Oct. 18, 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

Electronics Recycling/Paper Shredding Event Takes Place Tomorrow at New Location 
The Richardson Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (RCPAAA) is hosting its fall Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 19) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at a new location—the parking lot of The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Rd. The biannual event helps the community safely recycle electronics and dispose of sensitive documents while raising funds to assist the Richardson Police Department. It was previously held for many years in the north parking lot of Richardson Square Mall but due to the property’s recent sale, it was necessary for RCPAAA to find another location. While this is a free event, donations will be solicited by the RCPAAA with proceeds helping to sponsor year-round initiatives in support of the Richardson Police Department.  

See map for location specifics and see article below under Events for event details.

Website: www.rcpaaa.org  

City Presents Annual Huffhines Harvest Fest, Pawtoberfest This Weekend 
Huffhines Harvest Fest, the City’s annual festival celebrating all things fall, is taking place this weekend, Oct. 19-20, at Huffhines Park. The free, two-day festival will include more than 70 local makers/vendors; live performances from local talent; fall-themed photo vignettes; a food court; and lots of kid-friendly activities including face painting and a hay maze. New this year is a Children’s Entrepreneur Market on Sunday from noon-4 p.m., featuring products sold by children ages 5-17.  

On Saturday only, Huffhines Harvest Fest features Pawtoberfest, with dog-friendly activities and craft beverages.  

Details:
Huffhines Harvest Fest
Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd.
Admission: Free; some activities require a nominal fee 
Festival hours:  

Website: www.huffhinesharvestfest.com  
Website: www.cor.net/pawtoberfest  

Aquatics Master Plan Progresses 
City staff gave an update at Monday’s City Council meeting on the Aquatics Master Plan, which was recommended in the 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, that will determine long term strategies for aquatic services and facilities for the Richardson community. The Parks and Recreation Department began development of the Aquatics Master Plan in April along with consultants Kimley Horn and Counsilman-Hunsaker. The study includes an assessment of current facilities, a market analysis, and several opportunities for public input including open houses, stakeholder meetings and an online survey.  

Key takeaways from the data gathered to date include: 

After receiving City Council feedback, the planning team will host follow-up public engagement meetings soon, with a goal of finalizing the Plan by the end of November and presenting it to the City Council in December.  

Click here to view Monday’s presentation, including the guiding principles that will help shape the draft plan.   

Website: www.cor.net/AquaticsMasterPlan  

Services Restored Following Cyber Security Incident 
City Manager Don Magner announced this week that the City of Richardson’s IT teams have fully restored the City’s network and online services after last month’s cyber security incident. The recovery marks the end of three weeks of work, where teams scanned and secured files from backups to rebuild the system.  

The incident occurred at 6:22 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, when an unauthorized user gained access to the network. Internal security controls successfully caught the breach, minimizing the impact by promptly locking down the system. IT teams restored operations using backups and have since implemented additional security measures to further protect the network. 

Early Voting Begins Oct. 21; City Hall Not a Voting Location 
Early voting in Texas for the Nov. 5 General Election takes place Monday, Oct. 21-Friday, Nov. 1, with Texas voters able to vote at any early voting location within their county of residence. Note that Temporary Richardson City Hall is not an early voting location nor is First Baptist Richardson or First United Methodist Church; go to www.cor.net/election for links to the lists of all early voting locations in Dallas and Collin Counties.  

Dallas County Early Voting Schedule 
Oct. 21-Oct. 25   8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 26   7 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Oct. 27   Noon-6 p.m.
Oct. 28-Nov. 1   7 a.m.-7 p.m.  

Collin County Early Voting Schedule 
Oct. 21-Oct. 25 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 26    7 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Oct. 27    11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Oct. 28-Nov. 1    7 a.m.-7 p.m.  

More information: 
www.votetexas.gov 
www.cor.net/election 

2024 Corporate Challenge Concludes 
The 26th Richardson Corporate Challenge wrapped up this week with a closing ceremony at the Eisemann Center. Representatives from DFW-area businesses that competed in the Challenge, as well as Corporate Challenge beneficiary Special Olympics Texas, were on hand to celebrate with a check presentation for $201,000.  

The Corporate Challenge is a 10-week, Olympic-style competition among employees, spouses and retirees from local companies that begins in August each year. The 2024 Challenge included contests in 22 events ranging from active sports such as basketball, softball and pickleball to more “sedentary” competitions such as dominoes and Texas Hold ‘Em.  
 
Companies honored for the most points in each division were:  

Special Olympics Texas has received $3.45 million from the Richardson Corporate Challenge since the competition began in 1998.  

Website: www.richardsoncorporatechallenge.com  

Fall Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Held
Representatives from Richardson homeowner and neighborhood associations attended the Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Tuesday at the Senior Center. Programming focused on informing neighborhood leaders about city operations and programs as well as neighborhood issues in general and strategies to address them, and neighborhood association best practices.  

Held for nearly two decades, the Neighborhood Leadership Workshop convenes every fall and spring to help residents increase awareness of City services while also building community involvement.   

Website: Community Services | Richardson, TX (cor.net)  

Altrusa Presents Symbolic Check to Mayor, Honors Outstanding Local Women 
Altrusa International of Richardson, Inc. held its annual “Outstanding Women of Today—Builders of Tomorrow” awards luncheon earlier today at the Richardson DoubleTree Hotel. During the event, Mayor Bob Dubey was presented a ceremonial check for $478,144.80 representing the more than 15,000 hours of volunteer time invested in the City by the organization in the past year.  

Also at today’s event, Altrusa honored 22 women as “Outstanding Women of Today,” chosen for exemplifying leadership and determination in improving the lives of others in the categories of Health Care, Nonprofit, Government, Education and Business. The honorees included the City of Richardson’s Dianna Lawrence, Superintendent of Community Events; Kelly Keller, Youth Services Librarian; Meredith Watkins, Police Volunteer Coordinator; and Mechelle West, Fire Management Technician (click here for the complete list of names).  

Altrusa provides support to City departments and local agencies including the Richardson Public Library, RISD and Network of Community Ministries. It also helps make the Richardson Reads One Book event possible.   

www.altrusarichardson.com  

Lane Closure Expected on Arapaho near Custer Road, Civic Center Drive 
The right lane of eastbound Arapaho Road starting 300 feet west of Custer Road and extended 600 feet east of Civic Center Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as new gas service is installed for the City’s Library building that is currently undergoing renovations. The utility work is expected to be complete by late November. 

Fiber Optic Work May Temporarily Close Lane on Campbell Road East of US 75 
The right lane of eastbound Campbell Road at Lakeside Boulevard, between US 75 and Greenville Avenue, may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as fiber optic work takes place. The work is expected to be complete by late February. 

www.cor.net/projects

RCPAAA Electronics Recycling, Paper Shredding Saturday 
Parking lot of The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Rd.
Cost: Free for electronics and up to 5 boxes of paper; $5/box over 5
Saturday, Oct. 19
10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

The Richardson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (RCPAAA) presents its annual fall electronics recycling and document shredding event at a new location, with proceeds helping to sponsor year-round initiatives in support of the Richardson Police Department. All types of electronics are accepted with the exception of old tube-style TVs and bulky CRT computer monitors. Note that “paper shredding” means shredding sensitive documents; non-sensitive paper such as magazines and newspapers belong in the City’s weekly recycling pickup.   

Website: www.rcpaaa.org  

Visit with Live Raptors Tomorrow 
City Hall Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Saturday, Oct. 19
2-3 p.m.    

Meet hawks, owls, falcons and the specialists from Blackland Prairie Raptors who train them in this Library-sponsored event. Learn about the raptors’ role in the food chain and the unique adaptations that allow them to hunt in a variety of habitats. For ages 5 and up.  

Microsoft Excel Beginner Tomorrow 
Millwood Creek Room, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Cost: Free (Registration and valid RPL card required; call 972-744-4355 to register.)
Saturday, Oct. 19
10:30 a.m.-noon.  

An introduction to 2016 Microsoft Excel. Topics include:   

For adults.   

At the Eisemann Center:

• Gurdas Maan Live in Concert Tonight
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $61-$1,002 (tickets)
  Friday, Oct. 18
  8 p.m.
  
  The superstar Indian singer, songwriter and actor brings his tour to the Eisemann Center, rescheduled from an earlier date, on the heels of his latest album, which was released last month.
  
  
• “A Conversation with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody” Tomorrow Night 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $55-$75 (tickets)
  Saturday, Oct. 19
  8 p.m.
  
  After entertaining millions on social media during the COVID shut-down, TV, stage and film star Mandy Patinkin and actress and writer Kathryn Grody have hit the road to bring their banter to the stage. With their son Gideon Grody-Patinkin as moderator, expect an evening full of family stories, professional anecdotes and glimpses into their 40+ years of marriage.
  
  
• “Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure” Sunday Afternoon 
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $15-$30 (tickets)
  Sunday, Oct. 20
  2 p.m.
  
  Step into a vibrant world of music and magic with this captivating bilingual/bicultural journey for young audiences and families. Follow 12-year-old Vita Flores as she embarks on a whirlwind adventure to uncover the true meaning of Día de Muertos. With the help of a lively candy skeleton named Sugar Skull, Vita dances with ancestors, sings with sorceresses, and outwits mischievous Chaneques to complete her family ofrenda.  

At UT Dallas:

• Victor Rosenbaum Piano Recital Tonight 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free
  Saturday, Oct. 19
  7:30 p.m.  

  Internationally known American pianist Victor Rosenbaum performs beloved solo piano works by Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin, as well as a new work by Dallas-based pianist-composer Lewis Warren, Jr. Event link: Click here

• Free Outdoor Concert with RSO Tomorrow Evening 
  Sciences Building Courtyard
  Admission: Free
  Sunday, Oct. 20
  7 p.m.  

  The Richardson Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with UT Dallas presents, “Sunset Serenade: Pops & Movie Magic,” an enchanting evening under the stars for all ages featuring classic pop tunes and iconic songs from the movies. Event link: Click here

• “Mental Health in Motion” Animation/Music Public Showcase Monday 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Admission: Free 
  Monday, Oct. 21
  7-8 p.m.  

  This animation and music showcase will feature projects centered on mental health. Students in Neuropharmacology, Music Theory and Experimental Animation collaborated to produce these informative and creative animations. Topics include a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance abuse, to break the stigma of mental health, encourage open conversations and remind viewers that help is available. Event link: Click here

• “Heathers” the Musical Opens Thursday 
  University Theatre
  Tickets: $6-$12 (tickets)
  Oct. 24-Nov. 2
  Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.  

  This uproarious and poignant production of the musical adaptation by the acclaimed team of Kevin Murphy, Laurence O’Keefe and Andy Fickman unveils the story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy misfit who ascends the ranks of Westerberg High’s ruthless clique, the Heathers. When Veronica falls for the dangerously alluring new student, J.D., the stage is set for a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. Event link: Click here  

   

Community Theater:

• Folding Chairs Sketch Comedy This Weekend at The Core Theatre 
  518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 115
  Tickets: $20 (tickets)
  Oct. 18-20
  Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.  

  Folding Chairs Sketch Comedy troupe presents, “Oops! All Funerals!” Note: Rated R, viewer discretion advised. 

Fall Most Active Season for West Nile Infections  
With the recent death from West Nile virus (WNV) of a Richardson resident, the Health Department would like to remind you of ways to reduce your risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) as the cooler fall weather encourages more outdoor activities.  

The Health Department tests mosquitos weekly from April through October, with traps set out in 12 areas of Richardson. Nighttime spraying to control the adult population of mosquitoes is conducted by the City in designated areas, weather permitting, when area samples test positive for the West Nile virus, or if a resident contracts West Nile virus.   

You can reduce your risk of WNV by following the Four Ds of Protection:  

Though it’s been reported that the recent WNV death occurred in someone with underlying health conditions, WNV can affect anyone. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.   

Website: Mosquito Control at Home and in the Yard (tamu.edu)  
Website: www.cor.net/mosquito  

NCTCOG Offers Ways to “Go Green” for Halloween 
Air North Texas, a division of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, is reminding North Texans that Halloween can be a time of “scary” environmental impact, with many single-use items mass produced for the holiday, including costumes (that are often made of environmentally harmful synthetic materials) and plastic decorations.   

Here are some ways to create a more sustainable Halloween:  

More information: Click here 

911 Dispatcher ($54,223. - $75,309 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required.

Heavy Equipment Operator ($48,661 – $66,831 Salary) 
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Driver's License will be required or obtained within 6 months. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Mercedes, a 5 year-old German Shepherd whose sweetness is as endearing as her name. She's the embodiment of friendliness, extending her warm nature to both humans and her fellow canines. Her pleasant demeanor is a testament to her adaptability and willingness to form bonds. She's the kind of companion who'd be thrilled to join you for a leisurely stroll in the park or cuddle up for a quiet evening at home. Her friendly and sweet nature is sure to bring happiness and warmth to any household she joins. 

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.

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