Things to do in Arlington This Weekend–May 1-3

Looking for something fun to do in Arlington this weekend?  Here are some ideas:

What: Quilter’s Guild of Arlington Festival of Quilts
Where: Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Arlington, TX 76014
When:  Friday, May 1, 2015; 10am – 5pm
Cost: $8 cash only, free parking
Info:  www.qgoa.org
Quilters' Guild of Arlington presents the 2015 Festival of Quilts - "Joyful Reflections."  200 judged fabric art and quilt entries; a miniature quilt silent auction, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure; an AQS certified quilt appraiser; Scissor Guy will be available for scissors & knife sharpening; Vendors; "Friendship Garden" Donation Quilt will be on display and tickets will be available for purchase (a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Safe Haven).

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What:  Texas History Day
Where:  Six Flags; 2201 Rd to Six Flags Arlington, TX 76011
When: Friday, May 1, 2015; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Special rates are available and groups that order in advance will receive one free chaperone ticket for every 20 tickets purchased
Info: www.sixflags.com
Visit with characters straight out of Texas history. Performers provide a unique first-person perspective of life on the Texas frontier so you can truly grasp the essence of Texas' rich history. Learn about the park's history and how Six Flags Over Texas was developed. Special rates are available and groups that order in advance will receive one free chaperone ticket for every 20 tickets purchased!

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What:  Urinetown: The Musical
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 West Main Street Arlington, TX 76010
When:  Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from May 1 thru May 24
Cost: $17.50 – $22
Info: Theatre Arlington
In an attempt to regulate water consumption, Urinetown (a mythical bad place) has outlawed the use of private toilets.  By Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis.

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What:  Texas Rangers vs Oakland Athletics
Where: Globe Life Park
When:  May 1 – 3 (7:05 Fri & Sat; 2:05 Sun)
Cost: $13 – $50
Info: Texas Rangers
Cheer on the home team as they take on the Oakland A’s in a three game series this weekend.

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What:  Cowboys Carnival
Where: AT&T Stadium
When:  May 2 11:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Info: Dallas Cowboys
Appearances by Dallas Cowboys players and Cheerleaders. Photo opportunities, autographs, carnival rides and games, live music and more. Miller Lite West Plaza.

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5 Reasons More Older Adults are Choosing to Rent

According to a recent study, baby boomers (the generation born between 1945 and the early 1960s) now account for about 29% of renters.  Let’s look at 5 reasons more older adults are choosing to rent vs. own their home:

1.  Convenience.  After years of homeownership, one of the biggest perks of renting is that the maintenance is no longer their responsibility.  If the air conditioner isn’t working or the sink is clogged, they can simply call the landlord.  This can be a huge relief for older adults. 

2.  Savings.  A large home can be a great expense.  Mortgage payments, property taxes, upkeep and utilities can take a toll on finances.  A smaller place with less maintenance can mean big savings for those looking to make their retirement dollars last as long as possible

3.  Less wasted space.  As empty-nesters, there is no need to have all of the extra rooms to clean and maintain (or heat and cool).  Downsizing is the answer for many seniors.  There are options to fit any lifestyle - smaller houses, apartments or independent senior living communities. 

4.  Flexibility.  There are no long-term commitments, which is nice for those who aren’t quite sure where they want to settle or who may need to make a change in the future for health reasons. 

5. The sale is done.  Selling a home can be very stressful, and even more so when there are health or other issues at play and decisions have to be made for you.  By selling while healthy, older adults avoid the extra stress on themselves and their families.

If you’re interested in finding out more about downsizing, download our free guide, “5 Easy Steps to a Successful Move” or give us a call at (817) 330-9235 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,boomers,rent

Late-in-Life Moves Present Challenges to Seniors and Their Families

Senior Downsizing Experts Offer Solutions for a Smooth Transition

As senior adults and their families begin to face the challenges of “downsizing" -- a move for the elder from a larger family home into a smaller home, apartment, or senior living community -- they can feel overwhelmed. Many don't know where to start or what their options are.

To help Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families to better deal with the complexities involved in late-life moves, Senior Downsizing Experts Ingrid and John Sullivan have put together a casual and interactive workshop entitled “Downsizing Made Easy." The next free events are as follows:

April 9 at Brookdale Arlington (formerly Town Village) from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

April 18 at the Lake Arlington Branch of the Arlington Public Library from 10:30 am to noon

April 22 at Atria at Hometown in North Richland Hills from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

During their hour-and-a-half presentation, the Sullivans discuss questions to consider before making a move, senior living options in the DFW area, questions for touring senior living communities, tips for hiring various professionals related to the moving process, guidance on estate sales, and more. They urge attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that requires less maintenance and allows for more freedom and fun.

"In many cases home ownership proves to be a financial burden and a source of isolation for seniors. While remaining in the home may have been a goal earlier in life, by the time home ownership starts to feel unmanageable, the prospect of evaluating other options and actually moving, can be completely overwhelming," says Ingrid. “As a DFW Realtor specializing in the 55+ real estate market, it is my goal to insure that older adults and their families are adequately equipped and aware of all the senior living options and resources available to them. This part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don't know which way to turn when making these important decisions and we are happy to be here to help."

For more information, or to register for one of the free seminars, please visit www.seniordownsizingexperts.com or call 817-635-1043.

About The Sullivans:

The Sullivan & Sullivan Team of Keller Williams Arlington have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home. The Sullivans have completed extensive training and are both certified Senior Real Estate Specialist® by the National Association of Realtors. Ingrid has also achieved the more in-depth Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP®) designation through the Seniors Real Estate Institute. The Sullivans have managed late-in-life moves for hundreds of clients - including their own parents - and are aware of how emotional and complicated the process can be. Their message to seniors and their families: "You Are Not Alone."

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,arlington,north richland hills,free,seminar

8 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Spring is finally here! While it brings warmer temperatures, flowers and sunshine, it can also shed light on problems around your home that might need maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to keep your home well-maintained and beautiful:

1.  GUTTERS - Make sure they are free of debris and are draining properly. Improper drainage can lead to water damage.

2.  ROOF - From the ground, examine shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys should also be checked.

3.  FOUNDATION - Inspect for indications of cracks or movement. Also look for cracks in your walls or ceiling or doors and windows that aren't closing properly.

4.  WOOD TRIM - Inspect wood trim on your home for cracks, dry rot or signs of termites. Repairs should be done before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood. Remove firewood that was stored near the home over the winter.

5.  FAUCETS & HOSES - Check your outside faucets for freeze damage. Also check your garden hoses for dry rot.

6.  FIREPLACE - If you used your fireplace a great deal during the winter months, you should have it cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

7.  AIR CONDITIONING - For the most efficient cooling, have your unit cleaned and serviced by a professional. The best time to do this is before it gets too hot outside. Not only will you avoid the headache of having your air conditioning go out on the hottest day of the year, you will probably pay less for service in a non-peak time. Also make sure to change interior filters on a regular basis.

8.  LAWN - Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled to avoid damage from yard flooding during spring rains. Standing water also is a breeding ground for mosquitos so it is best to make sure your lawn doesn't have spots where water can pool. Also check your lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use.

If you need an expert to help with repairs around your home, give us a call at (817) 330-9235. We have assembled a team of professionals who can assist you in getting your home in tip-top shape for spring.

For more great tips, visit our website.

Technorati Tags: spring,home repair

Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team Aims to Empower Seniors to be Proactive about Late-in-Life Housing Choices

Seminar Educates Seniors and their Families on Options for Downsizing

As the population ages, more and more senior citizens and their caregiver families are faced with the challenges of “downsizing" -- a move for the elder from a larger family home into a smaller home, apartment, or senior living community.

To help Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families accomplish this life transition with the most ease, real estate agents, Ingrid and John Sullivan of the Sullivan & Sullivan Team at Keller Williams Arlington, have put together a free seminar entitled “Downsizing Made Easy." The next two events are scheduled for:

March 21 from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm at Watercrest Mansfield and

March 26 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Heritage Village in Hurst

"In many cases home ownership proves to be a financial burden and a source of isolation for seniors. While remaining in the home may have been a goal earlier in life, by the time home ownership starts to feel unmanageable, the prospect of evaluating other options and actually moving, can feel completely overwhelming," says Ingrid.

That is exactly the reason that the Sullivans have stepped into the role of DFW's top advocates for a proactive, positive approach to where and how to spend one's later years. For more than six years, the Sullivans have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home.

In the last few years, homeowners over 65 accounted for about 25% of all homes sold, and that figure is on the rise. As such, the Sullivans are urging seniors to evaluate their options and make decisions about late-in-life housing arrangements well before they get to the point that decisions have to be made for them. "It's never too early to become informed, " Ingrid emphasizes.

During their hour-and-a-half presentation, the Sullivans present a framework for getting started on a plan, and urge attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that require less maintenance and allow for more freedom and fun. Guest speakers will include specialists in Title and Escrow, Packing and Moving, Home Repair and Estate Sales.

“As a DFW Realtor who specializes in helping senior citizens and their families with their real estate needs, this part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don't know which way to turn when making these important decisions and we are happy to be here to help,” says Ingrid.

To find out more, or to register for the free event, please visit www.SeniorDownsizingExperts.com.

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,seminar,watercrest,town village

Things To Do This Week in Arlington Texas – February 20-22

Lots of fun things going on to close out the week in Arlington, Texas.  Here’s a list to help you plan your weekend (and a few bonus Thursday things as well):

SYMPHONY ARLINGTON PRESENTS PAUL SILVERTHORNE ON VIOLA
When:  February 19, 2015, 7:30pm
Where:  Arlington, Music Hall, 224 North Center St.,
Admission:  $15-$45

Paul Silverthorne is one of the UK's foremost viola players. He holds the principal positions in both the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta and appears regularly as a soloist with these and other major orchestras around the world. Throughout his career he has worked closely with some of the leading composers of our time, this relationship inspiring many of them to write for him, enlarging a repertoire that already encompasses all the major viola works as well as his own transcriptions and lesser known pieces from all periods.

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UTA MAVERICK SPEAKERS SERIES: MICHIO KAKU
When:  February 19, 2015, 7:30 pm
Where: Texas Hall, UTA, Arlington, TX 76019
Admission: GA; Free, Preferred packages $50

Michio Kaku is one of the most widely renowned contemporary figures in science. His particular area of specialty is Einstein's unified field theory, which Dr. Kaku is attempting to complete. He is also known for his work in predicting trends that affect business, commerce, and finance. The Henry Semat Chair in Theoretical Physics at the City University of New York, Kaku has written several best-selling books and is currently the public face of the Science Channel.

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AMH PRESENTS: WYNONNA & FRIENDS (STORIES & SONG)
When:  February 20, 2015, 7:30pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 North Center St., Arlington, TX 76011-7535
Admission: $90-SOLD OUT, $60 & $50-Seats STILL Available

With her one-of-a-kind powerhouse voice and engaging storytelling flair, WYNONNA--joined by her 3-piece band including her husband, producer and award-winning artist Cactus Moser--will share with audiences the personal stories behind what inspired her to record the songs from her 30-year platinum career.

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2015 FAMILY EXPO
When:  February 21, 2015, 9am – 1pm
Where: Tarrant County College SE Campus, 2100 Southeast Parkway, Arlington, TX 76018
Admission:Free!

“Promoting Strong and Healthy Families ” is the theme of the 2015 Family Expo coming Saturday, February 21st , at Tarrant County College – Southeast Campus, located at 2100 Southeast Parkway, Arlington, TX 76018. Now in its 19th year, this free, family-friendly event provides valuable resources to families in and around Arlington and Tarrant County.  To find out more visit: https://akaxto.wufoo.com/forms/q16tvnoi0wwxmrh/

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MONSTER JAM
When:  February 21, 2015, 7pm
Where: AT&T Stadium, One Legends Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Admission: Price varies according to sections

Monster Jam is an incredible family friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels, Monster Jam monster trucks!  These twelve feet tall, ten thousand pound machines will bring you to the edge of your seat, racing and ripping up a custom designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through! The biggest names in the sport are all here, straight from their TV show on Speed and their popular toy line from Mattel toys. Monster Jam provides a massive night's entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget.

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ZOMBIE MANOR CHILI COOK-OFF
When:  February 21, 2015, 10am – 2pm
Where: Zombie Manor, 7501 US Highway 287, Arlington, TX 76001

THE Chili Cook-off Event of the year benefiting the Arlington Professional Fire Fighters. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and audience favorite.

 

Technorati Tags: Arlington,Texas,Events

Free Exercise DVD for Seniors from National Institute on Aging

According to a study funded by the National Institute of Health, a carefully structured, moderate physical activity program can help older adults maintain their mobility. In addition to the fall risks associated with mobility issues, reduced mobility can also raise a person’s risk for disease, disability, and even death.

Based on the findings of this and other studies, the National Institute on Aging launched Go4Life, a national exercise and physical activity campaign for healthy older adults.  On their website you can find tips, suggested exercises, and instructional videos.  You can also request free materials including a free exercise DVD, exercise guides and more.

This is a great way to get started with exercises to keep you safely moving and grooving.  But remember, always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. 

For more Senior Living tips, visit our website.

Technorati Tags: Seniors,free exercise dvd,fitness,exercise