#MesquiteCares program
honors local veterans

This week, the City of Mesquite honored local veterans in a variety of ways as part of the #MesquiteCares program. The City Council recognized members of the United States Armed Forces with a Salute to Service presentation and proclamation during City Council meeting on November 7. A group photograph of veterans who also serve our community as City employees was taken as well and proudly distributed. In addition, the Town East water tower and City Hall towers programmable lights have been lit green for the duration of the month as part of the Greenlight a Vet campaign. The Greenlight a Vet campaign provides visible national support for our veterans by changing one light in your home or office to green.

Mesquite celebrates Arbor Day
at Range Elementary School

The City of Mesquite and Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Inc. recently celebrated Arbor Day at Range Elementary School. The ceremony included performances by Range Elementary School students, a tree trimming demonstration by Preservation Tree Services, a proclamation read by Mayor Stan Pickett and the planting of a 15-foot bur oak tree. Nearly 25 percent of Mesquite's land is covered by trees which remove 288 tons of air pollution each year. This year marks the 26th consecutive year Mesquite has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Mesquite celebrates Texas
Municipal Court Week

This week, the Mesquite Municipal Court celebrated Texas Municipal Court Week by promoting traffic safety with a focus on distracted driving and its devastating effects. Educational activities and materials were offered in front of the Municipal Court entrance at 211 Municipal Way. Features included a wrecked vehicle, a bean bag toss game using impairment goggles, traffic safety reminders and giveaways as well as distracted driving posters. In addition, Municipal Judge Steve Crane played a distracted driving video before all court dockets. For more information about the Mesquite Municipal Court, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/MunicipalCourt.

Mesquite Municipal Court announces Court Clerk of the Year

The Mesquite Municipal Court recently presented the 2016 Court Clerk of the Year award to Joanna Davila. Ms. Davila has served the Mesquite community as a municipal court clerk for three years. She was selected for the award by her peers due to her positive attitude, kindness and superior work ethic. The Court Clerk of the Year award recognizes clerks who provide exemplary customer service and meet the highest standards of professionalism.

RASP Turkey Camps offered during
Thanksgiving break

All day Recreation After School Programs (RASP) will be offered during the Thanksgiving break. The camps will be held from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., November 21, 22, 23 and 25 at both Dunford and Rutherford Recreation Centers. No camp will be held on Thursday, November 24. Registration is available at all recreation centers as well as the Parks and Recreation Administration office located at 1515 N. Galloway Avenue. The fee is $16 per day or $60 per week. Payment is due the Thursday before camp or an additional $10 fee will be added.

Mesquite recreation leader honored by Texas Recreation and Park Society

Last week, Recreation Leader Kristen Herndon of the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department was honored as Part-Time Employee of the Year, North Region at the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) conference. Ms. Herndon was recognized for outstanding customer service and her dedication to the Goodbar Recreation Center Adult 50+ Program. TRAPS is a nonprofit organization that consists of approximately 2,000 parks and recreation professionals, students and citizen advocates.

Agape Home Health and Hospice host Santa Cop Toy Drive

Agape Home Health and Hospice will host a Santa Cop Toy Drive event on Saturday, December 3 from 1 - 4 p.m. at 18770 LBJ Freeway in Mesquite. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Mesquite Police Department Santa Cop Toy Drive and enjoy cookies, caroling, hot chocolate and more. Call 972-681-5959 for more information.

City appoints new interim
animal services superintendent

Louis Avila, current City housing inspector and former animal control officer, will serve as interim animal services superintendent effective December 1. Mr. Avila has served the Mesquite community since 2006. He has advanced training in animal control as well as animal cruelty investigation from the Department of State Health Services, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other notable institutes.

#MesquiteCares programhonors local veterans

Mesquite celebrates Arbor Dayat Range Elementary School

Mesquite celebrates TexasMunicipal Court Week