member of AEA

The post KING JAMES Comes to Circle Theatre first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Performances will be presented at the Thad Smotherman Theatre at Texas Wesleyan University (1205 Binkley Street, 76105) from Thursday, February 26 through Sunday, March 8, 2026. Tickets can be purchased online at txwes.edu/theatretickets.

Fast-paced, witty, and physical, three actors present all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in just 97 minutes… hopefully! Full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike, Complete Works celebrates the most popular and prolific playwright of all time! The plays are adapted by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield, and feature new revisions by Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. The play was originally produced by the Reduced Shakespeare Company and is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.

The cast, production team, and crew include Texas Wesleyan theatre majors and minors pursuing Bachelor or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, as well as members of the faculty and staff. The cast includes Tristan Andrews as Daniel, Roman Posner as Jess, and Aaron Simmons as Adam.

The initial members of the production team, helmed by Whitt-Lambert, include Trinity Chenault (assistant director), Leo Holmes (stage manager), Bianca Zamorano (assistant stage manager), Colin Schwartz (scenic/lighting/sound design), Vivi-Anne Amparan (assistant lighting design), Dylan Evans (assistant sound design), Jazmin Rebollar (costume design), Madisyn Savard (assistant costume design), Nathalie Beyna (props design), Trent Cole (assistant props design), and Ricky Olivarez (poster/graphic design).

PERFORMANCE DATES

• Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 pm
• Friday, February 27 at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 pm
• Friday, March 6 at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 pm
• Sunday, March 8 at 7:30 pm Matinee

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased online at txwes.edu/theatretickets or by calling (817) 531-4211. Tickets will also be available at the door in-person beginning one hour before each performance.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] is recommended for ages 13 and up and contains mild adult humor.

All plans and information are subject to change. Please refer to Theatre Wesleyan on Facebook (facebook.com/theatrewesleyan) or Instagram (@theatrewesleyan) for the most up-to-date details.

If you have questions, please contact the Theatre Wesleyan office at (817) 531-5867.

The post Theatre Wesleyan to Attempt ALL of Shakespeare first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The post More Reasons to Love Margie’s first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This program will serve students from ages 17-22 who are interested in developing their skills in stage management, lighting design, costume design and a newly added puppetry design track. Each mentee will receive hands-on training from Fort Worth industry professionals on a mainstage show during Hip Pocket’s much awaited 50th Season, as well as a stipend for their work.

APPLICATION TIMELINE: 

• Application Open: January 24, 2026
• Application Closed: February 14, 2026
• Initial Interviews:  between February 15-28, 2026 based on student availability
• Decisions by: March 6th, 2026

TRACKS OFFERED

Stage Management – Gianina Lamberti-Stanfield (Mentor)

• Will shadow Gianina as Stage Manager throughout the entire rehearsal process and work as Assistant Stage Manager for a mainstage show.
• As ASM, they will be included in all rehearsal/show policies, procedures, and paperwork. They will learn what the distinguishing factors are for stage managing indoor and outdoor productions, and get hands-on experience in an outdoor theatrical setting.

*NEW* Puppetry Design – Basil Twist (Mentor)

• Will shadow and assist New York- based puppeteer and puppetry artist Basil Twist throughout the design process on the building, pulling, material sourcing and curating of all puppet elements
• Maintain and care for all puppetry elements for the duration of the show run.
• Will assume the role of Run Crew Member for the duration of the show run with a focus on puppetry elements.

Lighting Design – Nikki DeShea Smith (Mentor)

• Will shadow and assist Nikki throughout the design process including designing, hanging, programming cues.
• Will assume the role of Board Operator for the duration of the show run.

Costume Design – Susan Austin (Mentor)

• Will shadow Susan through the entire design process including vision boarding, sourcing, pulling altering and purchasing costumes/costume pieces.
• Will assume the role of Wardrobe Supervisor for the duration of the show run.

DATES AND REQUIREMENTS

1st Cohort Meeting (ALL TRACKS): Mid-May (Scheduled based on student availability)

Stage Management/Puppetry Design Track Dates:

• Production Meetings: Mondays at 6pm starting June 15, 2026
• Rehearsal Dates: June 22-July 2
• Tech Week: July 3-9
• Show Run: July 10-26 (Fri/Sat/Sun, 9PM performances)

Lighting Design/Costume Design Track Dates:

• Production Meetings: Mondays at 6pm starting July 6, 2026
• Rehearsal Dates: July 13-30
• Tech Week: July 31- Aug. 6
• Show Run: Aug. 7-30 ((Fri/Sat/Sun, 9PM performances)

Cohort Graduation (ALL TRACKS): Early September (Scheduled based on student availability)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MENTEES:

• Fall within the 17-22 age range.
• Attend all scheduled production meetings, tech rehearsals, show nights (if applicable to track), and strike of show.
• Be responsible for transportation to and from the theater.

Ready to apply? Click the link here!

The post Applications Open for the Diane Simmons Mentorship Program at Hip Pocket Theatre first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The National Weather Service expects arctic air to arrive on Friday afternoon with the possibility of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the entirety of North and Central Texas starting Friday afternoon and continuing through late Saturday night. Cook Children’s Health Care System is prepared and wants to ensure caregivers are prepared too. Our experts share what families should know to avoid getting sick, staying safe on the roads, playing outside or at home.

Keeping Warm and Having Fun

“If you are going to be outside, dress appropriately,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Experts advise caregivers to dress little ones in several thin layers to keep warm and dry. Children are at more risk from the cold because their bodies lose heat more quickly. Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are recommended.

Make sure children change out of any wet clothes as soon as they come indoors.

“While playing in the snow or “sledding” be aware of your surroundings, be careful to not run into trees or out into the street and mailboxes can be real dangers,” said Evans.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, “is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.” This is a medical emergency, and treatment should be sought immediately.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Blue skin
• Shivering
• A cool chest and stomach are signs that children may be dangerously cold.
• If you see these symptoms, take action immediately to get kids out of the cold. Seek immediate medical attention if you are not able to warm the body.
• Victims of hypothermia can include babies sleeping in cold rooms.

Warning signs for infants include:

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

Warning signs for adults include:

• Shivering, exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness

Coats & Car Seats

While keeping kids warm is a priority during the winter, it should never come at the expense of car seat safety.

“Stay home and inside if possible. If you must be on the roads make sure everyone is buckled up correctly,” said Evans.

Bulky coats, such as puffy jackets, can create extra space between the child and harness straps or seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a car crash.  It is recommended to dress in thin layers and use a blanket or put the coat on backwards after the child is buckled in.

If caregivers decide to start the car to allow it to warm up prior to entering the vehicle, it is important to make sure the car is in a ventilated area, such as an open garage, and that they lock the vehicle when they are not inside.  This will make sure that a child does not enter the vehicle unsupervised and become trapped in the vehicle.

Evans adds families should have snacks, water, and extra blankets in their car in case you get stranded.

“If you are stranded and waiting for help on the side of the road, please make sure everyone stays buckled up,” said Evans, “often cars may slide/spin near you and hit your car.”

In addition, just as local officials advise people to stay off the roadways, if possible, ice can make dangerous driving conditions for ATV’s, Golf Carts and Go Karts.

Safe Sleep

With winter weather, keeping infants warm is a priority for caregivers, and it is essential to do so safely.

“Caregivers often use extra blankets and hats for warmth, but these soft items can easily become a suffocation or entanglement hazard,” said Samantha St. John, program coordinator at Cook Children’s Center for Community Health.

A safer alternative is a sleep sack, also called a wearable blanket. A sleep sack provides warmth and comfort without risk because it fits securely around the baby’s upper body and is sized so the fabric cannot cover their face, while still allowing plenty of room at the bottom for comfort and movement.

St. John suggests a general rule to follow dress a baby in one more layer of clothing than an adult would find comfortable in the same environment.  In winter months this could mean baby is in a long sleep fleece onesie with a wearable blanket/sleep sack. When dressing baby for bedtime or nap time during the extremely cold temperatures, it may be necessary to add socks, mittens, or hats to baby. Caregivers want to make sure that these items cannot come off during sleep and become a loose item in the crib.  It is also important to make sure baby is not going to overheat.  Signs of overheating can include sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.

Remember the ABCs of Zzzs:

• Alone: The sleep space should be clear of any soft items, such as blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, and bumper pads, leaving only a mattress with a tight-fitted sheet.
• Back: Babies should always be placed flat on their back for every nap and every night.
• Crib: A crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet is the safest sleep surface.

This article, written by Lourdes Vazquez for Cook Children’s Checkup Newsroom, is shared with permission. 

The post Preparing for the 2026 Big Freeze first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Robert Sturns, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

Rabbi Andrew Bloom, Rabbi at CAS

Mike Micaleff  

Dr. Don Mills 

The post TAFB Welcomes New Board Members first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Due to the nature of our event and the coordination required across multiple pre-booked venues, including the Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena, as well as the scheduled PRORODEO Tournament as part of the event, we are unable to reschedule performances or competitions.

Photo courtesy of FWSSR

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo maintains a No Refund / No Exchange policy on rodeo tickets, and tickets will remain valid only for their scheduled performances. Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time.

We appreciate the continued support of our guests, exhibitors and fans and look forward to a safe and successful weekend at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The post FWSSR Events Proceeding as Scheduled first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Mike Brennan, currently in his 20th year with the organization and completing his eighth year as NSI president, will hand off executive responsibilities to longstanding teammate Megan Henderson. Megan currently serves as NSI’s Cultural Director and manages NSI’s broad range of community, cultural, and business support programs. The two have worked in close partnership since Megan joined NSI in 2013, a partnership the board believes will facilitate a smooth transition as Megan steps into the president’s role. NSI followed a similar succession path in 2018 when Mike was elevated to president after 12 years as Planning and Development Director, succeeding former president Paul Paine.

“My top priority, after 20 years with NSI, and reflecting on both the organization’s accomplishments of the past decades and the exciting work ahead, is to set NSI up for long term stability and continued momentum,” states Mike Brennan. “Having the right leader is the most critical ingredient for success – our board of directors and stakeholders know Megan Henderson is that leader. She has been the driving force of much of NSI’s community work for over a decade, and her impact has been remarkable. Megan is the right person at the right time to steer the next era of the Near Southside.”

Photo courtesy of NSI

“The Near Southside’s strength and vibrancy is a direct reflection of Mike’s 20-year dedication and immeasurable impact to the district. He has represented our diverse set of economic and community stakeholders with passion and vision, and the results of his leadership are evident in every facet of the Near Southside’s success. It is a privilege to build on that leadership as NSI’s next president. I am grateful for the Board’s confidence and look forward to guiding the district’s next chapter of progress. Like his predecessors, Mike will remain a close ally as a president emeritus, continuing to serve as a valued advocate and advisor,” said Megan Henderson.

“This transition reflects the strength of our organization and the depth of leadership we have built over time,” said Board Chair Jack Clark. “Megan brings deep institutional knowledge, trusted relationships, and a clear vision for the Near Southside’s future.”

To complement Megan’s past focus on the organization’s community and business support programs, NSI plans to bring on a new Development & TIF Director who will work closely with City staff, private developers, and the board of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #4, known as the Southside TIF. NSI administers the Southside TIF through a contract with the City of Fort Worth.

Mike has not yet announced his next plans but confirmed any upcoming role will continue to focus on urban development.

The post Near Southside, Inc. Announces Leadership Transition first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

More than a tribute, A Night with Janis Joplin invites audiences into the world that shaped her sound. Through a journey of live music and storytelling, Janis shares the stage with the trailblazing women who influenced her voice, from Bessie Smith and Odetta to Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Nina Simone. Each song becomes a conversation across generations, revealing how blues, soul, and rock collided to create something unforgettable.

photo credit: Evan Michael Woods

This Velvet Lounge production places audiences inside the music itself, with an up-close, intimate setting that mirrors the feeling of a late-night club in the heart of the 1960s. The experience is electric, soulful, and deeply human, celebrating not just Janis Joplin’s voice, but the women who gave her music its roots.

The role of Janis Joplin is played by Brook Baker*, joined by Janette Robinson, Micaela Workman, Tamya J. Simmons, and Alaia Adriana, who portray the legendary singers that shaped her sound. The production is directed by Ashley H. White+, with music direction by Vicky Nooe, stage management by Kris Black Jasper*, and features scenic design by Leah Mazur, costumes by Carly Hinson, choreography for “Spirit in the Dark” by Kiandra Brooks, lighting by Reagan Fitzgerald*, and sound by Kae Styron. *Member of AEA | +Member of SDC

photo credit: Evan Michael Woods

A Night with Janis Joplin runs January 29 through February 21, 2026, as a Special Engagement in Circle Theatre’s Velvet Lounge. This production has been extended due to popular demand.

Tickets and full seating details are available at circletheatre.com.

The post A Night with Janis Joplin first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.