NARFE members enjoy Christmas message at
monthly meeting

December 18, 2011

The Garland Chapter 1454 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees group held its monthly meeting on December 14 at the I-Hop Restaurant at Interstate 30 and Beltline Road. 

The speaker was Dr. Aubrey Patterson who is the Chaplain of Rest Haven Funeral Homes in Rowlett and Rockwall. He spoke on the meaning of Christmas.

Noon Exchange hears from West Point cadet

Posted December 4, 2011

West Point Cadet Corporal Michael Janowski spoke to members of the Noon Exchange Club of Garland on November 23.  He was given early leave so that he could speak before groups of students and adults about the advantages of West Point.

Michael explained the application and appointment processes. In addition to applying to representatives or senators, applicants must be accepted by Congress and then by West Point. After successfully completing the first and second years, if a student chooses to continue, he/she signs a contract to serve for five years after graduation.

Michael has had opportunities to travel internationally for advanced training. He has had air assault training and plans to take advanced training in that field.  His current major is U.S. History.

Members of the Noon Exchange Club of Garland appreciated hearing from Michael about his service to the country.  Our Motto: Exchange, America’s Service Club, working to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and the Prevention of Child Abuse. Visit www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.

Baylor Garland
honors volunteers

Kim Everett | December 4, 2011

The Baylor Garland Auxiliary recently held its awards banquet and luncheon to honor and recognize the service of its members.  Hospital President Tom Trenary was on hand to escort Betsy Weatherman to the stage when she received an award for having an astonishing 47,000 volunteer hours.

Ms. Weatherman was also recognized, along with Wilhelmine Mitchell and Jackie Peterson, for being a charter member of the organization.

Glenna Feagins, who is the current president of the Baylor Auxiliary, received an award for volunteering with the group for more than 30 years.  Nancy Wilson received the honorary scrapbook for the year.

The luncheon was held at the McDonald Center at Garland’s First Baptist Church.

Noon Exchange Club celebrates
One Nation Under God

Posted December 3, 2011

On November 16 the Noon Exchange Club of Garland celebrated its annual One Nation Under God program.  The purpose of this program, which was adopted in 1964, is to heighten awareness of our rich religious heritage. November, observed nationally as One Nation Under God Month, is a special time of year when Exchangites join together to increase public appreciation of the important roles religious faith and freedom have played in our nation’s history.

Garland Exchangites were pleased to have City Council members Laura Cox and Jim Cahill in attendance along with the club’s Region 5 Vice President Bob Hester and members of the Maverick, Mesquite and Murphy Exchange Clubs.

The guest speaker was Major General Bill Gossell, USMC, ret. Reserve. In his time with the military Gossell spent many tours overseas and saw his share of conflicts. His talk focused more on the current turn of events and his respect and gratitude for the men and women who are currently serving.

Exchange has a long history connected with the service to America and Americans. During times of conflict Exchange has come to the aid of pilots by painting arrows on building tops for direction. In 1933 President Franklin Roosevelt called upon Exchange to help fight the Depression.  Exchange recognized high school seniors with scholarships and designated Accepting the Challenge of Excellence scholarships for students who have overcome disadvantages. Child Abuse Prevention has been the National Project since 1979. Since then many CAP Centers and auxiliary centers have been established.

The organization meets every Wednesday from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Eastern Hills Country Club, 3000 S. Country Club Road.  Visitors are welcome.  For information, visit www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.org.

ES students, parents grateful for Altrusa FROG program

Posted November 12, 2011

Altrusa International of Garland presented their premier workshop – F.R.O.G. (Future Readers of Garland) Read–A-Rama Saturday, October 22 at four Garland elementary schools.  Heather Glen, Daugherty, Northlake and Bullock were the sites for this year’s project featuring literacy. 

The event was Altrusa’s Make a Difference Day project.   Club members dressed as a literary character and read to groups of students at each school.  Then, each child could pick out a book to take home with them. There were 347 children and each one received a book, party favors, and refreshments. 

There were also 189 parents in attendance.  Parents and children expressed their appreciation, and the school administration and staff raved about everything Altrusa has done for their students.  Leftover books were distributed at book fairs at Daugherty on November 4 and Northlake on November 11. 

Altrusa is an international volunteer service organization of business and professional leaders dedicated to improving their communities.  Through the Garland club, members unite their various talents in service to others, achieving as a group what others cannot do alone.  Any woman living or working in the Garland/Rowlett area who is interested in becoming more involved in their community may visit www.garlandaltrusa to learn more.   Altrusa is also involved with TAKS tutoring, Boxes to Baghdad for troops overseas, and Garland’s Relay for Life.  

Altrusa gives women an opportunity to use their time and talent to enrich the lives of others, form lasting friendships, and work with local civic and volunteer groups on service projects of lasting benefit. 

Photos: 

Altrusa member Pam Clark dressed as a pirate during the Read A Rama.

Altrusan Janet Black dressed as a FROG for the club’s Make A Difference Day Project.

Noon Exchange Club news

Posted October 16, 2011

Mohler family recognized - The Mohler family exemplifies the “You Make a Difference” award which they received from the Noon Exchange Club of Garland at its meeting on October 5.  The father, Jay Mohler, along with his two sons, Jason and Jeremy, are all members of the Garland Police Department.

Jay was hired by the GPD in July 1980. He is currently assigned to the patrol division. During his career with the department Jay has received eight Certificates of Merits, a Meritorious Conduct Bar, Life Saving Bar and held the honor of Officer of the Month twice. He has twenty-nine complimentary letters in his personnel file.

Jason joined the GPD in December 2008. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Division. He holds two Certificates of Merit and has four complimentary letters in his personnel file.

Jeremy was originally hired as a civilian detention office in 2007. After resigning from that position to pursue his education he was rehired by the Garland Police Department in October 2010. Jeremy graduated from the police academy in April and has just recently completed the field training portion of his career and is currently assigned to the patrol division.

Paula, wife of Jay and mother of Jason and Jeremy, has been employed since 1983 at Memorial Hospital of Garland which is now Baylor Medical Center at Garland. She is the Executive Office Manager and Assistant to Tom Trenary.

The Mohler family’s commitment to Garland is appreciated.

Guest speaker - Nancy Ghirla spoke at the October 5 meeting of the organization. Members were anticipating hearing about The Garland Messenger; the news publication she founded four years ago to enlighten citizens about the good things happening in Garland. To their surprise Ghirla brought a special friend who stole the show – retired Chief Warrant Officer Jack McPherson.

He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served in many campaigns during World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. He received numerous medals and citations during the 42 years he spent in the Army.

In addition to bringing McPherson, Ghirla talked about her interest in Garland and what she has found by nosing around. For example:  Do you know where to go rainbow trout fishing year round in Garland or how many historic markers can be found in Garland?  She also told club members about the Veterans’ Tribute Garden, which is located behind the Garland Senior Citizens Center, the Veterans Day celebration that will honor all veterans, and the upcoming unveiling the new World War II plaque.

It is interesting what you can find out by attending one of the meetings of The Noon Exchange Club of Garland. The club meets every Wednesday at Eastern Hills Country Club, 3000 S. Country Club Road from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.  For more information, visit www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.org.

Mayor visits with crime watch group members

Kim Everett | September 28, 2011

Mayor Ronald Jones was on hand to answer questions of the members of the Golden Meadows Crime Watch Group.  The mayor told the organization what his priorities were during the recent budget talks.  Included in his list of most important items were:  public safety; stable communities; no city employee layoffs; no salary reductions; and no tax increase for Garland residents.  He also talked about the status of improvements on the IH-635 service road, Highway 190, and Lavon Highway as well as extensions of the DART Rail line.

Neighborhood Police Officer Thompson also updated the group on the status of ongoing neighborhood problems and solutions.  The members presented the officer with a plaque to thank him for his service.

Noon Exchange Club of Garland
hands out flags at Labor Day parade

Posted September 17, 2011

For 30 years members of the Noon Exchange Club of Garland have been leading the Garland Jaycees Labor Day parade. Members of Exchange distribute American flags to youngsters along the parade route as part of the organization’s Give a Kid a Flag to Wave program.  

In past years, members gathered at Walnut and 5^th Streets wearing Exchange club shirts and bright smiles. For the past several years, members have started handing out flags a bit prior to the parade in order to insure that all receive one.

Riding in the parade in a 1963 black Lincoln convertible was the president of the National Exchange Club and his wife. Sid Mobley and Claresie are from El Paso and were in the area to help celebrate Labor Day with members of Exchange. The organization was glad to have Sid in the parade, and afterward, members gathered at the Noon Garland’s president’s home to have lunch and enjoy each other’s friendship.

Exchange is a national organization dedicated to helping communities be better places in which to work and live. There are over 700 clubs in communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The four pillars of service in Exchange are – Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and the Prevention of Child Abuse. Clubs may select programs from these areas or establish their own to accommodate the needs of their community.

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland meets every Wednesday from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Eastern Hills Country Club. Each week members enjoy friendship, along with good fun and food. There is also a weekly speaker program and periodically awards to students or residents. The club is gearing up for its annual Kid’s Christmas Party on December 7. Guests are always welcomed to come to a meeting – be prepared to be asked to join Exchange. For more information visit www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.org or send an email to noonexchangeclubofgarland@yahoo.com. 

Councilman visits with crime watch group

Kim Everett | August 23, 2011

Members of the Golden Meadows Crime Watch Group got together at Holford Park for their monthly meeting Monday, August 22.  Newly elected District 8 Councilman Jim Cahill spoke to the group about his background, his family, and his philosophy.  He lives in the Creekside Village neighborhood and is president of the homeowners’ association.

As a devout Christian, he believes that it is important to instill a strong moral ethic in children and communities.  His children were home schooled, and he described public education as “brain washing.”

Cahill and his family moved to Garland 12 years ago, and he likes the small town feel of the city.  He wants to see that atmosphere maintained and said that neighbors need to look out for each other.  “The best defense for a neighborhood is good neighbors,” he said.  “Our neighborhoods will change if we are not careful.”

He ran for council because it is important to have good people in office who listen to their constituents.  “The important thing is to get good people who realize that there is a higher authority in this world, and that it’s not government,” he said.

Cahill believes in the rights of the citizens to be comfortable and feel safe in their homes or to enjoy the outdoors.  “This crime watch group is taking responsibility for your neighborhood,” he said.  “A whole neighborhood looking out for each other is going to help.”

The councilman also addressed the city’s demographic changes over the last 10 years.  “In 2000, whites were the majority in almost every precinct,” Cahill said.  “In 10 years, the population of whites is down and the Hispanic population is up.”   He said his neighborhood contains a mix of several nationalities and religions.  “I have no problem with diversity,” he said.

When the meeting was opened up for questions and comments, a number of Golden Meadows neighborhood residents talked to the councilman about code enforcement problems they are currently experiencing.  According to the residents, there are homes in the neighborhood that are being used as boarding houses, as well as problems with garbage items being on curbs longer than allowed by city ordinance.

In addition, the residents talked about problems at a nearby car wash.

Cahill said that he would take their concerns to the Code Compliance Department.

The Golden Meadows Crime Watch Group boundaries are Old Mill, Monterey, Buckingham, and Santa Ana.

South Garland crime watch groups join forces

Kim Everett | August 2, 2011

Members of the South Garland Crime Watch Group, a combination of groups around Garland’s Southgate area, meets quarterly to get acquainted, share information, and learn from guest speakers.  “We communicate with each other, and that’s the main ingredient in a great neighborhood,” Linda Barnes, the group’s organizer, said.

The South Garland Group is made up of the following groups:  Southgate Area Neighbors Crime Watch & More, Orchard Hills Neighborhood Association, Pecan Grove Neighborhood Association, Axe Memorial Crime Watch, New World Crime Watch, English Estates Crime Watch, and Ridgecrest English Estates Neighborhood Association.  Each quarterly meeting is planned by the sponsoring group and held at that crime watch organization’s location.  They meet quarterly to avoid interfering with each group’s regular monthly meetings.

They began meeting in July 2010 when a number of loiterers up and down Saturn and Kingsley Roads were running customers away from businesses located in the area.  “We worked together with the businesses, the police department, and the neighbors to see if we could make an impact by staying on top of the problem,” Barnes said.  “I think we made a good start.” 

The South Garland group learned about Internet crimes against children at the July 14 meeting.  Detective Tony Godwin of the Garland Police Department talked to members about numerous ways that the Internet can be a potential threat to children and explained precautions that parents can implement to protect them.

The detective shared a number of stories about Internet predators and the crimes they have committed against Garland children.  In addition, he shared stories in which he was able to foil potential crimes against children through the GPD’s proactive efforts.

The group asks that participants bring donations from the Jonathan’s Place wish list which includes: children’s clothing and pajamas; children’s Tylenol, Sudafed, and multi-vitamins; Johnson’s baby shampoo and conditioner; shampoo and conditioner for toddlers and teens; sunscreen; hand soap; toothpaste; paper plates and Dixie cups; laundry detergent; trash bags; blankets; Lysol; and 409 cleaner.

VFW 5076 holds officer
 installation ceremony

Posted July 2, 2011

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5076, along with its Ladies’ Auxiliary and Men's Auxiliary held installation of new officers.  The officers will officially be in charge as of July 2nd when state officers are installed in Houston.

The new officers for the VFW include Commander James Pratt; Sr. Vice Commander Tim Hartleben; Jr. Vice Commander Mark Stein, and Quartermaster David Stepp.

Officers for the Ladies Auxiliary are President Beverly Snow, Sr. Vice President Carolyn Ray; Jr. Vice President Barbara Hall, Secretary/Treasurer Jayne McCormick, Chaplain Carol Ann Stepp; Conductress Pearl Moss, Guard Candace Smith; Trustees Lana Perry, Bettie Newman, and Peggy Sue Worton.

Officers for the Men's Auxiliary include President Darrell Stallings; Sr. Vice President B. J. Anderson; Jr. Vice President/Secretary Dennis Snow, and Treasurer Eddie Ferrill. 

Flags of Freedom

Posted July 1, 2011

The annual Fourth of July display of flags has been posted at the entrance to Firewheel Town Center by the Noon Exchange Club of Garland with the assistance of Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Brownies. Except for heat, the couple of hours it took to put the American Flags on display was an enjoyable event.

There were about 12 Noon Exchange Club of Garland members, along with 37 scouts and adults. The flags were put up in short order and will be available for the public to view through the holiday.

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity for the public as we celebrate 100 years of serving communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Exchange was founded on the concept of service to others and has programs on Americanism, community service, youth activities, and its national project, the prevention of child abuse.

The organization meets at Eastern Hills Country Club, and members and guests enjoy lunch, speakers, and programs. The meetings are open to all, and guests are always welcomed and encouraged to join. E-mail noonexchangeclubofgarland@yahoo.com for information.

Photos:

Club President Javier Solis posts the first – Ceremonial Flag.

Ann Howell, Jim Bookhout, Patrick Roffino, club members, display the club banner.

Scouts and adults help with posting the flags.

Memorial Day celebration honors veterans

Beverly Snow | June 25, 2011

Members of Garland’s VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Garland American Legion, the Boy Scouts, and Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Mesquite joined forces to pay respect to our country’s veterans.

Calvary Hill Baptist Church held a balloon release in honor of deceased veterans and other members of the church.  Red balloons signified veterans, while the blue and white were evenly distributed.  A yellow balloon was released recognizing all Prisoners of War and those still listed as Missing in Action.  The program was spearheaded by Beverly Snow, President of Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 5076. 

Following the balloon release, Boy Scout Troop 884 of Garland held a flag retirement program.  Bruce Astin is the Scoutmaster of the group.  Scouts taking part from Troop 884 included Darrell Quarles, Eagle Scout, Kyle Oakden, Kevin Santos, John Paul Wrobbel, and David Plumlee.  Adults helping from the troop included Randy Ouellette, Susan Wrobbel, and Beverley Ouellette.   

Scott Walker from Forney’s Cub Scout Pack 1007 also took part.  Helping with the flag presentation was Dennis Snow, Commander American Legion Post 23 in Garland. 

About 200 people attended the program.  Several veterans were emotionally touched by the retirement of the colors, especially Bill Dawson, Oscar Bennett and Carl Pagano, all WWII veterans.  People were allowed to take part by putting the material in the fire honoring their loved ones.  Cub Scout Scott Walker placed the first flag in memory of his grandfather, Vietnam Veteran Harry Walker. 

Following suit were David Walker, in memory of his dad and grandfather; Dewey Martin, WWII veteran; Peggy Moody in memory of her husband Atwood; Pearl Moss in memory of her husband Harold; and Fran Agee in memory of her father Ralph Gossett, former pastor of the church.

In addition to the above activities, members of the VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, Men's Auxiliary, and American Legion placed flags on veterans' graves at Garland's Mills Cemetery and lined the street that separates the old and new cemetery sections with a "row of honor" flags.

Calvary Hill Baptist Church grew out of Chandler Drive Baptist Church in Garland.  When they outgrew their building, they relocated at the present site of 3300 La Prada in Mesquite.

Garland represented in Leadership
North Texas graduating class

Posted June 21, 2011

Garland’s Jan Furtick, president of the Payton Group and executive director of Leadership Garland, was a part of the second graduating class of Leadership North Texas.  Leadership North Texas is a graduate-level, regional leadership program designed to recruit, develop and support leaders who have a commitment to civic engagement and to the North Texas region. Participants hear from regional and national experts on various issues facing North Texas with discussion on how to address the challenges unique to our region.

The class of 27 leaders from throughout the region spent the past nine months learning best practices in regional stewardship, with discussion including education and workforce, the North Texas economy, sustainable development, healthcare and transportation.

The graduating class included members from a variety of area cities including Irving, Denton, Arlington, Addison, Richardson, and Dallas.

Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a regional non-profit consortium of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas Region. The North Texas Commission improves the economic vitality, infrastructure and lifestyle of North Texas by marketing the region, promoting collaboration and advocating on critical issues.

Noon Exchange Club
awards scholarship

Posted May 13, 2011

The recipient of the annual scholarship from the Noon Exchange Club of Garland is Courtney Shaw from Lakeview Centennial High School.  Courtney has maintained an excellent grade point average while being involved in the school and community. She is a National Honor Society member, chapter president of Law Enforcement Club, a member of the S.A.F.E. Team and the Youth and Government Club.

In addition to the Noon Exchange Club scholarship she has been recognized for receiving the April Hukill Memorial Award, the Girl Scout Silver Award, Superintendent Scholar Award, and the Academics, Athletics & Art Award.  Courtney is going to Sam Houston State University to study Biology and plans on going into Law Enforcement.

Throughout the school year the Noon Exchange Club of Garland recognizes two seniors in six of the Garland Independent School District high schools. These students, a boy and a girl, are selected by the school counselors.

The students, counselor and parents are invited to attend a club meeting where the student is introduced to the club members. The students tell a bit about themselves and where they plan on going to college. They are given a certificate and a picture is taken to be placed in their school lobby. Each of the students honored through the year have an opportunity to apply for a scholarship from the club. This process involves a 1,200 word essay on a topic chosen by the National President of Exchange Clubs and completing a form about his/her academic, social, and extracurricular activities during their high school years.  This individual’s information is then forwarded to the District’s Youth Committee for judging to compete for a scholarship.

GFC awards scholarships to GHS students

Kim Everett | May 9, 2011

The Garland Federation of Clubs held its last meeting before the summer break on Wednesday, May 4 at Eastern Hills Country Club.

Mayor Ronald E. Jones was on hand to congratulate the club’s three scholarship winners – Hannah Fekadu, Autumn Grisby, and Ethan Sprinkle.  All three are students at Garland High School.  Also a GHS student, Leanza Bethel received the club’s Youth Achievement Award.

Club award winners were announced as well.  The Auxiliary of Baylor Medical Center at Garland received the Outstanding Club award.  The Outstanding Senior Citizen award went to Jessica Acosta, and the club chose Susie Collins from Heather Glen Elementary School as Teacher of the Year.  Nancy Wilson received the Roxie Scott Club Person of the Year award.

The Friends of Olde Downtown Garland was the host club for the May meeting, and Cleo Holden shared news and information about downtown Garland with the club.  Mayor Jones also addressed members about the downtown area.

The Garland Federation of Clubs will resume meetings on the first Wednesday in September.

GDBA keeps members informed
of downtown news

Kim Everett | April 17, 2011

The Garland Downtown Business Association met Tuesday, April 12 to discuss downtown developments and future plans.

Guest speaker Barbara Burton of Hope Clinic provided an overview of the services provided by the clinic which serves Garland residents who qualify and are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid or other insurance programs.  It is a faith-based medical center which does not accept grant money.  Burton shared that for every dollar that the clinic receives from donors, $4 worth of health care is provided.  Visit www.hopeclinic-garland.org for more information.

New businesses have recently opened in the downtown area.  Lemmond’s Hairstylists on Main Street was opened by Harvey Lemmond who has been in the business for 47 years.   The Sub Station, also on Main Street opened last month.  The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and serves a variety of items.  In addition, a tea room, which will offer lunch, afternoon tea, and early dinners, will open soon.

GDBA Vice-President Margie Sloan expressed pride in downtown Garland, calling it the “heart of the city.”  “This is home, and it’s what we make it,” she said.  “Our motto is ‘one for all and all for one.’”

Laura Perkins Cox, City Council representative for the area, gave an update on the revitalization plans for downtown.  She said that the first round of public input is complete and that the information collected has been passed on to city staff.  There will be another opportunity for community input.  She also said that the entire council is committed to the downtown area.

Noon Exchange Club students of the month

Posted April 2, 2011

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland has for many years recognized outstanding seniors in the Garland Independent School District. In addition to the recognition at the club meeting, each student is eligible to apply for a scholarship presented to the Student of the Year. The selection of the Student of the Year is based on points for academic, volunteer, and extra-curricular activities during the student’s high school years. There is also a 12-word essay which this year is "America’s youth and community service:  Shining the light of volunteerism."

February Students of the Month – Naaman Forest High School

John Bychkowki – wishes to continue his education in the field of pharmacology. He plans to attend the University of Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma University, or Texas A&M. During Johns’ high school years he has participated in National Honor Society and HOSA. Some of his activities have been Science Club, football, and UIL. John enjoys listening to music in his free time.

Ginu Scaria- will major in business administration at Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, or Texas Christian University. She is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, the Garland Youth Council, and the Congressional Youth Advisory Council.  Ginu received the Academic Excellence Award in 2008, 2009 and 2010. She enjoys reading and hanging out with friends and family.

March Students of the Month – Sachse High School

Jonathan Mones – is in National Honor Society, Sachse High School Band, and Jazz Band. He plans to major in music.

Katherine Teasdale – is in Beta Club and UIL Science. She is a piano student, a Girl Scout, children’s music director, and a participant in the academic decathlon. Katherine plans to study chemistry at the University of Texas.

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland meets every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Eastern Hills Country Club, 3000 S. Country Club Road. Exchange is celebrating its’ 100^th year of serving communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In addition to the national project of the prevention of child abuse, Exchange has programs in Americanism, community service and youth activities.

Buckingham NA
gets sign toppers

Posted March 31, 2011

After securing a successful grant from the city of Garland, the Buckingham Neighborhood Association purchased, and the city installed, sign toppers for the area.  

Neighbors gathered to take photos and extend their appreciation to the city workers for a job well done on the day of the installation. The Buckingham Neighborhood Association will have a meeting on April 21st to celebrate the successful completion of this project.

Exchange Clubs celebrate milestone anniversary

Posted March 20, 2011

On Wednesday, March 9, members and friends of the Noon Exchange Club of Garland gathered at Vetoni’s on Main to celebrate the 100^th year of Exchange Clubs serving their communities.  Exchange, America’s Service Club, is an all volunteer organization dedicated to making their communities better places in which to live and work. There are chapters throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico. Exchange provides support to the communities through programs in Americanism, community service, youth activities and its signature project the prevention of child abuse.

The Noon Exchange Club of Garland was established in 1982. Over these many years the club has provided scholarships to high school seniors and for the YMCA and Salvation Army so youngsters may attend camps. The club sponsors a Christmas party for deserving youngsters from several elementary schools. It also recognizes outstanding citizens in the community and ones who serve the citizens in law enforcement and fire fighting.

Visitors and new members are welcomed to come and join the organization. The Noon Exchange Club of Garland meets Wednesdays from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Eastern Hills Country Club, 3000 S. Country Club Road, Garland. For more information, e-mail noonexchangeclubofgarland@yahoo.com or visit www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.org.  

Altrusa members learn
about Garland history

Kim Everett | March 12, 2011

Guest speaker Jerry Flook presented an outline of early Garland history to the members and guests at the Altrusa International of Garland meeting on Thursday, March 10.  Flook, a Garland native whose family has been in Garland for several generations, is active in the preservation of the city’s history.

Altrusa International is a volunteer service organization that was established in 1917.  Garland’s branch has several programs that promote literacy.  In addition, the members provide TAKS test tutoring, participate in the Relay for Life Cancer Walk, and ship care packages to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The group also hosts an annual event for fifth grade girls and their mothers to promote self-esteem and give encouragement and positive direction.

Visit www.altrusagarland.com for more information.

Firewheel Women’s Golf Association begins season

Posted February 23, 2011

The Firewheel Women’s Golf Association kicks off the 2011 season with a luncheon on March 3 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pavilion at Firewheel Golf Park.  All lady golfers are invited to attend and learn more about our league. 

The 2011 Officers and Committee Chairpersons will be introduced and new members, as well as returning members will be welcomed.  Please call or e-mail Marilyn Thomasson, FWGA president, for information on the luncheon.  214-789-4025 or m.thomasson@tx.rr.com. 

Members play 18 holes of golf every Thursday morning March-October.  Play is rotated weekly between the Bridges, Old and Lakes courses.  Tournaments are held once a month with an end of the year league championship held in October.

The FWGA belongs to the Texoma Women’s Golf Association, the Red River Women’s Golf Association, and the Women’s Texas Golf Association.  Members are invited to compete in tournaments at other courses and country clubs in North Texas.  The Firewheel ladies won the Red River Silver Trophy in 2009 and the Texoma Gold Trophy in 2010.

Membership fee for the season is $30.00.  For information on FWGA membership contact Nancy Lawson, membership recruiter at 972-841-2318 cell, or 972-436-1289 home.  E-mail is nwl6391@verizon.net.

Altrusa receives grant to repeat

program for moms and daughters

Posted January 25, 2011

Altrusa of Garland has been awarded a Foundation Grant of $1,000 from Altrusa International, Inc. for their Fun Reaching Their Goals project, enabling this local community service organization to offer the program again next year.

The project was for fifth grade girls and their mothers from Daugherty and Heather Glen Elementary Schools.  This was Altrusa’s Make a Difference Day project and the only workshop of this kind in the area.  Workshops for the students were presented on self-defense, making right choices, opportunities in GISD, back to basics on make-up and self-grooming, and goal setting. 

The mothers had workshops on building their daughter’s self esteem and setting rules and parameters.  Professionals from the Garland Police Department, GISD, Raytheon and Beauti-Control were all presenters to the 40 girls and 28 moms who participated.  Snacks, lunch, door prizes, and goodie bags that the girls had decorated ahead of time made this a popular learning experience for everyone. 

Altrusa is an international volunteer service organization of business and professional leaders dedicated to improving their communities.  Through the Garland club, members unite their various talents in service to others, achieving as a group what others cannot do alone.  Any woman living or working in the Garland/Rowlett area who is interested in becoming more involved in their community is invited to come and see what Altrusa is all about.  

In addition to our literacy programs, we are involved with Boxes to Baghdad and Garland’s Relay for Life.  You can get more information about Altrusa Garland at www.altrusagarland.com.

Optimist Club of Garland:  Bringing out the best in kids

Kim Everett | January 17, 2011

The first official Optimist Club began in Buffalo, New York in 1911.   In 1916, the Indianapolis, Ind. Club began, and founders soon began to start Optimist Clubs in other major cities.  Optimist International, the association of the clubs, was formed in 1919.

The organization went international in 1924, when the first club in Canada was formed, and they now have clubs in countries including Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Iraq, France, Barbados, Kenya, and Ukraine, to name a few.

Optimists Club members were influential during the Great Depression of the 1930s and worked diligently on various service projects during World War II.  In the 1950s, the club hosted its first international Bike Safety Week and stepped up its efforts to help homeless and neglected boys, which led to the start of many boys homes such as Optimist Home for Boys in Los Angeles and Boysville in San Antonio.

In the 1960s, the club began its work against pornography and started its Stay in School program.

The 1970s marked the beginning of the club’s work to improve the environment.  The Help Them Hear program to help hearing impaired children and adults was also started around this time.

By 1987, Optimist Club efforts were having a positive impact on the lives of five million young people each year.  In the 1980s and 1990s, the group continued to add programs that help youth, including an anti-steroid program.

Known for their positive attitudes, there are approximately 114,000 members in 3,500 clubs worldwide.  They currently serve six million young people each year, conduct 65,000 service projects, and spend $78 million on their local communities.

The vision and mission statements, along with the list of the organization’s purposes, reflect the group’s commitment to helping others. 

Vision Statement:  Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as an organization of people committed to optimism and self-development for the improvement of youth and community.

Mission Statement:  Optimist International's mission is to foster an optimistic way of life, through a network of optimists, dedicated to the full development of their potential in order to provide ever-expanding service to youth, the community, and the world.

Purposes of Optimism:

• To develop optimism as a philosophy of life

• To promote and active interest in good government and civic affairs

• To inspire respect for law

• To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people

• To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in the service to others will advance the well being of mankind, community life and the world

 Anyone interested in “Bringing out the best in kids” with the Optimist Club of Garland can call 214-232-3340 or email r.t.c@sbcglobal.net.   More information is also available at www.garlandoptimistclub.org.

Optimists honor scholarship recipients

Bryan Stockton | January 9, 2011

The Garland Optimist Club hosted its annual scholarship breakfast Saturday, Jan. 8.  Garland Independent School District recipients of Optimist Club scholarships were honored.  There were 50 award winners, along with their families, in attendance.

Noon Exchange Club welcomes
CAP Center representatives

Rosie Neely | January 7, 2011

The first 2011 meeting of the Noon Exchange Club of Garland was held Wednesday, Jan. 5. The guest speaker was Jessica Trudeau, executive director of the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Dallas, and she was accompanied by caseworker Amy McShane.

For the past 18 years the CAP Center has been aiding children and families in Dallas County. The center’s mission is to work to prevent the cycle of child abuse and bring hope to families and communities throughout Dallas County.  Trudeau described the center’s new three-year program, which will evaluate the current programs for effectiveness and indicate how they may be enhanced. The CAP Center is a program of Dallas area Exchange Clubs.

The mission of Exchange as America’s Premier Service Club is to strive to make our communities better places to live and work through programs in Americanism, community service, youth activities and the prevention of child abuse.

Photos:  Club President Javier Solis presents Jessica Trudeau with a thank you gift. 
             Club members welcomed Jessica Trudeau and Amy McShane.