Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds // Summertime 2026 // May 20-26, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

FEATURE

Story of a State Park

Palo Pinto, our newest nearby state recreation site, has a tale worth your time.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARK HENRICKS

Like many good things, Texas’ newest state park began with a crime. In this case, it was a 2008 fatal shooting in the Mule Lip Bar in Mingus, a town of about 200 some 70 miles west of Fort Worth. In addition to a funeral for a local ne-er-do-well, the event resulted in prison time for a member of a prominent ranching family. Another important outcome was the transfer of about 1,000 acres of land to settle a wrongful death suit brought by the dead man’s survivors.

A few years later, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department bought that acreage to be the nucleus of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, a 4,871-acre facility that opened in March. If being the first new state park in 25 years is not enough, Palo Pinto also has arguably the best origin story in the 92-park system. We’re talking class conflict, gunplay, homicide, and a bar named the Mule Lip.

The story’s even true, up to a point. The events in the Mule Lip actually occurred, as did the subsequent land transfer, but the beginnings of this state park really go back all the way to 1927. That was when laborers for the Works Progress Administration, a Depression-era federal employment initiative, built a dam for a 90-acre lake to provide water to the nearby town of Strawn. Today, the state leases Tucker Lake as the centerpiece for the freshly minted park. The other 3,000-plus acres were acquired piece by piece over almost a decade. Construction started in 2021 and has been slow — it was originally slated to open in 2023. Besides its origins, the most striking thing about this park is how close it is to Fort Worth, just 75 miles west and a few miles north of Interstate 20. That’s no accident, and it also involves a tale. This one is about how the state parks department decided a 400-acre plot on Eagle Mountain Lake it had earmarked for a future park was just too small. So, it sold the land to the Tarrant Regional Water District, which turned it into Eagle Mountain Park.

In addition to $9 million, TRWD also took away a promise to build its next park close to Fort Worth. That’s only fair, since the city had, after all, lost an opportunity to have a state park even more conveniently located within its boundaries.

The resulting Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is perhaps mislabeled. The two Spanish words translate as “painted stick,” which is fine. It’s supposed to refer to the way juniper tree trunks and branches show different colors after losing the stringy bark.

And although miles of small, rugged canyons supply a mountainous feel, the summits go up only to 1,400 feet above sea level — molehills compared to Guadalupe Peak, in West Texas, the state’s highest point at 8,751 feet. The specific type of hill common here is a “cuesta.” These have a long gradual slope on one side and drop steeply on the other. Cuestas appear all over the world, including the Cross Timbers region around Fort Worth.

Two creeks, Russell and Palo Pinto, did the hard work to make Palo Pinto’s varied terrain. After cutting through the tough capstone of the plateau, their waters eroded the softer rock underneath. The action formed rocky canyons that, fortunately for park-lovers, are not as useful for ranching and farming as the flatter land atop the plateaus.

Tucker Lake provides the park’s visual centerpiece. It’s ringed by trails and features a lavish fishing pier with LED lights, deluxe fish-cleaning stations, and ample parking by a boat ramp. Anglers can expect bites from bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, and — bonus! — no fishing license required. They’ll even loan you a rod, reel, and tackle, and you can keep five fish maximum, of any species.

To maintain the lake’s serenity, gasoline-powered boats are banned, so it’s paddlecraft such as kayaks and electric trolling motors only. While there’s no rule against swimming in the lake, there is also no beach or other inviting place to splash. One of the rangers described the mucky bottom as uninviting. If you ask me, a sandy beach should be on the short list of future improvements.

I’m not much of a fisherman, so the crappie and others were safe from me when I visited for two nights in April. Instead, I lit out hiking.

Starting from my campsite in the Painted Stick Campground, I first did the five-mile Tucker Lake Trail that circles the lake. It was a mostly shady and entirely enjoyable hike on foot. With a maximum elevation change of 150 feet, this would be a good mountain-biking outing for any rider above newbie level. It’s mostly twotrack and reasonably smooth, if not always level, with a couple of wet-weather water crossings.

Most of the 16-mile trail network is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. More than a mile of these are disabled-accessible, and the park has all-terrain wheelchairs available for loan. I thought Ben’s Trail, which climbs a mile or so from the fishing pier to Painted Stick Campground, would be an interesting ride for intermediate-level mountain bikers, with lots of narrow, twisting single track and a few tree gates and rock ledges, even if a ranger I spoke with said they felt it was too difficult for bikers.

Perhaps because the park is so new, wildlife is plentiful and not particularly skittish. A cottontail and a road runner sauntered through my campsite at different times, both seeming more curious than cautious. I heard but did not see my favorite Texas bird, the gorgeous painted bunting, while traversing Tucker Lake Trail. And a family of hikers on the same path reported seeing a mother fox and kits sheltering in a rock crevice just off the trail. Otherwise, you may see deer, bobcat, and any number of lizards and buzzards. Evenings, the quavering calls of a coyote pack play a sunset soundtrack.

A trail of a different sort has an effect discernible throughout the park. That’s the railroad line hugging the property’s northern

edge. The same Texas and Pacific Railway company that built the huge buildings that dominate the south side of downtown Fort Worth operated there for more than century, hauling cattle, oil, and other goods to market before the Missouri Pacific took it over in 1976.

Today the trains, usually carrying stacked containers, fill the canyons and woodlands with their rumbles and squeaks numerous times a day. The sound is fairly muted through most of the park and not unpleasant once you realize what it is. Luckily, because there are no crossings, the train whistles never blow. From time to time, you may also hear the roar of military jets from the direction of Abilene, home to Dyess Air Force Base.

Camping opportunities here are appealing but limited. There are just 33 campsites with water and electric connections, including 23 in the Warbler Ridge Campground and 10 in the Russell Equestrian Campground that include two steel horse paddocks per site.

These RV-suitable sites go for $30 a night and have spacious concrete aprons for parking several vehicles as well as shaded picnic tables and steel fire rings. Both campground areas also have spanking-new and well-equipped bath and shower facilities. Like most Texas state parks, this one has no full hookup sites with sewer connections.

Campers at the dozen walk-in sites at Painted Stick experience a more spartan vibe. For $15 a night, you’ll need to tote your gear up to 50 yards on a path connecting the parking area. Some of these trails are a bit rugged, while others are disabled-accessible. If this could be an issue, call before reserving.

Each walk-in site also has picnic table, lantern hook and — nice touch — a steel bear box to protect food from wildlife. (An actual bear sighting is a remote possibility as the animals are increasingly wandering in from Oklahoma, and meanwhile I wouldn’t doubt the occasional mountain lion travels through already.) If you bring a padlock, you could also use the box to secure non-food items from potential two-legged marauders.

Water spigots are located near walk-in sites, but bathroom facilities for walk-ins consist of a vault toilet. Having said that, these are the nicest, newest, best-smelling outhouses you’re likely to see. And the view off the back of my campsite, No. 40, was the best in the park if you ask me. It overlooked Tucker Lake from the top of a 150-foot bluff and featured eye-catching rock formations.

My fellow campers proved a congenial bunch. They included a couple who left early because of the unseasonable 90-degree heat, a solo woman who was spending several nights in a tent, and my next-door-neighbor, Osye Pritchett, a retired executive of a marketing firm from Frisco. Like me, Pritchett rode a motorcycle to the park. We also shared an appreciation for reading a book while perched on the edge of the bluff behind our sites.

Pritchett likely spoke for a good many more visitors when he explained the reason for his trip.

“I wanted to see it just because it is new,” Pritchett said. “And it was a good excuse to get on my motorcyle and go for a ride.”

Folks who prefer walking to their destinations can backpack two miles down the Texas and Pacific Trail to one of the 13 primitive sites. These have no water, and, although they’re near Palo Pinto Creek and it was running while I was there, the waterway is dry much of the year. Call ahead if you’re primitive camping to see if there is enough water in the creek to filter or otherwise purify. If not, you’ll have to carry all your water.

The 5.7-mile Texas and Pacific Trail that leads to the primitive sites is a basic ranch road, but it traverses some beautiful meadows frequently filled with blooms of prickly pear, barrel cactus, Indian paints, verbena, and many more.

For picnickers and day-use visitors, there are the Canyon View Day Use area up on a ridge and, down by the lake, Crappie Cove Day Use. The Crappie Cove area has scores of parking spaces and the aforementioned fishing accoutrements.

Canyon View is distinguished by several picnic tables, a playscape incorporating native materials, and a well-equipped pavilion for rent at $150 a day. That pavilion is the park’s best spot for sunset watching.

Both nights I was there, the western sky turned pink while an orange orb sank behind a screen of far-off wind turbines and a silver-roofed train wound through the scrub-covered hills between. Another viewer’s story about seeing a rattlesnake on the trails that day did little to dampen the peaceful mood.

The park holds a variety of regular and special events, including night hikes, birding expeditions, edible plant explorations, and more. One is the occasional Texas Outdoor Family camp-out. For $75, the park provides camping gear for up to six, as well as guided kayaking, night hikes, and fire-building. If you’re a teacher and arrange a group field trip in advance, the whole class gets in free. Otherwise, it’s $7 per person for a day pass. It’s also a good idea to consider getting one online at the park website before you visit. That will ensure you aren’t stopped at the gate in case the park reaches capacity. Kids under 12, Texas State Parks annual passholders, veterans, active-duty military, Gold Star family members, and anybody born before Sep. 1, 1930, also get in free. Over-65 and disabled get half off.

Palo Pinto is proving a strong draw for local outdoors-seekers. The first 30 days the park was open, exactly 17,172 visitors passed through the gates, according to TRWD. That includes 3,106 campers and 14,666 day users. Currently, they are limiting parking to 250 vehicles daily for day use. Weekends average 700 to 900 people, per the department. The nearest town, Strawn, is just four miles away, but the problem is that, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein on Oakland, California, there’s not a lot of there there. One exception is Mary’s Café, home for 40 years to one of the state’s best chicken-fried steaks, literally so tender you could cut it with a fork and properly breaded with a light touch. If you hit Mary’s for

lunch or dinner — they don’t do breakfast — you’ll find there are three sizes of chicken-fried steak. Do not order the large. Or even the medium. The small will be plenty, trust me on this. By the time you’ve consumed your steak, plus zeppelin-sized baked potato, Texas toast, and green salad, you may have trouble getting energized and pine for a nap.

The energy level of crews working on Palo Pinto is still high. You’ll likely see various dirt-moving and construction projects underway during your visit, but everything is fully functional. One small hiccup: the “Sunset Watch” viewing point shown on the main park road on the map is likely to be removed

in later editions, since there’s no place to pull over or walking trail leading to it. Just go to the Canyon View pavilion where there’s plenty of parking and a concrete path.

This is your last chance for years to check out a new state park, and none of those in the works are anywhere near Fort Worth. The next new one is Post Oak Ridge, scheduled to open down near Lampasas by the existing Colorado Bend State Park. So, get out there and see it while it’s fresh. Don’t over-order at Mary’s or forget your hiking shoes, and, if you see a bar called the Mule Lip, keep driving unless you want to risk winding up as part of the story of a new state park. l

STUFF

Pro Insight

With the World Cup coming to town, here are some summer soccer camp options — and words of wisdom.

BY RUSH OLSON

Your children stand a greater-than-normal chance of taking an interest in the sport of soccer this summer, thanks to the buzz around a U.S.-hosted FIFA Men’s World Cup. So, it might make sense to enroll them in a soccer camp in anticipation of their getting inspired by the professionals they see excelling on the pitches. To help you get an idea of what to expect, we spoke to two players who have seen both sides. They’ve looked up to the advanced competitors they admired when

they were young, and, as professional athletes, they’ve inspired younger generations. The two women, Sam Estrada and Cyera Hintzen, play for Dallas Trinity FC in the Gainbridge Super League. Besides their pro pedigrees, they both served as instructors in the youth camp their team held last summer.

Estrada, who grew up in El Paso before playing at SMU, remembered attending a University of Texas at-El Paso camp at age 10. Her experience was shaped by the attitude of the staff.

“The coaches were really into it and wanted us to be there,” she said. “They seemed really interactive with us, and I loved it.”

Hintzen also observed the impact coaches can have when they exhibit enthusiasm. “A big one is the coaches being involved. I know sometimes coaches at camps will just be like, ‘OK, everyone go over here,’ jumping through the cones. Actually being active and doing it with them, it just brings a different energy out of them.”

Making the kids feel at ease in the camp environment is a crucial part of an instructor’s job.

“It’s early in the morning, and you kind of have to get it out of them and connect with them in that way,” Estrada said. “When you’re like, ‘Hey, come on. Let’s go kick the ball, OK? Let’s juggle,’ and then they’ll finally get into it.”

“It is scary — they’re leaving their parents,” Hintzen added, “so it’s just making them feel comfortable and, like, ‘Hey, you’re going to come here, and it’s going to be fun.’”

Both players agreed that making a camp feel enjoyable while also developing skills is a crucial combination.

“This is the age where they’re supposed to enjoy the sport,” Estrada said, “and I know we’re here to get better, but they also need to come to have fun. I want to make sure that you are having fun, and you’re not just sitting on the bench.”

For Estrada, her own UTEP camp experience reinforced the need to ensure young players have a good time. “The drills that they ran, it was meant to be fun, and at the end of

the camp, we had a water day where they just sprayed us with water and went crazy. And I loved that part. It was a good end to a long week of camp.”

When she coaches, Hintzen tries to stay alert for children who may need a little extra prompting to join in the fun. “Make sure everyone’s included as well. You see the ones that are quiet and aren’t maybe making friends, or

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they’re here by themselves. It’s taking them under your wing and, like, ‘Hey, how can we get them involved in the group?’ ”

Estrada also watches out for chances to encourage young people who show an aptitude for her position: goalkeeper. “You look at kids, and when they want to hop in goal, you’re, like, ‘OK, this kid is brave. This kid is courageous.’ You go and you help: ‘Try diving this way or shooting your hand out in this direction, you know what I mean?’ And just little coaching mechanisms here and there.”

The expertise that pros like Estrada and Hintzen can convey to their charges will help the developing players improve their skills. Giving them someone to look up to can have value as well, as Estrada experienced through the presence of the Division I UTEP players with whom she interacted at the Miners’ camps. “It was inspiring, actually. You look at these girls, and you’re like, ‘Hey, I kind of want to be like them one day.’ ”

Kids they’ve met at camp have later sought out Estrada and Hintzen for autographs and photos when attending a DTFC game. Such interactions could perhaps be an indicator of the effect a good instructor, especially one who plays professional soccer, can have in helping children develop some motivation to continue to pursue their sport.

“A lot of younger kids, we’re the first face that they’re seeing who either have played in college or are professional athletes,” said Hintzen, who earned all-conference honors during her collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns. “So, just to try to bring good energy and inspire them that this is possible, like, you’re seeing someone that looks like you and that you can achieve this. So, just bringing that good energy, really trying to motivate them and encourage them.”

A Partial List of North Texas Summer Soccer Camps

All Saints’ Co-Ed Soccer

Info: summeryou.org/2026-camps

Location: All Saints’ Episcopal School, Fort Worth

Grades K-6, providing instruction on both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of play. 9am-noon June 22-26

All Saints’ Soccer and Cultures Collide

Info: summeryou.org/2026-camps

Location: All Saints’ Episcopal School, Fort Worth

Grades 4-6, weaves in lessons about World Cup cultures and traditions alongside soccer instruction.

12:30pm-3:30pm June 8-12

Eric Bell Soccer Academy

Info: ericbellsocceracademy.com

Location: TCU Soccer Stadium, Fort Worth

Instruction from TCU Head Coach Eric Bell plus current and former players and coaches. June 1- 4, July 20-23; day camp (ages 7-13) and half-day camp (ages 4-6)

Dallas Trinity FC Summer Soccer Day Camp Info: dallastrinityfc.com

Location: The Hockaday School in Dallas

Players of all skill levels and ages.

Half-day camp (Grades 1st-4th) 9am-noon

June 8-12; full-day camp (Grades 3rd-10th)

9am-3:30pm June 8-12

FC Dallas Young Player Development Soccer Camps

Info: fcdallascamps.com

Location: FC Dallas Indoor Performance

Center in Frisco

Ages 6-10, with a number of other options for advanced and older players.

10am-1pm June 8-11, June 22-25, July 13-16, Aug 3-6

Fort Worth Country Day School Soccer Camps Info: falconsportscamps.org

Location: Fort Worth Country Day School, Fort Worth

Soccer skills camp, boys and girls Grades 1st-5th

9am-noon June 8-12; advanced soccer camp

9am-3pm June 15-18 (boys and girls Grades 5th-12th)

Fort Worth Vaqueros Youth Summer Camps Info: fortworthvaqueros.com

Location: Sycamore Park in Fort Worth Boys and girls ages 7-14

9am-11am May 25–27, June 22–24, July 20–22

Fort Worth Youth Soccer Association Day Camps

Info: fwyouthsoccer.org

Location: FWYSA Benbrook Complex in Benbrook

Full- and half-day for ages 9-18

June 1-5, June 8–12, July 20–24

GameOn Indoor Soccer Camps and Clinics

Info: gameonfw.com/camp-soccer

Location: GameOn Arena Sports, Fort Worth

GameOn hosts multiple indoor soccer camps and one-day clinics for a wide variety of ages.

Nike Soccer Camp Info: ussportscamps.com

Location: Upper 90 Soccer Center in Arlington Ages 5-16, grouped by age

Half-day camp 9am-noon June 22-25, June 27-30; full-day camp 9am-3pm June 22-25, June 27-30

Location: Christ’s Haven, Keller Boys and girls ages 6-16

9am-noon June 15-18, July 20-23

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Camps Info: psgacademydfw.com/camps

Age-appropriate training sessions focusing on the core fundamentals of the PSG methodology.

Location: Nova Sports Arena in Alvarado 9am-3pm June 1-5, June 22-26

Location: Lake Worth 9am-noon June 8-12

Location: Gateway Park in Fort Worth 9am-3pm July 6-10 l

Goodwill North Central Texas offers three programs geared toward preparing for and earning your GED. Explore your options and get started today!

GED prep and paid work experience for Tarrant County youth ages 16-24

Intensive English language instruction program provided by ESL-certified teachers for ages 18+

GED prep and optional paid work experience for Tarrant county residents ages 25+

GETAWAYS

Top 5 Places to Travel With Kids

Amazing overseas adventures await your family in Italy, Japan, Portugal, Singapore, and Tanzania.

BY PAMELA BOSWELL

Traveling with children isn’t always easy. One moment you’re admiring the sunset on the beach, the next you’re desperately searching for water, a snack, and a restroom (sometimes all in the span of 3 minutes). Still, it’s these trips that are remembered most vividly, filled with laughter, unexpected stories, and that special feeling of going somewhere new together.

The good news is that family travel doesn’t have to be exhausting. With the right destination (and a few basics sorted in advance, like making sure your child’s passport is ready to go), traveling as a family can be easy, fun, and infinitely rewarding.

In this promotional piece, we’ve rounded up five destinations that are especially well-suited for traveling with children this year. While they’re all very different, they have one thing in common: both adults and kids will have fun!

Italy

If you’re looking to experience Europe at its most quintessential, Italy easily delivers. For kids, Italy is basically a dream. Pizza, pasta, gelato on repeat… it doesn’t take much convincing. What makes it really fun is everything happening around you, and there’s always plenty to look at, wander into, or get curious about.

Rome is one such place where history stops feeling like abstract things in a textbook and becomes something you can actually experience. The Colosseum is a must-see, and kids will have no trouble imagining gladiators squaring off while emperors give the thumbs up (or down) from the royal box. As the cliche goes, this is where history comes alive.

Meanwhile, Florence and Venice are great introductions to art and architecture, with the former’s Uffizi Gallery and the latter’s elaborate palaces lining the canals.

All in all, Italy shines because of its variety. You can spend one day exploring ancient landmarks, and the next drifting along a canal in a gondola or stretching out on the grass for

a picnic in Tuscany. Even the smallest towns have their own charm, with colorful houses, cozy alleyways, and that comforting sense that good food is never far away.

Japan

Japan is a country where even the most ordinary things are transformed into something extraordinary. Case in point: the futuristic high-speed Shinkansen trains, themed cafes and restaurants, and even the vending machines.

Tokyo is a great starting point for families. There are plenty of interactive museums, amusement parks, and entire neighborhoods that spark curiosity and awe. It’s also incredibly efficient and easy to navigate, which makes a huge difference when traveling with kids.

One must-visit place is Tokyo Disneyland, which often surprises people because it’s cheaper than the classic Disneyland parks in the United States. On the official Tokyo Disney Resort website, an adult 1-Day ticket costs 10,900 JPY (about $68 USD), while in the United States, the price for the same type of ticket starts at $150 USD.

On the flip side, if your kids (or, let’s be honest, yourself) are into anime, Tokyo is a dream come true. The Ghibli Museum feels like stepping straight into one of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, while the Toei Animation Museum has exhibits on Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece. That’s before we even get started on all of the cool stores and themed restaurants around Akihabara.

Portugal

Portugal is a place where the sun is almost always shining — seriously, Portugal enjoys 300+ days of sunshine a year — and the pace is relaxed and pleasantly unhurried. The Algarve is a natural choice for family trips thanks to its long stretches of golden sand, calm Atlantic waves, and plenty of open space. Kids can spend hours building sandcastles and running along the shore while adults enjoy the sea breeze and a break from everyday life.

Looking for something a little more active? The capital, Lisbon, is a city full of character, with its hills, trams, and observation decks offering amazing views of red rooftops and the Tagus River.

The food won’t disappoint either: fresh seafood, seasonal fruit, soft bread, and sweets will suit a wide range of tastes. Be sure to stop by one of the many small pastry shops for a pastel de nata, which will surely become a daily ritual that the whole family looks forward to... Use the QR code to read more at FWWeekly.com.

CALENDAR

Big Ticket: Here Comes the Sun

As the intense Texas sun lingers overhead and the year reaches its brightest point, lovely light illuminates the evening sky during the Summer Solstice.

BY AMBER CHADWICK

In recent years, interest in Paganism has quietly grown across the region, as metaphysical shops and spiritual communities throughout North Texas prepare to welcome the Summer Solstice in their own unique traditions. In short, here comes the sun.

For many practitioners, the Summer Solstice is more than an astronomical event. It is a sacred turning point rooted in seasonal traditions celebrated through ritual, gathering, merriment, and connection with the natural world. It is both a celebration of abundance and a gentle reminder that the wheel of the year continues to turn. Candles, herbs, flowers, fruit, sun imagery, and the smell of incense

“The number one role is providing a safe place for relaxation and rejuvenation,” Evans said, regarding the Aura Clinic as a place of reflection, education, and emotional renewal.

fill sacred spaces and altars as practitioners celebrate the arrival of this ancient holiday.

Also known as Litha and Midsummer, the Summer Solstice is the longest day and the shortest night of the year, occurring when the Earth’s axis tilts most directly toward the sun.

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is typically observed around June 20-22, with a slight vari ation depending on the astronomical timing and the Gregorian calendar.

Derived from the Latin word solstitium (“sol” meaning sun and “sistere” meaning to stand still), the Summer Solstice has been celebrated for millennia, marking the apex of the growing season and the height of the sun’s annual journey. It is a key focal point in the seasonal cycle, and for early agricultural societies, this time of year held practical and significant importance, guiding farming cycles and seasonal labor to ensure a successful culmination of harvest and abundance. In many cultures, this season was accompanied by countless festivals and rituals, honoring the sun at its zenith and serving as a meaningful seasonal turning point.

Ancient agrarian civilizations heavily relied on this time of year to rhythmically track planting and harvest cycles, developing festivals and rituals centered on fertility, growth, and abundance. Many of these festivals emphasized fire and light as symbols of the sun and vitality, and in some European traditions, bonfires were leapt over for protection and good fortune.

Across various mythologies, deities associated with the sun, fertility, and harvest, such as Apollo and Demeter in the Greek tradition, were venerated during this time of year. Megalithic monuments such as Stonehenge were also aligned with the solstice sunrise. Over time, aspects of these observances have evolved into modern European folk traditions, including the Maypole and Midsummer celebrations. Many of these seasonal themes continue to appear in modern Pagan practices, reflecting the longstanding importance of the sun in human ritual and observance.

As Paganism continues to evolve, much of its expression can be seen within local metaphysical shops across North Texas. As a Pagan myself, I was intrigued to see how other practitioners celebrated this upcoming Sabbat, so I had discussions with two shop owners about the Summer Solstice and what it represents in their practices and within their spaces.

At the Aura Clinic (1601 Clover Ln, Fort Worth, 817-200-7662, open noon-8pm MonSat), this time is viewed as a period of reflection,

illumination, and energetic transition. Shop owner Ryan Evans described the seasonal shift from spring into summer as a movement from the excitement of new beginnings toward deeper introspection and long-term focus.

“There’s definitely an energy shift,” he said. “It becomes a time of reflection. … Our perspectives start to shift toward long-term goals.”

He explained that many solstice practices center on manifestation, healing, protection, and foundational growth, with rituals often focused on abundance and intention-setting for the months ahead.

“With any big astrological event, you may want to do rituals for manifestation, protection, healing, or securing foundational growth,” he said. “A lot of it is about bringing in more abundance and success for the coming year,” adding that this energy shift extends into practical expression, “not just rituals but even just decorating and making things.”

Beyond seasonal observances, Evans described metaphysical spaces as places of reflection, education, and emotional renewal within the community, emphasizing that many visitors are seeking a sense of peace, curiosity, or spiritual connection in an increasingly fast-paced world.

“The number one role is providing a safe place for relaxation and rejuvenation,” he said. “It’s something that feeds the spirit, entices the mind, and allows people to explore themselves more deeply.”

At the Enchanted Forest Metaphysical Shoppe ( 4001 W Green Oaks Blvd, Ste 175, Arlington, 817-446-8385, open 10am-7pm Tue-Sat, noon-5pm Sun), owner James Walker, who recently moved his store from a long-standing location in Handley, describes the holiday as a celebration of the sun, the Earth, and the seasonal cycle at its peak.

“The summer solstice is a time of celebrating the sun, naturally, because it’s the longest day of the year,” he said. “It’s a time of being outside with the Earth and enjoying it.”

Walker, who practices as a solitary practitioner, said his observance of the solstice is rooted in direct interaction with nature, often involving gardening, fire, and symbolic ritual

work in his backyard. “I usually have a fire pit or a cauldron. … I will at least have a cauldron where I’m honoring the mother, but I’m also honoring the sun.”

He described the solstice as part of a broader seasonal cycle that emphasizes growth, fertility, and balance between solar and lunar energies. “It’s the rotation of the wheel and that each season represents something new.”

Walker emphasized the role that metaphysical shops play in preserving and sharing these traditions, describing them as spaces that provide tools, guidance, and education for those exploring earth-based spirituality, along with supplies and knowledge tied to nature, healing, and the seasonal cycle reflected in the Summer Solstice. “It’s all about coming in and realizing we’re all one family.”

As the wheel of the year continues to turn, the Summer Solstice serves as a lasting reminder of humanity’s enduring relationship with our natural world. Though modern life often moves at a relentless pace, many practitioners find solace in these ancient observations, offering an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with both nature and our community.

Whether through rituals, gathering, gardening, or simply watching the sun linger a little longer in the evening sky, the solstice continues to carry symbolic meaning across generations. In honoring traditions that have endured for thousands of years, many modern practitioners are not merely looking toward the past but rediscovering a sense of grounding, balance, and connection that feels increasingly valuable in the modern world.

For those interested in exploring this season further, each shop has a large inventory of supplies and hosts ongoing events. Aura Clinic, established in 1997, provides chakra cleanses, psychic and tarot readings, live aura readings, and photography. Enchanted Forest was founded in 1991, making them the oldest metaphysical shop in Fort Worth. Along with cleanses and readings, massage therapy is also available.

As for happenings tied to a specific date on the solar-based Gregorian calendar, keep Sat, Jun 20, in mind. That’s when The Landing at Epic Central (2961 State Hwy 161, Grand Prairie, 800-288-8386) hosts its Summer Solstice Festival 7pm-11pm with live music by Evan Boyer, Guthrie Kennard, Sadie Lee, Dakota Ragsdill, Paul Renna, and The Woodsmen with host Jason

THROUGH JULY 5

RIDGLEA THEATER

SAT 5/30 TEACHERS RECESS EVENT (TRE) SCHOLARSHIP EVENT

MON 6/1 JOSH SLONE WITH SUPPORT FROM JAKE MINCH

SAT 6/13 ROCKY HORROR

RIDGLEA ROOM

SAT 5/23 FOUR DAY WEEKEND

FRI 6/5 THE LIGHTNING XPRESS

SAT 6/6 ARIELLA & NICOLAAS A LOVE STORY

RIDGLEA LOUNGE

SAT 5/25 KINGS OF COWTOWN

THE CALEB RAINS BAND W/ TAYLOR CRAIG MILLS, ERFAN & JAKE QUILLIN

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works Department and the City of Lake Work, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7(b)(1), hereby gives notice of the City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located west of the intersection of Highway 820 and Lake Worth Blvd. Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along Comanche Creek from a point approximately 555 feet downstream of Comanche Trail to a point approximately 3,870 feet upstream of Comanche Trail.

As a result of the revision, the 1-percent-annual-chance water-surface elevations shall increase, decrease, and be established, and the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain will widen and narrow within the area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the City of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works Department at 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102 or the City of Lake Worth at 3805 Adam Grubb, Lake Worth, TX, 76135. Interested persons may call Lisa Biggs, Floodplain Administrator, at 817-392-2446 or send an email to lisa.biggs@fortworthtexas.gov or call Stacy Almond, City Manager, at 817-237-1211 for additional information from 8AM to 5PM (Monday – Friday) for a period of 30 days from this publication date.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Notice of Draft Federal Operating Permit

Draft Permit No.: O4204

Application and Draft Permit. Global Companies LLC, 800 South St Ste 500, Waltham, MA 02453-1439, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a renewal of Federal Operating Permit (herein referred to as Permit) No. O4204, Application No. 39022, to authorize operation of the Fort Worth Terminal, a Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals facility. The area addressed by the application is located at 3200 N Sylvania Ave in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas 76111-3113. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to the application. You can find an electronic map of the facility at: https://gisweb.tceq.texas. gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-97.306388,32.800555&level=13. This application was received by TCEQ on September 16, 2025.

The purpose of a federal operating permit is to improve overall compliance with the rules governing air pollution control by clearly listing all applicable requirements, as defined in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10). The draft permit, if approved, will codify the conditions under which the area must operate. The permit will not authorize new construction. The executive director has completed the technical review of the application and has made a preliminary decision to prepare a draft permit for public comment and review. The executive director recommends issuance of this draft permit. The permit application, statement of basis, and draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the Riverside Library, 2913 Yucca Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 761114351, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The draft permit and statement of basis are available at the TCEQ Website: www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/tvnotice. The application, including any updates, is available electronically at the following webpage: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/airpermit-applications-notices This information may also be accessed electronically at TCEQ Central Office, Office of Chief Clerk, Building F, First Floor, Austin Texas and TCEQ Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Office. Relevant supporting materials for the draft permit, including the New Source Review permits which have been incorporated by reference, may also be accessed electronically at these locations.

Public Comment/Notice and Comment Hearing. Any person may submit written comments on the draft permit. Comments relating to the accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of the permit conditions may result in changes to the draft permit.

A person who may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the permitted area may request a notice and comment hearing. The purpose of the notice and comment hearing is to provide an additional opportunity to submit comments on the draft permit. The permit may be changed based on comments pertaining to whether the permit provides for compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 122 (examples may include that the permit does not contain all applicable requirements or the public notice procedures were not satisfied). TCEQ may grant a notice and comment hearing on the application if a written hearing request is received within 30 days after publication of the newspaper notice. The hearing request must include the basis for the request, including a description of how the person may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the application area. The request should also specify the conditions of the draft permit that are inappropriate or specify how the preliminary decision to issue or deny the permit is inappropriate. All reasonably ascertainable issues must be raised, and all reasonably available arguments must be submitted by the end of the public comment period. If a notice and comment hearing is granted, all individuals that submitted written comments or a hearing request will receive written notice of the hearing. This notice will identify the date, time, and location for the hearing.

Written public comments and/or requests for a notice and comment hearing should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ and be received within 30 days after the date of newspaper publication of this notice. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record.

A notice of proposed final action that includes a response to comments and identification of any changes to the draft permit will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments, a hearing request, or requested to be on the mailing list for this application. This mailing will also provide instructions for public petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request that the EPA object to the issuance of the proposed permit. After receiving a petition, the EPA may only object to the issuance of a permit which is not in compliance with the applicable requirements or the requirements of 30 TAC Chapter 122.

Mailing List. In addition to submitting public comments, a person may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address above. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Chief Clerk for this application.

Information. For more information about the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. You can also view our website for public participation opportunities at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/participation.

Further information may also be obtained for Global Companies LLC by calling Mr. Alan Ware at (781) 296-3301.

May 13, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Avoiding a Summer Soak

Plumbing Mistakes

North Texas Homeowners Make Every Summer (And How to Avoid Them)

BY LAURA SHALLCROSS

Summer in North Texas piles extra pressure on your plumbing system, and chances are, you won’t notice a problem until it’s glaringly obvious. But nobody wants a surprise plumbing bill, which leads to a question. How can you sidestep expensive repairs when summer really gets going? Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Dripping Outdoor Faucets & Sprinkler Leaks

As soon as summer arrives, your sprinkler system sets in for a long shift. It’s easy to simply avoid dealing with small leaks, especially since you might not even notice them. But a cracked sprinkler head or a damaged underground pipe can waste hundreds of gallons every week, so it’s worth paying attention to your sprinklers while they’re running. Check your yard for patches of soggy ground and look out for water pooling up by the sidewalk. And a dripping outdoor faucet or a slow drain might not seem like a big deal at the time, but in North Texas heat, small problems rarely stay small. Also, try to avoid running your sprinklers at the hottest part of the day; instead, water in the early morning.

Pouring Grease Down The Kitchen Sink

Texans love a barbecue, and all those family gatherings mean more cooking at home. And, let’s be real, that usually also means more grease and oil going down the kitchen sink. The easy option is to just rinse the grease away,

but this is a bad idea. Once that grease cools inside your pipes, it sticks to the walls and builds up into a blockage. It’s better to let that grease cool down in a container, then throw it in the trash where it belongs. While it takes more effort, it’s worth it for the money you’ll save in the long run.

Working Your Garbage Disposal Too Hard

Your garbage disposal is another kitchen appliance that gets worked harder in the summer. Yes, it can handle some scraps, but it’s still not a trash can. It’s smart to run cold water while you’re using the disposal, and try not to stuff

too much food into it at once. And if your disposal starts making weird noises or stops draining properly, turn it off straight away. Running it on could damage the motor.

Forgetting About Your Water Heater

You might think you can just forget about your water heater during the summer — after all, you’re not using as much hot water. But sediment builds up in the tank year-round, especially if you live in an area like North Texas with hard water. It’s so important to pay attention to the little warning signs, like low water pressure, damp spots, strange smells, or an unexplained jump in your water bill. These usually mean that there’s a bigger problem lurking in the background. Plus, without annual maintenance from trusted local experts, your heater is at risk of efficiency loss, and a significant buildup can even shorten its lifespan. Flushing your water heater once a year will help remove sediment and keep it running properly.

Fixing a small plumbing problem early on is always far cheaper than dealing with water damage or emergency repairs later in the summer. Military Plumbing (MilitaryPlumbing. com, 972-635-7676), a 24/7 company, can help you avoid these common plumbing mistakes. Their licensed plumbers work across DFW and Northeast Texas, offering installation services, emergency plumbing, drain unblocking, plumbing repair, and water heater servicing. Call them. Your system will thank you year-round!

BULLETIN BOARD

ADVERTISE HERE!

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Are You Road-Trip Ready? CALL COWTOWN ROVER!

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BCI BATH SHOWER

The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer: $1000 off or No Payments/ No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. Many options available. Quality materials, professional installation. Senior and military discounts available. Call 1-855-659-5784 today! (MB)

CONSUMER CELLULAR

We offer the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-888-671-2579. (MB)

DENTAL INSURANCE

Coverage for 400 plus procedures available from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Real dental insurance, NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now and get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! Call 1-888-361-7095 or visit Dental50plus.com/fortworth. #6258

EMPLOYMENT

HR Manager for Faurecia Emissions Control Systems NA, LLC, in Arlington, TX. Manage integration & implementation of HR policies & procedures at 2 operational sites for auto supplier. Bach deg in HR Mgmt, Bus. Admin., or closely rel field, or frgn deg equiv. 3 yrs exp in HR pos’n within ind or plant environ. Res to postingjobs@forvia.com (Req. No. 65608).

EMPLOYMENT

Reinhausen Manufacturing, Inc., Fort Worth, TX. Applications Engineer, OEM. Order processing & tech. review: interpret OEM specs, clarify reqs, prepare offers, process/monitor orders, delivery/ invoicing, after-sales supp. Work from home if needed. Bach Comp. Sc, Electr, Electromech Eng., Mechatronics or rltd applied eng. 3 yrs exp. energy tech, manufact or eng. 3 yrs’ w/ order processing, customer project mngmnt, tech. specs. Strong tech & analytical ability review & interpret electr specs. Manage mult projects & priorities in fastpaced environ. Business acumen focus problem solving, negotiation, value creation. Know power/ transformer ind. 20% domestic travel client sites. Resume to HR@us.reinhausen.com include position title in subject line.

HISTORIC RIDGLEA THEATER

THE RIDGLEA is three great venues within one historic Fort Worth landmark. RIDGLEA THEATER has been restored to its authentic allure, recovering unique Spanish-Mediterranean elements. It is ideal for large audiences and special events. RIDGLEA ROOM and RIDGLEA LOUNGE have been making some of their own history, as connected adjuncts to RIDGLEA THEATER, or hosting their own smaller shows and gatherings. More at theRidglea.com.

JACUZZI BATH REMODEL

We can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/27/26.) Call 1-877-593-0683. (MB)

LIFE INSURANCE

Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance!

No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company at 844-317-3246 or visit Life55plus.info/ftworth. (MB)

NEED A FRIEND?

Ronnie D. Long Bail Bonds

Immediate Jail Release 24 Hour Service. City, County, State and Federal Bonds. Located Minutes from Courts. 6004 Airport Freeway.

817-834-9894

RonnieDLongBailBonds.com

OMAHA STEAKS

Wait until you taste it! 100% guaranteed and delivered to your door! Our Butcher’s Savory Collection is only $129.99 and comes with 8 FREE Omaha Steaks Classic Burgers. Call 1-888-703-0342 and mention code 81305BKM or visit OmahaSteaks. com/Savory3110. (MB)

PREPARED for OUTAGES?

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-614-2556 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator, it’s a power mov. (MB)

SAFE STEP:

North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub

Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Financing available. Call Safe Step at 1-877-578-6218 today! (MB)

SUMMER CLEANING SPECIAL

All Exterior Windows Cleaned

Single Story $99 or Two Story $149 Call 817-902-3303 to Schedule WorthItWindows.com

VETERAN CAR DONATIONS:

Increase Your Tax Deductions!

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction. Call 1-844-450-1590 today!

YOU NEED A VACATION!

With over 50 guided tours available, YMT Vacations has affordable, social, and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time, SAVE $250 on all tours. Call 1-833-984-4155 today! (MB)