Garland City Press July-August 2024

Garland’s Red, White and YOU! is the place to celebrate our nation’s independence.

From 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, country music chords will ring out under the stars and a drone show will light up the Downtown sky in the heart of our city. The event is free and includes pony and carnival rides for the kids and an apple pie-eating contest; forks are NOT included.

The Americana festival kicks off at 5 p.m. with the presentation of colors, the national anthem and a military song medley by the Vocal Majority.

The headline musical acts include true Texans. Randall King will take the stage at 8 p.m. He is known for his unwavering dedication to the honky-tonk sound, blending tradition with a modern edge. His storytelling invokes images of heartache and resilience. Jon Stork, who will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., blends a RockyTonk-type of flair with soulful melodies.

In addition to live music, don’t miss the chance to see a live longhorn in front of one of Garland’s most vibrant murals — a perfect photo opportunity!

The event will feature various attractions, including the Texas Skatium roller rink, a Jeep show, boot fitting by Boot Barn and remote-controlled cars demonstrations from Indy RC World. The festival will also features craft vendors, a family-friendly Olympic Village and a Bomb Pop cooling station.

Cowboy hat enthusiasts can visit the Weld Wool hat bar and personalize and brand a hat on-site. The first 75 folks who purchase an embellishment session will receive a free authentic Resistol hat made right here in the cowboy hat capital of Texas!

Convenient parking and access are essential for everyone. The fastest way to reach the festival is via our continuous shuttle service, operating from Williams Stadium and Garland High School. Additionally, the DART rail system offers a hassle-free option, with the Blue Line stopping directly at the Downtown Garland station, just two blocks from the festival grounds.

The party is a generation in the making. In February, Mayor Scott LeMay announced that an Independence Day celebration was returning to the Square for the first time since 2008.

So, wear your red, white and blue, and join us. We can’t wait to see YOU!

Parking Locations

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Local, State and Federal Assistance Available for Storm Recovery

On May 28, hurricane-force winds swept through Garland, leaving more widespread debris and power outages than the city had ever seen. It took approximately one week to restore power to more than 35,000 homes. And after two weeks, with debris collections still continuing, totals surpassed Garland’s 2015 and 2019 tornadoes combined.

Beyond power outages and debris, the City recognizes that residents may also have suffered from property damage, lost work, spoiled food, etc. Several resources are available to assist with recovery efforts. These include a local nonprofit offering disaster relief, emergency home repair assistance through the City of Garland, FEMA assistance, Texas Workforce Commission unemployment assistance, disaster loans from the Small Business Administration and SNAP benefits for lost or spoiled food.

Visit GarlandTX.gov/GarlandRecovers for more information. Residents can visit Garland’s Disaster Recovery Center as well to receive help filing disaster claims. It’s open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and located at Williams Elementary, 1821 Oldgate Lane.

Bond Update

Featured projects in the 2019 Build Garland bond program:

On May 11, the City recognized projects from the 2019 Bond program in its fourth Build Garland Day. Stops were made to celebrate the expansion of Hollabaugh Recreation Center, the new amenities at Watson Park (pictured) and the Police Simunitions Training Facility.

Exciting News: Fire Station 6 Opening in the Coming Months

In the coming months, we’ll be celebrating the grand opening of the brand-new Fire Station 6, and it’s going to be a blaze of excitement! This facility is packed with the latest fire station technologies, making it a gamechanger for emergency response in our city.

What’s so special about Fire Station 6?

For starters, it’s loaded with cutting-edge technology. Think apparatus bay automation and instant firefighter notifications that drastically cut down response times. When emergencies strike, our firefighters will be faster and more efficient than ever.

Fire Station 6 is also designed with our firefighters’ safety and well-being in mind. Improved decontamination technologies ensure they stay healthy after every call. Plus, they’ll enjoy comfy living quarters, a top-notch fitness room to stay in shape, and a covered outdoor patio for some welldeserved relaxation.

We can’t wait to share this amazing new facility with you. Keep an eye out for more details about the grand opening festivities — it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Improvements Coming to Naaman School Road

Get ready, Garland! The long-awaited revamp of Naaman School Road will soon start to take shape. The project team is full steam ahead on the design, gearing up to kick off construction by the end of the year.

What’s in store? A smoother, safer drive with less congestion. Right now, Naaman School Road only has one lane each way, which often backs up traffic. Two lanes in each direction are planned, meaning more capacity for vehicles. Plus, safety gets a boost with a better division between lanes.

Ever noticed how Naaman School Road floods after heavy rains because it crosses over a creek? The City is raising the road and adding two brand-new bridges, built to handle serious weather, thanks to a new enclosed storm drain system. This means fewer puddles and more reliable travel.

But this project isn’t just about cars. For the nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts, a new sidepath is being added along the north side of the road. This trail will link up with local parks and recreation spots, making it easier than ever to enjoy the great outdoors.

So, get excited for a better, brighter Naaman School Road! With less congestion, improved safety, flood-mitigation design and a fantastic new trail, it’s a win for everyone in Garland. Keep your eyes peeled as these changes start to roll out later this year!

Stay up to date about this project and other streets projects by visiting BuildGarland. com. And stay tuned — we plan to host an informational meeting regarding the project as construction gets closer.

05 City News

City Hall Exhibit Showcases Texas Tradition, History and Allure of Homecoming Mums 06 Neighborhood & Development

What’s Being Built There?

Garland’s Own Recognized in National Competition

08

City Services Earn Utility Bill Credits with EnergySaver Program

Sewer Pipe Smoke Testing Summer Safety Put Vaccinations on Your Backto-School List

12 Quality of Life Events from the Arts Recreation Center Events Seniors in the Know Events at the Library Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest Downtown Awards

CITY MEETING SCHEDULE

All meetings are held at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., and broadcast live on CGTV and GarlandTX.tv. Closed captioning is available in English and Spanish for City Council Regular Meetings and Work Sessions and Plan Commission meetings.

City Council Work Sessions

z Live broadcast – 6 p.m. July 1 and 15 and Aug. 5 and 19

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

City Council Regular Meetings

z Live broadcast – 7 p.m. July 2 and 16 and Aug. 6 and 20

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

Plan Commission

z Meetings – 7 p.m. July 8 and 22 and Aug. 12 and 26

z Rebroadcast the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m.

CGTV Listings

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

District 6 Town Hall

6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11

Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St.

District 6 Council Member Carissa Dutton will host a Town Hall event. Topics will include an update on development projects, Western Heights tree carvings and a tour of Hollabaugh Recreation Center.

GHFC Applications

The City will accept applications through Saturday, Aug. 5, for a successor to a current Garland Housing Finance Corp. term that ends Saturday, Aug. 31.

GHFC is a public nonprofit corporation that carries out state law to finance the cost of residential ownership and development to provide housing. GHFC can acquire mortgages and work with lending institutions to make loans for housing.

Board members include an executive director, five members and an administrator. Additional information can be found at GarlandHFC.org. The office is located 1675 W. Campbell Road in Garland.

A resume and letter of interest may be submitted to the City Secretary at CitySecretary@GarlandTX.gov or to City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., Garland 75040. Applicants will be interviewed by the Garland City Council at the Monday, Aug. 19, Work Session.

Scott LeMay

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

City Council Members

Jeff Bass

469-831-5620 Council1@GarlandTX.gov

Kris Beard Takes District 2 Seat on Garland City Council

District 2 Council Member Kris Beard was sworn in for her first term May 14. She was elected May 5, the same day Garland voters approved new two-year terms for Jeff Bass in District 1, B.J. Williams in District 4 and Margaret Lucht in District 5. Also on the May 5 ballot were 17 amendments to the Garland City Charter, all of which passed.

Beard has a history of involvement in volunteer work, serving both her neighborhood and Garland as a whole. Her work with the Chandler Heights Neighborhood Association dates to 2010 and she served as the organization’s president from 2012 to 2024.

A volunteer instructor in CPR and first aid for the American Red Cross from 1990 to 2011, Beard served in Garland’s Community Emergency Response Team program. She is a graduate of Garland’s citizen police and fire academies. She has more than 1,000 documented volunteer hours with the Garland Police Department and has served on the Citizen’s Fire Academy board and its rehab team. She recently graduated from the Garland Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Garland program.

Beard is retired after more than 20 years as a case manager for the Autism Treatment Center, where she served people with intellectual disabilities and/or congenital physical disabilities. She started her career as a psychologist at Terrell State Hospital.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler and is certified in Deaf-Blind Rehabilitation by the University of Illinois, in conjunction with the Helen Keller National Center. Beard is proficient in American Sign Language.

Married to Bobby Beard for more than 40 years, she is the mother of two adult children and grandmother of two boys. The Beards have been Garland residents since 1990.

City Hall Exhibit Showcases Texas Tradition, History and Allure of Homecoming Mums

Garland’s Heritage Crossing is excited to present “MUMENTOUS: Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized High School Tradition Born Deep in the Heart of Texas,” a traveling exhibit coming to City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., Aug. 10-Oct. 12.

The exhibit explores a unique aspect of Texas history and culture found in the traditions that surround high school homecoming mums.

MUMENTOUS explores the evolution of Texas high school homecoming mums from their humble

Fight the Bite!

beginnings in the 1920s through today’s highly-varied practices. The exhibit’s photography and narratives touch on a number of topics including the emergence of high school football, fan and pop culture, the DIY movement, entrepreneurship, and women as tradition-keepers. Also on exhibit will be mums from all seven Garland ISD high schools, local high school memorabilia, and photos from the Garland Landmark Museum Archive.

“This is an exhibit for all Texans, native and transplant,” said Heritage Crossing Manager Kim Nurmi. “Those born-and-raised will enjoy a deep dive into their own high school traditions and those who came to Texas later in life will finally be able to understand the why of homecoming mums!”

MUMENTOUS is a special collaboration between Texas Lakes Trail Region, author Amy J. Schultz, and the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries Special Collections with sponsorship from the Arlington Museum of Art. The exhibit is based on research for Schultz’s 2023 book Mumentous: Original Photos and Mostly True Stories About Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized High School Tradition That Was Born Deep in the Heart of Texas.

“There is just something about this exhibit that inspires people to share memories of their high school years,” said Jill Campbell Jordan, Executive Director of Texas Lakes Trail. “That is what I love the most about it: the shared experience.”

Defend Yourself Against Mosquitoes

z DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since it’s where mosquitoes lay eggs, including: tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles. Even the amount of water in a bottle cap is enough to breed mosquitoes.

z DUSK and DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are the most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

z DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully.

z DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or 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, please call the Garland Health Department at 972-205-3460 or use the eAssist App.

What’s Being Built There?

1 Soon to begin construction at the northeast corner of the Centerville Road-Miller Road intersection is Urbana YardHomes at Rowlett Creek (left), a build-to-rent residential community consisting of 301 dwelling units.

2 Soon to begin construction at 6302 Greenbelt Parkway, just south of the upcoming iThirty Lofts, is a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. It will consist of 110 rooms.

3 Under construction at Easton Meadows and Roan Road is a Best Western brand hotel. It will consist of 71 rooms.

$1.7 billion 635 East Project

The $1.7 billion 635 East Project to improve Garland’s busiest traffic corridor continues. The work includes the 11 miles of Interstate 635 between Central Expressway and Interstate 30, plus the I-635 interchange with I-30 and areas around the interchange.

At the west end of the Garland portion of the project, westbound I-635 main lanes between Jupiter Road and Plano Road will be shifted onto new pavement by late summer.

On the eastern side of the work in Garland, the entrance to eastbound I-635 from Northwest Highway will also be closed temporarily beginning late June. The long-term closure of the La Prada Drive intersection at I-635 will begin Fall 2024. And more recently, a new temporary access to the southbound I-635 exit to Oates Drive and Galloway Avenue became available to the public on June 8.

construction,

Projects scheduled to begin in July/August

A Avenue B and eastbound Forest Lane, Garland Avenue to Shiloh Road Street rehabilitation

B Charleston Drive/Jackson Drive/Mobile Drive alley, Jackson to Mobile Utility improvements/alley paving

C Columbine Street alley, Country Club Drive to Iris Drive Alley paving

D Goldenrod Drive, Rosehill Road to Country Club Drive Steet reconstruction

E Jackson/Mobile alley, Charleston/Jackson/Mobile alley to Douglas/Savannah alley Utility improvements/alley paving

F Mayapple Drive, Rosehill Road to Goldenrod Drive Street reconstruction

G Rilla Drive alley, Keen Drive to Broadway Boulevard Utility improvements/alley paving

H Tawakoni Lane, Whiterock Trail to east end of the street Utility improvements/street reconstruction

Ongoing projects

I Atlanta Drive/Mayfield Avenue alley, Augusta Drive to Ashville Drive alley

Utility improvements/alley paving

J Cedar Creek Drive, White Rock Trail to Tawakoni Lane Utility improvements/street reconstruction

K Dandelion Drive, Rosehill Road to Goldenrod Drive Street reconstruction

L Jupiter Road, Forest Lane to the south city limit Street rehabilitation

M Lexington Drive/Mayfield Avenue alley, Saturn Road to school parking lot Utility improvements/alley paving

N Miller Road, Kings Road/Lonnecker Drive to Shiloh Road Street rehabilitation

O Powderhorn Drive, Innsbrook Drive to Buttermilk Way Street rehabilitation

P Prescott Drive, Kingsley Road to Fifth Street Street reconstruction

Q Whiterock Trail, Roan Road to Cedar Creek Drive Utility improvements/street reconstruction

Enter to win the BLOCK PARTY TRAILER for your National Night Out block party!

National Night Out Block Party Trailer Drawing

Due to the abundance of inquiries regarding the Block Party Trailer's availability for National Night Out, the Office of Neighborhood Vitality will conduct a drawing for the trailer’s use on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The winning neighborhood will be drawn at random and notified on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The following conditions/ eligibility rules apply:

z Only registered neighborhood groups may submit their neighborhood group's name for the drawing.

z This drawing only applies for trailer use on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

z Only neighborhood-wide National Night Out celebrations are eligible to use the trailer this day.

z Submissions are due by 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8.

Enter your neighborhood for a chance to win at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

Garland’s Own Recognized in National Competition

A big congratulations two winners of Neighborhoods, USA national Who’s Who in America awards.

Stephen Casali of Garland’s Riverset neighborhood won the Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods Grassroots Award. The Orchard Hills Neighborhood Association won first place for its quarterly newsletter.

Each year, NUSA solicits nominations to recognize the commitment of individuals who strive to build and strengthen their neighborhood association, encourage neighborhood involvement, and promote collaborations as neighborhood advocates and community leaders.

NUSA is a national nonprofit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations. NUSA’s Neighborhood of the Year awards have been presented since 1984 as a collective “thank you” for the hard work of nominated neighborhoods. They are the only national awards given on an ongoing basis to neighborhood organizations for their self-help initiatives.

Every year the City of Garland also recognizes the hard work being done across our neighborhoods with the Garland Neighborhood Awards. Neighbors nominate their neighborhoods, neighbors, community newsletters and public servants for recognition.

It’s time to enter nominations for Neighborhood of the Year, Who’s Who in Garland, Neighborhood Newsletter and Garland Public Servant. Winners will be celebrated at the Garland Neighborhood Awards and will be entered to win NUSA’s national competition!

Scan the QR code or visit GarlandNeighborhoods.org for more details about the Garland Neighborhood Awards.

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant

Attention all neighborhood groups! The deadline for letters of intent to participate in the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program is Tuesday, July 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. Assistance is also available for voluntary neighborhood groups. After submitting a letter of intent, the full applications are due Monday, Sept. 23.

Download program guidelines, forms and more at GarlandNeighborhoods.org

Earn Utility Bill Credits with EnergySaver Program

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 save energy and earn bill credits.

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

Summer EnergySaving Tips

z Blow fans directly on you to make the temperature feel up to 4 degrees cooler.

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

z Keep blinds and drapes closed to block out heat.

z Install solar screens on windows to block out 60% to 70% of sunlight and heat.

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

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

Visit gpltexas.org/energytips for more energy-saving ideas.

Sewer Pipe Smoke Testing

The Garland Water Utilities Department will conduct leak-detection tests in south Garland during July, August and September.

The tests are performed by the department’s Inflow & Infiltration division by pumping a special nontoxic, nonstaining smoke into the sewer lines a section at a time. If there is a crack or break anywhere in the pipeline, the smoke will rise to the surface and the crew can visually see the exact location where repairs are needed.

The smoke is created using a mineral oil base that does not cause harm to humans or animals. It won’t leave a residue even if it gets into a house. This test may also help a resident discover a plumbing problem in the house. Smoke will come up in weak spots (plumbing issues) even if the P-trap is full.

If a resident has not used a drain or P-trap for 10 days or more, the water has probably evaporated. It is recommended that residents run the faucet for about 10 seconds to fill the P-trap so smoke does not come into the house.

An informational tag will be hung on every front door of a neighborhood at least three days before the work will start. Rain or high winds can affect test results, so there are times when testing will be postponed. Residents will be notified if defects are found on private property.

Because the area is fairly large, testing may continue into October. A map of the specific areas of testing is available at GarlandWater.com.

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

Sanitation Department Unveils New Roto Pac Truck

The Garland Sanitation Department has added two new Roto Pac trucks. The innovative vehicles represent a significant leap forward in our commitment to efficient waste collection.

The Roto Pac boasts an auger system that shreds trash as it's loaded. This feature offers a multitude of benefits for our community and our Sanitation operations.

z More Trash, Fewer Trips: The Roto Pac's compaction power allows our drivers to haul significantly more tonnage per trip. This translates to fewer trips to the transfer station, reducing daily offloads from three to just one! This translates to a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, benefiting both our environment and our budget.

z Faster Processing at the Landfill: Since the trash arrives at the landfill already shredded and compacted, the landfill requires less time and resources for further processing.

z Reduced Landfill Footprint: The compacted nature of the trash from the Roto Pac means it takes up less space at the landfill. This translates to a longer lifespan for our landfills, a crucial factor for sustainable waste management.

Summer Safety

Summer brings warm weather and outdoor activities, but it also brings potential emergencies that require preparation. Staying informed is crucial. Check weather forecasts and alerts regularly, especially during stormy periods or heatwaves.

Building an emergency kit is essential. Include items like water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications and important documents. Ensure supplies last at least three days.

Hydration is paramount during summer emergencies. Keep plenty of water available and drink regularly, avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages that can exacerbate dehydration.

Shielding yourself from the sun's harmful rays is vital. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade during peak sun hours.

Establishing a communication plan with family and loved ones is crucial. Designate a meeting place and an out-of-town contact for updates on everyone's safety during emergencies.

Prepare for power outages with alternative power sources like flashlights, lanterns and portable chargers, or consider investing in a generator for prolonged outages.

As summer also coincides with the July 4 holiday, it's important to remember fireworks safety. First and foremost, fireworks cannot be set into action in Garland City limits.

If you’re using them outside Garland, keep fireworks away from flammable materials and never aim them at people or buildings.

Preparation for summer guarantees a safer season for all. Visit GarlandTX.gov/OEM for more information.

Put Vaccinations on Your Back-to-School List

When you are getting your kids ready for the 2024-25 school year, make sure to include vaccinations on your checklist.

Getting children up to date on vaccinations is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health — and that of classmates and the community. Most schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling. Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk of disease and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community — including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems.

Many children in Garland are eligible for free or low-cost vaccinations through the Texas Vaccines for Children Program. Children who do not have health insurance or who have health insurance that does not cover vaccines qualify for TVFC vaccines. So do children who are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Conveniently located at 206 Carver St., the Garland Public Health Clinic not only provides low-cost immunizations for infants, children and adults, but also accepts most insurance plans.

The clinic is open for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Parents should bring a child’s immunization records. Call 972205-3370 today for more information.

Anyone with questions about immunization and vaccine-preventable disease can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/dcs/ ContactUs/Form, or 800-232-4636 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For reliable sources of immunization information, parents can also go to the following websites:

z American Academy of Pediatrics: healthychildren.org

z CDC: cdc.gov/vaccines/parents

z Immunize.org: vaccineinformation.org

z Texas Department of State Health Services Immunizations: dshs.texas.gov/immunizations

z Vaccinate Your Family: vaccinateyourfamily.org

z Vaccine Education Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: chop.edu/centers-programs/ vaccine-education-center

z Vaxopedia: vaxopedia.org/about/

z Voices for Vaccines: voicesforvaccines.org

Events from the Arts

Quinceañera Fair

z 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts. Find everything you need to plan your quinceñera under one roof! We'll bring the vendors, fun, prizes and entertainment — you bring yourself and your family for this one-day event.

The Atrium, 300 N. Fifth St.

“Wagon Wheels West”

z Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21

Presented by Company of Rowlett Performers. Hold on, ’pawdners, for a ripsnortin’, rootin’-tootin’ musical spoof of the Old West. A fast-paced comedy filled with a goofy stable of hilarious characters.

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

“Crazy For You”

z Fridays-Sundays, July 19-28

Presented by Garland Summer Musicals. A delightful homage to the beloved, optimistic musicals of the 1930s: a world of showgirls and cowboys, in which a city boy and a country girl reconcile their differences, fall in love and save a theater.

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Orchestras Are Instrumental!

z 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25

Presented by Garland Symphony Orchestra. A hands-on, interactive presentation that gives children the chance to hear, see, touch and explore different aspects of classical music and the orchestra. The program will include storytime, a performance by a professional musician and an Instrument Petting Zoo.

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

“Peter Pan Jr.”

z 7 p.m. Friday, July 26

Presented by Breitling Performing Arts. In the adventure of a lifetime, travelers come face-to-face with a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Free Throwback Thursday Movies

z “Grease” Sing-Along, 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 11

z “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8

Presented by Garland Downtown Business Association.

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

L.A. Comic Monique Marvez

z 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts. This everywhere-at-once comic has built an enormous foundation of funny the old-fashioned way: hard, constant work, never-ending travel and a deep desire to uplift, energize and electrify her evergrowing loyal fan base.

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. Visit GarlandArts.com to buy tickets.

Garland Cultural Arts Commission 2024-25 Grant Program

The Garland Cultural Arts Commission announces its 2024-25 Grant Program for local arts groups, historic preservation organizations and other artistic entities. Applications will be available August 1-31 at GarlandArts.com Completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Interviews will take place Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Granville Arts Center. The grant money will not be awarded to any group failing to submit the completed application by the deadline.

Recreation Center Events

The Gaming Academy

z 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 15-18

Ages 10 to 17, $310 per person

The gaming academy is a combination of our Video Game Design, Advanced Game Design and 3D Game Design courses. Participate in a variety of hands-on projects while designing and building your own games.

Audubon Recreation

972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov

STARS Day Camp

z 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 through Aug. 2

Ages 6 to 12, $40 per week

STARS provides summer camp activities to children with limited financial resources. Enjoy fun games and physical activities, exciting arts and crafts, and teambuilding experiences. Must qualify for the camp and register for a minimum of two weeks.

Bradfield Recreation Center

972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov

Robotics Beginners

z 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 3-24

Ages 6 to 10, $30 per person

Explore the innovative VEX robotics platform, learn to build and program your own robots, and bring your mechanical creations to life. Fields Recreation Center

972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov

Tumbling and Cheer Camp

z 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, July 15–19

Ages 6 to 12, $125 per week

Learn the basics of tumbling techniques, movements, perfect cheers and how to build team spirit. Flip, twist and cheer your way through dynamic routines. Granger Recreation Center 972-205-2771 or GRC@GarlandTX.gov

Rising Leaders Summer Camp

z 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8 through Aug. 2

Ages 13 to 15, $100 per week

Take part in exciting activities, personal growth and lasting friendships through team-building challenges, creative workshops and leadership development. Hollabaugh Recreation Center 972-205-2721 or HHRC@GarlandTX.gov

Beginner Guitar

z 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 2-30

Ages 50 and up, $20 per person

Learn basic fundamentals including how to tune the instrument, basic open and barre chords, understanding notation, basic reading and playing in time.

Carver Senior Center

972-205-3305 or CarverSrCtr@GarlandTX.gov

U Can Paint

z Noon to 3 p.m. Friday, July 12

Ages 40 and up, $15 per person

Learn color mixing, brush strokes and time-saving techniques with the guidance of a Robert Garden instructor. $20 supply fee payable to instructor. Fields Recreation Center

972-205-2769 or SAC@GarlandTX.gov

Dramapalooza, created in 2003, gives adults with various disabilities the opportunity to learn all about musical theater performance and production. Each year a group o f performers embark on a journey to learn lines, songs and dances.

Lory Stewart, a former teacher for the Garland Independent School District, adapts or creates a different musical each year for the group. The performers are exposed to the full cultural arts experience through this class. Productions include costuming, scripts, solos, group musical performances, choreography and teamwork. Each element of this unique program helps promote independence, confidence and a sense of belonging. Accommodations are made to meet the needs of each performer. No part is a small part in Dramapalooza. Every participant is given a chance to shine bright o n the stage.

The 2024 performance will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown Garland.

Seniors in the Know

From the Garland Senior Citizens Advisory Commission

The City of Garland serves adults 55 and older with a variety of activities, from fitness classes to organized day and extended trips:

Most programs can be found at Carver Senior Center, 222 Carver St., or Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road. Fields is a temporary home for the senior activities as the Garland Senior Activity Center is being rebuilt in the Downtown area.

The Silver Scoop is issued monthly and provides details about programs citywide. The Scoop can be found at City libraries, the Park administration office, City Hall, the Visitors Center, the Granville Arts Center, all recreation centers and the Carver Senior Center. A digital copy is also available at GarlandParks. com, click on Recreation.

Below are three of the most popular and helpful senior programs:

Lunch Nutrition Program

A nutritious lunch is provided at Carver and Fields centers Monday through Friday to anyone 60 years of age or older and the spouse (regardless of age) of the eligible person. Meals are free of charge but a donation of 75 cents is suggested. All donations are used to enhance and expand the meal program.

Applications must be completed and updated yearly to participate in the meal program. Forms are available at each center as well as on the City website. Menus are also available at each center and published on the website each month. Meals must be eaten on-site. Call 972-205-2769 or 972-205-3305

Transportation Program

On a limited basis, Garland residents participating in the Lunch Nutrition Program may also participate in transportation to the centers. A separate application must be completed for center transportation. Call 972-205-2769

Medical Transportation Program

This transportation program is for Garland residents 60 years or older, with no other means of getting to and from medical appointments in Garland. This program does not include wheelchair-bound seniors. Transportation is provided free of charge; however, arrangements must be made several weeks before an appointment. Call 972-205-2890

Adventure Begins At Your Library

Through July 27 / Hasta el 27 de julio Ages 0 – 17 / edades 0 – 17

Dive into a summer of fun and learning at your Garland libraries! Whether you love reading or enjoy engaging library programs, there’s something for everyone in this adventure!

¡Sumérjase en un verano de diversión y aprendizaje en sus bibliotecas de Garland! Ya sea que le guste leer o disfrute de los atractivos programas de la biblioteca, ¡hay algo para todos en esta aventura!

Grab Your Bookmark Tracker!

Available for all participants to record your reading journey and library visits. Turn in your bookmarks weekly to snag awesome prizes!

¡Tome Su Marcador de Rastreo!

Disponible para que todos los participantes registren su viaje de lectura y sus visitas a la biblioteca. ¡Entreguen sus marcadores semanalmente para conseguir premios increíbles!

Events at the Library

Note: During renovations at the Central Library, locations for several events will vary. For a complete list of upcoming library events, check out the library’s seasonal publication, Off the Shelf: Library.GarlandTX.gov/3939/Off-The-Shelf-Newsletter or visit the library online at Library.GarlandTX.gov.

Summer Dance Party

z 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 2

North Garland Library

Dress up and join us for an hour of dancing to kid-friendly tunes. Light refreshments, crafts and glow sticks will be provided while supplies last. Ages 0-12.

Dissecting Owl Pellets

z 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11

South Garland Library

We will learn about owls and explore their digestive systems by dissecting dried owl barf! Use tweezers, picks and other tools to dissect an owl pellet. We will have skeleton guides for you to analyze what you find in your pellet, and you can take your discovery home afterward! Space is limited to the first 25 attendees. Ages 6-12.

Taylor Swift Party

z 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13

South Garland Library

Celebrate the year of Taylor! Join us for an afternoon of crafts, an Eras outfit contest and music.

Zine Makerspace

z 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13

North Garland Library

Teens and young adults are welcome to make a mini fan magazine at this program! Learn about the history of zines and make your own original zine from recycled materials and art supplies. Registration begins June 29.

It’s Britney Night! (Ages 21+)

z 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13

South Garland Library

Calling all Britney Spears fans: Join us for a special after-hours event! Dance to Britney’s greatest hits, enjoy refreshments and take part in a Britney Spears trivia and costume contest. Co-sponsored by the Garland Friends of the Library. Must be 21 or older to attend this program. Participants who plan to partake in alcoholic beverages must bring a valid government-issued ID. Registration is required and begins June 29.

Tie-Dye Party

z 2 p.m. Monday, July 15

Central Library Express

Bring your own white T-shirt to create a tiedye pattern, or the library will provide a pair of new socks for you to dye! Socks are available while supplies last. Ages 6-12.

Let's Write Writing Workshop

z 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 30 and Aug. 27

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Explore fiction writing and get encouragement from other writers in a casual, friendly environment! You will be given a short prompt for inspiration and time to write. Those who wish to may share their works and get feedback from the group. All skill levels welcome! Ages 18 and up.

Prizes Galore!

Choose from adorable rubber ducks for our youngest adventurers (ages 0 to 5) or select friendship bracelets, rubber ducks or cool shoe charms for other age groups. Stay active every week and collect up to eight prizes!

¡Abundancia de Premios!

Elige entre adorables patitos de goma para nuestros aventureros más jóvenes (de 0 a 5 años) o selecciona pulseras de la amistad, patitos de goma o bonitos amuletos de zapatos para grupos de otras edades. Mantente activo cada semana y consigue hasta ocho premios.

Exclusive Friendship Bracelets! Library staff will have special bracelets you can trade for. Don’t miss out on this unique swap!

¡Pulseras de Amistad Exclusivas! El personal de la biblioteca tendrá pulseras especiales por las que puedes intercambiar. ¡No se pierda este intercambio único!

Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest

An Evening with Moths

z 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20

1770 Holford Road

We will set up light stations to entice night-time insects to rest on back-lit sheets. On the sheets, they can be viewed in detail with a magnifying glass. Both kids and adults love this unusual event! Sam Kieschnick, Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Wildlife Biologist for DFW, will be on hand.

This family-friendly event is coordinated with National Moth Week, a citizen-science event that celebrates the beauty, life cycles and habitats of moths. The information collected at the event helps scientists around the U.S. track things such as the surge or decline in species, changes to habitat range and more.

Other insects will also be identified. More than 200 insect species have been observed at our Preserve. We have also seen toads, copperheads and other snakes, a rabbit or two, and heard very loud frogs.

All children must be accompanied by appropriate number of adults. Bring a magnifying glass if you have one. Apply insect repellent. Wear close-toed shoes.

Summer Work Sessions

z Various times, dates and locations

Because it is so hot, work sessions will be scheduled as we can. If you would like to be on the work team, email danawilson59@yahoo.com.

For more information about our activities, go to springcreekforest.org. To receive monthly event announcements, email barbara_baynham2005@yahoo.com. For lastminute information on all events, check Facebook or our website for updates, including dates and locations that may change because of weather or other conditions.

Downtown Awards

Garland’s Downtown Project Rises to Top Honors in Multiple Contests

We’re extremely proud of the Downtown Square project and thus far, three organizations have added to the brag.

In April, Garland’s Downtown Square and Streetscapes Project won the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Real Estate Deals Award in the Community Impact category!

The Square and 14 blocks of streetscapes were rebuilt over two years to create a stronger sense of connectivity and walkability.

Through the Construction Management Association of America, Garland’s project was on May 16 named the winner of the 2024 North Texas Project Achievement Award for Government Projects under $50 million in value.

Then on June 6, the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers doubled up on the honors with awards for Downtown Garland in three categories.

The Oct. 14, 2023, Grand Opening was recognized in the category of Best OneTime Special Event. The Heritage Crossing Department’s scavenger hunt at the Grand Opening was judged as the state’s Best Use of a Promotional Item. Downtown revitalization was an Award of Honor recipient (third place) in the category of Best Marketing Plan Campaign.

The Downtown makeover was a massive undertaking, representing a full redesign of over 60,000 square feet. Construction used 45 tons of structural steel, 5 tons of concrete and 650 tons of stone. It added 1,300 square feet of new shade structures, over 290 new light fixtures, 400 feet of wall seating and 100 new chairs. The redesign also included extensive landscaping, with an impressive 68 new trees, over 280 large grasses and plants, and 5,000-plus flowers and small plants.

Overall, Garland won six Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers awards, presented in San Antonio. The City was recognized with the TAMI Award (first place) for Special or One-Time Video for a five-minute presentation that helped earn state recognition for the Bankhead Cultural Arts District. An Award of Excellence (second place) in Flyers and Posters was given for a promotional item related to last summer’s Garland and Beyond NASA exhibit at City Hall. Another Award of Excellence went to “Jingle Them Bells” in the category of Best Use of Humor Video.

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Garland, Texas 75046-9002

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