IN THIS ISSUE...
VOLUME 15
NOV/DEC 2024
Happy Holidays and welcome to Around the City! We are so excited to have you join us for our annual holiday edition. On the following pages, you will learn that oh yes, we do indeed love Christmas! We’re talking about Christmas events and spots to visit, Christmas causes to donate to, Christmas safety, and even some Hallmark-style Christmas movies to watch. This is such a great time of year where we can finally start to celebrate the end of summer in Texas and enjoy the cooler weather and all the great events it brings. It’s also a great time to reflect on the things we’re all thankful for, the year that was, and the new year that is right on the horizon.
Also in this volume we take a look at the Other Side of White Settlement. Did you know there are twenty businesses on the other side of the runway that technically fall into the White Settlement City limits? Read on to learn more about it!
We’ve also extended our Community Services section this time around as there’s just SO MUCH going on this holiday season. We wanted to give a spotlight to all of these great departments such as the Library, the Rec Center and more as they offer up great holiday options for you and your family to enjoy.
And as always, we kick off this volume with City Manager Jeff James and his BIG THREE!
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor: Faron Young
Mayor Pro Tem/Place 3: Amber Munoz
Place 1: Paul Moore
Place 2: Alan Price
Place 4: William Wright
Place 5: Gregg Geesa
CITY MANAGER
JEFFREY J. JAMES
AROUND THE CITY TEAM
Aaron C. Hall Communications Manager
Maureen Barrett Community Services Coordinator
City Manager Jeff James
THE CITY MANAGER’S
B I G T H R E E
Our City Council elections were held earlier this month and I hope you will join me in welcoming our new council member Kandace Espinosa. I am looking forward to working with Kandace once she takes office in December and I wish her the best of luck as a member of the council. She’s shown a great drive to contribute to the community. I think it’s important to remember that our elected officials are essentially volunteers. They dedicate an enormous amount of their personal time each month not just to attend council meetings, but to do research, engage with the public, and continually work on behalf of everyone in White Settlement. With 2025 on the horizon, I’m already looking forward to the great things the City can continue to accomplish by working together.
I am aware that there are many of you who have been asking questions about water flushing. You may have seen fire hydrants that are being opened, sometimes for hours on end, and are curious as to why this is being done. This is being done to flush water through our system and keep it from sitting in the pipes for too long. Water usage slows down after the summer and this year we’re also seeing lower than usual water needs north of us in Fort Worth. This means that more water than usual is sitting for longer than usual amounts of time in our system. The flushing is being done to keep the system healthy and to ensure that the water you are using is as fresh as possible. I want to assure you that the flushing has no impact on your water bills. The only water you ever pay for is the water that runs through your meter into your home. The flushing is mainly being done on the north end of the City, but I wanted to include this information so anyone who is curious can know what this process is and why it’s being done.
We are officially in the holiday season. We’ve got plenty of great holiday articles for you to read in this volume but I also wanted to take a moment to personally wish all of you very happy holidays. This is a wonderful time of year to focus on the things you are thankful for and to spend plenty of time with friends and family. It’s also a great time to think of those who are less fortunate. If you are able this holiday season, I hope you will find some time to help those around you who may need it. Each year I hear uplifting stories about members of our community coming together and helping those in need. It’s a great testament to the character of our community. I hope that you are all planning to join us on December 7th for the Light the Night Christmas Parade at Veterans Park. It’s wonderful to celebrate Christmas as a community at this event and I would love to see you all there.
CHRISTMAS
ALL AROUND
The holiday season is upon us! The final two months of the year are a joyous time but they can also be busy. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve pulled together some of the best Christmas events and locations for you right here. And since Christmas isn’t just a local affair, we’re including things from all over north Texas for you and your family to enjoy!
LIGHT THE NIGHT DECEMBER 7
Every December, the City of White Settlement kicks off the holiday season together with the Light the Night Christmas parade and event. The parade begins at 6 pm and ends at Veterans Park (8901 Clifford Street). There will be food vendors, a Christmas Market to shop in, music, pictures with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
PRAIRIE LIGHTS NOV 28 - DEC 31
If you’ve never experienced the drive-thru lights experience of Prairie Lights it’s definitely something to put on the holiday list. Located at 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy in Grand Prairie, this is one of the consistently best light displays in North Texas. Before planning your trip, be sure to check prairielights.org for pricing information.
RADIANCE! NOV 22 - DEC 28 POLAR EXPRESS DECEMBER 13
It’s the newest holiday tradition in White Settlement and one we invite you to experience as we host Polar Express night at the Rec Center (8213 White Settlement Rd). Join us for a free viewing of the Polar Express as well as snacks, treats, and delightful holiday photo opportunities! Movie begins at 6 pm.
Back for their fourth year is the drive-thru lights experience Radiance! At the Ranch. Located at 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy in Weatherford, TX, this smaller drive-thru lights show is a little quicker and a little more affordable while still serving up plenty of Christmas joy. Visit radiancechristmas.com to learn more and to buy your tickets!
NOV 25 - DEC 25
GRAPEVINE, TX
When you call your city the Christmas Capital of Texas then you better deliver on some epic Christmas festivities and boy does Grapevine deliver! Parades, holiday concerts, shopping, lights, a real life train, and so much more make this one of the best places to go each holiday season. For a full overview of the schedule, visit grapevinetexasusa.com where you’re sure to find at least a few events you’ll want to check out!
FORT WORTH NOVEMBER 24 INTERLOCHEN DEC 16 - DEC 25
It’s always fun to drive around looking at Christmas lights and one neighborhood in Arlington takes it to the extreme. The Lights at Interlochen is a neighborhood wide decoration display that has to be seen to be believed. The event is free, but be aware, it can get very busy on the weekends. Enter Interlochen from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road. There will be signs throughout the neighborhood directing traffic along the trail.
On November 24th the City of Fort Worth will hold their annual parade of lights in the downtown area. If you don’t make it to the parade, Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth is still a great place to visit during the holidays. Enjoy the massive Christmas tree and other decorations as well as plenty of great holiday shopping and dining available in the downtown area.
NOV 29 - DEC 23
Experience the unique charm and atmosphere of a European Christmas market right here in North Texas. Located in Arlington, the Texas Christkindl Market aims to recreate the cozy feel of a German market with Christmas vendors, music, and treats. Parking and entry are free most nights. For more details including directions, visit: txchristkindlmarket.com/
GIFT OF GIVING
Christmas is such a wonderful time for giving, but with so many great causes out there, it can sometimes be tricky to choose where your generosity can make the biggest impact. Now is the perfect moment to think about lending a helping hand to those who need it most. These times remind us just how crucial it is to look out for each other in our communities and beyond.
Are you an animal lover? Maybe you feel passionate about helping the homeless or supporting children in need? No matter which cause speaks to you, whether you choose to give a little or a lot, just remember that the true spirit of Christmas is all about making a difference in someone’s life.
The charities listed below are just a glimpse of the fantastic organizations working tirelessly to help both people and animals around the world every day. Donating is such a personal choice, so pick a cause that really resonates with you. Here are a few charities that could really use your support this holiday season.
If you're thinking about donating a gift, reach out to your local Salvation Army Center to learn the best way to do so. They're accepting donations until mid-December. For years, The Salvation Army has been making a difference in the US, helping not just the homeless but also supporting victims of domestic violence and other community needs. With the increase in homelessness, the charity will be providing hot takeout meals, cozy sleeping bags, and specialized support to those in need.
American Red Cross- redcross.org/donate
Your generous gift to the Red Cross Disaster Relief makes a real difference for people facing challenges from disasters like home fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, as well as many other crises. By giving financially, you’re helping the Red Cross get ready for, respond to, and support individuals in their recovery from both big and small disasters.
Toys for Tots- toysfortots.org/support-us/
Toys for Tots is a wonderful program organized by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that aims to bring some joy to children in need during the holiday season by collecting and distributing toys.
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital- stjude.org
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a place dedicated to helping kids with serious illnesses, especially those battling cancer. Thanks to the kindness of generous donors, families can turn to St. Jude for support with their treatment costs, as well as travel, housing, and meals. It's all about ensuring that families can focus on what really matters: their child's health and healing.
Tarrant Area Food Bank- tafb.org
Tarrant Area Food Bank is a true powerhouse in our community, providing a million meals each week. They’re the go-to source for donated food, helping countless hunger-relief charities and programs. They serve 13 counties across North Texas, including Tarrant, Bosque, Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, and Wise.
PAWS Center- https://bit.ly/3NHTyfc
The PAWS Center is excited to accept donations for their adorable furry friends! Each year, we add to our Amazon Wish List, and it’s a wonderful chance for you to help local pets find their forever homes.
NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION
Every individual has their own special holiday traditions, whether they come from family, were picked up from friends, or are unique creations of your own, these seasonal rituals bring so much comfort and joy. This holiday season, why not mix things up a bit? Make donating blood a delightful new holiday tradition and bring your loved ones along for the ride. There’s always a great need for blood, platelets, and plasma, and your generous gift could make a huge difference in someone's life.
Blood donations are important all year round. However, during the holidays, the demand for blood goes up while the number of willing donors tends to go down because of vacations, holiday fun, seasonal illnesses, school breaks, and sometimes even bad weather. Did you know that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood?
Helping others is not just a wonderful thing to do—it can also benefit you or someone you care about. Donating blood is an amazing way to lend a hand to those in need, and there's a bonus: you get a free mini health check before you donate. When you come in, a staff member will measure your blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and pulse. This info stays in your online donor profile so you can check it whenever you like, helping you take control of your health.
Getting involved is super simple. The donation itself is quick, with the whole process taking about an hour from start to finish.
Why not kick off a wonderful new tradition by giving the incredible gift of lifesaving blood? Grab some friends or family, pick a local donation center or blood drive, and spend your holidays knowing that your efforts could help others enjoy their own festive traditions. It’s such a meaningful way to celebrate together.
For more information visit: https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html
https://www.aabb.org/for-donors-patients/give-blood
https://www.carterbloodcare.org/
OTHER s i d e THE
Say hello to the business on the other side of the runway that you may not have known are a part of the City of White Settlement.
There are sometimes misconceptions about areas and businesses that fall within the White Settlement city limits. Yes, we see all the Facebook jokes about whether or not the West Point Sonic is in White Settlement or not. It’s not, for the record, but we appreciate the humor in all the posts about it. In fact, the City’s western border is its most easily understood. Once you hit 820, you’re out of White Settlement and into Fort Worth. However, things get a little more complex when you look to the east. It’s easy to assume that 341 marks the western border for the City, but that’s not actually the case.
“A lot of people don’t realize that there’s a whole row of businesses on the west side of Alta Mere that are within our City limits,” Planning and Development Director Roberty Nunley said. “Lowe’s, Aldi, and all of the other commercial buildings down to the Sam’s gas station are in White Settlement.”
That’s right, once you get around to the
other side of the runway you find yourself in the other part of White Settlement. There are actually twenty businesses along Alta Mere that fall within the City limits. From a grocery store to video game stores and even some great places to eat, this stretch of commercial real estate is too often not included in White Settlement’s catalog of businesses.
“We want all White Settlement businesses to succeed and it’s important to remember that this includes the businesses on our side of Alta Mere,” Nunley said. “If you’re looking to shop local, keep in mind that we’ve got that selection of businesses over there that counts as local.”
Not only can you enjoy the businesses already in this area, but there are two new additions coming soon. First is Brakes Plus, a brakes and general maintenance automobile shop. This is being constructed in the parking lot of Lowe’s. Next up is Sugary Bliss n Brew where you will be able to enjoy milkshakes, cookies, ice cream and coffee. This business is in the same complex as Aldi and looks to be a delicious place to grab desserts and treats. Sugary Bliss n Brew hopes to open before the end of the year and Brakes Plus is aiming for an opening date in early 2025.
This map of the City limits of White Settlement shows the commercial area along Alta Mere that contains these fantastic local businesses. It’s easy to feel as if you’ve entered a different city once you’re on that side of the runway, but that’s not the case. Any money spent in this area goes right back into our local economy. So the next time you’re trying to shop local, remember that you can also include these businesses on your list!
FIRESAFETY HOLIDAY
Did you know that some of our beloved holiday traditions can raise the chances of a home fire? Across the United States, fire departments respond to around 835 home structure fires each year that are sparked by decorations. These incidents unfortunately lead to an average of 3 fire-related deaths, about 30 injuries, and a hefty $14 million in property damage each year.
When it comes to home Christmas tree fires, over 40% are linked to electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Surprising, right? Plus, lamps and bulbs kick off nearly 20% of these fires, while 11% are ignited by candles. Most of these fiery mishaps tend to occur in the living room, accounting for about 40% of cases.
Candle fires hit a peak during December and January, with 11% of these incidents happening in each of those months. And speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving is known to be the day with the most home cooking fires, followed closely by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Throughout the year, candles are responsible for one-third of decoration fires, but that number skyrockets to almost half in December, where they cause 46% of such fires. Cooking accidents also play a role, igniting 20% of decoration fires.
Now that you know the statistics, let’s explore some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this festive season!
Candles- If you love the charm of traditional candles, you can still enjoy celebrating safely. Just make sure to keep flammable items like curtains and decorations at least 3 feet away from your candles. It’s a great idea to put your candles on a non-flammable surface, like a tray lined with aluminum foil, to catch any melting wax. And remember, always keep an eye on your lit candles and never leave them unattended.
Fireplaces- There's nothing quite like cozying up to a warm fire during the winter holidays. To keep the vibe relaxed and safe, make sure to keep any "fuel" – like wrapping paper, rugs, and clothing – at least three feet away from those flickering flames. Using a fire screen is a great idea to keep those sparky embers and logs in check. And remember, before you snuggle in for the night, double-check that all the embers are completely out.
Cooking or Baking- No holiday celebration feels complete without a delicious feast, right? Just remember to keep safety in mind while you’re whipping up those festive treats. Make sure to keep little ones and anything flammable—like grocery bags and kitchen towels—far from the stove and oven. It’s also a good idea to tidy up those greasy spills as you go to avoid any fire hazards. If you're planning to deep fry a turkey, be sure to keep the fryer at a safe distance from buildings and trees, start with a completely thawed turkey, and follow the fryer’s instructions closely.
Christmas Trees- If your family loves having a real tree, make sure to give it a drink of water every day. It helps keep those needles fresh and reduces fire risk. Feel free to decorate with lots of lights, but a little tip: don’t connect more than three strings together, using a power strip is a safer choice. If any of your light strings look worn or broken, it’s best to toss them out. And remember to unplug those lights whenever you head out or settle down for the night.
Let's make this holiday season a safe and joyful one by keeping these safety tips in mind. Don't forget to check your smoke alarms to ensure they're in good working order—it's a good idea to have them in every bedroom, just outside sleeping areas, and on all levels of your home, including the basement.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season from all of us at the City of White Settlement!
Christmas
MOVIES WORTH WATCHING Hallmark Style
Each volume, City staff members select a few themed movies that you may not have heard of that we think are worth watching. While all movies suggested are rated PG-13 or below, please be sure to research the movie's content for yourself to ensure it is appropriate for you and your family.
FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS
If your tolerance level for silliness is high then this is definitely a movie worth checking out. After losing her memory in a skiing accident, a spoiled heiress lands in the cozy care of a down-onhis-luck widower and his daughter at Christmastime. While she learns what it’s like to work hard and struggle to get by during the holidays, her upper class fiance searches for her. This movie gives you all the romance you expect in these Hallmark style movies but also delivers some better than expected acting and comedy.
A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS
When a hardworking farm girl refuses to sell her family’s land it’s up to a wealthy big-city charmer to come close the deal. But when he’s mistaken for the newest ranch hand, he decides to go undercover and get in the good graces of the family before trying to force them to sell. What follows is some ridiculous hijinx as he’s forced to do hard work for the first time in his life while also learning that there’s more to the world than just fast cars and money. Since it’s set in California, you don’t get the snowy idyllic Christmas scenes you’re used to in these movies, but this one has plenty of heart and some good humor.
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU
Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve seen Freddie Prinze Jr. in any significant roles, but he’s full of warmth and charm in this Hallmark style Christmas film. When a stressed out pop star shows up in his small town, she ends up meeting Freddie and his daughter. Over the course of a few magical days in December, they discover a shared love of music and songwriting as they grow closer together. This one doesn’t lean much on humor, instead delivering a heartfelt Christmas tale about love and family.
CATERING CHRISTMAS
When a hard working caterer takes on a last minute job for a massive holiday benefit, the last thing she expects is to find love. Especially not with the wayward nephew of the benefit’s host. Full of warmth, this movie explores not just the holiday spirit and romance, but what it means to belong to a family an find your own way in the world. It may have all the Hallmark style trappings but what this movie lacks in budget and flash it makes up for in heart and charm.
THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
It may be the dumbest premise of all Hallmark style Christmas movies, but that’s what makes The Knight Before Christmas so entertaining. Through the use of magic (don’t ask), a 14th century knight gets transported to modern times where he meets a young school teacher who's lost her faith in love. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming misadventures, the knight learns the true meaning of Christmas and helps the teacher rediscover the joy of love and hope. With its festive spirit, endearing characters, and a dash of time-traveling magic, this film is a delightful addition to the holiday season.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
CHRISTMASDECORATINGCONTEST
Are you looking forward to enhancing your yard for the holiday season? We invite you to participate in the Pride Commission's Holiday Decorating Contest! You can nominate your own residence or any exceptional displays you notice around town that truly capture the holiday spirit. Judging will be based on categories such as decoration quality, humor, and creativity.
Please note that the contest is limited to displays that are visible from the street within a homeowner's front yard. Displays featuring people or live animals are not permitted. Judging will take place on the evening of December 17th, so kindly ensure that all decorations are set up by 6 PM. The judges' decisions will be final. To nominate a residence, please email the address to kwsb@wstx.us or visit www.wstx.us/christmas and include the homeowner's contact information if available. For any questions, feel free to call 817-246-5012.
HOLIDAYSATTHELIBRARY
If you're looking for fun ways to entertain the kids this holiday season, the White Settlement Library has got you covered! Along with their usual programs like Craft Club, Tinker Lab, Storytime, and Homemade Happiness, they’ll be offering some festive activities too, including Booksgiving, a Thanksgiving Movie, a Gingerbread Workshop, and much more. Be sure to swing by and see what exciting plans they have in store for the holidays! You can check out all the details at www.wstx.us/181/library
POLAREXPRESS MOVIENIGHT
We’re thrilled to keep the wonderful tradition of Polar Express Night going at Parks and Recreation! Get ready for a cozy evening as the little ones don their favorite pajamas and head over to the Recreation Center. Each child will receive a special ticket to give to the conductor, making the experience even more magical! We’ll have a delicious hot chocolate bar, plus loads of snacks and popcorn to enjoy while we all settle in for the movie. It’s bound to be a fantastic night of fun for the whole family! Come join us on Friday the 13th at 6:30 PM!
COMMUNITY SERVICES
GREASEROUNDUP
Did you know that when fats, oils, and grease go down the drain, they can actually stick to the insides of pipes? Over time, this can harden and build up, leading to clogs and sewer backups. Not only is this a hassle for you at home, but it can also cause messy overflows in streets and local waterways, which is something we all want to avoid. Plus, repairs can get pretty pricey and inconvenient—imagine city crews having to close down streets, causing traffic jams and extra costs for everyone.
But here's the good news! Instead of pouring that grease down the drain, you can join in on the Holiday Grease Roundup and recycle it for free! This year's Roundup starts on Monday, November 13, and runs through Friday, January 12.
Many local communities are teaming up with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Wastewater And Treatment Education Roundtable, and American BioSource to make it even easier for you. They’re offering extra drop-off spots and reminding you about existing services to help keep our sewer systems and the environment safe.
What’s even cooler? The collected cooking oil and grease will be recycled into biodiesel or biogas! This not only reduces landfill waste but also creates a clean and green alternative fuel. Let’s do our part and keep our community running smoothly!
HOLIDAYOPENGYM
Are your kids feeling a little restless during the holidays? Need a fun place to keep them entertained while you tackle your holiday shopping? We've got just the thing! The Rec Center will be hosting holiday open gym sessions throughout the kids' breaks. Join us from Monday to Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving (November 25th27th) and on select days during Christmas Break: December 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, and January 2nd and 3rd. We can't wait to have a blast together!
RENTAFACILITY
Looking for the perfect spot to host your holiday party? Why not check out one of the city’s amazing venues? You can rent the Senior Center, the rec center rooms, the library meeting room, or even the convention center! It’ll be a fantastic way to celebrate the season! Visit www.wstx.us/recdesk
COMMUNITY SERVICES
VOLUNTEERINGATPAWS
There are so many rewarding ways to get involved and make a difference at the PAWS Center. Whether you’re interested in helping out at adoption events, cleaning, fostering, answering calls, or taking our furry friends for a walk, there's a spot for you. It really takes a special kind of person to care for these animals, and a little patience goes a long way in giving them a brighter future. We're especially on the lookout for volunteers who have a flexible schedule to lend a hand during the weekday mornings. By becoming part of the PAWS Center family, you'll connect with fellow animal enthusiasts, strengthen ties within the community, and, of course, spend time with our amazing animals. Together, we can help find more pets their forever homes. If you're under 18 and want to volunteer at the shelter, just bring a parent or guardian along with you, and you’re all set.
PAWSWISHLIST
PAWS mission is to help as many animals as they can and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and generosity of our wonderful community. Every donation, truly makes a tremendous difference. If you would like to make a donation visit their Amazon Wish List at:
https://bit.ly/3NHTyfc
LOOKINGFOR INSTRUCTORS
Have you ever considered sharing your love for dance or art by teaching a class? If so, your local community recreation center is the perfect place to start. The White Settlement recreation center has a fantastic dance room, a versatile classroom, and a fitness room just waiting for you to use. We’re excited to support and promote local instructors in pursuing their passion for teaching. We’re on the lookout for classes in music, dance, arts and crafts, fitness, cooking, and a wide range of other recreational, educational, and cultural activities. Call 817-246-5012 for room rates.
COMMUNITYSERVICES FACEBOOKPAGE
Want to stay updated on your favorite community services? Just scan the QR code to check out all the exciting things happening with Parks and Recreation, the Library, the Senior Center, and Keep White Settlement Beautiful.
NOV 5th: CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOV 11th: CITY OFFICES CLOSED (VETERANS DAY)
NOV 16TH-17TH: COMMUNITY CLEANUP
NOV 28-29TH: CITY OFFICES CLOSED
(THANKSGIVING)
DEC 3RD: CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DEC 7TH: LIGHT THE NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE
DEC 13TH: POLAR EXPRESS NIGHT AT REC CENTER
DEC 24TH: CITY OFFICES CLOSED (CHRISTMAS EVE)
DEC 25TH: CITY OFFICES CLOSED (CHRISTMAS DAY)
DEC 31ST: CITY OFFICES CLOSED (NEW YEARS EVE)
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