It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic City of Arlington - Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Arlington, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for almost 4yrs in September this year. They help out when ask.”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name speaks for itself because always we give the best care for each of our patients...I love the staffs and the patients I have been working for Always Best Care 5 years and not one regret. ????”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting River Legacy Parks with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cut & Bourbon or visit First United Methodist Church of Arlington - Texas State Historical Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Arlington, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Arlington, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Arlington, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Theatre Arlington IncArlington, TXDESCRIPTIONNotice: Audition Call Type: EPAAUDITION DATESaturday, August 23, 2025No break scheduledAPPOINTMENTSTo schedule an audition appointment please contact production and stage manager, Maria L Hickox at: [email protected] . No video submission will be accepted.CONTRACTSPT$333 weekly minimum (SPT 1)SEEKINGEqui...
Theatre Arlington IncArlington, TX
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
AUDITION DATE
Saturday, August 23, 2025
No break scheduled
APPOINTMENTS
To schedule an audition appointment please contact production and stage manager, Maria L Hickox at: [email protected] . No video submission will be accepted.
CONTRACT
SPT
$333 weekly minimum (SPT 1)
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in DAMN YANKEES (See breakdown).
PREPARATION
Please prepare a short musical number in the style of the show. Bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Also please bring your headshot and resume.
LOCATION
Theatre Arlington - Admin and Education Building
316 West Main St.
Arlington, TX 76010-7115
PERSONNEL
Expected to attend:
Director: Steven D Morris
Music Director and accompaninst: Mark Mullino
Choreographer: Leslie Jones
OTHER DATES
Rehearsals start: January 12th, 2026
Performances: Feburary 13th - March 1st, 2026
Performance schedule: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm
OTHER
theatrearlington.org
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
DAMN YANKEES
SEEKING:
Joe Boyd: A middle-aged, overweight married man who is in love with baseball, especially the Senators. Male presenting - Age: 40 to 50 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Joe Hardy: The home run hitting alter ego of Joe Boyd. A good guy who loves that he is living out his dream but deeply misses the life and love he left behind. Male presenting - Age: 20 to 30 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Sohovik: A baseball player for the Washington Senators. The smartest and most level-headed of the players. Enjoys his side job of selling insurance. The unofficial leader of the team. Male presenting - Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Smokey: Baseball catcher - Washington Senators. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Tries to be a tough guy, but is not. Male presenting - Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: C3
Van Buren: The luckless team manager. father-figure for the team, who proudly defends them. A bit of a loose cannon. Male presenting Age: 40 to 60 Vocal range top: A5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Rocky: A baseball player for the Washington Senators. Cocky, but a little bit dopey, too. He's a guy's guy. Male presenting - Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: B5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Mr. Welch: The owner of the Senators. Believes in Joe and his team. Protective of Joe and the boys. Male presenting - Age: 50 to 60 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Meg Boyd: Joe's long-suffering, but loyal wife. Female presenting - Age: 40 to 55 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Sister: A friend of Meg's and Doris's sister. Outspoken and brash but caring. An avid baseball fan. Female presenting - Age: 35 to 55 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Doris: A friend of Meg's. She is slightly quieter than her sister, but still outspoken. An avid baseball fan. Female presenting - Age: 35 to 55 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Gloria Thorpe: A probing reporter who's bottom-line is a good story for her paper. Fearless and biting. Female presenting- Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: B3
Lola: The Devil's seductress assistant. Sexy and confident. Though she's done many bad things, she is a good person deep down inside. Female presenting - Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: F3
Mr. Applegate: The role of Mr. Applegate has been cast. (played by David Coffee) The Devil in disguise as a slick salesman. A controlling, greedy smooth talker. Male Age: 40 to 60 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: A3
SPT $333 weekly minimum (SPT 1)
AEA
An Arlington nursing home has been named one of the worst in the nation by the federal government, after years of fines and citations for health and safety issues.Coral Rehabilitation and Nursing of Arlington, 1112 Gibbins Road, was named a “special focus facility” by the federal government. The designation is reserved for just 88 nursing homes across the nation, or 0.5% of all nursing homes. The progra...
An Arlington nursing home has been named one of the worst in the nation by the federal government, after years of fines and citations for health and safety issues.
Coral Rehabilitation and Nursing of Arlington, 1112 Gibbins Road, was named a “special focus facility” by the federal government. The designation is reserved for just 88 nursing homes across the nation, or 0.5% of all nursing homes. The program is designed for nursing homes with the most serious or prolonged health and safety violations.
The nursing home is owned by Chambers County Public Hospital District No. 1 in southeast Texas. The hospital district did not respond to emails asking for comment for this story.
The federal government has fined the nursing home $156,000 over the past three years, and twice has stopped payments to the nursing home as a penalty.
In August 2024, the nursing home was penalized when federal surveyors found that two residents were leaving the nursing home without signing out and then returning drunk. One of the residents would go out and buy cigarettes and alcohol for other residents, according to the report. The same survey found that one resident, who was paraplegic, was left alone all night while calling out for help. She was “distressed and crying,” according to the federal survey, and “stated that she felt alone and abandoned.” In addition, call lights weren’t working in four out of five halls of the nursing home, according to the survey. The nursing home was fined $45,537 after this inspection.
In November 2024, Coral Rehab was penalized again. A federal surveyor found one resident with multiple open ulcers “draining yellow drainage” on the resident’s legs. The resident said he had had the wounds for two months, but hadn’t received any care for them. During the same inspection, the federal inspector cited the nursing home for failing to prevent the spread of infections after a nurse forgot to change her gloves and wash her hands after cleaning an incontinent resident.
Coral Rehabilitation has 204 certified beds, but usually houses 82 residents per day, according to federal data.
Joined by members of the Rollins family, the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the start of construction on the future Al Rollins Park on Saturday, June 28, 2025.The 2.4-acre park next to the Southwest Branch Library honors Al Rollins, who served the City of Arlington in several key roles—including City Engineer, Director of Public Works, Director of Utilities, and City Manager—from 1956 to 1967. After leaving city service, he co-founded Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, a civil engin...
Joined by members of the Rollins family, the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the start of construction on the future Al Rollins Park on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The 2.4-acre park next to the Southwest Branch Library honors Al Rollins, who served the City of Arlington in several key roles—including City Engineer, Director of Public Works, Director of Utilities, and City Manager—from 1956 to 1967. After leaving city service, he co-founded Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, a civil engineering and landscape architecture firm that has left a lasting mark on public spaces throughout Arlington and beyond. Rollins remained engaged with the firm, now Parkhill, as chairman emeritus until its 2018 merger.
“Naming this park in honor of Al Rollins is especially meaningful given his unique legacy in both public service and the private sector,” Parks Director James Orloski said. “He helped shape Arlington’s infrastructure as a city leader and continued to influence our community and beyond through decades of design and consulting work. It’s a fitting tribute that bridges his past impact and our future vision.”
Planned phase I features include:
The park’s design reflects community input collected through stakeholder meetings, a fall 2022 public survey, and a collaborative project with second-grade students from AISD’s Wood Elementary.
"The park will include something for everyone—playgrounds for multiple age groups, pollinator and wildflower gardens, paved walking trail, and open green space for passive recreation," Orloski said. "Its location next to the Arlington Southwest Library Branch creates exciting opportunities for cross-departmental programming that blends recreation and education. Our vision for parks in Arlington continues to evolve—not just more green space, but spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and designed for connection. Al Rollins Park will exemplify that vision."
The project arrives at a time of growth and recognition for Arlington’s parks system. As the city enters its second century of parks and recreation, Arlington has climbed from 74th to 46th in the national Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® rankings over the past two years. With 71% of Arlington residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park—14% above the national urban average—the city now ranks 4th in Texas, behind only Plano, Dallas, and Frisco.
For more information about the groundbreaking or future park development, please contact the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department at [email protected].
Three Arlington restaurants were closed for serious health violations, including sanitation issues and roaches, during the July 6-12 inspections, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram.Arlington restaurants are scored on a 100-point system, with 100 being a perfect scor...
Three Arlington restaurants were closed for serious health violations, including sanitation issues and roaches, during the July 6-12 inspections, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram.
Arlington restaurants are scored on a 100-point system, with 100 being a perfect score. Restaurants and other places that serve food that score 75 or less require a follow-up inspection, and a score of 70 is considered extremely poor.
Smetzels, located at 3811 S. Cooper St. inside The Parks Mall, scored 81 and was closed July 10. Some food wasn’t being held at a safe temperature, equipment and utensils were dirty, and the inspector found several live and dead roaches in the eatery, according to a city of Arlington spokesperson. Smetzels was allowed to reopen July 11 after a follow-up inspection.
Roman Delight Pizza Pasta, also inside The Parks Mall, scored 82 and was closed by the city July 9. According to the spokesperson, the inspector found grime built up on equipment and utensils and numerous dead and live roaches in the facility. The restaurant was allowed to reopen after a follow-up inspection on July 11.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. received a relatively high score of 92 on July 8, but was closed due to an infestation of German cockroaches. The inspector also found other violations, including dirty equipment and improper use of handwashing facilities, the spokesperson said. The restaurant called a pest control company, sealed outer openings and crevices and was allowed to reopen July 9.
No restaurants out of the 108 locations inspected during the week failed and none scored lower than 75.
Two establishments — the GNS Foods warehouse at 2109 E. Division St. and Smoothie King at 6320 U.S. 287 — received a perfect score of 100.
Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Arlington for July 6th - July 12th, 2025 A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Reinspections will be conducted for restaurants that score 75 or less. If serious health and sanitation violations are considered an imminent health hazard, the restaurant will be closed until the identified health hazard has been mitigated. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a restaurant name. You can also sort by score.
The City of Arlington is facing a challenging Fiscal Year 2026. Throughout the next several months, our “Piecing it Together” budget series will provide a high-level overview of the unique situational and economic factors impacting Arlington’s budget this year. Have a question or topic you’d like to see included? ...
The City of Arlington is facing a challenging Fiscal Year 2026. Throughout the next several months, our “Piecing it Together” budget series will provide a high-level overview of the unique situational and economic factors impacting Arlington’s budget this year. Have a question or topic you’d like to see included? Send us a message.
In 2005, Arlington residents voted to approve the adoption of a senior tax freeze. That means for the past 20 years, the amount that Arlington homeowners ages 65 and up pay to the City on their annual property tax bill has been capped, even if the appraisal district increased their property assessment.
Why this matters: This savings, while beneficial for eligible Arlington homeowners, results in notably less property tax revenue for the City’s General Fund. The growing impact of the senior tax freeze, which removed $4.3 billion in taxable value from the City’s property tax base this year alone, is one of the challenges city leaders face as they work to balance a projected $25 million General Fund budget shortfall in Fiscal Year 2026. Other factors include the absorption of federal grants, slower property value growth overall, lower-than-expected sales tax receipts, and modified appraisal district processes.
The General Fund, which is the largest fund in the City’s operating budget, supports core services including public safety, parks, libraries, and city administration. About three-fourths of the General Fund revenue comes from property and sales taxes.
The City is not removing the senior tax freeze. Unlike other tax relief measures the City Council approves annually, such as the 20% homestead exemption, the City cannot modify the voter-approved senior tax freeze. The budgetary impact of this specific tax relief is expected to continue growing as Arlington’s population ages. Currently, 14.3% of Arlington’s population is between the ages of 60 and 79.
As home values have increased and the population has aged over the past decade, Arlington has seen a 451% increase in the amount of assessed residential property tax value that is no longer taxable by the City because of the senior tax freeze.
What was $78 million in value removed from the rolls in FY15 now tops $4.3 billion in FY25. Removing that taxable value has real impacts to the General Fund. In FY15, the City did not collect $518,000 in residential property tax revenue that it could have if the senior tax freeze was not in place. Ten years later, that amount of lost revenue opportunity has risen to $3.5 million. To put that impact in context, $3.5 million is what it costs to pay the average salary and benefits for 26 patrol officers. It is also more than one-third of the Arlington Public Library’s annual budget.
The impact of the growing senior tax freeze, combined with other economic and situational challenges facing the City, will mean difficult decisions during the budgeting process. To make up for reduced revenues, the City Council is evaluating a lengthy list of proposed cost-savings measures and possible reductions in city services next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. Learn more at www.arlingtontx.gov/2026budget.
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