Good morning, Justin!
If you love what you’re reading, don’t keep it to yourself — share it with your neighbors, friends, and anyone who loves a good small-town scoop! No big national holidays this week, but it is National Junk Food Day, Global Hug Your Kids Day, Be Someone Day, and even Invite an Alien to Live with You Day. So go ahead — treat yourself to a snack, hug your kiddos, and maybe keep an eye out for UFOs over Justin, Krum, Ponder & Argyle!

As the first day of school approaches, let’s show up for some of our very own Justin Journal readers—local teachers who go above and beyond to make their classrooms welcoming, well-equipped spaces for learning.

Many educators spend their own money each year to create a comfortable environment and enhance the learning experience. If you’d like to help, check out their Amazon wish lists and consider donating—every little bit makes a big difference!

Wish Lists from Local Justin Journal Readers:

Let’s help them give their students the strong start they deserve!

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Justin, Major League Realty stands out for one big reason—they’re truly local. Every agent on their team lives in the area, knows the market inside and out, and is able to represent clients quickly and conveniently. Their strong reputation is built on client-centered service, positive outcomes, and skilled negotiations that consistently deliver results.

At the heart of the business is Cathy Green, a familiar face to many in Justin. A resident for over 40 years, Cathy married a Justin native and taught at Northwest High School before transitioning to real estate in search of a more flexible career while raising her family.

Major League Realty operates out of a building at 517 N FM 156, believed to have been built in the 1940s. The structure has served many purposes over the decades but now proudly houses a team dedicated to helping neighbors navigate real estate with honesty, experience, and care.

Looking to buy or sell? Start local—with a team that knows and loves this community.

Justin is welcoming several exciting new businesses to the community.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Arka Montessori Academy
Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 1:00 – 1:30 PM
912 W. 1st Street, Justin, TX 76247 (Next to Homeland)
Tour the new campus, meet the staff, and learn more about their child-centered approach to early education.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Best Brains Learning Center – Justin
Friday, August 8, 2025 | 9:30 – 10:00 AM
1114 FM 156, Suite 2, Justin, TX 76247 (Next to Kahwa Coffee)
Join the celebration, tour the facility, and learn about their programs in Math, English, Coding, and more. Free registration available during Grand Opening Weekend.

Coming Soon: A Vietnamese restaurant has been approved next to Justin Nail Lounge, and a Papa Johns location is also on the way.

Tuesday~ July 22

Thursday~ July 24

_{Upcoming:
7/30~ Pickup Peaches from the Peach Truck, must preorder
8/1~ PreK and Kinder Camp
8/9~ Justin Farmers Market
8/11~ Justin Elementary Meet the Teacher}
^{9/27-9/28 Monster Truck Wars in Denton}

You may have seen the name Thomas Helm on the original plat of downtown Justin—but who was he? Turns out, his life was full of twists, heartache, and adventure long before he made his mark here.

Thomas Helm was born in 1837 in Illinois to Lawrence Helm and Susanna Rea. In 1851, the Helm family packed up and hit the Oregon Trail in search of a better life out West. Sadly, tragedy struck along the way when Thomas’s mother passed away shortly after giving birth that same year.

Fast forward to 1867—Thomas married Pelona Calvert in Oregon and the two started a family, having three children. But life took another unexpected turn. Thomas went off to serve in the Civil War, and when he returned around 1871–1872, he was ready for a joyful reunion. Instead, he found an empty home.

His stepmother, Amanda Haley, told him that Pelona had left and taken the children. Heartbroken, Thomas moved to California, thinking he had been abandoned. But here’s the kicker—Pelona hadn’t left at all. She had just gone to visit her sick sister. When she came back looking for Thomas, Amanda told her that Thomas had left her! Grief-stricken and confused, Pelona took the children back to the Midwest. The couple never saw each other again.

It’s a story with more drama than a TV mini-series—but it’s all part of Justin’s past.
Stay tuned next week as we explore how Thomas eventually made his way to Justin and the lasting impact he had on our community.

Dino fans—get ready for a summer adventure! From now through August 31, Historic Grapevine transforms into Prehistoric Grapevine with hands-on activities, fossils, movies, and even a train ride through dino territory!

Dig for Fossils at Nash Farm
Kids can explore the dinosaurs of the Grape Vine Prairie and dig for fossils like real paleontologists! Each guest gets to record their find and take home a fossil souvenir.
Nash Farm, 626 Ball St.
📅 June 6–August 10 (closed Mondays & July 4, 12, 22–25)
🕘 Sessions: 9:30 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM | $3 admission

Ride the Rails Through Dino Country
Take a trip back in time aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where kids can spot dinos and enjoy themed fun along the ride.

Be the Dinosaur Exhibit – Tower Gallery
Step into the world of dinosaurs at the Tower Gallery with life-size displays and interactive experiences.

Dino Crafts & Cartoons – Palace Arts Center
Cool off indoors with dinosaur-themed crafts and classic cartoon screenings, perfect for creative kids of all ages.

Observation Tower Dino Tours
Head to the top of the Grapevine Main Observation Tower for dino-themed activities and panoramic views of the area.

Dino Treats & Surprises on Main Street
Shops and restaurants all along Historic Main Street are offering limited-time dinosaur-themed snacks, gifts, and family specials.

Reminder: Santa’s North Pole Express Tickets Go On Sale Oct. 1!

If you're planning to take the kids, mark your calendar—tickets for this popular Grapevine tradition sell out fast. Official ticket links will be posted on GrapevineTexasUSA.com