Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Arlington This Saturday

Do you have things like old paint, motor oil and batteries around your house but you’re not sure what to do with them?  The City of Arlington’s “Crud Cruiser” will be at River Legacy Park this Saturday, January 24 from 8am to 11am to take those items off your hands.

Here is a list of items they will accept:

• Acids
• Aerosol Cans
• All Batteries
• Antifreeze
• Brake Fluid
• Cooking Oil
• Craft/Hobby Chemicals
• Degreasers
• Drain Cleaners
• Fertilizer
• Fluorescent Lights
• Herbicides, Pesticides and other Household Chemicals
• Mercury
• Motor Oil and Oil Filters
• Paints, Stains, Varnishes
• Paint Thinners & Other Solvents
• Photo Chemicals
• Pool Chemicals
• Transmission Fluid

The “Crud Cruiser” makes monthly stops at various locations on the first Saturday of each month.  For the complete 2015 schedule , visit http://www.arlington-tx.gov/recycle/household-hazardous-waste-collection-events/.

In addition, items may be dropped off free of charge at the Environmental Collection Center at 6400 Bridge Street, Fort Worth (near I-30 and Loop 820).  The Center is open Thursdays & Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Proof of Arlington residency, such as a current driver’s license or water bill, is required.

For more Arlington News, check out our blog.

 

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Do You Really Know What You Think You Know About Reverse Mortgages?

The Reverse Mortgage - you've heard about it, but do you really know what it is and how it works? There are many misconceptions out there so it is important to have the facts before deciding if it is right for you.

In a nutshell, a reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert their home's equity into cash while retaining ownership of the home. There are no monthly payments and repayment is deferred as long as the borrower lives in their home. The funds can be used in a number of ways.

Michelle White from Ideal Flooring says her company helps older adults make their homes more "aging- friendly." "We can help you refresh your flooring so, as you age, it will accommodate your mobility needs, making navigation of any type easier for you."

"A reverse mortgage can help older adults stay in their homes as long as possible and avoid nursing homes," says Jenna Robinson of BrightStar care, a home healthcare company. Some of their clients have used reverse mortgage funds to hire in-home help for both medical and non-medical needs.

Ingrid Sullivan is a realtor in Arlington, Texas devoted to making life easier for her senior clients. "Many seniors are in homes that aren't appropriate for 'aging in place.' A reverse mortgage can help them purchase a new home that is better suited to their current and/or future needs."

To find out more about how a Reverse Mortgage can best work for you, attend our complimentary dinner workshop on January 22 at 5:00 pm in Arlington, Find all the details at www.SeniorDownsizingExperts.com.

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Ring in the New Year in Arlington

Haven’t decided how to ring in 2015 yet?  Here are some options to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Arlington:

Family Friendly

Alley Cats has two options for celebrating the new year.  The Family Party from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and The Countdown Party from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am.  Parties include bowling, billiards, laser tag, rock climbing, food, drinks, giveaways and more!  The Family Party is $37.50 for adults/$32.50 for kids and the Countdown Party is $19.99 per person.  Or attend both for a discounted price.

AMF Spare Time Lanes is also getting in on the NYE fun.  Their Ball Drop Package includes unlimited bowing and shoe rental, gourmet buffet, unlimited soft drinks, midnight champagne toast with party favors and midnight countdown.  Party runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  $42.99 per person or $229.99 per lane (up to 6 guests per lane).

Arlington Skatium is another place for a fun-filled family night.  The New Year’s Eve All Night Skate will run from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.  Event includes a balloon drop at midnight with prizes inside. $20 per person.

Comedy

If you are looking for comedy, the Arlington Improv will feature the comedic stylings of Bruce Bruce.  Shows start at 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm.  Show will include party favors and a champagne toast to welcome in 2014. Tickets range from $60-$70.

Zingerz Comedy Club at Fox & Hound will celebrate New Year’s Eve with their Laff Party starring Patrick DeGuire.  Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $40 per person in advance or $50 at the door.

Night Life

Bar Louie in the Arlington Highlands has a New Year’s Eve package that includes
live entertainment, a champagne toast and breakfast buffet.  Party starts at 8:00 pm and ends at 2:00 am.  Tickets are $50 per person.

Also in the Arlington Highlands, Dave & Busters will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration beginning at 9:00 pm.  Three party packages are available with include food, drinks and an entertainment card.  Cost is 39.99, $52.99 or $65.99 per person.

Hooligan’s Pub’s NEY 2014 will include a DJ, food truck, cash balloon drop and free champagne toast at midnight.  The admission is free.  Party runs fro 4:00 pm to 2:30 am.

South Street Patio will host a New Year’s Eve Bash which includes live music and a champagne toast at midnight.  Party from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. $10 per person.

Revelers at Zuri Lounge can enjoy a complimentary buffet (8:00 – 9:30), live music, cash balloon drop and free champagne toast at midnight.  Cost is $10 per person before 9:00 pm; $15 per person or $25 per couple after 9:00 pm.

Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub in Lincoln Square will have party favors, a midnight champagne toast and live music by The Mullet Boyz!

Stumpy’s Blues Bar will feature classic rock from the Xes Whiskey band, appetizers, drinks, and a champagne toast at midnight.  $10 admission.

Fine Dining

Olenjack’s Grille is featuring a special three course meal.  First Course is a choice of  Black Eyed Pea Soup with Greens or Baby Bibb Lettuce, Crispy Red Onions, Bacon, Creamy Gorgonzola Cheese Dressing. Second course is Texas Cioppino Seafood Stew w/ Spicy Broth ($53 per person) or Blue Cheese Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Cipollini Jam, Grilled Lobster Mashed Potatoes ($65 per person). Third course is Sticky Toffee Cake with Blackberry Caramel, Spiced Pecans & Crème Anglaise or Black Forest Truffle Tart with a Shiraz Cherry Coulis.
4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Cacharel’s New Year’s Eve Dinner consists of a three-course meal includes entree choices like beef wellington, sliced duck, sea bass, salmon or rack of lamb.  Cost is $79 per person.  5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Restaurant506 at Sanford Spa will feature several menu options including crab bisque, lobster & scallops plus dessert.  Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. but reservations are required.  Call 817-801-5541 to reserve your spot.
Cost is $85.

The Melting Pot is a great place for a romantic New Year’s Eve dinner.  They have two packages available.  Both include a $20 dip certificate good on your next visit.  Dinner hours are 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  Cost is $120 or $140 depending on the package.

 

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City of Arlington Holiday Closings

In case you’re wondering what will and won’t be open over the next few days, the City of Arlington has published a list to help you out  Here are the highlights:

All City of Arlington municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25.  

Regular office hours and service schedules will resume Friday, December 26.

CHRISTMAS EVE - Wednesday, December 24, 2014

What’s Open:

• All municipal golf courses
• Cliff Nelson Recreation Center – 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Hugh Smith Recreation Center – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
• Elzie Odom Athletic Center –  6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Eunice Activity Center – closes at 3:00 p.m.
• Curbside garbage and recycling collection will occur as scheduled.

CHRISTMAS DAY - Thursday, December 25, 2014

All city offices and recreation centers are closed.  There will be no trash or recycling pickup.   There will be a makeup recycling collection day on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, however, there will be no makeup day for trash pickup.

Friday, December 26, 2015

Most city offices and recreation centers resume normal business hours.  Only the Senior Recreation Center on New York Ave. will be closed.

For more Arlington, Texas news and tips, visit our website.

 

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Senior Cohousing–New Options for Retirement Living

A new option for seniors who wish to “age in place” is Senior Cohousing.  Cohousing usually consists of developments of smaller homes clustered together around a shared community space.

In these communities, residents have their own private home but can also enjoy the benefits of a common house which can include things like community gardens, libraries, guest rooms for visitors, laundry facilities, kitchens for common meals and room for get-togethers.  Some also have fitness facilities, media rooms, office space or workshops.

Social interaction is a great benefit – residents always have a buddy for walks, shopping excursions or a visit to the movie theater – but they still have the option of their own private space when they want time to themselves.

While these communities are geared toward the senior population, many “boomers” have chosen the cohousing life as well.  Some are opting to move into these communities while they are still in good health, planning ahead for times when they might need more assistance from their neighbors and friends. 

Cohousing is a growing trend, but is not yet available everywhere.  For more information about cohousing options in your area, visit The Cohousing Association of the United States.

Find more great senior tips and information on our website.

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Avoid Tech Support Phone Scams

If you receive a phone call from a Microsoft security 'expert' offering to fix your PC - it's a scam.  Even if they know your name and happen to guess what Windows operating system you are using, don’t be fooled.  Microsoft never makes unsolicited calls to their customers.  Here are some tips to help you avoid tech support phone scams:

• Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
• Do not purchase any software or services.
• Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the "service." If there is, hang up.
• Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
• Take the caller's information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
• Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
• Don’t give out your user name or password or install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable.

What to do if you think you have been a victim of a scam

If you suspect that you've been a victim of a phishing scam with personal or financial information, here are some things you can do to minimize the damage:

• Change your computer password as well as the passwords or PINs on all your online accounts that might have been compromised including your email and financial accounts.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Check with your bank or financial advisor if you're not sure how to do this.
• Contact your bank or online merchants directly. Do not follow email links as they could be fraudulent.
• Routinely review your bank and credit card statements monthly for unexplained charges.  If your accounts have been compromised, cancel them immediately.
• Scan your computer with a reliable virus scan software.  There are many free options available including Microsoft Safety Scanner, Avast, Malware Bytes and AVG.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Phone Scams,Seniors

Arlington Will Waive Animal Adoption Fees for Seniors

Age-Friendly Arlington reports that Arlington Animal Shelter Manager Chris Huff  has said finances would not stand in the way of seniors who want to adopt a companion from the shelter. Arlington will waive animal adoption fees for seniors and offer other help as well. 

Mr. Huff said Arlington Animal Services will assist older adults with pet deposits required by local landlords if they cannot afford to pay it, provide free or low-cost veterinary care, and even provide free pet food and kitty litter from the shelter's food pantry.

If you are a senior and would like a pet for companionship but are not able to pay, contact Mr. Huff by phone (817) 459-6269 or email chris.huff@arlingtontx.gov to discuss your options.

You can view the shelter’s available pets by visiting http://www.arlington-tx.gov/animals.

For more great information and tips, visit our website.

Technorati Tags: Seniors,Arlington,Animal Adoption,Pets