Garland City Press - July 2021

SUMMER NIGHTS

GATHERINGS RETURN TO THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE JULY-AUGUST 2021 | VOLUME 29, ISSUE 4 | GarlandTX.gov

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SQUARE The traditional events that help define Garland are returning to Downtown, its century-old gathering place.

The Garland Summer Musicals are back. The award-winning Made Fresh & Local concert series, which brought a festive audience to the square in its live debut all four Thursdays in June. And soon, the largest Labor Day parade west of the Mississippi River makes a 75th run on Main Street.

While thousands mark calendars for 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, to attend the parade, those who want to participate should get involved now. A car show, karaoke contest and street vendors will also be part of the event. To register for the parade, contact its host, the Noon Exchange Club of Garland, at noonexchangeclubofgarland.org.

Meanwhile, during the Texas heat, much of the scheduled action shifts inside Downtown Garland’s theater and history venues (listings can be found throughout this publication and at VisitGarlandTX.com).

Summer evenings are busy times for the Downtown shops and restaurants, with patrons enjoying the traditions of musicians playing around the square.

The busy fall lineup in Downtown also includes Big Art Day on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Among the attractions for Big Art Day are an art walk and a wine walk. October’s schedule includes the Wheels of Hope car show and a ghost tour sponsored by Good Samaritans of Garland.

And then, with funding from the voter-approved 2019 bond program, Downtown Garland will get a makeover for its next generation. Construction will start by the end of the year to redevelop the area between State, Main, Fifth and Sixth streets with a performance plaza, recreational lawn, shaded pavilion, imaginative play area, an artfully illuminated promenade and a space for small gatherings and special programs.

There are also approximately 14 blocks of streetscapes surrounding the square that will be reconstructed to enhance pedestrian connectivity between Fifth, Austin Street, Glenbrook Drive and Avenue A. 2

Garland City Press July-August 2021

Inside this Issue Feature

NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Huff Park playground, 515 E. Avenue B

BOND HIGHLIGHTS

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City Council

City Services

The City is about to deliver on the first of two dozen playgrounds approved by voters in the 2019 bond election. New playgrounds at Hall Park and Huff Park are anticipated by the end of summer.

City Council Meeting Schedule

GP&L Offers Utility Bill Credits

Playgrounds are a $7 million element of voters’ decision to spend $117.8 million on parks and recreation as part of an overall $423.7 million bond commitment.

Kiosks at City Hall

Summer Nutrition Program

2021 Council Election Results

GP&L Tips to Save Energy

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Smoke Testing

The playground at Hall Park will feature modern playground structures for children, including a wheelchair carousel and swing sets. Shaded areas for relaxing will be among other new on-site amenities. Huff Park will feature a more traditional playground with elements to include a global motion screen, see-saw and activity panels.

Bisby Park, Dorfman Park, Douglas Park, the Duck Creek Greenbelt, Grissom Park, Oaks Branch Park and White Park are also in the first phase of the playground improvement program. Improvements at all seven of these parks are anticipated to be completed by early 2022.

Design is nearly complete on the parks in Phase 2 of the playground program, with construction anticipated to start late this year.

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City News COVID-19 Vaccines

Quality of Life

Water Quality Report

Garland at the Olympics

GHFC Applications

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Summer at the Library Recreation Center Events Arts Events

Neighborhoods & Development

What's Being Built There News from Economic Development

Hall Park playground, 1301 Rivercrest Lane

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant

Note: As Garland venues reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic, check GarlandTX.gov for arts, library, parks and other program listings.

Block Party Trailer

On Social Media

Email

@GarlandTXGOV

Garland@GarlandTX.gov

For more information on all the 2019 bond projects, visit BuildGarland.com.

On the Web

GarlandTX.gov MakeYourMarkGarland.com

City of Garland, Texas Government #MYMGarland

#GarlandTX

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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COMMENT ON LIVE MEETINGS

DISTRICT 2 TOWN HALL •

7 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 Central Library, 625 Austin St.

Live meetings are returning to Garland City Hall and participating in your local government is easier than ever.

Join District 2 Council Member Deborah Morris in the library’s North Meeting Room for a one-hour State of the District review.

Outside the Council Chamber at 200 N. Fifth St., two new kiosks allow residents to voice their opinions on agenda issues for City Council, Plan Commission and any City board or commission that posts its agenda electronically.

Topics include: Downtown Square Parks improvements

redesign plans Parking marshals program Animal Shelter Crime reports

construction update Fireworks and celebratory gunfire Streets and alleys Central Library renovation Neighborhood programs

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Sign in using your name, address, phone number and email. The next page presents the individual agenda items. Choose the item you’re registering an opinion on, then proceed to the specific request for a “point of view.”

In addition to registering your position, you can also note whether you want to speak live to the Council, or the board or commission that is hosting the meeting. Once the input is submitted, it becomes part of the permanent record of the meeting.

Snacks and giveaways will be provided.

Masks welcome but optional.

City Council Work Sessions

City Secretary René Dowl (pictured) and Council Assistant Carma Potter will be available before and during the meetings to help residents get accustomed to the kiosks. The machines replace a system of handwritten comments on speaker cards.

City Council Regular Meetings

Also, the ability to connect to meetings via Zoom isn’t going away. The virtual meeting link, its “raise hand” function and public comments will remain available to all who wish to participate from home — or other sites away from City Hall.

CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE broadcast – 6 p.m. July 5, July 19, Aug. 2 and Aug. 16 • Live the following Tuesday, Thursday • Rebroadcast and Friday – 9 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday – 7 p.m. broadcast – 7 p.m. July 6, July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17 • Live Rebroadcast following Wednesday – 9 a.m., • Friday – 7 p.m.,theSaturday and Sunday – 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

City Council Members

Plan Commission

– 7 p.m. July 12, July 26, Aug. 16 and Aug. 30 • Meetings July 12, July 26 and Aug. 30 meetings will be rebroadcast the • following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m.

Mayor

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Scott LeMay 972-205-2400 214-794-8904 Mayor@GarlandTX.gov

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Deborah Morris 214-273-4387 Council2@GarlandTX.gov

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Ed Moore 214-243-3053 Council3@GarlandTX.gov

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B.J. Williams 972-898-7672 Council4@GarlandTX.gov

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Keep up with the latest public meetings.

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Jeff Bass 469-831-5620 Council1@GarlandTX.gov

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Garland City Press July-August 2021

Rich Aubin 972-325-2529 Council5@GarlandTX.gov

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Receive public meeting agendas in your inbox.

1

Visit GarlandTX.gov.

2 Click on the “Public Meeting Agendas” link.

3 Click on the blue “Subscribe” button.

4 Select the agendas you want to receive.

Robert Vera 469-782-4482 Council6@GarlandTX.gov

Dylan Hedrick 469-560-6099 Council7@GarlandTX.gov

Robert John Smith 469-223-4723 Council8@GarlandTX.gov

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

CGTV Listings

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

City Council

Jeff Bass, Ed Moore Take Oath of Office In the May 5 general election, Garland voters also agreed to a second two-year term for Mayor Scott LeMay and City Council Member Dylan Hedrick.

Robert John Smith and Robert Vera were elected to their third Council term.

Preston Bass administers the oath of office to his father, Jeff Bass

DISTRICT

Voters chose Jeff Bass among three candidates in a special election for District 1 representative to the Garland City Council on May 5.

Bass has spent most of his life in the Dallas area, living in Garland since 2008. He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 2004 and have one son, Preston, born in 2008.

Bass attended Brookhaven College and the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a franchise owner of two Dickey’s Barbecue Pit restaurants, one in Garland and one in Dallas.

He also owns ABC Catering.

His work experience also includes mortgage banking and operations management, as well as owning and managing multiple residential investment properties.

Dianne Moore administers the oath of office to her husband, Ed Moore

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Bass has served as a board member for the Garland Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of its Leadership Garland program.

He is a current board member for Garland Citizens Fire Club and has also served on the Garland Economic Development Steering Committee.

After taking the oath of office, Bass took time for an acceptance speech to thank District 1 residents for their trust.

The District 1 election was for the remaining year of an unfinished term.

DISTRICT

Voters chose Ed Moore for District 3 representative to the Garland City Council in a June 5 runoff.

Moore and his wife, Dianne, have two children. The couple moved to Garland in 2004. An avid fisherman, Moore was drawn to Garland because of its proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard.

He has degrees in criminal justice, political science, pastoral counseling and divinity.

In addition to being an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Moore has a strong background in business and financial planning and has launched several businesses.

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He is a graduate of the Garland Citizen Police Academy and served as Chair of the Garland Community Multicultural Commission. He was appointed to the Garland Eastern Hills Advisory Committee and the I-30 Corridor Catalyst Study that reviewed the challenges and visions for South Garland.

“I’ll bring my skills as a small business owner,” Moore said after taking the oath of office. “I’ll bring my passion as a pastor.

I’ll bring my discipline as a military person.

I’ll bring my experience and knowledge of community that I’ve learned through neighborhood service and through talking with so many of you during this campaign.

And, I’ll keep listening.”

Moore serves as President of the Emerald Lake Estates Homeowners Association.

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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COVID-19: Opportunities to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated!

COVID-19 has impacted us all — our lives, activities and our freedom. We can work together as a community to help stop this virus.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19. And people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may start to do some things they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

It takes everyone. We all need to step up to beat COVID-19.

Join us in protecting yourself, your family and friends, and our community by getting vaccinated. There are many COVID-19 vaccine providers, including local pharmacies and grocery stores. Please sign up to get your COVID-19 vaccination today!

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COVID-19 vaccination is one of the strongest tools we can use to fight this pandemic together.” — City Medical Services Coordinator Dalia Robledo, BSN

Here are some things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

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All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are very effective at preventing the disease.

The most common side effects are pain in the arm where you got the shot, feeling tired, headache, body aches, chills and fever.

On May 16, the CDC approved guidance stating that “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing in most circumstances.”

Garland Public Health is committed to the health care needs of our community. We are following all CDC guidelines to ensure that our facility is a safe and healthy place for you to receive your vaccination. We are here to serve you and your family with walk-in visits available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday (closed on City holidays). We are also hosting extended hours.

We also continue to work with faith based organizations, businesses and others to host special events.

Garland Public Health has administered more than 35,000 doses of vaccine. It has coordinated more than a dozen mass vaccination events to provide for the residents of Garland, Sachse and Rowlett, each requiring hundreds of hours of staffing from employees of those cities and the Garland Independent School District. Crews visited long-term care facilities to administer more than 300 vaccinations to their residents and staff. Call 972-205-3370 or visit GarlandTX.gov for an ongoing list of public vaccination events and other information.

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

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Garland City Press July-August 2021

GHFC Applications

City News

The City will accept applications from July 5 through Aug. 6, for a Garland Housing Finance Corp. (GHFC) board member position. The current term ends Aug. 31.

GHFC is a public nonprofit corporation. The programs offered by GHFC are designed to increase affordable housing opportunities while strengthening Garland.

A resume and letter of interest may be submitted to René Dowl, City Secretary, at RDowl@GarlandTX.gov or to City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., Garland 75040. Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at the 6 p.m. Aug. 16 Work Session.

The GHFC mission is to provide affordable housing in and around Garland. It furthers this mission through down payment and closing cost assistance, neighborhood awards, affordable senior and multifamily housing, issuance of bonds and direct property ownership.

2020Water Quality Report

Now Available Online Every year, the Garland Water Utilities Department publishes updated drinking water test results taken from various points in the city. You can find the results and other important information about your drinking water in this year’s Consumer Confidence Report at GarlandWater.com/ConsumerConfidenceReport.

GarlandWater.com

Board members include an executive director, five members and an administrator. Additional information about GHFC can be found at GarlandHFC.org. Its office is at 1675 W. Campbell Road.

GarlandHFC.org

FIGHT THE BITE! Defend Yourself Against Mosquitoes

DRAIN standing water around the house weekly. Mosquitoes lay eggs in places like tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

DUSK AND DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are the most active.

Limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents.

Follow label instructions carefully.

DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk and in areas where mosquitoes are active.

West Nile Virus disease is rare. But if you have symptoms including high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, contact your health care provider.

To report standing water issues, stagnant swimming pools or high mosquito activity, call the Garland Health Department Mosquito Hotline at 972-205-3720.

Drivers Told to Keep It Legal Motorists are again being advised to check on their vehicle registrations, driver's licenses and neighborhood parking regulations.

During the pandemic, local and state officials paused enforcement of registration and license violations and parking violations. Those pauses are over.

Neighborhood parking problems are the most frequent source of resident complaints to the City. The City Marshal’s Office is again issuing tickets for parking violations. Tickets can be paid online. Examples of violations and other information about the program are available at GarlandTX.gov/parking.

The statewide temporary waiver of vehicle registrations and driver's license renewals due to the pandemic ended in April.

The Garland Municipal Court is aware of the expiration and is prepared to resume prosecution of those offenses.

GarlandTX.gov/parking July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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A new headquarters and manufacturing facility for Micropac Industries is in the beginning stages of construction at 1655 State Highway 66.

WHAT'S BEING

BUILT THERE? 2

A retail building is under construction at the southeast corner of the Bush Turnpike and Mansions Drive.

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Under construction at 3102 Zion Road is a multifamily development (Lakeview Pointe), consisting of approximately 132 units. Also under construction is an extension of Zion Road.

Garland is buzzing with new development.

Taking It to the Streets

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Projects scheduled to begin in July-August

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Arcady Drive, Linda Drive to south cul-de-sac Street reconstruction Buckingham Road, railroad crossing west of State Highway 78

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B Rail track replacement then repairs to the approaches of the track

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Texas Department of Transportation Project

635 East

UPDATE

Partial Interstate 635 overpass demolitions are scheduled at Miller Road and Greenville Avenue as the $1.7 billion 635 East project moves into the summer.

Increased bridge construction activities are planned all along the 11-mile project to improve Garland’s busiest thoroughfare. Those can be seen in Garland freeway intersections at Kingsley Road, Northwest Highway, Centerville Road and LaPrada Drive. In addition to mainlane bridges taking shape, removals of old pavement will also continue.

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Garland City Press July-August 2021

Utility work and drainage construction will take place throughout the project, which includes the interchange with Interstate 30 and immediate areas along I-30.

All construction is subject to weather conditions. More information about the project can be found at 635east.com.

Centerville Road, Broadway Boulevard to State Highway 66 Concrete street repair

Ongoing projects D

Carroll Drive, Douglas Drive to Glenbrook Drive Street reconstruction

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Celeste Drive, Arcady Drive to Dairy Road Street reconstruction

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Cranford Drive, Cortez Drive to Denton Drive Street reconstruction

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Garland Avenue, Avenue B to Buckingham Road Concrete street repair

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Glenbrook Drive, Carroll Drive to Centerville Road Street reconstruction

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Miller Road, Centerville Road to First Street Concrete street repair

GarlandEDP.com

NEWS FROM

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

Future Foam, Inc. will renovate a 341,840-square-foot facility at 3000 W. Kingsley Road and reactivate rail service to the facility.

The property has been vacant since 2015. An additional $6 million will be added to the City’s tax rolls from the transfer of operations and from additional machinery and equipment.

Iowa-based Future Foam has been in business for 63 years and specializes in polyurethane foam products including carpet cushion, poured foam, medical foam and recycled products. They have more than 30 facilities in 18 states, plus facilities in Germany and China. This new site will double Future Foam’s production space in North Texas.

The company expects its major renovation of the 58-year-old building to be fully operational before the end of the year. Nearly $3 million will be invested in renovating the 19.69-acre site. Initial operations will create 104 full-time positions, with plans for expansion in the coming years.

Neighborhood groups registered with the Office of Neighborhood Vitality may apply for up to $100,000 in matching funds for neighborhood enhancement projects on public property. Additional assistance is available for voluntary neighborhood groups.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER MEET & GREET 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15 • Mark your calendar for the next Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet! You will hear City updates, network with other neighborhood leaders and learn of possible opportunities for your neighborhood.

Register now at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

As the No. 1 ranked industrial market in the DFW region for new construction and leasing, Garland continues to be a hotspot for industrial and manufacturing expansion.

Numerous manufacturers continue to move to the area to be closer to their customers, suppliers and the dynamic North Texas market.

Plastics, food and chemicals are all target industries for Garland.

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant

The Letter of Intent deadline for the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant (NVMG) program is Friday, July 23.

Neighborhoods & Development

Need a little help? Attend the virtual NVMG Workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, to gain valuable technical assistance and learn helpful tips for completing a successful project.

Register for the workshop, download program guidelines and forms, and learn more at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

For more details, email Neighborhoods@GarlandTX.gov or call 972-205-2445.

Sponsorships, booths and individual reservations are available now for the Garland Board and Volunteer Fair. The evening of networking and conversation with dozens of nonprofit, civic and community organizations will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Learn more about helping serve the Garland community. Visit GarlandKiwanis.org.

Block Party Trailer We’re accepting block party trailer reservations for your summer neighborhood events!

The City of Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality is excited to provide this resource including traffic cones, canopy tents, folding chairs, water coolers, ice chests, tables and games.

Reservations may be made no more than six months in advance and only for registered neighborhood groups. Groups are also responsible for applying for appropriate permits and adhering to public health and safety protocols.

Learn more about the guidelines and trailer contents and submit your reservation at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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City Services

Offers Utility Bill Credits Garland Power & Light’s EnergySaver Program provides utility bill credits for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.

New air conditioning may qualify for a bill credit of up to $800, depending on efficiency and type of unit. Home weatherization upgrades, such as ENERGY STAR® windows and doors, window solar screens or film, and ceiling insulation can also help you conserve energy and earn credits.

Fireworks Safety Each year, about 10,000 people are treated for injuries due to the mishandling of live, misfired and waste (spent) consumer fireworks.

Surprisingly, sparklers account for roughly one-fourth of all Emergency Room fireworks injuries.

Without a permit, fireworks are prohibited inside Garland city limits.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages you to celebrate July 4 safely by enjoying fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.

Garland Uses Smoke to Test Sewer Pipes The Garland Water Utilities Department is conducting annual leak-detection tests on the sanitary sewer system from July through September. The tests are performed by pumping a special non-toxic, non-staining smoke into the sewer lines, one section at a time, to determine where repairs are needed.

To view complete program requirements and print applications, visit gpltexas.org/energysaver. If you have questions, email energyadvisor@gpltexas.org or call 972-205-2929.

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Garland City Press July-August 2021

This year, smoke testing is taking place in west Garland. One area is between Walnut Street, Forest Lane, Yale Drive and Plano Road.

Another is between Lawler Road, Walnut Street, Purdue Drive and Forest Ridge Drive.

You can see a map of the area being tested at GarlandWater.com.

When the crews plan to work in your neighborhood, an information tag will be hung on your front door at least three days before the work starts. Rain or high winds can affect test results, occasionally causing postponements.

If you have any questions about the City’s smoke testing program, call 972-205-3210 or email WaterOps@GarlandTX.gov.

SUMMER NUTRITION PROGRAM FREE SUMMER MEALS To ensure Garland youth receive a lunchtime meal during the summer break, the City offers the Summer Nutrition Program.

The program provides free meals for ages 1 to 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through July 30. It is offered at the following locations:

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Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive Embree Park, 1701 Dairy Road Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St. Surf & Swim, 440 W. Oates Road

Did you know that emergency preparedness plays a major role in school?

Throughout the year, schools actively prepare for natural disasters and other emergency situations.

Garland has participated in the program for more than 20 years. CitySquare, an advocacy organization that works to fight poverty in the community, will oversee the 2021 program.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to make sure you know your school’s plans for keeping students safe during an emergency, then talking to your child about those plans.

Visit citysquare.org/food or contact volunteercoordinator@citysquare.org.

THE CITY OF GARLAND IS SEEKING

CROSSING GUARDS

JOIN THE CITY OF GARLAND TEAM WITH A REWARDING JOB OPPORTUNITY.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages you to take the time to build an emergency kit, make a family disaster plan, and know how you will reunite with your kids if there is an emergency during the school day.

Know how the school communicates lifesaving instructions, and follow guidance provided by school officials. Keep your emergency contact information up to date.

For the 2021-22 School Year

To view the minimum qualifications and the complete job description, and to apply online, visit Careers.GarlandTX.gov.

QUESTIONS?

Be Ready for Back to School Safety!

Contact the Human Resources Department at Talent@GarlandTX.gov or call 972-205-2475, option 2.

Does your child know important addresses and phone numbers? Work with your child and create a communications plan card they can keep in their backpack.

Children who are prepared are more confident during stressful emergency situations and are proven to recover more quickly from these impacts.

For more preparedness information, visit GarlandTX.gov and click on Emergency Management.

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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Summer Heat Safety

City Services

Tips from GP&L to Save Energy This Summer •

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Fans are an energy-efficient way to stay cool. Fans blowing directly on you can make temperatures around you feel up to 4 degrees cooler.

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer. Each degree cooler can increase your energy use by 6% to 8%.

Clean or replace filters every month. Dirty filters will make your system work harder and run longer than necessary.

Leaks around windows and doors let cool air escape. Check for cracked caulking or damaged weatherstripping and replace when necessary.

Visit gpltexas.org/energytips for more conservation ideas.

Are you puzzled about how to dispose of household items?

WasteWizard is a great tool to help understand where to dispose of items in an environmentally responsible and legal method.

It’s easy to use. Go to GarlandWasteWizard.com. Fill in the name of an item and it will tell you how to recycle or dispose of that item. The tool even has an alphabetical list to help you identify items. You may search items in three languages by using the language toggle at the top right of the tool.

If you are directed to the Dallas Home Chemical Collection Center, please note that they are still operating on a reduced schedule of Tuesday and Wednesday only. This is subject to change.

For up-to-date information, visit their website at DallasCounty.org/departments/consolidated-services/hhw/.

Dallas Home Chemical Collection Center 11234 Plano Road, Dallas 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays 12

Garland City Press July-August 2021

Summer high temperatures with high humidity create a relentless challenge in North Texas. You and your family can stay safe by knowing how to prevent heat-related illnesses and what to do when you are facing extreme heat.

Heat-related illnesses range in severity from mild heat cramps and heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. And their onset is sudden. Those who are at greater risk from extreme heat include children, elderly and those with underlying health conditions — including overweight individuals.

Common Heat Safety Tips:

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Drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages. Stay hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Whether working or playing outdoors, find shade and take lots of breaks.

During extreme heat, stay air-conditioned and indoors as much as possible.

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Fans alone may not be enough in high heat and high humidity. Remember you can go to a public place like a recreation center, library or shopping mall to enjoy the AC.

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Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Check on family and neighbors regularly and don’t forget about pets.

Never leave people or pets in hot cars.

It only takes a few minutes before a vehicle can heat up enough to be deadly.

If you see a child in a hot car, take IMMEDIATE action. You could save a life!

GP&L Reliability Scores Beat National Averages Garland Power & Light customers can depend on reliable service. As shown in the graph, the annual average interruptions per customer and outage duration within the GP&L service area are significantly less than national power provider averages.

GP&L accomplishes this through proactive maintenance, system upgrades and a dedicated workforce ready to serve customers around the clock. When outages do occur, our local electric crews and customer service center provide the best and most immediate service.

Annual Interruptions per Customer .16

.99 interruptions

Outage Duration 8

Learn more at gpltexas.org.

60 minutes

GP&L National Average

Quality of Life

IT’S SWIM • •

Cool off at these City facilities: Bradfield Pool

1150 Castle Drive

SEASON •

Holford Pool 2322 Homestead Place

Surf & Swim 440 W. Oates Road

Due to the aging condition of Wynne Pool and the impact of the winter freeze, Wynne Pool is not open to the public this summer. The City is working on updates to Wynne Park, including a new splash pad, playground and library kiosk. These improvements are scheduled for completion in 2022.

Visit SwimGarland.com for information about swim lessons, daily hours and other details.

SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY

This summer, the library is presenting both virtual events and hybrid programs, such as in-person programs held outdoors.

Due to COVID-19, Garland libraries are operating with slight service changes. The libraries are offering curbside materials pickup, online card registration, downloadable books and online resources. However, hours of operation have returned to normal, and all libraries are open at 100% capacity.

As always, e-books, audio books, magazines and newspapers are available for check out through the library website or through the OverDrive and Libby apps. In addition to downloadable media, the library continues to provide access to other online resources, such as HelpNow’s online tutoring, Mango Languages, Brain HQ, the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Universal Class online courses. All are available at Library.GarlandTX.gov.

Free public Wi-Fi is accessible both inside and outside of each library location. Library card registration remains an option on the library website.

The library Summer Reading Program runs through July 31. This year’s theme, Tails and Tales, celebrates animals and animal stories. Participants of all ages receive an activity card to log their progress and earn a prize when completed. Register at any library location or visit the Summer Reading page at Library.GarlandTX.gov. Be sure to check the website for details on activities, virtual and in-person programs, and prize drawings.

For the most up-to-date event schedule and access to downloadable materials and online resources, visit Library.GarlandTX.gov or follow the library on Facebook.

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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Quality of Life

events Recreation Center

JUJITSU

to 8:45 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, • 7:30 July 1-29 Ages 4 and up, $40 per person Bradfield Recreation Center 1146 Castle Drive Patient guidance and practical training are used to emphasize key punch and kick techniques.

972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov

SUMMER CAMP

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 5-30 • Ages 6-12, $95 per week Granger Recreation Center 1310 W. Avenue F Beat summertime boredom with exciting group games, sports, arts and crafts projects and more.

972-205-2771 or GRC@GarlandTX.gov

LEGO®BRIXOLOGY ENGINEERS

9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, July 12-16 • Ages 6-9, $149 per person Holford Recreation Center 2314 Homestead Place Complete LEGO® projects inspired by different fields including mechanical, structural, aerospace, nautical and bioengineering.

972-205-2772 or HRC@GarlandTX.gov

SONGWRITING/GHOSTWRITING

8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, July 7-29 • Ages 13 and up, $100 per month Hollabaugh Recreation Center 3925 W. Walnut St. Discover areas of influence and genres with an introduction to song structure, writing concepts and lyrics.

972-205-2721 or HHRC@GarlandTX.gov

Register now!

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

@PlayGarland

Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road, and Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road, are closed for construction.

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Garland City Press July-August 2021

An Evening with Moths • 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 17 1770 Holford Road

Urban wildlife biologist Sam Kieschnick will help celebrate the beauty, life cycles and habitats Bring a of moths at the Spring Creek Forest Preserve. magnifying Several light sheets will be set up to attract the glass if you have one. nocturnal moths in the Preserve. Volunteers will answer questions and help with identification. Bring a magnifying glass. The event, held during National Moth Week, will be hosted by the Garland Parks & Recreation Department and the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest.

springcreekforest.org

CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION GRANTS The Garland Cultural Arts Commission, Inc. is pleased to announce its 2021-22 Grant Program for local arts groups, historic preservation organizations and other artistic entities.

Applications may be picked up beginning Monday, Aug. 2, at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, 300 N. Fifth St. in Downtown Garland.

Applications will be available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Completed applications are due to the Granville Arts Center Friday, Sept. 17. Grant money will not be awarded to any group that does not submit the completed application by the deadline.

Follow-up interviews will take place Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Granville Arts Center. For more information, call 972-205-2780.

Events from the Arts MARK MULLINO ART EXHIBIT Through July 26 Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Musical director and visual artist Mark Mullino presents paintings based on Broadway productions. Free and open to the public Monday through Friday and during performances.

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“BIG FISH” SCHOOL EDITION July 8-11 Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the film directed by Tim Burton, “Big Fish” centers around a son’s quest to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Presented by Dallas Young Artists. Tickets: 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

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“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” July 16-25 Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Garland Summer Musicals presents “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the classic Dolly Parton film. Three unlikely friends learn there’s nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. Tickets: 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

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“BLUE HAWAII” 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13 Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. Elvis Presley stars in this romantic comedy musical set in Hawaii! The free classic movie will be presented by the City of Garland. No tickets required, first-come, first-served.

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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. Seating is assigned with one seat in between each party, couple, or group.

July-August 2021 Garland City Press

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