Garland City Press - Sept. 2021

MOMENTUM

NEW PARTNERS TO BUILD ON VA INVESTMENT SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 29, ISSUE 5 | GarlandTX.gov

Development Partnership Brings New Vitality to Garland’s Medical District Valoris HealthPark Garland will include inpatient, outpatient and support services coordinated with the VA and as part of a strategic master plan to bring medical services back to Garland.

These investments will work to provide needed services that both complement the VA medical center and serve the public.

The City of Garland is partnering with Prevarian Companies and Harrison Street to bring new vitality to the community’s medical district.

The Department of Veterans Affairs made a significant investment in the area in April 2020, opening the VA Medical Center Garland for clientele that served in the military.

Utilizing funds from the 2019 Bond Program, the City will also bring significant streetscape improvements to the area as well as new trails along Duck Creek behind the VA medical center.

These new trails will connect to a planned Healing Garden also behind the medical center and connect to the larger Garland trail system.

New partnerships will continue to help fulfill the City’s plans for a medical district redevelopment at the northeast corner of North Shiloh Road and Walnut Street.

Valoris HealthPark Garland will serve as a renewed, centralized destination for comprehensive health care services for veterans and also many services for the residents of Garland.

Current street improvements projects along the southern portion of Shiloh Road will help increase vehicular access to the medical district from Interstate 635. The City is also working closely with Dallas Area Rapid Transit to increase accessibility to the medical district from the Forest-Jupiter transit station.

The redevelopment includes the acquisition of five medical office buildings surrounding the VA medical center.

Dallas-based Prevarian Companies, in partnership with Harrison Street, purchased three of the medical office buildings totaling more than 150,000 square feet. They will invest in the complete renovation and strategic leasing of these buildings.

The other two medical office buildings have been purchased by the City and will be demolished in preparation for Prevarian and Harrison Street’s development of new health care facilities.

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Garland City Press September-October 2021

ON THE

COVER

Valoris HealthPark Garland will bring new vitality to the medical district at Shiloh Road and Walnut Street. The redevelopment is sparked by the VA Medical Center Garland (above) opening in April 2020. Cover rendering courtesy of Prevarian Companies.

“The City is excited to work together with our partners to develop a revitalized medical district surrounding the VA Medical Center,” said City Council Member Robert John Smith. “These developments will bring much-needed services to the community while supporting the work done by the VA at their facility.”

Inside this Issue Feature

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75TH LABOR DAY PARADE • 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6 Route: The parade starts at Glenbrook Drive at Avenue D. It will run north to Main Street, then east to Fifth Street and north on Fifth Street.

It will end at Fifth and Austin streets.

Features: Bands, cheerleaders and drill teams from all seven Garland Independent School District high schools. Various elementary school, middle school, high school and other entries.

After the Parade: Rock & Roll Car Show with antique and custom cars from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Downtown Square; all cars are welcome, register upon arrival. There will be a karaoke contest with cash prizes in the Plaza Theatre.

Host: The Noon Exchange Club of Garland also plans various booths with free items for kids and adults. There will be face painting, balloons and food vendors.

NEW CITY DIRECTORS Pages

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05 10 City Services

City Council City Council Meeting Schedule District 3 Town Hall

Health Care and Civic Grant Programs GP&L Green Choice

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New Customer Service Portal GP&L Text Outage Reporting

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City News New Directors

Quality of Life

Retirement Announcements Bond Highlights

Book Sale

Fire Awards

08 A GARLAND CHRISTMAS AT FIREWHEEL • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 Firewheel Town Center

Because of the pending renovation of the Downtown Square, the City is partnering with Firewheel Town Center for its annual holiday event. A Garland Christmas at Firewheel will feature Christmas on the Square traditions including a tree lighting ceremony and activities for the whole family. The arrangement is temporary. Christmas on the Square will return to Downtown Garland. And all Downtown businesses will remain OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE during the renovation project.

For more events, see Page 13.

Seasonal Events Recreation Center Events Arts Events

Neighborhoods & Development

What's Being Built There 2021 Neighborhood Summit Neighborhood Awards Applications and Nominations

On Social Media

Email

Garland@GarlandTX.gov On the Web

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

GarlandTX.gov MakeYourMarkGarland.com

@GarlandTXGOV

City of Garland, Texas Government #MYMGarland

#GarlandTX

September-October 2021 Garland City Press

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DISTRICT 3 TOWN HALL 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 • South Garland Branch Library

City Council

4845 Broadway Blvd.

Join District 3 Council Member Ed Moore for a State of the District review. Topics will include the 2019 bond program; economic development and redevelopment projects including My Possibilities and the Interstate 30 corridor; the 2021-22 City budget; introduction of boards and commission appointees; and vision (two-to-six year) recommendations.

CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE

City Council Work Sessions

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Artist Rendering of the Downtown Square project

Live broadcast – 6 p.m. Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18 Rebroadcast the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday – 7 p.m.

With funding from the voter-approved 2019 bond program, Downtown Garland will soon get a makeover for its next generation. Detailed design for the Downtown Square just wrapped up and on Aug. 16, the Garland City Council was updated on the plan.

Construction will start by the end of the year to redevelop the Square with a performance plaza, recreational/event lawn, pavilion, imaginative play area with a treehouse and urban water feature, illuminated promenade, and patio spaces for small gatherings and special programs. There are also approximately 14 blocks of streetscapes surrounding the Square that will be reconstructed to improve block-to-block pedestrian connectivity between Fifth Street, Austin Street, Glenbrook Drive and Avenue A.

City Council Regular Meetings

broadcast – 7 p.m. Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 • Live Rebroadcast following Wednesday – 9 a.m., • Friday – 7 p.m.,theSaturday and Sunday – 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Plan Commission

– 7 p.m. Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25.

• Meetings The Sept. 27 and Oct. 25 meetings will be rebroadcast the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m.

City Council Members

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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 Deputy Mayor Pro Tem 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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SAM HOUSTON

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Garland City Press September-October 2021

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

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 Mayor Pro Tem 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 News

Get to Know Our New Directors The City of Garland recently welcomed new leadership in the areas of budget, cultural arts, economic development and health.

Methane Gas to Energy Morrow Renewables, one of Garland’s newest industries, flies under the radar of residents and shares a chunk of its profit with the City.

Morrow doesn’t tap into Garland’s capital or City labor. It mines Garland’s trash, turning landfill gas into energy. And the Hinton Landfill is golden.

end, Atmos confirms the purity, measures the amount, pays for the gas and moves the converted energy source directly into an existing pipeline. The gas is then distributed to homes and businesses through their delivery network throughout the North Texas region.

Garland’s partnership with Morrow is also improving Hinton Landfill’s reputation as a Landfill gas is created when materials in a neighbor. Nearby are Rowlett’s most used park landfill decompose. A little more than half of and sports fields, including its golf course. landfill gas is methane, the primary component Landfill Director Chris Hoofnagle credited of natural gas.

Rowlett for its participation in the project.

The once common downwind odor of For decades, Garland has recognized the burning fumes is no more a friend to Morrow potential within the composition of landfill than to neighbors. gas. But, as you could imagine, landfill gas also contains many impurities. Without the “When you smell odors on the landfill, if it’s technology to separate the reusable elements gas, we’re losing money,” said Doug Lloyd, of landfill gas, Garland traditionally burned off Morrow vice president of operations. the gas.

Morrow has drilled more than 40 additional And it wasn’t alone. According to the vertical wells and placed horizontal gasEnvironmental Protection Agency, the capturing equipment in cells being actively emissions from municipal solid waste landfills filled at Hinton Landfill. More well installations equal the greenhouse gas emissions from 21.6 are planned before the end of the year. million passenger cars or the carbon dioxide That alone amounts to saving the City about emissions of 12 million homes’ energy use. $500,000 in installation and $85,000 in annual Morrow has worked to perfect the cleansing operating costs. of the gas. Hinton is its seventh landfill and Garland also nets a percentage of the sales uses technology more advanced than the of gas to Atmos. Those profits are earmarked previous six. for another environmental benefit — the The plant is a giant filtration system. federally mandated fund set aside for the In separating the usable energy, it uses eventual closing and perpetual monitoring of physical solvents, rather than creating the landfill. chemical reactions.

“We anticipate revenue of the level of At one end of Morrow’s Garland Renewables hundreds of thousands of dollars per year,” plant is the inlet from Morrow’s web of gas said Jason Chessher, Garland’s managing wells drilled into the landfill. At the other director of public health services.

Allyson Bell-Steadman has been promoted to Budget Director. She has been with the City since 2016, serving as a senior budget analyst and budget analyst. She has been responsible for the development of the Capital Improvement Program and departmental operating budgets. She previously served the City of North Richland Hills and Tarrant County.

She holds a master’s certificate in public administration from Texas A&M University with a concentration in state and local government policy. Her bachelor’s degree in political science is also from Texas A&M.

Ayako Schuster has been promoted to lead the City’s Economic Development Department. She has been involved in the task of bringing new development and redevelopment partnerships to the City since 2000 when she joined the Garland Economic Development Partnership and Garland Chamber of Commerce. She joined the City organization in 2015 and has served the Economic Development Department as its business development manager.

She holds a master’s in applied economics from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Shizuoka (Japan).

David Fisher joined the City as its Cultural Arts Director. An arts administrator and artist in North Texas for nearly 30 years, he began his Texas career at the Dallas Children’s Theater and was executive director of the Turtle Creek Chorale.

He spent 24 years with the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, serving that city in leadership positions at the Bath House Cultural Center, Meyerson Symphony Center and WRR Radio.

Diana Beeler has been promoted to Health Director. She has been with the City since 2006, serving as animal services manager, public health manager and most recently as the Health Department’s environmental health administrator.

She has played a vital role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including managing contact tracing and vaccine distribution. She previously served the City of Greenville.

He holds a master of fine arts in directing from Tulane University and a master of business administration in nonprofit management from the University of Dallas.

She holds a master’s certificate in public administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

September-October 2021 Garland City Press

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ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER JOHN BAKER AND PATTY GRANVILLE RETIRE

In more than six years as Assistant City Manager, John Baker saw some of Garland’s most vital departments through some of the City’s biggest challenges.

An engineer by trade, Baker wound up making sure water flowed to homes after natural disasters and overseeing departments tasked to respond to a pandemic. He managed a redoubled effort to renew aging streets and played a key role in molding the largest-ever bond package to ensure the City’s future infrastructure.

It was one of the first moves Bryan Bradford made upon becoming City Manager that year. “I understood I had to have great people in administration if I was going to have any chance of success,” Bradford said.

Patty Granville has long been credited as the driving force behind the success of the cultural arts program in Garland. The performing arts building was renamed in her honor in 2003.

Baker’s history with the many departments made him the perfect staff point person when the City put its largest-ever bond package together, getting voters’ approval in 2019. While infrastructure elements were key in the $423.7 million package, Baker credits a resident committee and the City Council for “going to bat for quality of life.”

As Granville retired in late August after more than 39 years with the City, the Cultural Arts Director was also recognized for her pivotal role in the survival and rebirth of Downtown Garland.

Baker said he was awed when workers from virtually every department stepped into unfamiliar roles to serve residents in more than a dozen mass vaccination events this year. Other challenges included an EF4 tornado in December 2015, an EF2 tornado in October 2019 and the statewide freeze last February.

“That tests your organization’s mettle in a different way,” he said. “That’s when you see people going the extra mile and relying on one another. The leadership of our team here really rose up.”

With hundreds of performances per year, the Granville Arts Center was fueling Downtown Garland as a destination long before the City’s reinvestment in infrastructure and the addition of residential projects.

“The thriving Arts Center was the source of momentum in the Downtown area,” City Manager Bryan Bradford said.

The building’s value to the community was recognized when voters agreed on an expansion in 1997. The construction of its special events facility, The Atrium, started in 2001. Highland Park, Irving and Richardson are among many cities that modeled their arts venues after Garland’s.

Counting rehearsals and The Atrium, City arts facilities now book nearly 1,000 events per year.

“The arts are a key to economic development,” Granville said. “People come to a community because they want parks and arts and schools. I do feel like we’ve been a driving force. And I feel very happy to have been involved.”

“I got to work on incredible projects. I’m not pigeon-holed into roads or pipes. I got to do all of it,” said Baker, who retired from the City in August following a 37 1/2-year career.

Baker rose to senior project engineer in 1996, then quickly became director of engineering. He was also the City’s municipal services director before becoming a managing director in 2009 and Assistant City Manager in May 2015.

He oversaw departments including Animal Services, Engineering, Facilities, Health, Landfill, Sanitation, Streets, Transportation, Wastewater and Water.

“In engineering, you have to work with such a broad range of departments and abilities. Before you realize it, you’ve been here so long that everybody knows you,” he said. Still, Baker said, he was blindsided when he was promoted to Assistant City Manager in 2015.

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“It was every theater person’s dream,” she said. And within the community were others who had the same dream – those who had supported the City’s shift from a convention center to an arts center. Together they created the Garland Cultural Arts Commission and built the foundation of the City’s current arts community and programs.

“It was ahead of its time,” Granville said.

Baker also praised the support from his wife, Leanne, and their children, John, Taylor and Nicole. And he said he’s looking forward to spending more time with all of them in retirement.

Garland City Press September-October 2021

It was the building itself that drew its future namesake. After working television, theater and five plus years booking shows across the nation for Dinner Theatres Inc., Granville was changing course and heading to law school. But there was a job advertised to run an unfinished facility in Garland, where she lived, so she decided to take a look.

And the hits keep coming. Granville will be honored Nov. 17 with the Juror’s Award at the Obelisk Awards, presented by Business Council for the Arts. The Obelisk Awards honor businesses, nonprofits and individuals for their extraordinary support of arts and culture in North Texas.

While retired from the City, Granville plans to continue to work with Garland Summer Musicals and Garland Civic Theatre – for which she directed three shows last season.

“A lot of people think doing the shows is my job. That’s my volunteer side,” Granville said.

“I’m retiring to go to my volunteer life!”

BOND HIGHLIGHTS Chief Mark Lee (left) with Firefighter of the Year Lt. Michael Clark

FIRE AWARDS

The Garland Fire Department’s 2020 "Of The Year" award winners were recognized at a ceremony Aug. 4 at The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center.

Audubon Recreation Center, 720 W. Oates Road

Audubon Recreation Center Audubon Recreation Center is opening soon! The facility has grown by almost 5,000 square feet, providing a reception area and a new fitness center. Already the highest reserved facility of all City recreation centers, Audubon will now feature: The largest fitness room in the Garland system The first expanded fitness area Two large multipurpose rooms allowing for larger reservations

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They included: Friend of the Fire Department

Gary Holcomb – City of Garland Purchasing Department Staff Person of the Year

Firefighter Danny Caldwell Officer of the Year

Capt. Ron Short Paramedic of the Year

All Garland Fire Paramedics - for truly outstanding service and response

to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic Firefighter of the Year

Lt. Michael Clark

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Stay tuned to social media for announcements on the grand reopening.

Gale Fields Recreation Center and Garland Senior Activity Center Gale Fields Recreation Center is anticipated to re-open to the public this fall. Renovations will include a refreshed multi-purpose room and game room with updates in the reception area and kitchen. The interior will have new finishes, including wood flooring in the gym. An outdoor covered patio and new landscaping will also be among the features.

Next in line for renovations is the Garland Senior Activity Center. When Gale Fields reopens, the Senior Activity Center will temporarily close to the public. It will grow by 900 square feet, resulting in an expanded fitness center and game room. Other interior finishes will be updated along the way, including the kitchen, reception area and HVAC, as well landscaping on the exterior.

Some Senior Activity Center services will be temporarily offered at Gale Fields Recreation Center.

Playground Update Three playground replacement projects — Bob Hall Park, Lou Huff Park, Douglas Park — will open soon with Oaks Branch Park following!

The Lou Huff Park may be classified as ‘traditional play,’ but its colorful and unique

elements are anything but plain! Unique elements include an interactive, two-story,

spinning globe structure; a zip line course; and other motion elements.

The artistic theme of Douglas Park 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.

Nature-themed Oaks Branch Park features playground structures designed to blend

seamlessly with its marsh-like, greenbelt surroundings. Future visitors can look forward

to enjoying a button loop, climbing tunnel, traditional swings, and a roundabout.

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To find out more, visit BuildGarland.com.

September-October 2021 Garland City Press

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WHAT'S BEING

BUILT THERE? Garland is buzzing with new development.

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Coming soon at 5001 Zion Road is a single-family residential development consisting of approximately 89 homes.

Under construction at 3428 W. Buckingham Road is HTeaO, a drive-thru tea establishment.

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Coming soon near the southeast corner of Interstate 30 and Bobtown Road is a QuikTrip Travel Center.

Taking It to the Streets 2

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Projects scheduled to begin in September-October D

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A Devonwood Drive, Garland Avenue to Saturn Road Street reconstruction B Shiloh Road, Buckingham Road to Walnut Street Concrete street repair

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Ongoing projects

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Texas Department of Transportation Project

635 East

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UPDATE

Bridge structures at cross streets and direct connectors at the interchange of Interstates 30 and 635 will become more evident as work continues on the $1.7 billion 635 East project.

The new bridges are taking form at Centerville Road, Garland Avenue, Jupiter Road, Kingsley Road, LaPrada Drive, Plano Road and Shiloh Road.

Garland City Press September-October 2021

Arcady Drive, Linda Drive to south cul-de-sac Street reconstruction

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

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Garland Avenue, Buckingham Road to Walnut Street Concrete street repair

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Hartford Drive, Nickens Road to Thistle Drive Street reconstruction

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LaPrada Drive, Duck Creek Drive to Northwest Highway Concrete street repair

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Continuous frontage roads along I-635 from I-30 to Central Expressway are another highlight of the 11mile project. The next couple months will see frontage road activity between LaPrada and Oates Drive, Miller Road and Plano, and between Forest Lane and Skillman Street in Dallas.

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

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Neighborhoods & Development

FREE

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 Rowlett, TX

The 2021 Neighborhood Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 6, in Rowlett.

The theme is Strengthening Neighborhood Livability and the focus will be to educate and equip neighborhood leaders with the tools needed to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Register for free at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT National Good Neighbor Day is Tuesday, Sept. 28! Show your neighbors some love with a kind note, baked goods or acts of kindness. You can also host a virtual or inperson Neighborhood Meet & Greet to get to know neighbors or say “hi.” (Contact the Office of Neighborhood Vitality for assistance in planning a virtual neighborhood gathering.)

Then gear up for National Night Out, Tuesday, Oct. 5. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Check GarlandNeighborhoods.org for updates and resources for National Good Neighbor Day and National Night Out.

Garland Neighborhood Award Applications and Nominations Due Thursday, Oct. 28 Great neighborhoods take work! The City of Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality recognizes those who make extraordinary efforts to enhance, revitalize or invest in their neighborhoods. The awards include: Garland Neighborhood of the Year Neighborhood Publication of the Year

• • Garland neighbors are also asked to nominate: Who's Who in Garland Neighborhoods • • Public Servant Award

For more information and to apply, visit GarlandNeighborhoods.org. The winners will be announced at the Nov. 4 Pre-Summit Mixer.

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant Applications Due Thursday, Sept. 23 Attention all neighborhood groups! The application deadline for the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program is Thursday, Sept. 23.

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.

View updated neighborhood match requirements and access all forms and guidelines online at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

Questions? Contact the Office of Neighborhood Vitality at Neighborhoods@GarlandTX.gov or 972-205-2445.

GARLAND BOARD & VOLUNTEER FAIR • 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 The Atrium, 300 N. Fifth St.

Enjoy an evening of networking and conversation with representatives of dozens of Garland's nonprofit, civic and community organizations.

These organizations are seeking volunteers and/or looking to fill board vacancies. Learn more about helping serve the Garland community.

Register to attend, have a booth or be a sponsor at GarlandKiwanis.org.

September-October 2021 Garland City Press

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City Services

Health Care and Civic Grant Program

It’s time to apply for the Garland Health Facilities Development Corporation (GHFDC) 2021-22 grant program.

GHFDC grant funds are available to support the City of Garland public or nonprofit health care service organizations with needs of medical supplies, medical equipment, and repair or construction of medical facilities.

Applications may be picked up at the Financial Services Department, located on the third floor of Garland City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. Applications can also be emailed upon contacting Don Daugherty at 972-205-2334.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Financial Services Department by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. Applicants must also be available for a November interview with board members at Garland City Hall.

Select GP&L’s Green Choice

Power your home or business with Green Choice, Garland Power & Light’s 100% renewable power plan! Green Choice provides power from Texas wind and solar facilities, which are sustainable and help to keep our environment clean.

Green Choice costs a penny more per kilowatt-hour than GP&L’s regular rate.

Customers using an average of 1300 kWh per month will only pay an additional $13 per month. A minimum 12-month commitment is required.

Select Green Choice by enrolling online at gpltexas.org/GreenChoice or calling 972-205-2671.

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Garland City Press September-October 2021

UTILITY ACCOUNT ACCESS TO CHANGE 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.

Visit GarlandUtilities.org for updates.

Power Out? Text GP&L! Garland Power & Light customers can report power outages by text message. The next time you experience a power outage, report it by texting OUT or your account number to 972-205-4000.

After reporting the outage, you will receive a confirmation text message from GP&L. You can reply STATUS to this message to receive an update, such as when the outage has been recorded in GP&L’s system or when a crew has been assigned.

Customers can also call 972-205-3000 to report an outage over the phone.

During busy times, the report will be taken by the automated voice response system. Both the system and text-reported outages are recorded directly into GP&L’s outage management system.

Learn more at gpltexas.org/OutageText.

Rain Barrel Sale Are you interested in harvesting free rainwater to supplement your outdoor water supply and to help keep your plants hydrated and healthy?

For a limited time, the City of Garland Water Utilities Department is offering an opportunity to purchase rain barrels at a discounted price.

The Ivy Rain Barrel comes with everything you need to assemble, collect and use rainwater.

Multiple barrels can be purchased and easily daisy chained with no added cost. All components are included with your purchase, even a 6-foot overflow hose!

Through a cooperative purchase, the classic black, 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrel is being offered for $78 each (normal retail price is $129).

For more information, setup instructions and to place an order, go to rainwatersolutions.com/products/garlandtx.

Quantities are limited and ordering will close Tuesday, Sept. 21, so get your order in soon!

All orders must be picked up by customers.

Bring a vehicle large enough to carry your order on pickup day.

Pickup Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 5, and Wednesday, Oct. 6 Pickup Hours: 3 to 7 p.m.

Pickup Location: 2343 Forest Lane

September-October 2021 Garland City Press

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Garland Library Services This Fall

Quality of Life

The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale returns Thursday, Oct. 14, through Saturday, Oct. 16, at the South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd.

The event will open with a members-only preview sale from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14.

The public sale will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16.

Shoppers will find great bargains on a variety of adult and children's books, fiction and nonfiction, paperback and hardcover, and reference books, as well as puzzles, DVDs, audio books and more.

The Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library is a community organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the library. Board members and long-time book sale volunteers Joan Degen and Linda Stopani say the Friends’ purpose is to promote interest in books, reading and access to the information and opportunities the library provides. The group's primary fundraiser is the annual book sale. And after missing 2020, as did most events, they are excited to be able to resume the sale this year.

Friends membership forms are available at all Garland library locations and at Library.GarlandTX.gov. To locate the printable form online, click on About Us, then Friends of the Library.

Don’t forget about our programs this fall, both virtual and in-person. See our website for more information. The libraries are still offering 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, such as HelpNow’s online tutoring, Mango Languages, the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Universal Class online courses, all available remotely through the library website.

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.

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Garland City Press September-October 2021

@GarlandLibraryTX

SEASONAL EVENTS

TRUNK-OR-TREAT 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive

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Get dressed up and enjoy trick-or-treating, games and a costume contest for kids in the rec center parking lot.

Contact Bradfield Recreation Center for more information at 972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov.

THE GARLAND GRAVEYARD 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive

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GARLAND GUZZLER 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 Fifth Street at State Street $30 per person

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A fun 0.5K race for couch potatoes and sofa spud athletes barely 15 years removed from their prime. Games and activities for the family. Live music by The Dogensteins. Presented by the City of Garland, Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery and Race Day Systems. bit.ly/garlandguzzler21

Don’t miss the spookiest haunted house in Garland. Bring two canned goods per person for the Salvation Army Corps of Garland. Contact Bradfield Recreation Center for more information at 972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov.

Register at GarlandParks.com.

GARLAND’S GONE CAMPING 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, to 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 Audubon Park, 342 W. Oates Road $10 per person

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Grab your tent and sleeping bags for a night under the stars with family and friends. Activities will include family-style games, archery, a night hike, campfire and s’mores, and evening entertainment. Breakfast and dinner included. Contact Audubon Recreation Center for more information at 972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov.

GHOST TOUR 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. $25 per person

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A guided tour filled with history and mystery, followed by the Good Sam Treasure Hunt (an additional $10). All benefiting Good Samaritans of Garland to assist with feeding, helping and serving the food insecure in the community. Visit goodsamofgarland.org.

TASTE OF GARLAND 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. $25 per person, tables of 10 available

• WHEELS OF HOPE CAR SHOW 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Downtown Garland

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Live music, student activities, cultural performances and impressive vehicles will line the streets of Downtown Garland.

The event raises awareness for Hope Clinic, which helps the underserved in Garland with access to physicians, medications, screenings and counseling. wheelsofhopegarland.com

The Garland Crime Stoppers will host the 32nd Annual Taste of Garland fundraiser, "Octoberfest,” an all-you-can-eat event featuring cuisine from local restaurants and other culinary establishments. Complimentary beer and margaritas will be served. There will be a special presentation by the Garland Police Department K-9 unit, featuring Police service dogs Ricki Bobby and Diesel. Proceeds benefit the Garland Crime Stoppers, which provides resources to help the Garland Police Department receive information on crimes. 214-402-6493

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1 Downtown Garland Square

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The tradition continues here in Garland! Mariachi and ballet folklorico performances, face painting, bounce house, kids’ crafts and altar displays. See Events at GarlandParks.com.

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Garland Cemetery

Walking Tour

Quality of Life

events Recreation Center

BRADFIELD FALL BREAK CAMP

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 4-8 • Ages 7-11, $80 per person Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive An exciting week of team-building including games, sports, arts and crafts and a field trip.

972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov

NEST BASKETBALL

7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 13-27 • Ages 6-16, $34 per person

Second Edition: Garland Memorial Park Masonic Cemetery • TOUR GUIDEBOOKS available at Garland Landmark Museum.

• GRAVESTONE RUBBING MATERIALS are available for free upon request.

FREE Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 393 N. Sixth St., Downtown Garland

Questions? Email Heritage@GarlandTX.gov GarlandHeritage.com

Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F Learn the techniques and fundamentals of the sport needed to improve all aspects of your game through drills and scrimmages.

972-205-2771 or GRC@GarlandTX.gov

U CAN PAINT

9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 • Ages 14 and up, $20 per person Holford Recreation Center, 2314 Homestead Place Complete an oil painting on canvas with step-by-step instructions. All supplies provided. $22 supply fee payable to instructor.

972-205-2772 or HRC@GarlandTX.gov

WEST GARLAND ESL

6 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 7-28 • Ages 8 and up, $30 per person Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St. Learn general English vocabulary and phrases with a native English-speaking teacher. Lessons include common words used at the supermarket, restaurants, during emergencies and more.

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 September-October 2021

GarlandHeritage.com

PRESERVATION SOCIETY FOR SPRING CREEK FOREST Speaker Series (via Zoom) 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 – Rick Travis, Invasive Trees. One of the most important responsibilities of the Society is to try to keep invasive plants under control. Invasive species reduce the biodiversity balance in the Preserve.

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p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 – Dr. Camelia Maier, • 7professor at TWU. Topic: Texas Woman’s University Pollinator Garden: A Model of Biodiversity Conservation in an Urban Environment. Biodiversity can be created garden by garden. We can restore habitat for our hugely important pollinator insects.

Monthly Work Sessions Meet at 1770 Holford Road, then disperse in teams to remove invasive plants, pick up trash, maintain trails, etc.

8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9

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Nature Walks Naturalists lead walks through various areas of the Preserve and often focus on a particular aspect of the area. p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 • 21770 Holford Road

Rick and Lisa Travis will discuss native and invasive trees.

Events from the Arts GARLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15 Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. The symphony’s Mozart con Amore season opener will feature pianist Lindsay Garritson and performances of Mozart’s “Overture to Lucio Silla,” “Piano Concerto No. 17” and “Symphony No. 41.” Tickets 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 • 21770 Holford Road

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Dr. Tiffany Lipsett, Executive Director of the Native Texas Plant Society, will lead a family nature hike.

To receive monthly event announcements, email barbara_baynham2005@yahoo.com.

“THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR” Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 15-24 Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. The three Verdeen cousins couldn’t have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion in this Southern-style comedy. Presented by the Company of Rowlett Performers. Tickets 972-977-7710, CorpTheatre.org or company-of-rowlett-performers.square.site.

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

“THE ODD COUPLE” Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 22-Nov. 7 Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. A Neil Simon comedy classic about the neat freak, the slob and compatibility. Presented by Garland Civic Theatre. Tickets 972-205-2790, GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or at the door.

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art EXHIBITS “Tasty Inedibles in Bite-Size Pieces,” an exhibit by Jeff Rogalski through Sept. 13

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

Granville Arts Center 300 N. Fifth St.

“Moments in Time,” a Garland Eyes photography exhibit Sept. 14-Oct. 11

“Essence of the Family Soul,” an exhibit by Leslie Montena Oct. 12-Dec. 13

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.

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Big Art Day, a free Sept. 18 showcase of visual, musical and theatrical talent, will use all of Downtown Garland as its canvas.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Central Library, Landmark Museum and Plaza Theatre will each feature half a dozen artists or more from various backgrounds. An array of Garland Independent School District talent will be featured on the main stage on the Downtown Square.

Connect with Us! 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.

The Foundry Church and several Downtown businesses will host performers, and visual artists will be stationed throughout the area.

The performances will include acoustic sets, break dancing, a harpist, jazz, oil painters, outtakes from musicals, step dancing, choral singing, high school bands, and drill team routines. A full day of cultural extravaganza.

But Big Art Day isn’t just about seeing. It’s also about doing. A community mural is planned at 506 Main St., “506 Art.” Chalk murals will be live at the Foundry and the library. Two big tents with hands-on art activities are planned at the Square and behind those, an activity to turn dumpsters into artwork. As it did in the 2019 debut of Big Art Day, the Garland Parks & Recreation Department will have games set up for free play.

Pianist/composer Bobby Orozco will take the main stage at 3 p.m. as the festivities transition into the Garland Downtown Business Association’s Wine Walk.

Performances, featuring the Rockaholics, and the Wine Walk event will continue until 7 p.m. Guests will receive a collectible wine glass, a variety of wines from each stop and a chance to win Downtown Dollars to be redeemed at participating businesses. Tickets are $30 and available at eventbrite.com.

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!

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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.