Irving News in Brief - March 31, 2011

Hug-a-Tree Walk: Learn about flora and fauna during a casual walk from 8 a.m. to noon April 2 at Mountain Creek Preserve Trail, 1000 E. Hunter Ferrell Road. For more information, call (972) 742-2296. Register for this event online.

Job Fair: Recruiters from local companies will meet with job seekers to discuss employment opportunities, collect resumes and schedule interviews from 1 to 4 p.m. April 7 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. For more information, call (972) 721-2326.

West Irving Library: The West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road, will have its grand opening and dedication from 10 a.m. to noon April 9. In celebration of the opening of Texas’ first LEED certified, net zero energy library, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the 25,000-square-foot facility and free children’s activities. For a sneak preview inside the facility, watch this ICTN video on YouTube.

Job Center Workshops: A series of free workshops will be provided to help residents learn the skills they need to find a job at 2 p.m. April 12-15 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/library.

Safe Living for Seniors: The Irving Police Department will provide senior residents advice on safe living during a free presentation at 10:30 a.m. April 13 at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. The presentation, Safer Senior Living, will cover topics ranging from identity theft and scams, to property crime and personal safety. All Irving seniors are welcome. For more information, call (972) 721-2496.

Free Cartooning Class: Youth, ages 8 and older, will learn how to create original cartoon characters using simple drawing techniques in a free basic cartooning class from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. April 14 at the East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road. To register or receive more information, call (972) 721-3722.

Lawn Care Class: Take part in an expert-led course, Lawn Care—How to Have the Best Lawn on the Block, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 14 at the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail. Students will discuss lawn care basics from turf selection to maintenance and irrigation techniques. For more information, call (972) 742-2296. Register for this class online.

PoochFest: Irving’s signature animal fun day, PoochFest, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16 at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. Pet contests, pet food vendors, rescue groups and door prizes are all part of this pooch friendly event. Participant cost for the contests is $10 per pet and registration is required. Spectator admission is free. For more information about the event or registration, call (972) 721-2496.

Water Conservation Class: The free class, Water Conservation: In and Around the Home, will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon April 23 at the Valley View Municipal Complex, 333 Valley View Lane. Students will learn how to recognize and address wasteful water habits in and around the home. Participants also will learn about drought tolerant plant species for their landscapes. For more information, call (972) 742-2296. Register for this class online.

Backyard Composting Class: A Backyard Composting Class will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. April 28 at the Max G. Greiner Environmental Center, located on the southeast corner of Conflans and Gilbert roads. Attendees will learn how to compost using the hot and cold methods. Students also will learn about the benefits of compost and applications in gardening, and will discuss types of materials to use in building a compost pile and troubleshooting composting problems. For more information, call (972) 742-2296. Register for this class online.

Community Meeting: The Heritage Crossing Communications Committee will host a community information meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 28 at Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. Following a presentation on the redevelopment project, attendees will be able to ask questions and provide input. Residents and business owners who cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to provide input online.

Bookmark Design Contest: Entries for this year’s Design-a-Bookmark Contest are being accepted through April 30. The year’s theme is Irving: Then and Now. Submissions must be original artwork suitable for public display. Entry forms are available at all Irving libraries and recreation centers. View contest rules online.

Summer Camps: City recreation centers will offer five, two-week summer camp sessions beginning June 6 for children ages 6–12. Registration begins at 9 a.m. April 30. Cost is $190 for participating centers, except Cimarron Park Recreation Center, which includes lunch for $220. Contact the recreation center for other details.

Senior Aquatic Class: Arthur-cize: The Wellness Workout is held from 8:15 to 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Heritage Aquatic Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. This aquatic class offers a well-rounded workout in a fun format. Swimming ability is not necessary. This program is approved by the North Texas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Ages 50 and older are welcome. Cost is $20 per month or $2 per visit. For more information, call (972) 721-7310.

Cinco de Mayo Festival: Residents are invited to the annual Cinco de Mayo Multicultural Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 at Senter Park Recreation Center, 901 S. Senter Road. The event will feature health screenings and will emphasize wellness for the entire family. Participants will enjoy music, food, arts and crafts, games for children, Mexican folklórico and other cultural dances. For more information, call (972) 721-2641.

Spanish Town Hall Meeting: In conjunction with the annual Cinco de Mayo Multicultural Festival, Irving city leaders will host a Town Hall Meeting for Spanish speakers at 10 a.m. April 30 at Senter Park Recreation Center, 901 S. Senter Road. At the meeting, residents will learn about city projects and initiatives. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. For more information, call (972) 721-2533.