RamblerNewspapers.com April 30, 2016 50¢ 'Voice of the Mavs' inspires future leaders By Courtney Ouellette of several career options in vari- It is no secret that Irving is home ous fields like technology, medical, to hundreds of successful business and hospitality. Seminars even ad- owners, civic leaders and entrepre- dressed dressing for success. neurs. The keys to these men and Several powerhouse organiza- women’s success was passed to the tions in Irving participate in the next generation of leaders during Future Leaders of Irving program, the Future Leaders of Irving’s most including the Irving Chamber, city recent sessions that focused on pre- staff, the La Buena Vida Leadership paring the students to choose a ca- Foundation and the Irving Schools reer path. Foundation. Some of the topics included ways At the Future Leaders of Irving to pay for college, such as scholar- class of 2015-2016 graduation cer- ships and military options. In addi- emony on April 20, the students tion, students were offered details See LEADERS Page 2 ‘Best in Irving’ Getting their groove on, Irving's future leaders sing and dance to their class song at the Future Leaders of Irving graduation ceremony. snubs most / Photo by John Starkey Irving businesses North Texas Teen Book By Sarah Bays that. Some find the title ‘Best in Ir- For all their beauty and wonder, ving’ to be misleading. Festival attendees double Rome, London, Paris, Malan share “That obviously isn’t going to give By Trenton Conner ly wholesome and nice, except when During her morning address, one indisputable trait, a timeless the best listing of the best,” Steph- Over 7,000 book lovers united you then have to explain I don’t write Black was honored by Sam Houston jealousy of Irving, Texas. While anie Webb said. “Maybe the ‘Best at the second annual North Texas picture books,” Black said. “Though State University with the Jan Paris bragging is not something we like to of the Chamber,’ but not the ‘Best Teen Book Festival presented at every now and then an interviewer award of achievement in teen liter- do, at times it is unavoidable. of Irving.’ I just looked up the list the Las Colinas Irving Convention asks me, ‘Will you ever write any- ature. Chief among Irving’s stellar as- and most seem more like the best Center on April 23. From all over thing but fantasy?’ The answer, by This event has caught the atten- sets are the businesses that offer of Irving are places that are big box/ North Texas, students and parents the way, is no-never.” tion of several schools around the shopping and services and provide corporation type places versus all alike had the chance to meet some “They reminded me how it em- area with teachers and students hundreds of thousands of people the wonderful small businesses or of their favorite authors and to dis- barrassing it once was to be the kid playing a big role in attracting at- employment every day. Businesses unique, one of a kind places that cover new ones. who liked to make up stories and tendees. including The Ranch at Las Colinas, make Irving awesome.” “It’s kind of crazy but in the best loved magic, and have to justify that “The students are the ones who Sonic, Porter’s Army & Navy Store, Gold’N Carats Jewelers owned by way possible,” said Mary Hinson, to people,” she said. “It was espe- are pushing the books on their Pure Salon and Cavalli Pizza enrich Jim and Lucinda Rogers won the a senior library assistant for Irving cially hard when people around me friends,” Hinson said. “They are the the city, gleaning great reviews from ‘Best in Irving’ award for jeweler in Public Library. “Last year we had thought that I should grow out of it. ones who are helping us promote patrons. 2015. The couple was upset to dis- about 3,500 people. The goal for Obviously I didn’t.” See BOOKS Page 4 Surprisingly, when it does come cover their category had been delet- this year was 7,000.” time to brag about the quality of ed from the 2016 survey. With 75 featured authors, includ- Irving businesses, one place you “When the survey was first post- ing additional authors who helped won’t find these -- and many other ed on the Internet, I observed that moderate panels, students listened -- businesses listed is on the Great- the category for best jeweler was not to influential writers talk about their er Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of listed, and we had won last year,” process, and even worked on their Commerce’s 2016 BEST in Irving Lucinda said. “So I questioned the own writing skills. Awards survey. Chamber office. Their response was Holly Black, author of The Spi- It seems, the names of businesses that the category had been excluded derwick Chronicles, addressed hun- offered on the survey includes only due low participation. dreds of fans in her keynote speech. Chamber members, even though See BEST Page 3 “Writing kids’ books sounds real- the survey mentions nothing about Fans celebrate a sci-fi legacy at WhoFest 3 By Adam Stephens come together and do some good,” Fans of the long-running Dr. Who charity coordinator Beki Brinkmey- franchise gathered at the Westin er said. “It’s created by fans for the DFW Airport Hotel in Irving for the love of the fans. We go out of our third annual WhoFest. For three way to make it the best experience days, starting on April 22, fans met for the fans possible. For instance, with actors from various eras of the at, say, Dallas Comic Con, you nev- show, displayed their own costumes er really have enough time to talk and custom props, and attended to the special guests, but here we panels exploring every facet of the let the fans talk to the guests for a show and its fandom. while.” WhoFest was first held in cel- The special guests include actors ebration of the Doctor Who 50th from multiple eras of the show, Anniversary Special: The Day of including Eve Myles, who played the Doctor, which was produced in Gwen Cooper in the spinoff series 2013. So many fans attended the Torchwood. Script writer Andrew event that the following year saw Cartmel signed copies of his book, the attendance of guests such as Script Doctor — The Inside Story Colin Baker (the 6th Doctor). Un- of Doctor Who 1986-89, which is like other conventions, WhoFest is an account of his work with the se- completely run by volunteers, and a ries. Actors from the “classic” era of great deal of emphasis is put on the Dr. Who included two companions fandom as whole. of the Second Doctor, Frazer Hines “This is a great way for fans to See WHOFEST, Page 5 Page 2 April 30, 2016 www.RamblerNewspapers.com COMMUNITY CALENDAR Valley Ranch’s EARTHfest Animal Care Campus! Irving Animal Services and docent led tours are offered at 3pm and Community Meeting on the Heritage Park ing plans to expand the Heritage Park area. April 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and its partner, DFW Humane Society, are 4pm. Built in 1912, this Recorded Texas May 4, 6 p.m. Council Conference Room at City Hall celebrating National Adopt a Shelter Pet Historic Landmark provides a glimpse of 825 West Irving Blvd. Join us for a day of fun as EARTHfest meets The City is seeking community input regard- Day by waiving adoption fees for all dogs one of Irving’s early families and their home. Cimarron Family Field Day! Enjoy planting, 40 pounds and larger. Visit the IACC, 4140 For more information, visit www.irvingheri- building, and creating at various stations Valley View Lane. tage.com or call 972-252-3838. Group tours surrounding the pavilion. And don’t forget of the Heritage House and Mary’s Playhouse about the face painters! are available by special appointment. Come for the ladybug release and stick Not Too Young to Serve God around for the games. LADYBUG RELEASE April 30, 7:00 p.m. AT 10:30 a.m. in the back field. *FREE Bug “Not Too Young to Serve God” from Styling Cinco de Mayo containers available while supplies last. Diva Productions and presented by the May 1, 7:00 PM Roll out your blanket for a true picnic expe- Irving Black Arts Council, is a stage play See two World Class Mariachi Bands per- rience while listening to the upbeat sounds focused on the events and situations that forming with the Irving Symphony Orchestra of The Boxcar Bandits. Free Hotdogs and young people face at home, at school and at the Irving Convention Center. Pre-Per- Drinks will be provided by the Cimarron in everyday life. Dupree Theater, $10-$15 formance Appearance by Famous Express Recreation Center. Clydesdales Live. Photo-Opportunity & Irving Heritage House Door Prize/Raffle Drawing, 4:30 - 7:00 PM. Take Home a Big Best Friend May 1, 3pm to 5pm Come before the performance to see the April 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clydesdales Team up close. Enter Drawing The Irving Heritage House monthly tours now Free for great Clydesdales gifts & Mexican Want to change the world for a homeless include a tour of Mary’s Playhouse. Located Sombreros. animal? Then adopt a pet from the Irving at 303 South O’Connor. Admission is free City plans to revitalize south Irving with new development By Courtney Ouellette of our city. Planners have a fancy the buying power that comes with Hoping to bring a new type of word called gentrification.