Fun and Fit

New fitness program steps up task of keeping Dallas-Fort Worth moms-to-be healthy

Healthy mom equals happy baby.

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Staying fit and healthy during pregnancy is one of the keys to having a healthy baby. While ice cream, pizza, and pickles are probably calling out to every mom-to-be, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center wants to help pregnant women keep in great shape with its new program Fit4Baby.

Fit4Baby is part of Fit4Mom, the nation's largest fitness program designed specifically for moms. The pre-natal class is open to women at any stage of pregnancy, and combines elements of strength training, cardio, and stretching. It's the latest in a series of workout programs for new mothers, which include Stroller Barre and Body Back.

"All women need the strength for motherhood at every stage," says Chief Founding Mom Laura Druxman, who started the series of maternal workouts in 2001 with Stroller Strides.

Fit4Baby focuses on the pregnancy stage of motherhood. All instructors are certified in prenatal fitness and follow ACOG guidelines, and unlike a standard yoga or barre class, you won’t have to modify any of the moves.

There's also the chance to connect with like-minded women and form friendships and connections that can last a lifetime. Who knows? Your kids might even be friends one day.

Classes are every Monday and Wednesday from 7-8 pm in the Canedy Conference Room at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. The first class is October 2 and begins with a free demo class, swag bags, giveaways, and more. Reserve your spot by emailing laurengalipp@fit4mom.com. For more information, visit arlington.fit4mom.com.

health fitness families promoted

RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

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Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away at his Highland Park home on November 27 while in hospice care.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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