Irving City Spectrum, January 2022

CITY VING

Irving’s 2020 Census Results Show Growth in Diversity

Results highlight Irving’s rich diversity of races, ethnicities and cultures

Based on the latest census data, the population in Irving continues to reflect a broad spectrum of nationalities.

For many years, the 75038 ZIP code has been heralded as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the nation. Today, the latest results show further growth in diversity.

The multicultural layers across the city are one of the community’s greatest features, and the diverse tapestry also helps support a mixture of unique shopping, dining and cultural experiences in Irving.

Irving’s total population now tops 256,684 residents, which is a 18.6% increase from 2010. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Irving’s Hispanic population increased, while the white non-Hispanic population declined, each by roughly the same percentage of nearly 20%. The African American population grew by 24%, and Asian communities nearly doubled in representation.

“Over the years, Irving has been blessed to be a place where people of all backgrounds, colors and beliefs feel safe and welcome,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. “I am very proud to be part of an inclusive community that embraces differences.”

While the 2020 Census does not report citizenship or nationality, the Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) reports that 61.6% of Irving residents are natural born U.S. citizens, while 10% are foreign born residents who are naturalized citizens. Additionally, the ACS reports almost 29% of Irving’s current residents are foreign nationals, and nearly 40% of Irving residents were born in other nations, including Mexico, El Salvador, India, Nepal, Korea and Pakistan.

Irving City Leaders Invest in Diversity and Inclusion

The City of Irving supports diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives through various community partnerships, programs and activities. From the Irving Miracle League and Minority/Women Business Enterprise Programs to Shop Talk and Bilingual Story Times, the city works to engage with a variety of people with varying interests.

The organization has a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan to guide efforts and ensure that the city provides access, removes barriers and is inclusive of all community members and employees. To support the strategic plan, a D&I Committee was formed to lead inclusive efforts for city employees, as well as the community.

Over the past two years, the D&I Committee developed the Commitment to Fostering Diversity and Inclusion document after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020 and hosted a virtual event for employees to open a conversation on social injustice. The team also hosted three virtual cultural symposiums on Hinduism and Diwali, Hispanic Heritage Month and the Lunar New Year. The Employee Resource Group (ERG) policy was approved in 2021, leading to the formation of the LGBTQ ERG, which helped increase the city’s Municipal Equality Index score by 11 points year-to-year from 36 to 47 points.

For more information on the city’s D&I program, visit CityofIrving.org/Diversity n

City Honors Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Jan. 16

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 year's annual observance takes place on Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. The event features a variety of performances by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and a heartwarming performance from vocalist and speaker, Kamica King.

This year, the City of Irving is hosting an essay contest promoting the theme “Reaching the Mountain Top.” There are 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. n The 2022 State of the City presented by Mercury One will feature Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer for a discussion on how the City of Irving has overcome the many challenges of the past year and how the community will continue advancing while achieving successes to reach new milestones.

DART SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

DART has redesigned its existing bus system and will transition to a New Bus Network beginning Jan. 24. The new bus network is designed to ensure passengers have safe and easy access to employment, education and entertainment areas across the DART service area.

DART’s New Bus Network will be simpler, better, easier and faster for Irving residents.

Some key improvements include better accessibility, improved frequency and longer hours of operation. The agency also will restore light rail service to prepandemic frequency.

Current DART riders can expect:

● All routes will be replaced by new routes with a new number and/or with GoLink service.

● Some fixed-route bus services will be replaced with DART’s on-demand GoLink service.

● Bus stops will be eliminated. Prior to Jan. 24, bags covering bus stop signs will show what the future service will be.

On Dec. 6, City of Irving employees and DART hosted a Facebook Live event to discuss the new service changes and ‘GoLink.’ The entire event is available to watch on the ICTN YouTube channel, @TheCityofIrving

For more information visit DART.org n

Irving City Council reviewed and discussed the 2020 federal Census and determined that the

and previous district maps are available online at CityofIrving.org/Redistricting

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit

A Residential Guide to Energy Saving Options

This “do-it-yourself” (DIY) home energy audit can help determine where a home is potentially losing energy and where a resident can save money. A home energy audit will assess a home’s energy efficiency by identifying steps to take to increase energy productivity and lower energy bills. A resident can potentially see savings of 10% or more on their electric bill. The audit will also help to recommend low-cost DIY repairs that can save money.

Components of a DIY Home Energy Audit

● Insulation

● Hot water pipes and tanks

● Air leaks (use an infrared or thermal camera/app)

● Caulking and weatherstripping

● Energy-efficient appliances

● Closed fireplace damper

● Unplug electronics

For more information, visit Cityofirving.org/BeGreen

The City of Irving also has a Green Neighbor Program to help encourage an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

information. n

Municipal Court and Other Resources

Class C misdemeanor criminal offenses, including traffic and city ordinance violations that occur in Irving are filed in the Irving Municipal Court. Monetary and nonmonetary options to dispose of your class C, fine-only case(s) are available online at CityofIrving.org/Municipal-Court or by calling (972) 721-2451.

Below is a list of services and resources provided by Dallas County.

Services

Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, DBA/Assumed Name, Marriage License/Records

Bad Check, Civil Suits/Small Claims, Evictions, Marriage Ceremony, Occupational License, Tollway and DART citations

Custody/Child Support, Divorce Filing, Divorce Records

County Justice of the Peace (Precinct 4-2)

County District Clerk (214) 653-6893 Probate Dallas County Probate Court (214) 653-7236 Vehicle Registration, Disabled Parking Placard Dallas County Tax Office (214) 653-7811 For Dallas County general information, call (214) 653-7011 or visit DallasCounty.org n

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Jan. 8 | Elvis Birthday Concert with Kraig Parker & The Royal Tribute Band

Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving

7:30 p.m. | $35

An annual favorite, Kraig Parker has been hailed as the ultimate image of the King, Elvis Presley, born on this very day in 1935. Backed by an electrifying 10-piece group, the Royal Tribute Band, Parker looks and sounds just like the king of rock ‘n’ roll. His powerful voice, electric moves and tasteful charisma will leave attendees "all shook up" and screaming for more!

Jan. 15 | Marcus Pyle, Violinist

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) | 7:30 p.m. | $20-$50 Violinists Marcus Pyle and Chloé Trevor perform with LCSO.

Jan. 21 - Feb. 5 | Anna in the Tropics

Presented by MainStage | 7:30 p.m. | $25-30

Exotic and enticing, this poetic play is set in 1929 in a Floridian Cuban American cigar factory. It is a place where cigars are still rolled by hand and “lectors” are employed to read newspapers, poetry and novels to the workers. The new lector reads Tolstoy’s "Anna Karenina" unaware that the passions it inflames will spin the listeners’ relationships out of control. This show contains adult subject matter including scenes involving implied sex/violence (gunshots).

Jan. 22 | Fela in Concert: A Tribute to Whitney Houston Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $40-$50

Mexican singer and actress Fela, praised for her beautiful voice and spectacular vocal technique, performs a tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston.

Jan. 27 - 30 | Youth America Grand Prix

The world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition returns to Irving Arts Center. To learn more, visit YAGP.org

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Jan. 6 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Winnie the Pooh Day

10 a.m. | Free

Join for stories about the beloved bear from the Hundred Acre Wood and celebrate author A. A. Milne’s birthday with a special art project.

Jan. 8 - Feb. 12 | Saturday School

2 to 4 p.m. | Ages 6-10 | $95 for 6-week session (supplies included)

Students meet each Sunday for six weeks to learn the fundamentals of painting to explore the elements and principles of art and design. Attendees will create projects using different painting mediums and styles inspired by great masterworks of art.

Jan. 9 | Second Sunday Funday: Winter Landscapes

1 to 4 p.m. | Free

Find your inner artist and explore the unique beauty of this chilly season by creating frosty and fantastic scenes of winter. Drop in between 1 and 4 p.m. for family fun!

Jan. 26 | Home-schooler Happenings

10 a.m. | $5

The theme for this session is Storytelling through Art. Taking inspiration from the current exhibition: "Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards", attendees will play with patterns and paint to create their own amazing canvas creations.

For more information about all activities planned, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com

THINK GREEN … BE GREEN UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Jan. 13 | Basic Garden Planting

6 p.m. | Virtual Thinking about starting a garden of herbs, flowers, vegetables or a combination? This presentation outlines the first steps including basic garden needs, what to grow, where to grow and how to find resources.

Jan. 15 | Outdoor Composting

10 a.m. | Corner of Nursery and Hunter Ferrell Learn how to make compost at home using materials usually thrown away. This hands-on class teaches the most effective composting methods and problem-solving tips.

Jan. 27 | How to be a Community Scientist 6 p.m. | South Irving Library Ever find something outside but do not know what it is or how to find out? Community Science addresses each of those questions.

Visit CityofIrving.org/BeGreen to register for these classes

IRVING ARTS CENTER IN THE GALLERIES

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advanced reservation needed. Guided tours offered first Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m.; advance reservation required. To make a reservation, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com

EXHIBITIONS

Yikwon Peter Kim: Inevitable Progression III Extended through Jan. 8 | Focus Gallery

Yikwon Kim has been invited to participate in high-profile projects including a group art exhibition of “New York 9” in Shanghai, China, and “STOP, UNRAVEL, ABSORB” in New York City. Kim produced a public art performance project as a curator and executive producer of “art is me, art is you,” a series for the Dumbo Art Festival in New York.

Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards Through Feb. 26 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

Organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas, this touring exhibition represents the largest and most comprehensive presentation of Coretta Scott King illustrator awards ever assembled.

The Blues (and other colors): Works/Paintings by Ernie Benton and Sontonya Necheal Through Feb. 26 | Carpenter Hall Performance Lobby

Inspired by his passion for music, Ernie Benton’s paintings depict the sounds, flavor and vibrations of life. Benton’s work revolves around the interplay of shape and color. Sontonya Necheal is a self-taught mixed media, abstract artist that dances with various textures in her unique canvas pieces. Her work comes from a place of brokenness, abuse and hardships, but finding strength in her faith, she triumphs … creating art that is rich in color and vibrancy, with layered textures of emotion. Meet the Artist | Jan. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.

City of Irving YEAR IN REVIEW

With the Future in Focus, Irving Continues to Advance

City Council identified six strategic goals and 25 objectives that financially and operationally provide a roadmap for the community's desired direction and vision for the future. The strategic plan focuses on areas of greatest importance to Irving residents and helps drive advancements in the priorities that matter most. According to the 2020 Resident Survey, resident satisfaction in the appearance of the city, quality of life and safety have improved; and Irving continues to enhance recreational and cultural opportunities for residents to enjoy. Below are notable accomplishments from 2021.

Financial Sustainability

● Contain costs and increase operational efficiency.

● Maintain adequate financial reserves.

● Develop and deploy a long-range financial planning process.

● Establish appropriate equipment replacement funding levels.

● Manage long-term pension liabilities.

Highlights

Unanimously passed the FY22 budget while maintaining a 0.5941/$100 valuation tax rate. This marks the seventh year in a row that the city’s property tax rate has remained the same.

Voters passed a $563 million bond package to fund projects that include street improvements, updates to aging infrastructure, land for parks and new public safety facilities.

Successfully managed an estimated $40 million COVID-19 federal aid dollars (CARES and ARPA).

Reaffirmed Aaa/AAA bond rating from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Created the City of Irving’s first Popular Annual Financial Report

Selected new benefits providers through a competitive process, resulting in substantial projected savings reduced benefit selection costs and better benefit options for employees.

Managed monthly safety inspections of city facilities and work sites to mitigate potential safety risks and reduce workers’ compensation and general liability claims.

By the Numbers

● The city has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 36 years

● Irving has received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 33 years

● 30% of contract dollars awarded to M/WBE vendors

Goal 2 Goal 3

Systematic Infrastructure Investment

● Secure a reliable future water supply.

● Develop and fund an aggressive multiyear capital improvement program.

● Expand, extend and maintain the major thoroughfare network.

● Maintain and extend water, wastewater and stormwater systems.

● Support strategic investments in city facilities.

Highlights

Completed seven water and wastewater projects including $14.3 million in utility improvements.

Completed $9.6 million in Road to the Future projects, including Las Colinas Boulevard Phase 3 and Glenmore/ Shepherd.

Completed DART Hidden Ridge Light Rail Station for the DART Orange line.

Relocated water and wastewater utilities in conjunction with the TxDOT Irving Interchange project

Completed $30 million in drainage projects, throughout including the Lower Delaware Creek and Brockbank Channel Phase 2 and 90% of the Upper Delaware Creek.

Completed a five-year landfill capital improvement plan that includes a landfill drainage plan, resident convenience center, landfill maintenance building, and landfill cell design and construction.

Completed the Urban Center Lift Station which protects the wastewater collection system within the Urban Center when flooding occurs on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.

Vibrant Economy

● Promote revitalization of targeted areas.

● Create a thriving downtown.

● Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy and funding model.

● Complete “signature projects” (i.e., the former stadium site, Heritage Crossing and Las Colinas Urban Center).

● Effectively plan and manage land use.

Highlights

Awarded a $22.2 million contract for the reconstruction of Irving Boulevard

Started construction to revitalize Williams Square Plaza

Negotiated four development agreements for the sale of city-owned Heritage Crossing Land Bank properties with total estimated project values in excess of $55 million:

● Construction of 12 units of mixed-use, mixed-income affordable townhomes

● 76-unit mixed-income affordable housing project

● Starbucks Coffee store

● Heritage Square mixed-use development containing 194 residential units, 18 live/work lofts, commercial retail space totaling 15,400 square feet, and a four-story parking garage

Maintained 22 subtenant leases at the Toyota

Reached $717.6 million in construction valuation with 12,761 permits issued

By the Numbers

● 1,455 high-wage jobs added

● 2,239 high-wage jobs retained

● 69 workshops and small business events held

Provided uninterrupted water service through winter storm Uri, with repair crews braving subfreezing temperatures to complete major water main break repairs and utility technicians completing more than a 1,000 emergency service requests.

By the Numbers

● $66.6 million of completed Capital Improvement Program projects

● 10,224 lane miles swept

● 5,219 traffic signs replaced

● 93 live shows at Toyota Music Factory

2021 City of Irving YEAR IN REVIEW

Service Excellence

● Safeguard public safety, security and health.

● Leverage information technology to drive efficient and responsive service delivery.

● Improve community appearance and protect neighborhood integrity.

● Clearly define service levels and the associated resource requirements.

● Implement enhancements to cultural and recreational facilities.

Highlights

Coordinated with Grand Prairie and Dallas to administer 22,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to Dallas County residents.

Brought 89% of Building and Standards cases into compliance without having to take elevated enforcement actions.

Upgraded public safety’s recording system to include text-to-911.

Completed comprehensive Solid Waste Services study, identifying needs over the next five years and a funding strategy.

Promoted teen driving safety through the "Dare to Prepare" virtual event series in partnership with AAA Texas.

Completed $11.8 million in parks projects including Levy Event Plaza, Georgia Farrow Recreation Center expansion, Sam Houston Trail Park renovation, Rock Island Bike and Pedestrian Trail, and Delaware Creek Trail Connector.

Completed construction of the Irving Archives and Museum.

Initiated the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center renovation and preservation project

Expanded technical and job-related skills for residents by launching two fully functioning makerspaces at both South and Valley Ranch libraries.

By the Numbers

● 93% of 911 calls answered within 15 seconds

● 5:53 average police emergency response time

● $356,021,143 in property saved from fire loss

● 20,120 EMS responses

● 9,752 fire responses

Inclusive and Collaborative Governance

● Actively engage and communicate with the community.

● Ensure transparent and inclusive government.

Highlights

Launched “Value of Municipal Services” social media campaign showcasing how each department contributes to the quality of life for Irving residents.

Oversaw and managed citywide crisis communication efforts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri.

Talented and Energized Workforce

● Encourage and reward employee innovation and creativity.

● Recruit, retain and develop a diverse municipal workforce.

● Develop a succession plan and succession management process.

Highlights Provided funding and support to create a Public Safety Wellness Unit to assist front-line public safety employees with resources to protect their mental well-being.

Revamped the former On-the-Spot Awards to create a peer-to-peer employee recognition program. The R.I.S.E program gives employees the opportunity to recognize each other for going above and beyond. Department directors can supplement R.I.S.E. awards with challenge coins that embody the city’s core values. Since the launch of the program in August 2021, there have been 88 R.I.S.E nominations.

Built and fostered community partnerships through the IAM’s flexible space that welcomes and encourages community collaborations and partnerships.

Launched IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com, a new website providing a central information source for residents and visitors to learn how to visit the museum, explore Irving’s history, expand content from the temporary exhibitions program, and provide educational resources.

Launched public-facing dashboards for both the city’s strategic plan and Irving Connects, the city’s smart city initiative in order to demonstrate achievement of goals associated with each.

Revised and updated the Open Records Requests procedural guidebook for city staff. The guidebook is comprised with resource materials, various templates of letters with required language, and other useful information needed to respond to open records requests as required by state law.

By the Numbers

● 2,092 open records requests processed

● 3,934 resident inquiries processed

● 1,440,992 unique visitors to city's website

● 334,235 engaged in social media

● 4,327 users on open data portal

● 233,343 library visitors

Supported the creation of the city’s first Employee Resource Group for employees as part of the city’s diversity and inclusion initiative.

Launched biweekly “Featured Jobs” video series to highlight open positions at the city.

Completed the Classification and Compensation Study with Public Sector Personnel Consultants to benchmark pay and benefits of comparable cities.

Conducted training gap analysis for each department and created department learning paths for employees to advance their skills and personal development.

By the Numbers

● 38% of employee positions filled by promotion

● 10% turnover rate

● 96% of employees agree that Irving is a great place to work

Parks and Recreation Activities

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Jan. 10 | Senior Breakfast Club

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 50 and up | Free

Enjoy breakfast and variety of activities such as arts and crafts, board games, pickleball and more.

● Jan. 12 | Home-school LEGO® Workshop: Classic

12 to 1:30 p.m. | Ages 8-12 | $5

All workshops will provide instructions and structure to help ease kids into LEGO® building while teaching them to follow directions and learn to focus.

● Jan. 19 | Field Trip for Grown Folks: Choctaw Casino

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Ages 30 and up | $20

All adults are invited on a field trip to Choctaw Casino. Transportation provided. Space is limited.

● Jan. 26 | Afterschool LEGO® Workshop: Classic 4:30 to 6 p.m. | Ages 8-12 | $5

All workshops will provide instructions and structure to help ease kids into LEGO® building while teaching them to follow directions and learn to focus.

● Jan. 13 – Feb. 24 | Retro E-Games: Lunch and Learn

Home-school League

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays | Ages 9-14 | $20

Learn the fundamentals of video game play with the classics while competing in matches. Players will learn hand-eye coordination, focus and concentration. Lunch and drinks will be provided.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Jan. 17 | NAACP Luncheon and MLK Celebration 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a free box to-go lunch provided by the Irving-Carrollton NAACP. Attendees will also hear from a panel of guest speakers.

Heritage Senior Center

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

● Jan. 3 – 17 | Heritage Short Story Contest

All ages are welcome to submit a short story to be judged. Registration deadline is Jan. 3 by 5 p.m., and short stories are due by Jan. 17. A free awards reception will be Jan. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Lee Park Recreation Center

3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508

● Jan. 22 | Family Winter Games

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 6 and up | $2

Families will compete in gym games or minute-towin-it games for prizes. Refreshments will be served. Children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. Register by Jan. 12.

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

● Jan. 8 | Dream Big! Vision Board Party

2 to 4 p.m. | Ages 12-17 | Free

Bring in the year with new goals and dream big at Lively Pointe’s Vision Board party. Design a vision board and piece together 2022 goals using magazines, newspapers, crafty art pieces and more.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Jan. 14 | Superhero Training Party

9:30 to 11 a.m. | Ages 3-6 | Free

Come save the world in this Superhero Training Party alongside a friendly neighborhood web slinger and a woman that is wonderfully powerful. A hands-on experience learning what it takes to fight crime through various fun activities. Dress up as a favorite superhero. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Registration required; space is limited.

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● Jan. 14 | Pottery Painting

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages | Prices start at $5 Paint pottery for a friend or yourself. Staff will glaze and fire pottery. Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by a parent.

Senter Park Recreation Center

901 S. Senter Road, (972) 721-2641

● Jan. 21 | Jump in 3D Movie Night: Jumanji 2 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. | All Ages | $2

Bring the family to watch Jumanji 2. Refreshments will be available. Register by Jan. 19; space is limited.

Royal Reads: Adult Winter Reading Challenge

The Royal Reads challenge heralds in the new year by inviting adults to read, win a prize and engage in oncein-a-lifetime events such as February’s King Tut Museum Replicas Exhibit and a tour at the South Irving Library.

To join in the reading challenge, pick up a printed log form at any library location or register online at IrvingLibrary.READsquared.com. Read five books to earn a prize. The challenge is available through Feb. 28. Limit one prize per person, while supplies last.

For participants interested in recommendations, READsquared also features specially curated book lists that have been compiled by librarians.

Regally themed events planned

● Jan. 10 and 24 | Color Me Calm

7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library

Enjoy soothing music while exploring the art of coloring.

● Jan. 11 | Anywhere eBook Club: Royal Fiction and Nonfiction

7 p.m. | Virtual Connect with other readers far and wide through this new virtual-only book club. Discuss fiction and nonfiction eBooks, all of which are available through Hoopla.

● Jan. 18 | Craftastic! King and Queen of Hearts Paper Quilling

6:30 p.m. | South Irving Library

Learn this ancient practice of coiling paper strips into custom pieces of art.

● Jan. 22 | A Royal Tea

3 p.m. | South Irving Library

Guests are cordially invited to dress to impress in afternoon royal tea. Materials for creating a "fascinator" (decorative headpiece) will be available.

● Jan. 26 | Royal Trivia Night

7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library

Hear ye, hear ye, participants will test their royal knowledge by playing alone or on a team.

● Jan. 29 | Cook the Book Cooking Club: Teatime at Grosvenor Square by Dahlia Clearwater

Noon | Valley Ranch Library

Choose a sweets recipe from January’s preselected cookbook to prepare and share. Advance registration and recipe selection is required by contacting the library at (972) 721-4669.

● Jan. 31 | Book Lovers Happy Hour: Royalty in Fiction and Nonfiction

6 p.m. | South Irving Library

January’s discussion focuses on titles with royal themes.

PROACTIVE TIPS TO PREVENT MIGRATORY BIRD NESTING

Texas is a major route for migratory birds shuttling between the United States and Canada, and this springtime event can impact residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Nesting birds — herons, egrets and other nesting water birds — bring challenges such as noise and odor to public and private property during their spring and summer nesting seasons. However, these birds are protected under federal law. As a result, Irving Animal Services (IAS) is unable to address any complaints while the birds are nesting.

Between the months of January and February, IAS encourages residents to follow the below proactive tips, prior to the start of nesting season in March.

● Remove old, abandoned nests

● Trim trees/thin tree canopy to allow sunlight between limbs

● Remove deadwood

● Use scaring devices, such as noisemakers and “scare eye” balloons, before migratory birds lay eggs

Once birds begin sitting on nests, eggs are probably present. You cannot kill, harass, move or disturb the birds when they are actively nesting.

For more resources, visit TPWD.Texas.gov n

LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Fort Worth Science and History Museum Presents Electric Energy Jolts and Volts

● Jan. 8 2 p.m. Demo 1 and 2:40 p.m. Demo 2 West Irving Library | Ages pre-K through grade 8, Demos last 20 minutes

● Jan. 17 2 p.m. Demo 1 and 2:40 p.m. Demo 2 South Irving Library | Ages pre-K through grade 8, Demos last 20 minutes

Children and tweens experience hair-raising adventures and learn about energy at this program commemorating National Static Electricity Day. One of the highlights is a look at an electrostatic Van de Graaff generator.

Jan. 16 | Dream of Peace: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages

Join this celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of peace and unity.

Jan. 29 | KidsNotes

3 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Ages pre-K through grade 8

The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra presents a hands-on opportunity for children to hear, see, touch and explore different aspects of the orchestra and classical music. Activities include story time, a performance by a professional musician and an "instrument petting zoo."

Irving Archives and Museum Offers Engaging Museum Experience

The Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) honors Irving’s history and celebrates its future. Located on the first floor of the Jack D. Huffman Community Building at 801 W. Irving Blvd., the museum traces “The Irving Story” from its frontier days, through its development as a rapidly growing suburb, into the modern and diverse city that it is today.

IAM is also home to the state’s first Smithsonian Spark!Lab, a unique and fun space where children and families explore, innovate, collaborate and problem-solve. The museum hosts nationally traveling exhibitions, such as “WW1 America” and most recently, “Spirited: Prohibition in America.”

The museum held its grand opening in November, celebrating a culmination of years of planning and community support. An opening gala raised funds for future programming and drew inspiration from the

“Spirited: Prohibition in America” exhibition, with an evening full of Prohibition-era jazz music and guests decked out in 1920s fashions. The celebration continued the next day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and ice cream social.

IAM is a $2.8 million joint project between Irving’s Arts and Culture Department and Capital Improvement Program and is one of the city’s many investments intended to revitalize the Irving Heritage District, including Centennial Park, Heritage Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

Follow @IAMIrvingTx on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay informed on upcoming exhibits and events. Visit IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com for ticket information and details about Irving’s other historical museums. n

2022 Irving City Council Meetings

Irving City Council regular session meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 825 W. Irving Blvd.

City Council Meeting Schedule

Jan. 13 and 27

Feb. 10 and 24

March 10 and 31

April 21

May 5 June 9 and 30

July

City Council Candidate Packets Available

Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet beginning Jan. 7. Stop at the reception desk at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., and the City Secretary’s Office will bring down the packet. Packets will also be available on the city’s website at CityofIrving.org

This year Council Districts 1, 2 and 7 will be elected in the General Election. Districts 1 and 7 represent “single-member” districts, which require that the candidate live within the boundaries of the district in which they plan to run. District (or Place) 2 is an “at large” position which will allow the candidate to reside anywhere within the city limits of the City of Irving. A candidate must be a resident of the city and their district in which they intend to run for at least 12 months immediately prior to Election Day.

The filing period is Jan. 19 through Feb. 18. The City Secretary’s Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Early voting dates are April 25 through May 3 and Election Day is May 7. 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 a ser candidatos para una posición en el Concejo Municipal pueden recoger un paquete de candidatos a partir del 7 de enero. Por favor deténgase en la recepción del municipio, 825 W. Irving Blvd. y alguien de la Oficina de la Secretaría de la Ciudad le entregará un paquete. Los paquetes también estarán disponibles en la página web de la ciudad en CityofIrving.org

Este año los Distritos del Concejo 1, 2 y 7 serán elegidos en la elección general. Los Distritos 1 y 7 representan distritos de “miembros-únicos,” lo cual requiere que el candidato viva dentro de los límites del distrito por el cual pretenden postular. El Distrito (o Lugar) 2 es una posición de “elección general,” el cual permite al candidato residir en cualquier lugar dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de Irving. El candidato debe ser residente de la ciudad y del distrito del cual pretende postular por lo menos 12 meses inmediatamente antes del Día de las Elecciones.

El período para inscribirse es del 19 de enero hasta el 18 de febrero. La Oficina de la Secretaría de la Ciudad está abierta de 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. de lunes a viernes. Las fechas de votación anticipada son del 25 de abril hasta el 3 de mayo, y el Día de las Elecciones es el 7 de mayo. Para obtener más información, llame a la Oficina de la Secretaría de la Ciudad al (972) 721-2493. n