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JANUARY 2024

Check out the senior city-services database on the Senior Resources webpage.
Explore the Senior Resources Guide
Plano State of the City 2024 address graphic

Attend the 2024 Plano State of the City Address 


Don’t miss Plano’s State of the City 2024 featuring Mayor John B. Muns and Councilmembers. Hear our officials highlight the past year and provide insight into what’s to come this year. Attendees are also treated to special meetups with city department representatives at the Plano Faces Fair to learn about programs and services or to ask questions.  


State of the City 2024

Thursday, February 8

5 pm - Plano Faces Fair

6 pm - Presentation begins

Robinson Fine Arts Center, 1800 Alma Drive


The event is free. If you cannot join in person, watch it online at PlanoTV.org.

Running sink faucet with large pink piggy bank on counter

Save on Water and Get Money Back


Since 2010, the City of Plano’s Water Conservation Rebate Program has saved residents approximately $1 million through utility bill credits for the installation of qualifying products! How? By offering money back for water-saving updates to eligible homes. Why? Because water conservation throughout the region is key to meeting future water demands.


If you have a toilet that’s seen better days (or decades) or a sprinkler system without a rain and freeze sensor, you may be able to enjoy new, qualifying products at a steep discount – maybe even for free – with a rebate. Browse water-efficient products through EPA WaterSense.


WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent, third-party certification and meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance.


Learn about Water Conservation Rebates.

Plano MCOR Citizenship Workshop

Learn How to Become a U.S. Citizen at Free MCOR Workshop


Receive detailed expert assistance in attaining a United States citizen certification. The Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable (MCOR) is hosting a FREE fact-finding event on Saturday, February 10 at the Sockwell Center, 6301 Chapel Hill.


During the MCOR Citizenship Information Workshop, attendees will:

LEARN ABOUT:

  • Who can apply for citizenship
  • How and when to submit the citizenship application
  • Benefits of citizenship


HEAR FROM:

  • Immigration and Naturalization Service describing their policies
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation about background checks
  • English as a Second Language providers in the area
  • Nonprofit organizations about citizenship courses 
  • Immigration attorneys who speak many languages (Spanish, Chinese and Arabic)

                                                                                

This free workshop begins at 2 pm. No childcare will be provided. For more details email Info@PlanoMCOR.org or visit PlanoMCOR.org.

Heart-shaped dish with healthy foods next to a blood pressure device

Preventative Health Care Through Diet


Many people make resolutions in January about weight reduction to improve their health. Losing weight certainly helps prevent health issues such as diabetes and heart attacks, but there are other things to consider. When altering your diet, consider that food is less nutritious than it used to be. Modified foods, plus air and water pollution can contribute to health problems. 


Here are tips to keep your body at maximum health: 

  • Avoid GMO’s – search labels for key words: high fructose corn syrup, lecithin, sugar, margarine, corn, soy
  • Buy grass fed beef – no alfalfa hay (GMO) or bovine growth hormone
  • Eat organic poultry to avoid antibiotics 
  • Avoid processed foods which have high salt, fat or sugar content  
  • Eliminate wheat 
  • Buy from local farmer’s markets or eat organic fruits and vegetables 
  • Supplement minerals often missing from depleted soil


The phrase “you are what you eat” applies to our health. Lessen the chance of disease by adopting a healthy diet and monitoring your blood pressure. For more information on improving your diet, consult your physician or a dietician. Call the Wellness Center for Older Adults at 972-953-7669 to find out about the screenings they offer.

New Street Closure Application open for 2024

 

Do you need to apply for a street closure for an upcoming neighborhood event? The BEST Neighborhoods team is here to help! The new Application for Private Street Closure is now available. Information about the City of Plano’s street closure process can be found on our website. Email questions to BlockParties@plano.gov.

Plano Community Recycling Events graphic

Check for details about Plano electronics recycling, paper shredding, clothing and shoe collection, etc.

Things to Do...Places to Be
Photo from Plano's Little Sweetheart Dance

Little Sweetheart Dance Adds Sparkle to February 


Get a jump on the Valentine’s spirit by bonding with a daughter, niece or family friend on the dance floor. Enjoy an enchanted evening of music and dancing at Plano’s Little Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 3. All young ladies 4-14 years old can join their fathers or other loving parental figures for a night to remember at the Plano Event Center. 


Couples will be treated to light refreshments and have access to a free photo booth – all included in the $20/person ticket price. Each young lady also receives a special Thank You Gift at the end of the night as a memento of their magical time. 


Registration is required for each adult and each child attending. Register here using event code #64729. The Little Sweetheart Dance is from 7 - 9 pm at Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway.

DART Silver Line train

DART Hosts Silver Line Community Meeting


You’re invited to an open meeting to get updates on the DART Silver Line rail project. Dallas Area Rapid Transit and design-build contractor Archer Western Herzog will share construction progress including:

  • Design-build updates
  • Betterments program progress
  • Vehicle design progress
  • Hike and bike trail progress
  • Community engagement updates
  • Safety education 


The Silver Line is a 26-mile regional rail from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Shiloh Road in Plano. The rail will connect nine stations across seven cities when finished. Service is expected to begin between late 2025 and mid-2026.


DART Silver Line Community Meeting

Thursday, February 1

Plano Municipal Center, 1520 K Avenue

Council Chambers

6:30 pm

DART Silver Line Station Area Plan graphic

Public Open House: Silver Line Station Areas Plan


The City will host a Public Open House for the Silver Line Station Areas Plan on Tuesday, February 6 from 6 to 8 pm at the Harrington Library in Plano. This is a come-and-go interactive event.

It’s your opportunity to review and share feedback on the draft Land Use, Transportation, and Open Space Framework Plans for the 12th Street and Shiloh Road station areas. These plans will guide future development and community investment in these areas stimulated by the future DART Silver Line transit corridor, projected to open in late 2025 to mid-2026.


Visit the project website PlanoCompPlan.org/SilverLine for more information about the results of the previous outreach efforts, as well as links to previous reports and presentations related to the plan development.

Plano Public Library & Public Safety News

Row of computer monitors at a local library with stacks of books

Discover More at Plano Public Library 

 

Find new ways to live your best life at the library.  

  • Learn Email Basics on Saturday, February 3 and get in touch with friends and family. 
  • Start the year fresh by taking Computer Skills Basics on Friday, February 2 and Friday, February 9. 
  • Are you eligible for Medicare and confused about options for coverage, still working with employer coverage and wondering if you should sign up or having a hard time affording Medicare costs? Benefits counselors from the Area Agency on Aging will cover the basics for free (virtually and at Harrington Library) on Wednesday, February 14
  • Explore Older Adult Bags with a loved one or on your own. Choose from Sensory bags which feature items and activities to help reduce anxiety, improve mobility, stimulate senses and provide cognitive engagement; or Reminisce bags that spark conversation and social engagement. Search the library catalog for “older adult bag” to place a hold on one or stop by any of our five locations to check out what’s available.  

AARP Tax Help is Available


Free assistance is available to the public (provided by AARP volunteers) at the following locations. Sign up starts in-person at 9 am – first come, first served. Download forms and other tax information from IRS.gov.


Fridays

February 2 – April 12; 11 am - 3 pm

Harrington Library


Mondays

February 5 – April 15, 11 am - 3 pm

Haggard Library

OPEN HOUSE: Short-Term Rental Study


On Wednesday, February 7, the City of Plano will host a come-and-go open house on the topic of Short-Term Rentals (STR). Learn more about our STR Study and share your opinions. 


OPEN HOUSE

event1013, 1013 E. 15th Street

6 - 8 pm


If not able to make it to the STR Open House in-person, watch the meeting online at PlanoSTR.com.

Now Hiring: School Crossing Guards


This is a great way to serve your community, while earning extra money. Click on the flyer for more details.  

Plano Police Department badge

How Do You Feel About Police Services?


If you live in Plano, please take the Plano Police Department’s Annual Citizen Survey online. Help the Department measure how it meets our community's needs and expectations.  


These key questions assist the Department in determining citizen perceptions of safety, quality of life and quality of police services. The survey also allows you to convey your priorities for law enforcement. Community feedback serves as a "report card" and provides insight into the process of establishing goals, enhancing training and shaping the future of the Police Department. 


Everyone is encouraged to complete the survey, including those who took it last year.  


Thank you so much for your cooperation, continued support and for taking time to help identify areas of improvement! 


Take the Plano Police Department’s Citizen Survey!

hand pointing a gun at someone with tightly clinched hands

Plano Police Prepares You for Better Personal Safety 


Learn how to recognize danger and employ effective weapons and strategies to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. 


Tuesday, February 6

Davis Library, 7501-B Independence Parkway

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Free

Navigating the 3 Ds


Learn the importance of safe dating habits, key strategies to drive safer on roads and highways, along with the negative and destructive consequences of drug abuse. Must be over 16 years old to attend.


Tuesday, March 19

Davis Library, 7501-B Independence Parkway

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Free 

Parks and Recreation NEWS

Man on gym floor surrounded by exercise stuff

Visit Plano Recreation Centers for Free During “Share the Love Week” 


Explore all the incredible amenities Plano recreation centers offer as part of “Share the Love Week,” February 12-16. If you’ve never visited one of the City’s award-winning recreation facilities, this upcoming open-house type series is the ideal time to come. 


Come dressed to play! Take advantage of FREE entry to recreation centers, discounted membership offers, prizes and more. Share the Love Week allows residents to enjoy center amenities at no cost, and learn about other recreation offerings during February, American Heart Month. 

 

Free admission days are:

Monday, February 12

High Point Park Tennis Center and Oak Point Recreation Center

Tuesday, February 13

Liberty Recreation Center and Adapted Recreation

Thursday, February 15

Carpenter Park and Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Centers

Friday, February 16

Plano Aquatic Center and Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+


Find addresses and contact info for each facility on the Recreation Center & Pool Hours webpage.

Explore North Texas with Plano Parks and Recreation’s Group Outings


Did you know Plano Parks and Recreation hosts day trips exclusively for adults aged 50 and older? Departing from Liberty and Sam Johnson recreation centers, these group outings range from facility tours and musicals to museum trips and more. Meet new friends and learn about the many wonderful venues across the Metroplex with these upcoming, affordable options:


March 28: Recycling Center Tour & King Buffet (#63442) 

Learn how the City of Plano's recycling partner, Republic Services, processes your recyclables and why it is important to reduce, reuse and recycle correctly. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at King Buffet. Please bring money for lunch. $9


April 25: Satchmo at the Waldorf (#63766)

Ride with us to this one-man play at the WaterTower Theatre about Louis Armstrong’s last performance. The group leaves from Liberty Recreation Center. Fee covers admission to the play and transportation. $55


May 8: Scottish Rite for Children Tour (#63020)

Come tour the new Scottish Rite Frisco campus! There’s a 1-hour walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Eat a big breakfast before you come because we'll have a late lunch at Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet in Plano after the tour. Bring money for lunch. $9

Watch Helpful Videos about Your City

Hear about fire hydrant maintenance, MLK Day event recap and more!

Stoler on the Street - fire hydrants
Plano City News: MLK event recap; STR and DART Silver Line open houses
Watch other City of Plano videos
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