Flag retirement ceremony
conducted by Boy Scouts and VFW

Beverly Snow | December 3, 2010

VFW Post 5076 and the Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries took part in a flag retirement ceremony held by Boy Scout Troop 1020 on Nov. 13.  Post and auxiliary members had taken the time to prepare several bags of flags that had been given to them for disposal. 

The flags were cut in strips, separating the red and white stripes, and the blue field was put in another bag.  The ceremony, conducted by the Boy Scouts, was very moving and reminded participants of what the flag really stands for and of the armed forces that are currently in harm's way fighting for it.

Photos: Commander James Pratt places stripes into fire
Commander James Pratt with Boy Scout leader

RSVP Choir wows
GFC meeting attendees

Kim Everett | December 2, 2010

The Rowlett Student Vocal Performers entertained the attendees of the Garland Federation of Clubs meeting at Eastern Hills on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

As Rowlett High School Choir Director Karen Lewis introduced the students, she took the opportunity to praise them.  “I am very, very proud of these students,” she said.  “They are respectful, good citizens, and they’ve worked very hard. It is a blessing working with them.”

The choir, along with the talented band that accompanied them, helped everyone get into the Christmas spirit by singing some of the holiday season classics.

Past presidents of GFC were also honored at the meeting.

November news:  Post 5076, Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries

Beverly Snow | November 28, 2010

Veterans Day parade

Members of VFW Post 5076 and its auxiliaries took part in the Veterans Day parade in downtown Dallas.  Several thousand people took time out of their day to come and watch the parade and to thank the veterans for their contributions to the freedom we enjoy in America. 

Along the parade route were several parents holding pictures of their children that are now serving in the military.

The VFW and its auxiliaries work diligently to keep the issue alive that America continues to have POWs and MIAs from all wars.  To that end, Auxiliary Secretary Gil Flores portrayed a Prisoner of War in a cage built by the members during the parade.

Photos:  Commander James Pratt and Auxiliary President Beverly Snow with Men’s Auxiliary Secretary Gil Flores. 

Post Member Mark Stein with Gil Flores in cage portraying Prisoner of War.

Veterans receive recognition at Mesquite church 

On Sunday, Nov. 7 at Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Mesquite, VFW 5076 Ladies Auxiliary President Beverly Snow put up a display of members of the church in the military. 

Several photos were from World War II veterans.  It was an interesting display for the church members, and it served as a reminder for them to thank the members of their church family who had helped preserve America's freedom.

Photos: 

Church members' military pictures.

Wreath was placed in memory of President Beverly Snow's deceased husband, Harry Walker, who died 27 years ago, at the age of 39, from Agent Orange.

WWII veteran will be missed at Post 5076

World War II veteran Franklin J. Hennig passed away November 17 at the age of 91.  He was a member of VFW Post 5076 and had recently been interviewed by students about his service in the Army during the war. 

Until the time of his death, Mr. Hennig was a daily visitor at the VFW, playing dominoes or shuffleboard. 

Photos:  Mr. Henning in the Army in WWII.

Accepting award for his service to our country from the VFW and Auxiliaries on VE Day.

Buckingham North Association
gives Yard of Month award

Posted November 3, 2010

The Buckingham North Estates Association gives "Yard of the Month" recognition to one household each month.  For November, the award was presented to Pascual and Sylvia Valle at 2411 Rochdale Street.  Babe's Restaurant gives two free meals to the winners.

Photo: President of the association, Sandra Purdom, presenting the award to the Valles.

VFW honors mothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Posted October 31, 2010

VFW Post 5076 Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries recently held a ceremony to honor Gold Star Mothers, mothers who have lost a child in combat.

Photo:  VFW District Commander Preston McCormick, District President Jayne McCormick, Post 5076 Quartermaster David Stepp, Auxiliary President Beverly Snow, Men's Auxiliary Member Dennis Snow.  Seated are Colleen Harper and Billie Clark.

POWs/MIAs not forgotten

Kim Everett | September 22, 2010

Friday, September 17 was National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and the Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries of VFW Post 5076 took the opportunity to honor those left behind after all wars.

A moving ceremony was held centered around a dinner table set for one to signify that the POW/MIA was not there to be with his/her family.

The number of POWs and MIAs from each of the country’s wars is staggering.  3,350 are still missing from World War I, and 78,777 from World War II.  The World War II number includes those lost at sea, 1,100 sailors entombed in the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, and those missing in action.

8,100 remain unaccounted for from the Korean War, and the government continues to pursue opportunities to gain access to loss sites in both North and South Korea.  Between 1996 and 2005, remains of more than 220 people were recovered.

The Cold War era, from 1946-1991, ended with 126 persons being unaccounted for.  There were 14 air missions in which crew members were lost and never recovered.

1,800 Vietnam War veterans remain unaccounted for, and the government still works to return them from Southeast Asia.  Since 1973, the remains of more than 700 veterans have been returned and identified.

49 Americans were listed as POWs or MIAs during the Gulf War, and the Department of Defense has accounted for all but three.  There are two POWs or MIAs in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From March-August of this year, five POWs/MIAs have been accounted for through the government’s continued efforts.  Three were from the Vietnam War, one was from World War II, and one was from the Korean War.

These POW/MIA numbers were furnished by Beverly Snow of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of VFW Post 5076.  A search of the internet shows that the numbers from different sources vary by a small margin.

Mayor receives gift from local organization

Kim Everett | September 16, 2010 -- Photo by Linda Jaresh

Mayor Ronald Jones received a special gift from a local Toastmasters group at their Friday, September 10 meeting.  As a tribute to his role in the beginning of the club and continued support of the organization, the Garland Communicators of Area 71 presented Mayor Jones with their retired, original flag.  The mayor was also the chartering president of the group.

Area 71 Governor Martha Stanley announced the honor to the group, and President of the Garland Communicators, Sue Briwa, presented the flag.

The honor was a surprise to Mayor Jones, who thought that he was there to kick off the club’s Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest.  “The mayor was properly surprised and happy about the gift,” Stanley said.

After the presentation, the club held its contest, which included participants from each of the four clubs in Area 71.  Friday night’s winners will compete in the Vista Division contest; and those winners will go on to the district contest in November.

  “I think we are the best kept secret in Garland,” Stanley said.  “Of the four clubs, two are community clubs, which can be visited and applied to by the general public.  Two are corporate, which means that they are open only to the company’s employees.”

 The mission of Toastmasters is “to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.”

VFW post hosts 9/11 remembrance

Kim Everett | September 13, 2010

Tears of grief and gratitude were shed during a 9/11 tribute at VFW Post 5076 on Saturday.  The ceremony, hosted by the Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries, began with the post commander talking about the importance of remembering the first responders that put their lives in danger to save people and all those who lost their lives.

Beverly Snow, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, said that everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that morning when they heard the terrible news.  She talked about the importance of remembering the first responders, along with those who are currently putting their lives on the line every day in the military, as well as those who have done so in the past, so that everyone in America can enjoy the freedom that is often taken for granted.

A short program was presented to illustrate the importance of our freedom, and those who have fought for it and died for it.  There were four candles, which represented freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, with the American flag in the middle.  One by one, the candles were extinguished, along with the light that shone on the flag.

The message was that if Americans are not vigilant, each of those freedoms could be lost. Participants closed the ceremony with the singing of “God Bless America.”

Hard work pays off with
Yard of the Month Award 

Kim Everett | September 9, 2010

Charles and Pat Davis on Grasmere Drive were the proud recipients of the Buckingham North Neighbors Association Yard of the Month Award for September.  The Davis’ received two VIP certificates for Babe’s Chicken Dinner House in Garland. 

The association, which was rekindled four years ago, has enjoyed a number of successful projects and activities.  Joan Turner and Sandra Purdom, the association’s vice-president and president are featured in the photo with Pat and Charles Davis.

GFC starts new year of service to community

Kim Everett | September 6, 2010

The Auxiliary to Baylor Medical Center at Garland and the Rowlett Historical Society served as the host clubs at the Garland Federation of Clubs meeting at Eastern Hills Country Club on Wednesday, September 1. 

A spokesperson for the Baylor Garland Auxiliary gave a brief explanation of the many services that the auxiliary has provided at the hospital since 1959.  Everything they do, from making popcorn to escorting patients to the various departments, has continued to provide a sense of comfort to both patients and family members.

VFW Post 5076 welcomes kids to safety event

Bev Snow | August 23, 2010 -- Photos by Bev Snow

VFW Post 5076, Ladies’ Auxiliary and Men’s Auxiliary was host to 32 children on Saturday, August 14 for a safety event and school supply giveaway.

The Garland Fire Department brought a ladder truck and ambulance, and firefighters gave the kids tours of both vehicles.  The children were also fingerprinted so that their parents would have that information on file in case of emergency.

There were coloring tables where participants could color patriotic and bicycle safety pictures, and the artwork was hung on the Wall of Fame in the VFW post meeting room.  The kids also received certificates for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and safety brochures were handed out.

Bev Snow is the president of the VFW Post 5076 Ladies Auxiliary.

Family works together to transform lawn

Posted July 29, 2010

Alicia and Kevin Brown are proud winners of the Ridgecrest/English Estates Association Yard of the Month Award for July. 

The transformation took the family a couple of weekends of hard work, but the experience was fun for the whole family.  Alicia said that the lawn improvements cost approximately $500, and most of the money went toward the purchase of the stones and a little help with the digging of the flowerbeds. “Anyone on a budget can do it,” she said.

She also said that there are many proud homeowners in the area and they noticed other neighbors making improvements as well.

“We started with scalloped concrete edging and transformed our yard with free-formed stone edged beds for planting.  Some beds were new, so we used a water hose and landscaping spray paint to get the desired shape we wanted before digging,” she said. 

When the beds were dug and cleaned, fresh dirt was added to build the beds up, along with several bushes, monkey grass, and various flowers for rich color.  Most are perennials and will return year after year.  

“We followed up our yard’s transformation by adding colored mulch to all of the beds, trimming the existing hedges and trees, plus keeping our St. Augustine yard neatly mowed and edged,” Alicia said.

“Our neighborhood association also rewards the winner with a prize along with the yard of the month sign.” 

Golden Meadow Crime Watch group started in North Garland

August 7, 2010

Jessica Acosta is the coordinator of the Golden Meadow Crime Watch group, which was started in April.  As coordinator, Acosta works with Neighborhood Police Officer Thompson and the captains of each block.

The group is enjoying good participation by neighborhood residents.  Old Mill, Monterey, Buckingham, and Santa Ana border the area.

Crestpark Estates residents fight back against crime

Kim Everett / July 1, 2010

Residents in Crestpark Estates, a neighborhood in northwest Garland, have gotten together to form a Neighborhood Crime Watch group.  Carole Harkins, who volunteered to be the coordinator of the group, attends meetings held by the Garland Police Department where she learns ways to prevent crime and takes the information back to the group.  There are block captains on each street that are responsible for keeping their neighbors updated on what is happening in the area.

Harkins is also in the process of getting crime watch signs that will be placed around the neighborhood.  She hopes that more residents will check out the group meetings, and she feels that the crime watch organization can make a positive difference.

At the Sunday, June 13 meeting, residents not only had an opportunity to discuss problems they are experiencing, but also found out about the potential impact that a neighborhood watch group can have.  Kids were treated to face painting, and all enjoyed refreshments.

According to information from the GPD, residential and vehicle burglary, along with criminal mischief, are the most common neighborhood crimes.  Burglary of homes is one of the most common because it is one of the easiest to commit and one of the most difficult to solve. 

Having a neighborhood watch program can help reduce crime and increase citizen awareness and involvement.

Association active in Orchard Hills neighborhood

Kim Everett / June 28, 2010

The Orchard Hills Neighborhood Association, which was established in 2001, is bound by Kingsley Road, Glenbrook Drive, Saturn Road and Ashwood/Overhill.  One of Garland’s most successful and active associations, it was the first recipient of the Citizens Environmental and Advisory Committee award in 2009. CENAC recognizes groups that work to improve and beautify their neighborhoods, provide education about the city, and have ongoing activities for neighbors to visit and work together.

One of OHNA’s co-chairs, Betty Roberts, believes strongly in the value of neighborhood associations because she has seen the positive effects the group has had on her neighborhood.  She cites the following reasons for the importance of the groups:

• To help people deal with problems as a group -- groups have more impact on the city
• To get residents involved in what is happening in the neighborhood
• To give residents opportunities to meet each other
• To build a sense of belonging
• To create a sense of security and safety
• Residents feel that they have someone to talk to

“An association will bring people together, and it helps restore the feeling of community that many feel they have lost,” Roberts said.  “Working together creates good projects, good neighborhoods, and good feelings.”

They have already experienced success in getting street repairs and improvements done, along with sidewalk, alley, and drainage system improvements.  The crime rate has also decreased, and the group offers assistance to senior citizens.

Having been awarded a $50,000 neighborhood vitality grant from the city last year, OHNA is working on a large landscaping project that will beautify the neighborhood, as well as purchase sign toppers throughout the neighborhood.

Roberts advises anyone interested in starting a neighborhood association to contact Felicia Conner in the city’s Neighborhood Vitality Department.  “She can help people organize an association and will provide guidelines and support. It takes three to five people who are willing to work, talk to people, and set up meetings.”

Approximately 10 percent of the Orchard Hills neighborhood residents are members of the association.  To keep residents informed about what is happening in the area, they distribute newsletters to every household twice each year.  They also have members only events including a garage sale and Christmas party.  All neighborhood residents are invited to the annual picnic at Rick Oden Park in June where residents enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, along with lots of fun activities for the kids.

OHNA differs from many homeowners associations in that membership in the group is voluntary, and they work to maintain a self-designated area.  “Many neighborhood associations have come and gone,” Roberts said.  “We are fortunate that we have people determined that Orchard Hills Neighborhood Association will be an active, integral, and important part of Garland.

Neighborhood association honors military members

Kim Everett / June 4, 2010

The Buckingham North Neighbors Association honored members of the military on Memorial Day by placing approximately 400 flags at the homes in their neighborhood.  The tribute was planned to recognize and honor the many sacrifices of the men and women in the military, both past and present. 

“We are happy to remember all the armed forces for protecting this United States of America,” association president Sandra Purdom said.

The association, which was reinstated in April 2006, has approximately 35 members who regularly attend quarterly meetings.  The group organizes activities such as scheduling guest speakers to address the group on various neighborhood safety topics and speakers from city of Garland departments.  They also host block parties and are currently in the process of purchasing sign toppers to place around the outside perimeter of the neighborhood.

The Buckingham North Neighbors Association is strictly voluntary and therefore does not charge dues.  They do however, accept donations for help in funding activities and projects.

GFC honors volunteers, educators, students

Kim Everett / May 9, 2010 

The Garland Federation of Clubs held its annual awards luncheon Thursday, May 6 at Eastern Hills Country Club and enjoyed an unexpected treat when the Garland Independent School District Mariachi Band performed at the beginning of the luncheon.

The GFC has numerous goals including promoting interclub relations, sharing community projects and ideas, and promoting local club projects.  The main goal, however, is to award scholarships to local high school seniors.  The number and amount of scholarships is dependent on the success of various fundraising campaigns, and this year, $5,700 was raised to help young men and women with the cost of their education.

This year’s scholarships will be awarded in the name of the Christopher Olson Memorial Scholarship fund, which will become an annual tradition.  Christopher Olson was a young man who graduated from South Garland High School with plans to attend Baylor University.  The week he was scheduled to leave for college, he notified the club that he had been diagnosed with leukemia.

Hoping for the best, they held his scholarship money for a year, but sadly, this outstanding young man lost his battle with cancer in the fall of 2009.

Carlos Baltazar of South Garland High School was awarded a $2,000 scholarship to pursue business at Richland College.  Michelle Kathleen Thomas, also of SGHS, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship to study zoology at the University of North Texas.  Chisom Eze of North Garland High School earned a $1,200 scholarship to study nursing at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Jocelyn Garcia, also of NGHS, earned a $1,000 scholarship to study Education at Richland College.

In addition to awarding scholarships, several other members of the community were honored at the luncheon:

Teacher of the Year - San Juanita Nekunazarazad – Daugherty Elementary School

Youth Achievement Award - Sonnet Phillips – Garland High School

Outstanding Senior Citizen - Margorie Chamberlain

Outstanding Club - Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5076

Roxie Scott Clubwoman of the Year - Beverly Snow

Clubs that are members of the GFC include:

Altrusa International Inc. of Garland

Auxiliary to Baylor Medical Center

Boy Scouts of America Gray Owl District

Garland Democratic Women

Garland Music Club

Garland Republican Women

Garland Retired School Personnel

Garland Senior Activity Center

Rowlett Historical Society

Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 5076