Irving City Spectrum, February 2020

Project to Transform Irving Boulevard through Heritage Crossing District

Seeking input on Feb. 11 from residents, businesses and property owners

The City of Irving has initiated a downtown revitalization project to redesign a 1-mile section of Irving Boulevard that runs through the city’s historic Heritage Crossing District.

The preliminary design calls for a transformation that will help draw people and businesses to this quaint and beautiful part of town, with the goal of evolving Heritage Crossing into a destination location.

Current plans recommend reducing three vehicle lanes to two lanes along Irving Boulevard from Sowers Road to Strickland Plaza. The remaining right of way would be used for parallel parking, wider sidewalks, a bike lane and streetscape amenities. Parallel parking will be on both sides of the street.

Prior to engineering, the city has scheduled two public input sessions. The sessions will be held from 9:30 to

11:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Jack D. Huffman Community Building, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The city invites residents, businesses and property owners to attend and provide comment on the design, and offer additional ideas for improvement.

A second round of input sessions on the Irving Boulevard project will be scheduled during the intermediate design phase. Construction is slated to begin next year and conclude in 2023.

While construction is underway, the city will make additional improvements to the water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure along the road. This renovation project is one of many investments the city is making in the area.

For more information, call Imelda Speck at (972) 721-2398 or email ispeck@cityofirving.org. n

North Texas Teen Book Festival Returns March

6-7

Eager readers from across North Texas will descend on the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., for the sixth annual North Texas Teen Book Festival (NTTBF). The Irving-born festival has become one of the city’s premier events. In 2019, more than 14,000 teenagers attended, and this year organizers expect an even larger crowd.

This year’s lineup is packed with A-list authors, exciting newcomers to the writing world and YouTubers. Middle Grade Keynotes include Soman Chainani (“The School for Good and Evil” series) in conversation with “Dork Diaries” duo Nikki and Renée Russell. Nicola Yoon (“The Sun is Also a Star”) and Sarah Dessen (“The Rest of the Story”) return to take part in the Young Adult Keynote conversation. Also scheduled to attend are John Green (“Let It Snow” and “The Fault in Our Stars”), graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier (“Guts”), Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine series), Marie Lu (“The Kingdom of Back”) and Ruta Sepetys (“The Fountains of Silence”).

The NTTBF Film Fest returns to Alamo Drafthouse at Toyota Music Factory with several titles that have been turned into movies. Films include “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” and “Let it Snow,” a holiday romance based on stories by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle.

Educator Day is March 6. This year, teachers and administrators can register to hear special keynotes delivered by Neal Shusterman (“The Toll”) and Pam Muñoz Ryan (“Mañanaland”). There also are a number of special guests and panels planned.

NTTBF is supported by the Irving Public Library and the Friends of the Irving Public Library. Parking for the event is $10 per vehicle. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Orange Line stops at the Las Colinas Convention Center Station. Follow @NTTBF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. For more information, visit NTTBF.com or call (972) 721-4612. n

2020 CENSUS: HOW IT WORKS

Information collected in the 2020 Census will determine the congressional representation, help communities and businesses plan for the future and determine the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds every year for the next decade. Every household living in the United States is required by law to respond to the 2020 Census. Individual answers cannot be shared with law enforcement, ICE, DEA, landlords, courts or anyone until 72 years have passed and they become valuable for genealogical and historical researchers. But how does it work?

The 2020 Census will be the first decennial census in which people can respond online.

Between March 12 and 20, every residence in Irving will be sent a letter inviting the occupant to respond online or by phone to the 2020 Census. These letters will be sent out in waves so that not everyone in the nation tries to log into the Census Bureau response site at once. Responses are encrypted to prevent hacking, and the household’s response is entered into the Census database. There will be 13 different languages to choose from in the online response page. Additional language options may be available by phone.

From March 16 to 24, a reminder letter will be sent to each residence. A residence is likely to receive this reminder letter even if it has already responded to the first one.

During March 26 to April 3, a reminder postcard will be sent to any residence that has not responded online.

Between April 8 and 16, a second reminder letter will be sent, along with a paper questionnaire, to any residence that has not responded. This is how one normally will receive a paper survey, though there might be some “Be Counted” stations set up across the region where paper surveys in various languages might be available earlier than this.

Final reminder postcards are sent between April 20 and 27. If one does not want to receive a face-to-face visit from a Census worker, one must respond to the Census before the end of April.

Beginning in May, is the phase called “NonResponse Follow Up.” This is when Census workers visit every residence that has not responded to the 2020 Census.

These workers will ask people to fill out the Census with them at the doorstep. If they believe that residence is occupied, they will return multiple times until they finally meet with a resident who will help fill out the 2020 Census. This follow-up phase lasts through the end of July 2020.

Census.gov for more information. n

Irving Arts Center’s Fantastic February Ballet, A Capella, Moving Musical Tributes and More

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.

Through Feb. 2 | Youth American Grand Prix

Performance times/locations vary

The world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition, the Youth America Grand Prix is open to dance students 9-19 years old and awards $250,000 in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide.

Through Feb. 8 | “Pride and Prejudice,” MainStage 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $21-$28 MainStage presents Kate Hamill’s effervescent adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice.” It explores the absurdities and thrills of finding a perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly assuming and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn? Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical or so full of life.

Feb. 6 | JumpstART Stories and Art: V is for Valentine 10 a.m. | Suite 200 | Free

Explore new stories and fun art projects on the first Thursday of each month during this creative story time that combines art and children’s literature. February features sweet stories and Valentine’s Day crafts. Afterwards, browse the galleries as part of this fun morning activity.

Feb. 8 | “We Shall Overcome with Damien Sneed” 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $16.50-$41.50 Multigenre international recording artist, Damien Sneed, performs a special tribute concert inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “We Shall Overcome with Damien Sneed” is a joyful celebration of music from across African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches.

Feb. 9 | Second Sunday Funday: Exploring Romare Bearden

1 to 4 p.m. (drop in) | Suite 200 | Free

A free guided craft program that is fun for the whole family. This month, create crafts inspired by the art of Romare Bearden, one of the most well-known African American artists of the 20th century. Free guided tours of the exhibitions will be offered at 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 | Dazzling Music! New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (NPOI)

3:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $10-$20 NPOI presents a dazzling program of music featuring Gioachino Rossini’s overture to the opera “The Barber of Seville” with conductor Stephen Pandolfo; Mikhail Glinka’s “Capriccio Brillante on the Jota Aragonesa”; and César Franck’s “Symphony in D Minor.”

Feb. 14 | Tejas Brothers, Entertainment Series of Irving

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $26.50

“Mama loves George Jones and daddy loves Freddy Fender,” says Dave Perez, accordionist for the Tejas Brothers band. With influences from all different styles of music, the audience might find it difficult to describe a live Tejas Brothers show. Sometimes described as “Tex-Mex Honky Tonk,” the Tejas Brothers put on an original show that is a true Texas original.

Feb. 14 | Lorie Line: Living in the Sunshine

7:30 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $55.50-$60.50

Lorie Line will be taking center stage with her concert grand piano in 30 cities in February, March and April, including one very special Valentine’s evening show at Irving Arts Center. She will play all the favorites and share stories from a career spanning three decades. Do not miss this chance to see one of the most published pianists of all time!

Feb. 15 | Cristiana Pegoraro - Piano, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO)

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall |

$16.50-$46.50

LCSO presents pianist Cristiana Pegoraro. The program will feature music by composers Handel, Britten and Chopin.

Feb. 16 | A Capella Live!

2:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall |

$16.50-$41.50

Irving Arts Center presents a quadruple bill of three a cappella groups and one soloist singer/songwriter/ beatboxer. The three a cappella groups are Committed, a Grammy-nominated act that won Season 2 of NBC’s hit musical competition “The Sing Off”; The Filharmonic, an act featured in Universal Picture’s “Pitch Perfect 2”; and Women of The World, a quartet of musicians who perform in more than 31 languages and winners of the 2017 International A Cappella Open. Singer/songwriter and beatboxer Blake Lewis, runner-up on the sixth season of ABC’s “American Idol,” rounds out the bill.

Feb. 22-March 28 | Saturday School Session 3: Spin Me a Yarn (Storytelling with Quilts and The Fiber Arts) 2 to 4 p.m. | Suite 200 | $75

Meeting six Saturdays, children ages 6-10 will learn techniques in cloth painting, hand stitching and beading, while learning about African American history and culture. The work of contemporary artist and author Faith Ringgold, as well as “quilt codes” used in the Underground Railroad during the 19th century, will be the inspiration for exploring the unique storytelling power of textiles and the visual arts.

Feb. 20-22 | "The Mikado," Dallas Baptist University College of Fine Arts

2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $13.50 Dallas Baptist University College of Fine Arts presents the comedic operetta, “The Mikado.” First performed at London’s Savoy Theatre in 1885, “The Mikado” pokes fun at topical aspects of Victorian society and follows Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (the Japanese emperor), who has fled his father’s court in disguise as a “Wand’ring Minstrel” to avoid marrying Katisha, an elderly suitor. Instead, he hopes to find and marry his own beloved, the maiden Yum-Yum.

Feb. 22 | Rachmaninoff with a Twist, Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO)

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

Once again, the dynamic programming of the ISO brings two outstanding artists to the stage: one of the most versatile young ballet companies in the DFW metroplex and one of Europe’s most notable pianists. The program features everything from waltzes to movie music and concludes with one of the most famed piano concertos.

Feb. 23 | Black History Month Celebration

3 p.m. | Dupree Theater | Free

The Irving Black Arts Council and City of Irving present the annual Black History Month celebration featuring special performances and the unveiling of the 2020 USPS Heritage Stamp.

Feb. 25 | Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $16.50-$41.50

The famed ballet company commonly known as “The Trocks” returns and guarantees this experience to be the funniest night anyone will ever have at the ballet. An amazing show blending incredible technique, impeccable comic timing and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe (in drag) without falling flat on their faces. Enjoy hilarious twists on classics like “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote” and “Giselle” from this all-male troupe.

Feb. 28-March 1 | Spotlight Dance Cup

7:30 p.m. | Performance times/locations vary Spotlight Dance Cup comes to Irving. For more information, visit SpotlightEvents.com.

In the Galleries

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

Artistic Expressions from Within, presented by the Irving Black Arts Council

Feb. 1-March 1 | Main Gallery

The annual Black History Month exhibition will feature works by Chesley Antoinette, Sanah BrownBowers, Sha Ferrell, Ozioma Igbokwe, Mercedes Lewis, Robbyn Miles and Zaria Parker. 5-7 p.m. Feb. 8 | Reception

Night/Light: Photographs by Kate Jenkins

Feb. 1-March 29 | Focus Gallery

Kate Jenkins teaches photography at North Lake College. In her photography, she often incorporates constructed narratives. In the images presented in this exhibition, light plays a central role, illuminating scenes captured in the dark of night.

North Lake College Student Photography Exhibition

Feb. 1-April 19 | Courtyard Gallery Photographs taken by North Lake College students will be on display.

Steven Foutch: Prints Feb. 1-April 26 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

Recent work by Steven Foutch, department chair and assistant professor of Printmaking at the University of Dallas, will be on display.

J.J. L’Heureux: Faces from the Southern Ocean

Feb. 8-April 26 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery

Photographer, painter, adventurer and naturalist: these are the words that describe the artist J.J. L’Heureux. She made her first trip to Antarctica in 2000 where she collected digital images of ice and snow for a white-on-white color field series of “landscape” paintings. Returning to Antarctica each year, the Southern Ocean and the wind-swept setting of the vast, fragile and icy wilderness became living models for her to capture on film. Her life’s work resulted in two books, and her work has been displayed in exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, L’Heureux lives and works out of her studio in Venice, California.

City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

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City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

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 schedule is subject to change without notice. Call for daily updates on open gym hours.

Spring Session

Parks and Recreation Briefs, AquaStars Swim Program, Valentine Activities

Feb. 9 | 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

● Feb. 8 | Celebrating Black History

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free Enjoy the "Celebrating Black History Month" event.

● Feb. 14 | Valentine Preschool Bash

10 a.m. to noon | Ages 3-6 | $5 per person

Enjoy a morning full of fun with crafts, cupcakes and much more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Feb. 11 | After-School Sweetheart Party

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Ages 6-14 | Free Enjoy a Valentine party with music, games and refreshments.

Heritage Senior Center

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

● Feb. 3-April 15 | Free Tax Service by AARP

Volunteers

8:15 a.m. to noon Monday and Thursday | By appointment only

Volunteers trained by AARP will help residents fill out their tax return. Bring all applicable tax forms and last year’s tax return. For seniors and low- to middle- income residents (those with less than $80,000 adjusted gross income before deductions).

To schedule an appointment, contact Ms. Beckner at (214) 770-5599.

● Feb. 11 | Valentine Dance

7 to 9:15 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $5 per person

Celebrate all things valentines. It will be an evening of music, dancing and light refreshments.

● Feb. 14 | Vintage Valentine’s Day Tea Party

10 to 11:30 a.m. | Members and families | $5 per person

Come to a tea party in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Enjoy some old-fashioned favorites like petit fours, macaroons and crustless finger sandwiches. There also will be music, games and more. Party clothes and hats are encouraged. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 7.

Lee Park Recreation Center

3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508

● Feb. 12 | Cupid’s Cuties Valentine Party 10 a.m. to noon | Ages 3-5 | Free

Come to the annual preschool Valentine party with games, crafts and refreshments. Registration is required by Feb. 6. All children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Lively Pointe Youth Center

909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

● Feb. 8 | Special Needs Valentine Dance 6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 15 and older | Free Dance the night away to a professional DJ and disco lights. Refreshments will be provided. This event caters to individuals with special needs and disabilities. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by noon Feb. 3. For more information, contact Carleshia Smiley at (972) 721-8098.

● Feb. 15 | Irving’s Got Talent Auditions

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Grades 6-12 | Free Seeking musicians, dancers and performers for Irving's annual talent competition. Interested participants must register by Feb. 7. Registration forms are available at Lively Pointe and online at CityofIrving.org/LivelyPointe. Auditions will be held in the ballroom at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. For more information, call (972) 721-8090. Finalists will perform at the Irving’s Got Talent competition, 7 p.m. March 6 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Feb. 7 | Father Daughter Dance 7 to 9 p.m. | Ages 4-13 | $25 per couple ($10 per additional daughter)

Fathers, father figures and daughters are welcome to attend a magical evening. The event includes dinner, DJ, door prizes and pictures by a professional photographer.

● Feb. 29 | Elementary Lock-In 6 to 11 p.m. | Ages 5-10 | $10 per child

Grab friends and have a great time. Games, food, music and so much more.

● April 1-May 9 | Preschool Soccer League Ages 3-6 | $80 per player

Children will be introduced to soccer in a fun and exciting environment. Players will be assigned a coach and team, based on age. Weekly practices will be held on Wednesday evenings for 45 minutes. All games will be scheduled on Saturday mornings. Each player will receive a T-shirt, ball and trophy. Registration is open until all spots are full.

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● Feb. 8 | Pottery Painting 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Ages 5 and older | Prices vary Enjoy a day of relaxation while painting various pieces of pottery. Children aged 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

● Feb. 13 | Bee-Mine Bash

10 a.m. to noon | Ages 3-5 | $5 per person

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with games, crafts, refreshments and Valentines. Bring valentine's cards to hand out. Registration deadline is Feb. 6.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PACKETS AVAILABLE

Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Packets also will be available on the city’s website at CityofIrving.org.

This year, the mayor and single-member district council Places 3 and 5 will be elected in the General Election. The mayor is an at-large position and candidates running for mayor may reside anywhere within the Irving city limits.

Places 3 and 5 are single-member districts; to qualify to run, candidates must be a resident of the city and have lived in their respective district for at least 12 months immediately prior to Election Day.

The filing period is Jan. 15 through Feb. 14. The City Secretary’s Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting dates are April 20 through April 28 and Election Day is May 2. For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493. n

PAQUETES DISPONIBLES PARA CANDIDATOS AL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL

Los residentes que estén interesados en ser candidatos para una posición en el Concejo Municipal pueden recoger un paquete de candidatos en la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Los paquetes también estarán disponibles en la página web de la ciudad en www.CityofIrving.org.

Este año, el alcalde y los distritos concejales de miembro-único de los Lugares 3 y 5 serán elegidos en la Elección General. El alcalde es una posición a nivel general y los candidatos para tal posición pueden

residir en cualquier lugar dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de Irving. Los lugares 3 y 5 son distritos de miembro-único, en los cuales para calificar, los candidatos deben ser residentes de la ciudad y haber vivido en su distrito respectivo por lo menos 12 meses inmediatamente antes del Día de la Elección.

El período para presentar las candidaturas es a partir del 15 de enero hasta el 14 de febrero. La Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad está abierta desde las 8 a.m. hasta las 5 p.m. Las fechas de votación adelantada serán del 20 de abril al 28 de abril, y el día de las elecciones es el 2 de mayo. Para obtener más información, llame a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (972) 721-2493. n

LEARN CPR AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Irving Fire Department (IFD) is offering Hands-Only Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations to the community. According to the American Heart Association, about 90% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, but statistics prove that if more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. The IFD wants to emphasize the importance of knowing how to perform CPR.

Given properly and immediately to sudden cardiac arrest victims, CPR can save lives. The purpose of CPR is to keep the heart pumping and provide a continuous flow of oxygen to the lungs and brain until emergency care arrives.

For more information or to schedule a demonstration, visit CityofIrving.org/2213/ Learn-CPR or call (972) 721-2651. n

East Library Opens with New Features, Amenities

On Feb. 8, residents can view the newly renovated East Library and Learning Center during its Community Open House from 1 to 2 p.m. The event is part of the library’s new schedule and programming format.

The updated facility, formerly the East Branch Library, along with the Irving Independent School District (IISD) now offers a variety of adult basic education classes at the facility. Those interested in the IISD programs must register prior to attending.

large TV screen for workshop training, and ordering new furniture and children’s play center activity stations.

Know Before You Go East Library and Learning Center is located at 440 S. Nursery Road. The new library hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. every second Saturday of the month. On Feb. 8, the library will host the following free events:

Community Open House 1 to 2 p.m.

Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling (Session 1) – 2:30 to 3:20 p.m.

Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling (Session 2) – 3:30 to 4:20 p.m.

The facility closed its doors during the renovation process, which included repainting walls, adding a second classroom to accommodate up to 40 participants, realigning computers to face a

The facility’s upgrades are in response to the community's growing interest in adult learning and workforce development, early literacy skills for children and a desire to create community connections.

For more information on library hours or programs, visit CityofIrving. org/2147/East-Library-and-LearningCenter or call (972) 721-3722.

For more information on the adult literacy programs, including registration, contact IISD Adult Education and Literacy at (972) 600-6130.

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

Winter Reading Challenge, Library Briefs

SHERLOCKED Continues …

Everyone loves a good mystery and this winter adults can enjoy discovering the most famous detectives of all time during SHERLOCKED, Irving Public Library’s third annual Winter Reading Challenge. Presented as a miniIrving Community Read celebration, free copies of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will be distributed at SHERLOCKED events while supplies last. Readers have through Feb. 29 to register at IrvingLibrary.ReadSquared.com and log five titles to win a limited edition puzzle book, a Sherlock Holmes key chain and a free book. Information on the SHERLOCKED scavenger hunt, tailored book lists and events can be found at ReadSquared.com. This month's featured events include:

Feb. 21 | Murder Mystery Theater, ages 16 and older 6:30 p.m. | Jack D. Huffman Community Building, 801 W. Irving Blvd.

Enjoy mocktails and a thrilling live mystery to solve. Visit IrvingLibrary.ReadSquared.com for details and tickets.

Feb. 22 | The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Community Discussion

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

Join fellow readers to discuss the Irving Community Read selection “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Library Briefs

Feb. 6 | Harry Potter Book Night: Triwizard Tournament

Celebrate the magical world of Harry Potter at the library! Dress up in house robes as beloved characters and travel to the three wizarding schools to participate in Triwizard Tournament tasks. For all ages.

● 5:30 p.m. South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

● 6:30 p.m. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

● 7:30 p.m. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail

Feb. 8 | African American Read-In

2 p.m. | All ages | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

For African American Heritage Month, be introduced to authors and children’s literature reflecting the African American experience. This celebration features special guest, The Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, with cultural performances of tribal dances and beats.

Feb. 29 | Leap Year Party

2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

Celebrate Leap Year with a bounce in one’s steps. Partygoers are treated to a performance by the Jumpin' Jammers Jump Rope Team, crafts, treats and more.

Irving Police Department Blue Tie Banquet Feb. 28

Each year, the Irving Police Department (IPD) honors officers and staff for their accomplishments during the previous year. A silent auction kicks off the evening, followed by dinner. The Blue Tie Banquet gives the department the opportunity to spotlight outstanding examples of leadership and excellence in IPD employees.

In addition to honoring the men and women of the IPD, the proceeds from this year's event help support the Irving Family Advocacy Center (FAC). IPD partners with FAC to respond to the needs of families and victims of crime in the community. The FAC provides resources focused on providing assistance to the residents of Irving, including counseling services, parent education and play therapy for young crime victims. Creating stronger families today means safer communities for the future.

Seating is limited. Reserve a seat online at https://irvingfac.ticket.qtego.net. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, email keroberts@cityofirving.org or call (972) 721-2598. n