City Unveils New Website Chatbot “Ask Bedford”

Have a question about City services but don’t know where to go on the City’s website? Our new website chatbot “Ask Bedford” is here to help! Through Ask Bedford, users can report a pothole, missed trash collection, search for information on the City’s website, or submit a question to staff for additional assistance.

 To get started, go to www.bedfordtx.gov and click on the flashing “Let’s Chat” button on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Then, type in a short question or phrase about the information you’re seeking. The chatbot will offer related webpage suggestions or prompt a user to send a direct message to City staff for additional help. If a user sends a message, the appropriate City staff member will contact you with the extra details you’re requesting, using the contact information provided. Please note, users cannot speak to City staff live and Ask Bedford should not be used in emergencies.

 City to Host Masquerade themed Murder Mystery Dinner

Do you like solving crimes? Put your skills to the test and join us for an evening filled with food, fun, and mystery! The City, Turning Point Beer, and The Murder Mystery Company are teaming up to host the murder mystery dinner, “Midnight at the Masquerade.”

The murder mystery dinner will occur on the following dates and times at Turning Point Beer (1307 Brown Trail):

• Friday, March 24, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Tickets include a full course meal and two drinks. Over the span of three hours, participants will become sleuths as they try and put together clues to solve the mystery of “who dunnit,” all while enjoying a three-course meal. The first portion of the evening allows time to mix, mingle, find your seats, and put on your detective hat. The theme for the evening is Masquerade Ball, and era-appropriate dress is highly encouraged!

Tickets are $35 for individuals over 21, and $25 for under 21. Please note, this event is for ages 13 and over. To register for either dinner, please visit https://tinyurl.com/kznaaz35.

Some examples of what to wear: Venetian Masks, Tuxedos/Suits, Formal Ball Gowns, Jewelry or Sequins, and accessories such as feather hair pieces, capes, toy swords, and gloves. Film examples include: Phantom of the Opera, Romeo and Juliet, Sleepy Hollow, Enchanted, Labyrinth

 City Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Go Finance! The City of Bedford was recently awarded its 26^th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the City’s annual comprehensive financial report for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. This achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

We’re Hiring Lifeguards!

It may only be February, but we’ve got summer on our mind! Make a big splash this summer by becoming a lifeguard at the Roy Savage Pool. We’re looking for highly motivated peeps (ages 15 and older) to join our team in head lifeguard and lifeguard positions. Apply online now at www.bedfordtx.gov/jobs.

 Celebrate Black History Month at the Bedford Library

Celebrate Black History Month with this exciting event lineup at the Bedford Public Library:

• “A Place for All People” Poster Collection, now through the end of February: This limited-edition poster collection celebrates the new National Museum of African American History and Culture (a Smithsonian Museum). The exhibit features freedom stories, artistic achievements, cultural expression, philosophy, sports, and politics.
• Black Americans in STEM, Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m.: Learn about Lewis Latimer, a pioneer in electricity and Garrett Morgan, inventor of the three-light traffic signal. Participants will make an LED paper circuit traffic light. Children must be 5 years or older to attend. An adult will need to attend to assist with the hands-on experiment.
• Green “LIT”erature, Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m.: The Alpha Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will host this special storytime celebrating African American authors. This program is for children ages 5-12.
• Black Americans in STEM, Saturday, February 25 at 3 p.m.: Learn about astronaut Mae Jemison and Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the super-soaker. Participants will make an Alka Seltzer rocket. Children must be 5 years or older to attend. An adult will need to attend to assist with the hands-on experiment.
• Oba William King Storytelling, Tuesday, February 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.: Known as The Poetic Storyteller, Oba’s presentation will include interactive stories involving rhythmic drumming. Learn more about his previous work at https://obawilliamking.com/bio/. Anyone is welcome to attend. 

Free tickets will be given out in the Library lobby 15 minutes before the STEM and Green “LIT”erature events. For additional details, visit the Library’s event calendar at https://bedford.evanced.info/signup/.