Rockwall's own Jason Castro is joining Grammy award-winning recording artist Patti LaBelle on December 13th at Garland's Special Events Arena for An American Christmas!

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. The box office hours are from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The main number for the Special Events Arena is 972-487-4700. The proceeds from the Concert will benefit the BEST Education Foundation.

This should be a great concert!

First time home buyers, or prospective buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years, are encouraged to take advantage of the Federal Housing Tax Credit. This tax credit is $3750 for individuals earning up to $90k a year and $7500 for married couples having a combined income of no more than $150k. The tax credit should be claimed when you file your tax return.

The tax credit does have to be repaid, but payments are interest free. Payments begin two years after the tax credit...

The old County library on Highway 66 closed July 19th, but the new one will be opening soon!

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new library at 1215 East Yellowjacket will be held on Sunday, September 7th at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited. The library will be open for their first day of business on September 8th. Bring the kids out and introduce them to the wonderful world of reading - for free!

I love living in Rockwall!!

Allen, Carrollton, Garland, McKinney and Richardson made Money's 2008 list of America's best small cities to live in. In fact, McKinney is 14th on the list, Carrollton is 15th, Richardson is 18th and Allen is 20th. What an honor! This just confirms what those of us living in the Dallas suburbs have always known; this is a great place to be. For information on the criteria used and how the selection was made, click here.

Life is great here in Texas!
Chip Parmelly

Cold Blue Steel is playing at the Rockwall Concerts on the Lake Thursday, July 24th. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. If you've never been to one of the concerts you should come on out to the Harbor to enjoy great live music in a beautiful surrounding. Many of the restaurants at the Harbor offer specials on Thursdays, or bring a blanket and your own picnic! The kids can stay cool playing in the water park and you and that special someone can relax, listen to some great music and watch the sun...