Staff & Reader Submitted

4th ANNUAL 9/11 MEMORIAL TOWER CLIMB AT CITY CENTER

Mary Jane Coker — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:53:14 Z

City Center Fort Worth hosted the Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb today, Saturday, September 13 in downtown Fort Worth. The event commemorated the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascended the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

The climb began at 8:47 am, followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments climbed to the 30th floor in the tower three times, then on the fourth round stopped at level 20, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber wore a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

The community showed up and participated in the day's festivities. Fort Worth Police Department displayed their Lenco BearCat armored vehicle used by its SWAT team and the Fort Worth PD Recruiter truck. Dogs from their Critical Incident team were also onsite allowing attendees to interact with the dogs for a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department had their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with smoke. In addition, the North Richland Hills Fire Department had a fire truck on display.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary ice cream from La Creamian and Starbucks coffee during the event.

City Center displayed a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11.

The timeline of the days events included:

8:10 am Participant Group Photo

8:15 am Opening Ceremony

8:46 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am Moment of Silence All Pause

Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Collapses

10:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Collapses

12:00 pm First responders finish and the event concludes.

Photos from previous Tower Climbs can be found here: 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalledthe first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

City Center is the premier business address with Class A office space in downtown Fort Worth. Comprised of the Bank of America Tower and the Wells Fargo Tower, the two iconic towers offer stunning views of Fort Worth, connected parking and an on-site private club with fitness center. More info at citycenterfw.com/.

City Center in Downtown Fort Worth to Host 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb

Carolyn Alvey — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:49:43 Z

City Center Fort Worth will host the Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb on Saturday, September 13 in downtown Fort Worth. The event will commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascend the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

Certified first responders and law enforcement can register in advance at citycenterfw.com/memorial-tower-climb. The $50 registration fee will be donated to a non-profit that supports first responders. Check-in begins at 6:30 am on September 13, and the climb will begin at 8:47 am following a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments will climb to the 30^th floor in the tower three times, then on the fourth round will stop at level 20, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber will wear a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

The community is encouraged to be a part of the event festivities. Fort Worth Police Department will display their Lenco BearCat armored vehicle used by its SWAT team and the Fort Worth PD Recruiter truck. Dogs from their Critical Incident team also will be onsite allowing attendees to interact with the dogs for a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department will have their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with smoke. In addition, the North Richland Hills Fire Department will have a fire truck on display.

Complimentary ice cream from La Creamian will be available onsite while supplies last.

Starbucks will be offering complimentary black coffee at the event with premium drinks available for sale.

City Center will display a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11.

The timeline of the days events include:

8:10 am Participant Group Photo

8:15 am Opening Ceremony

8:46 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am Moment of Silence All Pause

Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Collapses

10:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Collapses

12:00 pm First responders finish and the event concludes.

More information, including a link to registration, is available at citycenterfw.com/9-11-memorial-tower-climb/. Photos from previous Tower Climbs can be found here: 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Medical City Fort Worth Donation Provides More Than 30,000 Meals

Elizabeth Couch — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Medical City Fort Worth donated $5,500 and 1,600 pounds of food to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, contributions that will provide more than 30,000 meals to families in need. These donations, part of Medical City Healthcares Summer of Service and Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows initiatives, underscore the hospitals commitment to addressing food insecurity in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

We believe in showing up for our community and caring for them like family, says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. Our monetary donation will help provide more than 30,000 meals to our community. This contribution and the 1,600 pounds of food collected through our summer food drive reinforce our commitment to fighting food insecurity and building healthier tomorrows.

More than 30 Medical City Fort Worth colleagues gathered at the Tarrant Area Food Bank to present the donation check, assist with quality control, and pack bags of fruit for families in need. This volunteer activity was the highlight of the hospital's Summer of Service projects, demonstrating its dedication to community support.

The Tarrant Area Food Bank plays a vital role in the fight against hunger in North Texas. Serving 13 counties, the food bank distributes nutritious food to local pantries, shelters, and community kitchens, feeding thousands of families each month. Their comprehensive programs also address the root causes of hunger by providing education and resources to those in need.

In addition to assisting the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Medical City Fort Worth colleagues replenished a local outdoor community pantry in the Near Southside area of Fort Worth.

Medical City Fort Worths Summer of Service initiative is an annual program encouraging employees to participate in various volunteer activities and community service projects. The initiative aims to foster a culture of giving and reinforce the hospital's commitment to compassionate care and community engagement.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is a 378-bed, acute care hospital located in Fort Worth, Texas. With a medical team of more than 700 physicians, Medical City Fort Worth offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services in a wide range of specialties, including cardiovascular care, neurosciences, oncology, surgical services, orthopedics, kidney transplants and emergency care. Part of the Texas Stroke Institute stroke care network, Medical City Fort Worth is a designated comprehensive stroke center and a Joint Commission-certified chest pain center. Named one of Americas 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, Medical City Fort Worth is A-rated for safety by the Leapfrog Group and Magnet® recognized for nursing excellence.

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

2024 Solar Car Challenge Brings Teens from Across the U.S. to Fort Worth

Kelly Hunter — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:46:19 Z

Thirty-two teams of high school students from across the United States are preparing to head to Texas for the 31^st annual Solar Car Challenge, during which they will race around Texas Motor Speedway for four days to see which teams car goes the greatest distance. The race begins July 14.

The Solar Car Challenge, which is a finalist in the 2024 D CEO Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards in the Innovation and Education category, was established in 1993 by educator Dr. Lehman Marks. The program is designed to help motivate students in the fields of science, technology and alternative energy. Preparations for this years race began with educational workshops last September, though it can take teams two to three years to see their ideas come to fruition. Students built the cars using their own ideas and starting from scratch. Before the race, their cars will face scrutineering rigorous evaluation by a panel of experienced judges at the speedway from July 11-13.

During the race, car breakdowns, weather conditions and team experience will limit the number of miles a team can drive each day. The team driving the most miles accumulated over the four days of racing at Texas Motor Speedway will be declared the winner.

Students who take part in the Solar Car Challenge have a 23% greater chance of going into a STEM career than students participating in other STEM programs. This is the top project-based STEM program in the country, Marks said. We teach the kids how to build a plan, come up with a budget, fundraise, how to engineer the car and manage the project, all while theyre learning about how to harness energy from the sun to make a car go down the road.

This years Solar Car Challenge will feature 32 teams from 12 states, including 16 teams from Texas, four teams from California, two each from Kentucky and Florida, and one each from Idaho, Maryland, Connecticut, Missouri, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas and Michigan. There are teams in various stages of development in 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Spain and Singapore. A cross-country version of the race occurs biannually, with alternating years showcasing cars on the track at Texas Motor Speedway.

This is the brain sport, Marks said. Its not just about building the car, but how to drive that car, solve the inevitable problems that happen with the car, and keeping your team intact through four grueling days of racing. Doing the Solar Car Challenge makes these students better equipped to face the challenges theyll have in life.

For more information on the Solar Car Challenge, visit https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/media.shtml.

For photos and videos of prior races, contact Sunwest Communications at HEC@sunwestpr.com.

A media day will be held on Friday, July 12, at Texas Motor Speedway. Contact Sunwest Communications at HEC@sunwestpr.com for more information.

For sponsorship information on the Solar Car Challenge Foundation, contact Dr. Marks at 214.587.8489 or LehmanM743@aol.com.

ABOUT THE SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE

The Solar Car Challenge & Education Program is designed to help motivate students in Science, Engineering, and Alternative Energy. We teach high school students how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. Students demonstrate that green technology can create a better world. The Solar Car Challenge has 261 ongoing high school solar car projects located in 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Spain and Singapore. These teams are in the process of designing, engineering and building roadworthy solar cars in anticipation of an upcoming solar racing event. The Challenges Education Program provides support for schools seeking to be a part of this top project-based STEM Initiative. The Solar Car Challenges Education Program has served the educational community for 26 national events. More than 65,000 students have directly benefited from this program.

Medical City Fort Worth Appoints New ACFO

Elizabeth Couch — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:14:00 Z

FORT WORTH Medical City Fort Worth has appointed Benjamin Baggi as the hospital's new assistant chief financial officer (ACFO). In this role, he will also support Medical City Weatherford. In this position, he will work closely with hospital leadership to oversee financial operations and strategy and ensure the hospital's continued success in delivering high-quality patient care.

Baggi brings a wealth of experience in financial management and healthcare operations to his new role. Before Medical City Fort Worth, he served as the financial systems and reporting manager at Florida Cancer Specialists in Tampa, Florida, where he played a pivotal role in implementing a new financial reporting and recording system.

In addition to his role at Florida Cancer Specialists, Baggi has held leadership positions in finance at prominent healthcare organizations where he piloted innovative ideas to improve budget timelines and systems, reduce workload and enhance communication between departments.

"We are pleased to welcome Ben to the Medical City Fort Worth team," says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. His extensive experience and proven track record make him an asset to our hospital as we continue to grow and serve the healthcare needs of our community."

Baggi holds an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Southwestern Adventist University.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH