Got Shamrocks?
YOU’VE NO DOUBT noticed that over the past few weeks Dublin has been sprucing itself up with new signage, bus shelters and, of course, the construction of the “Eternal Ribbon” artwork welcoming people into the city off Interstate 580 at Dougherty Road. Along Dublin Boulevard you’ll now find a variety of tall, rectangular signs with designations that include “Downtown” and “Historic Area.” The signs have lots of shamrocks in the design and one big one above the “City of Dublin” designation.
I have, however, recently heard some residents grumbling about improvements at a time when the city has to cut millions of dollars. The fact is, however, that much of the money came into the city via a large grant, and the rest was accounted for long ago.
Here’s how it works. The total cost for the face-lift, which also includes new decorative lighting, crosswalk enhancements, sidewalk widening and bike trail improvements, is $3.7 million. A 2005 federal grant provided $3.3 million of that. The remaining $400,000, says the city, was allocated five years ago via gas tax revenue.
The funds “were designated specifically for the purpose of improving the corridor. As with most capital improvement projects, these funds can’t be used to fund general city operations,” said Linda Maurer, the city’s public information officer.
By the way, landscaping work around the 100-foot-long, 22-foot-high Eternal Ribbon should begin soon, and will include miniature rolling hills and a big welcome sign.
Teacher of the Year: I had the pleasure of attending Tuesday’s school board meeting, where a number of very deserving individuals were recognized.
Tops on the list was the district’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, Michelle Stanchina, a second-grade teacher at Fallon Elementary School. She was honored for contributions to Fallon and districtwide, including helping develop a report card based on state Education Department standards and parent information.
Katie Bourke, who teaches conceptual physics and also works with at-risk students at Dublin High, was named New Teacher of the Year. Liana De Wit Smith, of Fallon, got the Teresa Herrington Memorial Award as district employee of the year.
Also honored were members of the Dublin High golf, tennis, track and swimming teams for their accomplishments; and the Fallon Middle School competitive cheer team, which earned a national championship.
Fore Fun!: There are still openings for the third annual Dublin Community Golf Tournament on June 22 at Dublin Ranch Golf Course. The best-ball tournament, hosted by the Parks and Community Services department, is designed to bring teens and adults together while raising money for the Dublin Youth Fee Assistance Program. The cost is $90 for adults, $50 for people over 50 or in their teens, and includes green fees, cart and dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.
For details, go to www.dublinrecguide.com and click on the “activities” tab.
Dear Old Dad: If you’re looking for a nice way to celebrate Father’s Day (other than buying gifts with an on/off switch) the city is hosting a Father’s Day Picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20 at Emerald Glen Park.
For $3 per person, you get guaranteed seating in the group picnic area, activities, entertainment and lemonade. You’ll need to pack your own lunch — and try not to forget dad on the way out the door. Register at www.dublinrecguide.com.
