🌱Gymnastics World Games Qualifier In Irving + Raises For Irving ISD

What's up Irving! Back again to share the latest news to use as you start your Thursday. I’m Merlin Douglass, your friendly guest curator and here’s what I’ve got for you today.

First, today's weather:

We get a break from the wind today, and it’s partly cloudy. High: 87 Low: 70

Here are the top stories in Irving today:

1. Many of the nation’s top trampoline and tumbling athletes will be in Irving this weekend for the 2022 Elite Challenge at the Irving Convention Center. The event will determine who will represent the U.S. in the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, this summer. Qualifications will begin on Friday, and event finals across all events will begin Saturday afternoon and through Sunday. (USA Gymnastics)
2. Irving school district employees will receive raises this year, effective July 1. The plan includes non-teaching professionals, including food service employees, librarians and counselors. Irving ISD pays some of the highest salaries in North Texas. (Dallas News; requires a subscription).
3. Magnolia Realty, the real estate company started by HGTV reality stars Joanna and Chip Gaines, is coming to Grapevine. The opening serves as a homecoming of sorts for Chip Gaines, who was a well-respected baseball player for Grapevine High School. The office is expected to open by summer. (WFAA)
4. The native plant society of Texas objects to the improvements being planned for Texas A&M’s Aggie Park in University Park. Over 100 invasive trees are expected to be planted this year in a bid to improve the setting sets the scene for environmental damage. The university argues that 80 to 85% of the trees in the park will be Texas native species, and they will provide the necessary support for local wildlife. (The Battalion)
5. Irving, Texas, is the number one spot the nation’s renters are flocking to, with Lewisville a close second. A new report from StorageCafe says that four of the top rental destinations in the country are in Texas, with three of them in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. The population of Texas has risen a remarkable 16% between 2010 and 2020. (Dallas Observer)

Today in Irving:

• Baby Bookworms meet today at the South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive.The activities are appropriate for children from birth to pre-walkers including songs and finger play. The group is free to attend but a parent or caregiver should be present. (10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.)
• Bring more people to your website with a masterclass in keyword search techniques at SEO Optimizers, 7979 N MacArthur Boulevard. Brian Lebowitz, CEO of SEO Optimizers will share his insights in building website traffic. The workshop is free. (1:00 P.M.)
• The Grapevine Chamber Women’s Division is hosting the 26th Annual Great Taste of Grapevine from at the Marriott Courtyard, 2200 Bass Pro Court. The cost is $30 in advance (click on the link in the time) or $40 at the door. Funds raised will purchase textbooks for local schoolchildren and support a Christmas party for local seniors. (5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.)

From my notebook:

• Spend the perfect day in Grapevine. You won’t find many grape vines but you will find history, arts and creative crafts and wine tasting. Check out the link for seven sights worth the trip. (Travel Awaits)
• Join a bookclub at the Irving Library. There are clubs for kids, teens and adults, in-person and online to choose from. Make new friends who like the same books you do. (City of Irving)

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Now you’re ready to go out and make a day of it. Thanks for reading. Tomorrow, Ash DeMello your regular curator will be back with more interesting local news so don’t forget to check it out.

—Merlin Douglass