Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 16

March 13, 2025

Hello Rowlett! ๐ŸŒฟโœจ

As spring continues to bloom, we're taking a moment to look back at Rowlettโ€™s past while celebrating everything happening right now in our community! From the lost town of Liberty Grove to exciting St. Patrickโ€™s Day celebrations, community events, and educational workshops, this week's issue is packed with ways to connect, learn, and have fun.

Whether you're testing your engineering skills at STEAM Squad, diving into a good book at the library, or enjoying a movie during Spring Break, thereโ€™s something for everyone in Rowlett this week. Letโ€™s dive in! ๐Ÿš€

โ“๏ธ DID YOU KNOW

The Lost Town of Liberty Grove: A Forgotten Piece of Rowlett

Long before Rowlett became the thriving community we know today, a small but ambitious settlement called Liberty Grove stood as a beacon of early Texas resilience. Located just north of modern-day Rowlett, Liberty Grove was a farming community established in the mid-1800s. It was a place where settlers worked the land, raised livestock, and built a close-knit community centered around agriculture and family values.

For years, Liberty Grove had its own school, church, and businesses, but as Rowlett grew and expanded, the once-prominent settlement gradually faded into history. By the late 20th century, much of Liberty Grove had been annexed or absorbed into Rowlett, leaving behind little more than a nameโ€”one that still exists today as Liberty Grove Road and a few scattered historical references.

Though Liberty Grove may no longer be a standalone town, its spirit lives on in Rowlettโ€™s deep-rooted sense of community. As we continue to grow and build for the future, itโ€™s worth remembering the small, pioneering towns like Liberty Grove that helped shape the Rowlett we know and love today.

๐Ÿ˜Ž WHATโ€™S HAPPENING

๐Ÿ“š Library Advisory Board Meeting

๐Ÿ“… Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
โฐ Time: 6:30 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“‘ Download Agenda

The Library Advisory Board is dedicated to enhancing library services, programs, and resources for the Rowlett community. This meeting is open to the public, providing an opportunity to discuss upcoming initiatives, community needs, and ways to improve the library experience.

If you're passionate about literacy, education, and community engagement, come join the conversation and help shape the future of the Rowlett Public Library!

๐Ÿ“– Storytime: Do Re Mi โ€“ Music & Fun! ๐ŸŽต

๐Ÿ“… Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
โฐ Time: 10:00 AM โ€“ 10:30 AM & 11:00 - 11:30 AM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Get ready to sing, dance, and explore the joy of music at this week's Storytime: Do Re Mi! ๐ŸŽผ Designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0 to 4), this interactive session will introduce children to rhythm, melody, and movement through engaging stories, action rhymes, and book recommendations.

๐Ÿ“Œ Upcoming Storytime Themes:
๐ŸŽจ 5 & 6: Meet the Doodles (Drawing & Art)
๐ŸŽถ 12 & 13: Do Re Mi (Music)
๐Ÿšซ 19 & 20: No Storytime
๐Ÿด 26 & 27: Hold Your Horses (Patience & Waiting)

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Limited space availableโ€”tickets are required and can be picked up at the reference desk on the day of the program. Join us for a fun-filled morning of music and movement! ๐ŸŽคโœจ

๐ŸŽ๏ธ STEAM Squad: Speed Racers ๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’จ

๐Ÿ“… Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
โฐ Time: 6:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Get ready to rev your engines at STEAM Squad: Speed Racers! ๐Ÿ Kids ages 9 to 13 will team up to design and build miniature race cars using recycled materials. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore aerodynamics, friction, and engineering concepts to create the fastest car on the track!

๐Ÿ“Œ Upcoming STEAM Squad Themes:
๐ŸŽฎ 6: Pixel Perfect โ€“ Create your own retro arcade game
๐ŸŽ๏ธ 13: Speed Racers โ€“ Engineer race cars from recycled materials
๐Ÿšซ 20: No STEAM Squad
๐Ÿ”ต 27: Marble Mania โ€“ Build and test amazing marble runs

๐Ÿš€ Join us for an evening of creativity, problem-solving, and fun competition! Who will build the fastest racer? Find out at this exciting STEAM event!

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ English Language Social Hour

๐Ÿ“… Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
โฐ Time: 4:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Looking to practice your English-speaking skills in a friendly and supportive environment? Join English Language Social Hour to improve vocabulary, build confidence, and meet new friends. This session is open to non-native speakers of all ages and provides a comfortable space for conversation, storytelling, and cultural exchange.

๐Ÿ“ข No registration requiredโ€”just drop in and start chatting! ๐Ÿ’ฌโœจ

๐Ÿ€ St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Go Green on the Green! ๐ŸŽถ

๐Ÿ“… Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
โฐ Time: 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Downtown Rowlett Green, 4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ”— More Details: Rowlett St. Patrickโ€™s Day Celebration

Celebrate St. Patrickโ€™s Day in style at Go Green on the Green, a family-friendly festival filled with fun, food, and festivities! Enjoy live music, crafts, activities, and delicious food from local vendors as we bring the spirit of Ireland to Downtown Rowlett!

๐ŸŒ Part of the "Cultural Roulette in Rowlett" Series

This event is part of our new 2025 cultural series, designed to bring global traditions to Rowlett. From Lunar New Year to Hispanic Heritage, each event will offer interactive entertainment, food, and cultural experiences, connecting our community through celebration.

๐Ÿ“ข Donโ€™t miss this evening of Irish funโ€”grab your green and join us for an unforgettable night! ๐Ÿ€

๐Ÿš€ JobStart: On the Job Success Guide

๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
โฐ Time: 10:00 AM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Starting a new job or looking to excel in your current workplace? JobStart: On the Job Success Guide will help you develop essential workplace skills to thrive in any professional setting.

๐Ÿ“Œ Topics Covered:
โœ… Understanding employer expectations
โœ… Building strong team relationships
โœ… Mastering professional etiquette

Set yourself up for career successโ€”join us and gain valuable workplace insights! ๐Ÿ’ผโœจ

๐ŸŽฌ Spring Break Movie & Activity Series ๐Ÿฟ๐ŸŽจ

๐Ÿ“… Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
โฐ Time: 11:00 AM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Kick off Spring Break with a fun-filled movie and creative activity at the Rowlett Public Library! Each day, enjoy a family-friendly film followed by a hands-on project inspired by the movie.

๐Ÿ“… Spring Break Movie Lineup:
๐ŸŽฅ March 17 โ€“ Shrek [PG]
๐ŸŽฅ March 18 โ€“ Trolls [PG]
๐ŸŽฅ March 19 โ€“ Kung Fu Panda [PG]
๐ŸŽฅ March 20 โ€“ How to Train Your Dragon [PG]

โœจ No registration requiredโ€”just drop in, relax, and enjoy a creative Spring Break experience! ๐ŸŽจ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

Senior Advisory Board Meeting

๐Ÿ“… Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
โฐ Time: 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

The Senior Advisory Board works to enhance the quality of life for Rowlettโ€™s senior community by addressing key issues, programs, and resources. This meeting is an opportunity to stay informed, share concerns, and contribute ideas that impact seniors in Rowlett.

๐Ÿ“ข Have input or suggestions? Attend the meeting and make your voice heard!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ City Council Work Session

๐Ÿ“… Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
โฐ Time: 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

The City Council Work Session provides an opportunity for council members to discuss upcoming city matters, review projects, and plan future initiatives before the regular City Council Meeting. These sessions offer insight into local government decisions and allow residents to stay informed on key city developments.

๐Ÿ“ข Community engagement starts hereโ€”stay informed and involved!

๐Ÿ“š Friends of the Library Meeting

๐Ÿ“… Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
โฐ Time: 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
๐Ÿ“ž Contact: (972) 412-6161
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: Free
๐Ÿ”— Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
โ™ฟ ADA Accessible: Yes

Love the Rowlett Public Library and want to be a part of its success? Join the Friends of the Library Meeting to learn about volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to support library programs.

๐Ÿ“Œ No membership requiredโ€”just stop by and get involved! ๐Ÿ“–โœจ

๐Ÿ›๏ธ City Council Meeting

๐Ÿ“… Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
โฐ Time: 7:00 PM โ€“ 9:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Join the Rowlett City Council Meeting to hear discussions and decisions on key city matters, policies, and community initiatives. The Regular Session will take place in the Council Chambers, starting at 7:00 PM.

๐Ÿ“ข Your voice matters! Attend the meeting to stay informed and engaged in the future of Rowlett.

Community Spotlight: Support the GHS Booster Club!

GHSโ€™ Booster Club is doing incredible work to support local students and school programs. This month, check out their March Newsletter for updates on fundraisers, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Whether youโ€™re a parent, local business, or community member, your support makes a difference!

March Newsletter.pdf629.94 KB โ€ข PDF File

SPORTS

๐Ÿ† Sports Schedule

๐Ÿ“… For a full list of GISD sports events happening from March 13th to March 20th, check out the schedule here by adding dates: GISD Athletics Calendar 

๐Ÿ†โšฝ๐Ÿ€ ๐Ÿ“ข Don't miss these exciting games and support your Rowlett athletes!

๐Ÿ“ž Important City of Rowlett Contact Numbers

Need to reach city departments and services? Hereโ€™s a quick reference guide to the City of Rowlettโ€™s key phone numbers to help you get in touch with the right office.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ City Leadership & Administration

๐Ÿ“Œ City Council: 972-412-6109
๐Ÿ“Œ City Manager's Office: 972-412-6109
๐Ÿ“Œ City Secretary's Office: 972-412-6109
๐Ÿ“Œ Action Center (General Assistance): 972-412-6100

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Community Development

๐Ÿ“Œ Administration: 972-412-6125
๐Ÿ“Œ Animal Services: 972-412-6219
๐Ÿ“Œ Building Safety: 972-412-6125
๐Ÿ“Œ 24-Hour Inspection Request Line: 972-412-6137
๐Ÿ“Œ Code Enforcement & Environmental Health: 972-412-6125
๐Ÿ“Œ Planning & Urban Design: 972-412-6138

๐Ÿ“ข Community & Economic Engagement

๐Ÿ“Œ Community Engagement: 972-412-6192
๐Ÿ“Œ Economic Development: 972-412-6193

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Engineering & Public Works

๐Ÿ“Œ CIP Engineering: 972-463-3979
๐Ÿ“Œ Development Engineering: 972-412-6286
๐Ÿ“Œ Public Works: 972-412-6287
๐Ÿ“Œ Storm Water Management: 972-412-6287
๐Ÿ“Œ Street/Traffic Division: 972-412-6287
๐Ÿ“Œ Trash & Recycling: 972-412-6105
๐Ÿ“Œ Wastewater Utility Division: 972-412-6287
๐Ÿ“Œ Water Utility Division: 972-412-6287

๐Ÿ’ฐ Finance & Utility Services

๐Ÿ“Œ Finance Department: 972-412-6285
๐Ÿ“Œ Purchasing: 972-412-6189
๐Ÿ“Œ Utility Customer Service: 972-412-6105

๐Ÿš’ Fire & Emergency Services

๐Ÿ“Œ Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 972-412-6230
๐Ÿ“Œ Fire Marshal: 972-412-6230
๐Ÿ“Œ Police & Fire Dispatch (Emergency Calls): 972-412-6200

๐Ÿš” Police Department & Public Safety

๐Ÿ“Œ Police Department (Non-Emergency): 972-412-6200
๐Ÿ“Œ Office of the Chief: 972-412-6202
๐Ÿ“Œ Neighborhood Services Division: 972-412-6272
๐Ÿ“Œ Detention Services Section: 972-412-6252
๐Ÿ“Œ Criminal Investigations Division (CID): 972-412-6220
๐Ÿ“Œ Emergency Communications: 972-412-6200
๐Ÿ“Œ Patrol Division: 972-412-6200 (Option 1)
๐Ÿ“Œ Traffic Division: 972-412-6227
๐Ÿ“Œ Warrant Section: 972-463-3938
๐Ÿ“Œ Special Operations Division: 972-412-6241
๐Ÿ“Œ Property & Evidence Section: 972-412-6214
๐Ÿ“Œ Records Section: 972-412-6298

๐Ÿ“š Library & Municipal Court

๐Ÿ“Œ Rowlett Public Library: 972-412-6161
๐Ÿ“Œ Municipal Court: 972-412-6222

๐Ÿž๏ธ Parks & Recreation

๐Ÿ“Œ Parks & Recreation Department: 972-412-6170
๐Ÿ“Œ Administration: 972-412-6145
๐Ÿ“Œ Parks Maintenance & Streetscapes: 972-412-6170
๐Ÿ“Œ Recreation, Seniors & Athletics: 972-412-6170
๐Ÿ“Œ Rowlett Wet Zone Water Park (May - August Only): 972-412-6266

๐Ÿข Facilities, Fleet, & Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

๐Ÿ“Œ Facilities Maintenance: 972-463-3926
๐Ÿ“Œ Fleet Services: 972-463-3915
๐Ÿ“Œ Geographic Information System (GIS) / Maps: 972-463-3902

๐Ÿ“Œ Need help but not sure who to call? Contact the Rowlett Action Center at 972-412-6100 for assistance!

Thank You for Your Support! ๐Ÿ’™

We appreciate you being a part of the Rowlett community and staying engaged with all the latest news and events. Your support helps keep Rowlett connected, informed, and thriving!

๐Ÿ“ฉ Have questions or suggestions? Contact us anytime!
๐Ÿ“ง Email: [email protected]

See you next time, and thanks for being part of Rowlett Roundup! ๐ŸŽ‰

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