My Trinity River News - February 2010

News from the River (Cont.)

The Census is right now!

The United States Census 2010 forms are in homes throughout the metroplex -- right now! Save time by filling out your form today and returning it in to the postage paid envelope that is provided for easy use and convenience. If help is needed to fill out the form, call 1-866-872-6868 or 1-866-783-2010 (hearing impaired assistance) between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week. The telephone calls are free.

Participate in the Census right now and be counted!

census

Ambassador Ron Kirk Speaks at the
Trinity Commons Foundation Luncheon

The beginning of the Trinity Weekend for 2010 was on Friday, March 5. At the 9th Annual Trinity Commons Foundation luncheon held at the Hilton Anatole, more than 400 guests enjoyed time to view an exhibit area that included information on the Trinity Trust Foundation, Trinity River Corridor Project, Trinity River Vision in Fort Worth, Trinity Strand, Trinity River Corridor Project, and a number of other groups supporting and working to improve the Trinity River Corridor.

The keynote speaker for the luncheon was United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, formerly the Mayor of Dallas. He is now a member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet. He is the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues. He was nominated to be United States Trade Representative by President Obama and was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 18, 2009.

At the luncheon, he spoke about his past year in Washington D.C. and his hope for trade issues as he travels the world. He also related the fact that before his term in Washington, as Mayor of Dallas, one of his focuses was the Trinity River Corridor Project and it was good to have a chance to get an update on the progress.

Craig Holcomb, executive director of the Trinity Commons Foundation, created the Trinity Weekend with a number of events to showcase not just the various aspects of the Trinity River Corridor Project but also the many groups it takes to make sure that the citizens get what they voted for in the 1998 Bond Program.

On the following day, the Trinity Weekend events continued with the 6th Annual Trinity River Levee Run and the Trinity Kayak Obstacle Course. The kayak event provided a chance for experienced kayakers and beginners to find out about the sport of kayaking by maneuvering a kayak on Trammell Crow Lake, learning about Personal Flotation Devices and a variety of paddle strokes. Watch for more information on this event in the April issue of My Trinity River News.

Get more news about the Trinity Weekend and the pictures from the Trinity Kayak Obstacle Course in the April issue of My Trinity River News. The issue will focus on the kayaking and all the Hometown Splashdown fun!

2010 Trinity River Levee 10K Run

Rob Shear from the Oak Cliff Running Club documented the 6th Annual Trinity River Levee Run. Enjoy the sights and his commentary.

If unable to view video, please click here.

6th Annual Trinity River Levee Run

The race began at 9:00 a.m. after an opening ceremony that included a special welcome by Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Councilmember Dave Neumann. Gary Underwood from Time Warner Cable joined the group to speak about their six year commitment to the event, their interest in education about the Trinity River and the progress that is being made for Dallas through the Trinity River Corridor Project.

The Dallas Fire Rescue Color Guard provided the flag ceremony, the Police Department Choir continued the festivities by singing the United States National Anthem and the always surprising and much discussed flyover by the Police Helicopter Unit rounded out the opening ceremony. All of this signaled time for the runners to make their way to the starting area on top of the east levee.

The 10K route took 600 runners over the floodway to Canada Drive, across the Continental Avenue Bridge and up close to the unloading activities of the steel for the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, down to Riverfront Boulevard to the south, up a short distance to Commerce Street, back down to the levee road heading north through the construction site of the new bridge and then back to the finish line at Trammell Crow Park. It was a picture perfect day for a run and the fastest runner, got back to the park and was eating his first Fuel City breakfast taco in less than 35 minutes.

Glenn Carter Safety Challenge

Chief David Kunkle, head of the Dallas Police Department, retires at the end of April, but he did not miss the opportunity to lead his recruits and officers in a valiant effort to retain the Glenn Carter Safety Challenge trophy for two years straight. Coming off of the injury list, he ran the entire 10K race encouraging his fellow officers and the new police recruits to seize the day and hang onto the trophy for 2010.

The Dallas Fire Rescue runners led by Chief Simpson were ready for the challenge and they won back the trophy from the police with a two minute lead over the fleetest of the police force.

All the boasting and sprinting to the finish line is taken as good fun and a chance to bring recognition to public safety and the women and men who perform their duties for the citizens of Dallas each day and have done so for over 100 years. These elite groups safeguard us all and render aid in times of emergency for us personally or within the City.

As Chief Kunkle is bid a fond farewell from his leadership role in the Dallas Police Department, the invitation stands for him to return next year and join in the fun of the 7th Annual Trinity River Levee Run.