TO ENSURE EVERYTHING STAYS FRESH, A CARE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH DEPARTMENT WILL PICK UP THE SANDWICHES BETWEEN 10:45 AND 11:00 AND DELIVER THEM TO THEIR DEPARTMENT THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU O TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY RUNNING!
ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT
ROANOKE TX @ ICSC
Team Roanoke recently hit the floor at the largest commercial real estate convention at ICSC Las Vegas.
Armed with demographics, data, and foam trains, our team had the chance to engage directly with national retailers, restaurant
groups, and entertainment venues about opportunities within the community.
With over 30,000 participants, the Roanoke booth stayed plenty busy highlighting recent economic development wins, upcoming projects and of course highlighting why we are known as ‘The Unique Dining Capital of Texas’
FROM YOUR FINANCE
DEPARTMENT
A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS
PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE THE CITY’S SALESTAX EXEMPTION
CERTIFICATE FOR ALL ELIGIBLE PURCHASES. LASTYEAR, WE PAID APPROXIMATELY $5,000 IN SALESTAX ON PURCHASING CARD TRANSACTIONS.
TO PUT THAT INTO PERSPECTIVE, $5,000 COULD PROVIDE:
POLICE DEPARTMENT: 4 BULLETPROOF VESTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT: 11 FIRE HELMETS
PUBLIC WORKS: WATER CERTIFICATION ANDTESTING FOR 3 EMPLOYEES
I.T.: 3 LAPTOPS PLUS 15 KEYBOARD AND MOUSE COMBOS
FINANCE: ENOUGH CALCULATOR TAPE TO KEEP THE SPREADSHEETS ROLLING FOR 15 YEARS!
THE TAX EXEMPTCERTIFICATE CAN BE EASILY FOUND ON THE FINANCE INTRANET:
EVERYTAX-EXEMPT PURCHASE HELPS STRETCH TAXPAYER DOLLARS A LITTLE FURTHER — THANKYOU FOR HELPINGTHE CITY MAKE EVERY DOLLAR COUNT!
MARK BOREN - PUBLIC WORKS
Mark has worked in Public Works for nearly 20 years, including the past 3½ years here in Roanoke. He truly enjoys working for the city due to it’s small town feel and the fact that everyone knows everyone and we are fortunate to have such an awesome Mayor leading our community. Outside of work, he enjoys OU football, TX Ranger baseball, bowling, golfing, and spending time at the shooting range. Music has always been an important part of his life. He has sung in his church choir since he was 7 years old and continues to sing in his current church choir today. He also rings hand bells and played the clarinet in junior high before switching to tuba in high school, where he marched with the Odessa Permian’s band, which was one of the largest bands in Texas at the time. He is also proud to be an Eagle Scout and for those who know, you know. Most importantly, he has been married to his incredible wife for 33 years, and together they have raised three very successful children.
Join us June 6 for our second annual Living Library, 12-8 pm at the Library, Senior Center, and Pool! We have characters from Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Bluey, and more, along with a mermaid at the pool, Kona Ice sno-cones, and Carter Blood Care. This event is free to all, and suitable for all ages.
Dear Babby, I love my in-laws. Truly, I do. But every holiday, birthday, dentist appointment, and random Tuesday seems to result in another avalanche of giant plastic toys arriving at our house for my kids. We’re talking battery-powered dinosaurs, karaoke machines, and a play kitchen so large it may legally qualify as a guest house.
My children are thrilled. My living room looks like the clearance aisle exploded. I don’t want to hurt my in-laws’ feelings because they’re generous and excited to spoil the grandkids. But I’m running out of closets, patience, and places to sit. How do I politely suggest alternatives like restaurant gift cards, museum memberships, or experiences instead of more stuff?
Signed, Buried in Hot Wheels
Dear Buried,
First, let me assure you: you are not alone. Across America, parents are currently stepping on tiny plastic food items while wondering how one child can own seventeen stuffed axolotls. Grandparents often equate gifts with love, and many come from generations where giving “ more ” feels meaningful. The good news is you don’t have to reject their generosity — you just need to gently redirect it.
Try framing the conversation around what the kids are excited about lately, rather than what you don’t want. Something like:
“The kids have so many toys right now, and honestly they’ve been loving experiences more than things. They’d go crazy for a movie gift card, zoo pass, or even a special lunch date with you. ” This accomplishes three things:
1 It avoids sounding critical.
2 It gives them specific alternatives.
3 It reminds them the kids value time and memories, too. You can even create an “experience wish list” before birthdays and holidays:
Favorite restaurants
Trampoline park passes
Aquarium or museum memberships
Art classes
Ice cream outings
Savings contributions for future activities
And if they still show up with a six-foot animatronic unicorn? Smile warmly, thank them sincerely, and remember: batteries can mysteriously “disappear.”
Good luck, and may your floors one day become visible again.
Rreminds us to value every individual and foster a culture of collaboration and trust.
SIreminds us to value every individual and foster a culture of collaboration and trust.
reflects our shared commitment to meet the needs of others with professionalism and compassion.
Einspires us to pursue the highest standards in our work and take pride in the results we deliver.
Submit Nominations Here OR Nomination cardsare availableinHR
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR COWORKERS? TAKE A LOOK AT THE EMPLOYEE PHOTOS AND IDENTIFY EACH PERSON BY NAME AND DEPARTMENT. THE FIRST EMPLOYEE TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY ALL FEATURED EMPLOYEES WINS THE PRIZE, SO DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS! GOOD LUCK, AND MAY THE BEST COWORKER-SPOTTER WIN! SEND YOUR RESPONSE TO NEWSLETTER@ROANOKETEXAS.COM.
