Irving City Spectrum, July 2020

In observance of Independence Day, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Friday, July 3. In addition, the following facilities will be closed: ● C ity Hall ● Hunter Ferrell Landfill ● Irving Arts Center ● Recreation Centers

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AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING

IRVING

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CITY OF IRVING.ORG

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Upgrades to infrastructure and improvements in service continue with the water and wastewater project at Oakdale Road and Rindie Street.

IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883

The Irving Animal Care Campus and libraries will be open July 3 and closed July 4. The Heritage Aquatic Center and the North Lake Natatorium will be closed July 3-4. The recreation centers will be open July 4. All other reopened offices and services will resume normal business hours July 6. Visit CityofIrving.org for more information. n

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

GET READY FOR A VIRTUALLY FUN-TASTIC #IRVINGJULY4 Community safety is the city’s number 1 priority, and due to COVID-19, the Irving Independence Day parade, reception and fireworks show are transitioning from live to virtual with

City Facilities Continue to Reopen with Cautionary COVID-19 Message The information below is subject to change anytime as new information and resources become available.

As the summer months heat up, the City of Irving continues to slowly reopen facilities with a cautionary message: proceed at your own risk.

The Parks and Recreation Department has taken great care to build a safe plan for Irving residents this summer. When visiting parks, aquatic and recreation facilities, patrons should bring water, hand sanitizer and hand wipes. Guests should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines by washing hands, wearing a face covering when appropriate and avoiding close contact by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.

“The Parks and Recreation team understands there are people who want facilities to fully reopen and for life to get back to normal, and others who feel it is too soon to open facilities," said Parks and Recreation Director Joe Moses.

"COVID-19 still poses a threat to our community. The city is following the governor’s phased approach to Open Texas, Dallas County’s orders and the guidelines provided by the CDC as much as possible, but at the end of the day residents must take personal responsibility and decide what is safest for their families and themselves.”

Irving's Virtual Fourth of July July 4 | 8:30 p.m.

While the parade and fireworks display have been canceled, the show will go on — streamed on social media and aired on cable television.

Here is how to take part in the festivities:

Participate First, receive a free Family Fun Fourth Pack full of patriotic items for the entire family to enjoy by sharing July Fourth photos from prior years.

The city is asking the community to upload or email July Fourth photos depicting previous celebrations. Crazy party décor, past parades, silly costumes, dogs parading around with sparkler headbands — anything Independence Day themed.

Upload photos to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @TheCityofIrving and use the hashtag #IrvingJuly4. For those who prefer email, send photos to recinfo@cityofirving.org. FREE Family Fun Fourth Pack Then pick up a fun patriotic-themed bag of goodies for the family! Go to Senter Park Recreation Center at 901 Senter Road or Cimarron Park Recreation Center at 201 Red River Trail June 30 through July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and show staff your submitted photo(s) to claim a pack, while supplies last!

Playgrounds, Basketball Courts, Park Restrooms and Drinking Fountains Now Open City of Irving playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, restrooms and water fountains in all parks are now open. Parks Department crews maintain a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule, but facility users should bring antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, bottled water and other items necessary to be safe while using park amenities.

Due to construction at West Park, 530 Davis Drive, the playground, restroom and outdoor basketball court remain closed.

The project is scheduled to be complete this fall.

North Lake Natatorium Now Open The Irving Parks and Recreation Department also reopened the North Lake Natatorium, 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., on June 15 with modified hours. All reservation times at North Lake Natatorium are for ages 18 and older, with the exception of the 8 to 9 a.m. lap swim on Tuesday and Thursday, which includes swimmers ages 12 and older.

Virtual Watch Party Tune in for a look back at Irving’s “best of” Fourth of July celebrations including nostalgic footage of parades, fireworks, music and more!

Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) is putting together a celebration video that includes community photos and video of past parades and events dating to the ’70s. The video also will include music from former celebrations, patriotic performances, special guest appearances and photos shared by the community.

North Lake Natatorium and Heritage Aquatic Center, 200 S. Jefferson St., are open to Irving residents only due to limited availability, scheduling and reduced capacities. Residents must reserve their visits online through the Parks and Recreation ActiveNet website at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec.

The video will air July 4 at 8:30 p.m. on the following platforms:

Guests using aquatic facilities should note: ● Restrooms remain open. ● Showers and locker rooms will be closed. ● Swim attire must be worn to and from the pool. ● Guests are required to wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose on deck areas. ● Guests must provide their own kickboards, pull buoys and other exercise equipment. No items are available for loan.

For more information regarding Parks and Recreation facilities, visit CityofIrving.org/Parks, call (972) 721-2501 or email recinfo@cityofirving.org. n

Cable Television ● AT&T U-verse Channel 99 – Select Irving Community Television Network ● Spectrum (Charter) Channels 16, 95 or 96 ● Frontier Channels 30, 31 or 32 Online ICTN.tv or YouTube @TheCityofIrving Devices Facebook @TheCityofIrving For more information, visit IrvingEvents.org, call (972) 721-2501 or email recinfo@cityofirving.org. n

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Irving Arts Center Galleries To Safely Reopen July 31

Irving Arts Center's Galleries will reopen to the public on July 1, with an attendance limit of 25% and social distancing protocols in place.

Visit IrvingArtsCenter.com for more details.

In the Galleries

Dupree Theater Reopening Late July with “An Act of God” With the health and safety of performers and patrons of primary importance, the MainStage Irving-Las Colinas Board of Directors has decided, in light of COVID-19 restrictions and required social distancing, to replace the scheduled production of the large-scale musical "Disaster!" with David Javerbaum’s "An Act of God." The full-length, three-person comedy will be staged over two weekends, from July 23 through Aug. 1. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, there will be reduced capacity for the shows — which mark the first performances at Irving Arts Center, 333 N. MacArthur Blvd., since the theaters were closed in March.

While MainStage leaders are disappointed in the loss of the musical "Disaster!," the organization is determined to provide high-quality entertainment to the Irving-Las Colinas community, and therefore have selected a play that will end their season on a strong, comical note in the Dupree Theater at Irving Arts Center.

An "Act of God" is a side-splittingly funny and critically acclaimed play that creates a space for the almighty (with the help of two devoted angels) to answer the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since creation. With a cast of three, the work meets social distancing standards.

The two weekend run (July 23 – Aug. 1) will feature performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; with a single Sunday

 Zoom Mini-Camp (Ages 4-5) July 13-17 | Critter Creations Through the Ages – Intro to Art ZOOM Mini-Camp 10 to 11 a.m. | Monday-Friday | Camp Fee $35 Supplies not included. Camp art supplies kit available for purchase for $25. Instructor: Cindy Perreira Junior campers will go on a virtual time travel safari adventure as they learn about the animals that have walked the earth through various time periods and use their imaginations to create their own animal art.

 Multi-Arts Zoom Camps (Ages 6-12) July 6-10 | It’s Greek to Me! The Classical Legacy of Greek & Roman Art – Multi-Arts Camp #4 ● Class A: Timeless Greek Mythology & Legends: Learning to Draw Medusa, the Minotaur and More!

10 to 11:30 a.m. | Monday-Friday ● Class B: Greek and Roman Mosaics & Pottery 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday

MainStage volunteers are working closely with Irving Arts Center staff to institute a plan for audiences to be seated in a manner that follows social distancing guidelines issued by state, county and CDC guidelines.

All ticket buyers will be provided safety protocols and measures at least one week before the performance for which they hold tickets.

"Carol and Bug" by Jessica Hillman

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

Board President Clayton Cunningham said, “MainStage is very lucky to produce our regular season productions at Irving Arts Center. We've been in communication with the arts center’s professionals since March about how to best make this work. We are in great hands with the staff and are looking forward to collaborating to create a safe theater-going experience for our patrons, cast and crew.”

Cunningham concludes, “And, we can’t wait to be back on the stage again!”

The play will be directed by Jake Blakeman ("Sure Thing"

by David Ives, "Last Days of Judas Iscariot" by Adly Guirgis) and features a cast of Sherry Etzel as God, Eric Criner as Gabriel, and Alex Swanson as Michael. n

July 13-17 | Inspiration, Exploration & Innovation: The Middle Ages & the Renaissance – Multi-Arts Camp #5 ● Class A: Stained Glass Rose Window Design 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Monday-Friday ● Class B: Drawing with Raphael 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday

My Private Heart by Steven Foutch

J.J. L’Heureux: Faces from the Southern Ocean Carpenter Lobby Gallery "Photographer, painter, adventurer and naturalist" are the words that describe artist J.J. L’Heureux. She made her first trip to Antarctica in 2000 where she collected digital images of ice and snow for a whiteon-white color field series of landscape paintings.

During the expedition, L’Heureux became fascinated with the pristine environment, history and animals she discovered there. Her life’s work has resulted in two books, and her work has been displayed in exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe.

July 20-24 | From Impressionism to POP! Art of the Modern World – Multi-Arts Camp #6 ● Class A: Pop Art Printmaking 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Monday-Friday ● Class B: Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism: Painting like the Modern Masters 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday King Penguin, photo by J.J. L’Heureux

 Teen Scene Zoom Camp (Ages 13-16) July 6 – 10 | Time after Time: Museums & Masterpieces – Teen Scene Camp #2 ● Class A: Dali’s Clocks: Artist-Inspired Timepieces 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Monday-Friday ● Class B: The Art of Time Travel: Updating the Classics 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday July 20-24 | Flash-Forward/Flashback: Monuments, Modernism & Traditions – Teen Scene Camp #3 ● Class A: Alfombra Street Art Celebration: Mixed Media Design Inspired by Guatemalan Semana Santa Traditions 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Monday-Friday ● Class B: The Great Architecture Grand Tour: A Journey through Space, Time and Great Buildings of the World 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday

Free "To-Go" and Virtual Art Programs Continue in July July 2 | JumpstART Stories and Art “To Go” 10 a.m. I Free (while supplies last) Story time moves online with take-home craft projects offered for curbside parking lot pickup on the first Thursday of the month. The theme for JumpstART is Happy Birthday USA so we are featuring fun, patriotic stories (read online) about "America, The Beautiful," just in time for Independence Day! July 12 | Second Sunday Funday “To Go” Edition 1 to 4 p.m. I Free (while supplies last) Second Sunday Funday moves to a “To Go” format with takehome craft projects offered for curbside parking lot pickup. Chill out and create a cool work of art inspired by summer fun.

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Courtyard Gallery Photographs taken by North Lake College students are on display.

matinee taking place July 26 at 2:30 p.m. Due to social distancing guidelines, seating will be limited. MainStage season ticket holders will get first priority at tickets, with remaining single tickets going on sale to the general public July 1. Tickets will be $29 and will be available for purchase through the Irving Arts Center Box Office at (972) 252-2787 or online at IrvingArtsCenter.com.

Zoom Through July with Real-Time, Virtual Summer Art Camps This summer’s “most excellent” time travel adventures exploring art and cultures throughout the ages continue via Zoom through July 24. Irving Arts Center offers a variety of fun, carefully curated camps for children and teens, ages 4-16, to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. Taught by professional art educators, experience a unique art camp tradition that parents have counted on for more than 25 years. Each class is a week-long and the enrollment fee is $35 for one week or $60 for both weeks in the camp. Purchase supplies or pick up a supply kit for $25.

North Lake College Student Photography Exhibition

Exhibition of Irving ISD Elementary Student Artwork Main Gallery The artwork of Irving ISD elementary students is on display.

Spring 2019 Elementary Student Work

20th Annual Art Connection Members Show: Call For Entries Irving Arts Center will be accepting entries beginning July 20 through Aug. 16 for the 20th annual Art Connection Members Show, which will be taking place later this year. This nonjuried exhibition is open to all current Art Connection members who wish to participate. This year’s exhibition will be an online exhibition, with eligible entries judged for cash awards in three categories: youth, nonprofessional and professional. An overall “Best of Show” prize will also be awarded.

For more information and online entry submission, visit IACOnlineART.com. n

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Irving Hires New Assistant City Manager The City of Irving has named Orlando Sanchez as the Assistant City Manager for Public Works. As Assistant City Manager over Public Works, Sanchez will oversee Traffic and Transportation, Streets, Solid Waste Services, Capital Improvement Program and Water Utilities. Sanchez replaces Ramiro Lopez, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

Sanchez joined the City of Las Vegas in 1988 as a development analyst for the Economic and Urban Development Department. He progressively moved up through the organization with increasing responsibilities.

As assistant city manager, he oversaw the city’s public works departments, as well as Fire and Rescue, Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Finance and Business Services and other key departments.

“Irving is a dynamic city, and I’m really looking forward to working with the Irving team, the Mayor and City Council and all of the residents,” Irving Assistant City As deputy city manager, Sanchez managed Manager, Sanchez said. "The public works a number of complex, high-profile projects position intrigued me from the outset, but including the construction of Las Vegas’ it was the City of Irving and the feeling new city hall as part of its downtown Orlando Sanchez of home that sealed the deal. My family redevelopment and its new municipal and I couldn’t be happier to settle into such a warm and court complex. Sanchez managed the infrastructure welcoming town.” development for numerous new business parks and has experience with community center development in Sanchez comes to Irving from Las Vegas, Nevada, where underdeveloped and underserved parts of the city. he served 12 of his 32 years there as deputy city manager.

Sanchez's first day with the City of Irving is June 29. n

DISABILITY PARKING REGULATIONS REMINDER The Irving Police Department reminds motorists of parking regulations regarding marked disability parking spaces. Violations can result in fines of up to $522. It is illegal to park vehicles in a disability parking space: ●

ithout displaying the appropriate plate or W placard, even if a driver or passenger of the vehicle has a disability.

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hile displaying an expired plate or placard, W even if a driver or passenger of the vehicle has a disability.

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hen neither the driver nor any passenger W has a disability, even if the vehicle displays the appropriate plate or placard.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Municipal-Court or call Municipal Court Services at (972) 721-2451 for more information. n

DFW Airport Temporarily Closes Primary Runway POLICE PROVIDE HOME VACATION WATCH FOR RESIDENTS

Some Residents and Businesses May Experience an Increase in Flight Traffic.

In early June, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) began a runway rehabilitation project that requires the runway on the west side of the airport to close for approximately 10 months.

Depending on weather conditions, arrival and departure air traffic will increase operations on other runways, particularly the runways on the east side of the airport.

Due to the construction and operational changes, communities around Walnut Hill Lane and west Esters Road may hear an increase in air traffic.

DFW officials say about 40% of the airport’s daily arrivals come through the west side runway. Construction was originally planned to start later this year, but because of the drastic drop in air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, DFW moved the schedule up to help alleviate community impact.

The rehabilitation project includes converting the runway’s centerline lights to an LED system, improving the storm drain infrastructure and updating the electrical system on two primary taxiways. The improvements will help minimize future runway closures as the rehabilitation program moves forward. DFW plans to reopen the runway around March 2021.

DFW recently released a new flight tracking website to view near-live flight tracks, read news on the runway project and monitor daily statistics. The website can be accessed from DFW Airport’s Noise page at DFW.Noiselab.Casper.Aero.

Residents with inquiries or comments can contact DFW Airport via email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com or by calling the Noise Complaint Hotline at (972) 973-3192.

Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested. n

Dallas County Judge Issues Order Requiring Face Masks On June 19, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a supplemental order effective June 24 requiring commercial businesses that provide goods and services to the public to adopt a policy to require its employees and visitors to wear face coverings where it is difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. The order requires businesses to implement the face mask rule for visitors and employees to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Dallas County. Unless extended, modified or terminated by Judge Jenkins, the order will continue through Aug. 4.

The order recommends individuals 10 years and older to wear a face covering in a public space where social distancing is difficult. Face coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas or a handkerchief.

CIT Y OF IRVING . ORG

Residents who are planning a vacation this summer are encouraged to sign up for free “Vacation Watch” residential security checks.

This free service from the Irving Police Department will provide inspections of the accessible exterior of registered homes.

Officers will check registered residences while homeowners are out of town. While police cannot guarantee they will be able to check residences on specific times or dates, officers will make every effort to perform as many security checks allowed by workload.

Additional tips for keeping homes safe when away for extended periods of time. ●

M ake sure the house looks “lived in” while away: stop mail and cancel all deliveries, or ask a friend to make daily collections.

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L eave shades and blinds in normal positions.

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P ut an automatic timer on several lights and a radio.

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H ave a trusted neighbor keep the property maintained.

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L eave a key with a trusted neighbor.

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S tore valuables in a safe deposit box.

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S hare departure and return dates with a trusted neighbor; provide itinerary and emergency contact information.

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L ock all windows, doors and double-check garage doors before leaving.

To sign up, visit CityofIrving.org/Police, select “Services” and locate the “Vacation Watch” link. n

Individuals who do not wear a face covering are not subject to a civil or criminal penalty.

Face coverings do not need to be worn when: ● C onsuming food or a drink. ● E xercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside. ● D riving alone or with passengers from the driver's household. ● P umping gas or operating outdoor equipment. ● I n a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening, such as a bank. ● D oing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk.

For more information, visit DallasCounty.org/Covid-19. n

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SAVE THE DATE: IRVING POLICE ASSOCIATION GOLF CLASSIC Registration is now open for the Irving Police Association golf tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish North Texas.

What: Irving Police Association Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #323 Golf Classic When: Sept. 28 Where: Bear Creek Golf Club, 3500 Bear Creek Court Cost: $100 per player For more than 10 years the Irving Police Association has teamed up with Make-A-Wish North Texas, a nonprofit organization that raises money to help grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.

For more information, visit IrvingPoliceAssociation.com or contact Chris Rider at crider@irvingpoliceassociation.com or Krista King at kking@irvingpoliceassociation. com. n

SAVE THE DATE – CLEAR THE SHELTERS AUG. 25-29 Adopt a four-legged bundle of joy during this year’s Clear the Shelters event. Since 2015, more than 411,000 pets have been adopted through Clear the Shelters. Let’s make this another big year!

The nation’s largest animal adoption campaign, Clear the Shelters, will take place the week of Aug. 25-29. In celebration of the national adoption event, the Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC), 4140 Valley View Lane, will waive all pet adoption fees that week.

Last year, a total of 1,900 animal shelters participated in Clear the Shelters nationally, including 65 shelters in North Texas.

During the event, visitors are reminded to follow social distancing and hand washing guidelines.

Irving Animal Services staff will monitor and follow up-to-date health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, county and state agencies.

Why Adopt a Pet? ● Pet owners are known to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. ● Animals provide opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities. ● Pet companionship decreases feelings of loneliness.

The IACC hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The facility is closed Sunday and Monday.

All pet adoptions must be processed 30 minutes prior to closing.

For more information, call (972) 721-2256 or visit CityofIrving.org/ClearTheShelters. Residents also can follow @IrvingAnimalServices on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

Animal lovers can follow the national campaign at CleartheShelters.com or the social media hashtag #CleartheShelters. n

Irving’s Diamond Interchange Scheduled to Begin, Signature Bridge Nears Completion Construction to start rebuilding the highways surrounding the former stadium site set to begin in October.

Centered in North Texas between Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the former stadium site property is surrounded by Loop 12 and State Highways (SH) 114 and 183. With beautiful views of the Trinity River, access to the area is ideal.

“We’ve had significant interest in the property over the years, but to market the land, the highways needed to be upgraded. With funding in place, the contract has been awarded,” Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer said. “Once completed, this will be a signature development for the City of Irving.”

Cost of the highway project, called the Diamond Interchange, is nearly $355 million. Completion is expected in 2025.

Another significant piece of stadium site infrastructure, the massive 500-foot Signature Bridge, is slated to be completed by the end of this year. The Signature Bridge

was designed to have direct access via elevator and stairs down to the platform for the new Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Orange Line Station.

The bridge spans SH 114 and will connect the former stadium site to developable land to the north, totaling nearly 1,000 acres. Highway exit ramps are included in the Diamond Interchange project that will provide direct freeway access to both properties. In addition to vehicle passage, the bridge will include a pedestrian pathway and LED lighting.

A mix of single- and multi-family residential, offices, green space and a new DART light rail station are also planned.

The future construction is expected to boost the city’s tax base for decades to come.

“This project will stand as the gateway into Irving from Dallas,” Mayor Stopfer said. “There is not a lot of developable land left, and we envision a keystone worklive-play setting in the center of North Texas.” n

Irving Golf Club Beats the Odds with the Course’s Hole-in-One Record The odds of an average golfer making a hole-in-one, also known as an ace, is 12,000 to 1, according to the National Hole-in-One Registry. This year, the Irving Golf Club, 2000 E. Shady Grove Road, has recorded two.

On May 31, Robert Baxter recorded the club’s first ace from 92 yards away on Hole 18 at the Irving Golf Club.

Seven days later, the club recorded its second ace on June 7.

The PGA defines a hole-in-one or ace as when a player hits the ball off the tee and the ball goes straight into the hole. “[Hole 18] is an uphill shot,” said Robert Baxter. “After I hit the ball toward the hole, I heard it hit the flag pole. I didn’t know I shot a hole-in-one until we drove up to look at Hole 18.”

Baxter said he plays with his three other golfer friends every Sunday at the city’s golf course. He has played golf in Irving for 20 years.

Robert Baxter

county, state and federal health guidelines. Club staff sanitize and disinfect all carts after each use, as well as frequently touched areas in the Pro Shop and restaurant.

Club visitors are reminded to stay 6 feet apart from others. Parties of four or less are allowed at each hole and at check-in. In addition: ●

He is excited he shot his first hole-in-one during one of the Sunday golf games with his friends, Baxter said.

The course’s Hole 18 par is three strokes to complete the hole in a general golf game, said Irving Golf Club General Manager Eric Wofford.

The game of golf allows players to social distance as they play along the course. In May, the Irving Golf Club reopened again and adjusted its operations to follow

ater coolers have been removed from the course.

W Credit or debit payments are preferred. ● All flagsticks must remain in the holes. ● Rakes have been removed from bunkers. ●

The club’s restaurant, The Hideout Bar and Grill, is open for diners and to-go orders, and follows Governor Abbott’s Open Texas guidelines.

For more information or to schedule a tee time, visit IrvingGolfClub.org. n

Centennial Park Pond Takes on Many Roles Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Irving.

Its pond draws wildlife, birds and residents, and serves as a calming amenity. However, the relaxing body of water is not just a pond; it’s a workhorse.

Centennial Park pond, and its many sister ponds located throughout Irving, are designed to serve several purposes: flood control, silt basin and amenity.

Irving’s drainage channels and Delaware Creek flow south.

The ponds are strategically located to help slow the flow of storm water and prevent erosion. They also catch everything the water carries with it, including fine sand, mud, clay and trash.

As the storm water runoff flushes out the channels that link the ponds, the ponds slow the waters. The trash is deposited along the shoreline and removed after the storm. While the trash can be unsightly while there, the system allows the refuse to be removed before it travels downstream into the Trinity River. n

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Library Briefs, New Services, Virtual Programs Summer Reading Challenge Continues The Summer Reading Challenge: Imagine Your Story continues through July 31. Read and complete special missions to earn an end of summer prize pack that can be picked up Aug. 1-15. Register, track reading progress and discover fun activities on ReadSquared at, IrvingLibrary.ReadSquared.com. Children and teen participants can preselect their prize books during online registration, while supplies last.

July 18 | Novel Fiction Book Club 10 a.m. | Zoom Discuss “The Collector’s Apprentice” by B. A. Shapiro. Stay connected with reader friends at this online version of the in-person book club.

July 25 | Zooming with Pets, Featuring Window to the Wild 10 a.m. | Zoom Bring along a pet, and join this Zoom meeting for animal lovers. Discuss cherished books featuring animal characters, and swap pet stories. Special guests are "Window to the Wild" trainers Lindsey and Simon McNeny, and their birds.

SAFETY TIPS: DEALING WITH THE SUMMER SIZZLE The Texas Department of State Health Services reminds residents to stay safe during the season of extreme heat. Residents are advised to take proactive measures to defend against heatrelated sickness. Hot weather is part of life in Texas. Prolonged or intense heat stress can be fatal to anyone; however, children and people ages 60 and older are typically most at risk.

July 28 | Zoomicorns in Cyberspace 7 p.m. | Zoom Adapted for virtual meetings, the monthly "Unicorns in Space" book club will discuss movie tie-ins and give an Oscar-worthy run down of member favorites.

Families can visit the library's Virtual Programming page at CityofIrving.org/3612 to see the online programs available each week for summer fun. Teens can pick up kits each week at the three open library locations — South Irving Library, Valley Ranch Library and West Irving Library — to enjoy Zoom crafting activities. This summer, adults are welcome to join book club meetings and more via Zoom. Check CityofIrving.org/2170 for more information about the Summer Reading program.

Brainfuse The Irving Public Library now offers Brainfuse to its members. Brainfuse provides an on-demand selection of live-learning assistance and online resources for all ages, and help for jobseekers.

Teen Summer Reading Events Pick up program kits for supplies, instructions and virtual Zoom hangout codes at the library. New kits are released the Monday before the scheduled program. Open to teens in grades 6-12. Limited quantities of kits are available.

July 8 | DIY Diya 2 p.m. | Zoom Come celebrate the world of Aru Shah, the quick-witted protagonist from the "Pandava" series by Roshani Chokshi. Learn about Hindu mythology while making a diya, a clay lamp.

July 15 | Silhouette Art 2 p.m. | Zoom Feeling artsy? Create a silhouette art of a favorite fictional character.

July 22 | Greek and Norse Mythology 2 p.m. | Zoom Explore ancient mythology with Norse rune writing and a craft to create Persephone’s pomegranates.

Adult Summer Reading Events Book club discussion titles are available digitally on Hoopla, CityofIrving.org/2674, as both an eBook and eAudiobook. New members welcome. Visit Zoom.us to create an account and join the discussion. Contact the library at (972) 721-4612 or email LibAdmin@CityofIrving. org for links and passwords to login for virtual meetings.

July 6 | Girls Night Out Virtual Book Club 7 p.m. | Zoom Discuss “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson. This online version of the in-person book club is the perfect way to stay connected each month with other booklovers.

During heat waves, be mindful of the following heat safety tips: ● S tay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.

HelpNow is an online tutoring service from Brainfuse, providing help in real-time. It is perfect for students in grades K-12 and adult learners. Some quick highlights of the service include a writing lab where submissions receive feedback within one business day, test preparation help and self-study lessons, a language learning lab and assistance for Spanish speakers. The service incorporates chat and an interactive whiteboard where users and tutors can copy and paste images along with drawing out the complex steps for math-based questions.

Many parents, through home learning, have firsthand experience in the academic areas in which their children need extra work. Over the school break, Brainfuse offers a Summer Camp geared toward students in grades 3-12 to sharpen academic skills in math, science and writing. To get started, click the Summer Camp link located under the study column on the Brainfuse HelpNow home page.

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A void direct sunlight.

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T hose without an air conditioning system should seek refuge in an air-conditioned shelter during extreme heat.

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D o not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.

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D rink more water than usual and do not wait for signs of thirst to drink.

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A void alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.

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W ear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

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S eek medical care immediately when experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness such as muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

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W hen planning activities, choose cooler hours to be outdoors.

JobNow is another component of Brainfuse that provides jobseekers with unparalleled career resources, resume writing and cover letter assistance in addition to job coaching in real-time. Using JobNow, visitors can search for jobs, receive application advice and interviewing practice.

Another good rule of thumb is to listen to weather forecasts before prolonged work or exercise away from air conditioning, as forecasters often provide heat warnings.

Live help for HelpNow and JobNow is available from 2 to 11 p.m. every day.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Emergency-Management for more information. n

Visit CityofIrving.org/3677 for more information. n

Irving Celebrated the Start of Summer with the Irving Chalk the Block Event on June 20 and 21. Thank you to Everyone in the Community Who Chalked Beautiful Artwork Throughout the City! #IrvingChalktheBlock

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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

BUDGET INPUT OPPORTUNITIES Residents are invited to provide input on the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget to help shape the future of the City of Irving. Below are a few of the public input opportunities available to Irving residents.

Online Input Residents provided input on the budget during public hearings held earlier this year. Additional comments may be made to City Council online on any aspect of the budget, including programs, projects, rates, services and fees by emailing “Ask the Budget Fiscal Friends” at askthebffs@ cityofirving.org. The BFFs will respond to all questions and post answers to the city’s budget web page. Submittals are subject to editing for content, tone and clarity.

Budget Retreat Irving City Council’s Budget Retreat is set for Aug. 19. The Budget Retreat will be televised on ICTN 2 (AT&T U-verse 99, ICTN.tv, Spectrum Channel 95 and Frontier Channel 31).

Two additional public hearings will be held on the proposed budget following the budget retreat in August. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 17 and the city’s budget year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493 to confirm public hearing dates. n

Water, Wastewater Improvement Project at Oakdale and Rindie on Track for Early Completion While many businesses were closed in the spring due to the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Irving’s Capital Improvement Program moved ahead of schedule on the water and wastewater improvement project at Oakdale Road and Rindie Street.

The more than $2.1 million project affects 40 residential and three commercial properties west of Nimitz High School. Construction began in late April and is expected to be completed nearly three months ahead of schedule by the end of August, weather permitting. The updated water and wastewater mains will help residents receive better water quality and services, as well as improved fire protection for the neighborhood.

Updating Aging Infrastructure In February, the city held a public meeting to inform residents, businesses and organizations of the upcoming work. On April 27, a notice to proceed was presented to the contractor and by April 29, excavation crews were on scene digging trenches for the project.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED Website CityofIrving.org is regularly updated with news stories, construction updates, road closures and an event calendar. Residents also can find information on paying utility bills, signing up for classes and activities and more!

Social Media The city provides a number of updates via social media. Residents will find information concerning infrastructure and economic development projects, updates on special events, and general city news.

Search @TheCityofIrving on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor and YouTube.

TV and Streaming Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) delivers news for Irving and about Irving. ● AT&T U-verse Channel 99 – select Irving Community Television Network ● Spectrum (Charter) Channels 16, 95 or 96 ● Frontier Channels 30, 31 or 32

Currently, crews have nearly completed replacing more than 2,000 linear feet of water main and 1,750 linear feet of wastewater main. The existing 6- and 8-inch cast iron water and clay wastewater lines will be replaced with 8-inch PVC pipe. The new pipes will improve flow and water quality for area residents and businesses.

require that fire hydrant spacing shall be no greater than 500 feet within single-family neighborhoods and no greater than 300 feet within multifamily or commercial areas. Improved fire hydrant coverage in Irving’s neighborhoods increases resident safety throughout the community.

Improving Quality of Services The City of Irving is committed to providing residents with quality services and amenities. Among those services are water and wastewater improvement projects happening throughout the city, including: ●

Bear Creek aerial wastewater crossing improvements.

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Betsy Lane wastewater improvements.

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Bradford-Plymouth alley wastewater improvements.

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awthorne and Abelia streets utility and paving H reconstruction.

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L ane Street water and wastewater improvements.

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as Colinas Boulevard phase 3 utility and paving L reconstruction.

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L awrence Street water improvements.

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iver Oaks Drive, Camelia Court and Fair Court water R improvements.

Due to its design, the Oakdale-Rindie project will reduce pavement reconstruction along Oakdale Street by installing both the water and wastewater mains within the same half of the street. Once completed, crews will replace nearly 4,800 square yards of reinforced concrete pavement.

These projects will improve the existing water and/or wastewater systems throughout Irving neighborhoods.

Additionally, the projects focus on improving capacity, water quality and fire protection, as well as reducing the life-cycle operational costs.

Crews will add three new fire hydrants and will replace three existing hydrants. Requirements for fire protection have evolved over the years. Today’s minimum standards

Visit CityofIrving.org/2255/Investing-in-Our-Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. n

Utility Bill Payment Options Manage Multiple Accounts, Set Up Recurring Monthly Payments, Monitor Water Usage and More.

There are a number of ways residents can pay utility bills, such as by mail, phone or satellite centers, however the easiest and most convenient way to pay is online.

The City of Irving’s Utility Payment website accepts Discover, MasterCard and Visa debit or credit cards, as well as e-Checks. Customers can submit one-time payments or set up an account and take advantage of several other features, including: ● Recurring payments from a checking account or

credit/debit card.

Residents can watch live or on demand by visiting ICTN.tv.

● Managing multiple accounts at one time, such as

businesses or multifamily homes.

Electronic Newsletters Electronic newsletters are a resident’s source for the latest Irving news and announcements delivered to your inbox. Subscribers receive updated news and information concerning construction projects, special event details, trash collection and holiday closure reminders, and much more.

● Paperless billing with email reminders.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Newsletters to sign up. n

Residents using their bank’s website to submit payments should be aware that those payments can take at least

● Billing and payment history.

two business days to reflect on their account. Late payments are subject to additional fees and penalties, per city ordinance.

● Monitoring usage.

Customers need the account number and service address to make one-time payments or to set up an account.

Payments are also accepted by mail or over the phone by calling (972) 721-3774.

Residents have the option of paying at any Ace Cash Express, Fiesta Mart grocery store or Western Union in Irving. For more information on paying online, visit MyIrvingBill.com. 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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