ALL ABOUT IRVING TEXAS

Pat OReilly Irving Real Estate Agent

November 13, 2009

Scholastic Book Fair: The Irving Public Library will hold a Scholastic Book Fair in the main lobby of the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., at the following dates and times.

Nov. 13-14 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Nov. 15 – 1 to 5 p.m. 

Choose from a wide range of adult and children’s books, Spanish-language materials and activity kits. Proceeds will benefit the library’s children’s collection. For details, call (972) 721-2606.

Streetscape along Las Colinas Boulevard in North Irving

Origami Program: The Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., will begin a monthly origami program on Nov. 14. The program will be offered on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. Call (972) 721-2606 for more information.

Home Chemical Collection Day: Celebrate Texas Recycles Day by properly disposing of leftover home chemicals at a free collection event sponsored by the city. Home Chemical Collection Day for Irving residents will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 on the northwest side of Irving Mall. Current driver’s license and a recent utility statement are required to show proof of residency. To view a complete list of items acceptable for disposal, go to www.cityofirving.org/begreen, find the “Events” tab on the left navigation bar and select “Home Chemical Collection Day.” Call (972) 721-8059.

Tree Care 101: There are many benefits to having trees in the community. They add beauty, environmental wellness, enhance neighborhoods and community, and increase property values. Tree Care 101 will teach participants about proper planting and pruning techniques, and long-term maintenance for trees to prevent disease and insect infestation. The class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen and click on “Educational Opportunities” to register or call (972) 721-2533.

Fall Crafts for Kids: Make fun, fall-themed crafts at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Northwest Branch Library, 2928 N. Belt Line Road. Supplies will be furnished and the program is open to all ages. For more information, call (972) 721-2691.

Proper grease, oil disposal: The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to grease buildup from homes and apartments. Help prevent costly sewer overflows by following a few simple steps.  

Do: 

• Put oil and grease in collection containers. 
• Remove oil and grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers, towels and brooms. 
• Keep grease out of wash water. 
• Place food scraps in collection containers.   

Do not:

• Pour oil and grease down drains. 
• Wash fryers, griddles, pots, pans or plates with water until oil and grease are removed. 
• Use hot water to rinse grease on surfaces. 
• Put food scraps down the drain.

For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.

Recycle used cooking oil: The proper disposal of fryer oil is essential. Once the oil is cool, carefully pour or scrape the oil into a container no larger than 5 gallons and apply a tight-fitting, screw-top lid. Call (972) 721-2232 for pick up. Free plastic funnels are available to residents to pour oil back into containers. There is a limit of one per household. Call (972) 721-2772. The used fryer oil will be recycled into biodiesel, an American-made fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel. Biodiesel also is safe, nontoxic and biodegradable. Every gallon of used fryer oil replaces a gallon of foreign crude oil. Frying oil accepted in the recycling effort includes vegetable, peanut, canola, sunflower and cottonseed oils. This does not include cooking grease such as lard or animal fats. For more information, call (972) 721-8059.

Office closings: City offices will be closed Nov. 26-27 for Thanksgiving. There will be no residential trash or brush collection on those days, nor will there be any curbside recycling service. City libraries will be closed Nov. 26-27, and all libraries close at 5 p.m. Nov. 25. Hunter Ferrell Landfill, located at 220 W. Hunter Ferrell Road, also will be closed Nov. 26-27. The city’s drop-off recycling centers will be closed Nov. 24-26, but will reopen Nov. 27. All city recreation centers and Heritage Aquatic Center will be closed Nov. 26-27. North Lake Aquatic Center will be closed Nov. 26-29. Irving Arts Center administration offices will be closed Nov. 26-27 and will reopen at its regular hours Nov. 30. The box office and galleries will be open for normal business hours Nov. 27.

Holiday Open House: Celebrate the Harlem Renaissance during a free holiday jingle and jazz event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Enjoy holiday crafts, ride the “A” Train in the Sculpture Garden, create greeting cards, take photos with Santa and snack on complimentary cookies. End the evening with The Souls of Our Feet: A Celebration of American Tap Dance, featuring Tapestry Dance and tap master Arthur Duncan from the “Lawrence Welk Show.” The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Extravaganza: Kick off the holiday season with the Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 5. The holiday parade will begin at 4 p.m. in the Heritage District, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Entertainment will include holiday music, food, fireworks and performances by local dance groups. For details, call (972) 721-2501.

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I specialize in residential Real Estate in Dallas Fort Worth. I have lived in Irving and now live in Coppell.There are great Homes For Sale in Dallas Fort Worth. My specialty is treating you the way you deserve to be treated. Selling and buying a house is very complicated.I know the process and will help you understand what is going on each step of the way. I take extra time to answer all your questions. You are not a number to me. I am in the Real estate business to create raving fans that will help me find others that need my service. If you deserve A Realtor or Real Estate Agent that treats you like a valued person and not a number call or email me. But only if you think you deserve it!!