☃️Week of January 13, 2025

MLK Day Fun for the Kids, Exciting Updates from Justin Town Square, and a Heartwarming Story of Susie Holloway’s Love for Our Small Town

Author

Amber Hill
January 13, 2025

Good morning, Justin! We hope you had a blast this past week with snowball fights, sledding, and building snowmen! Woke up to freezing temps, but don’t worry—the sun’s out and it’s warming up throughout the week. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, and brace for a little chill on Sunday!

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THE DIGEST
Need Something to Do on MLK Day? We’ve Got You Covered!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday January 20, and if you’re looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained while they’re out of school, check out these great options:

  • Date: January 18 at 10 AM

  • Ages: 6-13

  • Time: 9AM - 4PM

  • Cost: $60 half day, $90 full day

  • Location: 138 Leopard Rd Suite 110, Rhome

  • Ages: 6-11

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Cost: $70

  • Location: 3930 Glad Rd, Suite 128, Colleyville, TX

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

  • Cost: $75 for half-day / $129 for full-day

  • Location: 3930 Glad Rd, Suite 128, Colleyville, TX
    Explore coding with Roblox, Minecraft, Python, Scratch, and more!
    Nintendo Switch tournaments & Virtual Reality headsets available.

  • Ages: 5-12

  • Cost: $69
    Additional options for early drop-off or late pickup.

Just a reminder: NISD and City of Justin administrative buildings will be closed in observance of the holiday.

🍪🍀Need some Girl Scout cookies or what to help a young local entrepreneur? 

Place a hand delivery order OR an order to be shipped to your home. In person orders are a little delayed due to the snow and pick up of boxes from the warehouse.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you have stories or contact information for individuals who embody the legacy of Justin, or if you know someone whose story deserves to be featured in future editions, please send them our way. Your contributions help us celebrate the rich history and spirit of our community! Email us at [email protected]

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LOCAL BUSINESS
Justin Town Square: A Vision for Growth and Community

Justin Town Square is an exciting new development located off FM 156, designed to enhance the town’s walk-ability and provide essential services to the community. Spanning approximately 250,000 square feet, the development will feature a mix of medical, office, retail, and restaurant spaces, as well as a civic plaza and an eight-foot trail that will connect to Bishop Park. Approved by the City Council in September 2022, the development aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly center that benefits both residents and businesses.

The development is divided into three sub-districts:

  • Highway Commercial (HC) along FM 156, focusing on aesthetic and functional commercial spaces.

  • General Mixed-Use (GMU), promoting walk-ability with a mix of retail, office, and entertainment along streets like Justin Lane.

  • Civic Mixed-Use (CMU), which will include public facilities like City Hall, fire stations, and parks.

In addition to local businesses, national companies are investing in the Town Square, including a deal that contributes funding for a new gas line in exchange for tenant commitments. Tenants must sign five-year leases with specific requirements, such as a cap on fast food and a minimum amount of restaurant space.

The development also includes efforts to revitalize the area and ensure its long-term growth. The Academy has started being built and solar lighting is being installed along the walking trail which will eventually connect along the flood plane. These improvements, along with ongoing partnerships, will help make Justin Town Square a thriving and integral part of the community.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just fun info we wanted to share.

EVENTS
January Happenings

📅Monday~ Jan. 13

  • When: 6:30PM

  • Where: 2001 Texan Dr.

📅Tuesday~ Jan. 14

Open Quilting
Sewing machines and Accu-quilt available for use. Bring your fabric, string, and creativity.

  • When: 2-4PM

  • Where: Mary Emma Tate Library

  • When: 4-7PM

  • Where: Master Made Feeds

📅Wednesday~ Jan. 15

55+ Lunch and Games
Metroport provides lunch while residents 55+ enjoy each others company and play games

  • When: 9:30AM-12:00PM

  • Where: 415 N College Ave

  • When: 7:00 PM

  • Where: Three Wide Brewing 16230 Three Wide Dr

📅Thursday~ Jan. 16

  • When: 6-7PM

  • Where: Hilltop Truck Park

📅Friday~ Jan. 17

Breakfast with the Mayor
Join the mayor for small talk and breakfast every Friday morning.

  • When: 6:00 AM-8:00 AM

  • Where: Lonesome Spur Cafe 218 S FM 156, Justin

  • When: 9PM

  • Where: Mule Barn 218 S FM 156

📅Saturday~ Jan. 18

  • When: 10AM

  • Where: 227 W Oak St Denton

  • When: 9-11AM

  • Where: 2001 Texan Dr.

  • When: 6-9PM

  • Where: 3 Wide Brewing

  • When: 9-11PM

  • Where: The Mule Barn

📅Sunday~ Jan. 19

  • When: 11AM-1PM

  • Where: 2800 Lakeside Pkwy, Flower Mound

📅Upcoming Events

Jan. 20~ Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
Feb. 1~ Habitat for Humanity Framing Volunteer Day 

LOCAL HISTORY
The Heart of Justin: A Town That Grows, but Keeps Its Spirit (Susie Holloway)

When Susie Holloway first moved to Justin, she recalls the town having a population of around 300 people, and it was a place where "everybody knew everybody." The town’s charm was in its close-knit community, where you could walk down the street and recognize every face. Back then, there was only one café, two convenience stores, one of which was Williams Drive In where you could stop in and grab the infamous "Gilmer Dog," a simple hot dog that was a town favorite. Life was much slower, and Susie recalls how her kids would ride their bikes around town without worry, knowing everyone’s phone number to keep track of one another.

The Holloway family has had a lasting impact on the community, particularly through Jack Holloway's generosity in offering young boys the opportunity to work with him, harvesting crops. Jack provided structure and guidance to these boys, giving them a sense of responsibility and work ethic that stayed with them long after they left the field. Many of these young men still return to check in on Susie and show off their families, a testament to the influence the Holloways have had on the community.

As Justin has grown, Susie appreciates the improvements, such as more dining options like Joe’s and new places to shop. The addition of pizza and a Sonic was a big deal compared to the limited offerings in the past. Despite the town’s growth, Susie still holds on to her preference for small-town life and believes Justin could improve with more roads and perhaps a country café that serves meals throughout the day. She still loves the town for its warmth, the people, and the memories that have defined it, even as it continues to change.

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