Irving City Spectrum, December 2019

Celebrate the Season with Irving’s Holiday Happenings

The city’s holiday festivities are in full swing. The lights at Centennial Park, the Police and Fire Blue Christmas events and the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting let residents enjoy a variety of classic holiday traditions.

Lights at Centennial Park

This year’s display is open to the public from dusk to 10 p.m. Dec. 7-25, weather permitting. The free light display affords a leisurely stroll through one of the jewels of Irving’s Heritage District, Centennial Park at 444 W. Second St.

The park is decorated with 60,000 lights on the fences, trees and bridge. Walkways are lighted on each side to keep pathways visible for visitors after dark. On-duty employees wear uniforms day and night, clearly identifying them as city staff, so that visitors can ask any questions they have about the decorations. Portable restrooms are available. No bike riding through the display. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (972) 721-2501.

Chili Cook-off

The Police and Fire Blue Christmas organization’s ninth annual chili cook-off will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St. The contestant fee is $25 for the chili competition. Chili enthusiasts can taste entries for $10.

The event will feature various family friendly attractions and Santa Claus will make an appearance. All event proceeds benefit Irving children and families in

need during Christmas. For more information, visit IrvingPoliceandFireBlueChristmas.org.

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 with a parade through the Heritage District. New this year: lights! Parade-goers can expect a lit-up procession of floats traveling through the historic Heritage District in downtown Irving. Immediately following the parade, the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show will take place outside City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Free hot chocolate will be available for attendees of the tree lighting, while supplies last.

This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole. Parade participants are tasked with designing floats around the theme. Santa Claus will make his debut at the end of the parade officially marking the start of the holiday season. Parking and admission to the event are free. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site for purchase. For more information, visit IrvingEvents.org.

Pancake Breakfast

The Police and Fire Blue Christmas organization’s annual Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast will be served from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Plymouth Park Baptist Church, 1714 N. Story Road. Irving firemen will serve pancakes, bacon, sausage and various beverages to adults for $10 and $5 for ages 10 and younger. Santa Claus will arrive in a fire truck. Visit IrvingPoliceandFireBlueChristmas.org for more information. ■

Irving Animal Shelter’s Comfort and Joy Drive

This year, consider gifting comfort and joy to a shelter animal. During December, Irving Animal Services (IAS) will accept donations for its Comfort and Joy Drive at the Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC), 4140 Valley View Lane.

Items on every IAS pet’s wish list include:

● Large blankets

● Toys

● Treats

● Canned food

Residents and organizations are encouraged to grab a Comfort and Joy Drive tag before shopping. Tags are available at the IACC-decorated tree located in the lobby or online at CityofIrving.org/Comfort-andJoy-Drive.

Shopping on Amazon? Residents also can select items on the IAS Amazon Wish list to donate to the shelter. Items purchased from the wish list will be delivered to the shelter. To view the wish list, visit the Popular Links bar at CityofIrving.org/Animal-Services.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Animal-Services

BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO A SHELTER ANIMAL

Irving Animal Services (IAS) wants to bring the holiday magic to the Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC). This year, animal lovers can give joy to a shelter animal during this IAS December event.

Home for the Holidays

This holiday season, cozy up with a lovable companion from the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. All pets are free to adopt Dec. 17-21 during the IACC’s “Home for the Holidays” adoption event.

The animal shelter hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Adoptions must be processed 30 minutes prior to closing. For more adoption information and a list of adoptable pets visit CityofIrving.org/2086/Adopt. ■

JOIN IRVING MAYOR AT THE 2020 STATE OF THE CITY

Join the Irving business community from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 for the 2020 State of the City held at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. It will feature Mayor Rick Stopfer talking about IrvingLas Colinas’s successes during 2019. This event is

Irving Arts Center Celebrates a Holiday of Masterpieces

Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., is a Smithsonian affiliate institution that is home to many forms of art and entertainment. To learn more, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com or call (972) 252-7558.

Family Fun

Dec. 5 | JumpstART Stories and Art: Deck The Halls, Art of The Holidays

10 a.m. | Ages 2 and older | Free

Explore new stories and fun art projects on the first Thursday of each month during this creative story time, which combines art and children’s literature. For the December edition, families are invited to Deck the Halls ... and walls! Gather around for story time followed by a craft project. Then, while the paint dries, take a spin around the galleries. All supplies provided.

Dec. 6 | Irving Arts Center’s 27th Annual Holiday Open House

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Free Irving Arts Center’s annual Holiday Open House gives visitors a chance to meet Santa Claus for a photo op; take a train ride through the sculpture garden; and wander through a wonderland of decorated trees, with artwork by Irving ISD elementary students. Enjoy performances, holiday-themed art projects, refreshments and much more!

Dec. 6 | ARTrageous! (Holiday Open House Performance)

7:30 p.m. | Free (but requires a ticket) At the conclusion of Irving Arts Center’s Annual Holiday Open House, ARTrageous will deliver a performance featuring colorful, live painting to rock and pop music inspired by the troupe’s vocalists, musicians and dancers. Tickets will be distributed beginning at 5:30 p.m. No advanced tickets or reservations will be offered.

Dec. 7, 14 and 21 | Santa Saturdays with Holiday Cards and Crafts

2 to 4 p.m. | Free

Do not get caught waiting hours in line for a mall Santa! Take selfies with Santa, make holiday cards and crafts, and enjoy holiday decorations throughout Irving Arts Center.

Dec. 8 | Second Sunday Funday: A Holiday of Masterpieces

1 to 4 p.m. | Free Every second Sunday, Irving Arts Center hosts Family Funday ― offering free craft projects that are fun for the whole family. Guided tours of the exhibitions will be offered at 2:30 p.m. All supplies are provided.

Ticketed Performances

Dec. 1 | “Nutcracker” presented by Momentum Dance Company

1:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $15-$25

Momentum Dance Company celebrates its 15th Anniversary Season with a special production of the “Nutcracker.” Artistic Director Jacquelyn Ralls Forcher’s production features surprises and twists to the choreography and guest artists, Juliann McAloon and Ronnie Underwood, appearing as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Dec. 7-8 | “The Nutcracker” presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas

2:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $25-$30 Ballet Ensemble of Texas presents their exquisite, annual production of “The Nutcracker” for general audiences, as well as balletomanes who follow the dancers of tomorrow!

Dec. 12-14 | “Have Yourself a Broadway Little Christmas” presented by MainStage

7:30 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $31.50

“Have Yourself a Broadway Little Christmas” brings together favorite holiday songs made famous through Broadway shows and movie musicals. Guests will be swept away by hits from Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” “Mame,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Songs for a New World,” “Holiday Inn,” Broadway’s “Elf” and many more. The evening will conclude with a holiday sing-along and auction.

Dec. 13 | “Holiday in Sound” presented by Irving Symphonic Band

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $6-12

The Irving Symphonic Band marches into the holidays with the sounds of the season.

Dec. 14 | “Home for the Holidays” presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $38-$49

Irving Symphony Orchestra rings in the holidays with a performance featuring soprano Haley Sicking, guest artists and The Irving Chorale.

Dec. 15 | “Connections: Great American Landscapes” presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving 3:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $10-$20

Program features Jerome Moross’ music for the film “Big Country,” William Grant Still’s “The Far West Suite,” Aaron Copeland’s suite from the ballet “Appalachian Spring” and Ferde Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite.”

Dec. 21 | “The Nutcracker” presented by The Colleyville Ballet

2 and 7 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $32-$45

The student performance company of Marina Almayeva School of Classical Ballet in Colleyville performs “The Nutcracker.“

Dec. 21 | Nicholas Newton presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $16.50-$46.50

The concert features Nicholas Newton on bass baritone, a holiday sing-along and performances of classical holiday compositions by composers such as Pietro Locatelli and Michael Torke.

In the Galleries

Free guided gallery tours are offered at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

2019 IAA Traveling Animal Art Competition and Exhibition

Through Jan. 12 | Courtyard Gallery

Award-winning entries and curated selections from the Irving Art Association’s annual Animal Art Competition and Exhibition.

Season’s Greetings: Holiday Cards by Celebrated Artists from The Monroe Wheeler Archive

Through Jan. 12 | Focus Gallery

Holiday cards created by celebrated artists from the private collection of Vincent Cianni, New York, are on display. The exhibition is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions.

Some Illustrator: Pictures by Melissa Sweet

Through Jan. 26 | Dupree Lobby

This exhibition features works of art created by acclaimed author, illustrator and artist Melissa Sweet. She has won several awards for her illustrations, most notably a Caldecott Honor in 2009 for “A River of Words” and in 2015 for “The Right Word,” both by Jen Bryant. The exhibition is organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.

Ed Wheeler: Santa Classics Through Jan. 26 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery Santa Classics is a series of images created by artist and photographer Ed Wheeler. He imagines Santa entering into great masterworks of art, with humor and reverence for the originals.

27th Annual Holiday Exhibition and Tree Decorating Competition

Dec. 1-31 | Main Gallery

One of the community’s annual traditions, the gallery will be transformed into a holiday wonderland! Artwork by Irving ISD elementary students will deck the halls, and the space will be filled with trees decorated by schools and other Irving-based organizations competing for cash prizes! The public is invited to vote for their favorites in person, through Dec. 15, and online, via the Irving Arts Center’s Facebook page, through Dec. 31.

City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

5-6

5:15-6

5:30-6:15

5:45

6-7

6-7

6:15-7

City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

6-7

Mon 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (volleyball)

Tue 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (volleyball)

Wed 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (volleyball)

Thu 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. / 6-9:45 p.m. (volleyball)

Fri 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. / 8-9:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (volleyball)

Sat 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (basketball) and 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (volleyball)

Sun 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (basketball) and 1-4:45 p.m. (volleyball) Open gym

Parks and Recreation Briefs, Winter Camp, Holiday Activities

Winter Break Camp

City recreation centers will offer two sessions of winter break camp for children in grades K-5. A variety of activities will be offered including arts and crafts, gym games and field trips. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch each day. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. Camp hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Session dates and pricing:

● Session I: Dec. 23, 26, 27 – $60

● Session II: Dec. 30-31, Jan. 2-3 – $80

Register in person at a neighborhood recreation center or online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec. Call recreation centers for more details.

Dec. 8 | AquaStars Swim Program

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $1 for ages 4-17; $1.50 for ages 18-50 | Heritage Aquatic Center, 200 Jefferson St. AquaStars provides special needs children with an opportunity to sidestep crowds and experience the excitement of play in an indoor, 20-yard, temperaturecontrolled lap pool. The center’s amenities include an accessible ramp, accessible chair lift and water chair, making it an ideal location for the AquaStars program. The city will provide the appropriate lifeguard and staffing ratios, as well as access to waterproof wheelchairs. The program is custom-designed to children with special needs, ages 18 and younger. Participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. For more information, call (972) 721-7311.

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Dec. 20 | Gingerbread House Making 7 to 9 p.m. | Free Families invited to create a gingerbread house of their own. It can get a little messy with the frosting,

sweets and graham crackers. Registration is required.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Dec. 13 | Frosty Chill Christmas 11 a.m. to noon | Ages 3-6 | $5 per child

Enjoy a morning of delectable fun as children will decorate cookies they can eat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Dec. 10.

Heritage Senior Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496

● Dec. 13 | Holiday in the Heritage 6 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages | Free admission

Kick off the holidays with an evening of music and entertainment. Enjoy a performance by the Heritage Singers, visit with Santa, make a gingerbread house ($5, registration required) or take a carriage ride ($5).

● Dec. 20 | Heritage Senior Center Christmas Party 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Lunch – $6.25 ages 60 and younger; $1 donation ages 61 and older Step into Christmas with a morning of entertainment and goodies. Music will be provided by the New Horizons Symphonic Band while the stockings are hung and participants await the arrival of Santa! For members and families. RSVP by 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

Lively Pointe Youth Center 909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

● Dec. 14 | Game Time Jam 7 to 11 p.m. | Middle and high school students | Free with valid IPAR card or school ID Compete against friends in a video game tournament to win prizes. Play the newest versions of favorite sports games, including FIFA20, 2K20 and Madden NFL20. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided.

● Dec. 20 | Teen Holiday Celebration 1 to 3 p.m. | Free Celebrate the beginning of winter break with treats, hot cocoa, music and fun! Play holiday trivia and win a prize from one of Santa’s elves.

Mustang Park Recreation Center 2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Dec. 14 | Breakfast with Santa 10 a.m. to noon | Ages 10 and younger | $5 per child

Children will enjoy a delicious breakfast, pictures with Santa and holiday surprises! Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Northwest Park Recreation Center 2800 Cheyenne St. (972) 721-2529

● Dec. 13 | Winter Carnival 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages welcome

Children are invited to celebrate the winter holiday with an evening of fun and games. Activities will include carnival games, a bounce house, cakewalk and gingerbread house building. Carnival game tickets are $.25 each or five for $1.

CENSUS 2020 JOBS

Earn extra income while helping the community. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.

For more information visit, 2020Census.gov/Jobs. ■

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 2020 OBSERVANCE

Each January, the Irving Parks and Recreation Department holds a special event to recognize and appreciate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual observance takes place at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., and features a variety of music and dance performances.

6 p.m. | Jan. 19

This year, the City of Irving will host an essay contest promoting the theme “Moving Forward.”

There will be three age categories: grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Judging will be based on clarity, grammar and how well the theme is developed, depending on the age of the writer. The essay should be no more than a page in length or 500 words. Deadline for entry is Jan. 4.

For more information, visit IrvingEvents.org or call (972) 721-2501. ■

WINTERFEST AT VALLEY RANCH LIBRARY

Experience free holiday entertainment, crafts and movies for kids, teens and adults during the month-long Winterfest event series. The Valley Ranch Library is located at 401 Cimarron Trail. Program highlights include:

Dec. 10 | Rochelle Rabouin’s Holiday Bell Concert

7 p.m. | All ages

Attend an interactive concert featuring children’s performer Rochelle Rabouin and Jingle Jyngel, the happy, helpful bell.

Dec. 14 | Cook the Book Holiday Cookie Exchange

Noon | Register at library reference desk | Adults only

The library selects the cookbook while attendees choose and make a recipe for all to partake! This month, the cookbook club hosts a holiday cookie exchange.

Dec. 16 | Flutasia

7 p.m. | All ages

Stay Connected, Engaged and Ready to Play

The Irving Parks and Recreation Department’s all-new Seasonal Session brochures are on their way to recreation centers across the city. The seasonal brochures are jampacked with all the information residents need to schedule, sign up and register for the camps, classes, programs and activities offered throughout the year.

The brochures will be distributed four times a year, in the spring, summer, fall and winter. They will feature schedules and information for every City of Irving recreation center and aquatic facility, except for Heritage Senior Center, which will continue distributing a separate brochure.

The Winter 2020 Session Brochure is available now at all recreation centers and online at CityofIrving.org/983/Class-Schedules.

Concert

Enjoy a magical evening of seasonal selections performed by Flutasia.

Dec. 19 | Nightmare Before Christmas Party

6 p.m. | Grades 6-12

Get a case of the chills during this spooky winter holiday party with snacks and ornament crafts.

The department also recently launched a Facebook page to provide another channel for residents to stay connected and engaged with Irving Parks and Recreation Department. The page includes news about special events, upcoming activities and programs, as well as schedule changes and unexpected closures. Digital versions of the session brochures also will be shared to the Parks and Recreation Facebook feed.

Irving has world-class aquatic and recreation facilities that offer an eclectic blend of activities and programs to please the city’s growing and diverse community.

For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/Parks. ■

Winter Weather Preparedness

As the cold season approaches, residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of winter weather.

Even though winter weather can be fun to play in, it also can cause vehicle accidents and hypothermia. The weight of snow and ice could potentially knock down power lines causing electrical outages for an extended period of time. The city offers residents the following tips to assist in preparing for inclement weather and staying safe.

Winter Weather Safety Tips:

● Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of one heavy layer.

● Ensure that outer garments are water-repellent.

● Ensure heating sources are working properly and that they are well ventilated. It is important to have them serviced regularly.

● Avoid driving on overpasses and bridges. These often freeze more quickly than roads.

● Winterize all vehicles. Flush the cooling system, replace the coolant, the wiper blades, etc.

● Ensure animals have plenty of food, water and shelter for extreme weather conditions.

● Insulate outside faucets and pipes; keep inside faucets dripping when the temperature falls below freezing.

● Prepare a “Go Kit” (blanket, gloves, hat, etc.) for the vehicle in the event of being stranded.

● Check on the elderly and children during this time, as they can be vulnerable to cold weather.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Emergency-Management for more information about winter weather or disaster preparedness. Additional resources can be found at Ready.gov and KnoWhat2Do.com. ■

December at the Libraries: Events, Closures

This December, take the kids, grandchildren or a good friend to the Irving Public Library. Celebrate the season with great reads and unique events that will warm the heart with holiday and literary cheer.

Event Briefs

Dec. 7 | “Little Women” Christmas

6:30 p.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic comes alive with carols performed by Smooth Brew musical quartet, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts. Stop by after the City Hall Tree Lighting ceremony. Part of the Lit’s Alive: Classic Literature Resurrected program series.

Dec. 14 | Posadas Holiday Celebration

2:30 p.m. | East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road

The annual Posadas holiday tradition continues with a performance by Ballet Folklórico Dos Tierras, crafts, music, cuisine and a visit from Dr. René Saldaña, celebrated children’s author of the Mickey Rangel Mysteries series and “The Jumping Tree.”

Dec. 14 | Yule Ball

5 p.m. | West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road | Grades 6-12

Make the season magical with a “Harry Potter”-themed event featuring an Escape Room, crafts, refreshments and a movie screening. Teens are encouraged to come in costume or semi-formal attire for this special event.

Dec. 31 | Noon Year’s Eve

Ring in the New Year with a party for pint-sized revelers. Instead of staying up past bedtime, children will be

wide awake for a festive countdown to 12 o’clock in the afternoon. The following locations will host events beginning at the following times:

● 10:30 a.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

● 11 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail

● 11:30 a.m. | West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

Library Closures

Big changes are on the way for East Branch Library. The East Branch will close temporarily for a library redesign beginning on Dec. 15. The location will reopen in mid-January 2020 with new hours. Stay tuned for further information on the future of East Branch Library.

All Irving Public Libraries will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 for the winter holidays. For assistance, visit CityofIrving.org/Library or call the automated line at (972) 721-2580. ■

Christmas Tree Roundup Provides an Eco-Solution

After the flurry of gift giving and turkey stuffing, residents will have an opportunity to properly dispose of fresh-cut Christmas trees for recycling during Irving’s annual Christmas Tree Roundup.

Fresh-cut Christmas trees will be collected as a part of Irving’s regular weekly brush/bulky waste pickup Dec. 26 to Jan 17. Weekly brush/bulky waste collection is offered the same day as curbside recycling. To find out more about curbside recycling and weekly brush/bulky waste collection, call (972) 721-8059.

Residents also have the option to take Christmas trees to any of the following drop-off locations Dec. 26 to Jan. 17:

● Cottonwood Park, 4051 N. Story Road

● Hunter Ferrell Landfill, 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road (hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1)

● Las Colinas Service Center, 5964 Riverside Drive (southern section of the parking lot)

● Southwest Park, 2800 W. Shady Grove Road

All fresh-cut Christmas trees collected as part of this program will be mulched and made available for a nominal fee at the Hunter Ferrell Landfill.

LOVE YOUR PIPES: HELPFUL HINTS TO PREVENT CLOGS

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:

Proper Disposal:

● Always put oil and grease in collection containers; wipe oil and grease residue from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers and brooms.

● Wipe plates, pans and utensils off before cleaning to keep grease out of wash water.

● Use a drain screen to catch food scraps and dispose of in the garbage.

● Flush only toilet paper and human waste down toilet.

● Dispose of paper towels, diapers, all wipes and cleaning cloths, as well as feminine products, in the trash.

For more information about the Christmas Tree Roundup or other city recycling programs, call (972) 721-8059. ■

Whether placing at the curb or dropping off, residents must remove all obstructions, such as tree stands, lights, tinsel, nails and ornaments. All plastic bags covering the tree also must be removed.

Recycle Holiday Cooking Oil, Grease through Jan. 6

Irving Water Utilities is hosting an opportunity for residents to protect their homes and community from sewer backups and clogged pipes.

The 2019 Holiday Grease Roundup will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, through Jan. 6. Residents can drop off used cooking oil and grease at a collection station located at 333 Valley View Lane. Only cooking oil and grease will be accepted; motor oil and other fluids can be disposed of through the city’s refuse collection and special recycling events.

Collected oil and grease will be recycled into biodiesel and turned into biogas for energy production.

Learn more about the city’s Fats, Rags, Oil and Grease (FROG) program, at CityofIrving.org/698 or call (972) 721-2281. ■

Holiday Safety Tips Provided by the Irving Fire Department

The Irving Fire Department reminds residents to enjoy the holidays by following these important safety tips around the home.

Holiday Decorations

● Water live Christmas trees frequently to keep them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

● When hanging outdoor or indoor lighting, do not use damaged electrical cords.

● Christmas lights should be hung, not stapled.

● Keep candles away from flammable materials and do not leave them unattended.

Safe Cooking

Unattended cooking is a primary cause of residential fires. Do not leave stove top unattended and do not overheat food by turning the burner up too high. The Fire Department recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen at all times.

In the event of a cooking fire:

● Call 911 (all fires must be reported).

● Do not move the pan, or use flour or water as they can worsen the fire.

● Extinguish the fire by placing a lid on the side of the pan closest to the front of the stove and sliding it across. Always keep a lid handy when cooking.

Smoke Detectors

Residents need to have working smoke detectors in their homes and test them monthly. Residents are reminded to replace smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year.

For more information, call (972) 721-2651. ■

Safely Buy and Sell Items Using ‘Exchange Zone’

With the growing popularity of Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and apps like Offer Up, it is easier than ever to buy and sell items online. To keep buyers and sellers safe, the Irving Police Department established an ‘Exchange Zone’ in the Criminal Justice Center parking lot at 305 N. O’Connor Road.

The Exchange Zone is a designated location where these types of e-commerce transactions or child custodial exchanges can take place. The area is clearly marked and under continuous video surveillance. While the area serves as a safe place for face-to-face transactions, the Police Department reminds residents to use good judgment when dealing with strangers.

Regardless of whether the ‘Exchange Zone’ is used, consider the following safety tips:

● When possible, arrange to meet during daytime hours in a public and trafficked location, such as a police station, a government building or a busy, fast food restaurant.

● Avoid transactions at a private residence.

● Beware of scams. If something seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam.

● Be alert to someone using counterfeit money or stolen and forged checks and avoid carrying too much cash. Consider mobile payment services such as Venmo, Zelle or Cash App.

● Be aware of someone trying to sell stolen, broken or fake items. Thoroughly inspect items before an exchange is made.

● Save listings and contact information in case a report needs to be made to a social media site or the police.

For more information visit, CityofIrving.org/2741/ Exchange-Zone. ■

● Recycle used oil through the city’s Special Waste Collection program. For more information, call (972) 721-8059.

Avoid Improper Disposal:

● Never pour oil or grease down the drain; this causes sewer overflows into public areas, including homes and apartments.

● Do not use hot water to rinse grease from any surface; wipe all oil and grease off with paper towels before washing surfaces.

● Avoid using a sink disposal, as even ground food scraps contribute to residential and city sewer backups.

● Do not use the toilet as a trashcan; even ear swabs and dental floss cause clogs.

● There is no such thing as a “flushable” wipe; any item flushed or washed down a drain has to be removed to prepare the water for future human consumption.

For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/698 or call (972) 721-2281. ■

RESIDENTS REMINDED

OF THEFT PREVENTION DURING HOLIDAYS

With the shopping season in full swing, residents are reminded not to leave valuables in their vehicles — especially in plain sight.

Auto burglary cases can be very difficult to solve as there is usually very little physical evidence left behind. To reduce the risk of vehicle burglaries during the holiday season, the Irving Police Department is raising awareness of ways to deter criminal activity.

Time is valuable, and canceling and replacing credit cards, debit cards, checks, driver’s licenses and other personal information that can be used to steal a person’s identity is a hassle. Not only is there the expense of replacing stolen items, but thieves often cause damage to the vehicle, such as broken locks or windows.

Thieves know that valuables often are hidden in the console and under seats. The best way to avoid being a victim is to take all valuables when exiting the vehicle.

Visit CityofIrving.org/836 for more crime prevention tips. ■

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

Keep this list of frequently called numbers handy for future reference. The City of Irving relies heavily on resident input, whether it is on code violations, lost pets or street and traffic problems. Residents are encouraged to save the frequently called list for easy access to city services. Visit CityofIrving.org/City-Services for more information.

Animal Services ........................... (972) 721-2256

Arts Box Office ........................... (972) 252-2787

Arts Center .................................. (972) 252-7558

City Secretary .............................. (972) 721-2493

Code Enforcement ...................... (972) 721-4929

Family Advocacy Center ............. (972) 721-6555

Fire (nonemergency) .................. (972) 721-2308

Housing Programs ...................... (972) 721-4800

Human Resources ....................... (972) 721-2696

Library ......................................... (972) 721-2628

Litter Hotline .............................. (972) 721-5487

Mosquito Hotline ........................ (972) 721-3755

Municipal Court .......................... (972) 721-2451

Parks ............................................ (972) 721-2501

Permits and Inspections ............. (972) 721-2371

Police (nonemergency) ............... (972) 273-1010

Pothole Hotline ........................... (972) 721-7303

Streets ......................................... (972) 721-2201

Traffic and Lights ........................ (972) 721-2646

Trash and Recycling .................... (972) 721-8059

Utility Billing ............................... (972) 721-2411

Water Utilities ............................. (972) 721-2281

SENIOR DISCOUNT ON SOLID WASTE SERVICES

For single-family residential sanitation service, including refuse, brush and bulky waste collection, the City of Irving offers a 20 percent discount for senior residents (ages 65 and older), as well as residents who collect Social Security disability.

To apply for this discount, residents can fill out the form located at CityofIrving.org/ SeniorDiscount and bring the completed form and documentation to City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.

For more information, call (972) 721-8059. ■

SUBSCRIBE TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION ALERTS

Want to be the first to know about city street closures in Irving? Subscribe to Road Construction Alerts to receive news about Irving road construction projects and closures via email.

Subscribing is easy at CityofIrving.org/Join:

1. Enter email address and select “Sign In.”

2. Scroll down to “Road Construction Updates,” which can be found under the News Flash category, and select the email icon.

3. Respond to the email confirmation message sent to verify the request.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Join and subscribe. ■

Spark!Lab, Temporary Exhibition to Open at Irving Archives and Museum Dec. 19

Construction on the Irving Archives and Museum is currently underway, but a soft opening for the Smithsonian Spark!Lab and a temporary exhibition is planned for Dec. 19.

Residents can view a sneak peak of the museum as it helps celebrate Irving’s 116th birthday. The event kicks off from noon to 2 p.m. with an opportunity to view the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, a temporary exhibition titled “Pools, Patios, and the Invention of the American Backyard,” and the museum’s Community Space.

The event will include free cupcakes, and a food truck will be on hand with cuisine available for purchase. The celebration continues at 7 p.m. with remarks from Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer and birthday cake.

The museum is expected to formally open in February 2020. For more information, including updates on the museum’s grand opening, visit IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com.

Visit CityofIrving.org/2255/Investing-in-Our-Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative.

Photo Credits: Left above – Lakewood Plaza, outdoor living space. Long Beach, CA, 1950s. Maynard L. Parker, photographer. Courtesy of The Huntington Library, San Marino, CA. Right above – Jim and Grace Dent’s picnic, August 1957. Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. ■

Think Green ... Be Green during the Holidays

Enjoy free workshops and events that focus on building a more sustainable world. Unless otherwise noted, register for classes and activities at CityofIrving.org/Activities.

Dec. 10 | Ecosystems of North Texas

6 to 7 p.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive What did Irving look like 300 years ago? How many species live in Texas? Learn about the natural ecosystems in the great state of Texas.

Visit CityofIrving.org/BeGreen for a full list of upcoming events.

Green Holiday Tips

Use the following tips to help plan ahead and reduce waste in order to “green” the holidays this year.

1. Do Not Buy Wrapping Paper

Reuse old wrapping paper or put gifts in reusable bags or boxes.

2. Send Tree-free Holiday Cards

Purchase cards made from kenaf fiber, hemp and other tree-free resources. A paper-free alternative is to send e-cards and avoid the wait at the post office for stamps.

3. Consider the Lifecycle of Electronic Gifts

The manufacturing and disposal of electronics, such as computers, video games and music devices, creates significant human health and environmental hazards. Visit CityofIrving.org/2615 to learn where electronics and other items that are not accepted curbside can be recycled.

4. Green Holiday Travel

Planning to travel a lot during the holidays? Do not forget to look into green options for getting around.

5. Give the Gift of a Better World Make a donation in honor of a loved one.

6. Give Gifts from the Heart

Instead of spending money on commercial goods, give the gift of personal time and talent to loved ones this year. Offer to make dinner, walk the dog or help with gardening or home repairs.

7. Avoid Toys Made with PVC Plastic

Seventy percent of PVC is used in construction, but it also is found in everyday plastics, including some children’s toys. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen. Also, additives, such as lead and cadmium, are sometimes added to PVC to keep it from breaking down. These additives can be particularly dangerous in children’s toys.

8. Recycle Packaging From Gifts

To reduce environmental impacts, it is important to recycle all cardboard packaging. To learn more about Irving’s recycling programs, visit CityofIrving.org/546.

Visit CityofIrving.org/BeGreen for other ways to be green. ■

Disability Parking Regulations Reminder

The Irving Police Department reminds motorists of parking regulations regarding marked disability parking spaces. Violations can result in fines of up to $522. It is illegal to park vehicles in a disability parking space:

● Without displaying the appropriate plate or placard, even if a driver or passenger of the vehicle has a disability.

● While displaying an expired plate or placard, even if a driver or passenger of the vehicle has a disability.

● When neither the driver nor any passenger has a disability, even if the vehicle displays the appropriate plate or placard.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Municipal-Court or call Municipal Court Services at (972) 721-2451 for more information. ■

“City Spectrum” is published by the City of Irving Communications Department to keep residents informed of city news, events and information. For additional information, visit CityofIrving.org.