- Message from Robbie
- Special Events Recap
- Special Recognition
|
|
- UPLift Volunteer Program
- The Acorn
- Paige's Palate
|
|
Reflecting upon the previous year is always a rewarding experience for me. I enjoy reliving the memories that were created and the sense of accomplishment that comes with the end of another year. However, it also gives me the opportunity to remember the significance of the work that we do in service to others. While we serve to improve the quality of life for others, we also provide services that meet the everyday physiological and safety needs of our residents - this is very important work! Thank you for choosing to work for the City of University Park and devoting your professional time and energy to service.
The upcoming year will be another opportunity to address long-standing issues for this community. Stormwater management and replacement of aging water/sewer infrastructure will continue to be topics of conversation for the City Council and community. The City Council will also be making important decisions on how best to revitalize the Snider Plaza and Miracle Mile shopping centers. While these are costly capital projects, they represent the aging and critical infrastructure needs of this community.
I also look forward to interacting with one another on a more regular basis. The City’s volunteer program, UPLift, has a new schedule of volunteer opportunities, which you can find below. We will have city manager roadshows this spring, and we will reengage managers and supervisors with quarterly meetings. My hope for the New Year is for our personal and organizational success that comes from an active and engaged work environment.
Happy 2023!
-Robbie
|
|
Last month's annual Holiday Luncheon was once again a hit! Equipment Services walked away with the Candy Cane Spirit Award, thanks to their festive Santa sleigh, brought into the luncheon with the assistance of some reindeer! |
|
The food was delicious, the desserts were decadent and everyone had a wonderful time enjoying each other's company! And, we received many toy donations for Dallas LIFE. |
|
It was great to connect with colleagues and celebrate the holiday season. A big thank you to the Employee Committee for organizing another successful event!
The photo booth was also a hit! Click the button below to view the photo booth gallery.
|
|
The 2022 Employees of the Year were announced at the Holiday Luncheon. A committee comprised of the previous year's winners made selections for Gold and Silver Winners. Mayor Tommy Stewart presented awards to all of the recipients. |
|
Traffic - Randy Brown
Equipment Services - Miguel Herrera, Jr.
|
|
Pictured from left to right. |
|
Sanitation - Marcos Aldape
Fire - Stewart MacDonell
Police - John Trussell
Sanitation - Jose Castellanos
Purchasing - Elizabeth Anderson
Congratulations to all!
|
|
UPLift is coming back in 2023! |
The UPLift team is excited for our volunteer program to return and we hope that all employees take advantage of the opportunity to give back to the community! See below for a tentative 2023 UPLift calendar along with a sign-up sheet for events in the first quarter of the year.
Each eligible employee is allotted one eight-hour work day to volunteer with supervisor approval. If you are interested in volunteering at multiple events, you must have supervisor approval and you will be required to use vacation and/or personal time for those.
Download a sign-up sheet using the link below, and return your approved sheet to Adriana Wallace before each specific deadline to secure your spot. If you have any questions, please contact any UPLift team member - Ann Allen x5487, Felipe Mota, Thomas Ta x5347, or Adriana Wallace x5466.
SIGN-UP DEADLINES
The Stewpot – Thursday, January 5
Cornerstone Ranch – Thursday, January 26
Jonathan’s Place – Thursday, March 2
|
|
Last quarter, we welcomed 10 new employees!
|
|
|
|
Eliud Ayala is a new Sanitation Driver.
|
|
Neriah Bruce is a new part-time Library Assistant.
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel Cisneros is a new Mail Specialist/Court Clerk.
|
|
Raul Perez is a new Maintenance Technician.
|
|
|
Zakary Ravella is a new Police Officer.
|
|
Eric Green is a new Sanitation Driver.
|
|
Carla Hadden is a new Dispatcher.
|
|
Edward Stone is a new part-time Parking Enforcement Officer.
|
|
|
|
|
Jacinto Ramos is a new Sanitation Driver.
|
|
Edith Cashaw is a new part-time Library Assistant.
|
|
Welcome to University Park! |
|
Last month, staff celebrated boy-mom-to-be Kaylon Jackson with an adorable baby shower at the library. She was showered with some super cute gifts, and attendees enjoyed yummy snacks and treats and played some fun games! Baby Nylan is due on January 7! Congratulations to new mom Kaylon! |
|
Dallas LIFE Campaign Update |
|
This year, City staff had an opportunity to donate to our charity partner, Dallas LIFE Homeless Recovery Center, for the second consecutive year. Employees generously donated nearly $3,400 to Dallas LIFE with proceeds from the Chili Cook-off, one-time donations and payroll deductions through 2023.
Thank you to everyone who participated! It was a wonderful campaign for a great cause!
|
|
I am so excited to share with you one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Dallas - Doce Mesas! The original location of Doce Mesas is on McKinney Ave in the Knox Henderson neighborhood, which is small but has an adorable patio that is great during the spring and summer months. They recently opened a second location off Walnut Hill in The Hill shopping center. While this new location does not have the cute patio, the restaurant is gorgeous and has a great vibe. Every time I go to either location, the staff is always super attentive and kind and it is just an overall wonderful experience! Even better, the food is delicious and the margaritas are to die for! |
My grandma always says, "You can always tell how good a Mexican restaurant is by the guacamole." Well, Doce Mesas knocks it out of the park with their guacamole. The starter is huge and is served with serrano peppers and charred tomatoes. The peppers are delicious and are the perfect pairing with the guacamole. The guacamole itself is so fresh and has great flavor, with a hint of lime and red onions. Delicious! |
Doce Mesas has one of my favorite quesos in Dallas. It's a white cheddar queso with spinach and charred poblano. I personally prefer a white cheddar queso, so I am a little biased, but that does not take away from the fact that it is so delicious. Their chips are also wonderful and pair so nicely with the queso. If you go to Doce Mesas, you should definitely order this, and the portion is generous as well! |
Doce Mesas has a lot of great entree options. One of my favorites is the Gulf Shrimp Tacos. Served on corn tortillas, these tacos have poblano peppers, melted white cheddar, avocado and an awesome sauce. They are also served with a side of their white rice and a cabbage salad. Pro tip - mix your rice with the salad, it's awesome! |
I would also recommend the Pollo Y Mole Enchiladas. My mom loves mole, and she said these are definitely the best mole enchiladas that she has tried in Dallas! This dish comes with two large chicken mole enchiladas, and a side of red rice and black beans. |
Learn more about the restaurant, see hours and locations, or view the Doce Mesas menu here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
