April 2017 – 2nd Edition
Richardson Coalition
News in Three Minutes
April 2017
Richardson Real Heroes
Since its inception seven years ago the Richardson Coalition has been proud to support the Richardson Real Heroes Program.
The 2017 Richardson Real Heroes were recognized on April 6, 2017 for their unselfish and unsung contributions to the community. (L-R):
- Diane Hodges, Richardson Adult Literacy Center
- Ruth Ann Aldridge, Network of Community Ministries
- Beth Chisum, Methodist Richardson Medical Center
- Kay & Walter King, Friends of the Richardson Library
- Jerry Moore & Christie Abbott, CARE Corps of Richardson East Church of Christ
Please join us in honoring these extraordinary individuals that do so much and never ask to receive anything in return. On Facebook.com, you can find them by searching for Richardson Real Heroes 2017.
Richardson 2016 Citizen of the Year
At the Richardson Chamber of Commerce annual banquet held April 7 Bob Townsend was recognized as the 2016 Citizen of the Year. Bob’s many contributions include service as Mayor, Mayor Pro tem, councilmember and as member of many boards and commissions.
Congratulations, Bob!
Important City Election Dates
Early Voting: April 24 – May 2
Election Day: Saturday May 6 – 7AM to 7PM
Note: The Richardson Coalition’s Voter Guide will be released prior to early voting.
Parks Update
- Richardson’s 39th park, Fox Creek Park, is being constructed at Renner Road and Foxboro Drive. This is Phase One of the park and will cover 11 acres of the planned 17 acres. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2017. This park joins the 3.5 acre park which opened last fall.
- Twenty new trees were planted in Lookout Park in February. MetroTex Association of Realtors and the Texas Trees Foundation donated the trees.
WildFlower 25th Anniversary
The 25th annual WildFlower! Arts & Music Festival will be held May 19-21. Headliners announced include the B-52s, Guster, Martha Davis and The Motels, X-Ambassadors, Bowling for Soup, Shooter Jennings and Ruthie Foster. This year’s anniversary celebration will continue other popular features including WF! Kids, WF! Eats, WF! Marketplace and Performers Row, which showcases strolling entertainers, buskers and acrobats. WildFlower! 2017 also continues the Battle of the Bands contest, the Budding Talent competition and the Art Guitar Auction.
Disabled/Senior Property Tax Exemption Increase
The City Council approved an ordinance that increases the property tax exemption for disabled and senior citizens from $70,000 to $80,000, saving disabled and senior citizen homeowners $500.13 in taxes.
Heart for the Arts Awards
The Richardson Arts Alliance honored the 2016 recipients of the “Heart for the Arts” awards at its annual Heart for the Arts Gala at the Eisemann Center. The Richardson Arts Alliance promotes and develops the cultural arts in Richardson through communications, education and collaboration by its member organizations. Honorees included Kitty Goddard, Melanie Moore and Bill Fox.
April Trash Bash
The annual Trash Bash event is Saturday April 15, 2017. This event is held in conjunction with Keep Texas Beautiful and is open to anyone wishing to help clean up the community. It includes: a book and clothing drive, free Texas Pure Compost or Mulch, and Cease the Grease cooking oil drop-off: all available outside the Civic Center. The Electronics and Shredding Drop-off has MOVED to Richardson Square Mall. Please register your Trash Bash group online, in-person or by calling the Health Department at 972-744-4076. Click here for more information.
Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Scheduled
The Spring Neighborhood Leadership Workshop is April 18, 2017. Please RSVP to Jenna Hite at jenna.hite@cor.gov or 972-744-4162. Speakers will include Scott Willingham from Strategic Government Resources, Cindy Shafter from the Network of Community Ministries and Nick Echtenkamp from the Richardson Family YMCA. A catered dinner will be served and there will be the opportunity to visit with city staff and community partners at the Exhibitors Row. Click here for more information.
