Friday at 5 Newsletter for 10.30.20

TOP STORIES FOR 10.30.20

**REMINDER: TIME CHANGE THIS WEEKEND - FALL BACK!**

#MyRowlett Stories

Rowlett Family Donates Almost 400 Coats
Thank you to Tiffany Jenkins and Family for donating coats to so many needy children. 

Rowlett Family Donates
Almost 400 Coats!

A Rowlett family just collected and dropped off almost 400 coats for kids. Tiffany Jenkins started donating toys and diapers to the Hope Supply Company 10 years ago. But then someone said something that changed everything for her.

“Kids can understand going without things to play with or gifts but they can never understand why they are cold,” she said. “You think, ‘What can I do? I’m only one person.’ But you don’t understand that one jacket changes everything for a child. And one can change lives.”                        #MyRowlett  #BetterTogether  #Rowlett4All
_______________________________________________________________________
CARES Act grant available until October 31
If you need help paying your mortgage or utility bills due to COVID19, please apply now! DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31!

CARES Act Grant $$ 
Available to YOU! 
 

Have you or someone you know been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?


Please share this info - $$ is available but the deadline to apply is October 31!


Have you or someone you know experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Grant $$ to help is available NOW (so please share this with your Rowlett friends, family, coworkers and neighbors)! Yes, this message is repetitive but it's imperative that the people who need help apply for the funds NOW!  These funds are available to any Rowlett resident, regardless of income level. If the pandemic has impacted you financially - you are eligible to apply!

The City of Rowlett has partnered with Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. to provide emergency rent/mortgage and utilities (gas, electric and internet) assistance to eligible City of Rowlett residents. Made possible by grant funding to the City through the CARES Act, residents can receive up to $2000 per month for a maximum of six months. This is NOT a loan - it is money available to help YOU get through any tough financial times caused by this pandemic.               
#MyRowlett #BetterTogether #Rowlett4All

Important City Meetings

City Council –
Regular Meetings: Nov. 17 *check agenda on 
website* each Friday before the date
**NO November 3 meeting.  City Council will meet on Thursday, November 5**
 
Special Council Meeting – November 5 (No meeting on November 3) 
 -----------------
Other Board and Commission Meetings:
Nov. 2 – Community Investment Advisory Board @ 6pm
Nov. 3 – Golf Advisory Board @ 8am
Nov. 4 – Rowlett COAD Committee @ 4pm
Nov. 5 – City Council @ 5:30pm
Nov. 10 – Arts & Humanities Commission @ 6:30pm
Nov. 10
– Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:45pm
Nov. 11
– Parks & Recreation Advisory Board @ 6:30pm
Nov. 12
– Library Advisory Board @ 6:3pm
Nov. 16
– Senior Advisory Board @ 10am
Nov. 18 – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission @ 7:30pm

Check Here  For All Meeting Agendas

**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES** 
 
Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel 
RTN16 or online

Vote Rowlett

Election Day Voting Locations & Times, Plus ... Curbside Voting Is Available On Election Day!


Dallas County Election Day Voting
Dallas County has Vote Centers, so Dallas County residents may vote at ANY Dallas County location. Rowlett will have the following locations on Election Day: November 3, 2020 -- 7am to 7pm

  • Coyle Middle School, 4500 Skyline Dr.
  • Back Elementary School, 7300 Bluebonnet
  • Liberty Grove Elementary School, 10202 Liberty Grove Rd.
  • Rowlett Community Centre, 5300 Main St.                   
  • Rowlett Elementary School, 3315 Carla Dr.
  • Herfurth Elementary School, 7500 Miller Rd.
  • Schrade Middle School, 6201 Danridge Rd.

Dallas County Voters with Special Needs
For curbside voting at the Rowlett Community Centre - follow the signs to the back of the RCC.  Once you have parked, call 214-417-7025. Voting staff will bring the voting machine to your car.  Please do not call until you have parked.
For additional assistance - call 469-627-8683 prior to arriving at polling location.

Rockwall County Election Day Voting Location and Times 
Cullins Lake Pointe Elementary, 5701 Scenic Dr. (Precincts 1A and 2B)    7am – 7pm

Rockwall County Voters with Special Needs
For curbside voting at the Library - drive to the back of the Library parking lot and turn to the left.  The line for curbside voting is along the outer curb.
For additional assistance - call 972-204-6200 prior to arriving at polling location.

Dallas County Elections - 469-627-8683
Rockwall County Elections - 972-204-6200


Curbside voting will be available at all voting locations on Election Day. For more information and to view sample ballots – visit https://www.ci.rowlett.tx.us/1426/General-Election.

Rowlett Fire Muscular Dystrophy Association Donations

Rowlett Firefighters Association "Fill the Boot" Campaign

With the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the "Fill the Boot" campaign which normally lasts a short time, will last through the end of the year. That gives you more time to spread the word and help our Rowlett firefighters raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association  (MDA) and their great cause. 

The links to donate through are: https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/index.cfm...
https://m.facebook.com/donate/3358240987632253/?fundraiser_source=feed
Help support our brothers at Rowlett Firefighters Association Local #3358 in their mission to better the lives of those who are disabled with debilitating neuromuscular diseases.

Lakefront at Pecan Grove Park Presentation and Survey

Lakefront at Pecan Grove Park Presentation & Survey

Welcome to the virtual public commentary presentation regarding the future of Lakefront at Pecan Grove Park. The City of Rowlett welcomes you to this session as we contemplate the renovation of this site as a new open space destination on the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard.  This site commands great views of the lake and  is a great asset to the City’s overall park system.  This juncture seeks to confirm park programming and solicit feedback that we should consider when evaluating the future of this dynamic site.  Ultimately, we will begin documentation for a Phase I bid package in the spring of next year with the hope of starting construction in the middle of 2021.

        TAKE THE SURVEY HERE:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T85PQVN          

Casilda the Cat Adopted This Week
Casilda was adopted
this week!

Long-Time Animals Adopted This Week at the Animal Shelter


Casilda was adopted this week and is so ready for her forever home! She came to the shelter on August 11, 2020 and was pregnant at the time.

Current population:

7 dogs and 40 cats/kittens.

Come on by and choose your next furbaby!

Togo the dog
Togo was adopted
this week too!

Togo, another long-time animal, was hopefully adopted for the last time; he's so ready to love his new family! Togo came to the shelter originally on August 15, 2020.

Shelter hours:

Monday-Saturday  -  10am - 5pm
Sunday                   -  CLOSED


Location:

4402 Industrial St.

     

Steps to Take when Trick or Treating
Have a Neighborhood Halloween Costume Parade!

CDC Steps to Take when 
Trick or Treating
 

from Rowlett Environmental Health Division


Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Plan alternate ways to participate in Halloween.

Make trick-or-treating safer:

  • Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
  • Give out treats outdoors.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats.
  • Wear a mask! Make your cloth mask part of your costume - A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a cloth mask!
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you - indoors & out.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents
Club Pilates in Rowlett
Grand Opening at Club Pilates

Club Pilates Now Open!

Club Pilates, located at 3316 Lakeview Pkwy. (next to the new Smoothie King), had a Grand Opening event on October 24 and 25. Pictured with Mayor Tammy Dana-
Bashian is owner John Mullins, Regional General Manager Courtney Page and Assistant General Manager Sabrina Escamilla. 

Free intro class - book now!

NaNoWriMo
Library is excited about NaNoWriMo - November is National Novel Writing Month!

Have You Wanted to Write a Novel - Now's Your Chance to Get Started! 

NaNoWriMo is an annual Internet-based creative writing project challenging participants to write a 50,000-word manuscript between November 1 and November 30.  The NaNoWriMo website (https://nanowrimo.org) provides "pep-talks" to keep participants motivated throughout the process along with tips for writer's block, information on where local participants are meeting, and an online community of support. Focusing on the length of a work rather than the quality, writers are encouraged to finish their first draft quickly so that it can later be edited at the author's discretion.  If you’ve been wanting that motivation to start writing, here it is!

Update on DEA Prescription Take Back Day

Update on DEA Prescription
Take Back Day


Last Saturday, October 24 the Rowlett Police Department held the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - drive-thru this year! A total of 556 pounds of unused or expired medications were collected - the largest surrender of these medications for the City of Rowlett to date!  Thank you for turning them in!

Rowlett PD Crime Report

Police Department 
Rowlett Crime Statistics and Information

The Rowlett Police Department wants you to know where crime is occurring in your City and neighborhood. Find crime mapping throughout Rowlett and also a list of registered sex offenders. Go here to report a crime unless it is an emergency or crime in progress. If that is the case, please call 911 immediately.

Rowlett PD Hiring Communications Officers
Be A Lifeline

PD Hiring 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator

A career as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator is a rewarding and challenging way to serve the citizens of Rowlett.  The PS Telecommunicator position operates communications equipment and answers emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public.  The position also dispatches the appropriate police, fire and EMS units as needed.  Apply here today!

Work continues on the Miller Rd. bridge
Miller Rd. Bridge

Public Works - Working for You


Miller Road Bridge

Work continues on the Miller Rd. bridge with the sewer pipe installation from Sapphire Bay to the Garland Treatment Facility.


_______________________

Main St lighting is complete
Main St. lights are in!

Main Street Lights

The lights on Main St. were installed this week! Time to enjoy a walk in the early morning or evening with new lighting to guide your way! 

_______________________

Cease the Grease!
Fatbergs - in the drains! Don't be that person!

Cease the Grease!

Fatbergs? Are you serious - how shocking! The picture shows what happens when grease and fat are poured down your drains. They could be expensive for you and/or the Rowlett Public Works Department to repair.

Remember -- Grease always goes in the trash, NOT down the drain!


DART needs your input
Please take DART's survey

DART is asking for your input

Got a minute? We know you’re busy, but we really want to know what you think. COVID-19 has changed everything. But at DART, we are still working hard to keep North Texas moving - safely. We want to make sure we get it right. Please share your opinion. It’s wanted and needed. 

                                                    Take our survey at www.dart.org/survey

UPCOMING EVENTS

Virtual Halloween Contest

Parks & Recreation Virtual Halloween Costume Contest

Whose the spookiest of them all?? Is it you this year?  Join us in our virtual Halloween Costume Contest - to enter, upload a picture of yourself in costume to the Parks and Rec Facebook page or Instagram using #RowlettPARD.

Age categories are 0-4, 5-9 and 10+ - and we encourage you to be as creative as possible.  Upload your pic today!  Show us your scariest YOU!  Contest ends on Halloween!

Neighborhood Summit 2020: Neighborhood Values, Home Values

Neighborhood Summit | 2020

Neighborhood Values, Home Values
When:    Saturday, November 7
Where:   Online
Time:      9am to 12:30pm
Cost:       FREE!

Learn how you to love where you live - even more than you already do!! Topics include establishing your neighborhood values, building a neighborhood network, how to preserve or increase your home value and do-it-yourself home improvement tips from the experts. Residents from Rowlett, Garland, Plano and surrounding communities are welcome to attend.

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 Case Count for Wednesday, October 28
For larger view,
click on the Chart

COVID-19 Case Count for Wednesday, October 28

Click on the chart for a larger view.  This chart illustrates confirmed COVID-19 case count numbers and available data as of 7pm Wednesday, October 28. Rowlett added 14 new cases. 

We will continue to update you about any new cases, but will restrict information to age range and gender as it is available to us. Please visit our website for more information , how to get tested, closures and the measures instituted to help protect our community.

Rowlett Blood Drive - November 10
Save a Life - Tuesday, November 10 at 3 area locations

Save a Life, Give Your Blood

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on us all. Especially hard-hit has been maintaining the critical blood supply throughout our region. You can help!

The City of Rowlett and the Carter BloodCare Center are hosting a blood drive from 9am-3pm at three Rowlett locations on Tuesday, November 10. COVID-19 antibody testing is available for all donors as well - and, BONUS - November donors receive a special thank-you from Soulman's.

Ready to make your appointment? Here's the information... 
Rowlett COVID-19 Utility Bill Assistance

Utility Bill Assistance

At the City of Rowlett, the health and well-being of our customers and our community is our top priority.  We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to remaining responsive to the needs to our customers as the situation evolves.  We also understand that there may be instances when our customers find themselves facing financial difficulties.  Rowlett is here to help, so we encourage customers who may be impacted to contact the Utility Office to discuss payment options.

Walmart Neighborhood Market Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Site

Drive-thru Testing Site in Rowlett

The drive-thru pharmacy window at Rowlett Walmart Neighborhood Market is open. 

Location: 8800 Lakeview Parkway
Hours:     Monday-Tuesday from 7am-8:45am
                Wednesday from 7:45am-8:45am
Sign up for testing here: 
www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com 

Thank you to our community partners at Walmart for continuing to provide testing in Rowlett! 

Aid Organizations

Food and Outreach Organizations:

Life Message
Hope in Hand Food Pantry
Emergency Food Pantry
The Veterans Resource and Outreach Center
The North Texas Food Bank
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
Family Violence Program

 
Rowlett Ready Information – if you need local assistance from volunteers:

www.RowlettReady.com
needs@rowlettready.com

 
Hope in Hand Food Pantry:

Open Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to noon;
And Tuesdays from 6 to 8pm.

Location:         7301 Miller Rd. at First Christian Church Rowlett

 
Emergency Food Pantry:
            Open 2nd and 4th Saturdays (closed if a holiday falls on this date)
            Hours of Operation: 10am – 1pm
            Cut off time to register online is 7pm on the Friday prior to that Saturday
            Location:         4206 Dalrock Rd. at Rowlett Friendship Baptist Church

FOR MORE COVID-19 INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

City of Rowlett

The Rowlett Action Center ...

Your one-stop-shop for assistance.
Call 972.412.6100 for real person help ...
Click
here to submit a request or question.

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright © 2018 City of Rowlett, Texas. All Rights Reserved.
4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus