Owen Point Neighborhood Association

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

Irving’s fire chief has made a video and posted it to You tube for viewing….it is one of the best videos that I have seen in a long time. I encourage each of you to take time and watch it. In addition Patti and I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Talk to everyone soon.

you tube website featuring Chief Molina is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVCr22tLZgw

Ethics commission levies fines against council members, firefighter PAC
ByBrandon Formby / Reporter
bformby@dallasnews.com | Bio

1:00 PM on Tue., Nov. 15, 2011 | Permalink
The Texas Ethics Commission this week released the fourth and final order fining Irving officials for campaign finance report omissions during the 2009 and 2010 election cycles. The commission found that council members Joe Philipp, Roy Santoscoy and Rick Stopfer did not report tens of thousands of dollars worth of campaign work paid for by the Irving Fire Fighters Committee for Responsible Government.

That political action committee has received tens of thousands of dollars from people who have worked on the Las Colinas entertainment center, a controversial project whose fate is voted on by council members.

The treasurer of the firefighter PAC and the council members say the ties between the two weren’t correctly reported either due to software problems, technical errors or conflicting instructions from the commission itself.

Doug Harper, who filed the complaint and is treasurer for a competing PAC called Irving Voices, said the omissions allowed the council members to hide their campaign’s financial ties to city-backed developers.

You can check out the commissions’ orders in each instance below:

Irving Fire Fighters Committee for Responsible Government
Joe Philipp
Roy Santoscoy
Rick Stopfer

Your Irving Fire Department wants everyone to be aware of the dangers of CARBON MONOXIDE. Often called the silent killer, Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane and oil, burn incompletely. Carbon Monoxide enters the body through breathing. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. “Carbon Monoxide is very deadly”, states Fire Chief Mario Molina, “that is why we want residents to be aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide if they have fuel-burning appliances in their homes.”

Please keep these safety tips in mind to help prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Install Carbon Monoxide alarms in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Test Carbon Monoxide alarms at least once a month.
• Have your heating equipment inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
• Always remove a vehicle from the garage when it is running.
• Never use a range or oven to heat the home.
• Portable generators should be operated in well ventilated locations, outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• If your Carbon Monoxide alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window or door) and call 9-1-1. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel say it is okay.
• Carbon Monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms.

The Irving Fire Department is currently offering free Carbon Monoxide detectors (while supplies last) as a special program for the Winter months when most people use their gas appliances. If you or someone you know is in need of a Carbon Monoxide detector, please complete the attached application and send to the address below or fax it to the number below; the residence must NOT be a rental property and must be using fuel-burning appliances to provide heat or cooking. We also offer a free smoke alarm program, just complete an application available at the following link www.cityofirving.org/fire/pdfs/Smoke-Alarm-App.pdf and return it to Fire Administration at 845 W. Irving Blvd, Irving, 75060 or fax it to (972) 721-2795. The property must NOT be a rental property.

OPNA Board Meeting Minutes
11/09/11

1. Mailing labels are ready to put on envelopes and are set to mail.
2. Ray and Sandy Muzyka have located the place and name of the person for the meetings.
3. David Beaver has located the vests and will contact someone to have logo installed on them.
4. Randy has contacted Irving High School to get help with the projects with help from students.
5. Anne to locate and distribute the sheets to tally the hours spent.
6. Bob Bodwell to work on the letter and finalize for Jorge to translate.
7. Meeting started at 7:00 and ended at 8:30…..

November 9, 2011

Holiday Bazaar: The annual Heritage Gift Shop Christmas Bazaar at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St., is in progress. Shopping hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9; 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Nov. 10-11; and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 12. The bazaar features a wide array of handmade items that will make perfect gifts for friends, family and loved ones. For more information, call (972) 721-2496.

Food Drive: This month, city recreation centers will be collecting canned food and pantry items to assist Irving’s low-income families this holiday season. Collection bins will be located near each center’s front office and will be accessible during regular business hours.

Veterans Day Program: The Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee will host a Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The commemorative event will feature music, moments of reflection by military personnel and special remarks by city officials. The color guard will be presented by Nimitz, MacArthur and Irving high schools. The program will include the dedication of a new Police Officers’ Memorial. Following the ceremony, attendees will convene at Veterans Memorial Park, 644 Rock Island Road, to affix a wreath to the Wall of Commemoration. Read more.

United for Troops Drive: The City of Irving is supporting a Unite for Troops event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at Porter’s Army Navy Store, 600 E. Irving Blvd. Items needed for military personnel care packages include non-breakable holiday ornaments, pain relievers, cold medicine, deodorant, foot powder, travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, eye drops, batteries and snacks. Cash donations will support the delivery of care packages. The free event will feature food, games and music. Call (972) 579-1155 for more information. Read more.

Home Chemical Collection: Celebrate Texas Recycles Day by properly disposing of unwanted home chemicals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the northwest side of Irving Mall, 3880 Irving Mall. Disposal is free to residents. Proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license or utility bill, are required. For more information, call Solid Waste Services at (972) 721-8059. View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items online.

Public Input Opportunity: The Irving Public Library is inviting residents to review and comment on the revised schematic design for the new South Irving Library at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The new design is based on input received during community meetings held in August.

Arbor Day Celebration: Join the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Tree Board for the third annual City of Irving Arbor Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 at Centennial Park, 444 W. Second St. For more information, call (972) 721-2501. Read more.

Thanksgiving Camp: City recreation centers will offer a holiday camp for children in grades K-5 on Nov. 21-23. A variety of activities will be offered including arts and crafts, gym games and field trips. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch each day, except for Cimarron Recreation Center participants. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Register at the recreation centers or call (972) 721-2501 for more details.

Trash Collection Holiday: In observance of Thanksgiving, libraries will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 23, recycling centers will be closed Nov. 24, and there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Nov. 24-25. All city offices, including those listed below, will be closed to the public Nov. 24-25.
• City Hall
• Heritage/North Lake aquatic centers
• Hunter Ferrell Landfill
• Irving Arts Center
• Libraries
• Recreation Centers

The Irving Arts Center box office and galleries will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and will resume normal business hours Nov. 26. North Lake Aquatic Center will remain closed Nov. 26-27. All other offices and services will resume normal business hours Nov. 28.

Holiday Open House: Travel back in time to Victorian England for the annual Holiday Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. The Open House will feature photo opportunities with Santa, a wonderland of festive trees, an art display by local elementary students and a free one-hour performance of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” For more information, visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

Spirited Youth Award: Nominations are being accepted for Irving’s Spirited Youth Award, which recognizes local youth for character and excellence in community service. All applications submitted by the end of each quarter will be considered for award consideration. Winners will be notified by phone or email. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 during the Friday Night Live Teen Talent Competition (hosted by the Lively Pointe Youth Center) at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. For more information, call (972) 721-8090. Download the Irving Spirited Youth Nomination Form.

OPNA Agenda Items

1. Bob Bodwell to bring the letter for residents for general mailing. Jorge Reyes to translate into Spanish.
2. Doneta Reyes to give report on the website and how we can utilize it better. Easier updates, downloading of PDF files…etc.
3. Randy to get listing of residences and mailing labels for mailing of letter to residents.
4. Anne Wedding to pick up envelopes from Amy Payne.
5. David Beaver to locate vests for projects and find a place to have OPNA added to vests. Would recommend that we also number vests so we can issue them and record who has what vest.
6. Ray and Sandy Muzyka to locate the meeting place for the general meetings.
7. Randy to get the funding set up for the next year. Get the information regarding how bills are paid.

New Items

1. Decide on meeting times, location, and agenda for the first general meeting…include in letter
2. Formalize the projects we would like to accomplish this next year.
3. Contact Irving High School to solicit help from students needing community service hours.
4. Adding of meetings, projects, etc. to the website calendar and update it as needed.
5. Enlist guests who will speak at the general meetings and publish on the website.
6. Contact Karen Ducote for information for a canvassing of the neighborhoods with information about the city and contacts for residents.
7. Adding a Facebook page for the Association

If I have left off something please let me know. I will add it to the agenda.

Safe Driving Campaign: Irving judges have launched a citywide campaign to promote safer driving practices. Visit http://tiny.cc/rfcsg to get details about this public safety campaign.

Food Drive: This month, city recreation centers will be collecting canned food and pantry items to assist Irving’s low-income families this holiday season. Collection bins will be located near each center’s front office and will be accessible during regular business hours.

Book Voucher Fundraiser: A book voucher fundraiser supporting the Valley Ranch Library will be held Nov. 3-7 at the following Barnes and Noble Booksellers locations: Irving Mall, 3634 Irving Mall, and North Irving, 7615 N. MacArthur Blvd. A portion of each sale will support the Valley Ranch Library whenever a voucher is used. Vouchers will be available at the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail. For details, call (972) 721-4669.

Valley Ranch Live: The Valley Ranch Live! programming series continues with a Native American Celebration, featuring storyteller Dorayne Breedlove, at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call (972) 721-4669 for more information.

Book Sale: The Friends of the Irving Public Library Semi-Annual Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at 3000 Rock Island Road. Proceeds will help support the Irving Public Library. For more information, call (972) 721-2608.

Fire Safety: As part of the Fire Department’s Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign, residents are reminded to replace smoke detector batteries when Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 6.

Nature Encounters: Enjoy a guided walk from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 along Spring Trail, 5964 Riverside Drive (northern section of Campión Trails). Interpretive naturalists will discuss flora and fauna. Walking distance is approximately one mile. Attendees should wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Parking available at North Police Station, 5992 Riverside Drive. Register for Nature Encounters online.

Parks and Recreation Classes: The Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a variety of classes for all ages. Registration will start at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at various city recreation centers. Classes will begin Nov. 14 and end Dec. 17. Classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Low-Cost Vaccinations: Up to four animals per household can receive low-cost vaccinations Nov. 8-11 at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. Prepayment of $20 per animal will be accepted through Nov. 5. Each pet will receive the vaccinations listed below. For more information, call (972) 721-2256.

• Rabies (pets four months and older)
• Bordetella (dogs)
• FVRCP (cats)
• DHPP (dogs less than four months of age) or DHLPP (dogs four months and older)

Resident Advisory: The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 9. The test will not be any different than what is conducted locally. Visit http://tiny.cc/y1b2n to read more.

Veterans Day Program: The Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee will host a Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The commemorative event will feature music, moments of reflection by military personnel and special remarks by city officials. The color guard will be presented by Nimitz, MacArthur and Irving high schools. The program will include the dedication of a new Police Officers’ Memorial. Following the ceremony, attendees will convene at Veterans Memorial Park, 644 Rock Island Road, to affix a wreath to the Wall of Commemoration.

United for Troops Drive: The City of Irving is supporting a Unite for Troops event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at Porter’s Army Navy Store, 600 E. Irving Blvd. Items needed for military personnel care packages include non-breakable holiday ornaments, pain relievers, cold medicine, deodorant, foot powder, travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, eye drops, batteries and snacks. Cash donations will support the delivery of care packages. The free event will feature food, games and music. Call (972) 579-1155 for more information.

Irving Chautauqua: The Irving Chautauqua series continues at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 with a live demonstration and mini-workshop of Capoeira, a Brazilian art form that fuses martial arts with dance. The event will be held at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. For more information, call (972) 721-2606.

Home Chemical Collection: Celebrate Texas Recycles Day by properly disposing of unwanted home chemicals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the northwest side of Irving Mall, 3880 Irving Mall. Disposal is free to residents. Proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license or utility bill, are required. For more information, call Solid Waste Services at (972) 721-8059. View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items online.

E-book Expansion: Irving Public Library’s Overdrive e-book collection is now compatible with the Amazon Kindle. Patrons with a valid Irving library card can now download popular and classic e-books to a Kindle device or any mobile device running the free Kindle application, such as iPhone, iPad and Android. Users who enjoy e-books on Kindle will benefit from Amazon’s Whispersync technology that synchronizes notes, highlights, and last page read between their Kindle and free Kindle apps. To get started, visit http://irvinglibrary.lib.overdrive.com.

Public Input Opportunity: The Irving Public Library is inviting residents to review and comment on the revised schematic design for the new South Irving Library at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The new design is based on input received during community meetings held in August.

Thanksgiving Camp: City recreation centers will offer a holiday camp for children in grades K-5 on Nov. 21-23. A variety of activities will be offered including arts and crafts, gym games and field trips. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch each day, except for Cimarron Recreation Center participants. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Register at the recreation centers or call (972) 721-2501 for more details.

Terri Ramirez | Property Code Supervisor

City of Irving Code Enforcement

825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, Texas 75060

972-721-4941 tramirez@cityofirving.org

Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

Hello everyone,

The Irving Fire Department is seeking everyone’s help to remind the community to change the battery in their smoke detectors when changing the clock on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Send this e-mail to your friends, family, coworkers; post it on your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any other social network.

Please help us spread the word because working smoke detectors do save lives!

For more fire safety information, visit www.cityofirving.org/fire or for information about smoke detectors call (972) 721-2651.

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