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By Teri Webster Music has been a focus of Eu-stolia De La Vega’s family for generations.

At age 88, it was time for her to finally take center stage with the release of her debut album, Can-ciones de Recuerdo.

It’s a project that was 15 years in the making, according to her daughter, Leti De La Vega, an es-tablished musician who performs locally and in Austin.

“I started Mama’s project 15 years ago,” Leti said. “I worked for 10 years to find the right genre for her and the right band.”

Then, it took about four years for De La Vega to complete the re-cording. The album was unveiled Saturday, Aug. 1, during a family reunion party at the Knights of Columbus in Irving.

“It took me four years to finish the project because I’m working on other musical projects,” Leti said. “I’ve been working on other projects, but I finally had to come back around and finish this proj-ect for the family’s sake. It’s part

By Teri WebsterRetiring Irving Arts Center Ex-

ecutive Director Richard E. Huff was recognized during a reception Thursday, July 30 at the center, one of a series of events held in his hon-or.

“No one person can do this alone,” said Huff, who began working at the Arts Center in 1995. “My approach – right or wrong – has always been to hire the best possible people and then get out of their way.”

Huff said that over the years, he was fortunate to have good board members and staff who supported him.

Over the years, Huff brought the Irving Arts Center into the national arts spotlight.

In 2014, Huff formed a partner-ship with the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C., which led to the Arts Center hosting the

By Courtney OuelletteOfficers of the Irving Police De-

partment traded their badges for footballs to host the NFL and Play 60’s annual Pass, Punt and Kick competition for boys and girls ages 6-15. The competition, held at Sam Houston Middle School on Satur-day, August 1, allowed kids to partic-ipate in a free, family-friendly com-petition, with a chance to compete at the national level.

“Each kid will compete in their age group, boys and girls, and we’ll have first, second and third place winners,” Officer Bennie Bazley said. “The way that we measure

By Courtney OuelletteKids and teens participating in the

summer reading challenge donned masks and capes, ready to defend (or take over the world) at the West Irving Library’s final Unmask party and costume contest on Saturday, August 1.

“We’re doing crafts and eating snacks, and we’re going to have a fashion show with our costumes and compete to win a prize. It’s pretty exciting,” said Danyelle Barber, the teen services librarian at the West Irving library.

“We have a couple of Supermen, the Hulk and even the Joker,” she said. “We’ve got a trophy for every-one who came and some of the tro-phies come with $25 Amazon gift cards.”

In conjunction with the libraries’ STEM (science, technology, engi-

Irving Library wraps up summer of heroesneering and mathematics) initiative, two of the prizes were ‘build your own’ projects dealing with electron-ics and technology kids and teens can relate to.

“We have a build your own iP-hone and smart phone projector, so you can project videos from your smart phone, and build your own headphones that light up as your music hits a beat. All of it is tech-nology and STEM related,” Barber said. “We try to give out cool things, but also to promote STEM projects in ways that they don’t normally get with traditional learning.”

Lilian Garcia, taking up the vil-lain’s cause as the Joker from The Dark Knight (2008), attended many of the Unmask events.

“I’m participating at the Unmask teen event which is about superhe-

Huff retires from Irving Arts Center

display “Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed.” Irving and Washington were the only locations to host the exhibit.

Under Huff’s leadership, the Arts Center became a Smithsonian Insti-tution affiliate in 2007.

As a Smithsonian affiliate, the Arts Center featured the interna-tional tour of “Genghis Khan: The Exhibition” in 2011, which repre-sented the largest number of 13th century Mongolia artifacts ever dis-played in a single showing. An esti-mated 50,000 people attended the exhibit over a four-month span.

Galleries at the Arts Center have displayed artists of regional and na-tional interest. Among them were: Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts -A retrospective of the first 40 years of the company.

IPD Problem Solving Unit hosts youth NFL competition

the distance of each event that they compete in is accuracy, and we have a tape measure laid on the ground for distance.

“The first place winners from this event will advance on to the section-als round which is normally held in Southlake throughout the month of October. If they win first place out of all of the sectional competi-tions, they will move on to the teams round, and if they win first place in teams, they move on to nationals,

which is the final round,” he said.For the final round, winners

from around the U.S. will receive an all-expenses paid trip for them-selves and a parent to Indianapolis during week 17 of the NFL season, where they will compete in a final punt, pass and kick competition be-fore the game or during halftime.

“We decided to do this because it’s a great way to connect with the com-

Octogenarian releases album

of our musical legacy.” Growing up, Leti was surround-

ed by music. In the 1970s, her family traveled around the nation as roofing contractors for several insurance companies. When the work was done, the music began. The parents and eight siblings sang everywhere they went.

“My husband would play, and I would sing,” Eustolia said. “But I never did sing in public.”

During a vacation, the el-der De La Vega woke up dreaming the lyrics to one of the songs on her album. “She woke up dreaming it and came in my room and said ‘I’ve got it. I’ve got the words,’” Leti said.

About 50 family members and friends turned out for the celebra-tion.

“She’s like a second mother to me,” Silvina Renteria said. “I love the way she gets everyone togeth-er. There’s a lot of love.”

Channeling her inner Joker, Lilian Garcia, sits at the head of the crafts table with Kathryn Harrelson during West Irving Library’s summer reading challenge wrap up party and costume contest. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

See ALBUM, Page 8

Page 2 August 08, 2015 www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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During a reception at the Irving Arts Center, retiring executive director Richard E. Huff enjoys a look back at his accomplishments and the people he met throughout his career with the center. / Photo by John Starkey

Another of Huff’s accomplish-ments is the completion of the Sculpture Garden, featuring com-missioned sculptures by James Sur-ls, Jesús Moroles and Michael Man-jarris; and the monumental mosaic Irving Centennial Mural created by artist Francisco Mendoza with the aid of young Irving artists.

Huff made an impression on the community, as well.

“This knowledgeable director of the Irving Arts Center put Irving on the map by having such great exhib-its, as well as leading many local arts groups through season after season for 20 years,” local arts enthusiast Laura Ruth wrote on the Irving Arts Center’s Facebook page. “Richard Huff will long be admired and re-membered by all of us in the arts, whether performers, board mem-bers of local groups, or the myriad of those who have discovered our great Irving Arts Center by attending per-formances. God bless you, Richard, and thanks for giving so much of yourself to Irving.”

As part of the reception on Thurs-day, a portion of a private street near the Arts Center was renamed and dedicated as Richard Huff Way. Huff was also presented with a small replica of the street sign.

Huff gained recognition for his work at the local, state and national levels. Huff’s accomplishments in-clude serving as director of the Dal-las City Arts Program and playing a key role in the creation of the Dallas Arts District and the renovation of the Majestic Theater. Additionally, Huff was director of the Cultural Ac-tivities Center in Temple.

He was executive director of both the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, and he served as the president of Rich-ard Huff & Associates, a consulting service for arts and cultural organi-zations.

During the reception, Huff offered his best wishes to Todd Hawkins, the incoming executive director.

“Richard has built such an in-credible organization that it’s really going to allow me to see where else we can take it,” said Hawkins, who attended the reception. “The center is in really good shape. The staff is unbelievably talented and incredi-ble. I’ve never felt more welcome in my life, anywhere.”

As project manager for Public Arts for Public Schools, Hawkins over-saw and implemented public arts programming in New York City. He was a co-chair of the Americans for

the Arts Emerging Leaders Council. Hawkins holds a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Goucher College and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklaho-ma.

In the coming weeks, Hawkins will start by conducting an “arts needs assessment.”

Hawkins’ unique blend of experi-ences made him the right fit for the job, according to Arts Board mem-bers.

“We especially had to have some-one who knew the difference in working in the arts and being the director of a public facility,” said Irving Arts Board member Sharon Barbosa-Crain. “He will manage this facility, manage the people, coordinate the bookings, meet the public and at the same time, have the ability to think forward.”

Another qualification that made Hawkins stand out was his involve-ment in the Americans for the Arts, one of the most prestigious arts or-ganizations, according to Ed Bow-

ers, Irving Arts Board member.A total of 139 applications were

received. Ultimately, the board de-cided on Hawkins.

A Smithsonian affiliate, the Arts Center sits on a 10-acre complex with two fully-equipped theaters, four galleries, rehearsal facilities, meeting, classroom and reception areas; and a verdant sculpture gar-den.

HuffContinued from Page 1

Page 3August 08, 2015www.RamblerNewspapers.com

One Cemetery Lot for Sale at Oak Grove Memorial. Prime Lot at Front, $1900. For more information call 505-690-5914.

CLASSIFIEDS (972) 870-1992 laurier@ramblernewspapers.net

W O R L D W I D E C U S T O M E R SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL: Abbott Diagnostics, a division of Abbott Laboratories located in Irving, TX, seeks qualified Worldwide Customer Support Professional. Resp for providing Level 3 field support globally, incl. training, remote support & onsite support. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Science, or a related field of study required plus at least 2 yrs exp in: (i) electrical & electro-mechanical functions, such as wiring diagrams, voltage/current/resistance, servos & robotics w/in automation systems & pneumatic components such as electro-valves, air cylinders, connectors & restrictors to ensure device movement w/ compressed air; (ii) utilizing software diagnostic tools such as Hyper terminal, Putty, Telnet, Remote Desktop Connection in order to troubleshoot microcontroller, PC & Server issues; & (iii) utilizing understanding of PLC/CAN communication which allows microcontrollers & devices to communicate w/in automation systems. An EOE. Respond by mail to Abbott Laboratories, Dept. 32RC, Bldg. AP6A, 100 Abbott Park Rd, Abbott Park IL 60064-3500. Refer to ad code: ABT-00491-KE

YARD SALEAUG. 14th-16th Fri-Sat 8-6, Sun 8-5Irving Blvd & Loop 12Furniture, exercise equipment, bikes, DVD’s and much more.

LEGALS

NOTICE OF PROPOSAL OF CHARTER SCHOOLOPENING IN IRVING, TX

Sponsored By Future Leaders of American Charters Inc. Board Members: Audrey Riser, Doretta Spates, Sondra Samuels and LaTory Burks.

Parents/Guardians of school age children 3-18 years of age are invited to an informational meeting regarding plans to open North Texas Science and Engineering Academy for grades Pre K-12. The meeting will begin promptly at 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the Valley Ranch Public Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving, TX 75063, 972.721.4669. This event is not sponsored by the Irving Public Library.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS for activities funded through the following federal grants:Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).

August 8, 2015CITY of IRVING – Planning and Community Development Department825 W. Irving Blvd.,Irving, Texas 75060972-721-4800E-Mail: vebner@cityofirving.org

On or about August 21, 2015 the City of Irving will request that HUD release federal funds under the above mentioned grant programs (CDBG, HOME). Below is a list of projects in the FY 2015-2016 Action Plan which require public notice as part of the environmental review process. All projects are located in Irving, Texas.

Projects which have been classified as “categorically excluded” from requirements of the National Environmental Protection Action of 1969 (NEPA) will not require full environmental assessments or impact statements. For projects listed below with multiple and as-yet-undetermined sites (noted with asterisks*), generic Environmental Reviews have been completed, with site-specific reviews to be completed upon final identification of each site. Should any compliance action be required under the applicable statutes listed at 24 CFR 58.5 (HUD regulations governing this environmental review), the city will ensure that all appropriate mitigation steps are taken after site(s) have been identified.

Proposed Activities

*Home Restoration Program- repair of owner-occupied dwelling includes Emergency, Minor, Major and Reconstruction activities using CDBG funds in the amount of $628,819.59

*Land Acquisition – obtain land and construction of a potential senior housing facility using CDBG funds in the amount of $504,241.00

*City of Irving Community Housing Development Organization: Single Family Housing Development Projects – construction of affordable single-family homes by local CHDO using HOME funds in the amount of $295,342.00

The above activities will be facilitated out of the City of Irving Planning and Community Development Department located at 825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, Texas 75060

TOTAL CDBG PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTED RELEASED: $1,133,060.59TOTAL HOME PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTED RELEASED: $295,342.00GRAND TOTAL, GRANT FUNDS REQUESTED RELEASED: $1,428,402.59

An Environmental Review Record including the generic Environmental Reviews has been prepared by the City of Irving, documenting the environmental review of each project and program, and more fully setting forth the reasons why an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. This Environmental Review Record is on file at the City of Irving Planning and Community Development Department, 825 West Irving Blvd., Irving, Texas 75060; and is available for public examination and copying, upon request. Further environmental reviews will be conducted at all sites not yet specified, for the programs identified with asterisks (*) above, as particular sites are selected. No further environmental review of the proposed activities is proposed prior to submission of the City’s Request for Release of Funds to HUD.

PUBLIC COMMENTSAny interested agencies, groups, and persons disagreeing with the decision to request release of funds are invited to submit written comments to the City of Irving at the above address. All comments will be considered and the City will not request the release of federal funds or take any administrative action on the above listed projects prior to August 20, 2015. Comments should be addressed to Vicki Ebner, Assistant Director, Planning and Community Development, 825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, Texas 75060. For additional information, please call 972-721-4800.

RELEASE OF FUNDSThe City of Irving, Texas certifies to HUD that the City, and the Honorable Beth Van Duyne, in her official capacity as Mayor and Certifying Officer, consents to accept jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental review, decision-making, and action, and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that, upon its approval, the City of Irving, Texas may use the federal funds identified above, and HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDSHUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification received by September 14, 2015 or a period of fifteen days from its receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer or other officer of the City of Irving approved by HUD; (b) the City of Irving has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to HUD, Office of Community Planning & Development, P.O. Box 2905, Fort Worth, Texas 76113. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

The Honorable Beth Van Duyne, MayorCertifying OfficerCity of Irving, Texas

COMMUNITY CALENDARCoffee with a CopAugust 8, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Have questions for Irving Police? Get answers at the next Coffee with a Cop. Members of the Irving Police Department are inviting residents to ask questions and discuss any non emergency issues or concerns with officers. Grab a free cup of coffee and met your local officers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 8 at McDonalds, 4098 N. Belt Line Road. For more details, visit cityofirving.org/police.

Teen Splash JamAugust 8, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PMJoin us for the last Teen Splash Jam of the summer! Come hang out with friends and enjoy an evening of music, swimming and fun at the water park. Free with valid Parks & Recreation ID card or Irving school ID, at West Irving Aquatic Center 3701 Conflans Road, Irving, TX 75060.

Doktor Kaboom!  Look Out, Science is Coming August 11, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Science has never been more fun as the good Doktor leads an educational tour of modern scientific method, using comedy while demonstrating spectacular applica-tions of the physical sciences. The brainchild of David Epley, Doktor Kaboom combines Mister Wizard and the Nutty Professor with a dash of German rock star added for zest. He travels the world with a fully equipped lab, a wicked cool haircut, and a love of performance that knows no bounds. Awaken your inner scientist with a Kaboom! Dupree Theater l $7.50; $6 groups of 10 or more (single payment required); $2 tickets for lap children age 2 or less available at the door.

On July 29, 2015 at approximate-ly 12:13 a.m., the Irving Police De-partment responded to a one vehicle major accident in the area of State Hwy. 161 and Rochelle.

Witnesses at the scene stated that a Chevrolet Malibu drifted off the road, struck the guard rail and came to rest in the center grass median. There were two occupants inside the vehicle at the time of the acci-dent. The driver was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital where

Police investigate fatality accidenthe was pronounced deceased. The passenger was conscious and treat-ed at the scene for minor injuries. The driver’s name will be released pending next of kin notification. The passenger was arrested for an unre-lated charge.

Irving Police Traffic Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor and neither oc-cupant was wearing their seat belt. No other vehicles were involved in this accident.

SOURCE Irving Police Department

Open letter to the editor:An open letter to anyone wanting

to move into South Irving –

Normally land is cheaper in south Irving, and your real estate agent knows how to guide you. As he or she drives you around, you will notice yards that need mowing. If you’re inclined to let your grass grow too tall, where you now live, you will feel at home here in south Irving. If you believe in letting voluntary trees dominate your backyard, come on. The same goes with seven foot tall weeds. Speaking of grass, you may notice a lot of being blown out into the street. You may want to do the same. Even though we think there is an ordinance against it, you wouldn’t believe it as you drive past a house on a particular day, and see yard crews with blowers, directing

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

OPINIONS (972) 870-1992 staceys@ramblernewspapers.net

Clear the SheltersAugust 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Last year, the Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC) took part in an historic North Texas event that helped match nearly 2,300 great pets with their perfect homes. This year, the IACC – alongside 50 regional shelters hopes to make even more animals’ dreams come true! Irving Animal Services and DFW Humane Society will waive adoption fees from at 4140 Valley View Lane. Help us Clear the Shelters and give a loving home to every Irving shelter pet. Visit cleartheshelters.org for details and to see a list of all participating shelters.

Cooling StationsWeekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The Salvation Army has opened cooling stations to provide a safe place to stay during the extreme heat. The air conditioned cooling centers provide: A Cool Place to Sit During the Day Ice-Cold Water for Hydration Hot-Weather Survival Tips Free Electric Fans. Social Workers are also on standby, ready to meet with anyone who needs financial assis-tance with their utility bills during extremely high temperatures. Cooling Stations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only. The Irving Cooling Station is located at 250 East Grauwyler Road, Irving, TX 7506. The other stations are located in: Arlington, Cedar Crest (East Oak Cliff), Dallas (Love Field Area), Denton, Garland, Lewisville, McKinney, North Fort Worth, Plano, Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and Waxahachie. For exact locations, log onto www.salvationarmydfw.org .

FLEET SERVICE CLERKSOpen House Interview Session!Thursday August 1310am to 4pmHoliday Inn DFW Airport South14320 Centre Station Dr.Fort Worth, TX 76155Envoy, formerly American Eagle Air-lines, is currently hiring Fleet Service Clerks (current Rate of Pay: $9.33/hr) for our Dallas/Fort Worth Internation-al Airport and we want you to join our team! Attend our event and be sure to bring the following items:- Resume-Valid driver’s license (and photocopy) plus a second form of identification(no photocopy)-Diploma or transcripts from high school or college (photocopy)Visit us at envoyair.com/careers to learn more or apply online.Envoy is an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/DisabledEnvoy is an American Airlines Group company.

the debris into the street.If you have four children and all

of you have vehicles, you may be inclined to park in the front lawn. There is a city ordinance against such, but city code enforcement of-ficers are reactive instead of proac-tive, and you can probably get away with it for a week or two, until a neighbor complains.

There are many other things you may notice, which will make you feel at home, even before you move here, such as parking too close to fire hy-drants; having garage sales every week; leaving Christmas lights up year-round; putting out construc-tion materials for regular trash pick-up; putting out regular trash two days early, etc. etc. etc.

Robert MayoGeorge Stevenson

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3rd Annual RHS Band Garage Sale

Attention Valley Ranch residents! You are in-

vited to donate items to be sold at the band ga-rage sale. All household items will be accepted,

except clothing. Saturday, August 8 &

August 158 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ranchview High School parking lot

8401 Valley Ranch Pkwy E, Irving, TX

75063Contact Band Booster

Luke Erlenbusch at lerlenbusch@yahoo.com

or by phone: 682-667-2539.

Page 4 August 08, 2015 www.RamblerNewspapers.com

AbbyHi my name is ABBY. I am a medium sized, 2 year old spayed female. I have beautiful, brown tabby markings. I even have the official “M” marking on my forehead which proves I am an authentic tabby cat. My owners moved and could not take me with them. Right now I am very shy and confused as to why my family got rid of me. Give me some time and lots of love, and I will be the perfect member of your family.

Max RoccaHi. I’m Max Rocca. I’m about 7 months, and was brought in because I need a 6ft fence. I’m a sweet, smart, friendly boy, who knows some commands. Most pups my age are crazy energetic, but I’ve got a laid back, cuddly side. I’m housebroken, and love everyone including kids and other dogs. So if you are looking for one sweet boy, come on over and visit. Let’s meet.

Put a Paw print in your heartand a best friend in your home

OPEN Tuesday - Friday 11am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

LOCATION 4140 Valley View Ln. Irving, TX 75038 972-721-7788 www.DFWHumane.com

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59. Favorite Orthopedic Care Office?60. Favorite Pediatrician?61. Favorite Pharmacy? MISC

62. Business with the Friendliest Service?63. Favorite Attorney?64. Favorite Day Care?65. Favorite Employment / Staffing Agency? 66. Favorite Photographer?67. Favorite Sign / Banner Store? PETS

68. Favorite Place to Board your Pet?69. Favorite Grooming Salon?70. Favorite Pet Friendly Spot?71. Favorite Pet Store?72. Favorite Veterinarian / Veterinary Clinic?

READER’S CHOICE SURVEYYOU ARE THE JUDGE. Every year we ask our readers and the community to vote for their favorite businesses. Let your favorite Irving and Coppell businesses know you appreciate their services by voting for them today. Only complete the categories that are relevant to you. All personal information will be kept private and only used for statistical purposes. The results will be published the end of October 2015 in our annual Reader’s Choice magazine that informs its readers of the best and most popular companies in the area. The magazine is inserted into the Rambler newspaper and is distributed to various churches and community organizations as a reference guide for newcomers.

1. Are you a regular Rambler Newspaper reader?Yes No

2. How were you informed of this survey?

3. Which category below includes your age?17 or younger 18 -2930- 39 40 -4950 -59 60 or older

READERSHIP4. In the last 12 months have you done any of the following as a result of reading a Rambler Newspaper In print or Online. (Check all that apply)Discussed an Article or Referred Someone to an Article?Visited a specific Store? Cut out an Advertisement? Attended an Event? Researched a Topic for More Information?Referred Someone to the Rambler? Cut out an Article?Liked or Shared a Rambler Article online?

5. Where do you get your local news? (Check all that apply) Chamber Bulletin Citizens’ Advocate City SpectrumCoppell Gazette Dallas Morning News Fort Worth Star Telegram Internet Radio Rambler Newspaper Social Media Television The BlurbOther

6. What type of articles would you or do you like to find in the Rambler? (Check all that apply)Arts Births / Deaths Business Civic Organizations Clubs ChurchCollege Comics Crime Elections Employment Events Games Graduation Hard NewsHobbies Holidays Jobs Military Movies Music Nonprofit Organizations Parenthood PetsPolitics Puzzles SchoolsShopping Sports TheaterYouth Activates

7. What do you like about the Rambler Newspapers?

8. If you wish to receive notices and information from Rambler Newspapers please provide your email address. An email address is not required to answer the survey.

AUTOMOTIVE

4. Favorite Auto Supply Store?5. Favorite Car Wash / Detailing?6. Favorite Motorcycle Dealership?8. Favorite Car Dealership (new/used)?9. Favorite Auto Repair Shop?10. Favorite Paint and Body Shop?11. Favorite Tire Shop?

COMMUNITY

12. Favorite Community Leader /volunteer?13. Favorite Local Landmark?14. Favorite Local Nonprofit Organization?15. Favorite Local School Sports Team?

EDUCATION

16. Favorite Charter or Private School17. Favorite College/University/Trade School? 18. Favorite Public School?

HOME

19. Favorite Carpet Cleaning Service?20. Favorite Carpet / Flooring Installation Service?

21. Favorite Electrician?22. Favorite Exterminator?23. Favorite Hardware/Home improve. store? 24. Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Co.?25. Favorite Landscaping & Garden Store?26. Favorite Paint Store?27. Favorite Plumber?28. Favorite Real Estate Company?29. Favorite Real Estate Agent?30. Favorite Roofing Company? ENTERTAINMENT

31. Favorite Golf Course?32. Favorite Local Band or Orchestra?33. Favorite Local Museum?34. Favorite Local Arts Organization?35. Favorite Movie Theater?36. Favorite Travel Agency?

FINANCIAL

37. Favorite Bank or Credit Union?38. Favorite CPA?39. Favorite Financial Planner/Advisor?40. Favorite Insurance Company?41. Favorite Mortgage Company?

RESTAURANT

73. Favorite Asian Restaurant?74. Favorite Bar / Pub?75. Favorite Bar B Que Restaurant?76. Favorite Buffet?77. Best Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken?78. Favorite Caterer?79. Favorite Coffee Shop?80. Coldest Beer?81. Best Donuts or Bakery?82. Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?83. Favorite French Restaurant?84. Best French Fries / Cheese Fries?85. Best Frozen Yogurt?86. Favorite Greek / Middle Eastern Restaurant? 87. Best Hamburgers?88. Favorite Happy Hour?89. Favorite Healthy / Lite / Vegetarian Restaurant? 90. Favorite “Home Cookin’” Restaurant?

91. Favorite Ice Cream Shop?92. Favorite Indian Restaurant?93. Favorite Italian Restaurant? 94. Favorite Kid Friendly Restaurant?95. Favorite Late Night Restaurant?96. Best Margaritas?97. Favorite Mexican Restaurant?98. Best Pie?99. Best Pizza?100. Favorite Romantic Restaurant?101. Favorite Sandwich / Sub Shop?102. Favorite Seafood Restaurant?103. Best Steak?104. Best Sushi?105. Best Tacos?106. Best Wings?107. Restaurant with the Best Service?108. Restaurant with Best Value for the Dollar?

SHOPPING

109. Favorite Antique Store?110. Favorite Appliance Store?111. Favorite Beer / Wine Shop?112. Favorite Bicycle Shop?113. Favorite Children’s Clothing Store?114. Favorite Clothing Store?115. Favorite Computer Store / Repair?116. Favorite Dry Cleaners?117. Favorite Flower Shop?118. Favorite Gift Shop?

119. Favorite Grocery Store?120. Favorite Hobby Shop?121. Favorite Jewelry Store?122. Favorite Music Store?123. Favorite Nail Salon?124. Favorite Office Supply Store? 125. Favorite Organic Foods Store?126. Favorite Shoe Store?127. Favorite Specialty Boutique?128. Favorite Thrift/Consignment/Re Sale Store?

42. What is your occupation?CEO Construction HomemakerLawn Worker Business Owner Professional Retail Retired Tradesperson Unemployed

43. What is your approximate average household income?$0 - $19,999 $20,000 - $39,999$40,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999$100,000 - $124,999 $125,000 - $149,999$150,000 - $174,999 $175,000 - $199,999$200,000 and up

LIVING

44. Favorite Apartment/Duplex/Complex?45. Favorite Assisted Living Center?46. Favorite Nursing Facility?47. Favorite Retirement/Sr. Living Facility? MEDICAL

48. Favorite Chiropractor?49. Favorite Cosmetic Surgeon?50. Favorite Dentist?51. Favorite Eye Doctor?52. Favorite Eyewear Provider?53. Favorite Family Doctor?54. Favorite Hearing Aid Provider?55. Favorite Home Healthcare Provider?56. Favorite Hospital?57. Favorite Massage Therapist?58. Favorite OBGYN Women’s Health Office?

Mail your survey answers to: P.O. Box 177731 Irving, TX 75017Or complete the survey online at: ramblernewspapers.com *Responses will be accepted through August 31.

Page 5August 08, 2015www.RamblerNewspapers.com

FUN & GAMES

Organizations are required to re-submit their information on a monthly basis to insure that the Irving Rambler will have accurate information. Listings are limited to the Organization’s name, meeting location and time. If an organization wishes to have more information than the free listing offers, we will continue to offer other advertising opportunities.

(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

American Legion Post #218Heritage Park Building

215 Main St. Downtown Irving3rd Thursday of each month.

Recruiting/Questions call 469-621-7878

Buttons & Bows Square & Round Dance Club

1st & 3rd Saturdays at 8:00 pm Senter Park East 228 Chamberlain

Circle I - Square & Round Dance Club2nd & 4th Fridays at 8pm

Senter Park East228 Chamberlain

CWTM Homeless Aux. Club 2nd Saturday of each month 11 am -1 pm

575-694-2896 Fred’s BBQ 808 E. Irving Blvd.Evening Lions Club

1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00pmCommunity Bible Church

2301 Texas DriveGreater Irving RepublicansMeets the first Tues. each month@ Spring Creek BBQ at 7 p.m.

Irving Amateur Radio Club Fourth Thursday of the month

7:30 to 9 PMSenter Park East228 Chamberlainwww.irvingarc.org

Irving AMBUCSThursdays @ 11:30 a.m.

at Spring Creek BBQ Irving Garden & Arts

2nd Thursday, 10amIrving Garden & Arts Building906 S. Senter 214.435.9876Irving Noonday Lions

PH 972-409-9940Every Wed. @ Los Lupes

In the Irving Mall Irving Retired School

Personnel AssociationFirst Christain Church 104 W. Grauwyler Rd.

Second Thursday every monthIrving Rotary Club

Thursdays at 12 pmLas Colinas Country Club

ndugger@irvingisd.netIrving Sunrise Rotary

Thursday at 7 amLas Colinas Country Club

4400 N. O”Connor RdIrving Texas Democratic

WomenMeet the first Tues. each month

7 p.m. To 8:30 p.m.East Buffet Rest.

Irving Women’s NetworkLas Colinas Country Club

Fourth Tuesday of every month11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

LYFT Club of Irving

Fred’s BBQ / 808 E. Irving Blvd. Monday - Friday 11-3

972-704-6572Metroplex Glass Club

Every 2nd TuesdayAt Oak Haven UMC

1600 N. Irving HeightsSaturday Singles

Lunch Bunch 1st & 3rd Saturdays

469-348-5023Sticks and Strings

Community Knitting GroupFirst and third Tuesdays

2:00-4:00 pmSouth Irving Library

Second floor boardroom Creating useful items for local charities

Beginners and Crocheters welcomewww.sticksandstrings.org

TOPS TX #58, IrvingThursday at 9:30 a.m.

Berean Memorial Church1000 E. 6th Street

VFW Post 2494 IRVINGPost Meeting – 1st Thursday at 7pm

Ladies’ Auxiliary -1st & 3rd

Wed at 7pmMen’s Auxiliary – 4th Wed at 7pmJunior Girls – 2nd Sun at 12:30pm

3375 Belt Line RdWidowed Persons Service

Every Saturday @ 8:30 a.m.at Wonderful World of Cooking

Karen – 972-986-4056

CLUBS

* It was noted 20th-century British dys-topian author George Orwell who made the following sage observation: “The na-tionalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them.”

* According to the World Health Organi-zation, the United States ranks 48th in the world in alcohol consumption per capita, with the average adult drinking the equiv-alent nearly 2.5 gallons of pure, undiluted alcohol per year. You might be surprised to learn that Russia didn’t top the list; Moldo-va and Lithuania beat out the Russians, and

Belarus scored the world’s biggest drinkers, with the average adult consuming a whopping 4.6 gallons annually.

* Actors Kevin Spacey and Val Kilmer were classmates in high school.

* In a 2014 survey conducted by Nutrisystem, 32 percent of re-spondents said that they hadn’t worn a bathing suit in public in the past five years, 20 percent said it had been 10 or more years, and 5 percent said they had never worn a swimsuit in public.

* In ancient Egypt, there was a ban on the export of cats, which, by the law of supply and demand, increased the value of the pets in the rest of the known world. This situation was an irresistible in-vitation to smugglers, of course; once Phoenician sailors managed to surreptitiously bring some felines to buyers around the Mediter-ranean, breeders took over and ruined the business.

* The vast nation of Canada got its name from the Iroquois word “Kanata,” which means “village.

1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the 20th-century novel ÒThe Sea WolfÓ?

2. GEOGRAPHY: The island of Bali is province of what nation?3. HISTORY: Which was the only American colony not represent-

ed at the first Continental Congress of 1774?4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is the Mount Palomar Obser-

vatory?5. BIBLE: What Bible verse begins with the words: ÒThe Lord is

my shepherd ... Ó?6. PERSONALITIES: What is Tiger WoodsÕ real first name?7. MEASUREMENTS: How many square inches are in a square

foot?8. INVENTIONS: Who is credited with inventing potato chips? 9. LANGUAGE: What kind of animal does the adjective Òpor-

cineÓ refer to?

Answers1. Jack London2. Indonesia3. Georgia 4. California5. Psalm 236. Eldrick7. 1448. George Crum9. Pigs

Page 6 August 08, 2015 www.RamblerNewspapers.com

Claude P. Reynolds

Claude P. Reynolds, age 85, a resident of Irving since 1968, died Monday, August 3, 2015 at a local care center. Born May 15, 1930 in Farmer-ville, Louisiana, he was the son of the

late Perry A. Reynolds and Eloise E. Pritchard Reynolds. He graduat-ed from Louisiana State University where he was active with the Delta Chi Fraternity. He married Maria E Lorber in Germany in 1954. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1972. He had received the Army Commenda-tion Medal, the Armed Forces Expe-ditionary Medal, Armed Forces Re-serve Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He worked for the United States Food and Drug Administra-tion as an investigator for 20 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Oak Haven United Methodist Church, and the Mercedes Benz Club. Preceded in death by his par-ents, a sister, Alice Clark, and by his wife, Maria E. Reynolds April 22, 2013, he is survived by his daughter, Petra Ahrens and grandsons, Blake and Trevor Ahrens, all of Flower Mound. Visitation was Thursday at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home in Irving. Service was 1pm Friday in the funeral home chapel. Buri-al with military honors followed at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

arrangements bydonnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home

972-579-1313

GeRald stavely

Gerald Stavely, a 50 year resident and well known business owner of Irving, passed away August 1, 2015. He was born February 9, 1936 in Trenton, Tennessee to Lew-is Lee and Frankie

Marie Stavely. Gerald was initially a farmer in Tennessee, owning two

farms by the age of 21. He moved to Irving in 1966 to learn the dry clean-ing business where he owned and operated Gerald Stavely Martinizing for 50 years. He obtained a “Master Franchise” with One Hour Marti-nizing, ultimately owning twelve dry cleaning locations and three laundry facilities. In 2003, Gerald teamed with Phil Cates to pass the Texas Dry Cleaner Remediation Bill. This legislation established a cleanup program that greatly benefitted all dry cleaners in Texas. With Gerald’s continued gentle shepherding, the program enjoyed wide support from the Texas dry cleaner industry and became a model for remediation programs in other states. In 2007, Martin Franchises presented him with the lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the dryclean-ing industry, and the International Fabricare Institute presented him the IFI Meritorious Service Award. Ger-ald was a man of integrity who was known for his generosity to the com-munity and to his valued employees. Treat others as you would want to be treated; that was Gerald’s way. He built many personal and professional relationships based on this belief. He generously supported, both financial-ly and with free giving of his time, to many organizations including: Irving Hospital Foundation and the foundation’s annual Texas-Fest fund-raiser; the Irving Arts Center; the Cultural Affairs Council of Irving, the YWCA, Irving Heart Association, Boy Scouts of America, the Irving Community Television Network’s weekly showing of the Irving High School football games. In addition, he and his wife Joyce opened their home to the Irving Bar Association, the Christmas in August event for Irving CARES, guests from Irving’s two sister cities and the Irving Ro-tary Club. He also served on several boards of directors and as chairman or as committee chairman for YWCA, the Irving Chamber of Commerce, the Irving Heart Association, various bank boards, the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Infant Intervention Center of Irving. He was named Businessman of the Year by the Irving Rotary Club; was former president of Irving AMBUCS who

twice named him Citizen of the Year. Gerald was an enthusiastic traveler, having traveled to more than 30 countries with family and friends. He believed travel was an extended form of education. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Coleman. Left to carry on his legacy are his wife Joyce Stavely of Irving; daughters Debra Stavely Reed of Milan, TN; Janice Stavely Knott and husband Bob of Milan, TN; son Tony Glynn Stavely and wife Cristy of Ath-ens, TX; step-daughter Pam Darcy Radziszewski and husband Ray of Vadnais Heights, MN; step-son Joe Darcy and wife Robin of Coppell, TX; grandchildren Marcus Priddy of Smyrna, TN; Jessica Knott White of Milan, TN; Jason Radziszewski of Beaver Dam, WI; Jessica Radzisze-wski of Vadnais Heights, MN and Austin Darcy of Coppell, TX, and two great grandchildren. The family received friends from 5:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday August 5, 2015 at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 1:30 PM on Thursday August 6, 2015 at Oak View Baptist Church, 1004 S. Story Road, Irving, TX and Rev. Wallace Philpot officiated. Interment followed at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving. The family is re-questing memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org and the DFW Animal Shelter of Irving, 4140 Valley View Lane, Irving, TX 75038 or DFWhumane.com.

arrangements byBrown’s Memorial Funeral Home

972-254-4242

RiCHaRd l. HolMes

Richard L. Holmes, age 85, a resi-dent of Irving since 1963, died Satur-day, August 1, 2015 at his home. Born March 15, 1930 in Dade County, Mis-souri, he was the son of the late Al-

bert R. Holmes and Grace G. Fort-ner Holmes. He grew up in Missouri and California. He graduated from high school in Miller, Missouri and

OBITUARIESDEATH NOTICES

arrangements byChism-smith Funeral Home

972-259-7644

William Edward BarrowsNov. 30, 1923 - Jul. 31, 2015

Catalina PuentesMay 7, 1962 - Aug. 6, 2015

Michael Scott HernandezJun. 6, 1981 - Aug. 2, 2015

Barbara Jo MeadowsJan. 24, 1947 - Aug. 3, 2015

Geordie Lee WhisenhuntSep. 28, 1956 - Jul. 31, 2015

Lira AlarconJan. 16, 1928 - Aug. 2, 2015

Carol Ann HerringtonSep. 8, 1944 - Aug. 4, 2015

arrangements bydonnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home

972-579-1313

Charles M. “Charlie” McKinneyOct. 24, 1918 - Aug. 1, 2015

Jimmy Ray GreenJun. 28, 1952 - Aug. 3, 2015

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attended Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He married Sandra Kay Peter Holmes Septem-ber 16, 1962 in Saint Louis, Mis-souri. He worked as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration for 26 years and for Meisel Digital in commercial adver-tising for 23 years, retiring in 2000. He was a volunteer for the C.R. Smith Air Museum. He was a mem-ber of Mater Dei Catholic Church in Irving and the Knights of Columbus. Preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jerry Holmes, and his wife Sandy, March 11, 2014, he is sur-vived by a sister, Elizabeth Henry and her husband Ken of Veneta, Or-egon; nephews Scott Holmes, Brett Holmes and Jeff Mallory; niece, Julie Mallory Ott; former exchange students whom he considered his family, Morten Hagen, Christian Weis Hojfeldt, and Eivinn Ueland and close friends, Rita Pilgrim, Heather Pilgrim Zarkivach and hus-band Steve, and their son, Matthew. Rosary was 7:30pm Thursday, Au-gust 6 at Donnelly’s Colonial Funer-al Home Chapel in Irving. Requiem Mass was 10am Friday at Mater Dei Catholic Church in Irving. Entomb-ment followed at Calvary Hill Ceme-tery in Dallas.

arrangements bydonnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home

972-579-1313

AUSTIN – The Texas Water De-velopment Board (TWDB) recently approved approximately $3.9 bil-lion in financial assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). The inaugural round of SWIFT financing will be distributed to 21 applicants for ap-proximately $1 billion in projects in the first year and approximately $3.9 billion total over the next de-cade.

“Being able to finance projects through SWIFT is a major step to-ward achieving the goal of securing Texas’ long-term water supplies,” TWDB Chairman Bech Bruun said. “The projects selected to receive SWIFT financing will help ensure that Texans have sustainable and reliable water sources for decades to come.”

The types of projects approved in-clude transmission pipelines, canal

By Teri Webster A bit of mystery surrounds Veri-

zon’s switch facility.Citing security reasons, Verizon

restricts public statements about where the facility is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. But it has been there since 2007 on a 17-acre gated property.

No customer data is archived at the center, Tim Tripp, Director of Network Operations for the Cen-tral Texas region, said during a recent tour of the switch facility. Instead, the 34,000-square-foot facility houses staff and equipment that help maintain and support Ver-izon’s wireless network.

The area switch station is one of three in the region and about five in the state.

Inside a control room, technicians monitor large computer screens that scroll through data from equipment

Verizon facility supports wireless networksensors. If signs of a malfunction appear, a process of evaluation and trouble-shooting begins. If neces-sary, repair crews are dispatched. After hours, the monitoring switch-es over to another location.

Racks of computer servers in the switch room handle the data passing over Verizon’s wireless networks. Close-up photography of the serv-ers is prohibited as it could possibly tip-off hackers and others as to the type of equipment being used. Large backup generators and fuel tanks are available for backup should any portion of the network experience a power outage.

Especially during the summer, Verizon can take its portable wire-less network on the road to provide coverage and additional support during large events. For example, portable cell trucks called COLTs (cell on light truck) were brought

out to support a race in April at the Fort Worth Texas Motor Speedway that had more than 150,000 people in attendance.

“Race car fans are power users of wireless technology, especially before, during and after the race,” Lee Maschmann, executive director of Network for Central Texas at Ver-izon Wireless, said in a written state-ment. “They need to use data to look up driver statistics and highlights on their devices, or share pictures and videos. At events such as this, we maximize capacity to support the in-creased weekend usage for not only the fans, but for the drivers and their teams. We want everyone to have a winning experience.”

COLTs can also be used when severe weather or natural disasters strike, to boost coverage for resi-dents and emergency crews in an affected area.

TWDB approves billions in SWIFT inaugural financial assistance

linings, capacity expansions, sea-water desalination, leak detection systems, water meter replacements, and reservoirs.

“One of those projects, Lake Ralph Hall, is the first reservoir per-mitted by the State of Texas since 1985 and an important water supply strategy for North Texas,” TWDB Board member Carlos Rubinstein said.

SWIFT was established by the Texas Legislature and voters in 2013 to fund projects in the state water plan. SWIFT was created through the transfer of a one-time, $2 billion appropriation from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The $2 billion will be leveraged with revenue bonds over the next 50 years to finance approx-imately $27 billion in water supply projects.

“We took the legislature and vot-ers of Texas very seriously when

they put their confidence in us to manage SWIFT,” said TWDB Board member Kathleen Jackson. Projects selected for SWIFT financial assis-tance are the following:

$300,000,000 to the Coastal Wa-ter Authority (Harris County) for an interbasin transfer project

$296,125,000 to the City of Hous-ton (Harris County) for a water sup-ply project

$953,405,000 to the North Har-ris County Regional Water Author-ity (Harris County) for a water sup-ply project

$41,630,000 to the Central Har-ris County Regional Water Author-ity (Harris County) for a water sup-ply project

$812,140,000 to the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (Harris County) for a water supply

See SWIFT, Page 8

Page 7August 08, 2015www.RamblerNewspapers.com

UNITY CHURCH

Unity of IrvingSunday Morning Ser-vices:

9:30 AM Adult Class11:00 AM Service

& Children’s ChurchReverend Frank Pounders

and Reverend Margaret Pounders210 Virginia St., Irving, Texas 75061

972-253-5083unitychurchofirving.com

Heart of Worship Baptist2201 W. Shady Grove Rd

howbc.orgWorship 9 amS. S. 10:30 am

Pastor Mike Blalock214-864-0635

BAPTISTFirst United Methodist Church 211 W. Third, 75060

972-253-3531 www.fumcirving.orgSunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.in the Sanctuary

6:30 p.m. in the Chapel

Oak HavenUnited Methodist Church

1600 N. Irving Heights 75061972.438.1431

www.oakhavenumc.orgSunday School 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.mMinisterio Hispano NISSIEstudio Biblico 1:00 p.m.

Servicio Adoracion 2:00 p.m.

UNITED METHODIST

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

First Church of Christ, Scientist2250 W Pioneer Dr., Irving, 75061

972-253-7202www.ChristianScienceIrving.comSunday & Sunday School 10 am

Wednesday 7:30 pmReading Room Mon-Sat 10am-1pmDial in to services: 1-857-232-0476

access code 884879For inspiring programs 24/7 call:214-His-Work (214-447-9675)

WORSHIP

WORSHIP ADSTo list your house of worship in the Rambler, please contact Laurie at 972-870-1992 or Laurier@ramblernewspapers.net

LUTHERAN

Good ShepherdLutheran Church

2620 West Grauwyler Rd.Irving, TX 75061972-790-2121

www.gslcirving.comSunday Worship Service 9:00AMRally Day September 13, 2015

Pastor Bradley T. Carroll

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Belt Line RoadChurch of Christ

1202 N. Belt Line Rd., Irving, TX 750611st Century Christianity in the 21st Century

Sunday Bible Classes 9 a.m.Sunday Worship 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday Worship 7:30 p.m.972-790-8606

www.BeltLineChurch.com

Rev. Sara Hardaway,

munity, the families and kids, not only of Irving, but the surrounding Metroplex,” Bazley said. “It’s been a great turnout; all the kids seem like they’re enjoying themselves. We hope to do this for many years to come.”

Jakhyre Jackson, 9, came out to compete with his friends and ex-pects to compete next year with plans to do even better.

“I was throwing the football with my friend, and I came out here and competed. I tried to kick it and pass it as far as I could, but I didn’t do as good as I could,” Jakhyre said. “I could do better.

“It was fun to do the punt, pass and kick and doing all of it with my friends, because I play in select league. I play running back, quarter-back and wide receiver; I do it all,” he said.

“Jakhyre is in one of our prime age groups that we try to get out

CompetitionContinued from Page 1

here, because then we get to see him come back out here for several years,” Officer Robert Reeves said.

“This is a community outreach event that the police department has put on. This gives the kids an oppor-tunity to come out and interact with police officers in a positive manner; sometimes we don’t always get that. They’ll see us making traffic stops or writing tickets, so we like to do these kinds of events to remind them that we’re the good guys, we’re not the bad guys, especially with everything that’s been going on in the news.”

This year’s event resulted in over 100 preregistered participants, in addition to several families regis-tering at the start of the event, more than doubling last year’s participa-tion.

“Part of the goals for the Problem Solving Unit is to do community outreach programs to bring a sense of community back to certain neigh-

borhoods,” Reeves said. “We inten-tionally host this event in certain parts of the city, because we’re try-ing to reach out to areas where there are a lot of calls for services because we want to do something positive for them.

“Even our police chief comes out to the event. He throws the football with a bunch of kids. It’s kind of fun-ny that most people don’t normally get to interact with the police chief, and we’ve got him out here throw-ing the football with 100 kids. They have no idea who they’re throwing the football with, then it’s funny to see when they figure out who he is.

“Most of us are out here on a vol-unteer basis, because we all have a passion for giving back to the com-munity, especially with the kids, so we like to see them come out and have a good times, especially right before school starts back up,” he said.

During the NFL and Play 60’s annual Pass, Punt and Kick competition, hosted by the Irving Police Department’s Problem Solving Unit, Officer Jeff Mitchell explains to a participant that the strategy for the highest possible score is distance and accuracy. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

Page 8 August 08, 2015 www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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In her Harry Potter uniform, teen services librarian Danyelle Barber enjoys a snack with Kathryn Harrelson at the West Irving Library. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

roes, but I chose villains because the Joker is my favorite villain,” Garcia said. “I’ve been to a lot of the Un-mask activities; last week I went to the Unmask panel at the cen-tral library, it was really good. I got my book signed, so it is really fun, and yesterday I went to the Friday Nights at the Library and watched Man of Steel (2013).”

The book lover that she is, Gar-cia took on the summer reading challenge without difficulty, read-ing over 40 books. For young adult readers, she recommends Heart of Betrayal by Mary Pearson, P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han and the Vi-rals series by Kathy Reichs.

“They’re a lot of fun,” she said. “Every time I go to the library I could stay there for hours and read or just hang out with my friends, because I feel like it’s a really safe environment where I can just relax.”

Following a summer packed with learning, reading, technology and superheroes, West Irving Library’s Lindsey Hicks reflects on the sum-mer reading challenge as a whole.

“We did a bunch of superhero themed stuff this summer, so we had different events like superhero jeop-ardy, crafts with capes and masks and Doctor Who bingo,” Hicks said. “It was really cool. I think a lot of the kids liked it because of the movies out right now like the Avengers and

stuff, so they’re all pretty into the su-perhero stuff.

“I think the kids, especially the teens, were more active this year. We had a lot of kids turning in their logs this summer, reading a lot of books, so it was great to see that over the last few years there has been a lot more participation,” she said.

Irving parents seemed to enjoy the library’s programs just as much as their kids.

“The parents really like that the kids have programs to come to, because they’re home all summer while school is out,” Hicks said. “The parents said they like that we’ve had all these opportunities for the kids to read and win prizes and come to a variety of programs.

The recipe for success according to Hicks is simple.

“I think we just do stuff that the kids like. We choose things that are relatable like the superheroes. For the younger kids, we’ve done animal programs to engage them and get them interested in coming to the li-brary,” she said.

Hicks also praised the libraries’ staff and their ability to coordinate and support each other.

“Danyelle [Barber] has been real-ly involved,” Hicks said. “She’s been good at planning all of this stuff and finding cool things that the kids would like to do.”

LibraryContinued from Page 1

AlbumContinued from Page 1

Leti De La Vega’s music is showcased locally and at Cafe Hornito’s in Austin. She is also a recording artist with Deep South Productions in Austin.

In addition to her music, she is working on a book that traces 300 years of Texas history. The story

is told through the lens of genera-tions of ancestors who were cattle ranchers and helped develop ar-eas near the Mexico-Texas border and the Rio Grande Valley.

Much of the family’s music also tells of the family history and the history of Texas.

Teachers get 10% offTeachers can also enter for a chance to win Office Depot gift cards! Must show ID for discount.Offer valid Monday 8/10 - Friday 8/14(Irving location only)

Serving Irving for over 45 years

project $555,845,000 to the North Fort

Bend Water Authority (Fort Bend County) for a water supply project

$50,000,000 to the El Paso Wa-ter Utilities Public Service Board (El Paso County) for a land acquisition project

$705,000 to the City of Marfa (Presidio County) for a water well project

$1,210,000 to the Greater Texo-ma Utility Authority on behalf of the City of Tom Bean (Grayson County) for a water supply project

$27,640,000 to the Lone Star Re-gional Water Authority (Williamson and Bell counties) for a water supply project

$17,100,000 to the Palo Pinto County Municipal Water District No. 1 (Erath, Hood, Palo Pinto, and Parker counties) for a reservoir proj-ect

$90,000,000 to the City of Bed-ford (Tarrant County) for water sys-tem and water meter improvements

$82,105,000 to the North Texas Municipal Water District (Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Dallas, Kaufman, Ellis, Rains, Fannin, and Denton counties) for a reservoir project: The District proposes to build the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir to offset the projected water supply shortag-es in the District’s service area. The reservoir would yield 126,000 acre-feet per year and provide an addi-tional water supply for the District. The assistance approved today will allow the District to finance acquisi-tion activities and construction costs for additional land mitigation.

$440,000,000 to the Tarrant Re-

gional Water District (Jack, Wise, Parker, Tarrant, Johnson, Ellis, Na-varro, Henderson, Kaufman, Free-stone, Denton, Dallas, Collin, and Rockwall counties) for a water sup-ply project: Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) have been working for several years on an integrated water project known as the Integrat-ed Pipeline Project (IPL). The IPL will allow the two water providers to meet the growing water demands through a joint regional approach. The assistance approved today will allow TRWD and DWU to complete segments of the IPL. When the IPL is complete, it will provide an addi-tional 350 million gallons per day to the two providers.

$44,680,000 to the Upper Trin-ity Regional Water District (Fan-nin, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, and Wise counties) for a reservoir project: The Lake Ralph Hall Reservoir is the first new reser-voir permitted by the state of Texas since 1985. The reservoir will create a new water supply for the District’s growing service area and is expect-ed to yield approximately 30 million gallons per day. The assistance ap-proved by the TWDB will allow the District to finalize the permitting process, begin design work, and purchase land for the project.

$55,000,000 to the Canyon Re-gional Water Authority (Guadalupe, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Hays, and Wilson counties) for a water supply project

$76,000,000 to the City of Fort Worth (Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise counties) for an

advanced metering system $8,000,000 to the Guada-

lupe-Blanco River Authority (De-Witt, Victoria, Calhoun, Refugio, Gonzales, Caldwell, Hays, Comal, Guadalupe, and Kendall counties) for a seawater desalination project

$12,500,000 to the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency (Hays, Cald-well, Comal, and Guadalupe coun-ties) for a water supply project

$28,300,000 to the Brazosport Water Authority (Brazoria County) for a brackish groundwater project

$7,100,000 to the Hidalgo Coun-ty Irrigation District No. 1 (Hidalgo County) for an agricultural irriga-tion project

The TWDB anticipates closing loans for projects approved for SWIFT financing in fall 2015.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and dis-seminating water-related data, as-sisting with regional planning and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state’s water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.

SOURCE Texas Water Development Board

BW Collision Repair, Inc.208 Mavis l Irving TX

972-438-6766 l www.bwcollision.com

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