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Week in Review, March 22, 2024
March 22, 2024
This is the latest edition of Week In Review — a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.
Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:
City Council | City Plan Commission
UT Dallas Leads New Innovation Consortium, Promotes Microchip Production
UT Dallas hosted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week as he introduced a new group dedicated to bolstering the state as a chipmaking hub. Named the Texas Innovation Consortium, the team will promote microchip production, expand workforce training programs at colleges and universities and help keep the state at the top of semiconductor manufacturing. Dr. David Daniel, President Emeritus of UT Dallas, will lead the consortium consisting of university, industry and nonprofit stakeholders from across Texas.
The announcement underscores UT Dallas’ commitment to fostering technological advancement and economic growth, and aligns with the City's focus on growing advanced and additive manufacturing, technology and software, and research and development industries.
More information: Click here
Summer Camp Staff Applications Open
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for summer camp counselors ages 16 and up who are interested in taking kids on field trips, playing games, and running activities. A job fair is scheduled for Friday, March 29, from 1-5 p.m. at Huffhines Recreation Center.
Experience working with children is required; knowledge or skills in sports, games, arts and crafts, music, and/or other recreational activities is preferred. If you’re looking to make a positive impact on someone this summer, consider applying today!
Application/more information: Click here
It’s Official—Spring Has Begun; Time to Be Weather Alert Aware
As you may have noticed in North Texas lately, rainstorms can develop very quickly, and with the official onset of spring (which happened just past 10 p.m. March 19), we will likely experience more “surprises.” Weather alerts can help prevent you being caught unaware and give you a chance to take cover if you can’t hear outdoor warning sirens.
The Richardson Office of Emergency Management recommends the following:
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Richardson Emergency Alerts- you can register your cell phone number to allow the City to rapidly notify you through calls, texts and e-mails for various emergencies, including severe weather watches/warnings specific to the Richardson area. Visit www.cor.net/alerts to sign up.
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NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio- receive indoor alerts the instant they are issued from the National Weather Service for dangerous weather conditions in your area. To purchase a NOAA Radio, visit local camping, technology or online retailers. A NOAA radio can alert and wake you (models are available with a strobe light, sound or bed shakers), allowing life-saving minutes to take action-- moving your body to a safe place such as an interior closet, bathroom or basement.
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Free phone apps available at app stores for iOS and Android- weather, lightning and local news channel apps often have options for notification and access to live radar coverage. Allow weather apps to access your phone’s GPS to see conditions at your actual location.
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Outdoor Warning Sirens- as a reminder, people are not expected to hear sirens inside a house or building. Their primary purpose is to move people indoors, to seek shelter and more information.
Website: www.cor.net/OEM
Fix-a-Leak Week Continues; Free Leak Detection Kits Available through Sunday
Fix-a-Leak Week continues through Sunday, March 24, an EPA WaterSense program that encourages people to check for leaks and drips inside the home in order to conserve water and save money. In Richardson, free toilet leak detection tablet packs are being distributed at several City facilities, as toilets can be one of the largest water wasters in a home. Did you know that a toilet leak can waste more than 200 gallons of water a day? Although you can usually hear a running toilet, some toilet leaks are silent.
Pick up leak detection packs during normal business hours through March 24 at the following facilities, while supplies last (note that the packs do not require any special tools, just follow the instructions with the tablets in order to detect a leak):
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Richardson Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr. (open until 5 p.m. today, closed Saturday and Sunday)
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Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
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Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
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Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Website: Fix a Leak Week | US EPA
Sherrill Park Renovations Progressing
The makeover to Sherrill Park Golf Course 2 is moving ahead as planned, with tee and green work in progress (#6 tee was recently completed) and bunker shaping beginning next week. The work is part of an update for Course 2, which was last renovated in 2001. Renovations will include fixing drainage issues and improving the course’s playability, aesthetics and turf.
Play remains open on Course 1; Course 2 is expected to re-open by October.
Website: www.sherrillparkgolf.com
Last Day to Apply for Wildflower! Budding Talent Vocal Competition
Young vocalists have until midnight tonight (March 22) to apply to participate in the City’s annual Budding Talent Vocal Competition. The annual competition provides singers in grades K-12 the opportunity to perform on stage in the Eisemann Center during Richardson’s Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival in front of a live audience.
Contestants can participate as a solo act or as a group (up to four students, in the same age category). Live auditions for all applicants will be held Sunday, April 7 at the Richardson Senior Center.
Contestants are grouped into five age categories:
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Seedlings: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
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Sprouts: 3rd Grade-5th Grade
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Buds: 6th Grade-8th Grade
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Jr. Wildflowers!: 9th Grade-10th Grade
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Wildflowers!: 11th Grade-12th Grade
Application/more information: Click here
Registration Open for Youth Citizen Police Academy
Applications are available for the Richardson Police Department’s (RPD) 2024 Youth Citizen Police Academy, to be held June 10-14 from 8:30 a.m.-noon each day. The free program is for teens ages 13-17 who live or attend school in Richardson. Students will get an inside look at the different areas of the department, including SWAT, K-9, Patrol Operations, 9-11 Dispatch and more. Classes are held at RPD Headquarters, 200 N. Greenville Ave., and will cover topics that include crash investigations, drunk and distracted driving awareness, and others.
Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled.
Contact: 972-744-4955
Application/more information: Click here
Street Markings Begin on Reconstructed Custer Road
Street markings for the reconstructed section of Custer Road between Arapaho and Campbell roads began this week. Surface painting will focus first on vehicular traffic with bike lanes to be added soon afterward. All markings on the project should be complete by May.
New Lane Closure Expected on Arapaho between US 75, Custer
The right lane of westbound Arapaho Road between Richardson Drive and extended 200 feet west of Custer Road may be closed to traffic at all times as sidewalk work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by early April.
Lane Closures Expected on West Lookout Drive Near Prairie Creek Park
The left lane of westbound West Lookout Drive and the left turn lane of eastbound West Lookout Drive at West Prairie Creek Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A streetlight is being removed in that area and later re-installed after its base and conduits are refurbished. The work is expected to be complete by mid-July.
West Shore Drive Reconstruction Project Nears; Public Open House March 27
The West Shore Drive Reconstruction Project is expected to begin in April, and a public Open House is planned for Wednesday, March 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Heights Recreation Center, to further explain the project and answer questions. The project, funded by the 2021 Bond Program, will reconstruct West Shore Drive from Arapaho Road to Lakeview Drive, and Newberry Drive from West Shore to Brookhurst Drive. Localized storm drain improvements will take place on West Shore, while the section of West Shore from Lakeview south to the end of the street/beginning of the circle drive will be resurfaced with new asphalt. Construction is expected to last about a year, weather permitting.
For more information, visit www.cor.net/projects.
“What Nursing Homes Don’t Want You to Know” Next Tuesday Morning
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: $10 (no membership required but registration is required—call 972-744-7800 to register)
Tuesday, March 26
10 a.m.
Kathy Tartarella will explain what has changed in assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care facilities since the pandemic ended. We will discuss the reasons for rising fees and how the quality of care has often suffered. Educate yourself or, as an adult child of a senior, learn all the questions to ask and what to look for in the contracts. Lastly, we will give you 10 takeaways to help you avoid ever needing this type of advanced care.
“Richardson Tours” Announced for April; Sign Up Now
Explore nature and Richardson’s hidden treasures with two FREE upcoming events organized by the Parks and Recreation Department:
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Spring Creek Nature Area Walk, Saturday, April 6, 9-10:30 a.m.
A 90-minute guided walk of the Spring Creek Nature Area (SCNA)—learn about the historic elements of the SCNA including the early settlers, native trees and wildflowers and possibly catch a glimpse of early bird migration.
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Routh Pioneer Cemetery Tour, Saturday, April 13, 9-10 a.m.
Did you know there’s a historic cemetery on the grounds of a local apartment complex? Get a glimpse inside the Routh Pioneer Cemetery, located at The Reserve at Spring Creek, and learn about the early Richardson families that made it their final resting place.
Registration is required; click here to register.
Movie Matinee: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” Tomorrow Afternoon
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free ticket required; pick up tickets at the Youth Services Help Desk one hour before program
Saturday, March 23
2-3:30 p.m.
Join Library staff for an afternoon of fun with Mario and friends in this 2023 animated movie, rated PG. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
“It’s Duplo Day!” Monday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Admission: Free
Monday, March 25
11:15 a.m.-noon
Children ages 2-5 years old will work on their cognitive and fine motor skills through play and guided activity stations, all using Duplo bricks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
At the Eisemann Center:
- Dallas Black Dance Theatre Tomorrow Night
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $47 (tickets)
Saturday, March 23
7:30 p.m.
In “Encore!”, Dallas Black Dance Theatre transcends borders and boundaries in a display of contemporary modern dance that explores the intersection of grace, athleticism and artistry.
- “Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes” Tomorrow Night
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $77-$92 (tickets)
Saturday, March 23
8 p.m.
Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone takes to the stage with her longtime musical director Joseph Thalken to celebrate, through song, her legendary career.
- “Alexperience” Sunday Afternoon
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $29-$69 (tickets)
Sunday, March 24
4 p.m.
Musician and stand-up comic Alexander Babu blends his trademark Tamil and English narration with live music. The show combines humor, storytelling and catchy tunes. Children ages 13 and under will not be admitted.
- Contemporary Ballet Dallas Sunday Afternoon
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $32 (tickets)
Sunday, March 24
4 p.m.
Contemporary Ballet Dallas’ Youth Companies Concert showcases the School's Contemporary Youth Ballet Company, Contemporary Tap Ensemble, and Contemporary Hip Hop and Jazz Team.
At UT Dallas:
- Suhoor Festival Features Late Night Halal Food and Fun This Weekend
Multipurpose Fields, 2400 Armstrong Dr.
Admission: Free; must RSVP here
Saturday, March 23-Sunday, March 24
11 p.m. Saturday-6 a.m. Sunday
Noted Halal food vendors from across Texas will convene for the family-friendly Texas Suhoor Fest, which also includes free entertainment as well as art and goods for sale.
- “The 2024 Solar Eclipse” Panel Discussion Tuesday Night
ATC Lecture Hall
Admission: Free (register here)
Tuesday, March 26
6:30-8:30 p.m.
This panel discussion, moderated by Tom Huang of The Dallas Morning News, features UT Dallas faculty members talking about the eclipse, how to view it safely, and the scientific and cultural significance of this rare celestial event. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.
Avoid Microplastics with Easter Celebrations
As part of celebrations for the upcoming Easter holiday, many families will head to local parks to enjoy the long-standing tradition of cracking “cascarones,” or confetti-filled eggs, over someone’s head. Unfortunately, this tradition is an environmental concern for local wildlife and waterways, as the small particles left behind (including glitter and other microplastics) are too small to be collected by parks maintenance staff and are often blown into creeks or ponds, where they can be mistaken as food and eaten by fish and other wildlife, potentially leading to their death.
Instead, consider wildlife-friendly fillings for cascarones, such as dried flowers and leaves (leaves can even be hole-punched), and/or birdseed, a tasty “after-party” for the birds! Click here for how-to instructions on each.
Keep in mind that Easter basket “grass” is also a microplastic; check online using the search terms, “eco-friendly Easter basket filler” for many ideas for alternatives.
Tree Tassels Begin Annual “Pile-up”; What to Know
It’s that time of year when spring winds blow oak tree “tassels,” or “catkins,” around North Texas, causing them to pile up in yards, streets and on cars, like snow. The yellowish-brown wormlike “strings” are technically known as aments, the male flower parts of oak trees, and they fall to the ground once their pollen is released. Depending on the location of the tree, the aments can create a yard nuisance, but experts with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service say they can serve a useful purpose as a nutrient-rich, short-term mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens, or they can be mowed into the lawn, where they quickly break down. They can also be added to a compost pile.
Website: www.cor.net/babic
Contact: 972-744-4111
Fleet Technician II / Fleet Technician III (DOQ Salary)
Fleet Services is looking for individuals who can perform light mechanical repairs and welding on city vehicles/equipment. Texas Class A Commercial operator’s license (CDL) required. Texas Class C Driver’s license acceptable if applicant has also passed written portion of test.
Graduate Civil Engineer ($66,336 - $93,336 Salary)
Development Services is looking for an individual to interpret and implement City ordinances and standards relative to land development in civil engineering. Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a university with an engineering program accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology. Texas Driver’s License, Class C.
Lifeguard ($14.00/hr - $15.00/hr)
This position is for summer 2024. Must be at least 15 years of age with current certification in Lifeguard Training (YMCA or American Red Cross, CPR and First Aid.)
Pet of the Week
Meet Nola, a 3-year-old bloodhound that exudes friendliness. Her personality is as warm as a summer's day, always ready to share her love with everyone she meets. Despite her affable nature, Nola prefers to be the only dog in the household. She loves her humans with all her heart and wants to be the center of their world. Adopt Nola and experience the joy of unconditional love that only a pet can provide.
For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.
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visit www.cor.net/WIR.