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New Innovation Zone is expanding Wi-Fi service and technology access to serve more city residents

Thanks to a grant secured by State Representative Chris Thanks to a grant secured by State Representative Chris Turner, the East Library and Recreation Center was able to Turner, the East Library and Recreation Center was able to create an Innovation Zone to serve local patrons better. create an Innovation Zone to serve local patrons better.

Photos: City of Arlington

Residents’ access to Wi-Fi and technology has been expanded thanks to the Innovation Zone at the recently opened East Library and Recreation Center in east Arlington.

At The East, residents can access public computers for free with a library card and can print, copy, fax, and scan for a small fee. Adults can check out Chromebooks from the laptop dispenser for use in the building during their visit. iPads, with Osmo education software and complementing activities, are available for the children in both the children’s areas of the Library and the Recreation Center. Or, they can make a reservation to use a hightech public room or study room to meet and gather.

An additional amenity in this new facility are the outdoor pods with a full complement of power and connectivity to enjoy working or meeting outside. Other technology-based activities include resources such as Kindles with a collection of e-books, Leap Frog tablets, 3D Pens, 3D printer, and Sphero robots. A unique feature in this new facility is the Lu Vue Giant Interactive Playground, which encourages youth to be active and enhances learning through lights, sounds and video.

In addition to all the resources already mentioned, younger patrons can also participate in bilingual story times and dynamic programming that includes exploring STEAM concepts. Youth are also able to explore technology through Discovery Stations and access homework resources as well as educational games through designated children’s computers. There are also a complement of adult computer classes and adult education opportunities.

State Representative Chris Turner helped secure a $750,000 Texas Library and Archives Commission grant for the library’s Innovation Zone. This grant allowed Arlington to expand Internet availability, create a tech-centered community indoor and outdoor space, and increase the technological capabilities within the building. The Innovation Zone is a positive step forward to increasing access to unique technology experiences and bridging the digital divide in East Arlington.

The 46,249-square-foot facility, located at 1817 New York Ave., is the City’s first joint library and recreation center. Arlington voters approved $26 million for the facility, which replaced the former Hugh Smith Recreation Center and the former East Branch Library, in the 2014 Bond Election.

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Here’s how you take Farmhouse style and turn it into everything you want in an abode

The hot trend of the Farmhouse style is still moving full steam ahead, but which one is more your style? French, Rustic, or maybe Modern suits your style. Coastal, Colonial or my personal favorite Industrial Farmhouse may be more your speed. A look at this charming new-build gives us a glimpse into a mix of rustic and modern elements.

A few fun things the owners added were the built-in dog bowls at the end of the kitchen island and the hidden pantry next to the refrigerator. It appears to be a normal cabinet, but when you open those doors you will fnd a spacious walk-in pantry that wraps around behind the refrigerator and other cabinetry.

The master bathtub area gives you that rustic feel with the cedar surround, and there is still plenty of ship-lap throughout to make all Fixer Upper fans feel warm and fuzzy. Side-note: We love the ofce where the ship-lap wall is painted black for a striking efect.

The expansive, undivided-light windows throughout (no screens, that’s so 2000s) make for an uninterrupted view of the surrounding countryside. The fun tile fooring in the secondary bath and laundry lend to the more modern style, along with the cool design of the stair railing.

From what we see and hear, the Farmhouse style still has a long shelf life, and that is a good thing!

– Julie Short, Mansfeld Custom Homes, 682-208-1576

Farmhouse style homes are as hot as ever, and they become even more alluring when they feature unique and clever additions. This new-build has a number of practical amenities that team with tradition to make it a special dwelling.