Member News

Arlington, TX  – [Apr. 9, 2025] – Marion Childcare University staff and parents are doing in home spring cleaning. We will be giving away free clothes, shoes, purses, and anything that we don't need. This is a community event and would love for the community to come out and give or receive. This event is open to all.

This event will be held April 19, 2025 starting at 10:30am. We will also hide eggs for children to enjoy. The address is 3824 Jason Dr Arlington, Tx 76016 (817) 617-2612 for further information Jessica Marion

Arlington, TX  – [Apr. 2, 2025] – Jessica Marion has been awarded the title of Ms. Corporate America Texas 2025.

She will have the chance to compete along side other states in Orlando, Florida, this June for the National crown of Ms. Corporate America. This pageant focus on empowering remarkable businesswomen worldwide. Jessica Marion is the owner of Marion Childcare University.

Arlington, TX  – [Feb. 25, 2025] – As we phase into retirement, we have office space available at 1321 W Randol Mill Rd in Arlington, TX!

This Class B office building offers flexible leasing options with convenient access to nearby amenities and transportation routes. Situated just minutes from Interstate 30 and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), the property provides easy connectivity to the broader DFW metroplex.

The building features 7 offices within a 3,445-square-foot office space and a 325-square-foot executive office within a well-maintained 6,000-square-foot building. It is ideal for professionals seeking a functional, centrally located workspace in a growing area.

Contact Michelle Keathley via text at 817-269-3200

Arlington, TX  – [Jan. 15, 2025] – Our Village App Launches to Support Parents and Build Stronger Communities! Attention Arlington parents and community members!

The Our Village App, created exclusively for parents, has officially launched in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This innovative platform connects parents with safe, reliable, and background-checked help for daily tasks and family needs—right when you need it most.

Randa Bedair, Arlington native, mother of three, and Founder & CEO of Our Village, is turning her passion into action by creating a safe space where parents can find support within their community. As part of the pilot phase, the app is completely FREE for anyone who joins now!

What Makes Our Village Special?
The app is designed to simplify parenting with features tailored specifically for moms and dads:

Multiple Service Categories: From care, transportation, and education to errands and household upkeep, you’ll find help for nearly everything on your to-do list.
Emergency Quick Hire: Find trusted help in an instant with this lifesaving feature.
Ratings & Reviews: View detailed profiles, ratings, and reviews of service providers to ensure peace of mind.
Background-Checked Providers: Rest easy knowing all service providers on the app have been thoroughly vetted.
Benefits for Providers:
Service providers now have a secure platform to offer their expertise with the assurance of timely payments—no more worrying about scams or unreliable transactions. The app even includes promotional tools to help providers grow their businesses and attract more clients.

Why Join Now?
By downloading the app during the pilot phase, you’ll not only enjoy free access but also get the chance to shape the app with your feedback, ensuring it meets the needs of parents everywhere.

Join the movement and be part of a community that values safety, support, and connection. Whether you’re looking for help or offering your skills, the Our Village App is here to make parenting a little easier.

Download Now:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/our-village-ova/id6612031629
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ourvillage.app
Let’s build stronger communities, one village at a time!

Arlington, TX  – [Dec. 9, 2024] – We are excited to announce the promotion of Yan Zheng, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, to Principal with SBL Architecture, reinforcing our commitment to the continued evolution of leadership within our firm. Yan's promotion reflects our dedication to fostering talent from within our highly collaborative team of architects and designers. At SBL Architecture, our Principals lead in marketing, management, architectural design and planning, ensuring a cohesive approach to all facets of our practice.

Yan joined SBL Architecture in 2005 as a part-time intern, bringing with her the unique experience of 3D rendering specialist at one of the largest rendering companies in Asia. At SBL, she quickly expanded her skills, embracing all phases of architectural design and discovering her passion for medical planning. Reflecting on her early days, Yan describes herself as a "blank slate" and credits SBL for nurturing her development and guiding her toward her specialty in programming and planning.

Throughout her tenure, Yan has spearheaded planning efforts for our firm's largest academic behavioral health project at UT Southwestern Medical Center, along with planning and design integration on The Hospitals of Providence East Campus, the JPS Medical Home Southwest Tarrant, Peterson Health’s Hospice and Home Care Building, Carter BloodCare Expansion, Terrell State Hospital projects, and various ASC and oncology centers, emergency department expansions, renovations, and code compliance planning initiatives.

As an Architect with Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification, Yan's expertise in healthcare design, codes, and departmental knowledge provides our firm with cutting-edge hospital planning capabilities. Her exceptional ability to navigate complex healthcare regulations, coupled with her talent for space planning and code expertise, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Her mathematical mindset and innovative thinking drive her passion for creating functional and efficient designs. Yan describes planning as solving a puzzle where 'there may be many solutions, but only one is the best,' and she thrives on finding that optimal solution."

As a Principal, Yan will continue in her role as Senior Planner and Director of Planning & Design Integration, with a vested interest and greater say in the firm’s future, contributing to corporate strategy and operational matters.

“Becoming a Principal holds great meaning for me,” Yan shared. “I want others to see how growth is possible here, just like it was for me.” This promotion provides her with a platform to inspire others, align employee needs with firm decisions, and strengthen SBL’s culture.

Yan earned her Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2005. She was the recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Fund Certificate of Merit for Excellence in the study of Architecture. She encourages emerging professionals to think from their client’s perspective and collaborate with teammates to simplify decision-making, fostering trust and delivering tailored solutions.

When asked about her inspirations, Yan highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration in client relationships. 'Through every project, perspectives evolve, and trust grows,' she reflected. Outside of work, Yan balances her professional responsibilities with being a mother to two young daughters, ages five and two. Her favorite building, the Guggenheim Museum, symbolizes her appreciation for unconventional and innovative design.

For more information about SBL Architecture and its projects, please visit www.SBLinc.com.

About SBL Architecture
SBL Architecture, Inc. was established in 1994 by James S. Little, Jr., AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Michael K. Barnett, AIA, NCARB with a foundational focus on healthcare design—a commitment that remains at the core of the firm’s identity. Over time, our clients have driven our growth into complementary markets, including commercial and institutional design. Now celebrating 30 years and over a thousand completed projects, SBL Architecture continues to shape the future of healthcare facilities across Texas and beyond, delivering innovative, client-centered solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities.

Media Contact: Jaime Pacilio Senior Associate, SBL Architecture (817) 792-2100 | jpacilio@sblinc.com

Arlington, TX - Create @ Wellspring launches with Latin Music Show. Join us for a night of enchanting music as Create @ Wellspring proudly presents a tribute to Armando Manzanero, the legendary composer from Yucatán whose songs have left an indelible mark on Latin American music. Experience the magic of Manzanero’s work with El Chanclazo, Dallas/Fort Worth’s premier Bohemian Latin ensemble, in an unforgettable concert on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Taking place in the heart of downtown Arlington at 210 W Main St., this intimate performance will begin at 7:30 pm. El Chanclazo will take the audience on a musical journey through Manzanero's most beloved compositions, inviting fans to sing along, reminisce, and raise a glass in celebration of his legacy.

For tickets and more information, contact Create @ Wellspring at 682-248-8424. Link for tickets $15 https://tinyurl.com/ysz9jktb

Arlington, TX - On Saturday, October 26, from 6:30-8:30pm, the Arlington Optimist Club and the TexHoma District are sponsoring “Trunk or Treat”. Come join us for free fun, candy, food, drink and games at All-Star Legacy Fields at Senter Park, 310 East 3rd Street, Arlington, TX 76010.

Kids of all ages are welcome!!!!!!

Arlington, TX - On Saturday October 26th, Merryhill School of Arlington will be hosting its annual Fall Festival, but this year will also celebrate 75 years of educational excellence, serving students from age 6 weeks through 8th grade! Local families are invited to join the celebration. Contact Kim Haagen at kimberlie.haagen@merryhillschool.com for more information.

Arlington, TX - Breakfast Brothers Arlington will be officially opening every Tuesday effective Oct. 22.

Located in downtown at 130 E Bardin Rd, Breakfast Brothers offers a rendition of Soul-food with an innovative take on traditional cooking methods. From classic breakfast foods to delicious fried catfish, you're sure to find a the perfect meal with that unique Breakfast Brothers seasoning.  The owners are excited to announce that the Arlington location will now be open seven days a week. Guest can enjoy Soul-food every single day.

See you this Tuesday!

Find more information here. Open 7am-4pm.

Ariel Slick was invited by the Arlington Public Library to give a workshop on creative writing during the Indie Author Book Festival on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The festival will take place from 11am-2pm.

In addition to workshops, attendees can support local authors by browsing book stalls. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Arlington Public Library Group.

Details about the specific time of Ms. Slick's workshop will follow once the event schedule is obtained.

The event location is the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and is free and open to the public.

Calling all Arlington community members! 📢 United Way of Tarrant County is excited to continue our partnership with the City of Arlington for the 2024-2025 grant season. This is an amazing opportunity to use your skills and insights to support local nonprofits!

Responsibilities include reviewing grant proposals online and attending a virtual consensus meeting.

Key Dates:

• Dec 5: Virtual Orientation
• Dec 9: Review Begins
• Jan 2: Reviews Due
• Jan 14: Mandatory Virtual Consensus Meeting

Interested? Email shanna.snider@unitedwaytarrant.org by October 18 with the subject "UWTC-GA Volunteer Opportunity." Make a real impact!

North Texas Area Community Health Centers (NTACHC), a leading provider of comprehensive health care services in North Texas, has moved one of its locations to a new, expanded facility in Arlington. The move to the Texas Health Complex in Arlington reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible health care to the communities they serve.

Opened on August 1st, the new location is at 1001 N. Waldrop Dr., Suite #708, and will offer more space to meet the growing demand for health services in the Arlington area. Designed to enhance the comprehensive range of services NTACHC offers, the new center expands facilities for women’s health, adult health and pediatric care. The integrated family services alongside the personalized programs such as Joyful Beginnings for expecting mothers and Living Your Best Life, designed to help individuals control their diabetes and high blood pressure, will also benefit from the additional space that the new center provides.

Gerrie Whitaker, NTACHC CEO, said, “We are thrilled about our move that will significantly enhance our ability to serve the Arlington community more effectively and efficiently. Our new center is designed to keep our patients our priority. By providing a more comprehensive and accessible health care environment, we aim to support every aspect of our community’s well-being and foster a healthier, happier Arlington.”

For more information about the new location, services or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://ntachc.org/ or call 817.625.4254.

About North Texas Area Community Health Centers:

A nonprofit organization, North Texas Area Community Health Centers are a community family medical practice that offers a full-range of primary and preventative healthcare services to patients throughout Tarrant County. In 2002, NTACHC was founded as a federally qualified health center to provide high quality medical services, to serve as a safety net for the lower-income population, and to help successfully address health disparities in the community. Accepting most insurance plans, NTACHC is open to all in its neighborhoods with three community-centered medical homes: Northside Community Health Center, Southeast Community Health Center and Arlington Community Health Center. For more information, visit https://ntachc.org/ or call 817-625-4254.

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Arlington, TX. This week, CBS News Texas Meteorologist Brittany Rainey takes us to the Arlington Gem and Mineral Club.

Watch here: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/wheres-brittany-checking-out-the-arlington-gem-and-mineral-club/

Arlington, TX. In response to small business requests, Anthony Brock Group (Executive Leadership Coaching & Business Advisory) is proud to announce we've added a new 1-Day Business Alignment Workshop.

Join our 1-Day Business Workshop, "Leading Mission Alignment," and focus your team on high-performance activities. The intent is to give small business access to the same format used by larger players. As a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), I know firsthand how important this is for business success.

Led by Tony Brock, this interactive workshop will equip you with the tools and insights needed to craft purposeful Vision & Mission statements, leverage Business Intelligence, and master Strategy & Plans. Transform your leadership and propel your business towards growth!

The kick-off event will be Saturday, August 24th.

See our website for details (www.anthonybrockgroup.com) or contact us directly at: susan@anthonybrockgroup.com

Ariel Slick of Slick Writing, LLC has written and secured a grant for the Metro Blaze Blind Soccer Club from Team Catapult. Metro Blaze is a group dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired athletes to play soccer.

Slick is a freelance writer based in Arlington where she helps nonprofits expand their services through exceptional grant writing.

ARLINGTON’S TOP PROTECTION EXPERTS EXPAND
(Black Rhino Group has added protection & investigation services)

ARLINGTON, TX. Black Rhino Group (BRG) is proud to announce that they have added comprehensive executive protection and investigation services to their portfolio of offerings. These services, combined with the award-winning identity theft restoration services and the highly anticipated Situational Awareness for Employees training, position BRG as a complete protection provider for individuals and businesses.

""In today’s volatile environment of rising crime, workplace violence, and identity theft, understanding situational awareness from various perspectives is crucial,"" says Frank Roberson, CEO of Black Rhino. ""We work closely with business owners, employees, and individuals to develop comprehensive protection plans tailored to their specific needs.""

BRG offers cutting-edge protection services not only to high-net-worth clients but also to everyday Texans, covering some of the most essential protection needs in today's world. ""By offering services that help clients assess their hires, safeguard themselves and their businesses, including employees, we aim to emphasize the importance of protecting one's business continuity,"" Frank explains.

ABOUT FRANK ROBERSON & BLACK RHINO GROUP, LLC
Black Rhino embodies the extensive experience and expertise of seasoned executive protection agents, investigators, and counterintelligence threat analysts. Our team has provided protection to elected officials, military leaders, high-profile CEOs, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

Our elite team excels in delivering high-level protection and investigative services to address a wide range of threats. Whether you need family protection, risk mitigation for events such as hostile terminations or workplace violence, or specialized security for VIPs, Black Rhino offers professional services dedicated to safeguarding your assets.

Frank is a member of the exclusive Board of Executive Protection Professionals & Texas Association of Licensed Investigators, OSAC full member and he is a Certified Counterintelligence Threat Analyst and Texas licensed Personal Protection Officer and licensed Investigator.
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The 2024 Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards is just around the corner, and L.I.F.T is excited to invite all creatives and film enthusiasts to come and celebrate the hard work and dedication put into creating exceptional content.

As a creative, it can often be a lonely journey, and having a supportive community can make all the difference. L.I.F.T understands this, which is why we have made it our primary goal to lift up our creative peers. Our community is made up of individuals with various skills, from writing and editing to videography, talk show hosts, acting, singing, and makeup artistry. We believe that everyone's work is valuable and are committed to supporting and celebrating independent creatives.

The Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards is a platform that recognizes the amazing talent of local artists. We believe that everyone deserves to have their hard work acknowledged, regardless of whether they have trailblazed to the ranks of the Oscars, Emmy, or Tony Awards.

Here are a few reasons why you should attend the 2024 Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards:

Witness the best of the best: The awards ceremony is a celebration of the most exceptional independent filmmakers in Texas. You'll have the opportunity to watch some of the most creative and innovative films that have been produced in the state.

Network with fellow creatives: The awards ceremony is an excellent opportunity to connect with other individuals who are passionate about filmmaking. You'll have the chance to meet and network with other creatives, which could potentially lead to future collaborations.

Be inspired: Attending the awards ceremony will give you the chance to be inspired by the amazing work of your peers. You may even gain new insights and ideas that you can apply to your own projects.

In conclusion, the 2024 Texas Indie Filmmaker Awards is an event that you don't want to miss. It's a celebration of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating exceptional content, and an opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals. We hope to see you there!

"Can you believe it? I'm featured on the cover of The Ambassador!" exclaims Lumbie Mlambo with sheer excitement. "As I was traveling from Hong Kong, this edition with me on the cover was released. Imagine my reaction the morning I found out—I'm on top of the world!"

Lumbie Mlambo is humbled to find herself in the spotlight not once, not twice, but multiple times. Recently, she took the stage as a panelist at the prestigious ""JUMPSTARTER"" competition, delving into the crucial topic of ""Creating an inclusive world by bridging the digital, financial, and gender divide""—a subject she holds close to her heart. Beyond the stage, she seized the opportunity to connect with potential partners and collaborators. While on her way back to the US, she discovered that the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation had unveiled their latest cover of The Ambassador Magazine, featuring Lumbie as the cover model. In this special edition, she showcases the impactful work of her nonprofit, JB Dondolo, the dedicated team, and the global influence they've achieved. ""I have to pinch myself several times because this type of thing doesn't happen often,"" admits Lumbie.

As if this weren't enough, a few days later, she found herself gracing the cover of Women’s Quarterly Magazine. ""I call it Storytelling Impact. There’s a huge honor in telling your story because if you keep it to yourself, no one will ever know. I take pride in sharing my story with anyone because it's not always the person you tell the story to but the next person who hears your story from someone else that may do something with it. Never underestimate the power of storytelling!"" remarks Lumbie.

For more insights into Lumbie and JB Dondolo, please visit https://jbdondolo.org.
For JB Dondolo Voices for Water Awards Event, please visit https://jbdondolo.org/voices-for-water-2023 "

Tracy Plackemeier has taken a step in her development recently by obtaining the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional(TM), or FPQP(TM), designation through the College for Financial Planning®.

Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.8 trillion in client assets under care at the end of June 2023. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's approximately 52,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Arlington’s EdgeTech Academy has rebranded to South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, or STVT-Arlington. The school will mark the start of this new chapter with a community celebration November 15th from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the rebranded campus, which provides workforce training and other post-secondary educational programs to North Texans. STVT-Arlington becomes the sixth STVT campus in the state, joining STVT locations in Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Weslaco.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - The Arlington ISD Education Foundation announced on October 11th that it has received a $1.1 million gift from the Myrtice N. Larson Revocable Living Trust, the largest single gift in the Foundation’s nearly 30-year history.

Larson, who began her Arlington ISD career as a reading specialist in 1953, shared the namesake honors at Larson Elementary School with her late husband, Curtis. Curtis Larson taught at Speer and Thornton elementary schools before becoming a principal in the district. The two had a combined 74 years in the education field.

“This gift recognizes the life-long contributions of Curtis and Myrtice Larson to the field of education and their love for the Arlington community,” said Jeannie Deakyne, executive director of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. “Through their generosity, we hope to honor their legacy and serve the public school students of Arlington ISD through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives.”

About the Arlington ISD Education Foundation: The Arlington ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to serve the public school students of Arlington through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives. The Foundation achieves its mission by funding exceptional teaching grants, providing funds for basic needs for at-risk students, and supporting continuing teacher education efforts. To date, the Arlington ISD Education Foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million for educational resources in AISD classrooms.

ON Wednesday September 6 and Thursday September 7, the Joe Hall Roofing Team will be out helping a homeowner with fencing, painting and yard clean up. We are excited to be lending a hand!