Irving City Spectrum, February 2023

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Invited Celebrity Classic golf tournament hits the fairways April 21-23.

activities

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CITY OF IRVING HOSTS JOB FAIR MARCH 23

The City of Irving is hosting a job fair Thursday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jack D. Huffman Community Building, 801 W. Irving Blvd.

There are a number of positions across several departments and experience levels available, including Animal Services, Aquatics, Code Enforcement, Water Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Irving Fire Department, Solid Waste Services and the Irving Police Department. Some departments will hold on-site interviews, so bring resume copies to the event. Take a look at the current positions available, and apply at CityofIrving.org/Jobs

Irving offers competitive pay and excellent benefits for full-time employees such as health, dental and vision insurance; retirement plans; and paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.

Hiring Incentive

New full-time employees hired through June 30, 2023, can receive up to the maximum amount of $3,000* as a hiring incentive, distributed in the following increments:

● $1,000 after the first 30 days of employment.

● One-time payment of $1,000 after completion of the six-month probation period.

● Those who complete one year of employment will receive a one-time payment of $1,000.

*Incentive payments are made provided there are no attendance or disciplinary issues.

Register at CityofIrving.org/Join to receive email notifications when new jobs open.

For more information, call Human Resources at (972) 721-2696 or email jobs@cityofirving.org. n

Looking for video coverage of the latest local news, sports, arts and entertainment? How about seeing city government in action or your favorite shows from the past?

It's all available on Irving Community Television Network’s (ICTN) three cable channels, now labeled by content. When you tune in, you will see a cube in the bottom right corner indicating what is featured on that channel.

ICTN Now – Spectrum 16, Frontier 30 The latest news and events in

ICTN Meetings – Spectrum 95, Frontier 31 City Council and other meetings live and repeated to show how the city government works and how to participate.

ICTN Classics – Spectrum 96, Frontier 32 The broad history of Irving with stories from ICTN’s 40-year archives showcasing people and events from the past.

ICTN Now and Meetings are also available on ICTN.tv, along with individual stories on YouTube.com/ TheCityofIrving. n

Invited Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament Coming to

Irving

Irving residents can secure tickets for the Invited Celebrity Classic golf tournament April 21-23 at the Las Colinas Country Club, presented by Choctaw Casino and Resorts.

Forty celebrity golfers will compete alongside professional players for the officially sanctioned PGA TOUR Champions and Charles Schwab Cup event.

“Irving is a world-class destination, and I’m excited the city will have the opportunity to showcase all we have to offer,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer.

Confirmed celebrity players include actor Larry the Cable Guy, former Dallas Cowboys MVP Emmitt Smith,

and former NFL players Tim Brown, Brian Urlacher and DeMarcus Ware.

The tournament features a professional prize purse of $2 million, among the largest professional purses outside the major championships, as well as a $500,000 celebrity prize purse. The Golf Channel will cover the event, putting Irving in the national spotlight.

For more information, visit InvitedCelebrityClassic.com n

What is the Municipal Drainage Utility?

The City of Irving’s Municipal Drainage Utility (MDU), a division of the Capital Improvement Program, is responsible for all things stormwater in Irving. MDU develops, coordinates and administers programs and procedures to improve the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The MDU team is divided into three smaller divisions: Operations and Maintenance, Engineering and Compliance.

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) division manages existing stormwater infrastructure with the cleaning and maintenance of curb inlets, underground stormwater pipes, natural and concrete channels, and bank stabilization and erosion control projects. The O&M division is also tasked with large scale desilting operations that remove accumulated sediment from floodways and ponds that improve the quality and flow of stormwater to minimize flooding.

The Engineering division is responsible for the redesign of stormwater infrastructure where the existing systems are undersized. MDU engineering also provides management of large channel projects such as the Upper Delaware Creek and Embassy Channels, with the goal of removing businesses and residences from the 100-year floodplain. Lastly, this division is tasked with mapping, modeling and analysis of drainage areas related to flooding concerns and future projects.

The Compliance division manages the city’s Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that regulates the quality of stormwater that is discharged out of Irving and into the Trinity River.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Stormwater for more information. n

Spring Splendor Upcoming This Month at Irving Arts Center

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

March 3 | Irving’s Got Talent

Presented by Irving Parks and Recreation

7 p.m. | Free

Showcasing middle and high school students with all types of talent from musicians to magicians. The audience votes on the best performance via text. For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/LivelyPointe

March 8 | Unfinished Business

Presented by Lone Star Orchestra

7 p.m. | $7.50-$14.50

Featured in the evening’s repertoire is Franz Schubert’s "Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759" commonly known as the Unfinished Symphony. Two other short works round out the program: Mozart’s "Symphony No. 40 in G Minor K. 550" and Jean Sibelius’ "Finlandia, Op. 26".

March 10-25 | Intimate Apparel

Presented by MainStage Times Vary | $22-$29

This play recounts the powerful story of a young African American woman who has migrated to New York in pursuit of her dreams through her work as a seamstress. Explore the unexpected intersections between class, race and gender at the turn of the 20th century.

March 11 | Derek Spence, Tribute to George Strait

Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving 7:30 p.m. | $27.50

Derek Spence, who leads the top International George Strait Tribute Production in the world, captures the look, sound and mannerisms of “The King of Country” so that even Texans have a difficult time telling the difference.

March 18 | Anthony Adario, Bassoon

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $17-$50

Bassoonist Anthony Adario performs with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra.

March 19 | Sounds of Spring

Presented by Irving Symphonic Band

2 p.m. | $12.50

Join the Irving Symphonic Band as they set the sounds of spring to music.

March 23 | Irving ISD Film Festival

Presented by The Irving Independent School District

6:30 p.m. | Free

The Irving ISD film festival features the works of student winners from the Irving ISD Film Competition.

March 25 | Night of the Mayas Featuring The Texas Guitar Quartet

Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $39-$50

Beautiful and soothing music performed by the Texas Guitar Quartet. A multimedia presentation featuring fascinating images from Mayan culture will complement the music, transporting audiences to the Mayan empire.

March 31 and April 1 | A Midsummer’s Night Dream

Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas

7 p.m. March 31 and 2 p.m. April 1 | $30-$35

Under the artistic direction of Thom Clower, Ballet Ensemble of Texas performs the timeless tale of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” with enchanting choreography.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

March 2 | Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

10 a.m. | Free Green eggs and ham, anyone? Join the celebration of the legendary author and illustrator of classics “Horton Hears a Who!," "The Cat in the Hat” and “The Lorax.”

March 12 | Second Sunday Funday: Playing with Patterns + Teen Open Studio

1 to 4 p.m. | Free

Families can find their inner artists with creative arts and crafts activities inspired by members of the Irving Quilt Guild making quilt-inspired art.

April 1-May 6 | Saturday School: Printmaking

2 to 4 p.m. | $95 per six-week session

This class for ages 6-10 offers a fun introduction to printmaking. Students will learn about the techniques, tools and materials used in printmaking, and create their own original designs to print on paper and cloth.

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

REGISTER NOW FOR DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS TRASH-OFF, APRIL 1

Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) encourages Irving residents to participate in the 2023 “Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off” on Saturday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity View Park, 2298 E. 6th St. The statewide cleanup is a signature event for the national “Great American Cleanup.”

Registration is open to all ages. Volunteers under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants should register online at KeepIrvingBeautiful.org by March 24.

During the event, KIB will provide cleanup supplies for on-site volunteers, including trash bags, gloves and grabbers. Following the event, volunteers will receive a free lunch.

Participate in a Virtual Cleanup KIB is also offering a virtual cleanup option for Irving residents. Volunteers should pick a safe location to conduct their own cleanups.

After the cleanup, share a post on social media using #IrvingTrashOff2023. Include a group picture, number of volunteers, hours of participation and number of trash and/or recycling bags collected. n

IRVING ARTS CENTER IN THE GALLERIES

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday of every month at 2 p.m.

Faces of the Southern Ocean: Wildlife Photography by J.J. L’Heureux Through April 29 | Courtyard Gallery

The work of photographer, painter, adventurer and naturalist J.J. L'Heureux is featured in this exhibition. Amazing photos from her travels in Antarctica reveal the penguins, seals and unique birds who make their home in the frozen landscape of the Southern Ocean.

Annual Exhibition of Irving ISD Student

Artwork

March 2-May 1 | Main and Focus Galleries

March 2-20 | Elementary School Exhibit

Open House: March 6 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

March 23-April 2 | Middle School Exhibit

Open House: March 28 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

April 5-16 | High School Exhibit

April 21-May 1 | High School Senior Portfolio Exhibit

Windows: Works by Mark Goad

March 4-July 8 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

Mark Goad is an Irving native finding inspiration in the landscape of Texas, as well as myriad other subjects. He creates works of art through a most unique process — essentially painting with fiber pulp. The fiber literally becomes the medium and the canvas. In final form, the pieces are delicate, yet able to hold a weight of detail.

Thesis Show

March 11-April 1 | Focus Gallery

Daniela Maria Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas is a Colombian immigrant pursuing her MFA in ceramics. She focuses on organic forms through hand-built sculptures and ceramic installations to explore the longing of home.

Jo Temming: Paintings

March 11-July 29 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery

Reception/Meet the Artist: March 11 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Jo Temming is an Asian-American artist that creates contemporary minimalist art ranging from small- to large-scale multipaneled works. Her objective is to eliminate the extraneous and reduce her art to the simplest form.

Parks and Recreation Activities

March 13-17 | Spring Break Camp

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $100 per child

Irving recreation centers will offer camp during spring break featuring a variety of activities in a fun and safe environment, including arts and crafts, sports and more. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch each day. Spaces are limited. Register in person at a neighborhood recreation center or online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec.

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Monday and Wednesdays | Senior Breakfast Club

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free Join other seniors for breakfast and a variety of activities every Monday and Wednesday.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

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

● March 10 | Laser Tag Fun Zone

6 to 9 p.m. | Ages 7-18 | Free A fun-filled night with laser tag and gaming activities.

Heritage Senior Center

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

● March 8 and 22 | Eat Smart, Live Strong Workshop

10 to 11 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free Eat Smart, Live Strong contains activities and resources that can be tailored and adapted to help promote key behaviors. Register for one or both days by calling or visiting the center.

● Looking for Vendors | Parking Lot Sale

Interested vendors can come by the Heritage Senior Center to complete an application for the upcoming Parking Lot Sale on April 22. Space is limited and is based on first-come, first-served basis.

Lively Pointe Youth Center

909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

Spring Break Field Trip Series | $10

● March 14 | Middle School Trip | Ages 11-14

● March 16 | High School Trip | Ages 14-17

Youth and teens looking for a spring break staycation are invited to explore attractions in the region. Fee includes transportation and admission. For details or to register, call (972) 721-8090.

Facility Rentals: Multiuse Building, Rooms & Outdoor Spaces

Looking for a pavilion to rent for a family gathering or a birthday party?

The Irving Parks and Recreation Department has a booklet full of information about facilities available to rent including multiuse rooms and all facility amenities.

The booklet is available online at CityofIrving.org/Facility-Rentals

Most rental reservations can be made in person, online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec or by calling (972) 721-2501.

● April 1 | Eggs and Jam

1 to 4 p.m. | Ages 11-14 | Free

Students are invited for an evening of swimming, food and fun at Heritage Aquatic Center featuring an egg hunt in the water with prizes including toys, chocolate bunnies and tickets to area attractions. Free pizza and refreshments will be served. Attendees must wear appropriate swimwear and bring a towel or change of clothes. Registration is required by March 25 at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec Space is limited.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● March 17 | Mustang Speedway Power Wheels Race

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Ages 3-9 | Free Welcome to Mustang Speedway! Children are invited to bring their Power Wheel and compete in a friendly race. The competition will be divided into two age classes. After the race, take a picture in the "Winner's Circle" to celebrate! Registered Power Wheels must be original stock vehicles without modifications, and drivers must wear a helmet and tennis shoes. Only 6v-12v class Power Wheels allowed. Registration is required at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● March 25 | Backyard Bash

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 6 and older | $5

Play a variety of yard games and celebrate spring with a cookout.

Senter Park Recreation Center

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

● March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day Youth Chalk Art

1 to 3 p.m. | Ages 7-12 | Free

Celebrate the day by turning the parking lot into a work of art. Register by March 15.

Spring Break Fun, MiY Zones, Library Programs

SPRING BREAK FUN WEEK MARCH 13-18

Spring is in the air at Irving Public Library with these kids’ programs:

South Irving Library | 2 p.m.

March 14 | Bubble Vibez Foam Party

March 16 | Talewise: Mystery of the Missing Band

March 18 | Build It! with LEGO

Valley Ranch Library | 2:30 p.m.

March 13 | Bubble Vibez Foam Party

March 14 | Color Me Calm

March 15 | Build It! with LEGO

March 18 | Magician David Slick

West Irving Library | 2:30 p.m.

March 13 | Sandy Shrout Puppet Show

March 14 | Game On!

March 15 | Magician Greg Diamant

March 16 | Build It! with LEGO

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

March 18 | MiY Digitizing Lab “Petting Zoo” Showcase for all ages

MARCH SCHEDULE AND PROGRAMS

Each library location offers free programs and activities for all ages and interests. Check out the online calendar at CityofIrving.org/Library for more information. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting the website and social media.

(972) 721-2440 for

of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant #LS-249990-OLS-21).* (2021)

● March 11 | Chautauqua Presents: Scrabble Tournament | Adults

2 p.m. | South Irving Library

Compete for “wordly” glory and prizes. Space is limited. Contact South Irving Library for registration.

● March 13, 20, 27 | Mindful Mondays | Adults

7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library

Stay calm and relaxed through journaling and coloring.

● March 21 | MiY Zone: Create a Spring Wreath | Adults

10:30 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library

In this beginners’ Cricut class, decorate a chic wreath with paper and ribbon.

● March 24 | MiY Kids: Sphero March Maze Mayhem 4 p.m. | West Irving Library Program a Sphero educational robot to navigate a maze.

● March 25 | MiY Zone: Create a Bag Dispenser (Bilingual Session) | Adults

10:30 a.m. | South Irving Library

Get started with spring cleaning by making a dispenser for plastic bags.

● March 25 | Afternoon Aromatherapy | Teens Noon | Valley Ranch Library

2 p.m. | West Irving Library

Revitalize by crafting aromatherapy bracelets.

IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Indoor Pool Schedules

Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310

● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

● Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 5 to 8:30 p.m.

● Saturday | 1 to 5 p.m.

North Lake Natatorium (NLN) 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860

● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 5 to 9 p.m.

● Tuesday, Thursday | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

● Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.

Register online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec for any of the following aquatic activities and others.

Senior

Add a little pep to a workout routine by joining this upbeat morning class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.

Aqua Sunrise Aerobics | Tues. & Thurs.

Power H2O

AquaStars

March 11 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Under 18 | HAC

This program is custom-designed for children with special needs, ages 18 and under. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. AquaStars provides special needs children with an opportunity to experience water play.

NORTH TEXAS

TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL MARCH 4

The North Texas Teen Book Festival (NTTBF), now in its ninth year, returns March 4 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. Visit with bestselling and debut authors, get books signed, join discussion panels, play games and more.

Visit the North Texas Teen Book Festival website at NTTBF.com and follow @NTTBFest on Twitter and Facebook for a list of authors and activities.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and by the Friends of the Irving Public Library. Presenting sponsors are Epic Reads (HarperCollins) for Young Adults and Disney Publishing for Middle Grades n

FREE THINK GREEN ... BE GREEN CLASSES

Think Green … Be Green offers classes on a variety of environmental topics from composting and gardening to the benefits of native plants. Classes are free and available either virtually or in person.

● March 6 | Monarch Waystations for North Texas | 6 p.m. | Virtual

Learn all about Monarch butterflies and plants that help bolster their population in the area.

● March 11 | Composting | 10 a.m. | Corner of Nursery and Hunter Ferrell roads

Hands-on class to learn composting basics and how to get started at home.

● March 15 | Spring Gardening | 6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail Learn how to make your vegetable garden thrive this spring.

● March 21 | City of Irving’s Grow Zone Program | 6 p.m. | Virtual Discover how the city’s Grow Zone Program is using nature-based solutions to improve the environment.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Activities to register for classes. For more information, call (972) 721-2687 or email sdosher@cityofirving.org.

Meet Arlo! The Airmadillo says flowers help clean the air. Arlo is the Air North Texas mascot who helps share information related to air quality. n

TO WELCOME TRIATHLON ATHLETES IN APRIL

Make way for the cyclers, runners and swimmers! The second consecutive USA Triathlon Multisport National Championships Festival is coming to Irving’s Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., from April 19 to 23.

The festival will include eight national championship events in multiple race formats including running, cycling and swimming. The event also includes an open water swim competition (750m), 5k run/walk, 10k run and youth triathlon (100m swim, 5k bike, 1.2k run). No qualification is required, and athletes of all abilities are invited to race.

For the safety of athletes and spectators, road closures and detours will be in place. Routes, maps and more information will be available. n

Road to the Future Projects Continue into 2023

As 2023 moves forward, so does the City of Irving’s Road to the Future: $200 Million in 10 Years program. Now in its sixth year, the cross-departmental program, which includes the Capital Improvement Program, Traffic and Transportation and Water Utilities, has moved into Phase 2, which will run through 2028.

The following projects are under construction or earmarked for construction in the spring and summer of 2023.

Under Construction

Irving Boulevard Reconstruction Project (Strickland Plaza to Sowers Road)

● Cost is $22.2 million – Paving, drainage, water, wastewater and sidewalks

● Awarded June 2021

● Construction began November 2021

● Project is now 56% complete

● Scheduled for completion in November 2023

Regent Boulevard (Kinwest Parkway to Belt Line Road)

● Cost is $6.3 million – Paving improvements and storm system improvements, including sidewalks

● Awarded June 2022

● Construction began September 2022

● Project is now 22% complete

● Estimated completion in February 2024

Lindy Lane (Balleywood Road to Irving Heights Drive)

● Cost is $2.3 million – Water, wastewater, drainage, sidewalks and roadway paving

● Estimated completion December 2023

Hard Rock Road and Pioneer Drive (Hard Rock Road –

SH 183 Frontage Road to 500 feet north of Conflans Road; Pioneer Drive – Hard Rock Road to Esters Road)

● Cost is $8.09 million – Water, wastewater, storm system, sidewalks, roadway pavement and retaining

walls adjacent to lake

● Estimated completion in fall 2023

Nursery Road (Delaware Creek Bridge to Hunter Ferrell Road)

● Cost is $7.9 million – Water, wastewater, storm system, sidewalks and roadway pavement

● Includes hike and bike trail from Oakdale Road to Mountain Creek Preserve Park

● Estimated completion spring 2023

MacArthur Boulevard (Metker Street to Byron Nelson Way)

● Cost is $27.9 million – Water, wastewater, storm system, sidewalks and roadway pavement

● Construction began February 2023

● Estimated completion February 2025

In Design Cedar Drive

● Estimated cost is $2.2 million – Water, wastewater, storm drains, paving and sidewalks

● Estimated start date April 2023

Esters Boulevard (Phase 1 and 2)

Phase 1: State Highway 183 to Rochelle Road

● Estimated cost is $11 million

Phase 2: Rochelle Road to Twin Falls Street

● Estimated cost is $6 million

● Estimated start date for Phase 1 and 2 September 2023

Visit CityofIrving.org/Road2Future for more information on the city’s ongoing road construction projects. n

City Adds Veranda, Deck to Irving Golf Club

The Irving Golf Club is providing new outdoor spaces for visitors, and renovations will be ready just in time for warmer weather. The new deck and veranda were approved by the Irving City Council in October 2022, and the project began in December.

The $395,000 project is paid for by Golf Course NonBond CIP funds and features a 20-foot by 30-foot elevated deck that is an extension of the clubhouse’s existing dining area porch. Designed to accommodate six tables seating four people each, the deck can be accessed directly from the golf course via steps and a ramp.

The new veranda is about 1,590 square feet and features a fire pit and masonry benches around the perimeter. It can accommodate up to eight tables, seating four people each. In addition, the grassy area adjacent to the veranda

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, and clocks should be advanced one hour. The Irving Fire Department encourages residents to also replace smoke detector batteries. n

Crews have begun interior renovations on two of the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center’s museums. Work on the Masonic Lodge and J.O. Davis House will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 renovations include new flooring, repairs to walls, and mechanical and electrical updates, and are expected to be completed this spring.

During the second phase of the project, the Irving Archives and Museum will select an exhibition designer to redesign the exhibits in the two buildings. Additionally, exterior interpretive signage will be added to provide historical information for visitors. The second phase will be completed in summer 2024.

While interior renovations are underway at the two museums, the center’s Green House is open for tours by appointment only. To learn more, visit IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com

In 2022, exterior renovations were completed on the heritage center’s Gilbert Grove Masonic Lodge, J.O. Davis House and Green House. The historical structures’

n