Garland City Press September-October 2023

We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to our newly redesigned Downtown Square! The Square has been transformed into an area that will meet the many interests and needs of the community.

Key features include a large recreational and event lawn; an observatory playground treehouse; an imaginative play area; a shade pavilion for smaller, impromptu performances; an urban water feature and a distinctive gateway.

What better way to welcome back our community than having an all-day free event for the entire family?

Join us from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14!

Our street-fair-style celebration includes live music and demonstrations by professional bass anglers, skating experts and remote-control race car champions. Diverse music includes bluegrass by the Garland Square Pickers, jazz by Wanda King and tunes from guitar specialists Robert Miller and Jimmy Wallace. End the evening with a spectacular drone show and a special appearance by Garland’s LeAnn Rimes.

Come and go or stay all day and enjoy family-friendly activities and lawn games. Fill up with all the yums from our Downtown restaurants and food trucks. Take the DART or catch the free shuttle service from Williams Stadium to Downtown. It will make parking a breeze.

VisitGarlandTX.com for the full event timeline and parking information.

Gateway Feature

At the corner of Main and Fifth streets, a collection of colorful structures varying in height creates an artistic and distinctive entryway to the Square. It creates a unique daytime and nighttime experience—a play on translucency of the colored acrylic panels and shadows during the day, and at night appear with a glow of varying colors and intensities of light. Flanked by landscaping and stacked stones, there are opportunities to sit or climb as others walk through the gateway feature. From the event lawn, the feature serves as an artfully illuminated backdrop to the performance stage

Promenade

The promenade swoops through the Square, which is wide enough to accommodate people meandering through the area as well as seating, vendor tents, or even a temporary art exhibit. It is lined with artfully illuminated totems and seatwalls creating a rhythm of lighting and movement throughout the space.

Shade Pavilion

At the intersection of State and Sixth streets a colorful collection of parasail style canopies create a cozy gathering space, geared towards smaller programs and impromptu performances. The adjacent patio seating area has starlight canopies above with a view of the pavilion and imaginative play area.

Treehouse

Near the intersection of Sixth and Main streets, a playground treehouse is nestled within a larger imaginative play area for kids of all ages.

The play area also includes an urban water feature, rolling hills, climbing and netting elements, and musical percussion chimes.

City Council

CITY MEETING SCHEDULE

All meetings are at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. Dates and times subject to change. 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 – 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 6 p.m. Sept. 18 and Oct. 9 and 16

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.

Sept. 5 and 19 and Oct. 10 and 17

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.

Sept. 11 and 25 and Oct. 9 and 23

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), GarlandTX.tv

Garland Moves to Digital Public Information Requests

The City of Garland has converted to a digital means of handling all public information requests. Requestors of public information will now submit Open Records Requests through an online portal located on both the City Secretary and Garland Police Department web pages.

Requests are streamlined through JustFOIA, a new open records request management system. It helps the City simplify records request management and improve transparency by making public records more easily accessible.

City to Convene Bond Study Committee

Garland residents interested in participating in a Bond Study Committee must submit required documents to City Secretary Rene Dowl’s Office, RDowl@GarlandTX.gov before Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Before submitting a proposition to issue new or additional bonds for approval by the voters, the Council first convenes a Bond Study Committee to make recommendations to the Council on all propositions.

Committee members must be registered voters in Dallas or Collin County and live in Garland for a minimum of one year.

City Council Members

Carissa Dutton

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

Chris Ott 972-987-9149 Council8@GarlandTX.gov

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

Margaret Lucht 469-264-3556 Council5@GarlandTX.gov

Jeff Bass Mayor Pro Tem 469-831-5620 Council1@GarlandTX.gov

DISTRICT

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

Ed Moore Deputy Mayor Pro Tem 214-243-3053 Council3@GarlandTX.gov

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

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 7

DISTRICT 8

Bond Update

Saturday, July 22, the City celebrated major milestones for multiple 2019 bond projects at Build Garland Day 2023!

Holford Recreation & Neighborhood Aquatic Center, 2314 Homestead Place: The new facility will be approximately 37,000 square feet and boast a double gymnasium, fitness room, an elevated walking track, a children’s pool, shade structures, a water slide and a leisure pool. Exterior features will include new basketball and pickleball courts and additional parking. The original recreation center was opened in 1967 and demolished earlier this year.

West Garland Library, 3921 W. Walnut St.: The 18,700-squarefoot building is being built adjacent to the Hollabaugh Recreation Center. West Garland Library will have computers for adults and teens, study rooms outfitted with video conferencing capabilities and a dedicated makerspace for teens to learn and create. The facility will replace the Walnut Creek Branch Library that has far surpassed its originally designed capacity.

Tinsley Park Playground, 2617 Anita Drive: The nature-inspired playground features climbing rock structures resembling a wolf’s head and a giant turtle, a slide placed among climbing rocks, log stumps and beams, a tree swing and a hoop alley to challenge kids’ mobility and flexibility.

Lon Wynne Park, 3858 S. Glenbrook Drive: Here, the City opened both a playground and a splash pad. The playground is among the trees and features a hexagonal net and attached swinging tires, an upgraded slide and a surface spinner. The splash pad provides various features for kids to dash between and several structures to shade those who supervise or rest nearby. It was actually the second splash pad from the 2019 bond program to debut this summer. The other was opened to the public July 13 at Embree Park, 1515 Dairy Road.

Aside from Build Garland Day, a reminder that an all-new library is coming soon! Renovations are underway at Central Library. Construction fences are up and the contractor is hard at work on the interior of the building, bringing new life to this important community space.

City to Convene Bond Study Committee

Garland residents interested in participating in a Bond Study Committee must submit required documents to City Secretary Rene Dowl’s office, RDowl@GarlandTX.gov, by Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Before submitting a proposition to issue new or additional bonds for approval by the voters, the City Council first convenes a Bond Study Committee, composed of not less than nine residents, to make recommendations to the Council on all propositions.

Any proposition to issue new or additional bonds, payable from ad valorem taxes, shall be first submitted to a vote of the qualified voters of the City in an election held and conducted in accordance with state law and the Texas Constitution.

Committee members must be registered voters in Dallas or Collin County and live in Garland for at least one year.

The City of Garland welcomes Tiffany Veno as its Chief Communications Officer

Tiffany Veno is a communications and marketing professional with 16 years of experience in both public and private organizations. She started her career in television news as a producer at WFAA-TV and Texas Cable News.

Transitioning to school public relations, Veno served Duncanville ISD for three years and Garland ISD for nine years. Most recently, she pioneered a communications and marketing department for a local architectural firm.

Veno is passionate about building relationships, whether that’s connecting with audiences through storytelling, engaging internal and external stakeholders, or cultivating a positive culture. Her award-winning work has earned recognition from the Texas School Public Relations Association, National School Public Relations Association, Texas Association of School Boards, Texas Association of School Administrators and Association for Learning Environments.

Veno holds a master’s degree in communications studies with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Alabama, as well as a bachelor’s both in radio, television, film and theater from the University of North Texas. She grew up in the Garland area and is excited to return home with her husband and 4-year-old son.

In partnership with the Cities of Plano and Rowlett, Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality invites you to register for the 2023 Neighborhood Summit!

This year’s summit will take place Saturday, Nov. 11, at Garland Fire Administration, 1500 State Highway 66.

Neighbors from Garland, Plano, Rowlett and surrounding communities will gather in Garland to learn about making connections by harnessing neighborhood creativity for vibrant and unique neighborhoods. Register now to discover a network of community talent that can energize your block and strengthen your neighborhood through creative engagement strategies.

Registration is FREE but spaces are limited, so sign up today at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant

Applications Due Saturday, Sept. 23

Attention all neighborhood groups! The application deadline for the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program is Saturday, 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.

2023 Garland Neighborhood Awards

Nominations Due Sunday, Oct. 29

Great neighborhoods take work! The City of Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality likes to recognize those who make extraordinary efforts to enhance, revitalize or invest in their neighborhoods. Nominate your neighborhood, neighborhood newsletter, neighbor and public servant today!

Awards include:

z Garland Neighborhood of the Year

z Neighborhood Publication of the Year

z Who's Who in Garland Neighborhoods

z Public Servant Award

The winners will be announced Thursday, Nov. 9. For more information or to nominate your neighbor or neighborhood, visit GarlandNeighborhoods.org.

What’s Being Built There?

1 Coming soon south of the Murphy Express near Arapaho and North Shiloh roads is a Dutch Bros Coffee.

2 Under construction at the southeast corner of Rosehill and Bobtown roads is Bobtown Villas, consisting of 101 townhouses.

3 Coming soon near the southeast corner of Broadway Boulevard and Centerville Road is a new Frost Bank.

The four-year $1.7 billion 635 East Project to improve Garland’s busiest traffic corridor continues. In August, two lanes of the eastbound Interstate 635 frontage road between Kingsley and Jupiter roads were opened, with tie-ins to connecting streets. Eastbound I-635 frontage has also been added between Northwest Highway and La Prada Drive.

Earlier this summer, a temporary configuration was put in place for access to westbound I-635 from Garland Avenue. In June, the new westbound I-635 entrance from Kingsley Road opened to traffic, replacing the Jupiter Road entrance, which permanently closed as part of the project.

Taking It to the Streets

Projects scheduled to begin in September/October

A Briar Way, Northwest Highway to Brook Meadow Drive Street reconstruction

B Calvin Drive/Hardy Drive, Calvin to Dairy Road

Unpaved alley construction

C Donald Drive/Hardy Drive, Broadway Boulevard to Dairy Road

Unpaved alley construction

D Donald Drive/Rilla Drive, Keen Drive to Dairy Road

Unpaved alley construction

E Glynn Drive, Tensley Drive to Curtis Drive Street reconstruction

F Key Colony Drive, Northwest Highway to Broadmoor Drive Street reconstruction

G Larry Drive/Old Orchard Road, Kingsley Road to Parkmont Drive

Unpaved alley construction

H Rilla Drive, Keene Drive to Dairy Road

Unpaved alley construction

I Trailwood Court, Trails Parkway to the south end of the street

Residential concrete panel replacement

Ongoing projects

J Brandywine Place, Trails Parkway to Trailcrest Drive

Residential concrete panel replacement

K Buckingham Road, Shiloh Road to Sam Houston Drive Arterial concrete panel replacement

L Briarcliff Drive, Trailcrest Drive to east end of the street

Residential concrete panel replacement

M Curtis Drive, Beverly Drive to High Meadow Drive Street reconstruction

N Tanglewood Lane, Cedarcrest Drive to Garland Avenue Street reconstruction

O Trailcrest Drive, Brandywine Place to Briarcliff Drive

Residential concrete panel replacement

P Trail View Lane, Ozark Trail Lane to Country View Lane

Residential concrete panel replacement

Q Walnut Street, Country Club Road to First Street Arterial concrete panel replacement

Public Health Clinic

The Garland Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver St., offers low-cost vaccines for children and adults who qualify. We are here to serve you and your family by walk-in visit from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (closed on City holidays). Call 972-205-3370 or visit GarlandTX.gov/762/Public-Health-Clinic

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory system. Each year, between 6,000 to 10,000 older adults die due to RSV infection. In children younger than 5 years old, there are approximately 100 to 300 deaths each year. RSV can spread from a cough or sneeze, direct contact or indirect contact (like touching surfaces such as doorknobs and your face). RSV circulation typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the Arexvy and Beyfortus vaccines for the prevention of RSV.

Arexvy is approved and recommended for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older. It comes in a single-dose injection. It has not yet been approved for use in adults younger than 60 years of age.

The FDA has approved Beyfortus for the prevention of RSV in infants and children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to a severe case of RSV. It also comes as a single-dose injection.

Influenza

For people 65 years and older, there are three flu vaccines that are recommended over standard-dose vaccines this flu season: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. There are many flu vaccine options, and it largely varies depending on age.

Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get an annual influenza vaccine. “The best time to get a flu shot is now,” said Ana Arellano, Public Health Clinic staff. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and protect against influenza.

COVID-19 (Pfizer, Novavax and Moderna)

Vaccine recommendations are based on age and time since previous dose. The three main vaccines are Pfizer, Novavax and Moderna. The FDA has advised manufacturers that will be updating their COVID-19 vaccines that they should develop vaccines with a monovalent XBB 1.5 composition.

77th Annual Labor Day Parade

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland will host the 77th annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 4.

Join us for the annual parade featuring bands, cheerleaders and drill teams from all seven Garland Independent School District high schools, plus youth organizations, police and fire, local leaders and so much more of what defines Garland as a community.

The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. The route will begin at Glenbrook Drive and Avenue F. It will proceed north on Glenbrook to Austin Street, then east on Austin to Fifth Street.

Just like last year, you’ll have to find a new spot if your traditional viewpoint is along Main Street, on the Downtown Square or at City Hall. Because of construction in Downtown Garland, those are not along the 2023 parade route. The announcer’s booth will be placed at the intersection of Austin and State streets.

And please don’t hesitate to sidestep the City’s work in progress to visit Downtown businesses while you’re in the area. They’re all open and need your support.

Tree Power Free Tree Giveaway

Registration: 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, until out of stock

Tree Pickup: Saturday, Nov. 4 (time window and location on registration confirmation)

Want to grow shade to save energy, replant canopy and beautify the community?

Plant a free tree!

Trees are available to Garland residents as part of the Tree Power Free Tree program sponsored by Garland Power & Light and Garland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts.

Register online for one free tree per household at bit.ly/GarlandFreeTree

2023 tree varieties:

z Redbud

z Red oak

z Chinquapin oak

z Shantung maple

Scan to register.

A confirmation email, including pickup time window and location, will be sent to you after successful registration. On pickup day, bring the email with you. Trucks are recommended for easier tree loading. Call 972-205-3589 for more information.

Fall 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.

Through a cooperative purchase, the classic black, 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrel is being offered for $78 each (retail price is $139.99).

For more information, setup instructions and to place an order, go to rainwatersolutions.com/ products/GarlandTX. Quantities are limited and the deadline to order is 11 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11.

There will be no home drop-offs. Pickup will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, and Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 2343 Forest Lane. Bring a vehicle large enough to carry your order.

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 parts or cost. All components are included with your purchase, even a 6-foot overflow hose!

National

Preparedness

Month, observed every September, serves as a crucial reminder for individuals, families and communities to proactively plan and protect against emergencies. So, how can you ensure you’re prepared?

Build A Kit

A well-stocked kit can provide essential supplies and resources during emergencies. Start with the basics: nonperishable food, water and first aid items. Include a flashlight, batteries, a portable radio and extra clothing. Don't forget personal hygiene items, important documents and extra cash. Consider special needs like medications, baby supplies and pet essentials. Keep the kit in a durable, easily accessible container, and regularly check and replenish its contents.

Make A Plan

Start by identifying potential hazards in your area and develop a strategy to address each one. Establish communication protocols with family members and designate a meeting point in case of separation. Determine evacuation routes. Include important contacts, such as emergency services and neighbors, in your plan. Consider family members’ specific needs, such as medications or medical conditions. Review and update the plan periodically.

Be Informed

Monitor reliable sources such as local news channels, radio broadcasts and official government websites for updates on the situation. Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications through text messages or mobile apps. Social media can also be valuable, but verify information from trusted sources before sharing. Maintain a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio for access to information even during power outages. Additionally, establish a communication plan with family and friends, designating a central point person for updates.

Be proactive and stay ahead of emergencies by signing up for the Garland Alert System. Receive instant alerts and critical information directly to your device, ensuring you're better prepared and can make informed decisions when it matters most. Don't wait for the unexpected!

Sign up today at GarlandTX.gov/Alerts

Garland’s

Heritage

Crossing

has harnessed the power of maps to explore how Garland has changed through

the years.

Using ArcGIS StoryMaps, Heritage Crossing and the Garland Water Utilities Department have created a remarkable story of Garland’s history through mapping. The Garland History StoryMap transforms the City’s geographic information system data into interactive content that informs and inspires through maps and photos from the Garland Landmark Museum collection.

Explore the city through time and watch the expansion of Garland’s boundaries, the building of its neighborhoods and the growth of its businesses. The Garland History StoryMap is available at GarlandHeritage.com/3537. If you would like to learn more about Garland’s history, visit the Landmark Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest

Sex in the Garden

z 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5

Speaker Janet Smith will lead a meeting on Zoom about the essential pollination necessary to produce the food we need. It is G-rated and open to all ages!

Work Sessions

z 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Halff Park, 4695 Ranger Drive

z 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

1770 Holford Road

Wear closed-toe shoes. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring bug spray and water. If you have them, also bring hand tools such as trash grabbers, loppers or hand clippers (no power tools). Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Guided Nature Walk

z 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

1787 Holford Road

Judy Aschner will lead a hunt for late summer prairie/grassland insects. Bring a camera or phone to record observations on the iNaturalist app.

All about Galls

z 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3

Speaker Kimberlie Sasan will lead a meeting on Zoom about the gall, an example of a plant-animal relationship. More than 2,000 types of insects and other organisms can cause abnormal plant growths.

Guided Nature Walk

z 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 1770 Holford Road

Kimberlie Sasan will lead a walk through the forest to find and understand the world of galls.

For more information or updates, visit springcreekforest. org or our Facebook page.

To receive monthly event announcements, email barbara_ baynham2005@yahoo.com

Events from the Arts

“Crimes of the Heart”

z Fridays through Sundays, Sept. 8-24

Presented by Garland Civic Theatre

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

z 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts and Jimmy Wallace Guitars

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

“Arsenic and Old Lace”

z Fridays to Sundays, Sept. 29 to Oct. 8

Presented by Company of Rowlett Performers

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Little Joe y La Familia

z 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

“Arsenic and Old Lace”

z Fridays to Sundays, Oct. 20 to Nov. 5

Presented by Garland Civic Theatre

Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Saturday, Sept. 23

6 to 10 p.m.

z 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts and Jimmy Wallace Guitars

Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

It Came From Texas Film Fest

z Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29

Presented by Garland Cultural Arts

Double features, campy classics and Texassized horror — 11 Texas-made films return to the big screen.

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

34th Annual Taste of Garland

Celebrating 40 years of Garland Crime Stoppers

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Tickets $30 each

Tables of 10 $300

Tickets available at garlandcrimestoppers.org or contact Angela McKee at 214402-6493 or Jon Dehn at 907-322-0676.

Since its inception in 1983, Garland Crime Stoppers has paid out more than $211,000 in rewards for anonymous tips, leading to more than 800 arrests and $2.75 million in recovered property.

Bring your family and friends and celebrate Garland Crime Stoppers’ 40th birthday featuring many local restaurants and businesses. There will be complimentary beer and margaritas!

This fundraiser will feature a live auction, a silent auction, door prizes, half and half cash drawing, a special Garland Police K9 demonstration and more.

All proceeds benefit Garland Crime Stoppers.

Garland.crimestoppers.org 972-272-8477 (TIPS)

Recreation Center Events

Zumba Toning

z 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 9-30

Ages 16 and up, $20 per person

Take classic Zumba and add resistance with light weights. Focus on specific muscle groups to help tone and sculpt while getting a great cardio workout.

Audubon Recreation Center

972-205-3991 or ARC@GarlandTX.gov

Archery

z 5 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 6-27

Ages 8 to 14, $25 per person

Focus on basic skills, technique, safety, and the use and maintenance of equipment.

Bradfield Recreation Center

972-205-2770 or BRC@GarlandTX.gov

After School Adventures

z 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 8 through Dec. 15

Ages 6 to 11, $25 per person

Daily schedules will include time for snacks, homework help, and free play for sports and games.

Fields Recreation Center

972-205-3090 or FRC@GarlandTX.gov

Pickleball

z 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Sept. 11-25

Ages 21 and up, $25 per person

Get a fun aerobic workout while learning the rules and techniques of the game. All levels welcome.

Granger Recreation Center

972-205-2771 or GRC@GarlandTX.gov

Fall Break Workshops

z Various times Monday through Friday, Oct. 9-13

Ages and pricing vary

Each day features a new experience including cookie decorating, painting, cooking, games and geocaching.

Audubon Recreation Center

972-205-3991 or HRC@GarlandTX.gov

Kung Fu

z Various times Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, Sept. 2-30

Ages 5 to 17, $45 per person

Learn the five basic animal styles of kung fu while practicing correct execution of kicking, punching and stance techniques.

Fields Recreation Center

972-205-3090 or HHRC@GarlandTX.gov

Seventh Annual Tri-City Cleanup: Keep On Keeping It Beautiful

8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7

Join volunteers from Dallas, Rowlett and Garland to clean up our shared waterway, Lake Ray Hubbard, and connecting tributaries.

Choose your preferred location in either Dallas, Rowlett or Garland to clean. After the workday, enjoy lunch, music, games and giveaways as we celebrate together.

Come dressed to work in the elements: boots, pants, sleeves and sun protection are recommended.

Bring your water jug!

Volunteers can register at TriCityCleanUp.org or scan the QR code.

Questions? Call 972-205-3583 or email Volunteer@GarlandTX.gov for more information.

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, including those geared for young audiences (ages 6 to 12), adults and seniors, check out the library’s seasonal publication, Off the Shelf, at Library.GarlandTX.gov.

Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)

z Sept. 5 through Nov. 25

Baby Bounce & Read (birth-18 months): 10 a.m. Mondays at Central Library Express, 10 a.m. Wednesdays at North Garland Library, and 10:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Library

Toddler Time (18-36 months): 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Central Library Express, 10 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Library and 11:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Library

Preschool Discovery (3-5 years): 10 a.m. Thursdays at Central Library Express, 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at South Garland Library, and 11 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Library

Family Read and Play: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Walnut Creek Branch Library

Cuentos y Cantos: 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Central Library Express

Pajama Party Storytime: 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 13; Oct. 11; Nov. 8; and Dec. 13 at Central Library Express

Family Place Playtime Workshops

z 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 2

South Garland Library

During this fun, five-week program series, toddlers ages 1 to 3 and their caregivers can enjoy special playtimes featuring toys, books and art activities. Families have the opportunity to make new friends and talk one-on-one with a local professional who specializes in early childhood development areas like early literacy, speech and language, nutrition, and music and movement. Registration is required to attend. Call 972-205-3934 for details and to register beginning Sept. 21.

Grand Ice Cream Social (Ages 3-12)

z 2:30 p.m Saturday, Sept. 9

South Garland Library

Children and grandparents can enjoy an ice cream sundae, make a family craft and enjoy fun games. Registration is encouraged and begins two weeks prior to the event.

Hispanic Heritage Month Community Event

z 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

North Garland Library

View the Garland Latino Heritage Cookbook Exhibit, watch the Ballet Folklórico program featuring the North Garland High School World Dance Team, and enjoy locally made refreshments from Latinos Bakery.

Fun Fright Fiesta

z 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Central Library Express

Join us for a fun and spooky family event where we will play games, enjoy tasty treats and get to take a swing at our piñata filled with prizes! The piñata event will be held at 3 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.

Teen After Hours (Teen ages 13-17)

Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at the library after closing. Each Teen After Hours event consists of a group activity. Snacks are provided. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event.

Escape Room: The Haunted Library

z 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Central Library Express

How will you escape The Haunted Library? Join us for a complex Teen After Hours event! This escape room will require a lot of strategizing so brain food will be provided.

Life-Size Clue

z 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

South Garland Library

Join us at the South Garland Library for a spooky night of fun. Play a game of life-sized Clue where you are the player, moving around the mansion to solve a mystery. Snacks will be provided. Call 972-205-3933 to register.

Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 16+)

z 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2

z 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Central Library Express

Titles will be chosen by club members and publicized on social media.

Adults (Age 18+)

Get Bready To Crumble! Bake the Book

z 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Theme: Don’t Sweet the Small Stuff – Cookie Bakes

z 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Theme: Love at First Bite – Creepy Bakes

South Garland Library

Teens and adults will sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from library books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.

Mystery Book Club

z 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28

“All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers

z 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26

“Falling” by T.J. Newman

Walnut Creek Branch Library Library staff and attendees will discuss the selected titles.

ESL Conversation Classes

z 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 11 through Dec. 18

Central Library Express

Limited seating available. Zoom option available.

z 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 5 through Dec. 19

South Garland Library

z 6:30 p.m. First, second and third Thursdays of each month, Sept. 7 through Nov. 16

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Improve your general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice their conversation skills, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people.

Computer Classes

Mouse and Keyboarding for Beginners

z 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14

Desktop and File Management

z 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28

Getting on the Internet

z 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12

Intro to Word

z 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26

South Garland Library

Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972205-3931 to register.

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