City of Richardson, TX
12/02/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2022 16:44
Week in Review, Dec. 2, 2022
Dec. 2, 2022
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
Christmas Parade Rolls Down Plano Road Tomorrow Morning
Richardson's 50th annual Christmas Parade, this year entitled, "A Storybook Christmas," will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 beginning at 9 a.m. The parade route stretches along Plano Road from Richardson Square Mall to Apollo Road.
The public is invited to stand or sit along the parade route and enjoy marching bands, floats and of course, Santa Claus!
Website: www.cor.net/christmasparade
Christmas Parade Road Closures
Beginning at 8 a.m., Plano Road will be closed to both northbound and southbound traffic between Spring Valley Road and Columbia Drive for the 50th annual Christmas Parade. Belt Line Road will also be closed near its intersection with Plano Road.
Santa's Village Opens at New Location this Weekend
Santa's Village, Richardson's holiday "city within a city," will officially open Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. at Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd. Due to the Aug. 22 fire at City Hall, Santa's Village has a temporary home this year, with less open days but longer hours on the days it's open.
The FREE event will include many of Richardson Santa's Village time-treasured dwellings along with interactive activities in each; free photos with Santa; live entertainment; concessions for sale and free parking.
The village will be staffed and open during the following dates and times:
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Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11, 3-9 p.m.
The public is also welcome to stroll through the village Dec. 5-9 and Dec. 12-25 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (dwellings are closed but the twinkling lights will be on).
Website: www.cor.net/santasvillage
Help RPD through Video Crime Watch Program
If you plan to purchase a home or business video surveillance system prior to taking a holiday vacation, consider registering your system with the Richardson Police Department's Video Crime Watch Program. Since 2013, the program has enabled participants, which now number more than 600, to share with the police department that their property has security cameras. Following an incident, RPD may contact enrolled participants willing to share footage that may help solve a crime. Residents and businesses take part by signing up online.
Note that the program does not access cameras-it can't pull video, images or audio. No user credentials are collected and no direct access is given to law enforcement. Instead, the database serves as a list of residents who might be of service and willing to share footage as needed. If a crime is committed, police may use the database to determine if any participating residents or businesses were nearby and might have caught evidence on their systems.
Website: www.cor.net/videocrimewatch.
Be Safety Conscious with Holiday Packages
Whether shopping in person or online, the Richardson Police Department has some advice to help you have a crime-free holiday season:
1. Don't leave shopping bags/valuables in your vehicle, especially in plain sight. "Smash-and-grab" crimes of opportunity are commonplace and even more prevalent during the holiday season.
2. If buying or selling through a local online marketplace such as Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace, a good place to complete your transaction is the RPD's Exchange Zone, located on the southeast side of the visitor parking lot at police headquarters, 200 N. Greenville Ave. The zone is under 24/7 video surveillance and has access to an emergency call button.
3. If ordering packages to be delivered to your home, sign up for delivery alerts.
4. Have orders delivered to different locations like to your job, a local store, a P.O. Box or a self-service locker.
5. Take advantage of Richardson's annual large box recycling program, so large product packaging isn't left out for trash/recycling near your home, which can "advertise" your recent purchases. Large box drop-off begins Dec. 17.
Website: Box and Tree Recycling | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
Contact: RPD Community Relations Unit, 972-744-4955
One Week Left for Annual Toy Drive
The Richardson Fire Department is conducting its annual toy drive through Dec. 12 to help local families in need that are clients of Network of Community Ministries. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are being accepted, as well as teen gifts.
Look for collection boxes at: all Richardson Fire Stations, the Service Center, Library, The IQ® HQ and Municipal Court-drop off items during regular business hours.
Note: Please do not donate wheeled toys such as bicycles, scooters, wagons, skates or tricycles.
More information: 972-744-5750
Website: To make a financial donation, visit https://thenetwork.org/donate-today/
Longtime RWC Facilities Manager Honored for Service
The Richardson Woman's Club (RWC) honored Wilfried van Beesel Thursday for 20 years of service as the Club's Facilities Manager. Van Beesel, a City of Richardson employee, lives on the grounds of the RWC estate and makes sure the buildings and landscaping are in continual, top-notch shape. The estate features a restored home-turned-clubhouse, a larger Founder's Hall and several outdoor spaces, all leased to the public for weddings and other special events. In addition, the RWC hosts its meetings there and several annual open-to-the-public fundraising events.
Originally part of the City's land acquisition that created Sherrill Park Golf Course, the City chose to honor the women of Richardson in 1969 by giving exclusive leasing rights to RWC, which has been in existence since 1955. All net proceeds from the group's fundraisers as well as from facilities rental support scholarships for RISD students and benefit several area nonprofits.
Lane Closures Expected North of Jupiter/Belt Line
The right and center lanes of northbound Jupiter Road between Belt Line Road and Apollo Road may be closed to traffic at all times from 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 while emergency utility work takes place. A message board has been installed at the Belt Line/Jupiter intersection to inform the public. In addition, the right lane of northbound Jupiter Road at Apollo Road between Plymouth Rock Drive and Cornell Drive may be closed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily for concrete repair, through early December.
"Letter from Santa" Registration Ends Dec. 7
Children of all ages can receive a personalized letter from Santa via the City's "Letter from Santa" program. Each letter is addressed specifically to the individual and sent on special stationery.
Cost per letter is $5. (Sign up on the form found on page two of the Winter Recreation Guide.) No registrations will be taken after Dec. 7 to ensure delivery before Christmas Eve.
The IQ® Brew Dec. 8
In-person at The IQ® HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd. (This IQ® Brew will not have a virtual option.)
Admission: Free (register here)
Thursday, Dec. 8
8:30-10 a.m.
The latest installment of The IQ® Brew features Essama Omgba, a Supervisory Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the Texas Regional Office in Dallas. Come learn about the USPTO and how it can benefit your business!
The IQ® Brew is an ongoing educational series hosted by the City's Economic Development Department and Richardson Chamber of Commerce that features coffee and networking time followed by short presentations from entrepreneurs, small businesses, innovation ecosystem builders and subject-matter experts.
900 Civic Center Dr., 75080
Free Peek at "The Nutcracker" Dec. 3
Basement Program Room
Admission: Free ticket required; pick up tickets starting at 2:30 p.m. the day of the event at the Youth Services Desk. Attendees must choose one performance. Saturday, Dec. 3
Performance 1: 3:30-4 p.m.
Performance 2: 4:30-5 p.m.
The Tuzer Ballet Company will perform excerpts from the classic holiday ballet, "The Nutcracker." Open to all ages.
Lunchtime Lecture Dec. 6: "Switzerland"
Basement Program Room
Admission: Free
Tuesday, Dec. 6
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Richard Cudlipp discusses the culture, politics and economics of Switzerland along with an overview of its 2,000-year history. Also included are tips for travelers planning to visit there such as how to get around and must-see sights.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. The presentation is open to adults only.
At The Eisemann Center:
Vocal Majority's "Blue Suede Christmas" Continues Tonight, Sunday
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $22-$72 (Tickets)
Dec. 2 and Dec. 4
7:30 p.m. each night with an additional 2 p.m. matinee Sunday
The Vocal Majority presents "VM Las Vegas-A Blue Suede Christmas," transporting the audience to the entertainment capital of the world for a fun journey of harmony, smiles, and memories. Act 1 features treasured Vegas icons such as "Elfis" Presley while Act 2 includes Christmas classics.
Royale Ballet Dance Academy Presents "The Nutcracker Dec. 3-4
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $28 (Tickets)
Dec. 3-4
2 and 7 p.m.
Royale Ballet Dance Academy proudly presents its 19th annual performance of Clara's magical journey, as her dream takes flight from the suspense of the battle scene, into the wonder of the Winter Forest and the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The show is suitable for all ages.
Richardson Symphony Orchestra Presents "Holiday Classics" Dec. 3
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $20-$80 (Tickets)
Saturday, Dec. 3
8 p.m.
The Richardson Symphony Orchestra joins with the First United Methodist Church Richardson Chancel Choir to ring in the holidays with timeless carols and cherished melodies that call to mind sugar plums, reindeer and snowmen.
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to Eisemann Center events are available at the Eisemann Center Ticket Office.
Call: 972-744-4650
Website: www.eisemanncenter.com
At UT Dallas:
Musica Nova Winter Concert Tonight
University Theatre
Admission: Free
Friday, Dec. 2
7:30 p.m.
Students from the University's Advanced Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensemble perform selections from Bach, Vivaldi and Schumann along with UT Dallas faculty and other professional musicians under the direction of composer-conductor Robert Xavier Rodríguez. Click here for more information.
RISD:
Berkner High School Orchestra Winter Concert Dec 6
L.V. Berkner High School Auditorium, 1600 E. Spring Valley Rd.
Admission: Free
Tuesday, Dec. 6
7 p.m.
Featuring holiday favorites performed by students from Berkner High School as well as Liberty Junior High and Apollo Junior High.
Pearce Bands Winter Concert Dec. 8
Richardson High School Auditorium, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd.
Admission: Free
Thursday, Dec. 8
7 p.m.
Bands and ensembles from J.J. Pearce High School as well as students from North Junior High and Parkhill Junior High bands perform.
Cooking Oil/Grease Collection Continues through Dec. 5
551 N. Plano Rd.
Cost: Free
Through Dec. 5. Open 24/7
Thanksgiving cooking oil and grease can be dropped off at the City's temporary oil/grease drop-off site, near the southwest corner of Plano Road and Columbia Drive. Closed container(s) holding the leftovers can be placed in the designated collection bins, where it will be recycled. (DO NOT POUR oil/grease out.)
The City partners with Texas-based American BioSource to collect the oil/grease, which is recycled into biofuels such as biodiesel and biogas.
Website: www.DefendYourDrainsNorthTexas.com
Blue Recycling Bag Giveaway Schedule for December
Public Services staff will be out in the community on select afternoons in December handing out free blue recycling bags and spreading the word about the benefits of recycling. One free roll of blue bags will be given out at the events to Richardson households with proof of residency. Packets of wildflower seeds will also be given out while supplies last.
December Giveaway Dates:
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Mondays
Dec. 5, 12, 19
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Walgreens, 4201 E. Renner Rd.
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Tuesdays
Dec. 6, 20, 27
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Dollar Tree, 1750 E. Belt Line Rd.
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Wednesdays
Dec. 14
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Dollar Tree, 1750 E. Belt Line Rd.
Dec. 28
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Walgreens, 4201 E. Renner Rd.
Website: www.cor.net/bluebag
GIS Analyst ($62,604-$97,464 Salary)
The GIS department is looking for an individual with knowledge of statistical and geographic analytical techniques who can provide decision support analysis, create mapping products, analyze and perform quality checks on all GIS data, and perform other related work as required.
Gymnastics Coordinator ($42,888-63,156 Salary)
The Gymnastics Center is currently looking for individual who will lead the facilitation and instruction of gymnastics programs. Must have instructor experience and a gymnastics or cheer tumbling background.
Heavy Equipment Operator ($44,568-58,980 Salary)
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Driver's License will be required or obtained within 6 months.
For other job opportunities, visit www.cor.net/jobs
Pet of the Week
For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's web page here.
City Council Links
Council Members
Meeting Agendas and Documents
Videos
To read previous Week in Reviews,
visit www.cor.net/WIR.