Arlington, TX

Happy Halloween everyone! I’m sure you all have big plans for this evening, especially if you have kids. Whether you’re going to a family festival, a haunted house, a real haunted place, or just doing some good old fashioned trick-or-treating, make sure you stay safe. Yesterday we gave you tips for keeping your pet safe and today we’ll share a few tips to help keep the kiddos safe as well:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Cross the street only at corners.
• Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you are more visible. We always add a little to our pumpkin and wear a glow stick too!
• Plan your route and share it with your family. Adults should accompany the little ones.
• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
• Watch out for those jack-o-lanterns! (Costumes can be extremely flamable.)
• Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Never go into a stranger’s house. Take candy at the door only.
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
• Be cautious of animals and strangers.
• Grown-ups should inspect treats. Don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Remember small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

My kids haven’t decided if they’d rather go the festival route or just trick-or-treat. They’ll probably change their minds ten times between now and tonight. Whatever you choose to do tonight, have a great time and be safe!

Halloween can be fun for our kids, but our fur babies don’t always fare so well. It can be a stressful time for pets with trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell and walking by the yard dressed in scary costumes. There are always a few pranksters out there who steal or kill pets on Halloween night. The ASPCA has a few tips to help us keep our pets safe and make Halloween less stressful on our furry friends.

• Don’t leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween. Pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, or even kill pets.
• Trick-or-Treat candy is not a treat for pets. Remember, chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals and wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin. It could be knocked over and cause a fire.
• Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
• If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t constricting, annoying or unsafe.
• Be careful not to obstruct your pet’s vision. Even the sweetest pet can get snappy when they can’t see what’s going on around them.
• All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours. Strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
• Be careful your cat or dog doesn’t dart out through the open door while you hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Remember, it’s up to us to make sure our pets feel safe on Halloween and every other day of the year. Following these tips can help.

Photo via LinkStink.com

Many local churches and other organizations are offering alternatives to the traditional door-to-door trick or treating. This Halloween night, you are sure to find something in your part of town. Here are a few going on Wednesday night:

Festival 31, 6 - 10 p.m., is a family-friendly Halloween-alternative at Fielder Road Baptist Church, 1323 W Pioneer Parkway. This is one of the biggest festivals in the area, featuring food, costumes, inflateables, games and prizes (including an X-box 360, Ipods and more). Free. 817-460-2234.

Shreek on the Creek, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Princesses, superheroes, and other costumed guest are invited. So get ready for tasty candy, delicious snack foods and tons of fun! The Church on Rush Creek, 2300 SW Green Oaks Blvd. 817-468-7729.

Fall-A-Ween, 6 p.m., Northeast Branch Library, 1905 Brown Blvd. Booths, games, candy and story time presented by the Teen Library Council. Costumes encouraged. 817-277-5573.

Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church Fall Festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 126 E. Park Row Drive. Games, nonscary costumes, food, candy and prizes. Free. 817-860-0363.

Lamar Baptist Church Family Fun Festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 1000 W. Lamar Blvd. Crafts, games, carnival food, bounce houses, candy and prizes. Free. 817-860-2957.

Overcoming Faith Christian Center annual festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 6900 U.S. 287 at Eden Road. Hayrides, music, food, bounce houses, giant slide, prizes and more. Free.

Fellowship of the Metroplex free fall festival, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7000 U.S. 287 S. Hayrides, games, bounce houses, candy and prizes, concessions, silent auction, bingo, costume contest and more.

Greek Halloween Carnival, 6:30-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center, University of Texas at Arlington, 300 W. First St. Booths, games, candy and prizes. 817-272-2963.

Halloween Safe House, 7-8 p.m., Fox Run Estates, 2315 Little Road. Residents host the free event for local children. Wear costumes. 817-492-8600.

Halloween Carnival and Pumpkin Path, 6-8 p.m., Pantego Fire Station, 1614 S. Bowen Road. Pumpkin-carving contest starts at 7 p.m. Free. 817-548-5858.

I know I can’t have everything listed here so if you know of another carnival or festival, drop us a comment and we’ll add you to the list.

If you prefer the spookier haunted houses, check our post about ongoing Halloween events.

Source

It’s the weekend before Halloween and there is much to be done! Many of the local clubs are having their Halloween parties. My friend Dave (The Catman) and his band, the Kiss tribute Destroyer, will be headlining Hod Rods and Hoggs big bash. Check them out if you get a chance. The Fall Festival, which includes trick or treating and roller skating, will take place at Elzie Odom Rec Center on Saturday night. If you don’t want to head out at night, check out Batty at the Ballpark on Saturday afternoon. Have fun and be safe!

What: Pump Jack Mary
When: Friday, Oct. 26 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Inflateable Love Boys
When: Friday, Oct. 26 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Drive 
When: Friday, Oct. 26, 9:30 pm
Where: Hot Rods & Hoggs, 706 N. Watson Road, 817-649-5220

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What: Batty at the Ballpark
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 10am to 2pm
Where: The Ballpark in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5097

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What: Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Elzie Odom Recreation Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd, 817-462-3700

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 27 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Velvet Love Box
When: Sat., Oct. 27 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Incognito
When: Saturday, Oct. 27 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Destroyer (Kiss Tribute) 
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 9:30 pm
Where: Hot Rods & Hoggs, 706 N. Watson Road, 817-649-5220

For a list of all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun check out this post!

We all hate road construction, especially when it seems never-ending. A reader recently asked me if I knew what the holdup was with the South Collins Street project so I decided to try and find out.

South Collins Street between Mayfield Rd. and Pioneer Pkwy. has been under construction since April of 2006. The project included street reconstruction, the addition of a fifth and sixth lane, drainage, sidewalks, streetlights, pavement markings, median landscaping and irrigation improvements. Growing up in the area, I can tell you that every rainstorm meant a minefield of potholes down South Collins so it was a much needed change, and essential for the traffic that will come with the new Cowboys stadium. It was expected to be finished by April of 2007, but an abundance of rain in the spring delayed the project. (more…)

I was hoping to bring you both sides of the Crime Tax issue today, but unfortunately I could only find videos asking you to vote FOR the tax.  

I found three videos on YouTube supporting the issue and decided to just let you see them all.

The first one features Mayor Robert Cluck telling you why you should vote for the Crime Tax:

(more…)

On the ballot this November 6 is a proposal to increase the sales tax in Arlington by 1/8 cent. Though it doesn’t seem like much, if approved, the tax could generate up to $6 million a year for five years. The money would go to fund additional police officers, fire and code enforcement officers and crime prevention programs. The tax increase would take effect in May 2008.

Over $3 million would go to increasing public safety by adding police officers, additional court personnel and increasing patrols.  $1.2 million would be used for neighborhood improvement and code enforcement. Things like grafitti removal would fall under this category. About $450,000 would go for youth, family and senior initiatives such as teaching seniors about fraud protection, youth and teen programs, and a literacy initiative. About $137,000 would be spent on program support such as an annual audit and information systems. For a complete breakdown of expenditures, you can visit the City Secretary’s page. (more…)

There are 16 (yes SIXTEEN) proposed Amendments to the Texas State Constitution on the upcoming ballot. You can find the actual ballot language here but sometimes it’s very confusing and doesn’t really tell you what the proposition is all about. Here’s a brief explanation of each:

Proposition 1: Allows the state to continue providing funding to Angelo State University in San Angelo, which is being transferred from the University of Texas System to the Texas Tech University System.

Proposition 2: Authorizes the issuance of up to $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance low-interest educational loans to students. (more…)

Early voting for the November 6 election begins today. On the ballot are 16 statewide constitutional amendments and the proposed Arlington Crime Control and Prevention District.

Tomorrow I’ll be bringing you information on the 16 amendments and what they’re all about and later this week I’ll take a look at the Crime Control District. We’ll see who is for it, who is against it, what it would do and how the increase in sales tax would be spent. I know, too often, I’m not as well-informed as I’d like to be when an election comes along so I’m going to help myself and hopefully help my readers by finding out about this one. (more…)

There are plenty of Fall-related events around town this weekend. Many churches are having their fall carnivals and the haunted houses are in full-swing. You can have your picture made in the Pumpkin Patch or attend the Texas Guitar Show. And, as always, there is lots of great music to choose from. I bet you can find something fun for your family to do.

Have a great weekend everyone!

What: The Nosmo Kings
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Metal Shop
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Little Legends Storytime & Ballpark After Dark Sleepover
When: Friday, Oct. 19 (call for times)
Where: Legends of the Game Museum, 1000 Ballpark Way, ste. 400, 817-273-5600

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What: Family Fun Campout
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 8 pm
Where: Lake Arlington

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What: Texas Guitar Show
When: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 19-21
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, 817-459-5000

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What: Pumpkin Patch Pictures
When: Sat., Oct. 20, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Arlington Animal Services, 5920 W. Pioneer Pkwy., 817-451-3436

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Clear Fork
When: Sat., Oct. 20 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Uptown
When: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What:  The Party Crashers
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30 pm
Where: Reflections (Inside the Admiral Hotel), 1507 N. Watson rd., 817-640-7712

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For a list of all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun check out this post! And don’t forget about Julius Jones at the Parks on Monday night!

Julius Jones, starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys, will be making an appearance at the Parks Mall from 6 pm to 8pm on Monday, October 22. He will sign autographs and pose for photos. Fans can bring their own memorabilia to be signed, or may purchase the following that night:

• 8×10 photos
• Mini-helmet
• Replica full size helmet
• Authentic NFL helmet
• Authentic NFL football
• Three panel white football

Jones was the Cowboys’ first round draft pick in 2004. So far in his 37 career games and 35 career starts, he has rushed for 2,896 yards (78.3 yards-per-game), including 2,864 in the 35 starts (81.8 yards-per game). In those 35 career starts he has rushed for over 70 yards 23 times. His 2,896 yards through three seasons put him in eighth place on the club’s all-time rushing list.

My friend KC at Signature Collectables also tells me that 3 young fans from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be at the event to make their wish come true by meeting their football hero. How great of Julius to do this for these extra special fans. He must be quite a guy. Kudos to all who helped put this together!

If you’d like to meet Julius Jones, come on out. The Parks at Arlington Mall is located at 3811 South Cooper Street (Cooper and I-20) in Arlington. Jones’ appearance will take place on the Lower Level in Center Court. For information call The Parks at 817-467-0200 or email Signature Collectables.

Symphony Arlington begins its eighth season Thursday night with a special concert featuring the award winning pop group, the 5th Dimension. Their songs include “Age of Aquarius” and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep.”

Five is a magic number with the Symphony this year, whose season is entitled “High Five.” They will be exploring the 5th Symphonies of Haydn, Dvorak, Mahler, Shostakovich and, of course, the most famous of all 5ths, Beethoven.  

The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and will feature a Symphony performance of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67. The 5th Dimension will perform following the Symphony selections.

Additional performances this season include:

Celeste Golden - Thursday, November 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Holiday Celebration - Thursday, December 20 at 8:00 p.m.
Jan Jiracek - Thursday, January 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Broadway and 55th - Thursday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m.
Five Play - Thursday, March 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Mahler Symphony #5 - Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Daniel Del Pino - Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for Thursday’s show rage in price from $25 to $55. Season tickets are available with several different plans to choose from. Performances take place at the MetroCenter, 1323 W. Pioneer Parkway.

Ticket sales generate about 37% of the Symphony’s operating costs. Charitable donations make up the balance needed. Donations are tax-deductible and contributions of $100 or more are recognized in the concert program.

Call 817-385-0484 or visit www.symphonyarlington.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Arlington city officials joined the Texas Rangers Baseball Club to break ground on some changes the Dr. Pepper Youth Ballpark last Friday.

Changes include a new 20 foot high retaining wall in left field, which will resemble the famed “Green Monster” in Fenway Park, and greater distances from home plate to the outfield, which will allow the park to accomodate 13 and 14 year olds. The park’s design had previously only been able to host games for players up to 12 years old.

The changes were necessary to make way for new roadways which are part of the Glory Park and Dallas Cowboys Stadium construction.

Rick McLaughlin, vice president of business operations for the Rangers, said work on the outfield will begin in about two weeks and be completed by March. The field will be closed until then. 

On Tuesday, November 6, Arlington voters will be going to the polls. One of the items on the ballot will be the proposal for a local sales and use tax to finance the proposed Arlington Crime Control and Prevention District.

Five Town Hall meetings have been scheduled to allow Arlington voters the opportunity to learn more about crime control and prevention. The District 5 meeting was held last Thursday, but there are 4 more chances for citizens to attend meetings. They are as follows:

District 4 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Council Member Kathryn Wilemon
6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15
Fire Training Center, 5501 Ron McAndrew Dr.

District 2 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Deputy Mayor Pro-Tempore Sheri Capehart
7 p.m. Tuesday, October 16
Carol Holt Elementary, 7321 Ledbetter Road

District 3 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by City Council Member Robert Rivera
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17
Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center St.

District 1 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Council Member Mel LeBlanc
6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 18
River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd.

Early voting begins Monday, October 22 and continues until Friday, November 2.

For more information about the Arlington Crime Control and Prevention District, you can visit the City of Arlington website at http://www.arlingtontx.gov/.

The man involved in yesterday’s standoff with police has been identified as Arthur Jackson, 32. Jackson was involved in an hours long standoff with police, before leading them on a chase and driving his car into Lake Arlington. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jackson’s victims are identified as his estranged wife, Lisa Ford Jackson, 36, and her two children, Tyson Adams, 7, and Jaelynn Ford, 13. (more…)