Owen Point Neighborhood Association

Help Fire Chief Molina promote this safety message, by sharing it with your family and friends.

As the weather gets nicer, children begin to play outdoor sports. ***Each year, more than 30 million children participate in sports in the United States and more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under are treated for sports injuries.***
Please keep these safety tips in mind to keep children safe when playing a sport or participating in any type of physical activity outdoors:

 Make sure children always wear appropriate protective gear for the activity.
 Make sure responsible adults know and enforce the safety rules of the sport, are present to provide supervision, and are trained in first aid and CPR.
 Have children wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
 Make sure children STAY HYDRATED – Children can easily become dehydrated while playing a sport or participating in any type of physical activity. Dehydration can make a child more susceptible to a heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
 Please be aware of the signs of dehydration:
o Thirst
o Dry or sticky mouth
o Headache
o Muscle cramping
o Irritability
o Extreme fatigue
o Weakness
o Dizziness
o Decreased performance

To view this or previous IFD Safety Topics go to: www.cityofirving.org/fire/fire-safety.asp

Fire Community Outreach
City of Irving Fire Department
845 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, TX 75060
P: (972) 721-4909
F: (972) 721-2795
FireCommunityOutreach@cityofirving.org

Help Fire Chief Molina promote this safety message, by sharing it with your family and friends.

Finally, spring is here! Before you jump into spring cleaning this year, remember to make safety a top priority. ***According to the Home Safety Council, unintentional home-related injuries cause 21 million medical visits and nearly 20,000 deaths on average, each year — many resulting from the kinds of activities conducted while spring cleaning. ***

§ Did you spring the clock forward? When doing so, did you make sure you also changed the batteries in your smoke alarm?
§ Remember to use a ladder to reach the top shelf and don’t go above the safe standing level.
§ March 18 – 24 is National Poison Prevention Week
o Always follow the safety instructions when using harsh cleaning products and wear gloves and masks as instructed.
o Read the labels of the cleaning products you use.
o Look for the words “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” “Poison,” or “Keep out of Reach of Children.”
o Lock these products up after you are finished using them to prevent poisonings.
To view this or previous IFD Safety Topics go to: www.cityofirving.org/fire/fire-safety.asp

Women’s Defense Class: Irving PAL is hosting a rape aggression defense class for women, ages 13 years and older, from 6 to 9 p.m. March 5-7 at the Irving Police Training Academy, 2603 Esters Road. Registration closes March 2. The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The comprehensive, women-only course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. Each participant must provide a $20 donation for kids’ programs, sign three waivers, and attend all three sessions. For more information, call Officer Joseph Palomar at (972) 721-2545 or visit www.irvingpal.org and choose “Community Training.”

Public Input for City’s Strategic Plan: The City of Irving is updating its strategic plan to identify new initiatives through 2017, and is seeking input from residents and businesses. Irving’s strategic plan, which was first created in 2006, guides future growth and development. The plan has contributed to key results in areas such as economic development, public safety, capital improvements, code enforcement, streets and communications. The city’s annual operating budget is based on the strategies and action items listed in the strategic plan. A copy of the FY 2011-12 plan is available here. To provide input on new initiatives for the City Council to consider, send an email to strategicplan@cityofirving.org. The City Council will hold its strategic planning retreat in early March.

Recreation Class Registration: Registration for Irving’s recreation classes is set for 6 p.m. March 6. The spring session will run from March 19 through May 12. A variety of classes are available for all ages. Many of the classes and activities are free or a minimal cost. Sign up at the recreation centers. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501 for more information.

Daylight Saving Time: The Irving Fire Department reminds residents to change the battery in their smoke detector when changing their clocks for Daylight Saving Time on March 11. For more information about smoke detectors, call (972) 721-2651.

Spring Break Camp: City recreation centers will offer a spring break camp March 12-16 for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. A variety of activities will be offered in a fun and safe environment, including arts and crafts, gym games and field trips. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch each day. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $95 per child. The Cimarron Park camp is $100 for the week, which includes all meals. An IPAR ID card is required to register. For more information, call (972) 721-2501.

New Single-Family Residences: The City of Irving, in partnership with Key Life Homes, is set to begin construction on new single-family residences on Tudor Lane. The construction begins a new chapter for the Lamar/Brown neighborhood. Federal grant fund assistance is available for qualified first-time homebuyers. Fourteen single-family attached and 13 single-family detached homes will be available for purchase. Seminars are planned to educate prospective buyers about the program, qualification requirements and eligibility for assistance. The seminars are set for 2 to 3 p.m. at 125 N. MacArthur Blvd., on the following dates:
• March 17
• April 21
• May 19
Reservations are required and space is limited. To sign up, visit www.irealty.us.com or call (214) 396-4071.

Free Rabies Vaccinations: Irving Animal Services is sponsoring free rabies vaccination clinics in partnership with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection. They will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane, on the following dates.
• March 23
• June 22
• Oct. 26
The free rabies vaccinations are available to dogs and cats of Irving residents. Additional recommended vaccinations will be offered for a fee. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/animal-services or call (940) 566-5551.

Housing Fair: Residents interested in renovating or purchasing a home are invited to attend a housing fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24 at Senter Park, 901 S. Senter Road. Visit with lending institutions, insurance agents and title companies. This year’s housing fair is being held in conjunction with Community Fest, which features games, food and entertainment for the entire family.

Community Fest: Enjoy a free day of fun at Community Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 24 at Senter Park Recreation Center, 901 S. Senter Road. A variety of food, games, entertainment and children’s activities will be provided. Informational booths from businesses and city departments also will be available. For more information, call (972) 721-2641.

Irving Police Banquet: The Irving Police Department, in partnership with the Family Advocacy Center (FAC), is hosting its 16th annual Police Awards Banquet on March 31 at the Marriott-Las Colinas Hotel, 223 W. Las Colinas Blvd. A silent auction will kick off the evening at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Banquet proceeds support the Irving FAC. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.irvingpd.com or call (972) 721-2598.

Learn to Swim Evening Classes: Children have the opportunity to take swimming classes during the evening starting April 9. Classes are $50 per session, and will be held Mondays and Wednesdays. Following are the time slots for the Learn to Swim classes.
• 5:30 to 6:10 p.m. – Preschool and Levels 1-3
• 6:20 to 7 p.m. – Preschool and Levels 1 and 2
• 7:10 to 7:50 p.m. – Preschool and Levels 1 and 2
Students will be placed according to skill level. Register at the North Lake Aquatic Center, 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. Those unable to pay registration fees can apply for a scholarship and will be placed in a class as space becomes available. For more information, call (972) 264-2774.

Fire Hydrant Flushing: City employees will be flushing all public fire hydrants throughout the city during the months of March and April. Irving firefighters perform flushing to check for proper water flow and pressure, and to ensure that hydrants will work properly in case of emergency. State and federal agencies require water utilities workers to flush fire hydrants monthly to circulate water and remove rust and other debris from lines. This process helps ensure that the fire hydrants are working properly for public safety and that fresh, quality water arrives at each house and business.

Warrant Roundup: The Irving City Marshal’s Office and the Irving Police Department are participating in the Texas Warrant Roundup through March. Across the state, law enforcement officials are focusing on defendants with outstanding warrants for Class C misdemeanor violations. Offenders can be arrested anywhere, including at their place of employment. Those with outstanding warrants are urged to contact the Irving Municipal Court at (972) 721-2671, or visit the Irving Municipal Court, 305 N. O’Connor Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Bookmark Design Contest: Artists young and old are invited to participate in the library’s annual bookmark contest through April 30. This year’s theme is “Book Your Next Adventure.” Entries must be original artwork and suitable for public display. Entry forms are available at all Irving libraries and recreation centers. Visit www.cityofirving.org/library and select “Events & Classes” for a complete list of rules and a peek at the previous winners. For more information, call (972) 721-2458.

Streaming Video: As part of the library’s efforts to extend its services beyond physical library locations, the Irving Public Library introduces streaming videos through Access Video on Demand, a comprehensive streaming video resource offering a broad variety of documentary, educational, cultural and instructional programming. Current card holders can use Access Video on Demand from home or anywhere with broadband Internet access. Videos can be viewed on PCs, Macs, iPads, smartphones, or any other Internet-enabled device. To access the service, visit www.cityofirving.org/library and select the Digital Media icon using the AccessVideo link.

News for Neighbors – Special Edition
February 20, 2012

TxDOT Seeks Public Involvement for SH 183 Widening Project

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a public hearing to discuss the social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements to State Highway 183 (SH 183) from east of SH 360 to I-35E. The 8.1-mile section of SH 183 in Tarrant and Dallas Counties runs through portions of the cities of Fort Worth, Euless, Irving, and Dallas. The Public Hearing will be held on:

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at
Plymouth Park United Methodist Church
1615 W. Airport Freeway/SH 183
Irving, TX 75062

Prior to the Public Hearing, an Open House will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., to allow for questions and review of project exhibits. TxDOT staff will be available to answer questions during the Open House. The Public Hearing will begin with a formal presentation at 7 p.m., followed by a public comment period.

The existing SH 183 is a six-lane divided highway with discontinuous two-lane frontage roads. The proposed project will widen SH 183 to eight general purpose mainlanes with auxiliary lanes in some areas and continuous two to three-lane frontage roads through the project length. The project also includes the addition of two to three high occupancy vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction located within the center median.

The environmental document, maps, schematics and drawings regarding the proposed project design will be displayed at the Public Hearing. Written and verbal comments from the public regarding the proposed project may be presented at the Public Hearing. Oral and written comments may also be presented for a period of 10 days after the hearing. Written comments can be submitted to:

Robert Hall, P.W.S., CFM
TxDOT Dallas District Environmental Coordinator
P.O. Box 133067
Dallas, TX 75313-3067

Candidate Packets: Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Candidate packets also are available online. The 30-day filing period runs through March 5. This year, council Places 4, 6 and 8 will be elected in the general election held on May 12. Places 4 and 6 are single-member districts, and candidates must be a resident of the city and have lived in the respective district for at least one year preceding election day. Position 8 is an at-large position and candidates can reside anywhere within the city limits. For more information, call (972) 721-2493.

Warrant Roundup: The Irving City Marshal’s Office and the Irving Police Department are participating in the Texas Warrant Roundup through March. Across the state, law enforcement officials are focusing on defendants with outstanding warrants for Class C misdemeanor violations. Offenders can be arrested anywhere, including at their place of employment. Those with outstanding warrants are urged to contact the Irving Municipal Court at (972) 721-2671, or visit the Irving Municipal Court, 305 N. O’Connor Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Crime Watch Meeting: The Irving Police Department is inviting residents who live in southeast Irving to an open forum to discuss crime reduction initiatives at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. The meeting will be held at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. The department’s Problem Solving Team has been working in the area to address root causes of crime, foster relationships with residents and promote community involvement. Officers will be gathering input on resident concerns and identifying crime trends. For more information, contact Sgt. Jason Mullins at (972) 721-3549.

Friday Nite Live: The City of Irving is hosting a Friday Nite Live Teen Talent Competition at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. At the competition, teens will compete and showcase their talent. In addition to naming the winners of the talent competition, several young people also will be honored with the Irving Spirited Youth Award. This event is free to the public. For more information, call (972) 721-8090.

New Single-Family Residences: The City of Irving, in partnership with Key Life Homes, is set to begin construction on new single-family residences on Tudor Lane. The launching of construction commences a new chapter for the Lamar/Brown neighborhood. Federal grant fund assistance is available for qualified first-time homebuyers. Fourteen single-family attached and 13 single-family detached homes will be available for purchase. Seminars are planned to educate prospective buyers about the program, qualification requirements and eligibility for assistance. The seminars are set for 2 to 3 p.m. at 125 N. MacArthur Blvd., on the following dates:
• Feb. 18
• March 17
• April 21
• May 19
Reservations are required and space is limited. To sign up, visit www.irealty.us.com or call (214) 396-4071.
Texas Stream Team Activity: Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Feb. 18. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and Irving’s environment. Registration is required. For locations or to register, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.
Plant an Edible Front Yard Class: This free class introducing the world of the “edible” and useful front yard will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.

Irving Citizen Police Academy: Those who live or work in Irving and want to learn about what police officers do are invited to apply for the Irving Citizen Police Academy. The free series of 14 classes offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a day in the life of a police officer. The classes provide information on the crime scene division, criminal investigations, SWAT, and K-9 and bomb units. English sessions begin March 6 and Sept. 11; Spanish sessions begin March 5 and Sept. 10. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and two classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Space is limited. Contact Officer Lance Peikert at lpeikert@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-3557
to receive an application. The form also may be downloaded at www.irvingpd.com.

Help Fire Chief Molina promote this safety message, by sharing it with your family and friends.

The Irving Fire Department wants everyone to be aware of the importance of knowing how to perform CPR. According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home. Do you know what to do if a family member or friend suddenly goes into cardiac arrest and collapses?

“We all think we will never have a need to use CPR,” states Fire Chief Mario Molina, “but the fact of the matter is, cardiac arrest can affect anyone at anytime, including family members and friends. That is why we want everyone to learn how to use either Hands-Only CPR or conventional CPR.”

Hands-Only CPR, performed by a bystander has been shown to be as effective as “conventional” CPR in emergencies that occur at home, work or in public. There are only two steps to remember when performing Hands-Only CPR:
1) Call 911
2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

WHY LEARN CPR?
Cardiac arrests are more common than you think.
• Nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually, and 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home.
• Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
• Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.
• For every minute that CPR is not being done, your loved one has an additional 10% chance of not surviving
For more information about the importance of knowing how to perform CPR and to view an instructional video on how simple it is to do, go to: www.handsonlycpr.org or www.heart.org/cpr

Fire Community Outreach
City of Irving Fire Department
845 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, TX 75060
P: (972) 721-4909
F: (972) 721-2795
FireCommunityOutreach@cityofirving.org

CrimeReports – CrimeReports is the largest, most comprehensive, and most accurate crime mapping network used by law enforcement agencies across North America. CrimeReports works with law enforcement agencies to publish and aggregate crime data into useable maps, email crime alerts, and analytics for law enforcement agencies and the public. CrimeReports collects crime data from the Irving Police Department and presents it in a user friendly google map. Residents can aslo sign up and become a member which allows them the ability to customize and create crime alerts that are sent to their email.

CrimeReports can also be used to collect crime data going back six months from the date of the original search. You can go to CrimeReports by selecting CrimeReports which is highlighted above or by going back to the Irving Police Department’s homepage and clicking on the CrimeReports map.

Following are highlights from the City of Irving Operations Update provided to the City Council, which outlines city activities and results over the past few weeks. The entire Operations Update is available here.

February 8, 2012Strategic Goal No. 1: Land Use

New Screening Fence – The new screening fence along MacArthur Boulevard, from Sixth Street to Tim Markwood Park, is completed. The project was funded through the Community Development Block Grant program.

Strategic Goal No. 4: Safe and Secure City

Theft Ring Arrest – On Jan. 10, Irving investigators, working in conjunction with the Abilene Police Department and the United States Secret Service, executed five search warrants at various locations in Irving. The warrants were related to an organized theft ring acquiring stolen property by re-directing FedEx shipments. As a result of the warrants, numerous computers and smartphones were recovered. Investigators also discovered a lab producing counterfeit ID and Social Security cards. One suspect was arrested and co-conspirators were identified.

Fire Department Safety Campaign – The Fire Department is distributing an important safety message—“For Valentine’s Day Remember … CPR Saves Lives.” New guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have made CPR both easier and more effective. Formal training is not required to save a life. To view the revised guidelines and new options, visit www.heart.org. The safety campaign is being distributed to residents via the “City Spectrum” resident newsletter, city website, Irving Community Television Network and electronic notices.

Strategic Goal No. 5: Diversity

Bear Creek Heritage Center/Black History Month – As part of the City of Irving’s Black History Month activities, the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 and Feb. 18. The public is invited to tour the museums and gain insight into the African-American experience in American history and life in Bear Creek, one of Dallas County’s oldest African-American communities. The center is located at 3925 Jackson St.
Strategic Goal No. 6: Effective Communications

Neighborhood Roundtable – The quarterly Neighborhood Roundtable was hosted Jan. 24 by the Business and Civic Affairs Team with more than 75 in attendance. During the meeting, neighborhood officers heard a presentation on the Heritage Crossing development by Heritage Crossing Team Leader Teresa Adrian. In addition, a presentation by Public Information Officer John Argumaniz provided information on how to navigate the new CrimeReports.com website for daily crime statistics.

Strategic Goal No. 7: Cultural, Recreational and Educational Environments

Friday Nite Live – This year’s Friday Nite Live Teen Talent Competition, a free show to take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Irving Arts Center, will feature 24 acts. The Irving Arts Center and Lively Pointe Youth Center co-sponsor the annual event for teen bands, singers, dancers and musicians to share their talents.

February 1, 2012

650 New Jobs Coming to Irving: CHRISTUS Health has announced to its Houston and San Antonio associates that the company will consolidate its corporate offices in Irving. City of Irving and Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce staff assisted the company with the initiative. “This is a big win for Irving residents and an excellent example of how aggressive we have become to create more jobs during a time when our residents need it the most,” said Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez. CHRISTUS representatives specifically commented via phone that Irving’s efforts to bolster its initial incentive offer and the personal involvement by Gonzalez and Mayor Beth Van Duyne were instrumental in the company’s decision. The company is expected to lease 175,000 to 200,000 square feet of office space in Irving, although an announcement on the specific location has not been made. “CHRISTUS will bring more than 600 jobs to Irving and the region. According to CHRISTUS, the North Texas area proved to be the best and most affordable choice for the company. They expect to save more than $60 million over the course of 10 years by making the move. The consolidation will be staggered starting this summer and is expected to be completed by mid-2013.
Heritage Crossing Update: During a special called meeting Jan. 30, the Irving City Council authorized city staff to proceed with an initiative designed to inject new energy into the Heritage Crossing development project, long considered by city leaders to be a key to the economic health of South Irving. Council members voted in favor of allowing city officials to enter into negotiation with the developer, Heritage District LLC, and with Comerica Bank to find ways to eliminate road blocks to progress. By re-engineering its 5-year-old exclusive relationship with Heritage District LLC, the city seeks to clear the way to bring in additional developers. By doing so, the city anticipates an increased pace of construction on the mix of homes, businesses and scenic open spaces envisioned for the area. Heritage District LLC’s owner, Lubbock developer Delbert McDougal, was hired by the city in 2006 to prepare the Heritage Crossing area for development. City officials indicate that preparations for redevelopment are completed. Of the 85 properties that have been purchased to date, 17 tracts have been established and are ready for development. A tax increment finance district has been created along Irving Boulevard to fund infrastructure improvement. In addition, design guidelines and land-use restrictions have been adopted and a vision has been created for the area. Thus far, actual construction in Heritage Crossing has been hindered by the lingering recession, which created one of the worst development climates in decades. Heritage Crossing, the 640-acre area bounded by West Pioneer Drive, Britain Road, Shady Grove Road and MacArthur Boulevard, is considered the key to revitalizing Irving’s historic Heritage District and to jump-starting economic development throughout South Irving. Signs of change abound in the downtown/Heritage Crossing area. Trees have been planted along Irving Boulevard, utility lines have been placed underground and dozens of new solar-powered streetlights have been erected. Since 2006, eight businesses have been redeveloped and 19 new businesses have been attracted to the area. Meanwhile, six dilapidated and crime-plagued apartment complexes were demolished and the land has been prepared for development. Crime has been reduced 35 percent in the area. The city is pursuing a negotiated route to resolve its relationship with Heritage District LLC in order to avoid the potential of costly—and time-consuming—litigation. Rather than have the land now held by the developer become tied up in a lawsuit, the city wants to pursue development initiatives according to its timetable. For more information, or to view the video of the City Council meeting, visit www.cityofirving.org.

Lake Levels Improve/Water Restrictions Continue: Recent rainfall has increased lake water levels throughout the region; however, City of Irving officials will remain proactive and continue the Stage 3 water restrictions implemented Jan. 1. The water level at Lake Chapman, an East Texas lake from which Irving and many other North Texas water entities secure much of their water supply, increased approximately 5 feet during recent rains. The lake, though, still remains 8 feet below the normal level. The City of Irving joins a long list of North Texas communities that are keeping their current water restrictions in place despite increasing lake water levels. By doing so, Irving is positioning itself for an anticipated dry winter and eliminating customer confusion that would be caused by frequent changes to the water stages. Irving’s Stage 3 water restrictions allow water customers to irrigate once per week during a specific time on a designated day according to street number address. For details about the restrictions, visit www.cityofirving.org.

Candidate Packets: Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Candidate packets also are available online. The 30-day filing period is Feb. 4-March 5. This year, council Places 4, 6 and 8 will be elected in the general election held on May 12. Since Places 4 and 6 are single-member districts, candidates must be a resident of the city and have lived in the respective district for at least one year preceding election day. Position 8 is an at-large position and candidates can reside anywhere within the city limits. For more information, call (972) 721-2493.

Warrant Roundup: The Irving City Marshal’s Office and the Irving Police Department are participating in the Texas Warrant Roundup during the months of February and March. Across the state, law enforcement officials are focusing on defendants with outstanding warrants for Class C misdemeanor violations. Offenders can be arrested anywhere, including at their place of employment. Those with outstanding warrants are urged to contact the Irving Municipal Court at (972) 721-2671, or visit the Irving Municipal Court, 305 N. O’Connor Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tours of Bear Creek Museums: As part of the City of Irving’s Black History Month activities, the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums, located at 3925 Jackson St., will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 and Feb. 18 for free self-guided tours. The historic Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center consists of three museums—the Bear Creek Freedom Settlement Museum, located in the historic Masonic Lodge; the Bear Creek community museum in the J.O. Davis House; and the Sam Green House Museum. These museums will offer visitors a glimpse of life for African-Americans in the South during an era of segregation and through the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. For more information, call (972) 721-3503.

CPR Saves Lives Campaign: The Fire Department has an important message for residents—“For Valentine’s Day Remember … CPR Saves Lives.” New guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have made CPR both easier and more effective. Formal training is not required to save a life. To view revised guidelines and new options, visit www.heart.org.

Crime Watch Meeting: The Irving Police Department is inviting residents who live in southeast Irving to an open forum to discuss crime reduction initiatives at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. The meeting will be held at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. The department’s Problem Solving Team has been working in the area to address root causes of crime, foster relationships with residents and promote community involvement. Officers will be gathering input on resident concerns and identifying crime trends. For more information, contact Sgt. Jason Mullins at (972) 721-3549.

Friday Nite Live: The City of Irving is hosting a Friday Nite Live Teen Talent Competition at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. At the competition, teens will compete and showcase their talent. In addition to naming the winners of the talent competition, several young people also will be honored with the Irving Spirited Youth Award. This event is free to the public. For more information, call (972) 721-8090.

New Single-Family Residences: The City of Irving, in partnership with Key Life Homes, is set to begin construction on new single-family residences on Tudor Lane. The launching of construction commences a new chapter for the Lamar/Brown neighborhood. Federal grant fund assistance is available for qualified first-time homebuyers. Fourteen single-family attached and 13 single-family detached homes will be available for purchase. Seminars are planned to educate prospective buyers about the program, qualification requirements and eligibility for assistance. The seminars are set for 2 to 3 p.m. at 125 N. MacArthur Blvd., on the following dates:
• Feb. 18
• March 17
• April 21
• May 19
Reservations are required and space is limited. To sign up, visit www.irealty.us.com or call (214) 396-4071.
Texas Stream Team Activity: Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Feb. 18. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and Irving’s environment. Registration is required. For locations or to register, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.
Plant an Edible Front Yard Class: This free class introducing the world of the “edible” and useful front yard will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 742-2296.

Irving Citizen Police Academy: Those who live or work in Irving and want to learn about what police officers do are invited to apply for the Irving Citizen Police Academy. The free series of 14 classes offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a day in the life of a police officer. The lecture style classes provide information on the crime scene division, criminal investigations, SWAT, K-9 and bomb unit. English sessions begin March 6 and Sept. 11; Spanish sessions begin March 5 and Sept. 10. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and two classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Space is limited. Contact Officer Lance Peikert at lpeikert@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-3557
to receive an application. The form also may be downloaded at www.irvingpd.com.

Help Fire Chief Molina promote this safety message, by sharing it with your family and friends.

The Irving Fire Department wants everyone to be safe from injuries this winter as it gets colder and we begin to get ice and snow. “Remember, prevention is the best way to stop slips and falls during the winter in ice or snow conditions,” states Fire Chief Mario Molina. Be careful when stepping outside your home and consider the following tips to eliminate or minimize the hazards of SLIPS and/or FALLS when there is ice or snow:

• Walking on snow or ice is especially treacherous and wearing proper footwear is essential. A pair of well insulated boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months.
• When walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
• When walking on a sidewalk which has not been cleared and you must walk in the street, walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
• Be on the lookout for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you. Be aware that approaching vehicles may not be able to stop at crosswalks or traffic signals.
• At night, wear bright clothing or reflective gear, as dark clothing will make it difficult for motorists to see you.
• During the daytime, wear sunglasses to help you see better and avoid hazards.

To view this or previous IFD Safety Topics go to: www.cityofirving.org/fire/fire-safety.asp

Fire Community Outreach
City of Irving Fire Department
845 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, TX 75060
P: (972) 721-4909
F: (972) 721-2795
FireCommunityOutreach@cityofirving.org