Irving City Spectrum, December 2020

There will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Dec. 24-25 and Jan 1. In addition, the following facilities will be closed: ● ● ● ●

C ity Hall Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC) Irving Arts Center Recreation Centers

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Hunter Ferrell Landfill Irving Archives and Museum Libraries

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Celebrate the season with an evening stroll Dec. 5-27 through the free light display at Centennial Park in Irving’s Heritage District.

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AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING

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IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883

For more information on when reopened offices and services will resume normal business hours, visit CityofIrving.org. n

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RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

City Holiday/No Trash Collection

CityofIrving.org

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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

SAVE THE DATE 2021 STATE OF THE CITY Join Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer virtually for the 40th Annual State of the City event from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 14.

Mayor Rick Stopfer was sworn in after being re-elected as the Mayor of Irving.

Councilmember J. Oscar Ward was sworn in as incumbent for District Place 5.

Visit Local.IrvingChamber.com/Events for ticket information. n

November 2020 Local Election Results, Runoff Election for Single-Member District Place 3

During the Nov. 3 General Election, Irving registered voters re-elected Rick Stopfer for Office of the Mayor and incumbent Councilmember J. Oscar Ward for District Place 5.

Registered voters of District 3 will head back to the polls for a runoff election on Dec. 8 to elect a City Council member to Single-Member District Place 3. The runoff election is required since none of the candidates that ran for District Place 3 garnered a majority of votes as required by the City Charter.

Irving voters will decide between Mark Zeske, Teacher, who has resided in the territory for 32 years and Abdul Khabeer, Business Consultant, who has resided in the territory for 14 years.

Early Voting Dates and Times Monday – Wednesday

Nov. 23 – Nov. 25

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday and Friday THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Nov. 26 and 27

NO VOTING

Saturday

Nov. 28

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday

Nov. 29

1 to 6 p.m.

Monday – Wednesday

Nov. 30 – Dec. 2

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday and Friday

Dec. 3 and 4

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HOLIDAY COOKING REMINDER: FATS, OILS & GREASE DISPOSAL

Early Voting Locations C ity Hall, Main Lobby, 825 W. Irving Blvd. ● I rving Arts Center, Ste. 200, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. ● B ear Creek Community Church, Breezeway, 2700 Finley Road

Mark Zeske

Abdul Khabeer

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Election Day − Dec. 8 (Tuesday): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day Vote Centers are listed at CityofIrving.org/Elections.

Results will be posted to CityofIrving.org and DallasCountyVotes.org. For more information about the runoff election, call the City Secretary's Office at (972) 721-2493. n

Resultados de las Elecciones Locales de noviembre 2020, Elección de Segunda Vuelta para el Lugar 3 del Distrito de Miembro-Único Durante las Elecciones Generales del 3 de noviembre, los residentes de Irving reeligieron a Rick Stopfer como Alcalde y al titular Concejal J. Oscar Ward para el Distrito Lugar 5.

Los votantes registrados del Distrito 3 regresarán a las urnas electorales para las elecciones de Segunda Vuelta el 8 de diciembre para elegir al Regidor del Concejo para el Distrito de Miembro-Único Lugar 3. La elección de Segunda Vuelta es requerida debido a que ninguno de los candidatos que postularon para el Distrito Lugar 3 obtuvo la mayoría de los votos tal como es requerido por la Carta Magna de la Ciudad.

Los votantes de Irving decidirán entre Mark Zeske, Profesor, quien ha residido en el territorio desde hace 32 años y Abdul Khabeer, Consultor de Negocios, quien ha residido en el territorio desde hace 14 años.

Horarios y Fechas de Votación Anticipada Lunes a miércoles

23 de noviembre al 25 de noviembre

8 a.m. a 5 p.m.

Jueves y viernes FERIADO POR DÍA DE

26 y 27 de noviembre ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS

NO VOTACIÓN

Sábado

28 de noviembre

8 a.m. a 5 p.m.

Domingo

29 de noviembre

1 a 6 p.m.

Lunes a miércoles

30 de noviembre al 2 de diciembre

8 a.m. a 5 p.m.

Jueves y viernes

3 y 4 de diciembre

7 a.m. a 7 p.m.

Lugar de Votación Anticipada M unicipalidad, 825 W. Irving Blvd. ● C entro de Artes de Irving, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. ● “ Bear Creek Community Church,” Breezeway, 2700 Finley Road ●

Día de las Elecciones − 8 de diciembre: de 7 a.m. a las 7 p.m. Los centros votacoiόn el día de las elecciones se encuentran en CityofIrving.org/Elections.

Los resultados serán publicados en CityofIrving.org y en DallasCountyVotes.org. Para mayor información acerca de la segunda vuelta, llamar al (972)721-2493. n

Households across Irving will be celebrating the holidays with delicious foods. From turkeys to casseroles, food waste should be managed appropriately to avoid costly issues with clogged pipes. Help maintain the integrity of sewer infrastructure by properly disposing of fats, oils, grease and other food debris after cooking.

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) should not be poured down the drain. Improper FOG disposal can lead to expensive sewer backups for homeowners and renters, and it creates a major strain on the city’s infrastructure and environment. The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to FOG buildup from homes and apartments.

Help prevent sewer issues by following the proper FOG disposal tips: ● A lways put oil and grease in collection containers. ● W ipe FOG residue from pots, pans, plates and kitchen utensils with a paper towel and place it in the trash can. ● U se a screen on the drain to catch food scraps and dispose of debris in the garbage. ● A void using the sink disposal to prevent food scraps from impacting residential and city sewer pipes.

Residents are encouraged to recycle used FOG through the city’s Special Waste Collection program. Call (972) 721-8059 for more information.

Holiday Grease Roundup Residents can dispose of used cooking oil and grease in the secure collection bin located at Valley View Municipal Complex, 333 Valley View Lane, through Jan. 4. For more information, visit DefendYourDrainsNorthTexas.com. n

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In the Galleries

Open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, free to view, reservations are recommended.

To make a reservation, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com.

Yuyi Morales: Soñadora

Ballet Ensemble of Texas’ production of "Cinderella" will be streaming Dec. 5.

Donnie Ray Albert (pictured right) will perform with the Irving Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 12.

‘Tis the Season at Irving Arts Center: Santa, Symphonies and Sing-Alongs All in-person events are subject to rescheduling or format change due to current COVID-19 precautions or regulations.

Virtual Lunch and Learn Noon to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday thru Dec. 15 | Free Lunch and Learn at Irving Arts Center (IAC) has gone virtual! It is an informal adult education program that meets weekly on Zoom to discuss art topics that tie into current exhibitions at IAC galleries. Videos, lectures, peer presentations and guest speakers are some of the activities offered. Email IAC Director of Exhibits, Marcie Inman at minman@cityofirving.org for more information.

Dec. 3 | JumpstART Stories and Art “To Go” Edition: Deck the Halls!

10 a.m. while supplies last | Free Story time moves online with take-home craft projects offered for curbside pickup on the first Thursday of the month. The theme for this month’s JumpstART is “Deck the Halls” with stories and crafts inspired by the holidays!

Dec. 5 | "Cinderella": The Greatest Love Story Ever Told presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas (Streaming) 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. | $40 “Cinderella” is a timeless ballet full of romance, comedy and intrigue. Whether you are laughing at the silly stepsisters, feeling your heart swell with magical romance, or enjoying the beautiful dancing, there is something in this production for everyone! Available for streaming only.

Dec. 5, 12 and 19 | Santa Saturdays: Stories with Santa and Friends (Virtual) Free Irving Arts Center will debut a new video on Saturdays featuring holiday-themed stories read by a special guest from the North Pole. Who will it be? Santa’s Elves?

Mrs. Claus or Santa? Put on your coziest Christmas pj's and get the hot cocoa ready. Videos will be posted at IrvingArtsCenter.com.

Dec. 10-11 | "The Nutcracker!" presented by Ballet North Texas 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 | $27-$60 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Sensory Friendly Matinee | $27-$60 A winter wonderland awaits you at Ballet North Texas’ “The Nutcracker!” Journey to a land of enchantment filled with swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and other exciting dances set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score. Ballet North Texas offers this socially distanced production in a sensory-friendly performance which can be enjoyed by children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities and other individualized needs.

Dec. 10-12 | Have Yourself a Broadway Little Christmas presented by MainStage 7:30 p.m. | Ticket price TBA Have Yourself a Broadway Little Christmas brings together your favorite holiday songs made famous through Broadway shows and movie musicals. Hosting this virtual event will be local cabaret luminary Amy Stevenson and champion of Irving's art scene Craig Boleman with MainStage veterans hopping in throughout the evening. Guests will be swept away by hits from Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” “Mame,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Songs for a New World,” “Holiday Inn” and Broadway’s “Elf.” Available for streaming only.

Dec. 12 | Home for the Holidays Concert featuring Donnie Ray Albert presented by the Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $25 Stream; $38-49 In-person Baritone Donnie Ray Albert will perform with members of the Irving Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Allen Hightower, the director of choral activities at the University of North Texas. The festive evening will include caroling, holiday favorites and, of course, a visit from the North Pole’s most famous resident, Santa Claus. Performances will be offered live in-person to a limited capacity and socially distanced audience as well as livestream.

Dec. 13 | Second Sunday Funday “To Go” Edition: The Art of The Holidays!

1 to 4 p.m. while supplies last | Free Second Sunday Funday moves to a “to go” format with take-home craft projects offered for curbside pickup. This month we celebrate the season with holiday-themed arts and craft activities for the entire family.

Dec. 13 | Connections … The Holidays! presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (NPOI) 3:30 p.m. | Free a nonperishable food donation (Dec. 20 livestream free and on-demand will be available) NPOI’s Sundays at the Symphony continue with Connections … The Holidays! The program will feature holiday music from around the world. The event also serves as a food drive; nonperishable food donations for Irving Cares will be collected at the entrance. Though the event is free, advanced reservations are required to attend in-person on Dec. 13, and capacity is limited.

Dec. 17 | Children’s Magic Show featuring CJ Johnson presented by the Irving Noonday Lion’s Club 5 p.m. | $11 (Tickets available at the door only) The Irving Noonday Lions Club hosts magician CJ Johnson, performing a fun magic show for families. This performance will be for a reduced audience capacity with socially distanced general admission seating.

Dec. 19 | Annual Holiday Sing-Along featuring Ricardo Garcia presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. | $20 Stream; $16.50-$46.50 In-person The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra’s December concert features tenor Ricardo Garcia. The program includes performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major and a selection of sing-along holiday favorites.

Performances will be offered live in person for a limited capacity and socially distanced audience, as well as live stream.

Main Gallery Award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales was born in Xalapa, Mexico in 1968. Heavily influenced by her upbringing in Mexico, her work gives poignant insight from an immigrant’s perspective. Colorful, evocative stories and pictures leap from the page. When asked about her work Yuyi says, "I strive to capture the incredible beauty of everyday forms using textures and colors as another way to reveal the heart of the story. I also pursue glow and luminosity with resolve. If I could ask for a talent, it would be to become a color genius."

"Dreamers," by Yuyi Morales

Signs, Symbols and Surfaces: Photographs by Lee Saloutos Carpenter Lobby Gallery Photographer Lee Saloutos creates a compelling visual narrative surrounding architecture, society and the natural world with unique perspective, probing and exploring abandoned sites, ruins and tumbledown buildings. The subject matter frequently offers up unexpected colors and textures, as well as aspects that are ordinarily hidden from view.

Lee Saloutos’ Rail Car #34

Night/Light: Photographs by Kate Jenkins Focus Gallery Kate Jenkins teaches Photography at Dallas College North Lake Campus. In her photography, she often incorporates constructed narratives into her work. In the images presented in this exhibition, light plays a central role, illuminating scenes captured in the dark of night.

Upcoming in January Jan. 9-Feb. 13 | Virtual Saturday School: The Fundamentals of Painting 2 to 4 p.m. | $75 for 6-week session (supplies included) Students, ages 6-12, will meet online via Zoom to learn and practice the fundamentals of painting. Tuition for this course is $75 for six weeks of instruction from a professional artist. All art supplies are included.

"Burning Man" 2018 by Kate Jenkins

Steven Foutch: Prints Dupree Lobby Gallery Recent work by Steven Foutch, department chair and assistant professor of printmaking at the University of Dallas.

Jan. 9 | Elvis Lives! Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. | $20 For the last 20 years Kraig Parker has wowed audiences across America and Europe at casinos, performance halls, cruise ships and other top entertainment venues including sold out headline shows in Las Vegas. Parker’s powerful voice, electric moves and tasteful charisma will leave you "all shook up" and screaming for more.

"My Private Heart," by Steven Foutch

Dallas College North Lake Campus Student Photography Exhibition

Annual Holiday Tree Decorating Competition Returns Dec. 5-31 A holiday tradition now in its 28th year returns to Irving Arts Center (IAC) as the galleries are transformed into a wonderland of spectacularly decorated Christmas trees. Finding inspiration in this year’s theme, “Celebrating a Season of Music,” various community groups and schools will put their decorated trees on display, beginning Dec. 5, for both virtual and in-person viewing. To see them in person, reserve a time during normal gallery hours, from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For virtual viewing, visit @IrvingArts Facebook page. Due to the pandemic, all voting will be conducted by “liking” your favorite tree posted on Facebook.

Those with the most “likes” will receive a cash prize. n

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Courtyard Gallery Photographs taken by Dallas College North Lake Campus students.

Decorated trees transform IAC’s galleries into a winter wonderland.

"Carol and Bug," by Jessica Hillman

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Library Holiday Virtual Programs, Book Clubs Celebrate the holidays with the Irving Public Library. This winter, families will be treated to seasonal social media programs, crafting kits for children and teens and safe family friendly holiday outings.

Special Holiday Series: Hobbit Christmas and Winterfest Hobbit Christmas – Fantastic surprises are in store for children and teens with Hobbit-themed craft kits, an outdoor movie showing and more, featuring J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel “The Hobbit.” Children age 7 and older can pick up a Bilbo Baggins Survival Kit beginning Dec. 1 while supplies last. The kit includes activities and treats to encourage young readers to explore holiday reading and find their inner bravery.

Winterfest – Each snowflake is as unique as each book in the library.

The library’s Winterfest tradition continues with holiday fun and craft kits to embrace the chilly weather. Pick up a Winterfest Kit for kids filled with winter-themed activities at the South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch library locations, while supplies last.

CRIME PREVENTION REMINDERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

for a daily dose of fun and educational programs.

December highlights include: ●

D ec. 5 | Craft Time: How to Make a Snowflake | 10:30 a.m.

Try out a holiday do-it-yourself with a simple snowflake craft in three different ways. ● D ec. 18 | "Jingle Bells" Sing-along | 1:30 p.m.

Sing along to "Jingle Bells" in English and Spanish for a special holiday-themed Bilingual Story Byte. ● D ec. 25 | Feliz Navidad Story Time | 1:30 p.m.

Miss J’Ann reads and sings the Christmas book “Feliz Navidad” by Puerto Rican singer and guitarist José Feliciano.

Book Club Meet-Ups on Zoom Find some holiday cheer at Irving Public Library’s online book clubs this December. ●

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For details on kits and programs, visit CityofIrving.org/Library or follow @IrvingLibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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December Virtual Programs

D ec. 7 | Girls’ Night Out Book Club 7 p.m. | Discuss “My Dear Hamilton” D ec. 9 | I (Heart) YA | 7 p.m.

Discuss “My True Love Gave to Me” D ec. 10 | Tried and True Book Club 7 p.m. | Holiday Edition D ec. 12 | Novel Fiction Book Club 10 a.m. | Discuss “The Alchemist” D ec 19 | Cook the Book | noon Make a recipe from “Entertaining with Mary Berry” D ec. 22 | Zoomicorns in Cyberspace!

7 p.m. | Topic Reader’s Choice

Do not let a Scrooge ruin the holiday season.

The Irving Police Department (IPD) is reminding residents to follow auto burglary and theft prevention tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Vehicle Burglary Prevention Tips ● A lways lock car doors. ● W hen possible, park in well-lit areas. ● Do not leave personal information in the car or in plain sight. ● A lways remove valuables from the car. If needed, lock valuables in the trunk.

Auto Theft Prevention Tips D o not hide a spare key on vehicle. ● K eep a record of the vehicle’s license plate and VIN number in a safe place at home. ● D rive with car doors locked. ● A lways lock your car and roll windows up. ● W alk with car keys in hand when heading to the vehicle. ●

Report any suspicious activity to IPD immediately.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Police for more crime prevention tips. n

For Zoom credentials or more details, email libadmin@cityofirving.org or direct message @IrvingLibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. n

Visit the library’s video channel, YouTube.com/IrvingPublicLibrary,

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips As winter approaches, residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of winter weather.

Although winter weather can be fun to play in, it also can cause vehicle accidents and hypothermia. Additionally, the weight of snow and ice could potentially knock down power lines causing electrical outages for an extended period of time. The city offers residents the following tips to assist in preparing for inclement weather and staying safe.

Winter Weather Safety Tips ● W ear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of one heavy layer. ● E nsure that outer garments are water-resistant. ● C heck on the elderly and children during this time as they can be vulnerable to cold weather. ● E nsure heating sources are working properly and that they are well ventilated. It is important to have them

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serviced regularly.

A void driving on overpasses and bridges during inclement weather. These structures often freeze quicker than roads.

W interize all vehicles. Flush the cooling system, replace the coolant, the wiper blades, etc.

P repare a “Go Kit” (blanket, gloves, hat, etc.) for the vehicle in the event of being stranded.

I nsulate outside faucets and pipes. Keep inside faucets dripping when the temperature is below freezing.

E nsure animals have plenty of food, water and shelter for extreme weather conditions. Bring pets inside during extreme cold weather.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Emergency-Management for more information about winter weather or disaster preparedness. Additional resources can be found at Ready.gov and KnoWhat2Do.com. n

Parks Winter Break Camp, Holiday Happenings Winter Break Camp City recreation centers (Cimarron, Lee, Mustang, Northwest and Senter) will provide two sessions of winter break camp for children currently enrolled in grades K-5. A variety of activities will be offered including arts and crafts, board games and gym activities. Campers are required to bring a sack lunch each day. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided.

Register in-person at a recreation center or online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec. Call a local recreation center for more details.

Sessions and Cost: ● S ession I: Dec. 21-23 | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $60 ● S ession II: Dec. 28-31 | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $80 Heritage Senior Center 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496 ● D ec. 11 | Holiday Drive-In Bingo 9 to 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission

Adults age 50 and older are invited to play bingo from the comfort of their vehicle. During each game, numbers will be announced and transmitted through the radio for a Bingo. Current COVID-19 governmental orders, including face mask requirements and social distancing guidelines will be observed during this event. Registration deadline is Dec. 7. Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec to register online. Spaces are limited. For more information, call (972) 721-2496. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled. ● A ngel Tree for Pierce Early Childhood School Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heritage Senior Center (HSC) is unable to distribute individual angels to the community as it has done in previous years.

However, HSC staff is collecting new, unopened gifts, clothing or shoes for children age 3 to 5. Residents can drop off donations at HSC front entrance 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Collection deadline is Dec. 14. For more information, call (972) 721-2496.

DROP OFF A LETTER TO SANTA AT IRVING CITY HALL The North Pole elves have dropped off Santa’s Mailbox at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., for children to send their holiday letters to Santa Claus.

Families can drop off letters Dec. 1-18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in the mailbox located in City Hall’s front lobby.

Letters should include a name and return address to receive a special response from the North Pole.

For more information, call Santa’s helpers in Irving’s Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501.

Follow Irving Parks and Recreation on Facebook @IrvingParksandRec to find out about holiday happenings in the community. n

Christmas Lights at Centennial Park This year’s display is open to the public from dusk to 10 p.m. Dec. 5-27, weather permitting. The free light display affords a leisurely stroll through one of the jewels of Irving’s Heritage District, Centennial Park at 444 W. Second St. The park is decorated with 60,000 lights on the fences, trees and bridge. Walkways are lighted on each side to keep pathways visible for visitors after dark. City staff will wear uniforms day and night so that visitors can ask questions about the display. Portable restrooms are available. Biking is prohibited through the display. Current COVID-19 governmental orders, including face mask requirements and social distancing guidelines will be observed.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501. n

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Christmas Tree Roundup Provides an Eco-Solution for Fresh-Cut Trees

CITY SNAPSHOTS From entertainment and history to outdoor activities and educational programs ― Irving’s got it all! Residents can stay engaged with everything happening in Irving through the Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) YouTube channel. New videos are shared to the channel several times a week.

After the flurry of gift giving, residents will have an opportunity to properly dispose of fresh-cut Christmas trees for recycling during Irving’s annual Christmas Tree Roundup.

Fresh-cut Christmas trees will be collected as part of Irving’s regular weekly brush/bulky waste pickup Dec. 28 to Jan 15. Weekly brush/bulky waste collection is offered the same day as curbside recycling. To learn more about curbside recycling and weekly brush/bulky waste collection, visit CityofIrving.org/Solid-WasteServices or call (972) 721-8059.

Search @TheCityofIrving on YouTube and subscribe. n

Residents also can bring Christmas trees to any of the following drop-off locations at the designated area Dec. 28 to Jan. 15: ● C ottonwood Creek, 4051 N. Story Road ● H unter Ferrell Landfill, 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road (hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1) ● L as Colinas Service Center, 5964 Riverside Drive (southern section of the parking lot) ● S outhwest Park, 2800 W. Shady Grove Road

Whether placing trees at the curb or dropping off, residents must remove all decorations, such as tree stands, lights, tinsel, nails and ornaments. Plastic bags covering the tree also must be removed. All fresh-cut Christmas trees collected as part of this program will be mulched and made available for a nominal fee at the Hunter Ferrell Landfill.

For more information about the Christmas Tree Roundup or other city recycling programs, visit CityofIrving.org/ Solid-Waste-Services or call (972) 721-8059. n

The City of Irving recognized Nimitz High School for its recycling program and other green initiatives by hosting a tree planting ceremony in honor of Arbor Day.

Parkland Opens Irving COVID-19 Testing Site Parkland Health and Hospital System, partnering with Dallas County Health and Human Services and the City of Dallas, recently opened a walk-up COVID-19 testing location at Parkland’s Irving Health Center, 1800 N. Britain Road. The testing site is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or until testing limits reach capacity. Testing results are generally returned within 48 to 72 hours.

This year, Irving Police and Fire Blue Christmas began its fundraising efforts with an annual car show. Car collectors and enthusiasts were out for this COVID-19 responsible event.

Testing is open to anyone age 5 and older who lives within the boundaries of Dallas County. First responders, DART drivers, health care workers and all Cybersecurity

and Infrastructure Security Agency essential workers are exempt from the residency requirement, but must provide a work ID showing employment in Dallas County or in the City of Dallas.

For those who work in Dallas or Dallas County but live outside those jurisdictions and do not work in an exempted category, testing is available at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, 4849 W. Illinois Ave. in Dallas.

For more testing information and sites, visit CityofIrving. org/COVID-Testing. n

Holiday Safety Tips from the Irving Fire Department The Irving Fire Department (IFD) reminds residents to enjoy the holidays by following these important home safety tips.

Newly re-elected Irivng Mayor Rick Stopfer stopped by the ICTN studio to discuss the election, COVID-19, DART Hidden Ridge light rail station and more on "City Source."

Holiday Decorations ● Water live Christmas trees frequently to keep them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. ● When hanging outdoor or indoor lighting, do not use damaged electrical cords. ● Christmas lights should be hung, not stapled. ● Keep candles away from flammable materials and do not leave them unattended.

Safe Cooking Unattended cooking is a primary cause of residential fires. Do not leave the stove top unattended or overheat food by turning the burner up too high. IFD recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen at all times.

Councilman Al Zapanta and The U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation hosted a special Dia de los Muertos event at the Toyota Music Factory.

In the event of a cooking fire: ● Call 911 (all fires must be reported). ● To extinguish the fire, slide the lid over the pan to smother the fire and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. Always keep

a pan lid nearby when cooking. ● Do not move the pan or use flour or water as they can worsen the fire.

Smoke Detectors Residents should have working smoke detectors in homes and test them monthly. Residents are reminded to replace smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year.

For more information, call (972) 721-2651. n

Irving Neighborhood Cookbook ‘Dishes Out’ Community Recipes The Irving Fire Department welcomed first responders from around the world for the Firefighter Combat Challenge World Championship XXIX.

Last month, Irving neighbors submitted their favorite recipes for the city's first digital Irving Neighborhood Cookbook. In a time when social gatherings are limited, the city’s Communications Department wanted to provide a delicious outlet for neighbors to connect with each other virtually.

Didn’t submit a recipe? Email a recipe and include a photo of the dish to irvingneighborhoods@cityofirving. org. Submissions should include Irving Neighborhood Cookbook in the subject line and attach a JPEG file for the photo.

The cookbook will be announced this month in the Neighborhood News newsletter and will be posted online on the Neighborhood Association page, CityofIrving.org/197/Neighborhood-Associations.

‘Pets of the Week,’ a segment featured in "City Source," showcases a few animals up for adoption at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane.

Neighborhood association leaders are encouraged to share this cookbook with their members. To keep the virtual community connection going, Irving neighbors can

post photos of their prepared dishes from the cookbook on their social media accounts and tag @TheCityofIrving.

For questions, call the Communications Department at (972) 721-7600.

Sign-up for Neighborhood News Irving neighbors are encouraged to subscribe to Neighborhood News to receive weekly updates on city news, inclusive neighborhood content and upcoming events. To start receiving updates, visit Cityofirving.org/ Newsletters. n

“City Spectrum” is published by the City of Irving Communications Department to keep residents informed of city news, events and information. For additional information, visit CityofIrving.org.

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