September 16, 2016

Mesquite Freedom Park dedication

On September 11, the City and more than 300 guests dedicated the new Mesquite Freedom Park. The ceremony featured Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last civilian survivor rescued from the Twin Towers, presentations of a proclamation and a flag by State Senator Bob Hall, Texas House Representative Cindy Burkett and Texas House Representative Kenneth Sheets, as well as a performance by the Mesquite Fire Department Pipes and Drums. The City thanks all who attended the event and helped make it a success. For more information about Mesquite Freedom Park, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/freedompark.

Firefighters participate in Dallas Memorial Stair Climb

On September 10, Mesquite firefighters of every rank, from firefighter to deputy chief, participated in the 2016 Dallas Memorial Stair Climb. The event is held every year to commemorate the firefighters lost in the line of duty while responding to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Participants paid tribute by climbing 110 stories—the same number climbed by the first responders at the World Trade Center—while wearing full gear and a lanyard bearing the name of an individual firefighter who lost their life. Proceeds from the event go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to help fund programs that support fire service survivors.

Fire Department announces recent rank promotions

This week, Chief Mark Kerby and the Fire Department recognized two recent promotions in rank. Firefighters Stephen Holland and David David have been promoted to the rank of Driver-Engineer. Stephen Holland began his career with the department on October 10, 2005, and is a two-time recipient of the Life Saving award. David David began his career with the department on May 30, 2006, and is a three-time recipient of the Life Saving award. David is also the department’s 2016 Firefighter of the Year. Please join the Fire Department in recognizing the achievements of its newest Driver-Engineers.

Sounds in the Square concert series

The City has planned a three-month concert series in Heritage Square for September, October and November. Held on the same Saturdays as the Mesquite Marketplace, “Sounds on the Square” will extend the energy in the area by offering live music and food at the conclusion of the marketplace activities. Showcasing a variety of musical genres, the concerts will be held from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. and include the following performers:

Saturday, September 24
Backhand Sally

Saturday, October 29
Josh Knight

Saturday, November 12
Davis & Rose

A handful of vendors from the Marketplace will also be extending their stay to participate in the event, including a few food vendors for the concert in September. The food for the concerts in October and November will be provided by two separate food trucks, La Rosita and Sweets by Selena.

Austin Elementary School hosts "Back the Blue" appreciation day

The staff and students of Austin Elementary School recently hosted a "Back the Blue" appreciation day. Members of the Police Department attended the event and were welcomed with refreshments, appreciation cards and posters. Officers visited with students at lunch and in their classrooms. The students were especially excited to learn two of the officers, Investigators Chris Smith and Tim Roundtree, were former Austin Elementary School students themselves. Investigator and Officer of the Year Chris Smith even attended the school on its opening day.

Seniors participate in Read, Play, Talk Initiative

On September 14, participants from the Goodbar Senior Center visited McKenzie Elementary School to read to kindergarten and first grade students. The event was held in support of MISD’s Read, Play, Talk initiative.

City's Leash Free Zone competes for prize funds

Beneful brand dog food, in cooperation with Wal-Mart, is sponsoring a contest for communities with dog parks. The City’s Leash Free Zone, located at 2724 N. Town East Blvd., is one of seven dog parks throughout the country with a chance to win a prize package worth $30,000 to be used for enhancements to the park. The winning community will be determined by having the most votes via www.walmart.com/Beneful. The City’s Leash Free Zone is listed as "Dallas, TX" on the voting webpage. Voting began September 15 and runs until 11:59 p.m. on November 1, 2016. Votes are accepted daily. Vote “Dallas, TX” often to help Mesquite win.

Mesquite High School student competes at First Tee Open at Pebble Beach

This week, Mesquite High School student Annaliesia Salazar competes at the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Miss Salazar is one of only 81 junior golfers from across the country invited to play in the 54-hole golf event. The tournament is the first of its kind and features PGA Tour Champions players and junior golfers ages 15 - 18. For more information, visit www.thefirstteeopen.com/tournament. The tournament will also be televised on the Golf Channel on September 16, 17 and 18.

Miss Salazar has been a participant of The First Tee of Greater Dallas program since 2008.She currently participates in the program at the Mesquite Golf Club. First Tee organization was established in 1997 as a way to bring affordable junior golf programs to communities without them. Mesquite is one of 28 First Tee program locations in the Dallas area and offers two weekly classes. Visit www.mesquitegc.com for program details.

Contact Your City

Let us hear from you. If you have a concern or are experiencing an issue, please contact the City at (972) 288-7711 or visit the City's website at www.cityofmesquite.com/questions.