Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 3

😎 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Rowlett Shooting Update

I did receive a call and an email from Corporal Jaqueline Vergara of the Rowlett Police earlier this week.

“Hello Rowlett,

We understand there have been concerns regarding recent activity in our city, with some speculation suggesting connections to broader incidents or gang-related issues. It’s important to clarify that these events appear to involve specific individuals and circumstances, rather than being random occurrences, so they should not create sustained concern for our community's safety.

As we continue our commitment to transparency, it may seem like crime rates are rising because you're receiving more timely and detailed information. However, our 5-Year Crime Comparison data shows that overall crime in Rowlett is actually on the decline.

We encourage you to stay informed and engaged with your police department. Consider enrolling in our next Citizen Police Academy on January 23, 2025, joining us for a ride-along, and following us on our social media platforms to learn more about our efforts to keep Rowlett safe.

Thank you for your continued support.

Rowlett PD Public Information Officer

Cpl. J. Vergara #1218”

Thank you officer Vergara for your transparent and thoughtful communication to the community. We look forward to continued open communication and appreciate your commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged.

 Shinder Champions Citizen Input on City Finances

Council member Debra Shinder, though absent from a recent City Council meeting, has publicly clarified her positions on two agenda items, stressing the importance of transparency and proper voter engagement in city decisions.

Item 7A: Concern Over Certificates of Obligation for New City Hall

Shinder supports improved facilities but opposes using Certificates of Obligation (COs) for a new city hall without voter approval. She argues COs, intended for emergencies, now often bypass public consent and burden taxpayers.

In May 2023, voters approved $73.6 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds, excluding a city hall. Yet, the city plans $20 million in COs and $48.7 million in GO bonds, totaling $76.3 million. Although this fits voter-approved limits, Shinder says it misleads the public. She warns future councils could use remaining bond capacity without voter input, increasing tax burdens.

Item 7B: Jefferson Merritt Multifamily Project

Shinder opposes waiving infrastructure requirements for the Jefferson Merritt multifamily project. She has consistently objected to it and plans to gather more details and inform the public.

She emphasizes supporting necessary improvements but demands voter participation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, especially when homeowners’ taxes could increase.

🚧 Road Closure: Martin Drive Continues Until January 4th.

🎡 THINGS TO DO

 ⛸️ Holiday Main Street Fest & Parade – New Date Announced!

Mark your calendars, Rowlett! Our beloved Holiday Main Street Fest and Parade has been rescheduled and will now take place on Saturday, December 14, from 5–8 PM, with the festive holiday parade stepping off at 7 PM.

For more information, visit: Rowlett.com
Come celebrate the season with neighbors, friends, and family at this can’t-miss community tradition!

🧔🏼‍♂️ Senior Advisory Board Meeting
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: City Hall (4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

📞 Contact: Call +1 972-215-9134

🏛️  City Council Work Session
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: City Hall (4000 Main Street)

🥫 Monthly Free Food Drop – Spread the Word!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 18, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, and help us share the love! 💕

📍 Location: ECI Academy, 8200 Schrade Rd, Rowlett, TX 75088
🍎 What: Free groceries for anyone in need—no zip code restrictions! Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
🤝 Partners: Hosted by Cornerstone Church in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and Catholic Charities.
🙌 Want to help? Volunteers are welcome from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Let’s come together as a community to make a difference. Feel free to share this with anyone who could benefit or would like to volunteer! 🛒✨

City Council Meeting 
Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers

Join us for the Regular Session, starting promptly at 7:00 PM. This is your opportunity to stay informed and engaged with the city’s decision-making process!

🎬 Nightmare before Christmas Movie Screening 
Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Kick off the 12 Days of Christmas with this special Friday the 13th outdoor screening! Bring a blanket or chair and watch Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as Jack Skellington ventures from Halloween Town to Christmas Town, delighting movie lovers of all ages.

Gingerbread House Decorating 🍪🎄
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Rowlett Public Library (3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Celebrate the holiday season by crafting your own gingerbread masterpiece that Hansel and Gretel would adore! We’ll provide the sweet supplies—you bring the creativity. One kit per family while supplies last.

Ornament Decorating 🎄🖌️
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Get creative and help decorate the Arts and Humanities Commission’s Christmas tree! We’ll provide the wooden ornaments, paint markers, crayons, and stickers—just bring your festive spirit. Make one ornament for the community tree and one to take home. Supplies are limited, so come early!

Onesie Workout with FIT with Daniel 🏋️‍♂️🎉
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Get cozy and active at this all-abilities fitness session! Wear your favorite onesie or holiday attire, and get ready to move, stretch, and sweat. Perfect for all skill levels—just bring your energy, holiday spirit, and smiles!

Holiday Storytime 🎅📖
Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Bring the whole family downtown to enjoy a cozy evening as Mrs. Claus reads her favorite Christmas tales! Experience a bit of holiday magic, laughter, and cheer—perfect for kids (and kids at heart).

Holiday Recital Night 🎶🩰
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Join us for an enchanting evening of music and dance featuring the Rowlett High School Varsity Drill/Dance Team, Rowlett Dance Academy, and Kids Who Rock. Enjoy festive performances that’ll fill you with holiday spirit!

Pet Portraits 🐾🎄
Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: All Day
Location: Downtown Rowlett Green (4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088)

Capture your pet’s holiday spirit! Stop by to snap a festive portrait of your furry friend and leave with a printed keepsake to treasure. A suggested donation to Rowlett Animal Services is encouraged.

 ^{_{All information provided here is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. However, event details can change, so it's always a good idea to double-check links for the most up-to-date information before attending.}}

🕰️ A Look Back

🛣️ A Highway History Lesson: The Not-So-Route 66

Newcomers to the Rockwall-Rowlett area often mistake State Highway 66 for the famous U.S. Route 66—but they’re not the same road. While the legendary “Mother Road” carved its path from Chicago to California, it only touched Texas up in the panhandle, far from our neck of the woods.

Still, our community claims its own piece of highway heritage. By the early 1900s, America was falling in love with the automobile, and North Texas was no exception. Our roads, however, lagged behind—little more than dusty wagon tracks that turned to muck with a good rain. Long-distance travel was a muddy gamble.

That all changed with the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, championed by Senator John Hollis Bankhead. The resulting Bankhead Highway stretched from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, forging a dependable route through Greenville, Royse City, Rockwall, Rowlett, Garland, and on into Dallas. While it never reached the pop-culture status of Route 66, the Bankhead Highway cemented our role in the grand story of American transportation—linking east to west on roads that could be relied upon, rain or shine.

Celebrating Life’s Milestones! 🎉
Got a special birthday coming up? This is for the 1st and 100th+ only. we’d love to feature it! Share a photo and a fun fact about the birthday star to [email protected], and let’s celebrate together in our next edition!

Until next week…
💌 If you enjoyed this issue, please share it with someone who loves Rowlett as much as you do! 🏡

As always, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share feedback, thoughts, event ideas, or just say hello by replying to this email or reaching me directly at [email protected]. Let’s keep the conversation going! 😊