Bringing the Latest News from Judge Tim O'Hare to Your Inbox!     IN THIS ISSUE Greetings from the Tarrant County Judge Hope Farm Leads the Way, Guiding At-Risk Boys Medical City Arlington Breaks Ground on New Patient Tower Horizon 76 American Grill House  National Medal of Honor Day, March 25   Greetings from Judge Tim O'Hare As your newly elected County Judge, please allow me to introduce myself. I am a 5th-generation Texan and lifelong resident of our area. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1991 with a BBA in Finance, I went on to earn a law degree from SMU School of Law in 1995. Prior to taking the Oath of Office as Tarrant County Judge, I spent twenty-five years building a law firm and real estate investment company. Previously, I served as a Mayor and Councilman in my hometown of Farmers Branch. I am married to the love of my life, Christen, and we have four daughters. We are members of First Baptist Grapevine, where I serve as a Deacon. My wife and I have been long-time volunteers in the Children’s Ministry. On January 1, 2023, I stepped into the County Administration Building and hit the ground running. In the first 90 days, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many elected officials, agencies, department heads, and organizations that partner with Tarrant County to serve our residents and businesses, as well as dozens of constituents. One of my first acts was to rescind the COVID-19 Disaster Declaration that had been in effect since 2020. I’ve prioritized ensuring Tarrant County is the safest large county in America. The Commissioners Court recently approved the purchase of a much-needed Armored Vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office and voted to move forward with plans to build a Law Enforcement Training Center. Another top priority is to provide meaningful property tax relief in Tarrant County. I am committed to a reduction in spending and lowering property taxes for everyone. Our office is dedicated to filling the vacancy on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board with a strong advocate for taxpayers. I also have initiated steps to consider the adoption of a Homestead Exemption for the County Tax Rate, a property tax relief measure that has never been implemented in Tarrant County. I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve Tarrant County as your County Judge. I take the responsibility of ensuring that Tarrant County operates effectively and efficiently seriously. Transparency is essential, and I am committed to keeping you informed. We live in the best county, in the best state, in the best country in the world – something for which we should all be thankful. I’d appreciate your prayers during my time serving you in office. Non-Profit Spotlight Hope Farm Leads the Way, Guiding At-Risk Boys Visit Hope Farm's Website! Hope Farm is a local non-profit guiding at-risk boys in Tarrant County to become men of integrity. This long-term leadership development program benefits young males who don’t have positive male role models in their homes. The program serves children aged five years old through high school graduation and beyond. Formed in 1989, Hope Farm has since served hundreds of at-risk boys and their Moms in Fort Worth, helping to break the cycle of the fatherless home. One of the original Co-Founders, Noble Crawford, continues to serve as the Board’s Vice President. I had the opportunity to visit with Sacher Dawson, the Board’s President and Hope Farm’s Executive Director. Sacher’s passion to provide a haven for children to grow while being centered in Christ is evident through the programs offered at Hope Farm. The program offers positive alternatives to gang-related activity and empowers children through a structured, holistic program. Their Leadership Development Plan helps boys become responsible citizens and prepares them to lead in today’s society. Boys are given the opportunity to make contributions through volunteerism, attend daily Bible classes, and receive academic support to help them reach their potential. The Next Level academic teaching time focuses on teaching life-long learning skills, time management, enrichment, remediation, as well as math and reading support. They also offer a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, partnering with The Andrews Institute at TCU and Imagination Education in Fort Worth. The Kids Café offers nutrition support for those in the program. They provide daily, hot meals, working in collaboration with the Tarrant Area Food Bank. During mealtime, etiquette is also a focus, as the program emphasizes several aspects of development and mentorship. In addition to spiritual health, academics, nutrition and wellness, Hope Farm provides a physical education program, athletic clinics, boys choir, and piano. The Moms Resource Program (MRP) gives spiritual encouragement and structural tools to the mothers of at-risk boys, offering resources in areas like health and nutrition, finance and money management, behavior, Biblical values, mentorship, provision of licensed counseling, when needed, and a Parent University and Coaching Teams. Each program places an emphasis on Four Pillars: Wisdom, Stature, Discipleship and Friendship. Hope Farm has two Fort Worth locations. Hope Farm is funded by the generous support of foundations, individual donors, and corporations, which enables them to teach young boys how to be Godly men. It is so encouraging to hear about the impact this program has on the lives of so many at-risk boys in our community. Community Corner Medical City Arlington Breaks Ground on New Patient Tower On March 1, 2023, Medical City Arlington celebrated the groundbreaking of their new patient tower. Many community members were in attendance. This $144,000,000 tower will include 60 patient beds, 8 private surgery rooms, and both expand and renovate the kitchen. The new tower will allow for greater hospital capacity and additional medical services for the residents of Arlington and surrounding communities. This expansion will add over 127,000 square feet to Medical City Arlington. Anticipated completion date for the tower is early 2025. Made in Tarrant County: Small Business Spotlight Horizon 76 American Grill House This past month I had the opportunity to visit Horizon 76 American Grill House restaurant in Keller. Launched in 2020 by Jeff Lowery, Dwight Dowell, and Chris Polk during the COVID-19 pandemic, their ability to flourish through such a difficult season speaks volumes about their leadership, staff, and well-received menu. Dowell also serves as the Executive Chef and is a Keller resident. They offer a large variety of burgers, steaks, grilled fare, and comfort food in a casual but upscale atmosphere. The restaurant welcomes guests with a patriotic theme and Americana décor, including artwork featuring old-town Keller landmarks. One of the standout features of Horizon 76 is their commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, including meat selections from a cattle ranch in Sulphur Springs, owned by Chris Polk. The restaurant also offers a covered patio area, perfect for hosting a larger crowd. Who wouldn’t want to try bison sliders, filet mignon chili, or a fried chicken pot pie? The owners recently purchased the restaurant next door, formerly a Golden Corral, which they are renovating to form a new authentic Texas BBQ restaurant, Outpost 36 Texas BBQ. Outpost 36 is expected to open in May 2023. Horizon 76 American Grill House is a Tarrant County restaurant success story worth visiting. Heart of Service National Medal of Honor Day, March 25 National Medal of Honor Day is celebrated on March 25 every year to remember and honor the service members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their acts of heroism and valor in service to our country. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States to those who have demonstrated exceptional selflessness and courage in the face of great harm. First established during the Civil War in 1862, the Medal of Honor has since been awarded to 3,520 service members. Multiple Medal of Honor recipients were born in or lived in Tarrant County throughout the years. It seems fitting this week to honor a local posthumous Medal of Honor Award recipient, Major Horace Seaver Carswell, Jr. Major Carswell was born on July 18, 1916, in Fort Worth, and was the son of Horace, Sr. and Linnie Carswell. He attended college at Texas A&M University and then attended Texas Christian University, where he graduated in 1939, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Major Carswell joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940, where he was appointed a flying cadet. Horace married Virginia Adaline Ede, a TCU co-ed, in 1941, and was assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group in the Philippines in 1941. He was later transferred to the 374th Bombardment Group in Australia. On October 26, 1944, Major Carswell was leading a bombing raid on an enemy shipyard in Singapore when his B-24 Liberator was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Despite crippling damage to his plane, Major Carswell refused to abandon his mission and continued towards his target. However, as he approached the shipyard, his plane was hit again. While eight crewmembers bailed out, Major Carswell stayed with his wounded co-pilot and another crewmember, and unsuccessfully attempted a crash landing. Carswell’s actions on that day saved the lives of his crew and allowed them to bail out of the plane prior to striking a mountainside. Major Carswell was also posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, an Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. Carswell Air Force Base, in use from 1942-1994, was named in honor of Major Carswell in 1948. Major Carswell was survived by his wife and son. May his gallantry and sacrifice be remembered always.   As we step into the Spring season, Texas comes alive with a colorful array of wildflowers, bluebonnets, and green trees. We hope you enjoy the warmer weather and outdoor events that go hand in hand with this vibrant time of year. If you need assistance with any Tarrant County service, please feel free to call my office anytime. Visit our Website! Tarrant County | 100 E. Weatherford Street, Suite 501, Fort Worth, TX 76196-0101 Unsubscribe [email protected] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!