Garland City Press - November 2022

Bond Highlights

Skate City! Garland Opens Texas’ Second-Largest Skatepark

The Boneyard in Garland is open!

The skatepark at Rick Oden Park is the second largest in Texas, boasting 46,000 square feet of skating area. Designed to provide fun, excitement and challenge, The Boneyard welcomes beginner and experienced skaters alike.

The skatepark is divided into three main sections: Street/Plaza, Bowl/Transition and Beginners. Designers made sure to include areas that allow beginners to learn new skills confidently, along with areas for advanced skaters to challenge themselves. The park is equipped with a wide variety of curbs, rails, hips, volcanoes, bumps, drop-ins, bowls and banks to give skaters of all skill levels many options to navigate.

The Oct. 22 ribbon-cutting celebration featured local food trucks and vendors, the sounds of local band The Broke$ plus performances by local semiprofessional skaters.

Rick Oden Park is also undergoing renovations and features many amenities made for families to enjoy together. Once fully completed, guests can enjoy walking trails, a food truck park, a permanent restroom and shade pavilions. Construction is nearly complete on the new baseball field, tournamentsized and complete with a bullpen area.

Groundbreakings for Fire Station,

Centers

for Fire Station No. 6 and improvements to Hollabaugh Recreation Center were

put in

as Mayor Scott LeMay and the City Council led staff, project leaders and other guests at groundbreaking ceremonies.

The area around Station No. 6, 6450 N. President George Bush Turnpike, has changed dramatically in the 42 years since the original Station No. 6 was built, and the new location will allow for better response times.

The first of three redesigned and relocated fire stations from the Build Garland bond program, Station No. 6 will feature three pull-through apparatus bays. Those will be heavily vented to limit firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens and protect the crews when they are in the living side of the station.

Fire Chief Mark Lee said that camaraderie and cohesiveness is crucial to a crew’s success and praised the design of the station for providing many opportunities for communal connectivity. Chief Lee thanked voters for addressing modern needs in fire operations and equipment.

A 14,300-square-foot expansion and upgrade is happening at the Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St. The project will provide:

• A new gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts

• An inside walking track

• New lockers and restrooms

• Upgrades to the kitchen, fitness equipment and furniture

In addition, the main entrance and reception desk will be flipped to the west side of the building, to set the stage for an upcoming project from the Build Garland bond program – a new Walnut Creek Branch Library adjacent to the Hollabaugh Recreation Center.

Holford Recreation Center closed to the public at the end of September as preparations are underway for the construction of the improvements to that facility.

At its Oct. 11 meeting, Council approved the contract for the design of the new Garland Senior Activity Center. Site evaluation and design will begin this fall.

Downtown Construction

It

been less than a year since we broke

project and started working on streetscape

on the Downtown Square

the

Fifth Street will soon reopen to through traffic as finishing touches are now in motion at the intersection of Fifth and State streets. One block on the north side of the Square and a row of

on the east side of the Square are closed to traffic as intersection work is now in progress

Sixth and State streets. Sidewalks and the businesses remain open for public use, though, and

businesses need our support

the construction.

City Council Work Sessions

• Live broadcast – 6 p.m. Nov. 14, Dec. 5 and Dec.

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

Council Renames Facilities

The Garland City Council is renaming two major facilities; one to honor Ron Jones (above), a three-term Mayor and prior to that, served on the City's senior staff for nearly three decades.

The Ronald E. Jones Municipal Building at 800 Main St. is home to the City’s permitting processes, its planners, engineers, transportation officials and others who are at the heart of Garland’s day-to-day operations. Prior to Council’s unanimous resolution at its Sept. 20 meeting, the facility was the Main Street Municipal Building.

“Garland has a good name, well-respected across the nation,” Jones told Council. “The City Council is thought of highly. And for you to make a decision to place my name on one of the facilities that you govern and manage gives me great honor.”

Jones joined City staff in April 1977. He led 14 departments and rose to the ranks of Assistant City Manager, a post he held during his final five years as a Garland employee. He then retired to run for Mayor, winning three-way races in 2007 and 2009, taking more than 83% of the vote in his reelection bid. He was unopposed in 2011.

Mayor Scott LeMay said a dedication ceremony will be held at a yet undetermined time.

The dedication ceremony for the Brad Neighbor Municipal Courts Building was held Oct. 10. Neighbor (right) was a 36-year City Attorney in Garland, leading the department for about half of those years until his retirement in 2021.

He authored numerous amicus briefs in various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, on issues relating to local government.

City Council

Meetings

• Live broadcast – 7 p.m.

1, Nov.

Plan Commission

• Meetings – 7 p.m. Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Dec. 12

Dec.

and

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

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

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

Jeff

469-831-5620 Council1@GarlandTX.gov

District

Deborah

214-273-4387 Council2@GarlandTX.gov

214-243-3053 Council3@GarlandTX.gov

General Fund $214.1

Live: Customer Service Portal

The Customer Service Department has introduced a new customer account web portal.

City of Garland utility customers who used the previous web-based tool are required to create a new username and password. You must register using your new account number before paying your bill online or through SpeedPay.

The new portal provides additional utility billing detail, customer account information, options to make a payment and many new features that will enhance users' online experience.

New Assistant City Manager

Phillip “Phil” Urrutia joined the City of Garland as an Assistant City Manager on Oct. 3. Phil has more than 14 years of experience in municipal government including leadership roles in Municipal Court, Purchasing and Fleet.

Most recently, Urrutia served as Assistant City Manager in Odessa, with responsibility for Public Works, Utilities, Development, Parks & Recreation and a host of other services. Phil successfully led many projects for the City of Odessa, including the municipal response to COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri and other events. He has also served in a key role with Downtown Odessa’s revitalization efforts including development of a hotel and convention center and other major capital projects.

Phil holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and designation as a Certified Public Manager from Texas Tech University along with a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. He has also completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series for Emergency Management and the International City/County Management Association High Performance Leadership Academy.

Phil and his wife, Michelle, a Garland ISD teacher, have one daughter, Cheyenne.

SPOTLIGHT ON GARLAND

City Departments Recognized

The City of Garland’s Public & Media Relations (PMR) team, the Garland Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Garland) and the City's Planning & Community Development departments recently earned national and statewide recognition for excellence.

Garland’s PMR team earned two first-place trophies, a secondplace trophy, and an Award of Honor for Overall Excellence at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors programming awards.

In the Promotion of a City/County category, the “DFW Sports Zone” video highlights the many sporting activities and facilities available to Garland residents and visitors alike.

The Visit Garland team earned a total of six first-place Destination Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to destination management in Texas.

“Band Together on the Square” took first place in the Leisure/ Tourism Marketing Campaign category. The Band Together concert series was created during a legacy improvement project to encourage foot traffic to Downtown businesses. The concerts focused on local bands and singer-songwriters, setting the stage for music lovers to recognize Garland as a music destination where they can catch on-the-rise artists.

Lastly, Visit Garland’s “Let’s Meet: Garland Meeting Planner Guide” earned first place in the Meetings & Conventions Promotion category. The guide provides succinct information regarding City-owned facilities and additional distinct facilities in the community.

“Veronica on the Go” was awarded the top award in the Video, Storytelling and Podcast Series category. Through this video series, Visit Garland team member Veronica Maldonado highlights Garland’s most notable and easy-to-access locations.

In the Community/Local Engagement Promotion category, “Parking on the Square” received first place from both judges and peers. The informative yet humorous video reminds patrons there is plenty of parking around the Downtown Square during construction.

For more City of Garland video productions, watch the City’s government access cable channel, CGTV, on Frontier (channel 44), Spectrum (channel 16) or AT&T Uverse (channel 99). CGTV is also available online at GarlandTX.gov; click on the “City Videos” button. Videos also are available on the City’s social media pages.

Garland’s Greenbelt Parkway Special Area Plan was recognized with a gold medal in Urban Design by the American Planning Association Texas Chapter.

In the Public Service Announcement (Non-COVID) category, the team found a fun, imaginative way in “Downtown Parking” to remind residents plenty of parking is available while the Downtown Square is under construction.

Finally, in the Animal Services category, “MTV Cribs – Garland Animal Services” shined a spotlight on the City’s new Animal Shelter & Adoption Center.

Congratulations to Dan Bach, Nick Gibson, Pedro Hernandez and the rest of the PMR team, and to the City departments that participated in these award-winning productions.

PMR also received state honors for videos produced in conjunction with Visit Garland. These awards include two firstplace trophies from the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus' newly evolved Destination Excellence Awards.

“Garland Pho Real Trail” earned first place in the Public Relations category. With Garland boasting the 14th largest Vietnamese population in the U.S., Visit Garland created a dedicated page listing all the Vietnamese restaurants in the city that serve pho. The Pho Trail was added to Visit Garland's app to lead visitors to the restaurants and allow patrons to check in at locations, and includes a challenge where patrons can win prizes for visiting pho restaurants.

The City’s Planning & Community Development Department submitted its work to create a sense of place in an undeveloped area near two freeways and the Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center. Garland officials collaborated with key stakeholders, property owners, developers and others to create a unified community vision for the future of the area.

Awarded in October, the Texas Planning Awards recognized Garland planners with one of the state’s top honors. The selection criteria included originality and innovation, engagement, implementation and effectiveness, and the quality and promotion of planning.

It to the Streets

Projects scheduled to begin in November/December

Daytona Drive/Tampa Drive

Bobtown Road to Sarasota Drive Street reconstruction

Fifth Street

Range Drive to Travis Street Concretestreetrepair

Wellington Avenue

I-30 Project

Here’s what to look for in coming months as the $1.7 billion 635 East project moves closer to improving Interstate 635, Garland’s busiest traffic corridor. The work includes 11 miles of Interstate 635 between Central Expressway and Interstate 30, the I-30 interchange and areas nearest the interchange.

The eastbound I-635 exit ramp at Centerville Road will be shifted closer to Northwest Highway. The entrance ramp from Northwest Highway will be shifted closer to Centerville.

The eastbound I-635 exit ramp to La Prada Drive will be shifted closer to Centerville Road. The entrance ramp from Centerville will be shifted closer to La Prada.

The eastbound frontage road between Kingsley Road and Executive Drive recently experienced a switch to put traffic onto new temporary paving to allow the contractor to transition into the next phase for developing the new roadway.

Paving crews are also active at McCree Road, where a traffic switch will allow for crews to transition to the next phase of work in that area.

More information at 635east.com

projects

Interstate 30 service road to Waterhouse Boulevard Street reconstruction Cascade Drive Cumberland Drive to Dairy Road Street reconstruction

Celeste Drive/Vista Drive alley

Cumberland Drive to Dairy Road Pavingpreviouslyunpavedalley

Delmar Drive

Armstrong Drive to Miller Road Street reconstruction

Glenbrook Drive Belt Line Road to Buckingham Road Concretestreetrepair

Ridgewood Drive/Vista Drive alley

Cumberland Drive to Dairy Road

Alleyreconstruction

Coming soon at 2126 Rowlett Road are the Crescent Heights Townhouses,

townhouses

Coming soon at 6450 N. President George Bush Turnpike is Garland Fire Station No. 6.

1102 N. Shiloh Road

Reserve

Shiloh, 106 multifamily

Register for both events at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

Join Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality with the cities of Plano and Rowlett as we delve into the theme: Relate, Recharge & Reconnect - Revamping Neighborhood Engagement in the New Normal. After two years of virtual conferences, we are excited to meet in person! How have the last two years shaped your level of engagement, your neighborhood and your connections?

We will explore this and more as we learn from subject matter experts and your peers on how to strengthen your communities, engage with your neighbors, communicate effectively and plan for the future. Register early and receive a free T-shirt!

Why attend?

• Meet and interact with neighbors from Garland, Plano, Rowlett and across the DFW metroplex.

• Learn about their neighborhood challenges (often very similar to ones we face in our own communities) and how they were solved.

• Leave inspired by an amazing speaker with real experience and insight!

• Plus, great giveaways and awesome raffle prizes!

Session topics include:

• Communicating your message

• Encouraging participation

• Succession planning

• Goal setting and neighborhood action plans

• "ALICE" (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) simulation for experiencing tough choices families have to make every day

• Landscaping tips for preparing for winter and moving into the spring

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Yoram Solomon

Yoram Solomon is the author of “The Book of Trust,” the book series “Can I Trust You?” and the host of “The Trust Show” podcast. He has published 16 books and more than 300 articles on trust, innovation culture and entrepreneurship. Solomon was named one of the top 20 global thought leaders on organizational culture by Thinkers360.

He holds a doctorate in organization and management, an MBA, a law degree and an engineering degree. Solomon is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

Don’t miss our annual Pre-Summit Mixer and Garland Neighborhood Award Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at TLC on the Lake, 4881 Bass Pro Drive in Garland. This year’s Neighborhood Awards winners will be announced.

Flu and Bivalent

COVID-19 Vaccines

The new bivalent boosters were developed to generate an immune response from the original COVID-19 virus, as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.

The Pfizer/BioNTech bivalent booster is available for individuals age 12 and older. Moderna bivalent boosters are authorized for those age 18 and older.

“COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are our best protection against the virus,” Garland epidemiologist Sam Arroyo said. “While COVID-19 numbers are currently trending down, the virus remains active and infectious in our community and we anticipate more cases in the coming months as people move activities indoors.”

With influenza season approaching, it is vital to take another measure in the prevention of disease spread by getting your flu shot.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop that protect against influenza, so it is best to get vaccinated as soon as possible to be protected before influenza begins to spread.

“The best time to get a flu shot is now,” Public Health Clinic staff member Ana Arellano said.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from flu. High-risk groups include young children, senior adults, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions. For them, flu could bring serious complications, including hospitalization and sometimes death.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated.

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 quadrivalent 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 quadrivalent 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 and are designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

Garland Public Health, located at 206 Carver St., is committed to the health care needs of our community. We offer low-cost flu vaccines for children who qualify, along with a full range of other vaccines, including COVID-19. We are here to serve you and your family year round with walk-in visitors welcome.

Animal Shelter & Adoption Center Now Open Sundays

Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center has changed its operating hours to the following:

Monday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday: Closed to the public Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Prior to this change, the shelter was closed to the public on Sundays.

Visit GarlandAnimalServices.org to learn more.

Sanitation and Landfill Holiday Schedule

Thanksgiving: There will be no collection Thursday, Nov. 24. If your regular collection day is Thursday, it will be instead collected Friday, Nov. 25. If your regular collection day is Friday, it will be instead collected Saturday, Nov. 26.

The Recycling Center and Transfer Station, 1426 Commerce St., and Hinton Landfill, 3175 Elm Grove Road, will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24.

Christmas: The Recycling Center and Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and will reopen with regular hours Tuesday, Dec. 27.

The Hinton Landfill will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and reopen with regular hours Monday, Dec. 26. Residential collections will not be impacted.

New Year’s Eve: The Recycling Center, Transfer Station and Hinton Landfill will be closed Saturday, Dec. 31, and will reopen with regular hours Monday, Jan. 2. Residential collections will not be impacted.

Garland Public Health is encouraging people to stay current on their COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Energy and Money

Reducing Heat Loss

Did you know that when heat rises, 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.

Reduce heat loss by participating in Garland Power

Lights’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:

•

•

•

•

insulation (must be at least R-30)

Star® windows and doors

caulking

Winter Preparedness

As winter approaches, it’s time to make sure you are ready for colder temperatures. Risks such as hypothermia, frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning are common winter hazards. Winter precipitation can bring freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice and cold temperatures. This can also cause interruptions such as power outages, water supply disruptions and dangerous road conditions.

The Office of Emergency Management wants you to be prepared!

In the home:

• Keep faucets dripping when temperatures are near or below freezing to prevent damage from bursting pipes.

• Test your heater frequently.

• If using a furnace or fireplace, make sure it vents outside. Consult a professional contractor if you are not sure.

• If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 to report the odor.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace or fix if needed. Remember you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, so a detector can save your life!

• Make sure to have an emergency supply kit to last at least 72 hours.

• Have backup power ready for essential needs.

Outside the home:

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Limit your time outside.

• Keep trees trimmed as ice can cause the branches to collapse and destroy roofs and power lines. Do not attempt to trim limbs that are already close to power lines; work with your provider in this situation.

• Check on family members, neighbors and at-risk individuals when conditions are bad or utilities are out.

In the car:

• Drive carefully over bridges and overpasses.

• Have an emergency preparedness kit in your car in case you get stranded.

• Check present and expected weather conditions before traveling. Always play it safe when winter weather strikes.

• During a winter storm, avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.

•

•

•

For more preparedness information,

to

alerts when emergencies happen, visit GarlandTX.gov/OEM

Events from the Arts

Granville Arts Center

300 N. Fifth St.

“SLEUTH”

• Friday, Nov. 4-Sunday, Nov. 6

Andrew Wyke lures his wife's lover to his house and convinces him to stage a robbery of her jewelry, a proposal that sets off a surprising chain of events. Tickets: GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or at the door.

GARLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18

Garland Symphony Orchestra’s “Music that Grows on You” season continues with guest violinist Christopher Collins Lee. Selections will include a piece from Bedrich Smetana’s “Bohemia Forests and Meadows, Richard Wagner’s “Waldweben,” William Grant Still’s “Wood Notes” and Max Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy.” Tickets: GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or at the door.

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”

• Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 3-18

Set in Truvy’s beauty salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done, Truvy and her companions navigate through life with strength and love. Presented by Garland Civic Theatre. Tickets: GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or at the door.

GARLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

Garland Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert with guest tenor Aquiles Machado. Selections will include Emile Waldteufel’s “Christmas Roses Waltz,” George Chadwick’s “Noël,” Pytor Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” and the Garland Symphony Orchestra’s traditional carol sing-along! Tickets: GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com, 972-205-2790 or at the door.

Plaza Theatre

521 W. State St.

PLAZA CLASSIC AND CULT MOVIES

Free and open to the public

Presented by City of Garland Cultural Arts Department

“OPERATION PETTICOAT”

• 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11

“A CHRISTMAS STORY”

• 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

“ELF”

• 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

THROWBACK THURSDAY MOVIES

Free and open to the public

Presented by Garland Downtown Business Association

“PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES”

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

“THE SANTA CLAUSE”

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

Spring Creek Forest News

ZOOM SPEAKER SERIES

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1: Eva Gordan, master naturalist: “North Texas Mushroom Hunters”

WORK SESSIONS

Work on projects such as removing invasive plants, maintaining trails and picking up trash.

• 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 1770 Holford Road

• 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 1787 Holford Road

NATURE WALK

• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 1770 Holford Road Eva Gordon of North Texas Mushroom Hunters leads a trip into the forest.

CHRISTMAS IS FOR THE BIRDS

• 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 1787 Holford Road

Preschool and elementary school children make biodegradable bird feeders out of peanut butter and bird seed, then hang the feeders in our forest.

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT NATURE WALK

• 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 Halff Park, 4695 Ranger Drive

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Memberships are $20 for an

$25 for a family. Visit SpringCreekForest.org to join.

Events at the Library

Garland libraries host educational and recreational programming for all ages.

See below for featured events, or view the complete calendar at Library.GarlandTX.gov

Early Literacy

T-REX TEA PARTY

• 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12

North Garland Branch Library

Attendees ages 3 to 7 will learn tea party etiquette from a T-Rex, play dinosaur-themed games, make dino crafts and enjoy refreshments.

PLAY & LEARN

It’s free family playtime!

• 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 30

North Garland Branch Library

Ages 0 to 5

• 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 7-Jan. 4

South Garland Branch Library

Ages 3 to 5

• 10 a.m. Fridays, Dec. 9-Jan. 6

South Garland Branch Library

Ages 0 to 3

Families

FAMILY GAME TIME

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3

Central Library

Families can celebrate International Games Month and get their game on by playing family-friendly games like Trouble®, Scrabble®, Guess Who® and Candy Land®. Free and open to families with children of all ages. Registration is not required.

LOTERÍA

• 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21

Central Library

A popular game played by Hispanic families during the holidays. Players attempt to fill a card of 16 images as the names of random card images are read aloud. Prizes will be awarded to winners of each round. Registration is required and begins Wednesday, Dec. 7. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)

BOOK EXPLORERS

• 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12

Central Library

Children can celebrate Native American Heritage Month by listening to the story “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade, which introduces the concepts of water and oil pollution. After the story, participants will conduct simple water experiments. Registration is required and began Saturday, Oct. 29. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)

TEEN AFTER HOURS

• 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

South Garland Branch Library

Teens will discover their inner detective, analyze evidence and follow clues in order to solve a mystery. Registration is required and begins Saturday, Nov. 5. Call 972-205-3934 to register.

CENTRAL

625 Austin

972-205-2517

NORTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY

3845 N. Garland Ave., 972-205-2804

Adult Programs (Ages 18+)

WARM UP AMERICA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

• Tuesday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 19

All locations

Ages 12 and older can knit or crochet 7x9 inch rectangles and drop them off at any Garland library location. The nonprofit Warm Up America will stitch donated rectangles together to give at shelters, nursing homes, hospitals and other similar institutions. Rectangles must be returned to a Garland library by Saturday, Nov. 19. For each rectangle donated, participants will receive one volunteer hour for use toward meeting volunteer goals or requirements.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

• 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, through Thursday, Nov. 17

• 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19

• 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, through Wednesday, Nov. 30

Central Library

Families can make holiday ornaments for themselves and for the library tree. A maker space area, supplies and instructions will be provided. No registration required.

ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES

• 6 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 21 Central Library, 972-205-2533

• 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 20 (will not meet Tuesday, Nov. 22)

South Garland Branch Library, 972-205-3931 Improve your general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees practice their conversation skills, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people.

SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY

4845 Broadway Blvd., 972-205-3933

WALNUT CREEK BRANCH LIBRARY 3319 Edgewood Drive, 972-205-2585

COMPUTER CLASS: INTRO TO EXCEL

• 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1

COMPUTER CLASS: GOOGLE DOCS FOR BEGINNERS

• 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15

Central Library

Participation in library computer classes is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-2533 to register.

EVERY BODY YOGA

• 2 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 18

South Garland Branch Library

Adults can learn the basics of yoga from a professional yoga instructor. Attendees must provide their own blanket, towel or yoga mat and are encouraged to exercise within limits of their abilities and fitness levels.

AIR FRYER DEMONSTRATION

• 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12

South Garland Branch Library

Attendees will watch demonstrations of making holiday snack foods using an air fryer. Staff will go over how the fryer works, offer tips and tricks, and hand out recipes at the event. Samples of food made with the fryer will also be available.

NANOWRIMO

• 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 7 and Nov. 21

Central Library

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Aspiring novelists can attend two writing workshops. Monday, Nov. 7, the first workshop will focus on the basics of creative writing, including getting started, plotting and general writing tips. The second workshop, on Monday, Nov. 21, will explore character development. Registration is required to attend each workshop and begins two weeks prior to each event. You do not need to attend the first workshop in order to participate in the second. Call 972-205-2533 to register.

VET NOW

Veterans can learn about VA benefits eligibility and community resources, receive job assistance and get academic tutoring all for free through the Garland Library’s VetNow online resource.

VetNow offers veterans support tools, including the ability to connect with an expert to learn more about eligible VA benefits and other community resources. Once veterans know which benefits they qualify for, they can also use VetNow to find resources to help understand those benefits.

VetNow also provides career assistance for veterans in or returning to the workforce. Users can work with a coach to get help searching for a job, creating a resume or practicing for an interview. A resume lab is available for individuals who want help transitioning from military to civilian careers and translating military skills and keywords. Veterans searching for their next careers can take a selfassessment to discover career options that suit their interests, skills and experience.

Veterans can also take advantage of VetNow’s academic services. Academic tutors can help with subjects such as math, science, reading and history. The writing lab can help users improve their writing skills and will deliver expert analysis and constructive comments on submitted papers. The SkillSurfer service offers an extensive library of practice exams for the SAT, ACT, GED, GRE and other exams.

HELPNOW: RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Academic tutoring and SkillSurfer are also available for students through VetNow’s companion resource, HelpNow. HelpNow offers students several ways to get help with their schoolwork, including a tutoring service, statealigned skills building, a writing lab, and study and collaboration tools.

The tutoring service allows students of all ages to connect, one-on-one, with a carefully screened tutor. Tutoring sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish. Tutors are available for students in kindergarten, first through 12th grades, and college in a wide range of subjects including math, science, social studies, English and reading.

HelpNow’s skills-building service goes beyond general homework assistance. It uses state-aligned lessons to help students master core academic skills, such as reading, writing and math.

The writing lab allows students to receive writing assistance or to upload papers or reports for analysis related to word choice, sentence fluency and organizational structure. Papers are returned to students within 24 hours with constructive criticism.

HelpNow’s study and collaboration tools include resources to record and archive student work, create or select flashcards from a vast library, or set up online group study areas for tutoring with friends and colleagues. Students can set up their own test center to study for state and national tests and save test results to share with a tutor for personalized lessons.

Both VetNow and HelpNow can be accessed at the Garland libraries or remotely at Library.GarlandTX.gov. VetNow tutors and coaches are available from 2 to 11 p.m. seven days a week. VA benefit navigators are available from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. HelpNow tutors are available from 3 to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

at

The Library Online: Resources for Veterans and Students Recreation Center Events

FYI ESPORTS CLUB

• 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 2-30

Ages 8 to 17, $50 per person monthly; $15 daily

Audubon Recreation Center 342 W. Oates Road

Develop a great start in the world of esports including creating a charter, understanding the roadmap to video gameplay and tournament planning. 972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov

YOGA

• 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 2-30

Ages 10 and up, $40 per person Bradfield Recreation Center 1146 Castle Drive

Beginner students and fitness enthusiasts alike improve flexibility, relieve stress and tone muscle while improving body and mind connection. 972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov

VOLLEYBALL

• 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 7-28

Ages 7 and up, $45 per person Fields Recreation Center 1701 Dairy Road

Learn the basic skills through effective and organized instruction. 972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov

TUMBLING

• 5 to 5:45 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 7-28

Ages 3 to 5, $49 per person

Granger Recreation Center

1310 W. Avenue F

Learn basic fundamentals including front rolls, straddle rolls, cartwheels, back rolls, backbends and front limbers.

972-205-2771 or GRC@GarlandTX.gov

COOKIE CREATIONS

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15

Ages 18 and up, $45 per person

Audubon Recreation Center

342 W. Oates Road

Step-by-step instructions and hands-on experience will leave you ready to show off at your next party. Decorate six sugar cookies with royal icing. $10 supply fee payable to instructor.

972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov

GUITAR BEGINNER

• 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 2-30

Ages 8 and up, $50 per person

Fields Recreation Center

1701 Dairy Road

Progress through fundamentals including how to tune the instrument, basic chords, understanding notation, basic reading and playing in time.

972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov

Note: Construction is ongoing at Holford and Hollabaugh recreation centers; some classes have been moved.

Help with veterans benefits and school assignments can be found this fall through the Garland Library Online.

A GUIDE TO ALL HOLIDAY EVENTS IN GARLAND

GARLANDFORCHRISTMAS.COM

NOV. 26

Small Business Saturday

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

Shop and eat local in Downtown Garland on Small Business Saturday! Check in right outside Latham Bakery, 700 Main St., for a complimentary hot drink, a special holiday ornament and a ticket to redeem at a Downtown business. Redeemed tickets will be entered in a holiday gift basket raffle, hosted by the Garland Chamber of Commerce.

NOV. 26-DEC. 17

Downtown Garland Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Landmark Museum, 393 N. Sixth St.

Visit the museum during open hours to get your scavenger hunt clues, lanyard and starting instructions. Head to the business described in its corresponding clue and pick up a souvenir pin. Each stop on the hunt has its own unique pin. Need a hint? Participating businesses will be able to help. Solve all clues and bring back all pins to the museum to get your goodie bag!

DEC. 1

A Garland Christmas at Firewheel

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1

Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Visit GarlandTX.gov/GarlandChristmas for more information.

DEC. 2

Plaza Movie: “A Christmas Story”

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Magical Candlelight Christmas-Town 2022

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 Travis College Hill Addition, South 11th Street between Avenues B and D

A holiday kick-off event featuring a home tour in Garland's historic Travis College Hill Addition and Embree, plus live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and photo-op booth with Santa. Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for students. (Carriage rides involve a separate fee.) Tickets are available in advance on eventbrite.com and also will be available the evening of the tour.

DEC. 1-31

Holiday Storefront Contest

Décor in place the whole month of December

Voting: Dec. 9-19

Downtown storefronts will be dressed to the nines this holiday season! Stroll past the festive, twinkling displays throughout Downtown Garland as businesses show off their unique holiday décor. Vote for your favorites from Dec. 9-19 on VisitGarland’s (@visitgarlandtx) Facebook album with likes, shares, and comments.

Dallas Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker ”

Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 2-11

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Dallas Ballet Company conducts its 36th annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” Through a battle scene of scurrying young mice and soldiers, the Nutcracker Prince leads a trip through the Snow Kingdom and the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and tasty treats from around the world await.

Carolers on Corners

5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

The Downtown district will be filled with holiday carolers! While experiencing the live music, stop by Downtown businesses to enjoy holiday specials, dining and activities.

Plaza Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Plaza Movie: “Elf”

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Snacks with Santa

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6

Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road

Free fun with Santa! Enjoy making crafts at Santa's Craft Workshop, playing some reindeer games, taking pictures with Santa, instructorlead demonstrations, and having a snack with Santa and his helpers.

Holiday Sip N’ Stroll

6

The

Company of Rowlett Performers

presents: “A Christmas Carol”

Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 9-17

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

The Company of Rowlett Performers presents a fresh approach to the Charles Dickens’ classic. In director Jeremy Gaydosh’s stage adaptation, Jacob Marley is the guiding spirit to Ebenezer Scrooge’s change of heart.

DEC. 10

Pancakes with Santa

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10 Central Fire Station, 1019 Austin St.

Enjoy pancakes and take your picture with Santa hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Garland and Citizens' Fire Club of Garland! Tickets: $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets include all-you-can-eat pancakes, one sausage patty, milk or coffee, and a photo with Santa! For more information, visit garlandkiwanis.org

Urban Market

9 a.m.

717

This

DEC. 15

Thirsty Third Thursday

5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

Start your stroll at the Landmark Museum, 393 N. Sixth St.

Knock out your holiday shopping and sip complimentary beverages at participating Downtown businesses, all while enjoying festive sights of storefronts decked out for the holiday season. Return to BGM Science of Esthetics & Eyelashes, 605 W. State St., for gift card raffle at 8 p.m.

Throwback Movie: “The Santa Clause”

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Garland Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert - Aquiles Machado

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Featuring the Garland Symphony Orchestra’s traditional carol sing-along!

Oh Cozy Night

5

Downtown

Mexico 2000 presents: “Christmas in Mexico”

7 p.m.

Granville

Mexico

Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

DEC.

more than

the

Stardom Entertainment presents: “If Every Day Was Like Christmas”

5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

A Christmas special of Elvis music, “If Every Day Was Like Christmas,” is presented by tribute artists Bill Cherry and Moses Snow, doo-wop group