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Articles by Kim Everett
Get help with your depression - Be on your way to a better life
Depression has more faces than those of us who have lived it care to remember. There is the frowning face – the face with tear-stained cheeks and red, swollen eyes – the one with tired, empty eyes – and even the smiling face. It sounds strange, but the smiling face is the most concerning. There are days when we put on a smile because circumstances require it. Maybe there’s a meeting at work, a birthday celebration we can’t skip or our children need positive attention.
October is Bullying Prevention Month
October is Bullying Prevention Month and a great time to talk to your kids about bullying, as the resulting depression, mental anguish and humiliation can cause lasting problems for the victim. Being a child is difficult enough without adding the pain of being bullied to the equation. Bullying is not simply the typical disagreements or conflicts that occur between friends or classmates. It’s bullying if: The person is being hurt, harmed or humiliated with words or behavior. The behavior is repeated.
SGHS transforms library into Black History Museum
In honor of Black History Month, the South Garland High School (SGHS) library has been transformed into a Black History Museum, focusing on the 2024 theme “African Americans and the Arts.” This initiative aims to educate students about Black individuals’ rich cultural heritage and contributions throughout history. Lisa Latham, the librarian at SGHS, says she’s been building the museum every year since 2015, and it only gets better each time.
Hope Clinic welcomes police chief, command staff
Hope Clinic welcomed Garland Police Department’s Chief Jeff Bryan, command staff, assistant chiefs and captains to the clinic Tuesday, Feb. 20. The purpose of their visit was to learn more about what the clinic does, as well as its vision and goals. The clinic, which opened in 2002, provides medical care and health resources to the underserved in Dallas County. Their approach includes more than medical care alone.
Don’t miss FREE Gary P. Nunn Concert on the Square
Garland’s Music Made Here Concert Series will feature Gary P. Nunn, a Texas music legend, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 1. This outdoor concert is FREE! Nunn has been writing and performing his own brand of Texas country music since the 1970s and continues to be a well-respected part of the genre. During 40+ years in the industry, Nunn has written songs that have become hits both for him, as well as others.
Speegle Clinic site plans announced
Below is an update, as well as information posted when the Las Bris property at 1002 Marion Drive (site of the Speegle Clinic) was purchased by the city of Garland. Update as of Feb. 26 – City Council adopted the Las Brisas Small Area Plan in February 2023 and authorized design services in September 2023. The Office of Neighborhood Vitality is excited to announce that, on February 20th, City Council awarded the bid for the construction of the Speegle Green Project.
Garland High School Debate Team brings home awards
Two students from Garland High School’s Speech and Debate team have made their school and Garland ISD proud by winning prestigious awards at the Harvard National High School Speech Tournament. Senior Adaolisa Agbakwu won 2nd place in Dramatic Interpretation out of 238 competitors and 4th place in the Program of Oral Interpretation out of 150 competitors. Senior Joshua Eneji took 3rd place in Original Oratory out of 325 competitors and 5th place in Dramatic Interpretation.
GISD announces Teachers of the Year
GISD announces Teachers of the Year Congratulations to the exceptional educators selected as the 2024 Teachers of the Year for Garland ISD! Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to shaping young minds have not gone unnoticed. Your ability to inspire, innovate, and empower students sets a remarkable standard for excellence in education.
GISD softball, baseball field improvements near completion
Garland ISD has announced a significant milestone in enhancing its high school sports facilities. The renovations and upgrades to the softball and baseball fields at Naaman Forest High School, Rowlett High School and Sachse High School are nearing completion! This achievement marks the successful progression of Phase 1 of the 2023 GISD Bond, reflecting our commitment to providing top-notch facilities for our students, athletes and fans.
Garland ISD partners with Trusted World
Trusted World has launched a new pilot program called “Trusted Wrap-Around Services” with Garland and Plano ISD school counselors and administrators, giving them access to hundreds of community services and resources on demand. When a school official sees a child in need, they can help the student and the entire family. Trusted World spent ten years building its Trusted World Network, which comprises 450 schools, 26 law enforcement agencies, and hundreds of nonprofits, making up 830 partners.
Garland named a Top City for Black Women to Flourish
Garland was rated the sixth-best among all major American cities in a list of The Best Cities for Black Women to Flourish Financially, published by personal finance technology company MoneyGeek.com. Income, the cost of crime per capita, homeownership and poverty levels from 164 cities across the United States were used as criteria for the ranking. “There are pockets of the U.S. where the wealth gap narrows and Black women have more opportunities,” the report states.
Hope Clinic's patients need community’s help
Many of Hope Clinic’s patients do not own a car and cannot always afford public transportation. Some medical consultations can take place by video or phone. However, many require in-person visits for physical exams or lab work. Assisting patients by transporting them to the clinic for regular assessments provides an opportunity to improve their health and manage acute issues before they become a crisis requiring an ER visit.
GISD board of trustees is finalist for H-E-B Excellence in Education
Garland ISD has announced that its board of trustees has been named an Outstanding School Board finalist for the 2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The Garland ISD School Board is one of five statewide finalists selected for the distinguished achievement. The seven-member board is comprised of president Linda Griffin, vice president Robert Selders Jr., secretary Johnny Beach, assistant secretary Daphne Stanley and Trustees Larry H. Glick, Jamie Miller and Wes Johnson.
High school basketball playoffs begin
The high school varsity girls’ basketball top four teams were paired up for the bi-district round of the playoffs as follows: The Sachse Mustangs took on Mesquite HS Tuesday, Feb. 13 and won by a final score of 49-38. The Rowlett Eagles lost to Royse City HS Tuesday, Feb. 13 by a score of 49-10. Wylie Eagles played Mesquite HS Tuesday, Feb. 13 and were defeated. Wylie East Raiders played Rockwall HS Monday, Feb. 12 and were defeated.
Congratulations to Sachse High School signees
Name Sport School BOYS GOLF Garrett McMellon Golf Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee BASEBALL Clint J.
Mayor delivers State of the City Address
Mayor Scott LeMay delivered the annual State of the City Address Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Atrium. Council Members Jeff Bass, Dylan Hedrick, Carissa Dutton, Ed Moore, Deborah Morris and Margaret Lucht, along with City Manager Judson Rex were also in attendance. The Austin Academy Jazz Band entertained the crowd. Representatives from all the city departments were on-hand to answer questions and provide information about city services.
GEF awards record number of grants, scholarships
In an extraordinary display of appreciation and support for the dedicated educators within the Garland ISD community, the district’s Education Foundation has surprised teachers and staff with a record number of grants and scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year. Lisa Cox, president of the GISD Education Foundation (GEF), says the foundation’s goal each year is to turn dollars into dreams.
GISD Dyslexia Therapist Training Center achieves accreditation
In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and providing specialized support for students with dyslexia, Garland Independent School District’s Dyslexia Therapist Training Center has achieved accreditation, marking a milestone for the GISD Dyslexia Department. “The GISD Dyslexia Therapist Training Center is one of two national training centers, and we are proud to have earned accreditation for our center,” said Dr. Marcy Eisinger, Assistant Director of the Dyslexia Department.
"The Flats" musical drama set for April 14
“The Flats: Cradle of a Community,” is a musical drama about Garland’s early Black community that existed in downtown Garland. The original show will premiere at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at The Atrium, 300 North Fifth Street. With an original score and nine original songs, “The Flats” focuses on the free-standing neighborhood. It had its own stores, homes, churches and a school. It was located in the area where the Granville Arts Center and the city government complex are now situated.
HS varsity basketball: Jan. 30, Feb. 2, 6, 9
Scores for the boys and girls high school varsity basketball teams, along with the standings, are below. Boys – Jan. 30 Wylie Pirates 63 – Naaman Forest Rangers 38 North Garland Raiders 70 – Wylie East Raiders 56 Rowlett Eagles 74 – Lakeview Centennial Patriots 60 Sachse Mustangs 92 – South Garland Titans 47 Girls – Jan.
World-famous illusionist comes to Garland
Don’t expect rabbits out of hats! Reza’s current tour transports concert level lighting & production merged with the most incredible cutting-edge magic in existence today. Reza has garnered a worldwide buzz and loyal fan base with his passion for creating signature grand-scale illusions with familiar everyday objects.
Good Sam releases 2023 stats
Good Samaritans of Garland recently announced last year’s stats which surpassed all other years. The staff credits its partners for its success in fulfilling its 2023 mission. “Your support filled our hearts with encouragement and gratitude while providing the resources to do what we are called to do: feed, help and serve…Together we ARE making a difference,” they noted in an email. The total number of individuals served in 2023 was 150,986. This is a large increase over the 2022 total of 44,929.
NGHS grad selected for McNair Scholars Program
A competitive U.S. Department of Education program that prepares undergraduate students interested in careers in academic research has selected 16 undergraduate students from The University of Texas at Arlington to join. One of those students is a graduate of North Garland High School, Gobellan Rodriguez Florencio, who is currently a junior psychology major at the university. The McNair Scholars Program was named for physicist and astronaut Ronald E.
Interpretive panels showcase Black history
This Black History Month, explore interpretive history panels recently installed on the Carver campus to share its rich history. The panels are available for viewing at 206-222 Carver St. The three panels illustrate the community importance of George Washington Carver and the early days of Black students’ education. This history includes the G.W. Carver School, the A.L. Anders Gymnasium and Carver Multipurpose Cultural Center, as well as the Carver Senior Center.
Missing 77-year-old - Bobby Ralph Rollerson
The Garland Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing individual, 77-year-old Bobby Ralph Rollerson. Mr. Rollerson was seen this morning, Feb. 8, at approximately 7:30 a.m., leaving a residence near the 1300 block of Westview Dr. He was operating a black 2017 Honda Accord with Texas license plate JNY4427. The latest update indicates that the vehicle was last seen traveling in Houston. Mr. Rollerson is known to suffer from seizures.
Library announces March activities
Check out the list of March activities offered by the Garland library system. There are fun events for all ages! Early Literacy (Ages 0-5) SPRING STORYTIMES Jan.
Full schedule planned for Spring Creek Forest Preserve
March 2024 Speaker Series – Tina Rust – How to Map Trails using GPS – Tuesday, March 5 -7 – 8:30 p.m. – Zoom In November 2020, the society sought volunteers to help map the park trails. David Parrish took the lead, collecting GPS points along most of the trail network; while Tina Rust, a Texas Master Naturalist and GIS analyst, then utilized these points in ArcGIS to begin creating a map for park visitors.
Spring Creek Forest Preserve celebrates OGFN induction
Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. – Ceremony will be followed by a Members/VIPs Walk through the Forest. [Note: the public 31st Annual Trout Lily Walk is Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.] At Spring Creek Forest Preserve, 1770 Holford Road, Garland This year’s annual Trout Lily Members Walk in Garland’s Spring Creek Forest Preserve will include a first-of-its-kind distinction.
Heritage Crossing manager earns Distinguished Leader Award
Kim Nurmi received the Garland Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Leader Award at the Chamber’s 92nd Annual Meeting in January. Nurmi, the city’s Heritage Crossing manager, was recognized for creating engaging and interactive programs and activities that benefit the residents of Garland and beyond. She was instrumental in the creation of revolving history exhibits at the Garland Central Library, as well as bringing traveling World War II and space industry exhibits to Garland.
Latino history experts to speak at nonprofit’s annual meeting
“The Mexican American Experience: Telling Our Story in Our Own Words” is the topic of Alex Martinez and Gus Hinojosa on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Annual Meeting of the nonprofit Friends of Garland’s Historic Magic 11th Street. The two, well-versed in area Latino history and officers in HOGAR de Dallas, will talk about various sites and individuals in the Dallas area that are important to Latino history here, particularly under-recognized and little-known aspects.
Good Sam executive director honored at retirement party
The former executive director of Good Samaritans of Garland, Pam Swendig, received a fond farewell at her retirement party Thursday Jan. 18, at Main Street Café. Swendig’s family, as well as Good Sam staff, volunteers and friends were on-hand to honor her 10 years of accomplishments at Good Sam. Teria Bradford, former co-worker of Swendig, planned the party and talked about the many successes of the former executive director.
Hope Clinic releases 2023 recap
Hope Clinic recently released a recap of their 2023 numbers. To date, Hope Clinic has provided more than 55,450 patient visits. In 2023, the clinic saw 5,850 patients. 78% of female patients received mammogram screening. 85% of female patients received screening for cervical cancer. 56% of eligible patients received pneumonia vaccines. Hope Clinic’s patients also received behavioral health when necessary. 1,022 patient visits received individual counseling services – 175 patients were new.
NWS to host severe weather education class
The 2024 spring severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service (NWS) and local public safety officials want you to be ready. The National Weather Service office located in Fort Worth will be conducting a free Severe Weather Education class in Dallas County on Saturday, February 17, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Granville Arts Center in Garland.
Garland enjoys MLK celebration
Garland’s Martin Luther King, Jr. 2024 celebration was a huge success. It started with a parade of over 125 entries that included Annie Dickson, vice president of Garland’s NAACP branch, Mayor Scott LeMay and other city officials. Linda Griffin, the president of the Garland ISD board of trustees, additional trustees and Corsharra Prenell, chair of Garland’s Community Multi-Cultural Commission were also on-hand.
City breaks ground on Bob Day Tennis Complex
City breaks ground on Bob Day Tennis Complex The city broke ground on the Bob Day Tennis Complex, 1801 State Highway 66, at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Watch the video! The Bob Day Tennis Complex will be within 62.5-acre Tuckerville Park.
Hope Clinic hosts food distribution event
Hope Clinic recently hosted its first food distribution event of the new year. Executive Director Tanya Downing is especially grateful for the clinic’s volunteers and Spring Creek Church for their support. She would also like to thank Oak Street Health for Hope Clinic’s first time partnership with them. They were on hand to provide the clinic’s patients with other health care options. The food truck was provided by Catholic Charities About: Hope Clinic of Garland, Inc.
HS girls, boys basketball: Jan. 16-26
The Garland ISD high school basketball varsity boys’ and girls’ scores for Jan. 16, 19, 23 and 26 are below. Standings are after scores. Boys – Jan. 16 Rowlett Eagles 66 – Garland Owls 64 Wylie East Raiders 76 – Sachse Mustangs 65 Lakeview Centennial Patriots 69 – South Garland Titans 46 Wylie Pirates 92 – North Garland Raiders 50 Girls – Jan.
RHS performs “SIX: The Musical Teen Edition.”
Garland ISD is pleased to announce that Rowlett High School will perform the new teen edition of “SIX: The Musical.” This full-length adaptation of the international phenomenon “SIX,” has been modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. It is the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, giving them a modern twist and bringing their voices to the forefront. The RHS Theatre Company will perform the show Jan. 25 through Jan. 28 at RHS, 4700 President George Bush Highway in Rowlett.
Update: Silver Alert - Robert Case Jan. 24
Update: Robert Case has been located and is safe. ____________________________________________________________________ Silver Alert – Robert Case Jan. 24 Garland Police Department is searching for a missing person, 88-year-old Robert Case. He was last seen around 9:50 a.m., in the 3000 block of South Shiloh Road, at a business driving a black 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Texas disability tag 1VCGY. Case is diagnosed with Dementia and takes required medication.
Medical episode causes fatal collision
Jan. 23, at approximately 9:20 a.m., a tragic incident unfolded in Garland involving a collision that resulted in the loss of life. The incident occurred when a maroon Buick LeSabre was traveling eastbound on Fieldcrest at Jupiter Road. It is believed the driver of the Buick was experiencing a medical episode when he lost control and collided with a Nissan Altima that was traveling northbound on Jupiter Road.
Neighbor disturbance leads to fatality
On the evening of Jan. 20, Garland Police Department officers responded to a residence in the 1600 block of Running River Road to a report of a Disturbance with a Weapon. Officers arrived on the scene and located one individual outside of his residence who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Rontarious Hamilton, was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance and was later pronounced deceased.
Council reviews proposed CIP
City Manager Judson Rex presented the 2024 Proposed Capital Improvement Program to Mayor Scott LeMay and the City Council members at the Jan. 8 City Council Work Session.
Check out Noon Exchange Club meetings every Wednesday
Noon Exchange Club members enjoyed hearing from guest speaker Diana Siegler at their Wednesday, Jan. 10 meeting. Siegler works with Friends of Rescue Animals, a 501c3 organization that works to save abandoned animals. She explained that the organization has animal fostering programs that enable them to provide care, comfort and compassion to animals in need.
GSO continues 45th season
The Garland Symphony Orchestra will continue its 45th season, “London is Calling,” with guest conductor Jonathan Tooby and marimbist Mario Rocco Ferraro. Join them at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. The program will include Sullivan-Overture to The Yeoman of the Guard, Séjourné-Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra and Vaughan Williams-Symphony No. 2 in G Major (“A London Symphony”).
HS basketball scores, standings
The basketball scores for District 9-6A games, both boys and girls, for Jan. 9 and Jan. 12 are below. The standings are also below. Jan. 9 – Girls Garland Owls 54 – North Garland Raiders 29 Rowlett Eagles 41 – Naaman Forest Rangers 31 Sachse Mustangs 56 – Lakeview Centennial Patriots 38 Wylie Pirates 90 – South Garland Titans 23 Jan.
GPD investigates shooting fatalities
On Jan. 14, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Garland Police Department (GPD) officers were called to the 2300 block of West Buckingham Road in response to a shooting. When the GPD and Garland Fire Department arrived on the scene, they found two individuals who had been shot by an unknown suspect. Both victims later succumbed to their injuries. GPD officers learned that the perpetrator fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle.
Register a chronic condition, critical illness with city of Garland
If you or someone in your home depends on electricity or water for medical equipment due to a chronic condition or critical illness, be sure you have submitted documentation to notify the city. Although Garland Power & Light and Garland Water Utilities provide reliable electric and water service, there is no guarantee of service. Outages may occur for a variety of reasons, including weather or equipment failure. Click here for the application form.
State of the City 2024: Your Guide to Garland
The city of Garland invites all residents to attend our 2024 State of the City event Tuesday, Feb. 13, at The Atrium, 300 N. Fifth St. This free event is your guide to Garland, with access to departments and staff, as well as a presentation on the city’s plans for the year ahead. Kicking off at 6 p.m., there will be an open house where residents can visit interactive booths for city departments. Talk with staff about projects and services and ask any questions you may have.
Stay safe; arctic temperatures coming to North Texas
Dangerously low temperatures are forecast for Sunday Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14, 15 and 16. Follow the tips below to stay safe. Some of these suggestions sound like worst case scenario warnings but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Check on neighbors and family members who are not in your household. Bring pets indoors. Cover or bring plants indoors. Protect outdoor pipes to ensure they do not freeze. Set indoor faucets to drip and open cabinet doors to keep pipes warm.
Salvation Army provides cold weather relief
North Texas temperatures are forecasted to drop to well below freezing in the coming days. Therefore, The Salvation Army of North Texas has launched its holistic inclement weather services to help our vulnerable neighbors stay safe and warm. Based on the forecast, these locations are preparing to activate overnight warming shelters: In Dallas County – the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center and Garland Corps Community Center are planned to open for inclement weather shelter.
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