Mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 24, and join the Arlington Public Library at the Career and Education Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Library and Recreation Center. This is your chance to explore job opportunities in rapidly growing fields and access educational resources that can elevate your skills and enhance your employability.

The event will feature workshops specifically designed for veterans transitioning to civilian life and college students entering the job market for the first time. Professional headshots will be available, and there will be door prizes to add a little extra excitement to the day.

To help you make the most of the Career and Education Fair, the library is offering two virtual Resume Refresh sessions:

• Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m.

This event will showcase employers offering a range of positions—full-time, part-time, temporary, and remote—with salaries spanning from $20,000 to $100,000 annually. Expect to see representatives from FedEx, The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Live!, Tarrant County College, Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, and many more! Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level.

Nestled in the bustling North Arlington Whole Foods shopping center, Itadaki Ramen has quietly emerged as a standout culinary destination since its opening four months ago. This intimate 40-seat establishment, located at 837 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76011, offers a refreshing departure from the Americanized ramen typically found in the area.

First-time restaurateur Kevin Chau, a Vietnam native with extensive experience in sushi and hibachi restaurants, has crafted a menu that pays homage to the ramen style of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. Chau’s dedication to authenticity is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the cooking techniques to the carefully sourced ingredients.

The dining room balances modernity and tradition, featuring classic Japanese paintings, elegantly woven light fixtures, and serene blue walls, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The space, formerly occupied by Chinese restaurant Royal Panda, has been thoughtfully transformed to create an inviting atmosphere that complements the cuisine.

Itadaki Ramen’s signature dish is a testament to Chau’s culinary training in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital. The miso-infused pork bone broth, simmered at low heat for extended periods, yields a rich, velvety consistency that sets it apart from the creamy broths common in many ramen establishments. Thick, curly noodles and stir-fried vegetables cooked in lard and garlic complete the authentic Hokkaido ramen experience.

The commitment to quality extends to the ingredients, many of which are imported directly from Japan. Menma, a lacto-fermented bamboo shoot condiment, adds depth and complexity to the dishes. The use of these specialized ingredients elevates Itadaki Ramen above its local competitors.

During our visit, the warm and attentive service immediately set a positive tone for the evening. We began with two appetizers: Takoyaki, delicate octopus and scallion puffs adorned with kewpie mayo and bonito flakes, and Gyoza, expertly crafted Japanese-style pork and cabbage pot stickers. Both starters showcased the kitchen’s attention to detail and mastery of traditional techniques.

For the main course, the Nigori Chicken Broth with creamy broth and chicken chashu, ordered with the Kara Miso (spicy) option, was a revelation.

The complex flavors and perfect balance of heat left a lasting impression, quite literally bringing tears to this reviewer’s eyes.

Other standout dishes included the Tempura Shrimp Bento, a limited-time summer special, and the Yaki Udon, both of which demonstrated the kitchen’s versatility beyond ramen.

Itadaki Ramen is a welcome addition to Arlington’s dining scene, offering an authentic taste of Hokkaido-style ramen in a thoughtfully designed space. Chau’s vision of creating “a little modern but still traditional Japanese feel” has been successfully realized, making this restaurant a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts and curious diners alike. As word spreads about this hidden gem, securing a table may soon become a challenge – making now the perfect time to experience Itadaki Ramen’s unique offerings.

• Vero Eats

Is anyone craving to eat something sweet? Traditional Shortbread cookies? Hyped up for Thin Mints? Perhaps, try the new Toast-Yay cookies? Good news, the Girl Scout cookies are back! 

With the pandemic, it is more critical than ever for Arlington residents to support our local Girl Scouts. Some corporations which previously allowed Girl Scouts tabling opted out this year while other locations requested for the girls to leave in order to enforce maximum capacity limits. It was challenging to find a location for a cookie booth this year. 

Girl Scouts depend on their cookie sales to raise funds for the year. The proceeds go to the local fund of the troop’s choice. When you purchase local Girl Scout cookies, you are contributing to empowering Arlington’s next generation of business leaders through the Girl Scout Cookie program. Any purchase of these baked goods can keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. 

The Girl Scout Cookies program allows Scouts to gain 5 essential skills: goal-setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. With the online ordering system set in place, they are gaining exposure to digital e-commerce. Did you know that Girl Scout Cookies is the world’s largest girl-run entrepreneurial program in the world?

Girl Scouts are adapting to the changing business atmosphere in safe and creative ways. Instead of selling door-to-door to potential customers, they are putting door hangers with information on how to place an order electronically to reduce interactions with people. Customers are encouraged to use electronic payment methods. 

Here’s how you can support local Girl Scouts and help them reach their goal: 

Ask for virtual booth link from a Girl Scout 

Not comfortable with leaving the house? You can order online from the comfort of your home. Girl Scouts set up their virtual cookie booth, which is an online ordering system used to sell their cookies. Depending on the troop, you can request contactless delivery. If you know a Girl Scout, ask her for a Digital Cookie site link to purchase from her online. 

It is a good idea to share those links with your friends, family, and acquaintances. Simple word-of-mouth can make a huge difference this year. 

Attend Drive-Thru Cookie Booth

The Council of Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains suggested putting up drive-thru events as another option to sell cookies. Troops attempt to move forward with this idea. 

On Sunday January 31, Girl Scout Troop 3518 put up a drive-thru cookie booth event as advertised on Facebook. The COVID protocols are in place.

“Customers loved the drive-thru concept. Multiple people told the girls how nice and convenient this is,” Leanne Haynes, the Troop Leader 3518 shared. 

Stop by the cookie booth (Maintain social distance and wear masks!) 

Examples of local area where you may find the cookie booth: 

• Kroger 
• Tom Thumb 
• Lowe’s 
• 7/11 

To explore booth stops closest to you, you can use your zip code to find your local Girl Scout cookie booth. These provided both location, date, and time. Enter your zip code in the ‘Find Cookies’ feature on the official website.   

Disclaimer: Even if listed on an official website, individual location management have the rights to refuse Girl Scouts from tabling and thus, may not be present. 

The Girl Scouts program prepared a COVID-19 safety checklist for their Girl Scouts to practice necessary precaution for both the sellers and customers. Here’s how sellers are going to sell safely at their cookie booth: 

Girl Scout Cookie sellers’ COVID-19 safety protocol for in-person cookie booth: 

• Follow COVID-19 guidelines in their state
• Wear mask covering both nose and mouth at all times
• Hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes must be visible at the table. Must sanitize their table frequently
• Limit to 1-5 girl scouts per booth (Stricter limitation may be imposed by location booth management) 
• Comply to additional safety requirements from location booth management

If you have any allergies, you can check for the cookie ingredient information.  

Residents across Texas are dealing with the aftermath from the unexpected cold snap that left thousands without power and water for days. Despite warmer temperatures and restoration of power, several Arlington homeowners are left with property damage from this extreme winter storm.

Subfreezing temperatures caused pipes to freeze and burst. When the pipes burst, water floods homes causing significant damage. 

Arlington Water Utilities has worked diligently throughout the week to conduct emergency water shut-offs for homes and businesses experiencing water line breaks to meet the community’s increased weather-related demand. Normal water pressure was not fully restored until Friday morning.

In addition to damaged plumbing, some property owners have sustained structural damage, fallen tree limbs, and more.

At the beginning of February, the city of Arlington announced a new Tool Sharing Program that offers Arlington residents a variety of tools and equipment to check-out free of charge to assist with property cleanup and home improvement.

Chances are, homeowners may not have the tools needed to clean up and repair damages resulting from this unprecedented winter storm. As Arlington residents take on cleanup efforts to repair weather-related damages, this program is available to help. 

The Tool Sharing Program provides Arlington residents with the variety of tools and equipment necessary for home repairment such as drills sets and pressure washers. 

Arlington residents can check out up to four items per category at a time. The categories available are: Mowing & Yard Maintenance, Tree & Shrub Trimming, Household & Fence Repair, Pressure Washing, Painting, and Litter Clean Up. 

Tool and equipment checkout comes at no cost to residents and is delivered and returned by the city’s mobile tool trailer directly to your residence.

“Not everyone has a vehicle large enough to transport a lawn mower or power washer, or the funds to purchase/rent these items. The best part is being able to reserve the equipment, know it will be delivered and picked up without having to leave the house,” said Linda Finley, resident of Fish Creek community. 

To borrow, complete the tool sharing program request form or call the Action Center at 817-459-6777. Homeowners must provide the proof of Arlington residence and identification. The proof of Arlington residence may be water or other current utility bills. Proof of identification may be driver license, passport, or other government-issued document. 

Homeowners may choose tools that fit their needs and continue using these tools for 3 calendar days. The Tool Sharing Program will come back to pick up the tools at the end of the reservation. 
To learn more about the program visit https://www.arlingtontx.gov/tools

UPDATE: City of Arlington announces precautionary boil water alert is lifted Sat, Feb 20, 10:07 AM.

Due to unprecedented demand and a possible major water main break, some Arlington Water Utilities customers may be without water service. For those with water, pressure may be reduced and tap water must be boiled prior to consumption.

This order advises all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

Arlington Water Utilities is working to restore water pressure in the distribution system.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be consumed with boiling or otherwise treating. Follow the guidelines below for ensuring your water is safe for consumption:

-Boil water to a vigorous rolling boil for five minutes then cool completely prior to using.

-Purchase bottled water may be used in lieu of boiling.

Early Wednesday morning, the City of Arlington asked residents to limit water usage to only essential purposes. Community and social media rumors about tap water availability caused some residents to unnecessarily fill bathtubs and buckets to have water on hand.

The unprecedented demand strained the water distribution system over the past 24 hours causing a drop in pressure. The Texas Commission on  Environmental Quality requires that a boil water notice be issued because of a recent pressure drop in the distribution system for the City Arlington.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Periodic updates will be provided by the city as the situation changes. Residents with questions are told to contact Arlington Water Utilities at 817-275-5931.

As extreme winter weather conditions continued, the City of Arlington on Tuesday issued a Declaration of Disaster, opened a secondary emergency warming station, and urged citizens with emergency issues related to power outages to call 911 for assistance. 

On Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the White House had issued a Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas, affecting all 254 counties in the state. Today, the City of Arlington and Tarrant County also issued declarations of disaster to become eligible for state and federal assistance needed to respond to and recover from emergency conditions created by the winter weather event. 

Additional snow and ice are in the forecast for Wednesday and temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until later this week. The sustained harsh weather would be too strenuous on the single Salvation Army warming station without more support. With the need to keep residents warm growing, a second warming station has opened at the Dottie Lynn Recreation Center.

Warming Station Information 

The Salvation Army
(817) 860-1836

712 W Abram St, Arlington, TX 76013

This location is open as the City’s primary warming station. 

Additionally, the City announced Tuesday that a second emergency warming station is being opened for residents without power during these extreme winter weather conditions. The City’s 

Dottie Lynn Recreation Center

(817) 277-5001

3200 Norwood Ln, Arlington, TX 76013

is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. This location is not open for overnight shelter and no meals or drinks are provided, so those who come to the temporary warming station will need to bring the items they need. Pets are not allowed in the facility. 

To protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic, face masks will be required. 

Community Organizations Open to Residents

Due to power outages across the city and extreme temperatures, the Arlington community has come together to offer shelter to residents in need.

Mrs. Burke’s Christian Academy

(817) 542-6551

5900 Matlock Rd, Arlington, TX 76018

Taking mothers and their kids throughout the day until 6pm. After 6pm doors will be open for anyone needing to get out of the cold.

Connect Church

(512) 965-0600 

401 SW Plaza #103, Arlington, TX 76016

Beginning at 6 pm will open their doors to those in need of a warm place to stay for the night or a hot shower.

Special Hotel Rates 

In addition to warming stations, The City of Arlington and Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau have partnered with local hotels to provide special rates for residents impacted by the ongoing winter storm. 

Hawthorn Suites 

(817) 640-1188

2401 Brookhollow Plaza Drive Arlington, TX 76006

$75 for a one-bedroom suite (up to four people)

$130 for a two-bedroom suite (up to six people)

Red Roof

(817) 640-5151

820 N. Watson Road Arlington, TX 76011

$44.53 plus tax

Residence Inn North

(817) 649-7300

1050 Brookhollow Plaza Drive Arlington, TX 76006

$109 rate

Live! by Loews

(877) 870-9596

1600 E. Randol Mill Road Arlington, TX 76011

$109 plus tax

Sonesta Simply Suites

(817) 649-3336

2221 Brookhollow Plaza Drive Arlington, TX 76006

$59 plus tax

817 Hotel by Days Inn

(817) 261-8444

910 N. Collins Street, Arlington, TX 76011

$39 for a standard king room

$49 for a double room

Crowne Plaza 

(817) 394-5000

2700 E. Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76011

15 percent off

Fairfield Inn & Suites

(817) 649-5800

2500 E. Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006

$49 plus tax

Click here for the most up-to-date list.

Arlington has officially been designated a texas music-friendly community by the Texas Music Office. The certification ceremony is this Friday, December 18th via zoom. Mayor Jeff Williams, Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton, and Arlington Convention & Visitor’s Bureau CEO Ron Price will receive the certification from Texas Music Office Community Relations & Outreach Specialist (and Arlington native) Chip Adams.

The process to become a Texas Music-Friendly Community started back in October when Letatia Teyki, executive director of Levitt Pavillion Arlington, along with Ron Price teamed up with other leaders in Arlington’s music industry. Venues, artists, producers, educators, and recording studios joined in the effort to help American’s Dream City become the 20th city to receive the honor this year.

Together they accomplished the five steps set forward by the Texas Music Officer to become a music-friendly community. 

• Host a music-friendly community workshop 
• Establish a City/County/Region Music Office liaison, who can respond to constituent questions 
• Register with the Texas Music Office’s Texas Music Industry Directory 
• Demonstration of partnerships with the community’s music-related 501c3 nonprofits in order to foster community development. 
• Collaboration with music education programs, including area college or university music schools.

For nearly 30 years the Texas Music Office has served the Texas music industry. The Music Friendly Community program will provide the Arlington community with a network for fostering music industry development. The program aims to send a clear message to industry professionals that Arlington is dedicated to the growth and development of its music scene.

“As a Film-Friendly Certified Community, Arlington is incredibly excited to now be recognized as a Music-Friendly City by the Texas Music Office,” said Mayor Williams. “Arlington has a rich musical legacy, including the fine arts department of our school district that has produced Grammy Award-winning talents like Pentatonix and Maren Morris, and we are also home to the great Kirk Franklin. I want to thank Levitt Pavilion Arlington, City staff and the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau for working on this initiative and to help us foster music economic development opportunities throughout The American Dream City.”

Cities that have received the official Music-Friendly Community designation from the Texas Music Office include Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, San Angelo, Nacogdoches, Abilene, McKinney, Waxahachie, Waco, Alpine and Bastrop.

Watch the certification ceremony live this Friday at 12:30pm.