City Holiday/No Trash Collection
In observance of Thanksgiving, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection on Thursday, Nov. 24. In addition, the following facilities will be closed Nov. 24-25:
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● North Lake Natatorium ● Recreation
All city offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 28. Visit CityofIrving.org for more information. n
Irving has changed quite a bit since the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) made its debut in November 1972 to welcome and encourage visitors to Irving. The simultaneous developments of Texas Stadium, Las Colinas and Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport created a need for the bureau. Through the decades, the bureau has built Irving as a top destination for weekenders, tourists and business visitors. Additionally, ICVB has helped foster a steady stream of visitor taxes flowing into the local economy.
The ICVB plans to mark its five-decade milestone with an industry celebration complete with a Mayoral proclamation. It will also launch new marketing and community initiatives, including a new meetings-focused advertising campaign.
● The 1990’s – The Big Win: America’s Team and Three World Championships put Irving in Sports Center
● The 2000’s – The Big Picture: An Irving Convention Center Finally Takes Off
● The 2010’s – The Big Dance: Irving Rocks with the Toyota Music Factory and Entertainment District Development
by military personnel and remarks by city officials. After, attendees will move to the nearby Veterans Memorial Park, 644 Rock Island Road, where a wreath will be placed on the Wall of Commemoration. For more information, call Irving Parks and Recreation at (972) 721-2501.
Unite for Troops Veterans Day Celebration
Enjoy live music, food, community booths, military vehicles, crafts, free games and more at the Unite for Troops Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Porter’s Army Navy, 600 E. Irving Blvd. Bring donations for care packages that will be shipped overseas to the troops. Items requested are
snacks,
and most
Donations must be new items in original packaging. For more information and this year’s donation list, visit UniteForTroops.com or call (972) 579-1155. n
HOLIDAY COMFORT AND
Donations
accepted from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the shelter located at 4140 Valley View Lane. The last day of the donation drive is Tuesday, Jan. 3. For more information, call (972) 721-2256 or visit CityofIrving.org/Animal-Services
Donate Through Amazon Shopping on Amazon? Residents can also select items on the Irving Animal Shelter’s Amazon wish list to donate to the shelter. Items purchased from the Amazon list will be delivered directly to the shelter. Scan the QR code for more details. n
The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends — to celebrate life, to be grateful and to reflect on what is important. They also are a time to appreciate and safeguard the gift of health.
Each year an estimated 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food.
(Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Make food safety the main ingredient this holiday season in every dish served. Irving’s health inspectors offer these tips to help protect everyone’s health at any gathering:
● Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before, during and after preparing food.
● Keep kitchen surfaces clean.
● Raw meat, poultry and seafood products should be kept refrigerated at or below 41°F before cooking, including when marinating.
● Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
● Buy and use a food probe thermometer.
● Keep cooked foods at or above 135°F and cold foods at or below 41°F.
● Do not cover food when it is cooling because it traps the heat inside the food.
● Food left to cool slowly is a major cause of foodborne illness. Refrigerate food within two hours of serving. Cooked food should be cooled quickly.
● Cut large pieces of meat into smaller ones.
● For large pots of food such as beans, store them in small containers no more than 4 inches deep.
● Put hot food in the freezer to help it cool down rapidly. Remove it within an hour if freezing is not the desired storage method.
Food poisoning can ruin even the most festive celebrations. Learn more about food preparation safety by using the QR code or visiting FDA.gov/Consumers n
As turf becomes dormant ― changing from spring green to fall beige ― it is a sign to take a break from weekly watering. Trees, shrubs and dormant grass require irrigation every four to six weeks in the winter. The best approach is to turn off the irrigation controller and operate the system manually, no more than once per month, when temperatures remain well above freezing. Also, keeping the controller off helps prevent accidental activation that can cause icing.
From Nov. 1 to April 1, it is acceptable to irrigate during daytime hours, when it is typically
warmest. Residents are encouraged to refrain from weekly watering during the winter to help lawns recover and prepare for spring. Additionally, this will aid in saving on water costs. It is always a good idea to conduct a checkup on an irrigation system before use, including the rain/freeze sensor, to ensure proper operation. To prevent irrigation lines from freezing, turn off and drain the system. For more information, contact a licensed irrigator in the Water Utilities Department at (972) 721-2281.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Water-Utilities for more information. n
Nov. 4-19 | Gypsy
Presented by MainStage | $25-$32 Gypsy tells the story of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success while secretly yearning for her own. Set in 1920s and ‘30s America, this landmark musical explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart and sophistication.
Nov. 6 | The 3rd Annual Miss Nigeria International Pageant
6 p.m. | $37.50-$77.50
This nonbikini pageant celebrates the beauty and culture of young Nigerian women ages 18-26.
Nov. 9 | New Beginnings
Presented by Lone Star Youth Orchestra
7 p.m. | $7.50-$14.50
The season opener features the beginnings of three famous musical works: Beethoven’s Overture to ”Egmont”; Arthur Sullivan’s Overture to “The Pirates of Penzance”; and Mozart’s Overture to “The Magic.”
Nov. 12 | The Vocal Majority in Concert
Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | $39-$50
A multiaward-winning vocal ensemble joins the Irving Symphony Orchestra to perform a tribute to the veterans who have served our country.
Nov. 17 | My Dear: A Greg Ellis Movie Sneak Peek
Presented by Irving Black Arts Council
7:30 p.m. | $12.50-$50
A sneak peek of a new movie, “My Dear,” written and produced by former Dallas Cowboy Greg Ellis. The evening also includes the launch of a new mental health awareness movement, titled "I Am Getting My Help."
Nov. 18 | Chris McGuire: From Bach to the Beatles!
Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving
7:30 p.m. | $27.50
Prepare to be transported back in time as guitarist Chris
McGuire performs interpretations of Beatles’ tunes, colorful classic works and everything in between!
Nov. 19 | Christopher Collins Lee (Violin)
Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | $17.50-$47.50
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra presents violinist Christopher Collins Lee.
Nov. 25-27 | The Nutcracker
Presented by Momentum Dance Company
$20.50-$25
Momentum Dance Company presents Hayley Grafflin and Lacie Sereika’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
Dec. 2 | Noche Buena: A Christmas Spectacular
Presented by Irving Arts Center
7:30 p.m. | $27.50-$42.50
A unique collaboration between Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar blends indigenous culture, Spanish heritage and influences from other cultures into a holiday celebration like no other. Inspired by the traditions and customs celebrated in Mexico on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), these two highly acclaimed performance ensembles from Los Angeles perform together in Irving, one night only.
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
Nov. 3 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Numbers!
10 a.m. | Free
This month’s program features stories and art activities that are super fun.
Nov. 13 | Second Sunday Funday: Sculpt It and Teen Open Studio
1 to 4 p.m. | Free
Enjoy an awesome exploration of the third dimension by making sculptural creations with clay, cardboard and other materials. Teens can participate in an open art studio held during the same timeframe.
For more information, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS, CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES
Residents are reminded to set clocks back one hour for the ending of daylight saving time Sunday, Nov. 6.
As part of the Irving Fire Department’s Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign, it is also recommended that residents replace smoke detector batteries when changing clocks this month. n
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed.
Ex Cathedra: Recent Work by Byron Black Through Nov. 12 | Focus Gallery
Byron Black uses dynamic compositional structures and a range of materials and styles in this collection of works. Found object constructions and digital drawings provide the right vehicle for an exploration of an unlikely subject: chairs. Beyond supporting physically, they help to expand understanding of the human form and condition.
Danville Chadbourne: New Works in Wood Through Nov. 12 | Main Gallery
Primarily a sculptor in clay and wood, Chadbourne works in a range of materials in both two- and three-dimensional formats. Over the years he has created a complex body of work unified by a primal iconography and artifact-like quality emerging from a personal and consistent formal, aesthetic and philosophical sense.
Urban Sketchers DFW
Nov. 19- Jan. 28 | Focus Gallery
An exhibition featuring 30-35 framed drawings by more than 20 individual members from DFW group of Urban Sketchers. The Urban Sketchers blog was created as a place “for all sketchers out there who love to draw the cities where they live and visit, from the window of their homes, from a cafe, at a park, standing by a street corner … always on location, not from photos or memory.”
State Fair: Photographs by Arthur Grace
Through Nov. 26 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
This is a visual distillation of his odyssey through fairs in 10 states — California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. Grace’s images capture the strange mixture of the traditional, the kitsch and the off-the-wall that is unique to the annual gatherings that evolved into extravaganzas.
Aquí/Ahora (Here/Now)
Through Nov. 26 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this group exhibition highlights local Latina artists and Art Connection members: Alfredo Santesteban, Fannie Brito, Flores, José Angel Hernandez, Maria Ruenes and Ximena M. Peryea. The works span a variety of media: painting, mixed media, sculpture and photography.
Miguel Covarrubias: Caricaturista
Through Nov. 26 | Courtyard Gallery
Miguel Covarrubias (1904-1957) was one of the foremost Mexican artists of the 20th century. A quintessential humanist, he made important contributions in the fields of anthropology, archaeology and dance. His caricatures that he is known for give a unique view into the cultural and political milieu of the 1920s and '30s.
Thanksgiving Camp Register today for the Thanksgiving Camp taking place Nov. 21-23 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m at Irving recreation centers. The camp is open to elementary students and the cost is $60 per participant. Campers will play games and make arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Snacks will be provided daily. Register in person at a neighborhood recreation center. Space is limited.
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
● Nov. 11 | Teen Summit
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 12-17 | Free Make some new friends, work for a good cause and learn new skills.
● Mondays | Home-school Remote Control Cars
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Ages 6-14 | $10
Build a car, improve driving skills and race friends. Fee includes car to take home.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
● Nov. 11 | Turkey Basket Giveaway
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | All Ages | Free
Come by to pick up a Thanksgiving turkey and the sides. Baskets are limited and will be first come first serve. Must register by Nov. 4.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
● Nov. 3 | Irving Symphonic Band’s Autumn Breeze and Fall Colors Concert
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free Irving Symphonic Band will perform some favorite familiar pieces reminiscent of the fall season. Light refreshments will be provided.
● Nov. 10 | Games and Vittles
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free A game night with prizes and camaraderie. Light
dinner and refreshments will be served. Bring a board game. Space is limited. Register by Nov. 7.
● Heritage Craft Fair
Nov. 16 and 17 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 18 | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ages 18 and older | Free Wondering what to get for loved ones? Look no further, the Heritage Craft Fair is where to find a variety of vendors to fill those holiday stockings.
● Nov. 18 | Heritage Open House
6 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free
An evening full of music, food and fun. A variety of family friendly activities, craft fair and live entertainment. Heritage staff and outside instructors will showcase all the facility has to offer.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
● Nov. 16 | Turkey Shootout
4 to 7 p.m. | Ages 12-17 | Free
Gobble Gobble! Lively Pointe will host a variety of basketball games to win a free cooked turkey dinner. In addition, a free Thanksgiving feast will be available for teens afterwards.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
● Nov. 7 and 14 | Holiday Craft Series
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Ages 6-12 | Free
Make fun holiday-inspired DIY projects to take home.
● Tuesdays | Gym Sports Camp
3 to 4 p.m. | Ages 8-12 | Free
Enjoy a fun and safe environment learning skills of various sports.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
● Nov. 18 | Pottery Painting
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Starts at $5 Paint pottery for a friend or yourself. Children 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Staff will glaze and fire the pottery.
Senter Park Recreation Center
901 S. Senter Road, (972) 972-2641
● Nov. 8 | Home-school Friendship Noon to 2 p.m. | Ages 4-12 | Free Home-school friends: time to get together to give thanks while enjoying games, arts and crafts and refreshments. Call the center by Nov. 4 to save a spot.
NaNoWriMo
Craft a novel in 30 days during November’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). By writing a certain number of words each day, reach 50,000 words by the end of the month. Get those words down on paper or screen by writing independently and sharing the journey with others at these community events for adults:
● Nov. 1 | Kickoff
7 p.m. | West Irving Library
Looking at a blank page? Meet the challenge with other writers at the NaNoWriMo kick off.
● Nov. 15 | Irving Writers Salon
7 p.m. | West Irving Library
All writers and readers are welcome. Sharing work is not required.
● Nov. 29 | The End Party
7 p.m. | West Irving Library
Celebrate “The End” of a successful NaNoWriMo!
Role-Playing Board Games
Adventure awaits at each library location with tabletop role-playing kits. Games are available for checkout for one week and include all materials necessary.
November Schedule and Programs
Each library location offers free programs and activities for all ages and interests. Contact (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace program registration requirements.
South Irving Library story times are on break Nov. 20-26. Valley Ranch Library story times are on break through Nov. 12.
● Nov. 1-30 | MiY Zone: Zipper Bag | Adults
MiY Zone Hours | South Irving Library
Stop by and pick up materials to create a reusable zipper bag. For MiY Zone hours, check CityofIrving. org/3800/MiY-Make-It-Yourself-Zones
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant #LS-246193OLS-20). (2021)
● Nov. 5 | Friends Holiday Book Sale | Adults
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Friends Warehouse, 3000 Rock Island Road
Start the jingle bells ringing with a wide selection of entertainment at the Friends Holiday Book Sale.
Most books are a dollar or less. All proceeds benefit the Irving Public Library. For more information, visit FriendsofIrvingLibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Irving Public Library.
● Nov. 12 | Irving Chautauqua Presents David Chicken | All Ages 2 p.m. | South Irving Library
This high-energy interactive family show features Emmy Award-winning entertainer David Chicken.
● Nov. 12 | MiY Zone Create: Saving Memories | Adults
3 p.m. | West Irving Library
Transform old memories into digital ones by using a variety of techniques. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant #LS-249990-OLS-21). (2021)
● DIY Geek Chic: Create a Zen Rock Garden | Teens
Nov. 17 | 6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Nov. 19 | 2 p.m. | South Irving Library
Nov. 19 | 2 p.m. | West Irving Library
● Nov. 19-26 | Wimpy Kid Scavenger Hunt | Kids
Library Hours | South Irving Library
Find the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” characters hiding in the Kids Zone and enter a drawing! Three winners will receive a copy of the newest title in the series, “Diper Överlöde.”
● Nov. 22 | Midday Matinee: Diary of a Wimpy Kid | Kids 2 p.m. | South Irving Library
Get excited about the release of the latest installment with a movie and snacks.
The online calendar at CityofIrving.org/Library provides more details, including information about virtual programs and services available around the clock.
DISABILITY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
The Irving Advisory Committee on Disabilities has recognized eight students for their artwork as part of National Disability Awareness Month. There were 96 entries. Students were presented the awards during the Oct. 13 City Council meeting.
First Place Winners
Angeline Cuadra
Grace Kouam
Gabriela Mendez
Umamah Sakarwala
Honorable Mention
Jonas Rojas Chauran
Jazmin Juarez
Lindsay Linares
Fernando Sanchez
The annual poster contest provides fourth grade elementary school students with an opportunity to showcase artistic talents as they express how persons with disabilities can use their abilities to be part of the community. Entries were judged on originality and the content of how it relates to persons with disabilities. Visit CityofIrving.org/ Posters to view the poster images. n
Don't pour grease down the drain. Round it up, and recycle it for free instead. When fats, oils and grease are washed down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes, hardening and building up until they cause clogs and sewer backups.
Dispose of used cooking oil and grease, stored in a closed container, in the collection bin at Valley View Municipal Complex, 333 Valley View Lane through Jan. 31, Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on how to defend the drains, visit DefendYourDrainsNorthTexas.com n
Irving Public Library’s Picture Book Genre Project is complete! On Saturday, Nov. 12, Picture Book Parties for kids are planned at each library location. Each celebration features a different book title and includes character visits, crafts, refreshments and more.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar 11 a.m. South Irving Library
Pete the Cat 2:30 p.m. Valley Ranch Library
Curious George 2:30 p.m. West Irving Library
Visit CityofIrving.org/Library for more information n
From
and
The votes are in and the community has spoken. During the Aug. 25 City of Irving Town Hall Meeting, residents had the opportunity to vote for one of three façade options for the new $6.9 million Central Fire Station, which is scheduled to open in mid-2024. Irving residents selected option No. 3, which features limestone detailing and a dedicated Old Central Fire Station memorial structure. The dedicated portion will include the original brick from Central Fire Station and will mirror the former structure’s architectural aesthetic.
In September, crews began the demolition process of the former Central Fire Station. The teams worked diligently to preserve much of the original building’s bricks, bay doors and other historic pieces for the new facility.
The city expects construction to begin by the end of
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
Outside of Irving City Hall’s north entrance, lush flower beds filled with native grasses and cheery, colorful blossoms line a crisp white concrete path. The sidewalk is freshly cured from the city’s exterior sidewalk, water feature and landscape renovation project.
Irving City Hall, which was built in the 1970s, originally featured concrete fountains and water channels that wove around the north side of the building. Over the decades, the pumps, fountains, pools and piping surpassed their life expectancy, while pavement shifted and was patched for repair. With the safety of residents, visitors and city employees in mind, the Irving City Council approved proceeding with the project in September 2021.
Construction on the project began in the summer and was completed in October. The upgrades to the exterior include landscape, irrigation, drainage, lighting and pavement.
The project is one of many the city has supported to refresh the downtown Irving landmark. In 2021, the exterior painting of City Hall and the adjacent parking garage was completed. As Irving looks toward City Hall’s next chapter, some departments will relocate to other areas of the building or to the adjacent Jack D. Huffman Community Building at 801 W. Irving Blvd. The elevators inside City Hall will also be renovated as part of the facility improvements.
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
The City of Irving is seeking feedback on homeless solutions for the community. To provide input, take the community survey at Surveymonkey.com/r/IrvingHOMEARP and/or attend Town Hall meetings. The survey closes Friday, Nov. 18.
Homeless Solutions Town Hall Meetings
● Nov. 3 | Noon | Heritage Senior Center, Ballroom
200 S. Jefferson St.
● Nov. 9 | 6 p.m. | Irving City Hall, City Council Chambers 825 W. Irving Blvd.
Irving recently received approximately $3 million in federal HOME-ARP funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding must be used to address the needs of people who are currently experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless, including people who are fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking.
To read more about the funding source, visit the HUD Exchange at HudExchange.info/Programs/Home-ARP/ For more information, contact Irving Housing and Redevelopment at (972) 721-4800. n
The Irving City Council adopts a tax rate for property taxes each September when the budget is approved. City property taxes are the primary funding source for many city services, such as police, fire, streets and parks.
Irving offers a 20% Homestead Property Tax Exemption to residential properties used as a primary residence. The city also provides tax relief for disabled and homeowners age 65 and older, but they must already qualify for a Homestead Exemption.
● Property Owner 65 or older – $50,000
● Disabled Person – $50,000
● Disabled Veteran – $12,000 maximum
These exemptions only affect Irving’s portion of a homeowner’s total property tax bill, which is approximately 25% of a property owner's overall tax bill.
Property Tax Timeline
● On Jan. 1, the value of property is established by the Dallas Central Appraisal District. An owner of a property may render their estimate of the value, or the Appraisal District will place an estimate on the tax roll. If the Appraisal District disagrees with the owner's estimate or increases the value of the property more than 10% over the prior year, a notice of value is sent to the property owner.
● Between Jan. 1 and April 30, exemption applications are processed by the Appraisal District.
● In July, the Appraisal District certifies final values to
Visit CityofIrving.org/Property-Taxes for more information. n FY23 Total Property Tax Bill
the city. In September, the City Council adopts a tax rate for the level of services requested to be provided and debt payments.
● On Oct. 1, tax bills are mailed to each property owner, mortgage company or agent. Taxpayers have until Jan. 31 of the following year to remit payment.
● On Feb. 1, taxes become delinquent and begin to accrue penalty and interest charges.
Exemption applications are made through the Dallas County Appraisal District. Learn more at DallasCAD.org or call (214) 631-0910.
