Rambler Newspaper

Readers’ Choice 2014

Rambler

NEWSPAPERS

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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ON THE COVER Beautiful parks make city a delightful home Centennial Park’s stone and steel pavilion situated on the eastern bank of the Delaware Creek offers visitors a place to rest or host picnics. The pavilion’s lit, 30-foot tower represents Irving’s bright future.

Centennial Park was dedicated Oct. 3, 2003 in celebration of Irving’s first 100 years. Statues of the city’s co-founders, J.O. Schulze and Otis Brown greet park visitors as they enter through the Arrival Plaza. Strolling through the park’s Founders Plaza, guests can learn Irving’s history by reading about the city’s significant milestones recorded on plaques displayed along the walls.

The park is divided by Delaware Creek, which feeds into the Trinity River downstream.

The City of Irving currently maintains 43 parks, which encompass over 2,000 acres of land. The Parks and Recreation Department also operates the Irving Veterans Memorial Park, Lively Skate Park, Irving Dog Park, Fritz Petting Farm, eight recreation centers, three aquatic centers, and two seasonal spray parks.

Photo by John Starkey

Y

ou the reader have judged our local resources, and your responses have been tallied.

The Rambler Newspapers printed surveys for its second annual Readers’ Choice and distributed them in the Rambler and made them available online. Readers had the opportunity to nominate their favorite local people, places and retailers for recognition,

Director Publisher Circulation Manager To reach an Advertising Representative, please call 972-870-1992.

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Reader’s Choice 2014

Stacey Starkey John Starkey Tammy Pompa

and you responded with enthusiasm. Without your participation, the Readers’ Choice Awards would not be possible.

Now, without further ado, the long awaited results have been compiled and published for your enjoyment.

As you shop and travel around the area, be certain to congratulate the Readers’ Choice Award winners for a job well done.

The entire contents of this publication are the sole property of Rambler Newspapers, with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

The Publication of views, as well as advertising, does not constitute endorsement. The Rambler reserves the right to reject or edit any advertising. The Rambler, its publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors in advertising.

Rambler Newspapers Reader’s Choice is published annually by Rambler Newspapers, 627 S. Rogers, Irving, TX 75060.

Rambler Newspapers Reader’s Choice is Copyrighted 2014.

Staff The R 2014 In the that t

Irving event notes Juneteenth, more events slated Staff Report The Irving Parks and Recreation Department has already participated in or sponsored several great events this year, with still more to come.

On June 21, the Irving Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the West Irving Improvement Association to host Irving’s Juneteenth Celebration at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center.

The event was a two-part historical celebration which focused on the date , June 19, 1865 when Texas learned that President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The event also was in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the West Irving Improvement Association.

The celebration commenced with a community march from the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center to the Shady-Oak Cemetery, where marchers joined in prayer and song to honor the memory of Irving natives. The opening ceremony featured charter members of West Irving Improvement Association providing oral histories about the organization’s establishment of a series of landmark accomplishments.

Irving City Councilman Dennis Webb, who resides in Bear Creek, provided a summary about the origins and the preservation of the Bear Creek Community. Webb referenced historical surveys and actions taken by the first black Irving councilwomen Jackie Townsell, who was an instrumental part of Bear Creek’s development.

Event vendors included the Irving-Carrolton branch of the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP), retail fashion vendors, COSTCO proving free water. In-N-Out Burger restaurant donated 1,000 free burger meals and drinks for all to enjoy. Main Stage entertainment featured a diverse assortment of live entertainment to include poetry reciting, gospel music, youth hip-hop artists and a 90-minute finale concert by All Funk Radio Show. The celebration concluded with the Bear Creek Horse Riders leading a community trail ride.

Also, the Irving Parks and Recreation Department earlier has helped to See PARKS AND REC, Page 10

Rambler wins 3 awards in TPA competition Staff Report The Rambler.has won three awards in the Texas Press Association (TPA) 2014 Better Newspaper Contest.

In the latest issue of Winning Circle, a TPA publication, it was announced that the Rambler won first place in feature writing and sports coverage, and

Entertainment Golf Course

1 - Las Colinas Country Club 2 - Twin Wells Golf Club 3 - Hackberry Creek Country

Club

Movie Theater

1 - Regal MacArthur

Marketplace 2 - AMC Irving Mall 3 - Starplex

third place in the feature photo competition.

In the Division 7 category, for medium to large weeklies, judges were impressed by features with headlines that read “Private urban wetland marred by city’s pollution” and “Breaking away – A brewer and a team of young filmmakers use beer to lift the taboo from prostate cancer.”

About sports coverage, one of the judges wrote, “Really diverse content.

Stood out from the rest of the field. I really liked that the entries were more than just game stories.”

John Starkey, publisher of the Rambler, said the Rambler has won honors in the state judging contests every year for the past several years.’

Mike Hodges, TPA executive director, said judges for this year’s competition were publishers of newspapers which belong to the New Mexico Press Association. He said publishers of newspapers which belong to the Texas Press Association will reciprocate by judging New Mexico newspapers later this year.

This year, 159 newspapers submitted 1,566 entries in the Texas Better Newspaper Contest. The contest is broken down into 10 divisions in which newspapers compete against papers of similar size.

This year, 103 weeklies entered, so there were 21 newspapers each in Divisions 6-8 and 20 newspapers in Divisions 9 and 10.

Local Arts Organization

1 - Irving Arts Center 2 - Lyric Stage 3 - Irving Art Association

Band

1 - Leo Hull & The Texas Blues

Machine 2 - Dave Tanner 2 - Moody Band

Landmark

1 - Mustangs - Las Colinas 2 - Millennium Plaza/Millenium

Fountain 2 - Big State Drug/Main Street

3 - Clock Tower @ Main Street

Non-Profit Organization

1 - Irving Cares 2 - Assistance League of

Coppell 3 - LaBuena Vida Foundation

Orchestra

1 - Irving Symphony Orchestra 2 - Lonestar Youth Orchestra 3 - Las Colinas Symphony

Orchestra

School Sports Team

1 - MacArthur Cardinals 2 - Irving Tigers 3 - Coppell Cowboys

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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City of Irving Ways to Stay Informed CITY

NEWS APR. 2014

EVENTS

UPDATES

City of Irving | 825 W. Irving Blvd. | Irving, TX 75060 | 972.721.2600 | cityofirving.org

EARLY VOTING FOR CITY COUNCIL SEATS Residents can vote early April 28–May 6 for the mayor’s seat and City Council Places 3 and 5. Early voting hours and locations are listed below. For the May 10 Election Day polling locations and other election details, visit cityofirving.org or call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493.

Early Voting Hours April 28–May 3 . . . . . . . .8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 to 6 p.m.

May 5–6 . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early Voting Locations • City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.

• Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

• Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail

EARTH DAY ECO-FILM FEST

Irving will host its annual Earth Day EcoFilm Fest from April 11–16. Earth Day is deeply rooted in a history of education.

Three venues have been selected to provide filmgoers an opportunity to see films that focus on issues such as food, water, natural resources and everyday people with a vision of making a difference. Free event.

For details about Irving’s 2014 Eco-Film Fest including films, showing times and locations, visit cityofirving.org/begreen.

For more information, call (972) 721-2355.

DOCUMENT SHREDDING

Shredding documents to safeguard from identity theft can be a costly service.

Residents are invited to a free shredding event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at 128 N. Briery Road. Shredding events provide residents with an opportunity to have sensitive documents properly destroyed and also offer residents an easy way to conserve resources by recycling paper. For more information, call (972) 721-8059.

CITYWIDE EGG HUNT

Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual Citywide Egg Hunt at 9:30 a.m.

April 19 at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. Admission is free. Kids will enjoy a morning of fun and special treats.

The Citywide Egg Hunt features bounce houses, music, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and egg hunts for children ages 3–10. For more information, call (972) 721-2501.

This year’s event will focus on cleaning up the Trinity View Park. Details are as follows.

Visit keepirvingbeautiful.org or call (972) 721-2175 for more information or to volunteer.

SAFETY TIP

Egg hunt

City Briefs - Irving water customers receive this single-page publication every month with their utility bill. The insert provides details from various departments in an easy-to-read format.

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS TRASH-OFF/GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP

April 5 9 a.m. to noon 2298 E. 6th St.

Interact with Irving Online

All About Irving - Information on city events is distributed via the All About Irving email list. To subscribe, visit cityofirving.org and select “Sign up” on the home page.

National Window Safety Week is April 6–12 and the Irving Fire Department would like to remind residents to be careful with children when opening windows during this time of the year. Preventing falls out of windows is as important as learning how to use one in an emergency.

City Operations Update - This report is available on the city website and features topics as they relate to the city’s Strategic Plan. It is provided to City Council and subscribers to the All About Irving email list.

City Spectrum - This award-winning newspaper is delivered monthly to all Irving residential postal customers and provides city information.

Facebook - Learn about the latest news and services, watch videos, and see pictures of the people and places that make Irving a great place to live, work and play. Visit facebook.com/thecityofirving today and “like” what you see.

Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) Residents who want to stay informed about current news and events can watch many shows and live coverage provided by the award-winning ICTN online at ictn.tv.

Watch ICTN on the following channels: AT&T U-verse Time Warner Verizon ICTN 1 Channel 99

Channel 16

Channel 30

ICTN 2 Channel 99

Channel 95

Channel 31

ICTN on Demand - Website visitors can view recordings of City Council meetings and enjoy special programming 24/7. Council meetings are coordinated with paper agendas, which allow viewers to select a specific agenda item of interest without having to watch or fast-forward through the entire video.

Irving Website - The City of Irving’s website, cityofirving.org, hosts a plethora of information about the city and its services. Review job opportunities, locate a park or city building, pay a utility bill, participate in public input opportunities, or even watch a video on demand. There’s so much to explore at cityofirving.org, the pre-eminent resource for frequently updated city news and information.

Twitter - Join the people and businesses around the globe that follow @thecityofirving to stay up-to-date with city news and events. To join the conversation, visit twitter.com/thecityofirving.

YouTube - Enjoy ICTN-produced shows and special online-only videos by visiting the city’s YouTube page at youtube.com/thecityofirving.

The City of Irving congratulates all of the winners of the Rambler’s 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Thank you for taking great care of our residents.

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Reader’s Choice 2014

B

Brass Pig continues to bring smiles and laughs

By Dan Eakin Capt. John Thorpe of the Irving Police Department has received several honors lately.

Last December, he received a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law. In May, he passed the bar and was awarded a license to practice law.

But the honor that brings the most smiles and laughs is the Brass

Pig Award, which was presented to him in March at the Irving Police Department’s Annual Awards Banquet.

The Brass Pig Award is given each year to the police officer in the department who has had a most interesting or comical experience during the previous year.

Thorpe was “had” by a fellow member of the Irving Police Department.

See BRASS PIG, Page 15

Education Charter School

1 - North Hills Preparatory 2 - Premier High School 3 - Infinty Preparatory

College/University

1 - University of Dallas 2 - Northlake Community

College 3 - AIM

Private School

1 - Holy Family of Nazareth 2 - CDCofFirst Baptist Church 4033 Main St Irving TX 75060 214-755-5603 or 972-253-1171 Private Montessori School 2 - Cistercian

Public School

1 - MacArthur High School 1 - Irving High School 2 - Coppell High School 3 - Cottonwood Creek Elem.

Thank you for your vote!

Register Now

through August 20 Classes begin August 25

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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Reader’s Choice 2014

Newspaper- Irving Rambler Better Newspaper Awards 1st - Feature Writing

1st - Sports Coverage 3rd - Feature Photo

Automotive Auto Repair Shop

Oil Change Store

Auto Supply Store

Collison Repair Shop

Car Wash/Detailing

Tire Store

Motorcycle Dealership

Used Car Dealership

1 - Lopez auto 2 - A & F Auto 2 - Ken’s Auto repair 1 - Auto Zone 2 - O’Reilly’s Auto Parts 3 - Pep Boys 1 - Mi-T Fine Car Wash 2 - BlueWave Express Car Wash 3 - Irving Heights car wash 1 - Harley Davidson 2 - Kawasaki City 3 - Stadium Yamaha

New Car Dealership

1 - West Way ford 1 - David McDavid honda 2- Don Herring Mitsubishi

1 - Kwik Kar Lube & Tune 2 - A & F Auto 3 - Ricks Car Care 1 - Chuck’s Body Shop 2 - B W Auto Collision 3 - AutoMex 1 - Discount Tire 2 - NTB 3 - 4M Tires 1 - Westway Ford 1 - Big Shoe Auto Sales 2 - Freeman Mazda Mary Little Serving Irving for 21 years 214-334-7931

Irving Cares said facing critical financial situation Staff Report Irving Cares is reportedly experiencing tremendous growing pains this summer.

Teddy Story, Irving Cares chief executive officer, said, “Two consecutive years of increased requests for services through the food pantry have depleted our cash reserves. We serve an average of 820 families per month with emergency groceries, and donations of food, and the money needed to purchase food has not kept up with this torrid pace.

The financial situation at Irving Cares is critical.

“With 83 percent of Irving ISD children eligible to receive free or reduced lunches, summer is a peak season for food requests because the children now need three meals each day at home. “ She said members of the community can help by donating dry cereal, jelly, canned fruit, canned meat and toilet paper or cash to purchase these items.

“We also need cash to purchase nonperishable items for the food orders: fresh milk, fresh meat, fresh eggs,” she said.

People willing to help may mail a check to Irving Cares, P. O. Box 177425, Irving, TX 75017-7425 or visit www.irvingcares.org to make a secure donation online. Call Teddie Story, CEO at 972-721-9181 x203 for more information.

“Irving Cares is a sound investment in philanthropy, as 84 percent of expenses are program-related. You’ll make a difference for an Irving family when donating to Irving Cares,” Story said.

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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Restaurants Americana 1 - P J’s Cafe 2 - Aspen Creek 2 - Mama’s Daughter Asian 1 - Bangkok Orchid 2 - Empress of China 2 - Pho Chateau 3 - Pei Wei

Bakery 1 - Margie Lou’s Sweets 2 - Encanto Cake Shop 2 - Argentina bakery Bar / Pub 1 - Spirit Grille 2 - Champps Americana 3 - Wonderful World

of Cooking

Bar-B-Que 1 - Spring Creek BBQ 2 - Fred’s BarBQ 3 - Sonny Bryan’s

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Reader’s Choice 2014

Buffet 1 - East Buffet 2 - Glory House Bistro 3 - Golden Corral Caterer 1 - Glory House Catering 2 - La Madeleine Country

Happy Hour 1 - Aspen Creek 2 - Mattito’s Tex-Mex 3 - Los Lupes Mexican Healthy/Lite/Vegetarian 1 - Jason’s Deli 2 - Snappy Salads

French Cafe 3 - Phat Ti House Rochelle 3 - La Mexicano Y El Gringo Home Cookin’ Coffee Shop 1 - PJ’s Café 1 - Joe’s Coffee Shop 2 - Mama’s Daughter’s Diner 2 - PJ’s Café 3 - Po’ Melvin’s 3 - Starbucks 3 - Joe s coffee shop Fast Food Restaurant Ice Cream Shop 1 - What A Burger 1 - Braum’s 2 - Chicken Express 2 - Marble Slab 3 - McDonalds 3 - Baskin Robbins Greek/Middle Eastern Italian 1 - Andalous Mediterranean 1 - ifratelli

Grill & Pizza House 2 - Veranda Greek Cafe 2 - Angelo’s Spaghetti 3 - Zeytin’s Mediterranean & Pizza House

Grill 3 - Olive Garden

Kid-friendly Dining 1- Angelo’s 2 - McDonald’s on Irving Blvd.

3 - El Chico Late-night Dining 1 - applebee’s on belt line 2 - Aspen Creek 3 - I Hop Mexican 1 - El Chico’s 2 - El Fenix 3 - La Margarita’s Sandwich Shop 1 - Captain Nemo’s

Steak Submarines

2 - Subway 3 - Fire House Subs Beltline Seafood 1 - Red Lobster 2 - Fish City Grill 3 - Rockfish Seafood Grill

ADVERTISEMENT

PJ’s offers healthly, friendly comfort food PJ’s Cafe on O’Connor near 183 has all the appearances of a classic American diner. Appetizing pies rotate slowly on carousels in a glass container near the front. The tables are laid out with sweetener, sugar and a list of specials. The menu has the breakfast and lunch staples you expect to see, two egg breakfasts and pancakes for breakfast, delicious chicken fried steak and cheeseburgers for lunch. But thrown into this mix are some options that make PJ’s a very different, very welcome addition to Irving’s restaurant scene.

PJ’s bills itself as “Homestyle cooking with a twist of healthy,” and they don’t compromise or disappoint on either front. If you’re on a diet, have special dietary needs, or just want to substitute your side of bacon for something marginally healthier, PJ’s has you covered, with a diversity of cooked or fresh vegetables on the side and white meat, fish and vegetable-centered main dishes. If you’re like me and just want some hearty comfort food, PJ’s offers fried catfish, cheeseburgers, cornbread and a chicken fried steak you can’t beat.

It feels wrong to talk about PJ’s without saying a word or two about the desserts. Honestly, if anything compromises their mission to bring a healthy twist to homestyle cooking, it’s their tempting, rewarding desserts. Chocolate cake, homemade pies and cobblers all cap off a meal with probably more calories than you intended to eat when you walked in, but it will almost certainly have been worth it.

The culinary balance and accommodating attitude at the heart of PJ’s is what makes it worthwhile. It makes it a great place for families or mixed groups that may have different tastes, but it also demonstrates a customer-oriented approach that shows in other parts of the dining experience. The staff is friendly and cordial, willing to wait a spell for a guest who can’t make up his or her mind. The prices are reasonable without compromising on the quality of the food, and atmosphere is simple but welcoming. PJ’s may be new, but they already know how to care about a community.

You should definitely check out PJ’s if you’re looking for a new spot for breakfast, lunch or Sunday brunch.

Even if you’re not, you should stop by and see what they have to offer. Chances are they have something you’re looking for.

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

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PARKS AND REC Continued from Page 3

present Taste of Irving and the July 4th parade and celebration.

The Irving Parks and Recreation Department has also announced two more special events later this year.

Laughs by the Lake is scheduled 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Lake Carolyn, located at 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd. The free event under the stars at the Las Colinas Urban Center alongside the beautiful lake will have several comedians, with music by the Memphis Soul Band.

Representatives of radio station 97.9 FM will be present. Prizes will be awarded. Vendors will be on hand to offer food and drinks.

Also, the big Irving Main Street Event is now only a few weeks away.

The free event will take place Sept. 19-20, with music on the main stage

from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 19, with the festival continuing from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. . Each year thousands of people attend this family affair. Featuring live music, the Manifolds on Main Street Car Show, free rides and activities for children, a wide selection of vendors and great food, the Irving Main Street Event promises fun for all. Parking and admission are free on both days.

Each year, thousands of people attend the family event. This year, features will include the Manifolds on the Main Street Car Show, free rides and activities for children and a large number of vendors.

Source: Irving Parks and Recreation Department

House Carpet/Flooring

1 - Town Center Floors 2 - Empire Today

Electrician

2 - Lowe’s

Plant Nursery/ Landscaping Supply

1 - Long Electric &

Air Conditioning 2 - Add All Electric 3 - 24 Hour Electric

1 - Chambers Nursery &

Garden Center 2 - Home Depot Irving blvd 3 - Lowe’s Home Improvement 3 - Gibson Garden Center

Exterminator

Plumbing Company

1 - ABC Pest 2 - Terminix 3 - All American Pest Management

1 - Mark Ondras Plumbing 2 - Ron brackett 3 - Lee Mosty

Real Estate Company Hardware/Home Improvement 1 - “REMAX - John Romeo, 1 - Lowe’s 2 - Home Depot 3 - Coppell Ace Hardware

Heating/Air Conditioning Co 1 - Spenser’s heating and Air 2 - Long Electric &

Air Conditioning 2 - A-1 Air Conditioning 3 - Ken Murray

Paint Store

1 - Sherwin Williams 2 - Home Depot

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Reader’s Choice 2014

Pat O’Reilly” 2 - “Ebby Holiday Nell Ann Hunt,

Dianne Cartwright,

Ruth Edmonds” 3 - Coppell Realty - Jeff Varnell

Roofing Company

1 - Moore Roofing 2 - Evans & Horton 3 - Right Choice

noon

g live vities Main both

Peruvian gold exhibit scheduled Oct. 4-Dec. 31 at Irving Arts Center El Tocado, an extraordinary gold headdress from the Sican period (900-1100 A.D)., the largest and most ornate pre-Columbian headdress that has ever been discovered.

It will be the first time the illustrious headdress is shown in the United States since it was unearthed in 2001. Photo by Rafael Rioja

year, , free

ment

Shopping Antique Store

1 - 135 antiques 2 - FJS Vintage & Antiques 3 - Curiosity Shop

Clothing Store 1 - Macy’s 2 - Kohl’s 3 - Steinmart

Computer Store / Repair

1 - Wild Bills Hobby Shop 2 - Hobby Lobby 3 - MAL Hobby Shop

Jeweler

1 - Gold N Carats Jewelers 2 - Monte Perkins 3 - Zale’s 3 - Sears

Music Store

Dry Cleaners

Office Supply

Flower Shop

1 - Priscilla’s Flower Shoppe 2 - Flowers of Las Colinas 3 - Snow’s Florist

Gift Shop

1 - big state drug store 2 - Monica’s Hallmark 2 - Baylor Irving Auxiliary 3 - P.J.’s Gift Shop in Plaza Salon

Grocery Store

1 - Tom Thumb 2 - Kroger 3 - ALDI’s

See PERUVIAN GOLD, Page 12

Hobby Shop

1 - Best Buy 2 - Fry’s Electronics 3 - The Computer Store

1 - Gerald Stavely’s 2 - One Hour Martinizing,

MacArthur 3 - Pressed 4 Time 3 - Centre Cleaners

By Dan Eakin Residents of the Irving area and all of North Texas will be offered a special treat later this year when the “Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed” exhibit will be at the Irving Arts Center, located at 3333 N. MacArthur Road in Irving.

The exhibit will have about 100 artifacts of various sizes dating from 1250 BC to 1450 AD and will run from Oct. 4 through Dec. 31.

“There are only two locations in the United States where this exhibit can be seen,” said Richard Huff, Irving Arts Center director, “at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., now, and then at the Irving Arts Center.”

After Dec. 31, he said the exhibit will be returned to Peru.

“These artifacts are not just from the Incas,” he said. “They are from about 12 different civilizations.”

A press release from the Irving Arts Center stated, “Archaeological finds over the past half century have begun to put these magnificent objects in context.”

Huff said the items in the exhibit are valued at between $3.5 million and $5 million. In addition to gold items, some are also silver, ceramic and textile artifacts.

“We will have armed security guards 24 hours a day during the time the exhibit is here,” he said.

1 - Murphy’s Music Center 2 - Musik In School 1 - Office Depot 2 - Staples 3 - Office Products Warehouse

Visit us in the Downtown Irving Heritage District for all of your Specialty Boutique needs!

FABRIC STORE (972) 579-0535

118 W. Irving Blvd., Irving TX 75060 www.angelsandmoore.com customerservice@ angelsandmoore.com

Fabulously Frugale Resale Boutique

Organic Food Store

Vintage, Collectibles, Unique & Costume “Recycled +Reused = Restyled Michael & Deborah Gallaway

1 - Sprouts Farmers Market 2 - Real Life Health Food Store 3 - Kroger

Owner/Manager

Specialty Boutique

1 - Fun and a lil Chic 2 - Fabulously Frugal 3 - Angels & Moore

Thrift / Consignment / Secondhand Store / Re-Sale Clothing

1 - Life Saver Upscale Resale

on Beltline 2 - DAV Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store 3 - Fabulously Frugal Boutique

Open Tues-Fri 11AM-5PM; 105 S. Main St. fabulouslyfrugale@gmail.com

Sat 11AM-4PM Irving TX 75060 (972)893-1579

Fun and a lil Chic boutique & emporium 114 E. Irving Blvd., Irving, TX 75060 817-797-0980 214-274-0295

www.funandalilchic.com Tues-Sat 11 am-6pm

www.RamblerNewspapers.com

11

Restaurants cont.

Steakhouse 1 - Outback Steakhouse 2 - The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 3 - Saltgrass Steakhouse Best Service

Value for the Buck 1 - Villas Grill 2 - Cheddars Casual Cafe 3 - Pizza King

1 - Olive Garden

2 - El fenix 3 - Saltgrass Steak House

PERUVIAN GOLD Continued from Page 11

The exhibit is being brought to the Irving Arts Center at a cost of about $1.4 million.

Huff said the event is being funded from hotel-motel occupancy taxes and from earned income at the center.

He emphasized, “None of the funding will be from city general funds or from property tax revenue.”

He said some of the funding for the exhibit will be recovered from ticket sales and from revenue from a gift shop which will be set up, offering jewelry, books.

Tickets will be $12 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and students and $5 each for student groups of 15 or more. They may be purchased now online or by calling the Irving Arts Center box office at 972-252-2787.

The box office is open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Food Chicken Fried Steak

1 - Po’ Melvin’s 2 - Cheddar’s 3 - Mother’s Daugher’s Diner 3 - The Ranch

Coffee

1 - I Hop 2 - Starbucks 3 - McDonalds

Cheese Fries / French Fries

Hassle Free Printing We Take Printing Seriously…Not Ourselves.

1 - The Ranch 2 - Five Guys Burger & Fries 2 - Po Melvins

Donuts

1 - The Donut King MacArthur & Pioneer 2 - Sixth Street Donut Shop 2 - Mimi’s

Frozen Yogurt

1 - FroYo 2 - Braum’s 2 - Yumilicious Frozen Yogurt 2 - Yogurt Zone

Hamburgers

1 - Smashburger 2 - Burger Island 3 - Griffs Hamburgers

Call 210-804-0390 for Special Online Pricing

Plant tours available!

5,000 postcards $149 10,000 flyers $349 1,000 magazines $995 (16 pages, 60# paper)

Visit us at www.shweiki.com CONTACT TRACY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PLANT TOUR 210-804-0390 EmAiL SAmPLES@SHwEiki fOR A fREE qUOTE OR CALL 512-480-0860

12

Reader’s Choice 2014

Margaritas

1 - La Margarita 2 - Danals Mexican 3 - El Fenix

Pizza

1 - iFratelli Pizza 2 - Pizza King on Irving Blvd 3 - Vito’s Pizza 3 - Angelo’s 3 - Domino’s Pizza

Steak

1 - Outback Steakhouse 2 - Saltgrass Steakhouse 3 - The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

Sushi

1 - Hanasho Japanese 2 - Sushi Tokyo 3 - Blue Fish 3 - Maki Boy - Irving

Wings

1 - Wing Stop 1 - Buffalo Wild Wings 2 - Hooters

BRASS PIG Continued from Page 5

bout

taxes

ds or

icket ering

s and now 2787. rday.

Irving Police Capt. John Thorpe, standing in front of his law degree and his law license, holds the Brass Pig Award, which brings smiles and laughs to all who know how he came to receive it.

Medical Chiropractor

1 - Nikisha McDaniels Magnolia Chiropractic 2 - Dr. Andy Uhlman 3 - Dr. Jason Watkins

Dentist

1 - Dr. James W. Filbeck, DDS 2 - Smile Spa - Dr Nix, DDS 2 - My DFW Dentist - Dr Seznik 3 - Dr. Thomas Nabors, DDS 3 - Dr. Gentle Dentistry Dr. Sandra Sieber

Eye Doctor

1 - Dr. Roy Whitaker 2 - Beltline Vision Dr. Smith 3 - Las Colinas Vision Ctr Dr. Krivacic

Eyewear Provider

1 - Walmart 2 - Beltline Vision Clinic 3 - LensCrafter 3 - Identity Eye Care

Family Doctor

1 - Dr. Mason, Jeffery 2 - Dr. Israel Jr., Robert W. 2 - Dr. Pham, Henry 3 - Dr. Biard, Maria 3 - Dr. Furman 3 - Dr. Ireland, Jack 3 - Dr. Shelton, Christopher

Hospital

1 - Baylor Medical Center at Irving 2 - Las Colinas Medical Center

Massage Therapist

1 - Barbara Garrett 2 - Irving Massage 3325 W. Rochelle R. Irving TX 75062 972-256-3565 IrvingMassage@yahoo.com 3 - Bodywork By Blalock Sheri Blalock 3 - I. C. Wellness - Dan Puig

He may have been a little embarrassed for a moment, but then he laughed with the one who pulled the prank on him.

In May 2013, he was among police who were at the command post at the Byron Nelson Golf Classic. The MetLife blimp was approaching.

Thorpe heard a voice over his radio.

“MetLife blimp to police command,” the voice said.’

Thorpe answered, “Go ahead.”

Voice: “Police command, we’re about three clicks west of your location.

Can you step out to confirm?”

Thorpe: “Is this the blimp?”

Voice: “10-4, sir. You mind stepping out and giving us a wave?”

The voice was actually that of Sgt. Kevin Denney, who was nearby.

Denney got on his bike and rode up by Thorpe, who was then holding his radio in one hand and waving furiously at the blimp with the other.

Thorpe saw Denney laughing at him and said, “Was that you?”

Denney told the crowd at the awards banquet, “I can only imagine, at this point, the conversation between the pilots in the blimp, wondering if this policeman waving like a madman had always had some childlike fascination with blimps or something.”

Thorpe later said that he and Denney are actually good friends, \and that Denney enjoys playing pranks on people.

The prank actually provided some laughs for the police who often find themselves in very serious situations.

“I like for people to know that we are working hard for them, but at the same time we can have some fun,” Thorpe said.

Thorpe may be near the end of his career with the Irving Police Department. Now that he has his law degree, he is thinking of retiring after 30 years with the Irving Police Department at the end of August and pursuing a career as a prosecutor or lawyer.

OBGYN-Women’s Health Office

1 - MacArthur obgyn Dr. Dominique,

Colette M. 2 - MacArthur obgyn Dr. Dominique,

Colette M. 2 - Dr. Maxey, John

Ophthalmologist-Optometrist 1 - Irving Orthopedics &

Sports Medicine 2 - OrthoTexas Las Colinas

Orthopedic Care Office

1 - Irving Orthopedics & Sports 2 - Robert Mills

Pediatrician

1 - Dr. Kay, Joan 2 - Dr. Williams, Tammi

Pharmacy

1 - Brown’s Pharmacy 2 - Big State Drug 2 - Kroger

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Coppell Assistance League offers wide variety of services Staff Report The Assistance League of Coppell (ALC) is a nationally affiliated organization. The league researches community needs, develops programs to meet those needs, and raises the funds necessary to make those programs a reality. About 40 members spend thousands of hours annually serving individuals in Coppell and neighboring communities of Lewisville and Irving.

The ALC programs fall into three main categories: Children, Youth, and Seniors.

The largest program, Operation School Bell, clothes children and youth in the Coppell ISD and Coppell residents who attend neighboring

Miscellaneous Attorney

1 - Joe Putnam 2 - Matt Boyle 2 - Neil Davidson 3 - Debbie Cunningham 3 - James Beggs, Beggs Law Firm

Business with the friendliest Service

Photographer

1 - Jennifer McGraw

Photography 2 - Mallouf Photography 3 - Steve Rainwater

Sign Company

1 - Fast Signs of

Irving/Las Colinas 2 - Finish Line Sports & Apparel 1 - P J’s Cafe 3 - Valle Signs 2 - Joe’s Coffee Shop Employment / Staffing Agency 3 - Waldrum Lighting & Signs 1 - Express Employment 2 - Open House Network

school districts. The ALC works through school nurses and counselors to identify those in need and provides them with season appropriate clothing, jackets, backpacks, and shoes.

The ALC also serves youth through a program called Youth Today, providing drug and alcohol awareness programs to students at Coppell high schools through the use of Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Every other year, the ALC collaborates with Coppell ISD and the city of Coppell to produce a program called Shattered Dreams. This is a daylong dramatization of an alcohol-related crash at Coppell High School (CHS), complete with Coppell police and emergency medical services.

Throughout the day other elements of the “docu-drama” unfold to give CHS students a better understanding of the number of DWI-related deaths that occur.

To supplement drug education activities, the ALC provides drug testing kits free of charge to parents and Coppell ISD schools Every year, the ALC provides one or more college scholarships to graduating seniors based solely on self-initiated community service.

Weekly, ALC members visit seniors who are residents at Hearthstone Assisted Living Center in Lewisville. They provide refreshments, play games, and visit with residents.

Assistance League of Coppell is known for its annual two-day “Christmas

Pets Boarding

1 - Camp Bow Wow 2 - Valley Ranch Pet Clinic 3 - VCA Metroplex

Veterinary Center

Pet Lodge

Grooming

1 - Dawg E Dayspa 2 - Barkensdale Grooming 3 - VCA Metroplex

Veterinary Center

Grooming 3 - Cutie Pie Pets

Pet-Friendly Spot

1 - Irving dog park 1 - Coppell Dog Park 2 - Lowe’s Home

Improvement

Pet Store

1 - PetSmart 2 - PetCo 3 - Walmart

Veterinary Clinic

1 - Vital Pet / Story road

animal hospital Tandy Glenn,

Monica Diaz Mendoza 2 - O’Connor Animal

Hospital - Dr. Kang 2 - Buena Vista

Animal Clinic 3 - Pioneer Animal Dr. Agler

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Reader’s Choice 2014

in Coppell Home Tour” which it presents for the community in early December. Visitors are able to tour four beautifully decorated homes in Coppell.

Proceeds from the Christmas home tour provide the majority of all funds raised each year, although the Assistance League of Coppell also receives financial support through community donations and corporate grants.

Source: Lynne Garriss, ALC education chair and webmaster

Living Apartment/Duplex/Complex 1 - Avalon Villas 2 - Santa Rosa 2 - Las Brisas Condominiums

Assisted Living

1 - Emeritus Senior Living 2 - Avante Rehabilitation

Center of Irving 3 - St Joseph Coppell

Retirement Community

1 -The Remington 2 - Emeritus Senior Living 3 - St Joseph Coppell

Senior Care Facility

1 -The Remington 2 - Avante Rehabilitation Center of Irving 3 - Avalon Alzheimer’ Care

Irvijng Police and Fire Department personel remain ever vigilant to keep residents safe throughout the year./ Photo by John Starkey

Financial Banking Facility

1 - Chase 2 - Bank of America 3 - Wells Fargo

Financial Planning/Advice

1 - Caton Consulting Group PC 2 - Bill Brown 3 - Earl Davidson

Insurance Company 1 - State Farm 2 - Allstate

Insurance Agent

1 - Bill Hooten - State Farm 2 - Kerri Miene - State Farm

Mortgage Company

1 - Curt Burgess 2 - Stewart Title 3 - Watkins mortgage

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Reader’s Choice 2014