City Connections - December Edition

You don’t want to miss this year’s Santa Day...it will be the best year ever.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

• When shopping, keep your cart and purse within arms reach from you.  An open purse in a shopping cart is an invitation for someone looking for a quick theft.
• When loading your vehicle, do not turn your back and leave your purse in the cart or on the ground.
• Keep handbag or wallet in front of you (Beware of pick pockets).
• Never leave your purchases unattended.

• Consolidate purchases into one or two large bags.
• Don’t flash large amounts of cash in public.
• Use credit cards safely (Beware of Identity Theft).
• Dress casually and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Don’t put packages in the trunk and return to the store.
• Avoid using bathrooms that are tucked away in a back area of the mall.

• Choose a bank with an ATM located in a lighted area.
• Always park where there is plenty of light.
• Always try to walk to and from your car with another person.
• Be aware of where you parked and have your keys ready.
• When returning to your vehicle, scan the area around you and check under your car.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for a security escort.
• NEVER go home if you think you are being followed, call the Police.
• When arriving home, pull into the garage and close the door before unloading if possible. 
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle overnight!

• Never use a video arcade or toy store as a baby sitter.
• Teach kids what to do if you get separated.
• Make sure your children know your cell phone number and the number of another responsible adult.
• Talk to your children about stranger safety and keeping their money in their pockets.
• If your children are old enough to shop without you, make sure they have a buddy with them at all times.

Lock, Take and Hide

The Lock, Take and Hide Program is an on-going prevention initiative to remind the public NOT to invite crime by leaving keys or valuables in plain view inside their unattended vehicles.

LOCK your car!
TAKE your keys!
HIDE your belongings!

The large majority of auto thefts occur when people leave their vehicles unsecured and expensive belongings in plain sight. Report suspicious activity immediately! Call 972-317-6551

Going on Vacation?  You Fill Out the Form, We’ll Pick It Up!

Residents of Highland Village have access to the free Vacation Watch service offered by the Highland Village Police Department.  When you are away you can request your home be placed on “Vacation Watch.” When listed, patrol officers will periodically stop and check your home.  Officers may walk around and check your property for any signs of forced entry, damage or suspicious activity.  To request a Vacation Watch:

• Call Police Dispatch at 972-317-6551 and request a Patrol Officer stop by and pick up your completed Vacation Watch form.  The officer while there can give you some helpful tips on securing your property and do a brief security survey.  You can download the VW form on our website by clicking on Vacation Watch under Police Department.
• Call Police Dispatch at 972-317-6551 and the dispatcher will complete the VW request for you.
• Fax your completed VW form to Police Dispatch at 972-899-5088, or drop it off at the PD anytime. 

Cold Weather is on the Way!

Here are tips to assist you during the winter to help prevent frozen water pipes:

• Be sure to disconnect all outside water hoses.  This will prevent an overnight freeze from bursting either the faucet or the pipe it is connected.
• Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas with pipe wrapping materials that are available at any hardware stores.
• Locate your shut-off valve.  Some homes have accessible valves, while others only have shut-off valves in the meter boxes.  Please keep our Utility Service number handy, so that you may contact us in the event of an emergency.
• Any plumbing inside your home that is facing an outside wall should be considered during winter months.  To help prevent these pipes from freezing, open the cabinets to expose the pipes to the warm inside.

Water Main Flushing Program

During the fall & winter months, it is not uncommon to see fire hydrants open and water flushing through the lines.  This is a standard operation to circulate potable water in the mains to maintain disinfection at the required levels.

Winter Averaging

The amount of water a residence uses during the winter months determines what the sewer bill will be for the rest of the year.  It’s difficult for most people to get a “feel” of how much water they use and where they use it.  Here’s information to help:

Regular Shower - 25 gal.
Full Tub - 36 gal.
Toilet - 3-6 gal.
Washing Machine - 30-60 gal.

How To Protect Stormwater Quality

You can protect our untreated water resources:

• Report illegal dumping;
• Use the least toxic alternatives for managing pests and diseases in landscapes;
• Follow package directions when applying pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; •    Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers when rain is expected;
• Recycle or properly dispose of toxic chemicals in your home.  For more information on free drop-off locations for household chemicals, call the City of Highland Village Public Works Office at 972-899-5091.

Save Your Drains, Bag The FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease)

Grease from cooking makes its way into your private sewer pipes and the City’s sewer mains when you dispose of it by pouring down your kitchen sink drain.

Grease disposed through your kitchen sink clogs your drains and creates sewer back-ups.  Blocked sewer pipes cause raw sewer to back up into your house, and could cause the City’s sewer mains to clog causing raw sewer to back up into your neighbor’s houses.  Sewer back-ups lead to expensive cleanup and plumbing repair bills that must be paid for by the home owner.

• Wipe or scrape dishes before washing.
• Remove grease or oil from your pans with a paper towel before washing.
• Dispose of food scraps into the trash and minimize the use of garbage disposals.
• Cool down grease; pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash.

Save a Life! Learn CPR!

Upcoming CPR Classes are held from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on the following dates:

Wednesday, December 8 ~ Wednesday, January 12 ~ Wednesday, February 9

CPR Costs: $25 for residents, $45 for non-residents. A form of ID is required for address verification. Class size is limited; please contact Highland Village Fire Department at 972-317-0890 to sign-up.

Christmas Tree Recycling

December 26 to January 10
Copperas Branch Park
100 Copperas Branch Park Dr.
Drop trees off in designated area in front parking lot
Please remove all decorations

Stay up to date with Parks and Recreation programs, activities and events by signing up for eConnect under the E-Services box on the city website or become a fan of City of Highland Village Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Senior All-Stars

If you are 50 years young, you qualify to be at the Highland Village Senior All Stars New Year’s Eve Party!

Date:       December 31
Location: Robert and Lee DuVall Center
Time:      6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Cost:       $5 per person, sign up by December 29

There will be entertainment, food, dancing and games! Space is limited so sign up early so you don’t miss out on the fun! Check out the senior newsletter online for all the activities! http://www.highlandvillage.org/seniorallstars.html

Fall/Winter Photo Contest - Give Us Your Best Shot!

We’ve begun our Fall/Winter Photo Contest, which will run through February 28. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Overall, Holiday/Special Occasions, Architecture/Structures, Nature/Wildlife and Black and White Photos. Details and contest forms are online at www.hvparks.com

Copperas Branch and Pilot Knoll Park Day Use Passes:

Annual passes will go on sale January 3 for 2011. Resident passes will be $35 and senior (65 and over) resident passes will be $20

Resolution Run

5K Run/Walk & 5K Four-Legged Friend Run

Benefiting the Highland Village Trail System

Saturday, January 15, 2010

7:30 a.m. Race Day Registration ~ 9:00 a.m. 5K Race Start  ~ 9:05 a.m. Dog Race Start

Registration Fees: $22 Adult; $15 Students/Kids; $25 Dog & Partner Entry

Father and Daughter Valentine’s Dance at Celebrations

Father Daughter Dance: February 4, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale January 3, 2011 for residents ($25) and January 10, 2011 for nonresidents ($30). Come enjoy dinner and a rose, dancing and door prizes. Space is limited. 
Dress Semi-Formal.

You may register in person at the Parks Department or online at www.activenet.active.com/hvparks

Feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-317-7430 with any questions.

We’ve Moved!

Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices are now located at The Robert & Lee DuVall Center. The facility is open for public use and will be available for city events, senior activities and rentals. For rental information, rates and amenities for The Robert & Lee DuVall Center please call (972) 317-7430 or visit www.hvparks.com