CITY NEWS FEBRUARY

CITY NEWS
Upcoming
Wichita Falls
City Council
Meetings
February 2
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
February 16
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
In Council Chambers located at
Memorial Auditorium 1300 7th Street.
MEET THE COUNCIL
Mayor
Glenn Barham.......(940) 761-7404
Council
Michael Smith.........(940) 692-5288
Tim Ingle.................(940) 691-6564
Brian Hooker...........(940) 244-4000
Tom Quintero..........(580) 583-2239
DeAndra Chenault..(940) 444-8447
Stephen Santellana..(940) 781-5321
City Manager
Darron Leiker..........(940) 761-7404
Deputy City Manager
Jim Dockery............(940) 761-7404
FEBRUARY
2016
HELP FOR VALENTINES DAY??
February, month of the
heart, month of love, month
of battles with your will to
keep your health resolutions for
2016. Problem, it’s Valentine’s
Day, you make plans with your
special someone for dinner at
the most expensive (maybe) restaurant you could think of, but
during your meal you remember
your New Year’s resolutions to
stay healthy, what to do?
The City of Wichita FallsWichita County Public Health
District has come up with a
resource to help the public
make better choices towards
healthy eating habits. “¡Por
Vida!” meaning “for life”, is a
restaurant recognition program
that identifies menu items that
meet nutritional guidelines. This
is done by evaluating recipes
through Registered Dietitians to
determine which recipes meet
the established healthy nutritional criteria guidelines. ¡Por
Vida! options are guaranteed
to be less than 700 calories per
meal and point out the healthiest choices on the menu.
Remember, February is Heart
month, so this Valentine’s Day
take care of you and your special someone’s heart by being
healthy, physically active, and
look for the ¡Por Vida! logo in
your favorite restaurants or ask
the staff for the approved ¡Por
Vida! menu.
For more information on how
to be part of ¡Por Vida! and a
full list of participating restaurants visit or click: wichitafallstx.gov/1793/Por-Vida or
eatwellwichitacounty.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is a month long
celebration for all Americans to rejoice and reflect on African American culture. And if you ask why
February was selected to host it?
We would have to go back to 1915,
when Carter G. Woodson saw the
need of enriching the public about
African American history.
After creating the Association for
the Study of African American Life
and History, they decided on a week
long assembly choosing February
as to honor the birthdays of both
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick
Douglass, two giants in the history
of African Americans. Lincoln,
of course, had issued the Emancipation Proclamation that moved
the nation away from slavery, and
Frederick Douglass had been the
greatest leader of African Americans. Consequently, the first week
long celebration of African American History began in 1926, with a
focus on shifting the organizations
purpose towards discovering and
popularizing the truth about African American culture. In 1976,
the ASALH held the first Black
History Month. By this time, the
entire nation had come to recognize
the importance of Black history in
America.
less, Black History Month continues
to be a critical month to propagate
the history and values of African
American culture.
You can learn more about African
American History in the video
series: texomashomepage.com/
journey
In keeping with tradition, the Association, believes that Black history,
like American history, should be
studied 365 days a year. Nonethe-
If you would like to be a part of Black History Month check out these activities in Wichita Falls:
■■ “Black History Month Exhibit”
at The Museum of North Texas
History. It will focus on local
history and will include rarely
seen photographs of the East
side community, and much
more! More information at (940)
322-7628.
■■ Celebrating Black History
Month “Gospel Fest” at Washington Jackson Academy.
Theme: Peace, Unity & Love in
Our Community.
Come celebrate February 6th at
5:00 PM. More information at
(940) 235-1196.
■■ Direct Auto & Life Insurance
is accepting nominations for
community heroes. Up to $2,250
of cash prizes will be awarded
to outstanding citizens who are
making a positive impact on
their community through volunteer service or mentorship. For
more information visit:
directgeneral.com/BHM
Since 2015 we have seen major improvements in
the Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, so it comes as no surprise when they announce a new rewards program.
The VIP Program is designed for customers traveling to
and from Wichita Falls, Texas through the Regional Airport.
The Program is an opportunity for the Airport to give back
to our customers and to make their local experience more
enjoyable.
How does it work?
• Register online to become a VIP Member. After registration you will receive a welcoming letter.
• Every time you login before your flight you will receive 100 points (no flight number is required).
• Login for 2 flights in a week and receive an extra 500
points.
VIP Membership levels:
1. VIP Member
• Member who has registered.
2. Gold Member
• Member must register.
• Fly out of Wichita Falls Regional Airport 2-4x a
year.
• Member maintains status for a 12 month period. (Member must fly 2x the following year to
maintain status).
3. Platinum Member
• Member must register.
• Member flies 5x or more a year from the Wichita
Falls Regional Airport.
• Member maintains status for a 12 month period.
(Member must fly 3-4x the following year to
maintain status).
Extra perks:
• Earn a voucher for 1 free day of parking with every
200 points you earn.
• Earn a $10.00 gift Certificate for Gourmet on the Fly
with each 1000 cumulative points earned
• Platinum members can rent the Conference Room for
3 hours by redeeming 500 points
• All VIP Members receive complementary coffee at
Gourmet on the Fly and a bottled water.
• VIP Member may be accompanied by guests in the VIP
Lounge.
Sign up today for this FREE Membership! And be a part of
the exciting developments happening in our city. For more
information on how to register call:(940) 855-3623. Or click:
flywichitafalls.net
So
you
think
you
can
adopt . . .
It will happen to
most of us. You see a
perfect chihuahua mix with
golden fur and white paws,
as if wearing boots. Or
maybe it’s a gorgeous fluffy
kitten, purring his way into
your heart. You take one
look and next thing you
know, you are walking down
the pet food aisle at the
supermarket.
If you are like most of us,
falling in love with a pet
is easy. But, adopting a
pet is a long term (10-15
year) commitment. Here are
some questions to consider
before adopting a pet:
●● Why do you want a pet?
●● Do you have time for a
pet?
●● Can you afford a pet?
●● Are you prepared
to deal with the
challenges that
a pet can present?
●● Can you have a
pet where you
live?
●● Are your living arrangements suitable for the
animal you have in
mind?
●● Will you be a responsible pet owner?
America has become a
nation of disposable pet
owners. Doesn’t your family
pet deserve better? Choose
wisely, for when situations change or emergency
happens. And when you
are ready to tie the knot,
Wichita Falls Animal Services
is here to help you find the
perfect furry friend. Visit:
petango.com/wichitafallsanimalservices
SMOKE DETECTORS
SAVE LIVES
Smoke alarms that are properly
installed and maintained play a vital role
in reducing fire deaths and injuries. This is
why Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barham
and Fire Chief Jon Reese are encouraging
residents to join them and the American
Red Cross in support of the Home Fires
Preparedness Campaign. This program
supplies FREE smoke alarms to home
owners.
“This program will save lives,” said Mayor
Glenn Barham. “We have our own smoke
detector program through the Fire Department that addresses the needs inside the
city. The Red Cross program covers the
city and 14 counties. (Also,) having a working smoke detector gives residents more
time to get out of their home during a fire,
before tragedy strikes,” said Barham.
According to the Red Cross seven times a
day someone in the United States dies in
a house fire. Through their preparedness
campaign they are asking that residents
do two simple things: check their existing
smoke alarms to ensure that they are working and practice fire drills.
“Smoke detectors are a vital part of everyone’s home escape plan,” said Fire Chief
Jon Reese. “The Red Cross is to be commended for joining fire departments across
the country in their effort to see that every
home has a smoke detector. Both of our
programs are free and I encourage everyone to use them to protect themselves and
their family members,” said Reese.
Residents of Wichita Falls, Wichita County
and the surrounding counties can have a
free smoke detector installed by contacting
the American Red Cross at:
(940) 322-8686. Or, if you are a resident
of Wichita Falls, contact the Wichita Falls
Fire Department, for a free installation, by
calling (940) 761-7901. Both programs are
available throughout the year.
Newsletter
50 PLUS ZONE
February 2016
MONTHLY EVENTS:
February Birthday
Party and Brunch
February 2, 10:30 am
The 50 Plus Zone is a recreational facility operated by the
Parks & Recreation Department for the use and enjoyment of
people age 50 and over. For only $30.00 a year, you get:
• New Friends
• Poker & Dominoes
• Two Workout Rooms
• Fitness Classes
• Movies on the Big Screen
• Bingo
• Monthly Lunches
• Live Bands & Dances
• Pool Tables
• Table Tennis
• Art Classes
• And much more....
50 Plus Zone is glad to announce the arrival of a new trainer
to the Zone classes. For more information contact the zone
at (940) 761-8887, located at 600 11th Street, Second
floor in Downtown Wichita Falls. For a complete calendar of
events visit their facebook page:
facebook.com/50PusZoneofWF
Fitness Classes
At room 208:
• Chair Yoga @ 9am
Mon,Wed,Fri
• Chair Pilates @ 9am
Tue, Thur
• Stronger Seniors
@10:30am - Mon,Fri
@1:30pm -Mon,
Thur
At room 201
• Boosted Walking
@ 8:30am Mon,Wed,Fri
@ 10am Tue,Thur,Fri
• Morning Workout
@9am - Mon thru Fri
• Zumba @ 10am
Mon and Wed
• Gentle Yoga
@ 10:30am
Tue, Thur, Fri
Evening Fitness Classes:
• Drumming for Fitness:
@ 5:15pm - Mon,
Wed
• Zumba Gold
@5:15pm - Tue, Thur
• Boosted Walking
@5:45pm - Mon,
Thur
Karaoke
Mondays- 3 to 4:30 pm
Tuesdays - 3 to 5 pm
Thursdays - 1:30 to 4pm
Square Dance
Lessons
@ 7:30 - Thursdays
Movies
Tue, Thur - 5 pm
Fri 1:30 pm and 5
For a complete schedule
visit or click:
wichitafallstx.gov
Bingo at the Zone
• Cash Bingo
Fridays at 2 pm
• Free Prize Bingo
Tue & Fri @ 9 am
AARP Free Income
Tax Preparation
Feb 2 thru April 14
@ 9am - 12pm Tue &
Thur
Room 205
Free Blood Sugar
Screening
Feb 4 @ 8am-9am
By Intrepid Home Health
Heart Healthy
Habits
Feb 22 @ 10am
Room 216
By New Life Home Health
Valentines Dinner
and Dance
Feb. 12 @ 5:30 pm
(Dinner tickets must be
purchased in advance by
Feb 10. Cost $10)
Dance featuring “The
Red Door Band”
Free Manicures!!
Feb. 12 @ 10am
Provided by Vernon
College
Room 212
Newsletter
AT THE LIBRARY
February 2016
FEBRUARY DATES
ADULT COLORING CONTEST
February 1. Pick up a bookmark at
the Adult Reference Desk. Entries
due Feb 29th.
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
MEETING
February 2, 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Come join to discuss “State of
Wonder” by Ann Patchett.
PRESCHOOL TIME
February 2, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
They meet every Tuesday for a special
reading time.
YOUTH CRAFT
February 2, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
They meet every other Tuesday for a
fun new craft.
TODDLER TIME
February 3, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
They meet every Wednesday.
Pay your library fees
with non-perishable
food!
1 item = $1.00
Items must be
unexpired
(this is only valid on fines)
WARM UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
Winter Reading For All Ages
Dec. 14 to Feb. 14
Read 3 books, write 3 reviews,
and receive a prize!
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
HALF-PRICE USED BOOK
SALE
February 6, 10:00 AM
PJ TIME
February 8, 7:00 PM
BILINGUAL STORYTELLING
February 23. With artist Sue Young.
WFPL is located at 600 11th Street
in Downtown Wichita Falls. Open
Mon to Wed 9am - 8pm, Thur 9am
- 5:30 pm, Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat
10am - 2:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Newsletter
ART CORNER
February 2016
Kemp Center For The Arts
Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm
RICHARD ASH EXHIBIT
Exhibition runs January 22nd to
March 12th.
WICHITA FALLS ART ASSOCIATION EXHIBIT
Exhibition runs January 29th to
April 2nd.
YOUTH DRAWING
Each month youth ages 9-13 will
learn the essential of drawing.
Classes are every Monday.
ART FOR ELEMENTARY
KIDS
Art program for children ages 5-9
years, with fun and educational
activities that will develop skills, interest and awareness for art. Classes
are every Tuesday.
ADVANCED YOUTH ART
This class is specially structured for
children 10-14 years old, who are
ready for slightly more challenging
art projects and concepts. Classes
are every Thursday.
“STUDIO SATURDAY”
DISCOVERY ZONE
February 20, 10 AM – 12 PM
Where children and their families
come to create, learn, and connect
through art.
OIL PAINTING WITH BETSY
EDWARDS
February 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Create your own adaptation of
Betsy’s “Hearts Desire”. Please call
or email ahead of time ariannak@
kempcenter.org
STONEWARE MOSAIC TILE
ART CLASS
February 6, 11 AM – 2 PM. Learn
how to make your own mosaic tiles
from raw clay! This workshop is
divided into four different classes
and runs through March 5th
RONDA IVY EXHIBIT
Exhibition runs January 8th to
March 5th.
LAURA GILLIS EXHIBIT
Exhibition runs January 15th to
March 19th.
ALL ABOUT ACRYLICS:
BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET
February 18, 6 PM. Join Rachel
Liles as she teaches beginning to
advanced acrylic painting.
WICHITA FALLS SYMPHONY
LEAGUE FUNDRAISER
February 18, 5 PM . Guest speaker
will be Susan Mansur Bahr.
FLIX AT THE FORUM PRESENTS “WHITE”
February 29, 6 PM @ Kemp at the
Forum. Come watch this acclaimed
French drama by Krzysztof
Kieslowski
Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU
Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm
HOGGARD READING SERIES WELCOMES POET TO
MSU
February 4, 6 PM. The inaugural
event will feature Dr. Trey Moody.
trip to Kimbell Art Museum and
Modern Museum of Art in Forth
Worth. Complimentary breakfast, audio tour, and wine. Cost is
$45dlls.
“EXPLORING THE WORLD
OF ART” BUS TRIP
February 10, 7:30 AM – 6 PM.
Explore the world of art with a bus
2016 VALENTINE LUNCHEON
February 12, 11:30 AM. Come
support the WFMA to their annual
luncheon. Seating is limited, call for
invitation.
IRVING HERRERA EXHIBITION OPENING
Exhibit will run through Feb.26.
Reception February 12, 6 PM.
Contact the WFMA at MSU to
schedule a docent gallery tour.
(940) 397-8900.
Newsletter
THEATRE EVENTS
February 2016
THE WICHITA THEATRE 108TH ANNIVERSARY
SEASON 2016
The Wichita Theatre 108th Season for 2016 kicks off with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an internationally acclaimed
and enchanted play. You can’t miss this exciting show for the whole family! Tickets for the show and the 2016 season
are now on sale. For more information please call (940) 723-9037, Tuesdays to Fridays from 11am to 5pm, or visit
the box office during the same hours at 919 Indiana Ave, Downtown Wichita Falls.
Newsletter
EVENTS
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
February 1, 7 PM – 9 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum.
12-STEP MEETINGS
February 1, @ Different times and locations throughout
the Wichita Falls County. Information: (940) 322-6452
or timesrecordnews.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT
February 1, 10 AM – 4 PM @ Museum of North Texas
History.
ARTIST LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS “COMMON GROUND WITH BOB BECKEL AND CAL
THOMAS”
February 2, 7 PM @ Akin Auditorium.
SAY WHAT! 2016 ACTION SUMMIT
February 6, 8:30 AM – 5 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit
Hall.
UNITED REGIONAL HEART OF A WOMAN
BRUNCH
February 6, 8 AM – 11 AM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit
Hall.
KFDX WOMEN’S EXPO
February 6, 9 AM – 3 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall.
ANNUAL TX RACERS/HIGH PERFORMANCE
AUCTION, TRADE SHOW & SWAP MEET
February 6, 8 AM – 8 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center.
MSU BASKETBALL VS. TEXAS A&M COMMERCE
February 6, 4 PM – 8 PM @ D.L. Ligon Coliseum
MSU BASKETBALL VS. WEST TEXAS A&M
February 10, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM @ D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
February 11, 5 PM – 7 PM @ Coyote Ranch Resort.
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS VS TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS
February 12, 7 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum
LEMONADE DAY
February 12, 5:30 PM – 9 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum
LONE STAR KART NATIONALS
February 12, 3 PM – 9:30 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center
NATURE TOTS STORY TIME
February 13 and 27, 11 AM – 12 PM @ Riverbend
Nature Center
February 2016
SCIENCE SATURDAY
February 13 and 27, 1 PM – 2:30 PM @ Riverbend
Nature Center
LECRAE IN CONCERT
February 14, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM @ Memorial Auditorium
SEWELL LEADERSHIP EVENT
February 17, 11 AM – 2 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit
Hall
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
February 18, 7:30 PM @ Memorial Auditorium
DANCING FOR THE STARS WICHITA FALLS
February 19, 6 PM – 10 PM @ Wichita Falls MultiPurpose Event Ctr.
MSU BASKETBALL VS. ANGELO STATE
February 20, 4 PM – 8 PM @ D.L. Ligon Coliseum
OBEDIENCE TRAINING CLUB OBEDIENCE &
RALLY TRAIL
February, 20, 8 AM – 4 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center.
TEXAS OKLAHOMA BARREL RACING ASSOCIATION
February 21, 2 PM – 5 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center.
WICHITA FALLS NIGHTHAWKS VS STEALTH
February 22, 7 PM – 10 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum
WAKE UP WICHITA FALLS – HOSTED BY
CHRIST ACADEMY
February 23, 8 AM – 9 AM @ Christ Academy
55 ADVANTAGE
February 24, 11 AM – 1 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit
Hall
UNITED WAY CHILI COOK-OFF
February 26, 6 PM – 10 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS VS AMARILLO
February 26, 7 PM – 9:30 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum
ARTS ALIVE! HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
February 27, 9 AM – 6 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall
WICHITA FALLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
February 27, 8 PM – 10:30 PM @ Memorial Auditorium.
5 STAR BARREL RACING
February 28, 2 PM – 5 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag Center
Newsletter
INFORMATION
February 2016
CITY WEBSITES TO KNOW
New episodes every Thursday at 6:30 PM on Channel 11
Time Warner Cable, or watch
the show anytime at:
youtube.com/wichitafallstxpio
LAKE LEVELS
As of January 31 2016:
Lake Arrowhead - 100%
Lake Kickapoo - 100%
Lake Kemp - 86.7%
Water Supply Reservoir - 94.2 %
→→ Planning on a romantic date
this valentines day? Check out
the restaurant health-scores
before making your reservation:
health.wichitafallstx.gov/food
→→ The Wichita Falls Police
Department offers Vacation
Home Checks to all Wichita
Falls residents. While you are
away on vacation, Sentinels
from the Wichita Falls Police
Department will periodically
stop by your home. To register
click:
→→ If you want to stay informed
about crime in your neighborhood there is a free online
map offered by the Wichita
Falls Police Dept. Download
the free app or visit:
raidsonline.com
→→ Register to NIXLE to receive
free emergency alerts, weather
alerts, advisories, communications and City events and
activities information, traffic
and road updates. Follow this
link to learn more:
wichitafallstx.gov
wichitafallstx.gov
STAY INFORMED!!
Visit our other information
outlets:
Congratulations to:
Margaret “Peg” Rousseau
- Water Distribution For being February’s
Employee of the Month
If you have any questions or
suggestions regarding this
months newsletter, please contact Public Information at
(940) 761-7401 or e-mail:
barry.levy@wichitafallstx.gov
Thank you for your
outstanding service to
the community of
Wichita Falls!
Stop by any of the City of
Wichita Falls offices to pick
up the semi-annual CVB
magazine. You will find lists
of attractions, monuments,
restaurants, and upcoming
events for fun weekends in
the City of Wichita Falls.
More Information by clicking the Following Links:
WichitaFallsTX/calendar
Newstalk1290
ChooseWichitaFalls
KAUZNewsChannel6
WichitaFallsConvention&VisitorsBureau
WichitaFallsMPEC/events
TexhomasHomepage
MidwesternStateUniversity/calendar
City of Wichita Falls 1300 7th Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307-7531 www.wichitafallstx.gov