City News March 2014 Issue 22 Healthy Spring 2014 Attend the Health Fair The Wichita Falls Family Health Center will present a Health Fair on March 8th, 9AM Eye Screening – 1 PM. This event is designed to educate Dental Screening the community about healthy behaviors and Counseling promote an active lifestyle. Diabetes test The Family Health Center physicians will Cholesterol test provide medical advice for everyone with Blood Pressure a wide range of topics for men, women, Weight Screening teenagers and children. In addition, the Massage Therapy Health Center will provide direct access to a “Discover Your Health Age” Test number of local physicians and health related specialists. Attendees will learn about everything from diet and nutrition to disease prevention. There The Health Fair will be at the MPEC Ray will be face painting for the kids and fun Clymer Exhibit Hall in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2. activities. Don’t miss some fantastic free Attend the Health Fair and take charge of your services that include: health today. Sign Up for City Leagues Softball-Volleyball-Kickball
It’s time to get friends, family and coworkers floor of the Wichita Falls Public Library, together and sign up for one of the City’s 600 Eleventh St., Room 209, and pick up a athletic leagues. Spring Adult Softball, packet and entry forms. The entry deadline is Volleyball, and Kickball registration is now February 24th and the season begins March underway at the City’s Recreation Division. 24th. These sports are for ages 16 and up. Anyone For more information please contact interested in signing up a team should stop by Travis Pence at 761-7497 or travis.pence@ the Recreation Office, located on the second wichitafallstx.gov. City News March 2014 Things To Do Time to Write a Letter You can download stationery at: www.campfireusa.org to make a colorful impact or make your own. If you don’t have a special kid in your life, then brighten another child’s life by directing letters to:
Camp Fire National Headquarters ATTN: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 1100 Walnut St., Suite 1900 Absolutely Incredible Kids are everywhere and they even have their own day designated Kansas City, MO 64106 by the Camp Fire organization to honor the nation’s youth. Everyone is asked to write letters of encouragement and inspiration to kids to reinforce appreciation and build self- esteem.
This year, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is celebrated March 20th. Camp Fire wishes that every kid in America could receive a letter, and encourages all those who can to send one or tuck one inside a lunch box, pillow case or backpack. Mayor’s Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall Town Hall 1000 5th Street Meeting 940-761-7404 Join us for a Mayor’s March 27th Town Hall Meeting in 7 – 9 PM Meeting Room 10. City News March 2014 Parks & Recreation March Events
Kids Fishing Rodeo
March 1, 10 AM – 12 PM Ages 16 & Under – Free Where: Plum Lake, 1702 Sheppard Access Rd. Co-Sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Rain Out Date: March 8th
March Movie Madness March 17th – 20th
WFISD Spring Break @ The Wichita Falls Recreation Center 600 11th Street, Room 205 Movies begin at 2 PM – Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and drinks provided.
Wednesday, March 19 Thursday, Tuesday, “Cloudy with March 20 March 18 a Chance of “Monsters Monday, March 17 “The Muppett Meatballs 2” University” “Despicable Me 2” Movie” City News March 2014 Public Library March at the Library Special Events: Pre-K Storytime Tuesdays 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 Scavenger Hunt 10:30 – 11:00 AM Monday, March 17th Preschool Storytime is designed for children at 10:00 AM ages 3 - 5 years. For children ages 8-11 years old. Learn the pirate’s code as you use Youth Crafts library resources to hunt for clues and Tuesdays 3/4, 3/18 complete activities. 4 – 5 PM Bookmark Entries Due Toddler Time Monday, 3/31 Wednesdays 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 The annual Bookmark Contest is held Toddler Time is designed for children throughout March. ages 14 - 35 months; Wichita Falls students in grades K-8 are encouraged to participate. Events take place in the Activity Room This year’s catchphrase is: LIVES CHANGE @ YOUR LIBRARY!
Learn a Language Today instructions. There are 56 foreign language courses, 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and a Religious & Scholarly section that includes Latin, Greek, and Biblical Hebrew. The Wichita Falls Public Library is excited to Mango Languages is also available for iPhone announce the addition of Mango Languages, or Android devices to learn on the go. a language-learning system free for library To preview the program, stop by the patrons. Learning a language with this online Reference Desk at the Wichita Falls Public service is fast, fun, and convenient. Library, or access Mango Languages through Patrons sign up using their library card and an the library’s website, wfpl.net. For more email address. After sign-up, begin learning information, contact Becky Morrison at 940- a language through real-life situations, hear 767-0868. audio from native speakers and follow simple City News March 2014 Events music venue for this year. Cody Canada & The Departed, featuring former Cross Canadian Ragweed band members will open for Blue October who will be the headliner for the evening. Participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Dash . The race begins at 10 AM. Pre-registration: $25; race day registration: $30. All runners receive a custom Dri-FIT race shirt and discounted festival admission. First place finish receives a special prize. The St. Patrick’s Day Annual Tickets: $12 – Advance (military or college ID) Downtown Street Festival $15 – Advance (general admission) March 15: 4:30 – 10:30 PM $20 – At the gate (12 & under – free) Come out for traditional Irish music, and Available at: dancing. There will also be plenty of great United Market Street food, activities, vendors and fun for the whole Downtown WF Development Office family. Iron Horse Pub Two outstanding bands will comprise the SAFB ITT Office ______REO Speedwagon Memorial Auditorium March 12, 7:30 PM Fun Facts: • Originally formed in 1967 and took the name of a flatbed truck • Hi Infidelity album sold over 10 million • Released popular “rock band” video game • Top touring band - in current venues across the country • Performed benefit concert “Rock to the Rescue” for tornado relief
City News is produced by the City of Wichita Falls Public Information Office. For questions or comments, call (940) 761-7401 or email [email protected]. City News March 2014 Spring Activities River Bend Nature Center Spectacular fun offered spring break: March 17th-21st
“Eyes on the Wild” Art Camp Special Monthly Events (8:30AM-12PM) March Birthday Mardi Gras painting, sculpting, photography and Party: March 4: 10:30 AM paper making Facial Sugaring Demos by Rachel Klein “Science on Stage” Drama Camp (1-4:30PM) March 20: 3 PM/Room 215 design sets and costumes, acting and puppeteering Volunteer Appreciation Dust off your bug catcher, fill up your water bottle and head to Lunch, March 26: 11 AM RBNC for an amazing week of fun and learning! Karaoke Mondays at 2 PM “Love of Nature” Photo Show and Competition Tuesdays at 2:45 PM River Bend’s 14th Annual “Love of Nature” Photo Show and Thursdays at 1:30 PM Competition is coming up soon. This is a chance to show off your photography skills and win cool prizes. Entries are due Movies on the Big Screen April 21st at the Kemp Center of the Arts. They will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays display April 24th - May 23rd at the “What’s Up Downstairs” and Fridays: 1:30 PM & Gallery at the Kemp Center for the Arts. Awards and prizes 5:30 PM will be given May 23. There are 3 youth and adult categories that include: landscape, insects/plants/flowers, and animals. Bingo at the Zone For more information about rules and Tuesdays 9-10 AM registration call: 940-767-0843. Fridays 9-10 AM
Fitness Classes: Dallas Zoo at RBNC! Monday-Friday: Coming to River Bend Nature Center 9 & 10:30 AM May 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Three animal shows each day: 10am, 11am, and 12pm. Zumba: 10 AM Monday & Wednesday This 45-minute interactive program features animals from around the world. Open to schools and the public. Groups of 10 Walking: M-F: 8:30 - 9 AM or more must call to reserve their spot. Don’t miss your chance to see these exotic animals up close and personal! Admission is Yoga: Tues/Thurs/Fri $4 per person, age 1 and under: free. Contact: 767-0843; www. 10:30 - 11 AM RiverBendNatureCenter.org or Facebook. City News March 2014 Information Alternative Landscaping With the drought lingering in Texas, the idea of replacing traditional lawns with artificial turf has generated some interest. As people have explored this option, companies have developed many types, styles and colors of artificial grass available for consumers. Artificial grass was first created in the 1960s and was mainly intended for use in sporting arenas which considering the area drought, has attracted the attention of a neighboring town. Henrietta ISD recently approved installation of artificial turf for the athletic field. The school district saw the 3. No chemicals needed, no adding to transformation as a necessity based upon the pollution levels or affecting the environment. area’s weather patterns. The decision was 4. No weed pulling. based on a study that puts the cost of the 5. Synthetic grass is long lasting – no artificial turf about the same as grass over a replanting expenses. period of 20 years. This takes into account 6. Synthetic grass offers excellent drainage resurfacing the field after 10 years, as well as and dries quickly, no puddles or mud. fertilizer and manpower needed to maintain 7. Playing sports is great on artificial grass. grass. Artificial turf provides a consistent 8. Synthetic grass always looks perfectly playing surface in all weather conditions and manicured. has been proven to be safer for players. In addition to athletic fields, the use of Cons: artifical turf as lawns for homeowners is 1. Expensive up front costs to install. gaining popularity. There are definite things 2. The rubber cushion below the surface may to consider regarding artificial grass: require occasional re-filling. 3. Synthetic grass can become unpleasantly hot in summer. Pros: 4. Chemicals are used in the manufacture of 1. Low maintenance – no watering, synthetic grass. fertilizing, weed killers, mowing. 5. Synthetic grass is….well...synthetic, not 2. Saves water. natural. City Council dates Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium 1300 Seventh Street: March 4; March 18 City News March 2014 Travel It’s hard to believe, but in a few short weeks, we will be considering places to cool off. Texas has some terrific swimming holes, and the following are ten favorites among travelers:
1) Balmorhea State Park – Balmorhea, TX – located 60 miles west of Fort Stockton, the world’s largest spring fed pool. It’s huge and in the middle of a desert. sometimes be crowded. The pool provides 72 degree water, year- 6) Devil’s Waterhole – West of Burnet, round and is home to fish, turtles, and various TX – in Inks Lake State Park isn’t normally other creatures. affected by drought conditions, surrounding 2) Jacob’s Well – Wimberly, TX - is by cliffs that you can jump off in the middle also a spring-fed swimming hole which is of a park with lots of activities. usually not very crowded. The opening of the 7) Blanco State Park – Blanco, TX – a well is about 12 feet wide, and it descends 35 giant pool made by damming up the river and feet, before declining another 120 feet at an a short drive from Austin. The park has plenty angle into caves. Diving into the underwater of hiking, fishing and picnic areas to enjoy. caves is not recommended. 8) Las Moras Pool, Fort Clark Springs 3) Hamilton Pool – Dripping Springs, – Bracketville, TX – the 3rd largest spring fed TX – a beautiful, unworldly site, the pool is pool in Texas, and is only available if you stay created by Hamilton Creek spilling over down at the resort, but well worth it. Lots to do here a 50-foot waterfall into a shaded swimming in terms of tourism and activities. sanctuary. 9) Garner State Park, Concan, TX – 4) Krause Springs, Spicewood, TX these miles and miles of Frio river have been – more springs here and located on private a popular destination for years. Concan is the land, but it’s open year round. In addition to place in summer so if you want a cabin, book swimming, there are butterfly gardens and one early. a beautiful landscape to explore, camping 10) City Tube Chute – New Braunfels, facilities and RV hookups available. TX – a very popular destination to go floating 5) Barton Springs – Austin, TX – down the Comal River. frigid spring-fed waters and great fun, but can City News March 2014 Things to do Faith City Kennel Club Dog God of Carnage - MSU Art at MSU. Show Theatre Presentation March 1, 8:00 AM - March 2, March 13, 7:30 PM - 9:30 Wichita Falls Wildcats vs 6:00 PM @ JS Bridwell Ag PM @ Fain Fine Arts Center Topeka Roadrunners Center Theatre March 28, 29 7:05 PM - 10:00 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum Wichita Falls Ranch & Farm Wichita Falls Wildcats vs Expo Kenai River Brown Bears Steel Magnolias: Presented March 5, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM March 14, 7:05 PM - 10:00 PM by Backdoor Theatre @ JS Bridwell Ag Center @ Kay Yeager Coliseum March 28, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Backdoor Theatre Juanita Harvey Art Gallery Pipeline Safety Training Receptions: Rigoberto A. March 18, 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM Cowboy True Gonzales and British Studies @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall March 28 & 29, 6:00 Group Photography PM - 10:00 PM @ JS Bridwell March 7, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Justin Moore in Concert Ag Center @ Juanita Harvey Art Gallery with Special Guest Randy Houser MDA Muscle Walk 2014 The Marriage of Figaro March 20, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM March 29, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM March 7, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ Kay Yeager Coliseum @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall @ Akin Auditorium - MSU Wichita Falls Wildcats vs Wichita Falls Symphony 2014 Wheels & Thrills Expo Lone Star Brahmas Orchestra: Time for Three March 8, 10:00 AM - March March 26, 7:05 PM - 10:00 PM March 29, 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM 9, 5:00 PM @ Ray Clymer @ Kay Yeager Coliseum @ Memorial Auditorium Exhibit Hall Texhoma One Stop Shop 21st Annual Inheritance Foreign Film Series: Desert Hop Adoptions Banquet with: Flower March 28, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Leigh Anne Tuohy March 11, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall March 29, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM @ MSU Museum of Art @ Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall The Kitchen’s Annual Fish Dr. Ken Ridgway, Speaker Fry & Silent Auction March 13, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM March 28, 5:00 PM - 8:00 @ MSU - Bolin Science Hall PM @ The Red Door Senior Citizens Center Third Day and Skillet Tour March 13, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Wichita Falls Museum of @ Kay Yeager Coliseum Art: Receptions March 28, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Wichita Falls Museum of