Garland resident participates in ETBU mission trip

Mike Midkiff, ETBU | February 4, 2012

“Eye opening,” is the sentiment of 12 East Texas Baptist University students who experienced a 10-day mission trip to Ethiopia during the Christmas break. The long journey from campus to Bona, a small village in southern Ethiopia, was the first ETBU student trip to the area. The final leg of the journey to arrive in Bona was a five hour bus trip, with the last four traveled on a very bumpy, dirt road. The whole ministry trip had over 90 hours of travel.

ETBU Assistant Professor of Religion Dr. Elijah Brown, along with his wife, Amy, accompanied the team of students to Ethiopia. Dr. Brown said it is difficult to put into words the different lifestyles that one finds in various places of the world.  So what is Ethiopia like, especially for a village of 5,000 such as Bona?

“On the Sunday the students were in Bona, they visited a family that lives in a small one- room hut,” shared Dr. Brown. “There was very little separation between the parents and the six children. The kitchen area consists of a fire to cook over. At night, the family brings their cows inside the hut with them. Can you imagine sleeping at night in that kind of environment?”

“This was my first trip overseas,” said Breann Whitaker, a sophomore from Caddo Mills. “It was really eye opening because, when compared to the possessions that most college students have, the Ethiopians have very little. They are not worried about material things. I thought I was going to be very sad while I was there, but their happiness is really contagious.”

“The people of Ethiopia are so welcoming, warm, joyful, and thoughtful,” added senior Jordan Langford of Wellington. “Our main objective while in Ethiopia was to bring honor to God,” said Alisa Roberts, a senior from Sherman.

“On the trip, we did a VBS at the Bright Hope Buckner School in Bona for about 400 children. We split in different groups, using a rotation of Bible study, crafts, recreation, and health stations,” said sophomore Onisha Bradshaw of Garland. “I was on the crafts team and it was amazing seeing little children using a crayon for the first time.”  

During the Bible study time, the ETBU students used translators to help them teach through the first 11 chapters of Genesis. “One day while I was in the middle of teaching about Adam and Eve, so many distractions started happening,” said Lucy Elston, a junior from Mansfield. “The children were talking, looking out the window, and the teacher’s cell phone literally went off three times.”

Elston had prayed before the trip that the children would have an understanding to the truths being taught. As the distractions were occurring Elston asked silently, “God, why so many distractions?  I am trying to teach Your Word.”

“I realized something, in our teaching we were proclaiming some serious truth, and the enemy was trying to thwart its purpose in the lives of the children by distracting them,” continued Elston. “God confirmed my request when He made me realize these things. I began to feel so empowered and continued teaching with even more boldness that drowned out the cries of the enemy.”

“The principal at the school, who also served as one our translators, said he was so intrigued by the health teaching because it was new to him,” said freshman Logan Moree of Paris. The health education station taught the children how to boil their water to make it clean, brush their teeth, wash their hands, and use the restroom and dispose waste correctly.  

“The principal said he had plans of teaching the same material to the families of his students we taught. It just warmed my heart that simple health techniques that we practice in America and take for granted, could potentially save lives,” added Moree. 

The group did other evangelistic work by showing the “Jesus Video,” one evening at a local Christian church. “There were people just crying and weeping openly as they watched how Jesus was being treated,” said Langford. “I remember one woman distinctly, during the scene when the soldiers were beating Jesus in the court. The woman and myself caught eyes as she was holding her baby so tight, rocking back and forth, just crying. That emotion was so real.”

The team split up Sunday while in Bona, allowing each group to attend different churches. Dr. Brown was invited to preach at one church and freshman Calvin Williams preached his first ever sermon at the other.

“What a blessing to partner with the churches that are there. The church within Ethiopia is growing at a rapid pace. It is an exciting time to go to a place and see that Christianity is really on the move,” said Brown.

“One of the highlights for many of the students that has been shared with me, was the opportunity we had on Sunday morning to participate in a robust worship service,” said Dr. Brown.

Roberts said, reflecting back on her Sunday attending church in Bona, “I will never forget the experience. During the worship time, the congregation literally jumped and danced in praise of Jesus. At that moment, it hit me that we were all part of the body of Christ and even though I could not understand them, we were worshipping the same Jesus. And some day in heaven we will be united together in praise of the Lamb!”

“I say frequently, you have not really worshipped until you have worshipped in Africa,” added Brown.

The team also participated in a high school exchange with approximately 25 students. The cultural exchange allowed for a time of relationship building and for each group to visit about their culture, customs, and holidays.  

Before leaving the country, time in the capital city of Addis Ababa allowed the ETBU students to tour the offices of Bright Hope, including their baby and children’s orphanage. They also toured Addadi Maryan Church, which is a rock hewn-church built in the 12^th-14^th centuries and still in use today.

“The people of Ethiopia are so different than me and live halfway around the world from the ETBU campus, yet we believe in the same God. God is doing so much in the country of Ethiopia,” Elston said.

Photos by Elijah Brown, ETBU

Many families in the small village of Bona, Ethiopia live in one room huts.

A team of 12 East Texas Baptist University students went to Ethiopia recently to conduct a VBS at school located in the small village in Bona. On Sunday, the students had the opportunity to participate in a worship service at a local church.

Garland native Onisha Bradshaw passes out coloring sheets during VBS at Bright Hope Buckner School in Bona, Ethiopia. Bradshaw was a part of a team of East Texas Baptist University students who served 10 days on a mission trip to Ethiopia.

'The Mount' celebrates Black History Month

Posted February 2, 2012

Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating Black History Month with a variety of activities and events.

Each Sunday in February, a portion of the morning services will be dedicated to Black History. The segments will feature videos, skits depicting African American Trailblazers and Heroes, the history of items that are synonymous with African Americans, readings of excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speeches, poetry readings, plus special guest speakers.

Sunday, February 5, will feature a video on the African American Museum and, Bandele Tyehimba, Owner of The Pan African Connections Specialty Store in Oak Cliff, will be on hand to give a history lesson and demonstration on the Kenta cloth. 

At the February 12 services there will be skits depicting famous African Americans. Guest speaker Nucleus Johnson, Director of The North Texas Voices Of Influence, Inc., will participate in the February 19 services reciting excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speeches. 

The February 26 services will be attended by retired engineer and the first African American female in the United States to operate a freight train for the Santa Fe Railroad, Silvia Duckens. A video presentation of her life will be shown and Duckens will speak. There will also be poetry readings by the Youth at The Mount.

Another Black History event that will take place at the church on Wednesday, February 22, is a Symposium to discus the book, “The Warmth of the Other Suns”, by Isabel Wilkerson.  The book tells the true story of 6 million Black Southerners out of the terror of Jim Crow migrating to “uncertain existence” in the Northern, Midwestern, and Western parts of the country from 1915 to 1970.  Attendees will discuss why the book is important and why we should share the knowledge of it with our children and grandchildren.  The group will also discuss how the migration of Black Southerners affected the economic structure and culture of other regions.  The symposium is free and open to the public.

Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, where the Senior Pastor is Leonard O. Leach, is located at 1233 State Highway 66, and is in itself a part of Black History. The church, which has nearly 4500 members, is one of the oldest African American Churches in Garland and will be celebrating its 54^th Anniversary this year. 

Mount Hebron’s staple projects include Mount Hebron Urban Community Housing, Mount Hebron Christian Academy, and international ministries in Zambia, Mexico, Pakistan and Haiti.

For more information about the church, its activities, events, and ministries or to make a donation, call 972-276-5218 or go to www.onthemount.org.

ACT/GISD Special Arts Festival showcases artistic talents

Posted February 2, 2012 -- Photos by Edd Holden

The Achievement Center of Texas and the Garland Independent School District hosted their annual Special Arts Festive Saturday, January 21 at the Special Events Center.  The festival provides opportunities for people with special needs to express themselves and inspire others through art.

The festival, which featured performing arts as well as painting, drawing, and craft projects, was sponsored by the Garland Cultural Arts Commission and CBS Channel 11 TV.   

Two Garland churches forge relationship to improve community

Kim Everett | January 21, 2012

Garland’s Springcreek Church and Kaiser Street Missionary Baptist Church celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday together by designing and building the first-place float in last week’s parade.  

The float featured a photo of Dr. King giving his famous “I Have a Dream” speech along with other photos and inspiring messages.   Members of the churches’ congregations followed the float carrying signs with additional photos and messages.

Pastor Keith Stewart of Springcreek Church said that his church has always been involved in helping others, but that he wanted to take it a step further.  “We want to make communities better,” he said.  “We want to transform them.”  He further explained that churches going into disadvantaged neighborhoods and rebuilding homes is good, but other changes need to be made as well.  “Cosmetic improvements don’t necessarily change a neighborhood,” he said.

Stewart, who started Springcreek Church 21 years ago, said that the people in the disadvantaged neighborhoods are the ones that know what needs to be done and he feels that it is insulting for organizations to go in with their own agendas and make changes without consulting the residents.

He hopes that Springcreek’s relationship with Kaiser Street Missionary Baptist Church will enable them to work together to effect needed changes. 

Pastor Milton Doyle of the Kaiser Street Church feels that the partnership will benefit many.  “We want to improve the community collectively,” he said.  “The community will see a team effort.  We often preach oneness in the body of Christ, and now we’ll see it working.” 

Doyle also called the partnership of the churches the “embodiment of Dr. King’s message of different creeds and colors coming together.  Doyle, who came to Garland from St. Louis, Missouri three years ago, has been the pastor at Kaiser Street for eight months.  He saw a need for races, people, and churches to work together to improve communities and said that the partnership will be a model of what can be accomplished.   

“We serve the same Lord,” he said.  “Let’s work together for the betterment of our community.”

Congressman kicks off Valentines for Veterans

Posted January 18, 2012

Today, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) encouraged students of all ages to participate in the annual “Valentines for Veterans” project by making hand-made Valentines for those who have served in our armed forces.  Last year, 19 area public and private schools participated in the Valentines for Veterans program.

“Every year, these students use their time, talent and creativity to show appreciation for those who have fought for our freedom,” said Johnson. “Valentines for Veterans is a wonderful way to thank these brave men and women, and the students’ heart-felt greetings are greatly appreciated.”

Every February, Americans show their gratitude to hospitalized veterans by sending Valentine cards and letters to the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country in conjunction with National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.  Johnson and his staff will hand-deliver the Third District cards on Valentine’s Day at the Dallas VA Medical Center.

This year, staff will pick up Valentines from designated schools on February 6.  To coordinate a pick-up, contact the local office by February 3 at Susan.Fischer@mail.house.gov or by phone at 972-470-0892.  Members of the public may drop off to the district office in Richardson.

A 29-year Air Force veteran, Johnson served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War, more than half of that time in solitary confinement.

Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.

Garland author’s second novel tackles tough subjects

Kim Everett | January 17, 2012

In her recently published second novel, RSVP: A Case for Logan Myles, Garland author Kathleen R. West explores the trickle down DNA effects passed on by our ancestors.  She expresses it this way:  “His great grandparents were slaves and a lot of what they suffered and weren’t allowed to express clung to their DNA like a fungus, traveling down through the generations.  Emancipation may have freed some slaves physically, but it didn’t solve the psychological effects of being abused and tortured because of skin color.”

West, who was raised in the north, was shocked when she moved to Texas in 1976 and found a serious racism problem.  “No matter how much people said there wasn’t a race problem, there was, and there still is,” she said.  “I was shocked at the way people of color were treated when I came here.”

The story is about two young women, Katie and Abby, who grew up as best friends and neighbors until Abby’s family abruptly moved to a different neighborhood with no explanation soon after the death of her mother.   Katie is getting married soon, and wants her best friend at the wedding, but the RSVP card she receives from Abby is not only shocking, it will end up changing many lives.

Through a cast of interesting and often complex characters, the book explores organ transplantation in a way that most have never thought about, and it brings up legal questions that most readers will not have ever contemplated.  Shocking facts about African-Americans and organ transplants are also brought to light.  For example, West said that her research indicated that fewer African American people are organ donors because they feel that they will not be given the same chances of survival.  “They feel that no one is going to fight as hard for their life as they will for a white person,” West said. 

Issues including the destructiveness of secrecy and shame are exposed as well, along with the effects of selfishness, fear, pride, and arrogance.

The two families, though it stayed well-hidden for some time, are drastically different.  Katie’s wealthy Caucasian family is quite comfortable, knows all the right people, and although Katie’s mother is somewhat controlling, the family loves each other unconditionally.  It isn’t that they didn’t have problems, and by far the most serious was Katie’s heart condition; but she had survived the illness and is engaged to a man that her parents approved of, and all is well.

At first glance, Abby’s family is also doing well.  On the surface, they were a happy African-American family.  The father is an intelligent, well-educated man who makes a good living, but there are secrets that no one outside the family knows.  The mother took her secrets to an early grave and left two daughters to survive without her.  Samantha, the youngest daughter, knows more of the secrets than anyone and leaves home to save her own sanity.  Abby stays behind to keep the family’s secrets hidden from the outside world.  Keeping everything inside and holding together the façade of the perfect family takes its toll on the young woman.

The first question from some readers will be:  Why the silence?  Why didn’t the family seek help?

West, who was abused as a child, understands the silence.  She grew up in a small community where you didn’t talk about your problems and you didn’t shame the family name.  “People often care more about what other people think than what God thinks so we keep secrets from each other,” she said.  “We don’t want anyone to look down on us.”

The book is filled with interesting characters and meaningful messages, and the one that West would most like for readers to come away with is one that she learned by example from Pete Schenkel, her former boss at Schepp’s Dairy.  “He didn’t judge people by what he saw.  He accepted everyone,” she said.  “Nationality, color, disability – none of that stuff mattered.  He let people be themselves and he took the time to care about everyone.”

Visit www.kathywest.net for more information or to order books.

Garland residents gather for MLK parade

Kim Everett | January 17, 2012

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Garland, Texas Branch hosted the 23^rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Saturday, January 14.  The parade route, which started on Dairy Road and ended at the downtown Garland Granville Arts Center, gave lots of Garland residents the opportunity to enjoy this year’s 123 entries.  The theme was “Celebrating God’s Drum Major: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Youth Pastor Stafford Counts of Zion Baptist Church in Rowlett and Pastor Aaron Gaddis, assistant to the senior pastor at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, served as grand marshals.

Parade entries included NAACP representatives, the North Garland and Lakeview Centennial High Schools’ marching bands, along with candidates running for local offices.  Also participating in the parade were numerous local churches, the Salvation Army, Garland Independent School District representatives and Garland City Council members.  Garland Mayor Ronald E. Jones and Representative Angie Chen Button were also on hand for the celebration.

Guide dog gives Garland resident increased mobility

Kim Everett | January 10, 2012

Adan Delgado of Garland graduated Saturday, November 5, 2011 with a black Labrador Retriever Guide Dog named Kenzie at his side. The duo completed two weeks of intensive training, working from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day except Sundays, at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., in Boring, Oregon.   

During the training, guide dogs and handlers learn to negotiate stairways, elevators, overhead obstacles, crowded sidewalks, and busy streets. The dogs are trained to avoid distractions and disobey commands to cross a street if traffic is approaching.  According to Delgado, having Kenzie lowers his stress level because it’s much more effective than using a cane.  Before he had Kenzie, he was looking down all the time as he walked, and sometimes had problems with running into objects and stumbling.  Because of the trust he has in Kenzie, he doesn’t feel that he has to be looking down so much to try and see where he’s walking.  This helps his back and posture as well.   

He has been visually impaired all his life.  He is nearsighted, has astigmatism, and suffers from hypersensitivity to light.  He can see two feet on a good day, but it’s difficult for him to focus.  On bad days, his vision is limited to approximately one foot.  Without Kenzie, he was always working hard to focus, but she keeps him from having to worry about that because he trusts that she is guiding him safely.  “She’s just a great companion,” Delgado said. 

The organization is dedicated to providing people who are visually impaired the opportunity to experience what a partnership with a guide dog can mean to mobility and quality of life.  The school fits the dog’s characteristics and personality with the handler’s, and they personalize the training to match the handler’s lifestyle.  For example, Delgado is an active person and will soon be going to the University of Texas at Dallas for his master’s degree, so he was partnered with an active dog. 

Guide Dogs for the Blind has produced more than 10,000 trained guides for graduates across the U. S. and Canada.  There are more than 2,500 people enjoying the comfort, companionship, and safety of these dogs.

Students are offered air transportation, room and board, training, equipment, financial assistance for veterinary care, and support services free-of-charge.  Guide Dogs for the Blind also offers extensive post-graduation support, and upon the retirement of a guide, the graduate is invited to return for training with a new dog. 

The decision to get a guide dog is a serious one, and the school conducts several in-depth interviews to be certain that applicants are appropriate candidates.  Delgado had been thinking about getting a guide dog for approximately three years before he started the process.

Delgado said that he was impressed with the Dallas area public transportation system, but there are more things that could be done in Texas to improve mobility for the visually impaired.  “There are still places you cannot go without a car,” he said. 

“I know people who feel intimidated by a lack of mobility, but with a guide dog you get rid of a lot of the limitations,” Delgado said.  “The dog increases your possibility of getting out of your comfort zone.  It also increases your self-confidence and your self-esteem.”

Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization supported by private, charitable donations and the time and talents of staff members, puppy raisers, and other volunteers.  For more information, contact Guide Dogs for the Blind at 800-295-4050 or visit www.guidedogs.com.

Annual MLK parade, march

Posted January 7, 2012

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Garland, Texas Branch will host its 23^rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and March on Saturday, January 14, 2012, beginning at 10:00 a.m. 

Parade route: 

Starts on Dairy Road @ Garden Drive (near Embree Park)

It proceeds north on Dairy Road to Highway 66 (Avenue D)

West (left) on Highway 66 (Avenue D) to First Street

North (right) on First Street to Highway 66 (Avenue B)

West (left) on Highway 66 (Avenue B) to Fifth Street

North (right) on Fifth Street to Austin Street

Parade ends at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland

This year’s theme is “Celebrating God’s Drum Major: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”  Grand marshals are Youth Pastor Stafford Counts of Zion Baptist Church in Rowlett and Pastor Aaron Gaddis, assistant to the senior pastor at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.

The celebration continues with an MLK commemorative program at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. 5^th Street in Garland immediately following the parade and march.  The MLK Communitywide Youth Choir and the Ida Handley Elementary School Choir will perform.  This free event is open to the public.

In her 20th year as volunteer coordinator of the parade and march, Gwen Daniels said that the only challenge that the local NAACP faces is getting Garland and surrounding area residents to turn out for the celebration.

MLK Youth Extravaganza

Youth groups from area churches will showcase their spiritual talents in praise dance, step routines and military style drills on Sunday, January 15 at the Granville Arts Center, Brownlee Auditorium beginning at 4:00 p.m.  Admission is free and the event is open to the public. 

For more information, call 972-381-5044, voice box #5, or visit www.garlandtxnaacp.org.

Corporate sponsors include:

·         Balfour Corporation of Garland - 2012 Corporate Title Sponsor of MLK Citywide Youth Choir

·         INX, Incorporated - 2012 Corporate Sponsor of MLK Citywide Youth Choir

·         Mt. Hebron Baptist Church - 2012 Community Sponsor of MLK Youth Choir

·         City of Garland - 2012 Corporate Sponsor of MLK weekend of events

·         Garland ISD - 2012 Community Sponsor of MLK weekend of events

Garland residents help Richardson
church serve disadvantaged families

Posted December 28, 2011 -- Photos by David Alvey

Christmas was brighter in hundreds of North Texas households thanks to the generosity of members at The Heights Baptist Church. More than 1,000 volunteers threw a Christmas party for 325 disadvantaged families December 11.

"Three Trees addresses specific needs for each child while helping the whole family," said Richard Covington, community minister at The Heights. "Each child received a new toy and a $20 gift certificate to buy new shoes. Then, each family got a $40 gift card to buy their Christmas dinner. All totaled, our church members donated $65,000 worth of toys, gift cards and cash to fund this community outreach. More than 1,000 members volunteered to serve during the annual event."

When families arrived, the children were separated by age and led to classrooms around the church for snacks, crafts, and entertainment. Meanwhile, parents were paired with a host family, who led them into the worship center to select a toy for each of their children. Thousands of toys were stacked several feet high, filling the stage and stretching across the front of the 2,500-seat sanctuary. After selecting gifts for their kids, parents relaxed with cookies and hot cocoa while volunteers wrapped the presents.

“We are called to serve our neighbors,” Covington said. “We don’t just reach out once a year to give them Christmas presents. We are engaged with our community throughout the year. Many of our church members mentor students at Bukhair Elementary in Richardson ISD. We also help with special events like math and science night and their spring carnival.”

The Heights Baptist Church is located at Renner Road and US 75 in Richardson. In addition to a traditional Sunday service at 9:15 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:50 a.m. in the worship center, the church offers a Spanish-language service Sundays at 10:50 a.m. in the chapel. More information is available at http://www.theheights.org.
 

Photos:

Sean Landry of Dallas; Jennifer Holland of Plano; and Daniel Burke of Sachse
Richard Covington, community minister, with Kelly Wills and John Wills, executive pastor
Katie McMillan (left) of Garland plays video game with a guest
Ross and Leigh Ann Hatchett of Garland with Doug Hansen of Richardson
Natalie Russell of Plano and Ashley Chandler of Garland
Garland residents Kim and Dr. Gary Singleton, senior pastor at The Heights
Dr. Becky & Jon Berry of Garland host a family

Firewheel Church, Atmos Energy team up to help others

Posted December 28, 2011

Firewheel Church of Garland has teamed up with Atmos Energy Corporation to provide funds for those needing assistance with their natural gas bills this winter.  Firewheel Church members donated $15,000 and Atmos Energy is providing additional funds to go toward Atmos Energy's Share the Warmth program. 

Atmos Energy works with numerous community energy-assistance agencies across the United States. These nonprofit agencies accept applications from people needing assistance and share the available funds according to their established program guidelines.

Firewheel Church is donating the funds they raised to the Salvation Army of Garland and the Urban League Greater of Dallas and North Central Texas to go specifically toward the elderly and disabled in the Garland area for assistance with their natural gas bill.                                          

Firewheel Church and Atmos Energy presented these funds to the two agencies Sunday, December 18 during worship services.  Firewheel Church is located at 1600 West Campbell in Garland.

Special Ones Network celebrates Christmas

Kim Everett | December 18, 2011 -- Photos by Edd Holden

The Special Ones Network held its fourth annual Christmas party for special needs individuals at the Hella Shrine Temple on Sunday, December 4.  A cold rain outside did not keep almost 600 attendees from having a great time at the party.  Special needs individuals of all ages had their photos taken with Santa, played games, visited with firefighters, made ornaments, enjoyed lots of other activities, and had a great lunch.   

Kristal and Dean Davis of the Special Ones Network were thrilled with the turnout and grateful for all the support, help, and donations they received.  The Davis’ have four children, and their youngest son, Evan, has autism.  According to Kristal, there are not many activities for special needs individuals, especially those over 18-years-old, and the Special Ones Network is determined to change that. 

"The events Special Ones Network hosts are important for Dean and I, for we know first that we are obeying what God has told us to do.  What we do is all God's idea and we have been given a passion to serve the special needs community,” Kristal said.  “Secondly, the events are important to us, for Special Ones Network provides another social outlet for special needs children, adults, and their families when they are often forgotten and isolated.”

The Davis’ had lots of help from friends, family, and their church family to organize and host the fun-filled Christmas celebration.  Their Orchard Hills Baptist Church family gave monetary donations, baked goods, turkeys, and fruit which enabled them to serve a complete meal at the party.  They also gave of themselves through volunteer hours by helping at the event, running games, and serving food. 

The Davis’ children worked before, during, and after the party, and their extended family, including siblings, nieces and nephews, and parents also helped.  “It has really turned into a family affair,” Kristal said.

The firefighters from Garland Fire Station 5 brought a fire engine and an ambulance for the kids to explore, but the weather didn’t permit many outside activities.  The firefighters did have lunch inside at the party so that they could visit with the special needs individuals and their families. 

Taco Casa donated cans of cheese and jalapenos, along with lots of chips for nachos.  Cici’s Pizza at Northwest Highway and Centerville Road provided pizzas at a discount and donated sweet rolls.  

In addition to the Christmas party, the Special Ones Network hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Surf & Swim night, and vacation Bible school.  “We are really looking forward to doors opening in 2012 and having more events.”

The goal of the Special Ones Network is to host events for all types of special needs individuals and their families.  Living with an autistic child ourselves, we know activities are practically non-existent for these special ones.  Our desire is to change this, one event at a time.

GISD students help make Habitat home a reality

Kim Everett | December 14, 2011

Friends, family, and volunteers gathered Saturday, December 10 to help a Garland family celebrate the dedication of their new Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland home.

This home is particularly special in that much of the work was completed at Garland’s Naaman Forest High School by the Construction Technology class taught by Chase Larson.  In addition, the electrical work was done by North Garland High School students and teacher James McKee. 

NFHS Construction Technology students Luke Barton and Isaac Aguilar were on hand for the dedication and were happy to have been a part of the process.  “It feels good to give back to the community and help others,” Barton said.

Joy Williams and Raven Myers, members of the NFHS LIGHT Brigade group, along with sponsor Vivian Johnson, were also in attendance to deliver housewares that the group had purchased for the family.

Council Member Laura Perkins Cox praised the HFHGG program as she joined in the celebration.  “The Habitat homes here in district 2 are respectful and beautiful and they’re great for the older neighborhoods,” she said.  “It’s wonderful to see people become proud homeowners.”

HFHGG has helped more than 70 families since it was established in 1974. Recipients are carefully selected through an application process, and Habitat homes are not free.  The new homeowners have mortgage payments on interest-free loans, and they work anywhere from 250-350 hours on the construction of the home.  HFHGG representatives call the program “a hand up, not a hand-out.”

Hawaiian Falls Christmas blessings are back; nominate someone today

Posted December 2, 2011

There are many reasons to bless others this Christmas and Hawaiian Falls wants to hear from you.  Nominate a deserving family or someone who has made a difference in your life or the lives of others.  Hawaiian Falls will choose 25 winners from each of its five Texas.

All nominations must be received by 12 a.m. Sunday, December 25 to qualify. Only new nominations will be accepted. Nominated families from previous years are not eligible to win.     

Winning nominations will receive a complimentary Family 4-Pak to be used anytime during the 2012 season.  Prize includes four admission tickets, four combo meals and all day drinks.  Winners will be notified by phone or email no later than December 31 and names will be posted in our email broadcast and on the website at www.hfalls.com.

Enter Christmas Blessings nominations at http://tinyurl.com/hfblessings.

Skip the holiday financial stress

Kim Everett | December 1, 2011

Everyone wants to get the perfect gifts for their loved ones, but spending during the holiday season has grown out of control for many families.  There is unnecessary financial stress associated with the holiday season, and in some cases, the meaning of Christmas has become overshadowed by the value of the gifts we give or receive.

To help alleviate some of the financial worries, set a Christmas budget and stick to it.  The added stress of creating bills that must be paid after the holiday season can be lessened or avoided by following these tips:

• Set a gift budget.

• Make a list of the people you will buy gifts for and decide how to best distribute the budgeted amount among those on the list.

• Make an envelope for each person on the gift list and insert the money for that person’s gifts.  When the money in the envelope is gone, you’re finished shopping for that person.

• Buy items on sale.  Take time to search through clearance bins.

• Do not wait until the last minute to buy gifts.  The temptation to overspend just to finish the shopping increases as Christmas nears.  Spread gift purchases throughout the year to avoid having to come up with a large sum of money at one time.

• Research prices offered by several different retailers, especially on high-ticket items.  Take advantage of the price matching programs that retailers offer. 

• Watch for online discounts as well as free shipping offers from online merchants.  Internet shopping is especially helpful for those with little or no time for shopping.

• Be creative.  Homemade items such as baked goods are appreciated, as well as gift certificates offering free leaf raking, babysitting, or errand running.

• Avoid using credit cards to purchase gifts unless you are certain that you can/will pay the entire balance upon receipt of the bill. 

• Some “buy now, pay later” offers allow interest to begin accruing immediately.  Read the fine print.

• Pay attention to retailers’ return policies, and keep all receipts.

• Do not fall victim to high-pressure sales tactics.

• Do not hesitate to suggest a “no gifts policy” when appropriate.  This could be helpful for everyone involved, and others might want to bring it up but are embarrassed.

• It might seem that the concept has been abandoned, but it truly is the thought that counts.

Garland honors
fallen WWII veterans

Posted November 25, 2011

The Garland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department commemorated Veterans Day and honored the Garland residents who were killed in action during World War II on Friday, November 11.  A commemorative plaque listing the fallen veterans was dedicated at the Tribute Garden at the Senior Activity Center, 600 West Avenue A. 

Several World War II veterans from the Garland area attended the ceremony, including a Medal of Honor recipient, a survivor of the Battan Death March, and a retired general.  Garland City Council Member Rick Williams, a Vietnam War Veteran, hosted the ceremony.  World War II veteran Jack McPherson unveiled the memorial plaque and Councilman Williams read the names of the heroes who gave their lives for freedom. 

Debbie Reynolds performed to two sellout audiences on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12 at the Granville Arts Center.

Garland church gears up for holidays

Posted November 21, 2011

Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church of Garland expects to serve hundreds of people this holiday season through its evangelism ministries which include God's Closet Food Ministry, Under the Bridge Project, and Angel Tree Program.

Senior Pastor Leonard O. Leach says, “Giving is God's design for meeting the needs of the world. God demonstrated the efficacy of giving when He gave His only begotten Son, in order to save the world (John 3:16). God asks us to join Him in the ministry of giving, not because of what He wants from us, but because of what He wants for us." (Luke 6:38)

God's Closet Food Ministry will give out food baskets to families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Baskets will include turkeys, hens, chickens, vegetables, and more.  The ministry, which gives out food year around, is headed by Lillie Hopkins, 85, who has been over the ministry for more than 16 years.  She has seen thousands fed and says the faces of the people who come have changed over the years. "I used to could tell that the people coming to get the food baskets were from low-income families.  Now, there are families of all income levels coming who have hit hard times due to the recession,” Hopkins said.  “They have lost their jobs, their homes, and need to feed their families.  I get a chance to minister to some of them and hear their stories.  I am so glad that we are able to help people in need through this ministry.  Sometimes, we even cook their meals for them."

THE MOUNT will also be distributing winter clothing items and toiletries through the Under the Bridge Homeless Project.  Blankets, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, shoes, socks and more for men, women and children will be given out to families who live under the bridges in Dallas.  More than a thousand people have benefited from this ministry.

Additionally, more than 300 children who have a parent who is incarcerated will receive clothing and toys from THE MOUNT.  The church proudly participates in the Angel Tree Program.

Reverend Cedric Wheaton oversees the Missions and Evangelism Ministries at the church and helps coordinate the holiday giving efforts.  "Here at THE MOUNT we believe that God has blessed us in order that we may bless families who are in need, and we are excited about being able to pass God's blessings on to others," he said.

The motto of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church is “We're Into What God Is Up To”. God is “Up To” giving...and so is THE MOUNT.

For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, call 972-276-5218, or visit www.onthemount.org.

Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church has been serving the Garland Community for more than five decades. It is the vision of the church to seek the redemption, restoration, and redirection of family members who will be “agents” of spiritual change in their communities. Mount Hebron has been instrumental in helping to prevent homelessness for thousands and Mount Hebron Christian Academy has educated more than 1,500 pre-school through second grade students in Garland and the surrounding communities. Worldwide, the church supports ministries in Zambia, Mexico, Pakistan and Haiti.