Nov. 26, 2025

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

Trash/Recycling Changes due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, trash, recycling and Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) normally scheduled for Thursday pick-up were picked up today (Wednesday, Nov. 26), and Friday pick-ups will take place this Saturday, Nov. 29. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC; regularly scheduled trash and BABIC service will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.

The table below shows the make-up days for recycling service.

Visit: www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule

Municipal Facility Holiday Closures

Partenope Ristorante Expanding in The CORE
The City of Richardson announced this week the planned expansion of Partenope Ristorante, a popular Italian restaurant located at 110 S. Greenville Ave. in Downtown Richardson, part of The CORE District. The expansion will increase the restaurant’s footprint within its existing building to provide additional dining space and accommodate growing demand.   

Partenope’s expansion follows a series of milestones in the City’s ongoing revitalization efforts across The CORE District (Chinatown, Downtown, Heights, Interurban and Lockwood neighborhoods), including the addition of new mixed-use development and public spaces as well as new restaurants and entertainment venues. Cultural events and festivals held in the District have further highlighted the area’s diverse character and growing role as a hub for local business, art and community engagement.   

These efforts, paired with public and private investments in infrastructure and building modernization, are key components of the City’s long-term strategy to promote economic vitality and reinvestment in The CORE.  

Press Release: click here 

CORE District website: click here 

Support Small Businesses with “Explore The CORE” Contest
The community is encouraged to support local businesses this holiday season with the “Explore The CORE” contest that began this week, celebrating “Small Business Saturday” in The CORE District.  

From now through Sunday, Nov. 30, shoppers can visit participating small businesses across The CORE’s five neighborhoods to collect stickers for their gameboard. Participating businesses have donated more than $1,000 in prizes, and all participants who complete a “blackout” of all spaces and submit their entry by Sunday, Nov. 30 will be entered into a drawing to win one of the prizes.  

Gameboards are available at participating businesses, the Richardson Public Library, Heights Recreation Center, Huffhines Recreation Center and the Richardson Senior Center, or can be downloaded online (see link below). 

If a business is closed, participants can take a selfie at the location as a substitute for a sticker, for up to three locations. Business hours and additional details are available on The CORE District website.  

Download Gameboard: www.RichardsonCOREDistrict.com/ExploreTheCORE  

“Cease the Grease” through Next Friday
Help our water system stay clog-free (and save yourself hundreds of dollars in plumbing bills) by avoiding pouring leftover holiday cooking oil and grease down the drain. Instead, bring it to the City’s temporary cooking oil/grease drop-off site through Dec. 5 at the Municipal Service Center.   

Where: Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., (In parking lot adjacent to southernmost entrance at Glenville Dr.) 
Cost: Free 
When: Now-Dec. 5, Open 24 hours 
How: Bring cooled oil and grease in rigid plastic container with screw-top lid and place in marked collection bin.   

A second Cease the Grease collection period will be available Dec. 19-Jan. 5.   

Website: Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG)  

Poinsettia Tree Ready for Photos at Eisemann Center 
The City’s annual Poinsettia Tree is now on display inside the Eisemann Center’s lobby. A tradition for more than 30 years, the 14-foot-tall tree was created by Parks and Recreation Department employees using more than 200 poinsettias. It can be used as a unique backdrop for holiday photos with friends and family and is available to visit during normal business hours as well as during all Eisemann Center events.     

Website: www.eisemanncenter.com   
Address: Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr.   

Annual Toy and Food Collection Underway
The Fire Department’s annual Toy and Food Drive began earlier this week and benefits the clients served by Network of Community Ministries. Collection bins will be available through Monday, Dec. 15 and are set up at 11 municipal facilities (locations listed below).    

New toys and teen gifts and unexpired canned/boxed food items are welcome (please, no wheeled toys such as bicycles, scooters, wagons, skates, or tricycles). Toys/gifts for babies and pre-teens are especially needed.  

Bin locations:  

Drop off your items during regular business hours of the facility where the collection bin is located.  

Volunteers Needed for Christmas Parade 
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to help with the annual Christmas Parade taking place Saturday, Dec. 6. Help behind-the-scenes before the parade begins by assisting the parade team at check-in and lining up parade floats, or be part of the show by volunteering to carry a parade banner or be a parade marshal.   

Most volunteers must be at least 18 years of age; banner holders can be 16+. Ages 16-17 can volunteer in any position if accompanied by a parent. All volunteers receive complimentary hot cocoa and goodies from the hospitality booth.  

The parade begins at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 on Plano Road at Belt Line Road, and continues up Plano Road to Apollo Road, ending around 10:30-11 a.m.   

Sign-up link: click here 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The December 2025 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week, packed with information about celebrating the holiday season in Richardson. It includes a map and performance schedule for Santa’s Village, a map of the Richardson Christmas Parade route and information; and a calendar for holiday-related arts events taking place in Richardson, including dance, music and theater performances.  

The issue also includes a page dedicated to holiday travel, including all you need to know about riding the Silver Line to DFW Airport (and where to go once you get there), information about the Richardson Police Department’s free Vacation Home Watch program, and ways to travel lighter using free digital library resources for both children and adults.  

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Ask your local mail carrier if you do not receive your copy and you live within the boundaries of Richardson.  

Website: www.RichardsonToday.com  

Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground Temporarily Closed for Repairs Beginning Tuesday
The Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park will be closed for repairs beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 and will reopen Monday morning, Dec. 8, weather permitting. The repairs are part of ongoing efforts to keep the playground safe, accessible and fun for everyone. If you’re planning a park day during this time, be sure to check out one of the many other nearby playgrounds while the work is underway.  

Traffic Pattern Shift Scheduled to Take Place on Custer Parkway Next Week 
Changes to the flow of traffic on Custer Parkway between Pleasant Valley Lane and West Lookout Drive are expected to take place next week, weather permitting, as part of the Custer Parkway Reconstruction Project. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, or shortly thereafter, all traffic is scheduled to shift to the newly constructed northbound lanes (east side of roadway) with one lane of traffic open in each direction (traffic has been traveling in the southbound lanes since April). Bike lanes will continue to be closed and no parking will be allowed on the street in the segment that is under construction.   

This latest change will not impact traffic north of Pleasant Valley Lane so Aldrige Elementary will see no additional impacts.  

Website: www.cor.net/CusterParkway  

www.cor.net/projects

“Elf” Movie Party Next Wednesday in The CORE 
Alamo Drafthouse Richardson, 100 S. Central Expwy., #14
Tickets: $16 plus tax and fee (Ticket Link)
Wednesday, Dec. 3
7 p.m.  

A unique holiday movie-watching experience featuring games, props (including your very own elf hat), and “singing loud for all to hear.” Don’t miss the gift “wrap-off” before the film begins! If you miss this one, Alamo’s hosting more in Richardson Dec. 6, 17 and 20. 

Family Storytime: “Saturday Morning Kids” this Saturday 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free; no registration or residency requirements
Saturday, Nov. 29
10:30-11 a.m.  

Join Richardson Library staff for a family storytime program where all ages are welcome; stories are geared towards children ages 3-6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.  

Wrap Gifts in Style for Free Next Week at “Wrap it Up” 
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free; no registration required
10:30 a.m.-noon, come and go
Friday, Dec. 5  

Got holiday gifts to wrap? Bring a few to this fun event and learn some creative wrapping techniques, plus make gift tags from repurposed materials! All materials provided, while supplies last.  

 www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• Nutcracker Performances Begin Friday Night with Chamberlain Ballet 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $33-$113 (tickets)
  Nov. 28-30
  7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday  

  Join the dancers of Chamberlain Ballet this Thanksgiving weekend as they bring The Nutcracker to life. Follow young Clara on her magical journey, through the enchanting Kingdom of Snow to the playful Kingdom of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Featured guest artists include Chloe Misseldine and Joo Won Ahn, principal dancers with American Ballet Theater, as well as guest artists from Bruce Wood Dance Dallas.

• “Christmas with the Rat Pack” Tuesday 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $37-$76 (tickets)
  Tuesday, Dec. 2
  7:30 p.m.  

  You’re invited to a merry celebration that takes you back in time to 1960s Las Vegas for an evening of glitz and glamour. Starring the acclaimed Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra, Joe Scalissi as Dean Martin, and Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis, Jr., side-by-side with a swingin’ band, the show will dazzle you with all The Rat Pack’s greatest hits including “My Way,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “New York, New York,” and “That’s Amore,” as well as seasonal classics such as “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and “White Christmas.” Also included is a special performance by Jami Duprey as Marilyn Monroe proclaiming, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

• Vocal Majority Christmas Spectacular Dec. 4-5, 7 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $22-$72 (tickets)
  Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 7
  7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday  

  Back by popular demand, the Vocal Majority returns to the Eisemann Center with a show packed with holiday cheer, heartwarming sacred music and the signature Vocal Majority sound audiences love. Expect a joyful mix of fun and reverence across two acts. 

At UT Dallas:

• Improv, Instrumental Concerts, Reader’s Theatre Next Week 
  UT Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., is heading into the holiday season with several free events open to the community that showcase students from fall arts classes:  

  Improv Theatre 
  University Theatre
  Monday, Dec. 1
  7 p.m.  

  Chamber Music Night  
  Physics Building, PHY 1.304
  Tuesday, Dec. 2
  7 p.m.  

  Harp Recital  
  University Theatre
  Tuesday, Dec. 2
  7 p.m.  

  Reader’s Theatre 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Wednesday, Dec. 3
  7 p.m.  

  Guitar Night 
  Jonsson Performance Hall
  Thursday, Dec. 4
  6 p.m.  

  Big Band Jazz with the Jazz Ensemble, directed by Kelly Durbin 
  University Theatre
  Thursday, Dec. 4
  7 p.m.  

  More information: click here 

This Weekend Only: “The Great Gatsby” Radio Play at RCT 
Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Rd.
Tickets: $37 adults; $20 youth (tickets)
Nov. 28-30
Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.  

A fully immersive theatrical experience—set in 1925 in a vintage radio studio that has a “live studio audience” (you), the production brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story to life like you’ve never experienced it before.

RTC Radio Show Opens Two-Week Run Starting Next Thursday 
Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 113
Tickets: $22-$24 (tickets)
Dec. 5-21
Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.  

Richardson Theatre Centre presents its third annual radio play, a tribute to the music and style of the Greatest Generation, with music and skits from “WRTC Radio” popular during World War II. 

Save Money, Water with “Water My Yard” Free Personalized Water Notifications
With widespread rain in the area this week, and rain in the forecast for this Saturday, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s “Water My Yard” program has been sending out the “no watering required” message lately to Richardson-area subscribers. While that may seem obvious, many water customers “set it and forget it,” putting their lawn sprinklers on automatic year-round. This practice wastes water and increases water bills, not to mention that watering during times of precipitation is prohibited under the City’s Water Conservation Plan.  

The best way to manage lawn watering with a sprinkler system is to set it to “manual,” and “Water My Yard” is a great way for busy people to remember/know when to turn it on and for how long. Sign up for the free service online with a few short steps and receive weekly reminder e-mails or text messages based on your type of watering system and local weather conditions for your ZIP code area. 
 
Website: www.watermyyard.org 
Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation 

Recycling 101: Aluminum Turkey Trays and Other Thanksgiving “Leftovers”   
Did you know that Richardson recycles many packaging/serving components of a Thanksgiving meal? As long as the items are empty, clean and dry, Richardson residents may recycle:   

Put empty, clean and dry recyclables in blue recycling bags and set near the trash on your designated recycling day—for more information and a complete list of what Richardson does and doesn’t recycle, visit Richardson recycling online. Note the Holiday recycling schedule listed above in the “News Section.”  
 
Website: www.cor.net/recycling   

Facilities Maintenance Specialist ($49,502.96 - $73,499.92 Salary) 
Facilities Maintenance is looking for an individual who can perform skilled maintenance, repairs, and installations on building facilities. Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC, electrical, electronic, plumbing, pumping, and motor control systems. Texas Driver’s License, Class C, required. 

Crew Chief ($57,541 - $80,347 Salary) 
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required. 

Recreation Customer Services Representative ($21.00/hr to $24.62/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can assist in supervising Recreation Center instructors, programs, and activities.  Work evenings and/or weekends as needed. Completion of ninth grade required. 

Pet of the Week
Meet Raven! This 3-year-old pitbull mix has been with us since July 9, and she’s ready for a fresh start. Raven was treated for heartworms and is now on the path to a healthy, happy life. She’s sweet, friendly with people and would love to be the only dog in a home where she can be your one and only. If you're looking for a loyal companion, come meet Raven—she just might be your perfect match! 

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

City Council Links