Irving City Spectrum, August 2020

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In observance of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Monday, Sept. 7. In addition, the following facilities will be closed: ● City Hall ● Hunter Ferrell Landfill ● Irving Arts Center ● Libraries ● Recreation Centers

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PAID

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING

IRVING

CITY

CITY OF IRVING.ORG

AUG 2020 / VOL 27 / NO 08

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE

Irving's ongoing infrastructure initiative continues with the newest pocket park, King Square, located at Gilbert and Rock Island Roads.

IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883

Visit CityofIrving.org for more information. All other reopened offices and services will resume normal business hours Tuesday, Sept. 8. n

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RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

City Holiday/No Trash Collection

CityofIrving.org A N O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C I T Y O F I R V I N G

LAUGHS BY THE SOFA The ever-famous Laughs by the Lake, an annual comedy series hosted by the Irving Parks and Recreation Department, will not be held by Lake Carolyn this year due to COVID-19. Instead, the uproariously funny “Laughs” is going virtual.

Mental Health and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life in profound ways, but it’s important to take steps that help manage the mental strain and emotions many people experience during times of crisis. Trouble breathing, deep worry and disrupted sleep are signs of COVID-19-induced anxiety that, if gone unaddressed, can be debilitating, health experts say. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in anxiety, depression and restlessness. Grief. Irritability. Just a sense of hopelessness for many,” Dr. Rebecca Corona, lead psychologist at Parkland Health and Hospital system said. “It’s just a riot of emotions patients are having right now.” Dr. Corona includes children, saying their symptoms range from behavioral regression to tantrums and tearfulness. She says it is important to talk to children about COVID-19 and explain to them what is happening. Let them know their feelings of sadness are normal. Spend time with them. Assembling puzzles, taking walks and watching family-oriented television shows helps soothe their fears. The Mayo Clinic recommends developing a mental and physical self-care strategy. First, exercise and eat well. Dancing, walking, bicycling and gardening are activities people can do in their homes and around neighborhoods. Avoid sugar, reduce caffeine consumption and limit junk food. Smoking can increase susceptibility to COVID-19 because the virus attacks the lungs. Health experts add alcohol reduces coping skills, and drugs, unless prescribed by a doctor, are to be avoided.

Finally, get help when you need it. Dr. Corona says call a friend, call a doctor or reach out to one of the many organizations that can assist. If it is an emergency, call 911. NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE: ● National Suicide Prevention Lifeline SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org (800) 273-TALK (8255) ● 24/7 National Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 ● Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) SAMHSA.gov National Helpline (800) 662-HELP (4357) ● National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI.org ● The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) TheTrevorProject.org, (866) 488-7386 ● National Sexual Assault Hotline RAINN.org (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

Thanks to Zoom, the city is inviting residents to log into the Irving Parks and Recreation Facebook page or visit the website, IrvingEvents.org, to reserve a spot for you and your family. Event is free, but tickets are required.

Laughs by the Sofa Friday, Aug. 28 7 p.m. Join the hosts from The Comedy Arena and participate in a fun, interactive comedy show. See if you can tell whether the guests are ribbing or telling the truth with outrageous, funny questions! Make sure to follow Parks and Recreation on Facebook @IrvingParksandRec to stay tuned in for all updates. n

STATE MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE ● North Texas Behavioral Health Authority NTBHA.org ● COVID-19 Mental Health Support (833) 986-1919 HELP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ● Irving Family Advocacy Center CityofIrving.org/FAC Domestic Violence Services (972) 721-6550 ● National Domestic Violence Hotline TheHotline.org (800) 723-3224 ● Mosaic Family Services MosaicServices.org (214) 821-5393 x258

Second, it is important to keep a regular routine, limit media and screen exposure and draw strength from your spiritual beliefs.

Visit CityofIrving.org/COVID19 for a list of additional services, help and information.

Third, connect with friends and relatives. Use apps, send photos, emails and texts, and phone loved ones. Stay in touch. Check on older friends and family.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parkland Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Irving Family Advocacy Center. n

COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Irving Residents and Businesses Childcare Payment Assistance Financial assistance may be available to Irving families who need assistance in paying childcare expenses due to a COVID-19 economic hardship. This program will provide up to three months of childcare assistance for residents that have lived in Irving since March 1, 2020; show a loss of income due to the pandemic; and are required to return to work at their place of employment.

For those experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, the City of Irving has developed assistance programs that will become available in August. For more details on eligibility requirements for these programs and how to apply, visit the City of Irving COVID-19 at CityofIrving.org/COVID19. This website is updated as new programs become available. As these are federally funded programs, limitations and qualifications may apply to households/businesses that have already received assistance from the federal stimulus program known as CARES Act provided by another agency. Housing and Utility Assistance Programs Rental and utility assistance will be available for Irving residents experiencing hardship to due COVID-19 who have lived in the City of Irving since March 1, 2020, and meet income requirements.

Childcare Center Assistance To help close the gap created by increased costs from new health and safety protocols, supplemental grants in the amount of $5,000 are available for qualifying childcare providers that need assistance to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 in their facility.

Emergency Business Assistance Program This program targets Irving businesses that have 100 or fewer employees and have experienced a loss of 25% in income since March 1, 2020, due COVID-19. Assistance in the form of a forgivable loan equivalent to three months of operating expenses plus $3,000 restart capital is available. If the business continues to operate and maintains 60 percent of its March 1, 2020, full-time employee count and payroll, a quarter of the monthly loan payment will be forgiven. n


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