City of Temple November Newsletter

TEMPLETX.GOV

NOVEMBER 2023

City of Temple Veteran’s Day Ceremony 2022

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 Protecting and Serving Our Community

19 TEMPLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Unleash the Power of Knowledge: Exploring the Treasures of the Public Library

22 PUBLIC WORKS Learn about the City’s services and Unveil the Dynamic World of Public Works

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!

Extraco Parking Garage

I-35 Gateway Landscaping

The City of Temple is proud to announce the official

A new Temple gateway project is in the works,

opening of the Extraco Parking Plaza located at 1st

targeting the land between West Central and West

Street in downtown Temple. The Extraco Parking

Adams avenues near Interstate 35. The East/West

Plaza is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, set to

IH35 Gateway project, situated on both sides of the

provide convenient and secure parking options for

interstate, is set to enhance the area with

residents, downtown employees, and visitors. The

monumentation, landscaping, lighting, and irrigation

project features 242 parking spaces on three floors,

along West Adams Avenue and Airport Road, at the

emergency call boxes and security cameras on each

IH-35 intersection. This $5.5 million project, primarily

floor as well as the exterior of the garage. It will also

funded through Reinvestment Zone funds, will also

include vehicle license plate recognition

receive an additional $540,000 from a Keep Texas

enforcement and seven Electric Vehicle Charging

Beautiful Governor's Award.

Stations that cover 13 parking spaces.

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Community Happenings

The 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

Veterans Day Ceremony The City of Temple invites the community to the 2nd annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Experience a heartwarming ceremony filled with gratitude and patriotism as the city unites to recognize the selfless service and sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. Come together to express your appreciation to those who have served our country with unwavering dedication. The event will be held at the Santa Fe Plaza in Downtown Temple on November 9, 2023 starting at 11:30 a.m.

The City of Temple invites the community to the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

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Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) GRAND OPENING The City of Temple is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the brand new Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) Terminal at the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport on November 1 at 5 p.m. The FBO Terminal at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport will provide an enhanced level of convenience and comfort for pilots, passengers, and crew members.

"We are thrilled to open our new FBO at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport," said Airport Director Sean Parker. "Our team has worked tirelessly to create a facility that caters to the needs and desires of our community members, stakeholders, and visitors alike.”

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Holiday Light Submissions The City of Temple is hosting an 2nd Annual Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest. All entries will be uploaded to our website so the public can view and vote for their favorite festively decorated house. The winner will receive a keepsake award presented

by Mayor Tim Davis. You may submit your photos and address until November 30 to be entered into the contest. All entries will be uploaded to an interactive map on December 1.

For more information on how to sign-up and the rules of participation, please visit templetx.gov/holidaylights 6

Join us on November 18 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as we work to clean up Temple.

The meet up location will take place at 300 SW H K Dodgen Loop Temple, TX 76504

Love The Loop Clean Up Event The City of Temple Housing & Community Development Department is launching the Love The Loop project in partnership with Keep Temple Beautiful. This project will allow residents the opportunity to help clean up the Loop from 31st Street to 5th Street. Activities will include trash pick-up and other revitalization efforts. Please help us keep Temple a place we love to call home by volunteering at templetx.gov/volunteer.

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Downtown Temple

Downtown Temple serves as a multifaceted hub that enriches the community in countless ways. With its diverse range of restaurants, downtown Temple attracts both locals and visitors. The downtown district hosts numerous community events throughout the year, from festivals to parades. Shopping options in downtown Temple are a mix of local boutiques and specialty stores providing residents with a variety of choices to meet their retail needs.

Whether it's enjoying a delicious meal, engaging in festive celebrations, or indulging in retail therapy, downtown Temple plays an integral role in enhancing Temple life and community spirit.

discovertemple.com/downtown

This is your ticket to travel Temple like a local this holiday season. Here you will find the inside scoop on all the local Holiday happenings. This issue is filled with the latest Holiday events, photo contest, and family-friendly fun!

Visit bit.ly/templeticket for more information!

Temple Ticket Join us for an unforgettable evening at First Friday in Downtown Temple on November 3. Grab your friends and head downtown for vendors, food and drink specials, late-night shopping, and live music!

For a list of all the First Friday happenings, visit bit.ly/3vAXira.

First Friday

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The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

A Cast of Blues

Family Days: Singing The Blues

A celebration of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage, The exhibition A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnellDickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. Now visitors of The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum can experience the exhibition, A Cast of Blues, opening November 11, 2023. For more information, visit templerrhm.org.

Blues music has a rich and vibrant history. From the famous B.B. King to Billie Holiday, blues singers enraptured and transformed the music industry for years. Join us Saturday November 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our Singing the Blues Family Day. Take the opportunity to learn about Blues music and how it changed the world. For more information, visit templerrhm.org.

A Program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of MidAmerica Arts Alliance with Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

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Santa at the Depot He's checking his list so make sure you don't miss it! Dress in your pajamas, enjoy crafts, get your reindeer food, and visit Santa at the Depot on December 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale on now! Tickets are limited and required for this event. For more information visit templerrhm.org. To purchase tickets visit bit.ly/SantaDepot23.

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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

Join us at the Pepper Creek Trail for this year's Turkey Trot 5k at the soccer complex within Crossroads Park, located at 6600 Research Loop. Pre-registration will cost $20 and is available until midnight on November 13, race day registration is $30. Shirts are guaranteed for those who pre-register by October 13. Stay tuned for packet pick-up details, which will be announced by 5 p.m. on November 18. Lastly, remember to give it your all, as awards await the overall male and female champions, as well as the top three finishers in each age group. Lace up your running shoes, and let's make this race day unforgettable! For more information, visit templeparks.com/turkeytrot and to register online, visit racetemple.com.

This year’s Christmas Parade theme is “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” The City welcomes creativity, originality, bright lighting, and fun music. All units must reflect a holiday theme, or the theme chosen by the parade committee and must not be commercial in nature. Entry fees for the event are non-refundable. Commercial and retail businesses are required to pay a fee of $70 for participation, while all other participants have a fee of $40. Tax-supported entities are also subject to a $40 fee if they opt-in to be judged. If you require extra space, there is an option to purchase one additional 40ft space for an additional fee of $40. Other fees may apply. To submit an application, please visit templeparks.com/parade by November 6, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Turkey Trot

Christmas Parade

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Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Dia De Los Muertos

This holiday season, join us at the Wilson Park Recreation Center for a community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 15. We will provide a free Thanksgiving dinner and dessert to each family member who attends. While eating your delicious meal, enjoy some light music and thanksgiving crafts for the whole family. To register, please call Wilson Park Recreation Center at 254.298.5740. Preregistration is required.

Viva La Raza! Long live the people! Come join us as we celebrate Hispanic and Mexican culture and heritage on this one-day event for Day of the Dead. We will have snacks, music, dancing, arts and crafts projects, and more!

Bring a picture of one of your loved ones and help us remember our dearly departed in our community ofrenda. Let us celebrate what it truly means to honor and remember our family on Wednesday, November 1!

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Public Safety

Public safety is a crucial aspect of community well-being, ensuring the protection and security of community members. From patrolling neighborhoods and investigating crimes to conducting safety awareness programs and offering emergency medical assistance, public safety professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the community, instilling peace of mind, and fostering a sense of security among community members.

templetx.gov/police

Coffee with a Cop The Temple Police Department will host Coffee With a Cop on December 2, 2023, at Bella Blue Café from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This will also be an opportunity to donate a toy for the Blue Santa Toy Drive and enjoy good coffee and conversation with your Temple Police Officers. We hope you will make plans to come out and join us!

Holiday Traveling Safety Tips 1. Plan Ahead: Before you hit the road, plan your trip in advance. Know your route, including alternative routes in case of unexpected road closures or traffic jams.

2. Vehicle Safety: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check the tires, brakes, lights, and fluids. Carry a spare tire, jack, and basic tools. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before embarking on your journey.

3. Avoid Distractions: Keep your full attention on the road. Avoid texting, using your phone, or engaging in other distractions while driving. Distracted driving can lead to accidents.

Blue Santa Through Blue Santa, the Temple Police Department helps local families in need by partnering with residents and local businesses to collect gift donations in the form of toys and books. Those who are interested in applying are required to live in Temple City limits and must provide proof of residence and age verification. The program is open to families with children aged 14 and under.

The department will also be accepting new, unwrapped toy donations for the program, and residents who would like to donate can drop off their items in the donation box in the department’s lobby. Applications close on Friday, November 17. Forms are available for pick-up in the Temple Police Department lobby, located at 209 E Avenue A. For more information about Blue Santa, please visit templetx.gov/bluesanta.

Public Safety

Public safety is a crucial aspect of community well-being, ensuring the protection and security of community members. Our firefighters responsibilities span from fighting fires to activities like fire prevention education, emergency medical services, and community outreach. Firefighters and other public safety personnel 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/fire

JOIN US! Wings Pizza N Things

Join us on November 18, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wings Pizza N Things (2112 SW H K Dodgen Loop Suite #106, Temple, TX 76504) for Temple Fire & Rescue's Christmas fundraiser event. A portion of the proceeds collected will be donated to the Rescue Elves program.

Rescue Elves Rescue Elves is an annual program that provides gifts and necessary items to Temple families during the holiday season.

Temple Fire & Rescue works directly with Temple ISD school counselors to identify families that may be in need of assistance with Christmas Gifts for their children ages 0-18.

Using monetary resources donated to the program, TFR and Rescue Elves volunteers purchase items based on the children’s requests and distribute them to the families. Residents have the option to donate via Venmo @Rescueelves or in person at TFR’s hosted fundraisers.

West Adams Walmart

Also, don't miss our donation drive on November 4, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Walmart West Adams (6801 W Adams Ave, Temple, TX 76502).

Throughout the month of November, Temple Fire & Rescue is accepting donations to support our annual Rescue Elves program.

Your contributions make a difference!

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

Join us on November 9 at 5 p.m. on the 1st floor of the Library for Tween Hangout! Every month will feature a new, fun surprise activity to participate in while you hang out with your fellow tweens! So bring your friends, and make some new ones.

Join us on November 18 at 11 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the Library to celebrate International Games Month with Temple Public Library’s very own Temple Texas Tabletop gaming event for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of drop-in board and card games throughout the day, and/or register for one of the D&D sessions, the map making workshop, and the painting miniatures make-and-take class.

Registration is required for the D&D sessions. Visit: exploretpl.com/adultregistration 20

Stay up to date with all the fun that the Temple Public Library offers! Sign up at Temple Public Library Newsletter.

Want to see what fun and exciting events and programs we have for the month? Visit exploretpl.com/events to view our calendar with the latest information.

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

Shred Event Join the City of Temple as we host our annual Shred Event. This event will allow residents to safely shred and recycle unwanted documents.

Residents will be able to shred up to 5 banker boxes worth of documents. This event will take place on November 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2611 E. Ave. H. This event is for residential use only.

Visit templetx.gov/solidwaste for more information.

Food Waste Bins Don’t let those Thanksgiving dinner food scraps go to waste! Stop by the Solid Waste Complex (2611 E. Ave H Building A) and grab a free food waste bin. Pick-up hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Place your Thanksgiving food waste in the bin, drop the bin off at the Solid Waste Complex, and watch your food waste turn into soil amendment that can be used for gardens and flowerbeds. Visit templetx.gov/foodwaste for more information.

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HOLIDAY GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Collection Schedule Veterans Day Collection Schedule

Thanksgiving Day Collection Schedule

Garbage and Recycling collections will run on

On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, Garbage,

their regular schedule on November 10 and

Recycling & Bulk/Brush collections that are regularly

November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

scheduled will be collected on Wednesday,

During this time, please ensure that your

November 22. Collections scheduled for Friday,

items are placed at the curb by 7 a.m. Please

November 24, will run on their regular schedule.

note that City offices will be closed Friday,

Please have your items ready for collection by 7

November 10 and reopen Monday, November

a.m. Please note that City offices will be closed

13 at 8 a.m. REMINDER: This does not mean

November 23-24 and will reopen on November 27

that delays may not occur. We appreciate

at 8 a.m. The landfill will also be closed on Thursday,

your patience as crews are working hard to

November 23. REMINDER: This does not mean that

stay on schedule. Please visit

delays may not occur. We appreciate your patience

templetx.gov/solidwaste to view collection

as crews are working hard to stay on schedule.

delays.

Please visit templetx.gov/solidwaste to view collection delays.

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Cease the Grease The City of Temple encourages you to Cease the Grease during the Thanksgiving Holiday! As we all know, cooking oils and fats can cause serious damage to our sewer systems and the environment when improperly disposed of.

The City of Temple will be collecting used cooking oil from Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26 at participating Fire Stations:

A Few Tips!

Let it cool before disposal Use disposable containers Locate local drop-off points Secure containers for transportation

Central Fire Station, 210 N. Third St. Fire Station #3, 3606 Midway Dr. Fire Station #4, 411 Waters Dairy Road Fire Station #7, 8420 W. Adams Ave.

Reuse or recycle when possible

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

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Water Conservation The City of Temple is still under Moderate Water Shortage mandatory restrictions. The Brazos River Authority announced levels at Lake Belton dropped below the Stage 2 – Drought Warning Trigger.

The following restrictions and guidelines are in place until further notice: Limited irrigation of landscaped areas Limited irrigation of public landscaped areas by the city Limited fill days for swimming pools and jacuzzi-type pools

We kindly remind you to join us in our efforts to conserve water and ensure its sustainable use. It is crucial that we all adhere to the implemented restrictions and follow the provided guidelines to combat the water shortage. By doing so, we can make a significant impact and preserve our water resources. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to water conservation.

For more information and updates, please visit templetx.gov/waterconservation or reach out to the Public Works Department at 254.298.5611.

Limited use of ornamental fountains and ponds Limited golf course irrigation Limited water service in restaurants Limited non-essential water uses 26

TEMPLE TALK:

In Case You Missed It

Community Summit The Community Summit, held on Friday, October 6, served as a platform for City departments to effectively communicate their roles and address any inquiries from the community. It was an incredible opportunity to unite the community, not only to gain valuable information but also to enjoy themselves. The night featured live music, engaging activities, exclusive swag, and additional offerings to ensure our community had a memorable time. For those who couldn't attend, fret not! We hope to see everyone at next year's event!

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Connect With Us ADDRESS

2 N. Main St. Temple, TX

PHONE

254.298.5700

WEBSITE

templetx.gov

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.