SFNA

Irving Police Department To Host Church Safety Seminar – Jan. 21, 9:30 to 12 noon at the Calvary Church, 4401 N. State Highway 161 Irving, TX. Corporal Jimmy Meeks, Hurst Police Department will address topics such as Guns in churches, Security policy, Responding to an active shooter, Dealing with suspicious persons and unruly people, When to call police, and more. RSVP at crimeprevention@cityofirving.org

Texas Stream Team Activity – Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment in Irving. Registration is required. For locations or to register, call (972) 742-2296 or visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen

League of Women Voters Hosts Meeting on SH 183 Construction Update – The League of Women Voters of Irving will host a meeting focusing on the progress of construction of State Highway 183. City of Irving Director of Traffic and Transportation Dan Vedral will present information on the status of SH 183, including right-of-way acquisition, the design, as well as the timeline for completion. There will also be a question and answer session following the presentation. The meeting will be held at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 at 12 noon. While the event is free, space is limited, so people interested in attending are urged to reserve a seat by calling the Irving League at (972) 785-8683 or sending an email to Judy Smith at philudy@tx.rr.com

Asian Cultural Events – Irving Public Library celebrates the cultures of Asia with free events for children. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/library and select “Events and Classes.

Chinese New Year Crafts – A make-and-take craft program with all materials provided.
Jan. 23, at 4 p.m., East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road.

Origami for Kids – Learn a traditional Japanese art form.
Jan. 28, at 2:30 p.m., West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road.

Campión Trails Night Hike – Take a hike with native species experts along the Campión Trails from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27. Participants will learn more about the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Registration is required for all participants at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Details about the location will be sent upon registration. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.

Lasagna Gardening – Lasagna gardening is a time-saving organic gardening method that requires no digging, no tilling and no sod removal. This free course will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain St. For more information about this class or other green courses, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen.

Vintage Valentine Tea – The Irving Heritage Society Cordially invites you and a friend to a Valentine Party of 1914 celebrating the Heritage House 100th Anniversary. February 12, 2 – 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage House, 303 South O’Connor, Irving, TX. Visit www.irvingheritage.com for more information or call Mary Higbie at 972-252-3838.

Buck-a-Book Sale – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 18, West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. The Friends of the Library will host a special discount book sale of gently used books at West Irving Library. Every book will sell for $1 apiece. The proceeds benefit the library.

Record-Low Crime Rate – The Irving Police Department reports that crime in Irving has declined for the eighth consecutive year. Irving’s crime rate decreased an additional 12 percent in 2011, with significant reductions in the robbery and theft categories. Residents can keep track of crime in their neighborhoods with CrimeReports. This new crime-mapping website compiles information on crimes that have occurred in Irving by incident type, time and location, and marks them on a map of the city. Residents also can sign up for crime alert email to notify them of incidents in their neighborhood. Access the Irving map by visiting www.cityofirving.org/police and selecting the “CrimeReports” map at the bottom of the page. For more information, call (972) 721-3515.

Home or Business Fire Safety Inspection – The Irving Fire Department continues to promote safety by reminding residents and businesses to conduct a home or business fire safety inspection. Looking for fire hazards and having the appropriate fire prevention devices in place can help avoid a fire tragedy. View a list of the Top 10 items to look for when conducting a fire safety inspection.

Local Artists Exhibit – The West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road, is featuring a special exhibit from the Irving Art Association through March. The exhibit includes paintings, prints, photography, crafts, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, artist trading cards, Manga and Zentangle from local artists. The free exhibit can be viewed during the library’s normal hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (972) 721-2691.

Heritage Crossing Update – Staff provided an update on Heritage Crossing activity at the last City Council meeting. Watch video.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – See how the city’s emergency responders prepare for the possibility of a terror attack at the city’s convention center. Here’s an in-depth, action-packed report from “City Source.”—watch it on demand!

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.
Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Civic Affairs
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org

By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds. The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. Prime burglary hours are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. Burglars choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

• Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
• Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
• Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches
• Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
• Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws on sliding doors
• Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
• Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
• Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
• Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows
• Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
• Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
• Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
• Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell
• Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number
• Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
• Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
• Agree to watch out for each other’s home
• Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
• While on vacation, pick up newspapers, and flyers
• Report suspicious persons or vehicles to the police

Emergencies call 911
Police Non-emergency 972-273-1010

Source: News for Neighbors – Special Edition – January 18, 2012

Officer L. Peikert #840
Irving Police Department
Community Services Division
Crime Prevention Unit
(972) 721-3557
lpeikert@cityofirving.org

Attached is a letter concerning the re-zoning of the old RV park at Conflans and Beltline for this interested. The proposed zoning would be for a gasoline filling station at the corner though no particular company is mentioned.

Zoning Change (PDF)

Free Gift Wrapping – The Irving Public Library will sponsor holiday gift wrapping services provided by the Young Adult Action Council (YAAC) and student volunteers with the All Wrapped Up program. Take some of the hassle out of holiday preparations by bringing gifts to the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., between noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 17. All Wrapped Up will offer a unique selection of wrapping paper styles. Gift wrapping service is limited to 10 items per person and will be available while supplies last. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Gift wrapping for oversized items will not be available. For more information, call (972) 721-2606.

Holiday Lights Display – The Holiday Lights at Centennial Park will be on display from dusk to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26. The display features a festive arrangement of holiday-themed illuminated exhibits. The park is located at 444 W. Second St. There is no admission charge. For more information, call (972) 721-2501.

Holiday Closings – City offices will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan 2. There will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection on those days. The Hunter Ferrell Landfill will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The drop-off recycling centers will close at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31, and will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Libraries and recreation centers will not be open Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2. Heritage Aquatic Center will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 22, and will remain closed Dec. 23-25, 31 and Jan. 1. North Lake Aquatic Center will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Irving Arts Center administration offices and Box Office will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan 1; arts center galleries and Box Office will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 31.

Spirited Youth Award – Nominations are being accepted for Irving’s Spirited Youth Award, which recognizes local youth for character and excellence in community service. Applications submitted by the end of each quarter will be reviewed for award consideration. Winners will be notified by phone or email. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 during the Friday Night Live Teen Talent Competition (hosted by the Lively Pointe Youth Center) at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. For more information, call (972) 721-8090. Download the Irving Spirited Youth Nomination Form.

City Council Meeting Schedule – The City Council has scheduled its meetings for 2012. All meetings begin at
7 p.m. Following are the dates when the council plans to meet.
Jan. 12
Feb. 9 and 23
March 22
April 5 and 19
May 10 and 24
June 7 and 21
July 12 and 26
Aug. 9
Sept. 6 and 20
Oct. 4 and 18
Nov. 8
Dec. 13

Residents can attend the meetings at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., or view them live on Irving Community Television Network (ICTN Channel 95 – Time Warner or ICTN Channel 31 – Verizon). Webcasts are at www.cityofirving.org or www.ictn.tv.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – Winter is around the corner. ICTN reports on how the City of Irving’s Streets Division is preparing the city for the season change—watch on demand.

In this ICTN report, learn what extra steps Irving police will take to reduce drunken driving deaths this holiday season—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Strategic Services Team
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

This holiday season, Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive.

From Sunday, December 4th though Saturday December 17th, we will be collecting canned and boxed non-perishable items. All donations will benefit low-income families from Barton Elementary school.

Please consider donating these items:
Canned Meat, Fish & Soups
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Fruit Juice
Cooking Oil
Instant Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Granola Bars
Crackers
Spaghetti Sauce
Flour
Sugar
Tomato Sauce
Beans
Enriched Rice or Pasta
Powdered Milk
Body Soap
Dish Soap
Laundry Detergent
Shampoo
Tooth Paste/Brushes
Bathroom Tissue

Drop off your donations at collection boxes at any of these locations:

Christine Squires………….402 Little John
Craig Driver………………2832 Linden Lea
Ann Craft…………………2800 Yorkshire
Robert Sturges…………….2612 Alan a dale
Connie Gifford-Herrington…..2649 Locksley Chase
Glenda Shaw……………….419 Nottingham

OR – look for Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association yard sign!

Thank you, in advance, for your contributions and enjoy your holiday knowing you have made a difference within the Irving community!

See more at mysherwoodforest.com

The Job Opportunities at http://www.cityofirving.org/hr/employment.asp have been updated.

The following jobs have been added this week:

Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Housing Specialist
Sales Representative (Sports/Entertainment), ICVB
Section Chief, Fleet Maintenance
Senior Legal Secretary

PLEASE NOTE: City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24-25, 2011.

Trash Collection Holiday – In observance of Thanksgiving, libraries will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 23, recycling centers will be closed Nov. 24, and there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Nov. 24-25. All city offices, including those listed below, will be closed to the public Nov. 24-25.
City Hall
Heritage/North Lake aquatic centers
Hunter Ferrell Landfill
Irving Arts Center
Libraries
Recreation Centers

The Irving Arts Center box office and galleries will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and will resume normal business hours Nov. 26. North Lake Aquatic Center will remain closed Nov. 26-27. All other offices and services will resume normal business hours Nov. 28.

Chili Cook-Off – As part of the Holiday Extravaganza, the Police and Fire departments will host the Blue Christmas Chili Cook-Off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Heritage Park, 217 Main St. Contestant entry fee is $20 for chili, $5 for beans and a new unwrapped toy. Attendees may purchase a tasting cup for $5. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Christmas Toy Drive. To enter the chili cook-off contest, call (972) 721-4913. To reserve a vendor booth, call (972) 721-2501.

Grease/Oil Disposal – The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to grease buildup from homes and apartments. Help prevent costly sewer overflows by following a few simple steps.
Do:
Put oil and grease in collection containers.
Remove oil and grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers, towels and brooms.
Keep grease out of wash water.
Place food scraps in collection containers.

Do not:
Pour oil and grease down drains.
Wash fryers, griddles, pots, pans or plates with water until oil and grease are removed.
Use hot water to rinse grease on surfaces.
Put food scraps down the drain.

For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – In this ICTN report, find out why Irving firefighters underwent special training to learn how to address accidents involving hybrid vehicles—watch on demand.

Thanksgiving is Thursday. Remember to be smarter than the turkey you’re frying this holiday season by properly disposing of cooking oil. This public service announcement will show you how—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator

The Irving Public Library invites residents to review plans for the new South Irving Library by participating in a community input meeting. Construction is slated to begin in 2012. For more information, call (972) 721-2628.

IRVING POLICE DEPARTMENT SHARES HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Halloween may be great fun for kids, but for parents who want their children to remain safe, the evening can be a little scary. The Irving Police Department offers the following safety tips to make sure that accidents and injuries don’t cast a spell over the evening’s festivities.

Making Costumes Safe
- Only wear flame-retardant materials.
- Keep costumes short to prevent tripping or falling in the street.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct vision – a dangerous thing when crossing streets or walking up and down steps.
- Wear light colors or put reflective tape on costumes to increase visibility at night.
- Warn children that even fake knives, swords and guns can accidentally hurt someone if not handled properly.

Making Your Neighborhood Safe
- Welcome trick-or-treaters by turning on exterior lights.
- Remove objects from your yard that may be hazardous to visitors.
- Drive slowly through neighborhoods.

Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and should not wander farther than arms reach.
- Older children should travel in groups.
- Set a time limit for trick-or-treating and map out a safe route.
- Do not take short cuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
- Designate a specific time for older children to return home.
- Take a flashlight or glow stick if trick-or-treating after dark.
- Only visit homes with the exterior lights on.

Eating the Treats
- Instruct children not to eat any treats until they get home.
- Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it, and throw out anything that is not in the original wrapper.
- Throw away homemade goodies unless you know the person who gave it to your child.

For more information about making your Halloween a safe and fun experience, contact the Irving Police Department at 972-273-1010 or visit www.irvingpd.com.

Source:
Susan Rose | Community Outreach Manager | Media Relations
City of Irving | City Manager’s Office | Strategic Services Team
825 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, TX 75060
Office (972) 721-2777 | Cell (972) 742-2325
srose@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

Fall Carnival Series – Children of all ages are invited to the Fall Carnival Series organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. The fall carnivals will be held at various recreation centers as indicated below. Tickets are 25 cents each or five for $1. Activities, which vary by location, will include carnival games, cakewalks, jump houses, bingo and concessions. Call each recreation center for details.

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Cimarron Park Recreation Center, 201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center at West Park, 530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Northwest Park Recreation Center, 2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

Outdoor Warning System Test – The Irving Outdoor Warning System will be tested at 1 p.m. Nov. 2. The Outdoor Warning System for the City of Irving consists of 25 sirens located throughout the city. The sirens are activated from the Irving Fire Department alarm office to warn of severe weather. The monthly test is to ensure that the system is fully operational and also to remind residents about the Outdoor Warning System and how it sounds.

Nature Encounter Walk – Enjoy a guided walk along Spring Trail (northern section of Campión Trails) from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5. Interpretive naturalists will discuss flora and fauna. Walking distance is approximately one mile. Attendees should wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Register for the Nature Encounter Walk online.

Book Sale – The Friends of the Irving Public Library Semi-Annual Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at 3000 Rock Island Road. Proceeds will help to support the Irving Public Library. For more information, call (972) 721-2608.

Fire Safety – As part of the Fire Department’s Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign, residents are reminded to replace smoke detector batteries when Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 6.

Parks and Recreation Classes – The Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a variety of classes for all ages. Registration will start at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at various city recreation centers. Classes will begin Nov. 14 and end Dec. 17. Classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Low-Cost Vaccinations – Up to four animals per household can receive low-cost vaccinations Nov. 8-11 at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. Prepayment of $20 per animal will be accepted through Nov. 5. Each pet will receive the vaccinations listed below. For more information, call (972) 721-2256.
Rabies (pets four months and older)
Bordetella (dogs)
FVRCP (cats)
DHPP (dogs less than four months of age) or DHLPP (dogs four months and older)

Veterans Day Program – The Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee will host a Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The program will include the dedication of a new Police Officers’ Memorial.

Home Chemical Collection – Celebrate Texas Recycles Day by properly disposing of unwanted home chemicals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the northwest side of Irving Mall. Disposal is free to residents. Proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license or utility bill, are required. For more information, call Solid Waste Services at (972) 721-8059. View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items online.

Irving Fire Chief to Speak to Neighborhood Associations – Looking for a presentation for your next neighborhood meeting? How about Fire Chief Mario Molina? You have heard him speak at the Neighborhood Roundtables, now have him present “Irving Fire Department: Community Safety Results” to your neighborhood association. To schedule Chief Molina for your next meeting, contact Teresa Villasenor at 972-721-4909 or by email at tvillase@cityofirving.org.

South Irving Library Community Input Meeting – The Irving Public Library invites residents to review plans for the new South Irving Library by participating in a community input meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Construction is slated to begin in 2012. For more information, call (972) 721?2628.

Neighborhood Roundtable – The quarterly Neighborhood Roundtable was hosted Oct. 25 by the Strategic Services Team with more than 62 participants. During the meeting, attendees heard a presentation on Economic Development in Irving by the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. (See presentation attached)

Video on Demand Spotlight – ICTN cameras were there when city staff presented an overview on this past fiscal year’s accomplishments at the fall Resident Town Hall Meeting—watch on demand.

In recognition of ICTN’s 30th Anniversary, here’s another look back into the archives to show you how some of the city’s recreational amenities got their start—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Source:
Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Strategic Services Team
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter