Granite Shoals holding a free dinner, town hall meeting and movie in Bluebriar Park

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Friday and Saturday, June 23-24 will be busy in Granite Shoals with a community spaghetti dinner, a town hall meeting on urban deer and Movie Night at Bluebriar Park.

Spaghetti at the fire hall

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or a member of the Granite Shoals Fire Auxiliary (GSFA) is especially invited to a free community spaghetti dinner for families in the city sponsored by Granite Shoals Fire Rescue (GSFR).

It will be going on 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the fire hall, 8410 West Ranch to Market Road 1431.

“People may want to come to see what's behind the doors of the fire department,” said Fire Chief Austin Stanphill. “Sometimes people don't know how to approach the department but a lot is going on here.

“Being a volunteer fireman is a great opportunity to serve the community,” said Stanphill, noting that training for the Granite Shoals volunteers is more extensive than in many rural departments.

“We answer about 1,200 calls per year but we have only four full-time and three part-time personnel. We depend on our volunteers.”

Not all volunteer firemen are firefighters.

“People can help with medical calls and in many other ways and we are glad to talk to people about their interests.”

The GSFA meets just once a month and many members contribute only the time or interest they have to spare.

“The auxiliary helps raise money fir training and they actually are paying for a new firefighter training facility for more hands-on training right here in the city,” said Stanphill.

Anyone at least 18 years of age, with a clear background, is eligible. If they can't attend the dinner, more information is available by calling 830-596-8110 or visiting the website www.gsfd.us.

Town Hall Meeting on Urban Deer

On Saturday, June 24, the Town Hall Meeting on Urban Deer Management will from 9-11 a.m., also at the fire hall, 8410 West Ranch to Market Road 1431.

Members of the Granite Shoals Wildlife Advisory Committee will discuss their research and work, including a report on the pilot program for archers. The program was conducted with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to reduce the numbers of deer in the city.

“Texas Parks & Wildlife stresses education,” said committee chairman Jason Brady. “We have learned a lot and we want to share it with citizens.

“We will continue the archery program this deer season and some of our members have completed National Association of Safety Professionals to be certified by TPWD as trainers, so volunteers in the program will not have to travel to become certified for our program.”

Movie in the Park

Later on Saturday, a family-friendly movie will be screened in Bluebriar Park, a Lake LBJ waterfront park located at the western end of Bluebriar Drive, the street that intersects Phillips Ranch Road at the water tower.

Families are invited to bring their own seating, snacks and soft drinks for a movie that will begin at 8 p.m.

“This is something new the Granite Shoals Parks Committee wants to bring to the community,” said City Manager Ken Nickel. “They are looking for all kinds of ways for residents to enjoy the parks they work so hard to make accessible.

“Movie Night at Bluebriar Park will be free, family entertainment, close to home on a Saturday night.”

Sunscreen won't be a necessity, but insect repellent might be advisable for an outdoor activity by the lake.