TIP-TOP SHAPE

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 29, ISSUE 6 | GarlandTX.gov

TIP-TOP SHAPE RECREATION CENTERS REOPEN BETTER THAN EVER

2 Garland City Press November-December 2021

For updates on these and all 2019 bond projects, visit BuildGarland.com.

Bond Highlights

Downtown Project Set for Kickoff

Downtown Garland is preparing for the next wave of revitalization with one of the most highly anticipated projects from the 2019 bond program starting construction soon: the redevelopment of the Downtown Square.

Upon completion, the Downtown Square will be the destination for our community’s many interests and needs, along with larger festivals, live music and other events. The artistic rendering captures the vision for the redesign of the Downtown Square, including key features such as a large recreational and event lawn, a treehouse within a larger imaginative play area, a shade pavilion for smaller impromptu performances, starlit patios and a distinctive gateway feature.

Construction will occur incrementally, in four major phases over the span of approximately 18 to 20 months on the Downtown Square and up to 24 months on the streetscapes in the broader area.

Cover photo: Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road, is now open! Construction on the recreation center added nearly 5,000 square feet, and provided a new reception area and fitness center. Audubon now has the largest fitness room in the Garland system and has two large multipurpose rooms available for reservations. Also included in the renovation was installation of a new Lu projection system interactive playground — the first one installed in a Garland recreation center.

Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road, will reopen Nov. 9 after renovations. The building received a refreshed multipurpose room and game room with updates in the reception area and kitchen. Other enhancements include a new outdoor covered patio and landscaping.

Two new playgrounds are now open, the first from the 2019 bond’s playground replacement program. Bob Hall Park, 301 Rivercrest Lane, provides curiosity-provoking structures and inclusive play options to promote physical development, fitness and mobility for children of all ages and abilities.

The new playground at Douglas Park, 420 Carver St., is also complete! The artistic theme of this playground includes a geometric hive of explorative play that drives the imagination, as grassy lawn areas create opportunities for games and picnics. Other play features include a rope-climb, handicap-accessible roller slide and swings.

In all, 25 park playgrounds will be upgraded in the program.

Public Parking Lot Locations

Downtown Square rendering

Playground at Douglas Park, 420 Carver St.

Big News on Parks and Rec Projects

Fifth Street and Main Street will be targeted in the first phase of construction on the Square. For more details on the construction phases, alternate parking locations and road closures, visit GarlandTX.gov/DowntownConstruction.

Businesses will be open throughout construction, so be looking for alternate routes and parking locations to visit your favorite businesses frequently. Additional wayfinding signage was recently installed in Downtown to promote public parking locations, including the Garland Senior Activity Center, Central Library and the Performing Arts Center.

Garland’s traditional holiday tree lighting event has a new temporary home at Firewheel Town Center (see page 16 for details) as the Square will be closed to all public events and usage throughout the construction period.

Note: Parking available at Senior Center during construction. All businesses will remain open throughout construction.

November-December 2021 Garland City Press 3

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14ALUMNI DOG SHOW AND MARKET

Note: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact events, check GarlandTX.gov for updated program listings.

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City Council

Neighborhoods & Development

City Services

Quality of Life

City Council Meeting Schedule

District 4 Town Hall

City Attorney Retires

What's Being Built There Taking It to the Streets

Garland RETREET

2021 Neighborhood Summit

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

GP&L EnergySaver

Holiday Safety and Winter Preparedness

Animal Shelter Fundraiser05City News

2021-22 Annual Operating Budget

GP&L Leadership NewsRecreation Center Events

Garland Library Fine Free

Events from the Arts

Spotlight on Garland

Inside this Issue

On the WebGarlandTX.govMakeYourMarkGarland.com

On Social Media @GarlandTXGOV

City of Garland, Texas Government

[email protected]

#MYMGarland #GarlandTX

The Garland Senior Activity Center is closing for renovations before the end of the year as part of the 2019 bond program.

While the center is closed, many of the activities and programs will continue at other recreation centers, primarily Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road.

Senior programs and activities such as bingo, chair exercise, Fitness Plus, painting, ceramics and Creative Crafters classes will be offered as close to the usually scheduled days and times as possible. Day trips and extended overnight trips will continue to be offered. Visit GalandParks.com for updated program schedules.

The senior meal program will continue without interruption. The drive-thru and pick-up meal program will be moved to Carver Senior Center, 222 Carver St. Participants who are currently receiving delivered meals will continue to receive delivered meals.

The $4 million project at the Garland Senior Activity Center will provide a new fitness area, kitchen upgrades, millwork, flooring, lighting and front desk reconfiguration — creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Senior Activity Center patrons will return to find their fitness area, one of the more popular features, will be doubled in size with new equipment added. There will also be increased space in the game room and warming ovens in the kitchen. Construction will take about a year.

Senior Activity Center

Work continues at the Gale Fields Recreation Center, which will be used to host senior programs in the coming months.

Texans will go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2, to decide the fate of eight proposed amendments to the state constitution. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Visit dallascountyvotes.org for polling locations and other details.

Constitutional Amendments Election

The new fitness area at Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road, which reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 5.


District 6

Robert [email protected]

District 7

Dylan Hedrick Mayor Pro [email protected]

District 8

Robert John [email protected]

District 5

Rich [email protected]

Keep up with the latest with the latest public meetings.public meetings.

Receive public meeting agendas in your inbox.

Visit GarlandTX.gov.

Click on the “Public Meeting Agendas” link.

Click on the blue “Subscribe” button.

Select the agendas you want to receive.

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CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE

City Council Regular Meetings• Live broadcast – 7 p.m. Nov. 9, Nov. 16,

Dec. 7 and Dec. 14

• Rebroadcast the following Wednesday – 9 a.m., Friday – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday – 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

City Council Work Sessions• Live broadcast – 6 p.m. Nov. 8, Nov. 15,

Dec. 6 and Dec. 13

• Rebroadcast the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday – 7 p.m.

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District 3

Ed [email protected]

Mayor

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District 2

Deborah Morris [email protected]

District 4

B.J. Williams Deputy Mayor Pro [email protected]

Jeff [email protected]

District 1

Meetings are broadcast at GarlandTX.gov via livestreaming and on-demand, and on CGTV with several rebroadcasts during the week of the meeting.

CGTV ListingsChannel 16 (Spectrum), Channel 44 (Frontier) or Channel 99 (AT&T U-verse), GarlandTX.tv

City Council Members

City Council

DISTRICT 4 TOWN HALL• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 Audubon Recreation Center Room 105

342 W. Oates Road

Join Deputy Mayor Pro Tem B.J. Williams for a Town Hall meeting. Topics will include a streets update highlighting District 4 projects, and an update on the Greenbelt Parkway project.

Brad Neighbor is retiring at the end of 2021 after 36 years as a Garland City Attorney, leading the department for the last half of his career.

Neighbor has built a career around municipal law. He has authored numerous amicus briefs in various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, on issues relating to local government. He is one of few governmental lawyers who is board certified in Civil Appellate Law by the State Bar of Texas.

"His service has been valuable to the City organization and also to his profession," said City Manager Bryan Bradford.

But after he had received a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of North Texas in 1980, Neighbor’s first job with the City was in code enforcement.

He nurtured a love of municipal work and gained a familiarity with Garland. So it wasn’t too much of a surprise that Neighbor wanted to return once he earned his Doctor

of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University in 1985.

“What people may not appreciate about Garland is how complex the operation is,” Neighbor said. “One of the beautiful things about the municipal layout is you get your hands in so many things.”

Early in his career, Neighbor worked to secure a future for Garland’s successful landfill operations, helping the City annex the land that will serve the community for decades to come as the Hinton Landfill.

He has worked in civil rights litigation and been the City’s legal guide as the manner of police work changed dramatically overthe years.

He worked to help untangle litigation between Texas Municipal Power Agency cities, saving Garland Power & Light ratepayers millions.

As the City’s lead attorney, Neighbor was a pioneer in drafting Garland’s red light camera ordinance. Neighbor said the lone motive was to make streets safer.

“We were the premier model of the red light programs in Texas. I hope it mattered. I believe it saved some lives.”

Neighbor said he appreciated the City Councils for allowing him to be candid. And he said it didn’t matter whether he agreed at the end; it was his duty to follow the Council’s directive and, therefore, that of the people who elected the Council.

“Everybody in this organization is trying to advance the interest of our citizens and taxpayers.”

CITY ATTORNEY RETIRES

Plan Commission• Meetings – 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Nov. 22

and Dec. 15 Meetings will be rebroadcast the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m.


Garland Power & Light Leadership

The budget is balanced as required by state law and reflects City Council’s policy framework.

In accordance with the priorities expressed by the City Council, the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget addresses deferred staffing and operational needs and enhances maintenance and programs to capitalize on improvements underway as part of the 2019 bond program.

This year’s budget strikes a balance between affordability and the need to fund the City’s top priorities as defined by City Council. The tax rate has been decreased by 1.26 cents per $100 of valuation while adding Public Safety, Public Health and utility positions.

• Address operational staffing needs

• Enhance park operational funding

• Restore employee merit/compensation increases to remain competitive

• Maintain a high level of excess reserves for future needs

Budget Priorities for the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget

To learn more about the FY 2021-22 Annual Operating Budget, visit GarlandTX.gov.

FY 2021-22 Annual Operating Budget

Library 3.6%

Parks, Rec. &Cultural Arts

7.4%Neighborhoods &Development4.0%Public Works

6.3%

General Government

9.0%

Support Services9.2%

Property Tax 35.0%

Sales Tax 17.1%

IntragovernmentalTransfers

23.9%

Other Revenue24.0%

Public Safety 60.5%

Total Consolidated Budget (All Funds) $816.8 Million

General Fund $199.9 millionThe services paid from the General Fund include basic City services such as police, fire, parks, library, transportation, health, animal care and code enforcement.

Utility Funds $479.9 million The City of Garland’s utility departments are comprised of Garland Power & Light, Water and Wastewater Utilities, Stormwater Management, Sanitation and Landfill.

Combined Funds $816.8 millionThe Combined Budget includes the General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Enterprise Funds and Grant Funds.

General Fund: Where It Comes From and What It’s Used For

Monthly Utility Cost for a Typical Garland Resident

Utility Services 2020-21 Monthly Rate

2021-22 Adopted Rate

Monthly Dollar Change Description

Electric Utility $130.29 $130.29 None Based on 1,300 kWh per month

Water Utility $63.31 $63.31 None Based on an average of 7,500 gallons per month

Wastewater Service $42.48 $43.48 $1 Based on an average of 7,500 gallons per month

Trash Collection $20.58 $21.58 $1 Residential customer using 96-gallon cart

Stormwater Fee $3.59 $3.59 None Mid-sized residential lot

Total Monthly Rate $260.25 $262.25 $2

City News

Jeff Janke, who served as Garland Power & Light’s General Manager and CEO since 2012, retired Sept. 30 after 18 years with the City.

Under his leadership, the utility’s successful operating strategies maintained stable rates and reliable electric service. Janke has worked in the electric utility industry since 1978.

“I am very confident that GP&L will remain healthy because of the people we have working here. What really makes GP&L great are the employees,” Janke said.

Garland City Manager Bryan Bradford praised Janke as a leader and asset for Garland. “As a member of my executive management team, I benefited greatly from Jeff’s wisdom and perspective. I know we all wish Jeff well in this new chapter in his life,” Bradford said.

Darrell Cline took over the role of General Manager and CEO for GP&L Oct. 1.

In 2012, Cline joined GP&L as its Director of Finance and Accounting and most recently served as Chief Financial Officer/Assistant General Manager. Before his tenure with GP&L, he served in director-level roles for various firms providing economic, financial, management, operational and regulatory consulting services to public sector entities across the country. Cline has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Texas and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

“After the winter storm of February 2021, the electric industry in Texas faces many challenges and future changes,” Bradford said. “I believe that Darrell, working together with the exceptional team we have at GP&L, will position our electric utility to meet and capitalize on the industry changes that are ahead.”

Cline and his wife have four children, a senior in college and triplets who are high-school seniors.


WHAT'S BEING

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Taking It to the Streets

Texas Department of Transportation Project

635 EastUPDATEBeams and steel girders at major Garland intersections and sections of Interstate 635 mainlanes will become more evident in late 2021 as work continues on the $1.7 billion 635 East project.

Concrete beams will be set at Jupiter Road and at the KCS rail crossing near Garland Avenue. The steel girders, already evident at Kingsley Road and I-635, will take form at Northwest Highway and Forest Lane.

One of the new direct connector ramps at the I-635 interchange with Interstate 30 may also be complete and open by the end of 2021.

Pavement along the continuous I-635 frontage roads from I-30 to Central Expressway continues as does drainage construction at La Prada Road and I-635.

Under construction at the southeast corner of North Shiloh Road and Arapaho Road is a Murphy USA convenience store and gas station.

Coming soon along McCree Road near Interstate 635 is a U-Haul vehicle repair facility.

Coming soon near the south corner of Rowlett Road and Roan Road are the Crescent Heights Townhouses. This new neighborhood will consist of 43 townhouse lots.

Garland is buzzing with new development.

More information about the project can be found at 635east.com.

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Projects scheduled to begin in November-December

Ongoing projects

Devonwood Drive Saturn Road to KCS Railroad trackStreet reconstruction

Lesa Lane/Maydelle Lane alley Centennial Drive to Western DriveAlley reconstruction

Mayfield Avenue Centerville Road to Saturn RoadStreet reconstruction

Shiloh Road Buckingham Road to Walnut StreetConcrete street repair

Walnut Street Garland Avenue to Glenbrook DriveConcrete street repair

Arcady Drive Linda Drive to south cul-de-sacStreet reconstruction

Carroll Drive Douglas Drive to Glenbrook DriveStreet reconstruction

Centerville Road Miller Road to State Highway 66Concrete street repair

Glenbrook Drive Carroll Drive to Centerville RoadStreet reconstruction

Hartford Drive Nickens Road to Thistle DriveStreet reconstruction

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Street.GarlandTX.gov

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Neighborhoods & Development

Invest half a day to make a lasting impact in your neighborhood!

This annual tri-city neighborhood conference, hosted in partnership by the Cities of Garland, Plano and Rowlett, brings together residents, community leaders and City officials. The Summit is an exciting time to convene and gather thoughts that help us strengthen neighborhood livability by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships that build a sense of community and improve wellbeing.

Keynote speaker Alan Mallach (pictured) is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Community Progress in Washington, D.C., and a lecturer in the graduate city planning program at Pratt Institute in New York. The author of “The Divided City: Poverty and Prosperity in Urban America,” he is widely known for his research, advocacy and engagement with the challenges of urban and suburban neighborhoods around the United States.

Also don’t miss our annual Pre-Smmit Mixer and Garland Neighborhood Award Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4. It will also be a virtual event. Winners of this year’s neighborhood awards will be announced.

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6Virtual Conference, registration required

FREE

Registration is required for the Summit and Mixer. Register at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.


Flu Vaccines City ServicesInfluenza season is underway. It is vital to take another measure in the prevention of disease spread by receiving a yearly flu shot.

By getting a flu vaccine, you are not only helping to protect yourself and those around you from flu. You are also helping to reduce the strain on health care systems that are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The best time to get a flu shot is now," said Jennifer Rios, RN, medical services coordinator for the City of Garland. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop, it is best that people get vaccinated as soon as possible so they are protected before influenza begins to spread.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. Young children, senior adults, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions are among those groups of people who are at high risk of serious flu complications, possibly requiring hospitalization and sometimes resulting in death.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, missed work and school, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated.

The City of Garland Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver Drive, offers low-cost flu vaccines for children who qualify, along with a full range of other vaccines including COVID-19. This year, the clinic will offer several types of flu vaccines that provide protection for all ages, including the regular inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV).

The clinic also offers Flublok® Quadrivalent, the first high-antigen content flu vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It contains three times more antigen than traditional flu vaccines, making it a great choice for seniors and those with compromised immune systems. FluBlok is manufactured without the use of eggs and is considered to be egg-free. It is approved for people 18 years and older.

Also offered is a high-dose influenza vaccine, Fluzone® High-Dose, licensed for people 65 years and older.

All of the flu vaccines offered by Garland Public Health are quadrivalent — designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

Garland Public Health is committed to the health care needs of our community. We are here to serve you and your family through walk-in visits all year, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed on City holidays). Call 972-205-3370 for more information.

NEED THECOVID-19 VACCINE?The Garland Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver Drive, is providing Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible persons. The hours for the COVID-19 vaccine are the same as the clinic’s normal operating hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Call 972-205-3370.

Visit GarlandTX.gov/COVIDVaccine. Additional vaccine supplies can be found at vaccinefinder.org.


Did you know that a home with inadequate attic insulation can lose up to 60% of its heat in the winter? Heat can also be lost through leaks in ducts, windows and doors.

You can reduce heat loss by participating in GP&L’s EnergySaver Wholehouse Weatherization Program. You can earn bill credits for qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades and save money on your utility bill for years to come!

Included in the Wholehouse Weatherization Program are:

• Ceiling insulation (must be at least R-30)

• Energy Star® windows & doors

• Duct replacement or sealing

• Weather-stripping doors, caulking windows and sealing plumbing penetrations

Save Energy & Money by Reducing Heat Loss

For complete program requirements and applications, visit gplexas.org/energysaver. If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 972-205-2929.

UTILITY ACCOUNTACCESS TO CHANGE

Visit GarlandUtilities.org for updates.

The Customer Service Portal to pay utility bills will change in the coming months. While the new platform will be more secure and easier to use, it will require each user to re-register and create a new login.

Garland Sanitation and Landfill have announced their holiday schedule.

Thanksgiving: There will be no collection Thursday, Nov. 25. If your regular collection day is Thursday, it will be instead collected Friday, Nov. 26. If your regular collection day is Friday, it will be instead collected Saturday, Nov. 27. Both the Recycling Center Transfer Station, 1426 Commerce St., and Hinton Landfill, 3175 Elm Grove Road, will be closed Thursday, Nov. 25.

Christmas Eve: Collection will run as scheduled Friday, Dec. 24. The Recycling Center Transfer Station and Hinton Landfill will close at 3 p.m.

New Year’s Eve: Collection will run as scheduled Friday, Dec. 31. The Recycling Center Transfer Station and Hinton Landfill will close at 3 p.m.

Sanitation and Landfill Holiday Schedule

34TH ANNUAL

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP BREAKFASTLeadership Garland

SAVE THE DATE

7:30 A.M. | THURSDAY, DEC. 9THE ATRIUM | 300 N. FIFTH ST.

Register at garlandchamber.com


A generator can be incredibly helpful by keeping lights and appliances on during a power outage. However, it’s important to know how to use a generator safely. Please follow these important generator safety guidelines:

• Make sure to place the generator outdoors, where the exhaust containing carbon monoxide will be well-ventilated and won’t enter the house.

• DO NOT connect the generator directly into your household wiring. This can endanger the lives of power line technicians, even those working far from your home.

• The safest way to power appliances from a generator is to run an extension cord to those appliances. Make sure the cord is adequately sized and equipped with a three-prong grounding plug.

• The generator should be rated to produce the amount of power necessary for the selected appliances.

• Do not overload the generator. Overloading can cause damage to both the generator and to the appliances connected to it.

Holiday decorations and cooking can increase your risk for a home fire. Ensure you have a plan in place. Follow these helpful tips to plan for your safety this holiday season:

• Identify two ways to get out of each room in case the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.

• Make sure window screens can be taken out quickly.

• Feel your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

• Practice with children so they know what to do.

Holiday Safety

Visit gpltexas.org/safety for more safety information.

Winter PreparednessHundreds of people are injured or killed by exposure to cold weather and vehicle accidents on wintry roads. Winter weather can create a higher risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. As we saw last February, winter weather can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds, causing long-term power outages and interruptions in water service.

The Office of Emergency Management wants you to be prepared:

• Turn off sprinkler systems to prevent damage to your system from freezing water and to prevent ice on roadways.

• Winterize your pipes and keep faucets dripping when the temperature drops below freezing.

• Keep trees trimmed and away from power lines – notify your provider if they are close.

• During power outages, leave on just your porch light and one indoor light to reduce initial demand once power is restored.

• Be sure your heater is well-ventilated and working properly.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.

• Keep plenty of water and food on hand for you and your pets.

• Use caution when driving, especially on overpasses and bridges.

• Create a Winter Weather Kit in case you get stranded. Visit ready.gov/winter-weather for more information.

Follow this QR code to visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website. Here you will find useful information on creating a family emergency plan and building a kit for your car or home.

Generator Safety


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October 2021

Garland Power & Light Residential Rate ComparisonOncor Electric Delivery Area – 1500 kWh Usage

Retail Electric Providers

Green Choice Rate Standard RateGarland Power & Light continues to provide safe, reliable and competitively priced electric service. GP&L customers can count on stable and transparent rates that have no hidden fees or hard-to-meet usage requirements.

The graph is based on an average sampling of 12- to 24-month, fixed-rate electric contracts in the Oncor delivery area.

GP&L Rates Are Super Competitive

Visit gpltexas.org/rates for the latest graph.

City Services

The opening of Garland’s new animal shelter is around the corner and you can Make Your Mark as part of the celebration.

The new facility at 1902 State Highway 66 is scheduled for completion in early 2022. We can’t wait for the doors to open so you can come and meet your future furry family members.

We also invite you to be our partner in making the animals’ future home all it can be. Become a sponsor.

For as little as $100, the shelter will be equipped with a brick displaying your name, your company’s name or your way to honor a special person or furry friend. Or for a little more, you can sponsor a bench at the shelter.

We’re also offering kennel sponsorships for $500 and showcase sponsorships for $1,000. You can sponsor a meet-and-greet room, a play yard or a wing of the shelter for $5,000. And we’re seeking a $25,000 donation to sponsor the community room. These are five-year sponsorships and include a personalized plaque.

Donations from this fundraiser will go toward the health of the animals at the shelter. This includes nutrition, medical needs, enrichment, cruelty cases and more.

All sponsors are on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are tax deductible. Email [email protected] to get the form and make a donation.

Animal Shelter Fundraiser

$100 4"x8" three lines of type 16 characters per line

$1608"x8" seven lines of type 16 characters per line

$29012"x12" 10 lines of type 20 characters per line

$55012"x24" 22 lines of type 23 characters per line

$1,00018"x15"x30"

$1,25018"x14"x53"

Brick sizes:

Bench sizes:


BOXING FITNESS• 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 2-23Ages 6 and older, $45 per personAudubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates RoadLearn proper stance, movements and offensive techniques while conditioning your mind and body. 972-205-3991 or [email protected]

BRADFIELD THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 22-24Ages 7-11, $65 per personBradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle DriveEnjoy an exciting week of team-building games, sports, arts and crafts, a field trip and more. 972-205-2770 or [email protected]

CIRCUIT TRAINING• 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 1-29Ages 12 and older, $45 per personFields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy RoadLearn appropriate workout techniques and benefit from both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. 972-205-3090 or [email protected]

T-BALL• 4 to 4:40 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 9-30Ages 3-5, $27 per personGranger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue FVarious techniques and drills teach the fundamentals of hitting, catching and throwing. 972-205-2771 or [email protected]

BALLET• 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 3-17Ages 3-5, $30 per personHolford Recreation Center, 2314 Homestead Place Move through progressive barre and center exercises that stress skeletal alignment, turn-out of the legs, coordination of the hands and arms, weight changes and proper use of the feet. 972-205-2772 or [email protected]

LINE DANCING FOR THE SOUL• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 4-18Ages 10 and older, $18 per personHollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St.Learn new and old soul line dancing with Christian hip-hop, rap and country music. 972-205-2721 or [email protected]

SNACKS WITH SANTA• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy RoadAn evening of holiday fun! Enjoy making crafts at Santa's Craft Workshop, playing some reindeer games, taking pictures with Santa, watching instructor-led demonstrations and having a snack with Santa and his helpers.972-205-3090 or [email protected]

eventsRecreation Center

Register now! Visit PlayGarland.com or call your local recreation center for more events.

@PlayGarland

As the holiday season nears, Garland library users have even more cause to celebrate. The library is going fine free!

The library will no longer charge late fees on materials returned after their due dates.

“We want everyone to feel welcome to come into our libraries,” Library Director Karen Archibald said. “We’ve been hard at work investigating ways to reduce or eliminate barriers to public library access for the Garland community. The financial hardship of library fines can deter someone from returning to the library. By eliminating those fines, we’re able to really begin breaking down a barrier that keeps some people from using their library.

“We want to say, ‘Welcome back!’ There’s no shame and no judgment. Just bring your materials back.”

We ask users to be considerate of other patrons and return borrowed items at their earliest convenience. There is still a charge for lost or damaged items. The charge for a lost item is the replacement cost, plus a $5 processing fee.

In addition to going fine free, the library will offer an exciting in-person enrichment opportunity for students ages 13 to 18 through a partnership with The Shoulders of Giants.

The Shoulders of Giants is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the thrill of scientific discovery and strengthening communities by providing future leaders with a firm foundation in mathematics, science and engineering. The organization offers eight-week courses on topics like mechanical design automation, electronics and programming. Space for these courses is limited and registration is required. The program is free and more courses will be held in the spring.

The library’s virtual programs also continue. Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov for more information on crafts, story times and more. The libraries still offer curbside materials pickup, online card registration, downloadable books and online resources.

As always, the virtual Garland library offers e-books, audio books, magazines and newspapers for check out through the library website or through the OverDrive and Libby apps. In addition to downloadable media, the library continually provides access to other online resources through its website, such as HelpNow’s online tutoring, Mango Languages, the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Universal Class online courses.

Garland Library Goes Fine Free

Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov or follow the library on Facebook for the most up-to-date programming, information on what library services are currently available, and access to downloadable materials and online resources.

@GarlandLibraryTX


Quality of Life

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 - Naturalist Rachel Richter will talk about the Dynamics of Urban Ecosystems; Zoom format.

• 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 6 and Dec. 11 – Monthly work sessions. Meet at 1770 Holford Road then disperse in teams to remove invasive plants, maintain trails, pick up trash, etc.

• 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Nov. 28 – Master birder Reba Collins will lead nature walks. Meet at 1787 Holford Road, bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Reservations required to [email protected].

• 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 – Rich Jaynes will lead a walk in the prairie, talking about the special qualities of native grasses that drew early settlers to Texas. Meet at 1787 Holford Road.

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 – Enjoy the 11th annual Christmas Is for the Birds, a special event for preschool or elementary school children. Meet at 1787 Holford Road, build biodegradable bird feeders out of peanut butter and bird seed, and hang the feeders in the forest.

• Saturday, Jan. 1 – Join in nature walks led by naturalists to start off the new year. Long walk is 9 to 11:30 a.m. starting at 4695 Ranger Drive (Halff Park). Short walk is 2 to 3:30 p.m. starting at 1787 Holford Road.

Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest

For more information or last-minute information on all events, visit springcreekforest.org or the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest Facebook page.

The 33rd annual Garland MLK Parade and March will start near Embree Park on Dairy Road and end at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St., where a commemorative program will follow. A Praise Dance and Step Team Youth Extravaganza will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Granville Arts Center. Visit garlandtxnaacp.org/mlk-events for entry forms and details, including the exact parade route, which may change because of planned construction Downtown.

Garland MLK Parade and March• 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15


Cleaning and safety protocols are being followed at the Granville Arts Center and Plaza Theatre. The facility is cleaned thoroughly before and after each production.

Events from the Arts

DISNEY/PIXAR’S “COCO”

• Monday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m.Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.Presented by the City of Garland Cultural Arts DepartmentAs part of the City's Dia de los Muertos festival, a FREE showing of the Disney/Pixar hit "Coco!" Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with a family ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather. No outside food or drinks. Concessions available for purchase.

“A TUNA CHRISTMAS”

• Friday-Sunday, Nov. 26-28Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.Garland Civic Theatre presents the sequel to “Greater Tuna,” a comedy featuring Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on Yuletide activities. Tickets: 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

ART WALK – HOLIDAY MARKETPresented by the City of Garland Cultural Arts Department

• Thursday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.The Atrium at the Granville Arts CenterLocal artisans display and sell amazing work!

“PLAID TIDINGS”

• Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 3-19Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.Garland Civic Theatre presents clean-cut singers Sparky, Jinx, Smudge and Frankie – The Plaids – as they return to earth for a holiday-themed evening of classic harmony and uplifting songs. Tickets: 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

“CHRISTMAS BELLES”

• Dec. 10-12, 17-18Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.The Company of Rowlett Performers presents this comedy about the misadventures of the Futrelle Sisters during the Christmas season in the small town of Fayro, Texas. Tickets: CorpTheatre.org or 972-977-7710.

GARLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Concert III of Garland Symphony Orchestra’s “Mozart con Amore” season features vocalist Dorothy Gal and holiday favorites. Tickets: 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

Free and open to the public Monday-Friday and during performances.

art EXHIBITS

“ESSENCE OF THE FAMILY SOUL”

• Through Nov. 30Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.Witness the strength and togetherness of family and community through the artwork of Leslie Montena. Each piece is made of acrylic paint, gems and various textiles and coated with a high-gloss resin.

Who’s got a good dog? We at Garland Animal Services know that a lot of you have good dogs — because we got to love on them before you were there to adopt them. And now, we want them back. For a few hours, anyway.

The Garland Animal Services Alumni Dog Show and Market will showcase all the greatness that has passed through our doors.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Garland Dog Park, 901 S. Glenbrook Drive on the eastern edge of Central Park. Not only do we have good dogs, but for those of you who haven’t gotten out there yet, we have a great place for them to play.

Registration is open to any dog that was previously adopted through Garland Animal Services. Which of these good dogs will be judged Best in Belly Rubs? Best in Ears? Wiggle Butt? Kisses? Pit Bull Smile? Performing Commands? Seniors?

Alongside the dog show, a doggie market will happen just in time for Christmas shopping. Vendors will have pet-related products and services for you to shop.

To register a pet or sign up a pet-specific business as a vendor, email [email protected]. Registration is limited.

Quality of Life

Alumni Dog Show and Market


The Duck Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant earned the 2021 Water Environment Federation Operational and Design Excellence Safety Award. The award encourages active and effective safety programs in the water environment field. It recognizes entities that not only invest their resources to develop high-quality safety programs and adopt them within their own culture, but also actively seek out opportunities to share programs with others in the industry. The City has established a strong program for investigation, corrective action and education to prevent recurring regulatory issues. The City trains its employees in safety and risk management trends, legislation, products and practices through their drafted Safety Connection: an inter-departmental forum for safety review, education and exchange of ideas. These efforts manifested in long-term streaks of zero lost-time incidents over many years of operating Garland’s two Water Resource Recovery Facilities.

Dana Lodge, Convention & Visitors Bureau and Events Director for Visit Garland, was recognized with a Hospitality Award by the Texas Travel Alliance in September. TTA awards its Hospitality Award to individuals who provide excellence in hospitality and raise the bar on customer service. In less than two years in Garland, Lodge has built a team to highlight Garland as a viable and exciting destination. The team has launched a website, created a Sports Facility Guide and a Meeting Guide, and branded merchandise. It earned seven awards in marketing and promotions at the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus annual conference.

Garland Power & Light received a first-place award at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) annual conference in September. The award was for GP&L’s annual report, deemed best report for a city with a population more than 100,000.

The City’s Public & Media Relations team earned six awards at the TAMIO conference, including a first-place award for Best One-Time Event for its video presentation on The Wall That Heals. The video documented the City’s hosting of the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which brought 10,000 visitors to Audubon Park in February 2020.

SPOTLIGHT ON GARLAND

Duck Creek Wastewater employees

Garland’s Got Meetings

Guess who helps bring themost meetings to Garland?

YOU DO!

LET’S MEETBring your professional affiliations to Garland.Contact Visit Garland and let them assist youin planning the best event for your colleagues.

Let’s MeetErin Wilson, Group Sales

Office: [email protected]

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Garland eAssist

Report issues, get information and submit questions online or through an app on your smartphone. Visit GarlandTX.gov and click on the eAssist button or download Garland eAssist from your app store.

Garland City Press Briefs

This weekly enewsletter is sent each Sunday evening and contains reminders and updates about City-sponsored events and activities. Register on the City’s website. Look for the Notify Me button.

Social Media

The City is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor. Check these out by visiting GarlandTX.gov and see what interests you most!

Connect with Us!

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Garland City Press is produced and funded by the City of Garland and contains information about the City, as well as details on City-sponsored events.

Send comments or questions to: Dorothy White, Public & Media Relations, City of Garland, P.O. Box 469002, Garland, TX 75046-9002.

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive

@PlayGarland

Visit GarlandTX.gov/GarlandChristmas for more information.

Garland’s traditional tree lighting event has a new temporary home.

Learn more about Downtown Garland holiday events at GarlandforChristmas.com.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27Downtown Garland for Christmas kicks off on Nov. 27 with Small Business Saturday. Check in at Rosalind Coffee, 107 N. Sixth St., for a free seasonal drink and a festive holiday shopping guide. Downtown businesses will gift limited edition holiday ornaments with purchase. Make your own ornament at 506 Art, sponsored by the Garland Chamber of Commerce.

HOLIDAY STOREFRONT CONTEST

• Saturday, Dec. 4 to Saturday, Dec. 11Come downtown and vote for your favorite, festive storefront. This year’s theme is “O Christmas Tree.”

HOLIDAY SIP AND STROLL

• Saturday, Dec. 4The Garland Downtown Business Association presents the Holiday Sip and Stroll. Visit Downtown businesses for drinks and holiday shopping. Bring the kids along for holiday stories and photos with Santa.

CAROLERS ON CORNERS WITH CONFECTIONS

• Friday, Dec. 10The GDBA will host Carolers on Corners with Confections. Enjoy sounds of the season and sweet holiday treats.

Shop and eat local in Downtown Garland throughout this holiday season!

Make Downtown Garland your shopping and event destination this holiday season!

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