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Happy New Year!
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith Publisher
Can you help me?
Another year has come to a close and I can’t help but to recap the past year and look forward with anticipation. 2018 was a very exciting year for me because there were so many exciting memories and milestones. Six books completed in a life where I tried to make it matter. Four books completed as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. where service is a priority. I said hello to my newest grandchild, JD, and I said farewell to some very special people including 100 year-old Alyce Goff. There have been some disappointments and many causes for celebration. Everyone can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes help is needed. Which brings me to my truth. December has always been challenging for me since 1969. I remember opening gifts that Christmas morning and hearing the phone ring. Next thing I knew the joy was gone because the news from the phone call was that my 93-year-old grandfather, Remer Smith, had died. Christmas Day was never the same. Then over the years, I’ve endured other losses that have sent me into deep thought; like the death of my father on December 8, 2004 and my Godmother, Liz, who this December marks a decade since she departed. And most who really know me, know of my fondness for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. You see, growing up Mr. Brown was there for me in times when I really felt alone. He could put a smile on my face and a song in my heart. As a 10-year-old; I remember going to a concert with relatives in Florida. After the concert, we were escorted backstage and given the choice of meeting five nappy-headed, smelly boys, or the Godfather and the songbird, Lyn Collins. I chose the Godfather. After we met and said a few words, he kissed me on my cheek. I was overjoyed! In fact I said then I would never wash my cheek again, but I forgot which cheek it was. I also met Ms. Collins and I was told that I met the boys also, but if I did I don’t recall the boys. Can you guess who those boys were? Well anyway, decades later, I had a phone interview with Mr. Brown. It was wonderful. I told him about that meeting and we talked about family and life. When I told Mr. Brown that my father lived about an hour and a half away from his home in Augusta, GA, he invited me to visit the next time I was in town. Oh how I looked forward to that visit! As our interview came to a close, he asked me if I was coming to his concert in Grand Prairie. I told him “no” but he asked me to. Unfortunately I had already given my tickets to super writer Vincent Hall, but Mr. Brown said no worries, he had me covered. I went to the concert alone and had a great time. See MY TRUTH, page 6
Garland GARLAND JOURNAL
JANUARY 2, 2019
JOURNAL
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VOL XVIII ISSUE 11 JANUARY 2, 2019
Free event promotes healthy living, following annual King Day parade 2nd Annual Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo
Living healthy has to be a priority says organizers of the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation 2nd Annual Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo which will take place on January 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the African American Museum located at 3536 Grand Avenue in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas 75210. The free community event is in conjunction with the City of Dallas' Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. The expo will be open immediately following the historic annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in South Dallas. “Americans are constantly bombarded with content about healthy living and because of the sheer volume of information circulating, it can be a challenge to decipher what is accurate vs. inaccurate,” said Cheryl Smith, founder of the Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo and Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation.
“This family-friendly expo provides the perfect opportunity for people to start the New Year off right by learning the proper methods to be healthy physically mentally, spiritually, financially, socially and holistically.” Also the expo will feature Friendship West Baptist Church presents the Pastor's 31-Day Health Challenge (see page 6). The Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo will feature informative presentations, panel discussions, live d e monst r at i ons , food, entertainment, giveaways, a
variety of vendors, screenings from Parkland Health & Hospital System and a Sweet Potato Pie Contest.
Garland earns bragging rights
Garland, TX is #1 Hardest-Working City in the Lone Star State
Garland is #8 in Texas according to Livability.com, citing quality of life amenities and education opportunities.
Garland is #4 in Texas, #50 in U.S.
Garland was ranked among the best places to find a job, the happiest cities in America and one of the country's most diverse places to live in 2018.
Garland, Texas Ranked Among Happiest Cities in America
Garland Among “Next Wave" of North Te x a s ' Emerging Cities
Garland listed among top three spots in Texas
Garland was also cited as one of the greenest cities in both Texas and the U.S., and one of the best cities for firsttime home buyers.
Garland is #1 in Texas, #13 in U.S.
Garland is #5 in Texas, #30 in U.S. (top 16%)
Garland is a great place to call home and these 2018 rankings, according to WalletHub, illustrate why:
Garland, Texas One of America's Most Diverse Places to Live
Garland Among 2018’s “Best Places to Find a Job”
Garland is #5 in DFW Metroplex, #10 in Texas and top 1% in U.S.
Garland is #6 in Texas, #48 in U.S. Also, #5 in U.S. for highest employment growth
Garland Among Best Cities to Live in Texas
Garland among top 8 places in Texas. Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers Garland is #4 best midsize city in Texas, #37 best midsize city in U.S.
Other sponsors for the 2019 expo include Texas Metro News, Garland See HEALTHY, page 5
Garland Among Texas’ Hottest Rental Property Markets
Garland Among Top Cities for Veterans to Live Garland is #12 in Texas, #62 in U.S. Garland Makes List of North Texas’ Top Outdoor Recreation Spots Garland listed among top 22 spots Garland Among Texas’ Top 10 “Best Cities for Wallet Fitness” Garland is #9 in Texas, #134 in U.S.
Garland ranked among “Greenest Cities” in Texas
Giving is always in season for local charity that awards grants to other charities
NTCGF recipients Frisco, Texas - The North Texas Community Giving Foundation (NTCGF) presented it’s 3rd Annual Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K at Collin College Preston Ridge Campus, 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco, Texas 75035 on April 14, 2018. Over 1800 runners took part in the event that raised thousands of dollars. The NTCGF recently awarded $50,000 in grants to area charitable groups from proceeds gained from Frisco’s first and only endurance event. The North Texas Com-
NTCGF board members munity Giving Foundation Grant Presentation Night was held October 25, 2018 at the Baylor Scott & White Performance Center at The Star. Out of 45 applications received, the NTCGF selected and awarded grants to 16 North Texas based nonprofit organizations. “With sponsors, committee members, volunteers and runners committing their time and finances as the driving force of our race, we’re pleased to facilitate the exchange of critical funds needed by local charities
who work to strengthen our community,” Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K Race Director Paul Simon said. The 2018 grant recipients are: 4theOne, Bedstart, Camp Craig Allen, Clayton Dabney, Cornerstone Ranch, Frisco Fastpacs, Grace to Grow, Grant Haliburton, Habitat 4 Paws, Lil’ Warriors, Lovepacs Little Elm, Meals on Wheels Collin County, NBCF, Oasis Center, Stay the Course (22Kill) and Treasured Vessels. The evening of grant presentations included food and
wine provided by Zaytinya at The Star and flowers provided by Simply Blessed. Specific criteria and details about the NTCGF grant application process is accessible on the NTCGF website. We’d like to thank our 2018 Race Partners and Supporters: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Frisco, Cornerstone Staffing, City Bank, Tri Shop, NBC5, Rock & Brews, Simon | Paschal PLLC, Classic BMW, Greenlayer, Cowboys Fit, Albin Roach Attorneys, Collin College and I Messenger
Media LLC Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K scheduled for April 13, 2019 at Collin College Preston Ridge Campus. Register early for discounted rates. Established in December of 2014, the 501(c)(3) resulted from a few individuals who wanted to make a positive impact in their community. Today, the foundation is able to assist local nonprofits with their programs and projects through awareness, service and financial support.