THE BEACON, APRIL 2008

2008 UNIVERSITY HILLS SPRING FLING

Saturday, May 10, 5 to 8 pm, is the date set for Spring Fling, the annual University Hills celebration. For those who have not participated before, there is typically a live band, food and drink, and organized play for the children. It is a good time to meet your neighbors and enjoy the festivities. Wingren Park is the usual location. Volunteers are sought for this event. If interested, contact Fred Odell, event co-chair, at 972 650 8035.

UNIVERSITY HILLS DIRECTORY

The 2008 University Hills residential directories are expected to be in your hands within the next two weeks.  Distribution will be through the Block Captain network.

YARD OF THE MONTH

The Yard of the Month for April 2008 is 321 Tampico, home of Harrell and Ireta Ellis.  Photos of yard of the month may be viewed by going to http://universityhills.net  . Click on HOME PAGE. Then click on 2008 April: 321 Tampico.

Winners of Yard of the Month receive a $50 gift certificate from Calloway's. Calloway's recommends creating an instant impact to your patio, porch, or flowerbed through use of containers with blooms and foliage for beautiful accents. Details on the "how to's" of this may be obtained from a visit to Calloway's.

IRVING ARTS CENTER SPRING FLING

The Irving Arts Center will host the 8th annual Spring Fling, a family art festival, on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. The theme is “Go Wild with Art,” and the free event will feature art projects, demonstrations by featured artists, two performance stages, a bounce house, food and much more.

 

The highlight of the event will be three performances by featured artist Richard Hight. During each performance Hight will create a 30-minute, large-scale masterpiece choreographed to high energy music. Other performances include Kinfolk, a 70s and today cover band; Fakie, sugar-metal band ranging in age from 9-14 years; Tyme Zone, a 50s and 60s cover band; dance numbers with Class Act Tap Company and Dana’s Dance Academy; interactive drumming and story telling; Snake Talk presentations by John Hunter, the snake man; and the Irving City Sparklers.

 

“Historically, Spring Fling has been a three hour event,” said Richard Huff, executive director of the Irving Arts Center. “This year we’ve expanded it into an all-day festival to include more activities, performances and visual arts opportunities for adults and children.”

 

In addition to performances, Spring Fling will feature free art projects such as weaving bookmarks, stone-carving with local artist Sandi Stein, jewelry and mask making and more. The art activities offer participants a preview of the Arts Center’s summer camp projects. Other activities include an instrument petting zoo with the Lone Star Youth Orchestra; an interactive snake booth where participants can meet and greet slithery friends; full-face exotic face painting; Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief trailer; shark attack bounce house; and balloon artists, jugglers and magicians.

 

Spring Fling will also be home to the Washington Irving trivia contest, “Irving Trivia – The City and the Man.” The preliminary round of the contest, celebrating City of Irving’s founder Washington Irving’s 225th birthday, will be held at the Arts Center during Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to Noon. For questions about the contest, contact 972-252-3838 or irvingheritagesociety@yahoo.com.

 

For more information on Spring Fling, visit www.irvingartscenter.com or call (972) 252-7558. The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, one mile north of 183, in Irving, Texas, 75062.

 

UNIVERSITY HILLS HAS A RESIDENT THESPIAN

 

Craig Boleman, University Hills resident, is currently onstage at the Irving Arts Center in a  production of Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest,

a murder mystery. The play runs through April 12 and is thoroughly enjoyable. The play puts one's sleuthing skills to the test.

IRVING TOWN HALL MEETING

The City of Irving is having a Town Hall Meeting to discuss city projects and initiatives. The next meeting is scheduled for April 8 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. From 6 to 7 there will be informational displays. From 7 to 8:30 pm there will be a presentation. The presentation will provide an update on key initiatives such as public safety, code enforcement, neighborhood improvements, and corridor enhancements. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. For more information, call the Corporate Communications Department at (972) 721-7600.

COYOTE ALERT

A coyote has been seen on occasion in the vicinity of Santa Clara. If you are a small pet owner, you might take appropriate precaution.

2007 INCOME TAX PREPARATION

This event is scheduled Monday and Thursday, 8 am through noon, February 4, 2008 through April 14, 2008. AARP tax aide counselors will be available at Heritage Senior Center in Room C to prepare 2007 income tax forms. An intake and interview form must be completed by the taxpayer before meeting with a counselor. These forms may be picked up in advance at the front desk at Heritage Sr. Center and completed at home. You will need to bring the following items with you to ensure an accurate return...

                         1. AARP Tax Aid intake and interview form, available at front desk

                         2. Last year's tax return

                         3. Valid picture ID

                         4. Copies of your W-2s, 1099 forms, proof of any income received by you or your spouse

                         5. Social security cards or ITTN cards or social security letters received by you, your spouse or any dependents

                         6. If you itemize, please have your information organized by categories

There is no charge for this service.

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