2024 February City Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2024

TEMPLETX.GOV

City of Temple Black History Month Ceremony 2023

A PLACE YOU LOVE TO CALL HOME

Table of Contents 3 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Your gateway to discovering everything you need to know

8 DOWNTOWN TEMPLE

Unveiling the vibrant heart of our city

12 PARKS & RECREATION

Discover fun and adventure in Temple!

15 PUBLIC SAFETY:

FIRE AND POLICE Protecting and serving our community

19 TEMPLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Exploring the treasures of the public library

22 PUBLIC WORKS

Learn about City services and stay informed of the latest Public Works updates

Development Updates These are exciting times in the City of Temple! New developmental projects are transforming our urban landscape, promising to bring innovation and vibrancy to our community. With a focus on sustainable design, these projects are set to revitalize our city's core, creating a dynamic hub for residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for a reimagined Temple that seamlessly blends modernity with its rich heritage, making it a place we love to call home! To learn more about our projects, visit letstalktemple.com.

Poison Oak Road Realignment Project Phase 1 of the Poison Oak Road Realignment Project is nearing completion. This phase, initiated in April 2023, encompassed significant enhancements, including widening the existing 20-foot pavement to a new four-lane roadway with a raised median. Additional features comprise a 10-foot sidewalk, drainage conveyance, utilities, signals at the SH 317 intersection, and improvements in street lighting and landscaping.

Looking ahead, Phase 2 is set to extend the four-lane roadway to Old Waco Rd. The plan includes constructing a bridge to elevate the roadway over the 100-year floodplain of Hog Pen Creek, accompanied by a 10’ mixed-use path on the north side. Anticipate an estimated 18 months for the completion of Phase 2.

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Community Happenings

Our community plays a vital role in the fabric of the City of Temple, such as sustaining its growth and prosperity. Through active engagement and collaboration, community members contribute to the overall well-being of the city, whether it's through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or participating in civic initiatives. By nurturing a strong sense of solidarity and shared responsibility, the community becomes the driving force behind positive change, shaping the city's identity and ensuring its continued success.

templetx.gov/newsroom

In Recognition of Black History Month The City of Temple invites you to a meaningful ceremony celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community. Come together for a morning of reflection, cultural appreciation, and unity as we honor the legacy of Black history and this year’s theme, African Americans in the Arts. Don't miss this special event that highlights the diversity and strength within our community. Join us in celebrating Black History Month at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center on Monday, February 26, at 10 a.m.

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Special Event Updates In the spirit of growth and innovation, 2025 will include expanding our special events and introducing a brand-new, iconic event in Temple!

After careful consideration and great enthusiasm, we've decided to bid farewell to the beloved Bloomin' Temple Festival.

This isn't the end, but rather a transformation. In Spring 2025, we will bring an all-new festival “Petals & Pints" – an event designed to capture the essence of our vibrant community and provide unforgettable experiences.

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We express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support, active participation, and cherished memories created during Bloomin' Temple. Your enthusiasm has fueled the city's event scene, and we're excited to build upon that foundation with Petals & Pints and others! Please continue to follow Temple Parks & Recreation social media for more information and updates!

Neighborhood Leadership Academy The City of Temple is excited to introduce this year's Neighborhood Leadership Academy with the theme "Navigating the Stars with A Constellation of Experts," an engaging one-day workshop designed to provide participants with an action-based introduction to community services, support,

Participants can look forward to gaining valuable insights into the various services offered by these departments and understanding how they contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Registration is now open. Participants are encouraged to secure their spots before

and their underlying processes. The workshop will feature informative sessions focusing on each of the City's key departments, shedding light on their roles and functions within the community.

the registration deadline on February 5, 2024. To register, please visit templetx.gov/nla.

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Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) is taking applications!

Join the City of Temple Youth Advisory Commission! YAC is a student-led program that empowers students to be leaders in their community, make new friends, and participate in fun activities throughout the year. Bring a friend and join today! Visit templetx.gov/yac for more information.

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Downtown Temple

Downtown Temple stands as a dynamic hub, contributing to the community's enrichment in variety of ways. Its array of restaurants draws both locals and visitors, while the district hosts a plethora of events, from festivals to parades, throughout the year. Offering a blend of local boutiques and specialty stores, downtown Temple provides residents with diverse retail options, playing a crucial role in elevating Temple life and fostering community spirit through enjoyable dining experiences, festive celebrations, and retail therapy.

discovertemple.com/downtown

Feature Your Dog! The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum’s temporary exhibit, Elliot Erwitt: Dog Dogs, features various breeds of dogs and showcases why they are truly man’s best friend.

Discover Temple is calling for dog owners to submit photos of their dogs enjoying Temple to be featured in a gallery on the Temple Railroad & Heritage page on Discover Temple’s website.

Add photos at: https://upload.crowdriff.com/discovertemple-dogs

First Friday Join us downtown for First Friday, February 2, and enjoy amazing drinks, food, and specials!

Check out our full list of downtown happenings at bit.ly/3vAXira

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Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

Will You Be My Paw-lentine?

Family Days: Animal Science

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and we think our beloved canine companions deserve to be showered with love too! Join us at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum for our “Be my Paw-lentine” event on Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dogs will be welcomed on the first floor of the museum only, leash is required.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit templerrhm.org

Ever wonder how a dog’s nose picks up so many scents? Or how a cat sees in the dark? Come out Saturday, February 3 for our Animal Science Family Day. Explore the fascinating world of pets as well as visit our new photography exhibit Elliot Erwitt: Dog Dogs on display January 21 to March 16. For more information about the museum, please visit templerrhm.org.

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Parks & Recreation

Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in fostering vibrant and thriving communities. By providing accessible and well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, and programs, they create spaces for individuals of all ages to engage in physical activity, socialize, and connect with nature. As well as organizing community events, sports leagues, and cultural activities, promoting a sense of unity and belonging among residents.

templeparks.com

24th Annual Father Daughter Dance

Co-Ed Volleyball Registration

The City of Temple Parks and Recreation is excited to host the 24th Annual Father Daughter Dance, presented by Extreme Cheer & Tumble! Join us for an enchanting evening of dancing, memorable photographs, and much more on Friday, February 2, or Saturday, February 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center.

Whether you opt for classic dress attire or go for a more casual look, the night is yours to create. Save the date for this special event that promises cherished moments between fathers and daughters!

Tickets are on sale now here!

Who's ready to serve up some fun this spring? Because registration for our co-ed volleyball league is now open for Spring 2024! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to try out a new sport, our league offers the perfect opportunity to bump, set, and spike your way to victory.

And the best part? You'll have the chance to make new friends while honing your skills on the court. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity, early registration deadline is February 9! For more details and to secure your spot, visit templeparks.com/coedvolleyball. See you on the court!

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Visit Sammons Community Center Situated next to Lake Jim Thornton and renovated in 2017, the Sammons Community Center is a welcome retreat for adults and seniors. With daily opportunities to socialize, exercise, and learn, Sammons hosts programs that are fun for all ages! This facility also offers paid classes, such as art and crafts, cooking, educational leisure classes and much more. Adjacent to Sammons Indoor Pool and Sammons Golf Course, the opportunities for fun never end! See you soon!

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Public Safety

Our police and fire departments are crucial to our community’s well-being, ensuring the protection and security of community members. From patrolling neighborhoods and investigating crimes, conducting safety awareness programs, offering emergency medical assistance and community outreach, public safety professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the community while instilling peace of mind and fostering a sense of security among community members. Our first responders are at the forefront of protecting our neighborhoods, providing essential aid during crises, and promoting a sense of safety and reassurance among our community members.

templetx.gov/police | templetx.gov/fire

Coffee With A Cop Join us on Saturday, February 10 for Coffee with a Cop at 1914 Coffee House, located at 1617 W Ave R from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy good coffee and conversation with your Temple Police Officers.

We hope to see you there!

Civil Service Exam Are you interested in becoming a Temple Police Officer? The Civil Service Exam is the first step towards becoming a Temple Police Officer.

Our next Civil Service Exam will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Temple Police Department.

Registration is currently open and closes on February 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. The online registration must be completed by February 15 to secure a spot in the exam. Visit jointemplepd.com to learn more!

Temple Public Library

The public library serves as a hub of knowledge, learning, and community engagement within a community. Its role extends far beyond providing access to books. The public library acts as a valuable resource and a catalyst for personal growth, education, and community development.

Come join us at Temple Public Library as we eagerly anticipate bringing the community together and stimulating intellectual growth.

exploretpl.com

TBRI Parent Support Group Bailee Muse of STARRY will lead a TBRI (trust-based relational intervention) support group for parents. STARRY is a nonprofit agency that offers free counseling services for children and their families, including parental support. Join us on February 17 at 10 a.m. on the 3rd floor.

Puppy Love with Go Team Therapy Dogs We've got just the antidote for your post-Valentine's Day situation! Come visit the Go Team Therapy Crisis Dogs and fall in the kind of "puppy love" that will never let you down.

Find us on the 2nd floor on February 17 at 12 p.m.

Stories of the Stars Join us on the 3rd floor on February 17 at 2 p.m. for Stories of the Stars. Get ready for the April 8, 2024, total eclipse with a fun storytelling and activity event for the whole family.

Hands-Only CPR Course Do you know how to recognize and respond appropriately to a cardiac, breathing, or first-aid emergency? This is your chance to learn how to react and manage the fundamental basics of emergency care with the American Heart Association's curriculum. Join us on February 24 at 10 a.m. on the 2nd floor.

Registration is open.

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Upcoming Events & Programs Book Pick-Up 01 Matched!

Let us match you with your new read every other month based on your preferences and interests. Whether you are looking for more of what you love or to branch out and discover something new, our librarians will hand-select a book from the shelf and have it ready for you to pick up at the Second Floor Reference Desk!

Saturdays: Gardening 10 2nd This gardening program is brought to you through a partnership of the Bell County Master Gardener/Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Service and your Temple Public Library. Join us for a presentation on vegetable gardening and drought tolerant native plants to grow here, specifically in Central Texas. No registration or previous experience needed.

Lego Night 15 Family Build fun into your family time with this Lego event. Bricks will be provided but feel free to bring your own.

Hangout 22 Teen Looking for something to do? Looking for a place to hang out with your friends? Each meeting we will have a new and fun activity, or just hang out with your friends and make some new ones!

& Drafts @ Bold Republic 24 Crafts This meet-up welcomes all adults who are looking to build a community of artists, crafters, and friends in their area while enjoying a beverage at Temple’s own Bold Republic Brewing Company. (Bring your own project and supplies)

Sign up for the Temple Public Library newsletter!

Public Works

Public works plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for community members. Their primary objective is to ensure the maintenance, development, and improvement of public infrastructure and services. From roads and bridges to water supply systems and parks, public works departments are responsible for managing and enhancing these essential elements of a community. Their efforts contribute to the safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life within the community.

templetx.gov/publicworks

HOLIDAY GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Collection Schedule Presidents Day Collection Schedule Garbage, recycling, and brush/bulk collections will run on a regular schedule on February 19, Presidents Day. Please have your items to the curb by 7 a.m. City offices will be closed on February 19 and will reopen on February 20 at 8 a.m.

REMINDER Delays may occur. We appreciate your patience as crews are working hard to stay on schedule.

Please visit templetx.gov/solidwaste to view collection information, including delays.

4 P’s for Winter Weather Protect People: Dress in layers to stay warm when venturing outdoors. Wear a hat and gloves to prevent heat loss through the head and extremities. Stay Informed – keep abreast of weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Protect Pets: Ensure that your pets have adequate shelter from the cold. Limit their time outdoors during extreme cold weather. Check for signs of frostbite on their paws, ears, and nose.

Protect Plants: Bring sensitive plants indoors or cover them with frost cloth to shield them from freezing temperatures.

Consider mulching around the base of outdoor plants to insulate roots and retain soil warmth.

Protect Pipes: To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic or crawl spaces. Seal gaps and cracks in walls to keep cold air out. Allow a small stream of water to flow from faucets during extremely cold weather to prevent pipes from freezing.

Winter Weather Prep Who said Texans can't handle the cold!? Here are a few helpful tips for winter weather prep: Winterize your home to protect your pipes, backflow prevention assembly, irrigation systems, and other outdoor systems.

Trim your trees before the freeze - fallen branches can lead to house damage, downed powerlines, and road hazards.

For tips, tricks, and more information, visit templetx.gov/protectyourpipes.

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Election Information The City of Temple is gearing up for its May 4, 2024 General Election, and the filing period for candidates is set to kick off from January 17 to February 16, 2024.

Utility Billing Online Payment Portal Exciting changes are on the horizon for City of Temple utility billing customers! Teaming up with Invoice Cloud, a leading electronic bill payment and presentment (EBPP) provider, the City is set to launch an enhanced online payment experience.

This upgrade includes new payment options, such as text-based bill receipt and payment, paperless billing enrollment, and seamless account management through a user-friendly interface.

Invoice Cloud ensures secure transactions, boasting Payment Card Industry (PCI) Level 1 compliance for credit card payments, as well as support for major digital wallet methods.

The transition to the new system is coming soon, with notifications to guide users through the process. Stay tuned for more updates!

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The Mayor, chosen at-large, will be a key contender on the upcoming ballot. Prospective candidates are required to complete an Application for a Place on the Ballot, file an Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate, and either submit a $100.00 filing fee or present a Petition endorsed by a minimum of 25 qualified voters from the City of Temple to the City Secretary.

It's an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about community leadership to step forward and make their mark on the city's future. For more information, visit templetx.gov/election

Solid Waste Tips Drop off glass at the recycling drop-off centers.

Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and yard waste do not go in recycling bins.

Solid Waste Complex collects latex paint, cooking/motor oil, other household hazardous waste, and yard waste, and will even shred your documents all year during regular warehouse hours, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop in to avoid event lines!

Plastic Bag Recycling City of Temple residents can now drop off soft plastics at the Recycling Drop-off Centers: 2611 E Ave H - Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

602 Jack Baskin Dr. - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Items that can be dropped off include plastic mailers (stickers are not a problem), bubble wrap, produce bags, cereal box liners, shrink-wrap dry cleaning bags, and ice bags. For a full list of acceptable items and more information, please visit templetx.gov/recycle.

REMINDER: These items should not be recycled in your curbside recycle bin. These items can ONLY be recycled properly if they are dropped off at the recycling locations listed above. Please keep items clean, dry, and free of debris.

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Big Game FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease)

Whoever your team is, we can all agree nobody wants to root for their plumber! We encourage you to grab the greasy snacks and make ALL the queso, but be sure to throw your fats, oils, and grease in the trash and NOT down the drain.

Used cooking oil and grease can be dropped off anytime throughout the year at 2611 E Ave H to be recycled or properly disposed of for free. Oil must be in a closed container. Drop-off times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit templetx.gov/fog for more information.

F.O.G. CONSISTS OF: meat fats lard cooking oils shortening butter/margarine food scraps baking goods sauces/salad dressings dairy products

Solar Eclipse To Appear in Central Texas On April 8, 2024, Temple, Texas, will be in the path of totality for the sun's total eclipse and will be one of the best places in the United States to experience this spectacular event, with 3 minutes and 43.6 seconds of totality. It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.

People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun, known as the path of totality, will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, and the moon blocks the sun on earth. During a total eclipse, the moon lines up perfectly to fully obscure the sun, resulting in "totality.” In a partial eclipse, the moon and the sun are not perfectly aligned, and only part of the sun is blocked. The fact that a total solar eclipse is visible from earth only along a narrow path for a few short minutes makes totality one of nature's rarest events. The start of the partial phase is estimated to occur at 12:19:22 p.m., and the start time of totality is estimated to occur at 1:37:13 p.m.

For more information on the eclipse, eye safety, and prep tips, please visit bellcountyeclipse.com.

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TEMPLE TALK:

In Case You Missed It

Heart to Home Animal Shelter Grand Re-Opening In January, the City of Temple celebrated the grand re-opening of the Heart to Home Animal Adoption Center, now featuring 70 upgraded kennels, including 40 new additions to meet current and future demands. The renovated facility prioritizes comfort with climate-controlled kennels for all seasons. The visually enhanced building and three new yard spaces showcase the City of Temple's dedication to animal welfare and community satisfaction.

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GovDeals Auction Items

The City of Temple uses an online auction service, GovDeals, to liquidate equipment, vehicles and other items no longer utilized. Auctions are open to the general public, and the City routinely places items on auction throughout the year with each item having a unique start and end date. View active listings online at govdeals.com/temple.