Number 203, July 2020
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
To our readers:   Given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 response and the need for timely and accurate information,  the City will not be offering a printed edition of the July Arbor. This electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the chance of being out-of-date. Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and updates.
July 4 message from Mayor Stewart
Some weeks ago, anticipating that social distancing would be with us far beyond July 4, in partnership; the Rotary Club, Town and City made the difficult decision to not host a July 4 parade and Goar Park celebration this year.

Knowing that on Saturday I won't have the pleasure of winding through the streets of the Park Cities riding in one of the lead floats or looking out at the sea of smiling faces from behind the railings of the gazebo, I wanted to say a quick few words about this special holiday and send greetings to you and all those who call UP home.
Rotary Club of Park Cities July 4 presentation
On July 4, because we can't gather in person at the gazebo in Goar Park for the singing of our national anthem, the pledge of allegiance and other holiday traditions, the Rotary Club will present a streaming video highlighting the patriotic spirit of our community. Please take a few minutes with your family to watch the presentation. The broadcast will be available for viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Patriotic Yard Decorating Contest

The Rotary Club is also sponsoring a Patriotic Yard Decorating Contest. Several blocks and single family houses in the Park Cities are participating in this celebration of all things red, white and blue. To view an interactive map, courtesy of Park Cities People newspaper, click here .
The North Texas Food Bank needs your help

Have you made a donation to the North Texas Food Bank yet? The Club asks that you to help this vital nonprofit organization so their staff and volunteers can continue to provide critical assistance for thousands of local families in this sudden and continuing time of need.
"Front Porch Project" photographer selected University Park's 2020 Citizen of the Year
Erin Schreyer, a local life coach and blogger, has been selected University Park’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. 

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Erin and her family moved to University Park 10 years ago. She lives with her husband, Ed, and their two children, Ella, who will be a freshman in high school this fall and Evan, who will be a junior. 

As a life coach, Erin focuses on motivating and encouraging others. That’s the genesis for the “Front Porch Project.” At the beginning of the “Stay at Home” orders, she saw a story on the news about a photographer in Colorado who was taking front porch photos of families to document this unique time in history. Erin loved the idea and decided to take it a step further by asking the families to donate to their favorite nonprofit organization instead of paying a fee. 

Erin put the word out to a neighborhood email group. After taking photos of the five families that originally responded, she shared them on Facebook with short narratives and a shout-out to the nonprofits they chose. From there, the project rapidly expanded across the Park Cities. Over the span of just a few weeks, she photographed 399 families, and collected $153,000 for 188 nonprofits.

For Erin, in addition to the money raised, the project demonstrated the warmth and generosity of our community. When the images were shared on Facebook, neighbors learned more about each other, and in some cases new friendships were formed. As a matter of fact, the closeness of the community is what Erin appreciates most about University Park. “I love and value a strong sense of community,” Erin said. “This City represents that.”

Erin was surprised and honored when Mayor Tommy Stewart called her with the news. She was even a little embarrassed because the project wasn’t about her, it was about all those who wanted to help others. Erin humbly asked, “Instead of Citizen of the Year, can it just be Community of the Year? When we all come together, we can do great things!”

The Mayor presented Erin with a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift. The Citizen of the Year award was created by the City Council in 2005 to boost public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the City’s quality of life.
Previous Citizen of the Year recipients

2019 - Brad Bradley
2018 - Randy James
2017 - Jerry Washam
2016 - Eddy Moore
2015 - Byron Egan
2014 - Youth Advisory Commission
2013 - Bill Skelton
2012 - Connie O’Neill
2011 - Jim and Judy Gibbs
2010 - Max Fuqua
2009 - Nancy Egan
2008 - Chris Murzin
2007 - Bill Pardoe
2006 - Diane Galloway
2005 - Elizabeth Farley
Recreational Swimming begins July 1 at the Holmes Aquatic Center
Recreational swimming with all pool amenities open begins Wednesday, July 1. Pool pass holders can reserve two-hour time slots online or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at   214-987-5488 . This summer, to use the pool, you must make a reservation, no walk-ins will be allowed. Reservations can be made 72 hours in advance. For more details on services, fees and guidelines, click on the button below.

Note: Due to social distancing concerns, all aquatics programs for the 2020 pool season have been cancelled. These include: swim lessons, swim team, senior swim, Dive In movies, library story time, Doggie Splash Day, and all onsite parties.
Centennial Master Plan Community Survey
As a resident of University Park you now have the opportunity to take an online survey that will provide us with guidance on numerous long-term community concerns. 
 
The survey is just 20 questions and should take about 10 minutes to complete. Gap Strategies, the consulting firm assisting us with the project, worked hard to strike a balance between length and the collection of needed information. Data collected from the survey will help to build a foundation for our new Centennial Master Plan. This fall, after Gap has had time to analyze findings, we will report back. As the project progresses, there will be additional opportunities for resident input through town halls and stakeholder meetings. 
 
Please use the link below to participate today! Paper surveys are also available by request. Contact Amanda Hartwick at  ahartwick@uptexas.org  for more information.
UPPL Summer Reading - Remaining Schedule
Be entertained and inspired each week in July! All programs will be presented virtually in partnership with Highland Park Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Information on how to enjoy these programs virtually can be found in the library’s newsletter . Remaining program dates and performers are listed below. 

  • July 8 - Critterman – Rainforest Jewels 
  • July 15 - Legendary Black Belt Academy – Martial Arts Class 
  • July 22 - Circus Freaks – Juggling Workshop 
  • July 29 - James Wand – Secret Agent Magic Show 
Fight the bite

Want to defeat mosquitoes this summer? Just do a few simple things to eliminate standing water on your property.  
 
To control mosquito breeding:
 
  • Use automatic sprinkler systems wisely
  • Don’t over irrigate
  • Cover trash containers so they don’t collect water
  • Change water in wading pools, pet dishes and birdbaths several times a week
  • Keep backyard pools clean
  • Keep unnecessary plant growth cut back
  • Clean or replace clogged roof gutters and downspouts
 
Residents can report standing water locations to City staff. Dial 311, or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 214-987-5488. Residents can also call to arrange for a free property inspection and onsite advice on how to control mosquitoes.
 
Now through the end of October, when mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus or are especially plentiful, the City will use social media and our website to notify you in a timely fashion about targeted overnight fogging efforts aimed at controlling the mosquito population. Click the button below for more information about the City's mosquito fogging efforts.
See if you can stump Waste Wizard

Are you stumped from time to time about what you can and can't recycle? Let Waste Wizard provide you with the answer. Using Waste Wizard, a handy tool on the City's website, you can get disposal tips on hundreds of items, and find out what materials go into the recycling bin or the trash can. It also tells you if an item must be taken to Dallas County’s Home Chemical Collection Center. The Center is located at 11234 Plano Road in northeast Dallas. 

To use Waste Wizard, click here .

What item have residents asked about most? How to dispose of paint cans. Here’s the answer: If the paint cans are empty, and the moisture content is gone, you can toss them into your blue recycling bin. If they are full or partially full you must take them to Dallas County’s Home Chemical Collection Center.