The project involves replacing outdated or inoperable lighting systems with Fonroche’s solar streetlights in neighborhoods with high pedestrian activity or adjacent to schools, parks, and other community hubs. Per the Fort Worth City News, neighborhoods were chosen based upon the following scoring categories:

Photo courtesy of Fonroche Lighting

Photo courtesy of Fonroche Lighting

“Fort Worth’s commitment to continuous improvement and modernization is truly inspiring. The city’s vision for innovation and its dedication to enhancing infrastructure demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that sets a benchmark for others,” said Hocine Benaoum, Head of Fonroche Lighting America. “Fonroche is honored to collaborate with Fort Worth, a city that places high value on creating equitable and vibrant communities. By improving lighting in neighborhoods, we’re helping to support a safer, more accessible, and unified Fort Worth, and we are proud to be part of this incredible transformation.”

During a recent podcast discussion with Innovate Fort Worth, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the city’s commitment to bold and forward-thinking solutions, particularly in energy. “Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country, and to support that growth, we must innovate by championing smart solutions that honor our community’s history while pushing us forward. From forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders to adopting evolving energy technologies, our focus is on setting Fort Worth apart as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” said Mayor Parker.

“Mayor Parker’s leadership in championing renewable, future-focused infrastructure sets Fort Worth apart as a national leader. By adopting resilient, solar-powered lighting systems, the city not only achieves cost savings and environmental benefits but also creates a safer, more sustainable urban environment as a model for others to follow,” added Benaoum.

Fonroche recently opened its new U.S. headquarters at 2224 SE Loop 820 in southeast Fort Worth. The 20,088-square-foot facility employs over 50 team members across Fonroche’s engineering, sales, and production operations.

The post City to Install Solar Streetlights in Thirty Neighborhoods first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

How did this ownership transition come about?

When COVID hit, Craftwork pivoted and has been building out their new model over the last year which combines coffee and concierge service in multifamily apartment buildings. As they transitioned to this new model, they recognized the need to consolidate their time and energy on that and to move away from the flagship store model. The Camp Bowie location was the first location of the stores. As changes were starting to be made, Josh was approached by Riley, the CEO of Craftwork, about purchasing one of the shops. This sounded crazy at first but for years and years [we] have daydreamed what it would be like to own our own café.

You are keeping the Camp Bowie shop but changing the name to Fort Worth Coffee Co. Any other changes we can expect?

We’ve updated the space to have more pops of color, more textures, cushions on the bar for a more comfortable visit, and brought back the comfy couches for a little nook we have. Great for conversations, studying and sipping. One thing we know is our most valuable asset is our staff. Our staff have already received and will continue to receive more and more investment on our part. Our head trainer is a nationally recognized barista and judge for the SCA [Specialty Coffee Association].

Tell us more about Fort Worth Coffee Co.’s roasting program. 

We have a rotation of amazing guest rosters (Sweet Bloom and Olympia to start) while still offering the coffee Josh has been roasting for the past 4 years.

What surprising things have you learned as a new business owner?

So many things. The phrase ‘the cost of doing business’ has a much more depth now than ever before. You can never make everyone happy. [And] being your own boss is both great and hard all at once.

In that same spirit, have you found our city to be supportive of small businesses?

Our city has a vast network of small businesses – we love it! So many of our residents love to come out and support local shops. It has been so wonderful to experience it as a shop owner. The small business owners also do such a great job with supporting each other and cheering one another on – so refreshing.

If Fort Worth were a cup of coffee, what kind would it be?

I think old Fort Worth would have been a solid cup of cowboy coffee, but the times are changing as is the city. New and exciting things are happening while still holding on to some of the old traditions. Because of that I would say a solid Colombian single origin pour over. Still black coffee but with a little more of an artistic flair.

How many cups of coffee do you consume in a day? No shame.

Depends on which of us you ask and on what day. Generally, I’d guess two cups a day or less. We’ve found if you use a small cup you can fill it up more.

Although she prefers burnt orange to purple, Hannah Bush is happy to call Fort Worth her new home. She began freelance writing a few years ago to break up the monotony of her 9 to 5 and to prove to her parents that she’s making good use of her journalism degree. When she’s not hanging out with her cat, Hannah can likely be found on a patio with her fiancé, talking about her cat.

The post Worthy Convos: The Tyers of Fort Worth Coffee Co. Talk Cowboy Boots and Caffeine first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

In addition, Q Car Wash will donate $3 cash to the Tarrant Area Food Bank for every car that comes through its wash April 27-30, with the goal of giving more than $20,000 by the end of the week. These funds would provide 100,000 meals to local families and individuals struggling with food insecurity and hunger.

Q Car Wash’s “Support Local Business Week” will take place at all five (5) Q Car Wash or Q Speedwash locations, which include:

• 3236 Alta Mere Road – Fort Worth, TX 76116
• 3251 Golden Triangle Boulevard – Fort Worth, TX 76177
• 9521 Clifford Street – Fort Worth, TX 76108
• 9012 Benbrook Boulevard – Benbrook, TX 76126
• 4106 S Great Southwest Pkwy – Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Operating hours at all locations are from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sundays.

“As local businesses, organizations, and even entire industries across the region suffer dramatic closures and losses because of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for our local community to band together to lend a helping hand to those in need during this great time of uncertainty,” said Viran Nana, owner and CEO of Q Car Wash. “Providing free car washes, encouraging customers to support local restaurants, and donating cash to our local food bank will certainly not solve the larger issue at hand, but it will hopefully inspire others to support local business and do what they can to give back to the community.”

Q Car Wash is best known for its “Unlimited Wash Club” memberships, 3-minute express washes, free vacuums, top-notch customer service, and focus on the environment. Fully automated and computerized, Q Car Wash’s high-quality and environmentally friendly car washing system uses soft cloth and filtered, recycled water. Customers stay in their vehicles while being automatically guided through the system, where the vehicle is soaked, soaped, washed, polished, rinsed with spot-free water, and dried, all in a matter of minutes.

Q Car Wash has a history of sponsoring local events and athletic programs, as well as contributing to community groups’ fundraising efforts. Q Car Wash is regularly named the favorite or best car wash in the areas where they operate and has been recognized and honored for sustainable business practices and water conservation.
The Q Car Wash concept grew from a desire to get cars clean using the best technology and to do it extremely fast. Fully automated and computerized, the high-quality and environmentally friendly car washing system uses soft cloth and filtered, recycled water. The customer stays in their vehicle while being automatically guided through the car wash where the vehicle is soaked, soaped, washed, polished, rinsed with spot-free water, and dried, all in a matter of minutes. For more information, call 817-962-2100 or visit www.QCarWash.com.

The post Q Car Washes Support Local Businesses first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Black Cat Pizza: Call 817-483-5150 and pick up at the walkup window. Or order through Favor or Caviar.

BREWED: Curbside ordering from 8 am to 3 pm. The restaurant will be closing at 3 pm for the time being. Click here to start your order.

Dutch’s Hamburgers and Burrito Bar: Order online or call 817-927-5522. When you arrive, call to let them know you’re there!

Ellerbe Fine Foods: For family-style meals, kids’ meals, and curbside wine menus, click here. Then call it in at 817-926-3663. Your food will be ready in 20 minutes. When you pull up, your food will be placed in your car!

Joe T’s and Esperanza’s: Both Joe T’s and Esperanza’s on Park Place are offering kitchen-to-car service. Call 817-626-5770 for Joe T’s and 817-923-1961 for Esperanza’s.

Leaves Book & Tea Shop: Bulk teas, sparkling teas by the liter, as well as cups of tea, books, and gift cards are available and will be brought to your car. Facebook and Instagram are being updated with current selections. Call 682-233-4832 to order. You can also pick up food from next-door neighbors The Table Market (682-703-1092) and records from Record Town (817-926-1331) all in the same trip!

Local Foods Kitchen: Four-course drive-up dinners are available here.

Nonna Tata: Call 817-332-0250 during normal business hours for curbside service.

Paco’s Mexican Cuisine: Call 817-343-8211 for curbside service.

Roger’s Roadhouse: For a curbside order, call 817-367-9348.

Stir Crazy Baked Goods: Order here, set a time for pickup, and they will meet your outside at the 5^th Avenue entrance.

For a more complete list of restaurants offering curbside service, please follow this link to the Visit Fort Worth page.

The post Local Restaurants with Curbside Service first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of WinterGreen Synthetic Grass

After gaining experience in landscaping, sales and building for years, Winter Moore was inspired to start a business that would put his background to good use. A goal he shared with his wife, Ashley, who he met while they worked at two different Tarrant County Sherwin-Williams locations; she recalls the Eureka moment, “We’d been talking about starting a business, looking at the market, and then one day Winter came home after seeing a yard application and he was obsessed.”

Winter nods affirmatively as he explains, “It was love at first sight for me. It made a lot of sense in a variety of applications.” Seeing the possibilities and progress made with the technology for synthetic grass, he had a vision for a way to satisfy a range of needs for a growing base of customers. His fascination drove him to explore the potential for synthetic grass in the Fort Worth area and they opened WinterGreen Synthetic Grass four years ago, shortly after the couple were married. They display their collective aptitude while pulling out samples of different lengths and styles for yards as well as those more specialized varieties for putting and chipping.

Photo courtesy of WinterGreen Synthetic Grass

As water conservation continues to demand the attention of a growing population, everyone is looking for ways to decrease their usage, which is especially true for businesses responsible for large footprints. Every drop of water counts, therefore irrigation and waste water management are central to every WinterGreen installation. Residential and commercial development throughout DFW show no sign of slowing, while the water infrastructure is already being tested, which has allowed this thriving operation to continually meet new challenges by satisfying new clients.

The verisimilitude to the bounce and give of authentic putting surfaces is a marvel. Even though many are drawn to the allure of having one’s own practice area in the backyard to perfect their short game, ideal applications of these products can be seen more broadly on patios, balconies and rooftops as well. Ashley Moore adds, “The product has come a long way since AstroTurf, there’s a range of styles from short and tight to longer and lusher. As more people see how good the installations look and learn how little they require, we’re seeing an increased demand for front yards as well as commercial uses.”

Regardless of the client’s needs, the process of converting any area is minimally invasive and relatively brief given the long-term benefits. After removing the dirt, they replace it with decomposed granite and aggregate rocks optimal for drainage. Along with the synthetic grass an infill of sand and silica is included to help break down waste while holding turf in place; all surfaces are pet friendly and easy to clean. The grass is durable and holds up to foot traffic, if it becomes compacted WinterGreen can refresh it using a brush tool. Moore finishes with a smile, “Once it is in, all you need to worry about is sweeping the leaves and cleaning up the dog mess.” Capable of any sloping, stone work, or electrical work necessary for an install, Moore stands behind the work with a one-year warranty in addition to the 15-year coverage for the materials from the manufacturer.

Photo courtesy of WinterGreen Synthetic Grass

Moreover, WinterGreen takes care of any plumbing concerns in converting spaces around pools. Custom strips can be cut to integrate brilliantly with stonework and other landscaping elements in order to make dealing with Mondo Grass a thing of the past. If you want Ivy that does not spread to surround your playground, they can handle that as well as the IPEMA-certified safety padding to give the turf extra cushion. WinterGreen Synthetic Grass offers alternatives that free property owners big and small from the drudgery of weeds, fertilizer, and an entire economy built on solutions for unattainable hues of green that are no contest for the Texas heat. Independently owned and proudly based in Fort Worth, WinterGreen deals in American-made materials with integrity and welcomes the opportunity to make life simpler for folks throughout DFW.

An Austin native, Lyle Brooks relocated to Fort Worth in order to immerse himself in the burgeoning music scene and the city’s rich cultural history, which has allowed him to cover everything from Free Jazz to folk singers. He’s collaborated as a ghostwriter on projects focusing on Health Optimization, Roman Lawyers, and an assortment of intriguing subjects requiring his research.

The post Winter Moore Keeps Lawns WinterGreen first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Born of a shared frustration with the status quo, Doodle Bands are the creation of Ashlee and Reed Rivers who had become frustrated by the labeling requirements of their child’s daycare facility. Tired of constantly fighting with the far-from-perfect sticky labels they had been using to ID their daughter’s bottles, they sought a better way. So, they started Pumpkin Doodle.

The result of their brainstorming imaginings are the versatile, reusable, washable Doodle Bands. Doodle Bands fit every bottle, snack cup, and sippy-cup on the market. Each pack of four colorful bands includes an easily washable dry-erase marker that makes labeling and cleaning simple and easy. They are BPA Free, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. Really though, to me, it’s the simplified organization of the feeding routine where Doodle Bands really shine.

Our kids never went to daycare. My wife worked from home, so daycare labeling wasn’t ever an issue we faced. However, when our twins were born, our daughter was 20 months, and our son was three years. Having four kids under four felt like we were running a daycare of our own. Trying to keep everyone’s meal and feeding schedule, not to mention snacks, in order required the of the logistical assets and know-how of the entire United States Navy. Or at least that’s how it felt to two very tired, very busy parents.

Neither my wife nor I naturally tend toward the organized. Therefore, we aren’t very creative in coming up with organizational solutions to simplify our lives. We muddle along until somebody thrusts a system in our faces and says, “Here, use this!”. Doodle Bands would’ve been a welcome addition to our like circus a few years ago and that’s why we wanted to tell you guys about them.

Having young children is hard. Really hard. Sometimes you feel like you’re going crazy. Being prepared and organized by having the right tools for the job makes it a little bit easier and lets you enjoy the moments a little bit more. Whether your child goes to daycare or not, whether you have multiple children or just one, you should add a few packs of Doodle Bands to your bag of tricks. At least for sanity’s sake!

To purchase, visit Pumpkin Doodle’s website.

The post Absolute Genius: Pumpkin Doodle Doodle Bands first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.