It’s another motivational Monday at the Community Services Department as we pause to recognize International Day of Happiness.
March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. Parks and Recreation professionals know a thing or two about happiness because it’s our job! This year’s theme is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” While the world seems stressful, finding happiness can be simple if you practice the tenants of this year’s theme.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a practiced skill that can help you stay in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice how your body is feeling. Commit to appreciating every moment you experience today!
Our Fitness and Performance Supervisor knows a thing or two about being mindful. Everyone at Champions Club has experienced Jake Coldren’s happy energy. Here’s how he maintains a healthy balance throughout his day by practicing mindfulness.
“I like to practice mindfulness by taking the time to stop and live in the present, also I try to remind myself that life isn't happening TO me but more so FOR me,” stated Jake.
Be Grateful
Gratitude is essential to increasing our happiness. Instead of stressing about the things you don’t have or haven’t achieved yet, jot down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. We’re thankful for many things at the Community Services Department, especially spending our days helping our residents create life-long memories.
Here’s what our Deputy Director of Community Relations is grateful for today. “I am most grateful for the time spent with my wife and two stepdaughters. I try very hard to be mindful of how powerful every moment is that we get to share together. Whether it’s a conversation during our weekly Sunday evening dinners as we prepare for the week ahead, or sitting outside watching my youngest ride her bike in the cul de sac, those are small moments of joy that I am very grateful for. I am also very grateful to work for the City of Southlake as we have an opportunity to truly serve others and live out our mission to create world-class experiences every day. I’m grateful for the teamwork and camaraderie that City of Southlake employees share that is truly second to none.”
Be Kind
Kindness is a quintessential trait for happy individuals. When you are kind to others, you enhance your confidence and sense of optimism. The best part? Kindness tends to be contagious! Once you give it to others, they tend to give it back.
Our staff knows that kindness is crucial to our commitment to world-class service. They also incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. Our Senior Center members experience Soheila’s caring nature every day. Here’s how Soheila keeps kindness at the forefront of her customer service approach.
“Happiness is allowing people to express and be themselves. Kindness is bringing joy and a smile to someone’s day by doing the smallest things like acknowledging a new hairdo, a colorful outfit, and letting them know you are happy to see them. It’s letting someone know they matter to you and their joy is your joy. Seniors like to be seen, and letting them know you see them brings them joy and a reason to keep going,” said Soheila.
We love the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness! Mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness go hand-in-hand with the Community Services Department’s mission to create world-class experiences.
How will you incorporate this year’s theme into today?
It’s another motivational Monday at the Community Services Department as we pause to recognize International Day of Happiness.
March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. Parks and Recreation professionals know a thing or two about happiness because it’s our job! This year’s theme is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” While the world seems stressful, finding happiness can be simple if you practice the tenants of this year’s theme.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a practiced skill that can help you stay in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice how your body is feeling. Commit to appreciating every moment you experience today!
Our Fitness and Performance Supervisor knows a thing or two about being mindful. Everyone at Champions Club has experienced Jake Coldren’s happy energy. Here’s how he maintains a healthy balance throughout his day by practicing mindfulness.
“I like to practice mindfulness by taking the time to stop and live in the present, also I try to remind myself that life isn't happening TO me but more so FOR me,” stated Jake.
Be Grateful
Gratitude is essential to increasing our happiness. Instead of stressing about the things you don’t have or haven’t achieved yet, jot down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. We’re thankful for many things at the Community Services Department, especially spending our days helping our residents create life-long memories.
Here’s what our Deputy Director of Community Relations is grateful for today. “I am most grateful for the time spent with my wife and two stepdaughters. I try very hard to be mindful of how powerful every moment is that we get to share together. Whether it’s a conversation during our weekly Sunday evening dinners as we prepare for the week ahead, or sitting outside watching my youngest ride her bike in the cul de sac, those are small moments of joy that I am very grateful for. I am also very grateful to work for the City of Southlake as we have an opportunity to truly serve others and live out our mission to create world-class experiences every day. I’m grateful for the teamwork and camaraderie that City of Southlake employees share that is truly second to none.”
Be Kind
Kindness is a quintessential trait for happy individuals. When you are kind to others, you enhance your confidence and sense of optimism. The best part? Kindness tends to be contagious! Once you give it to others, they tend to give it back.
Our staff knows that kindness is crucial to our commitment to world-class service. They also incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. Our Senior Center members experience Soheila’s caring nature every day. Here’s how Soheila keeps kindness at the forefront of her customer service approach.
“Happiness is allowing people to express and be themselves. Kindness is bringing joy and a smile to someone’s day by doing the smallest things like acknowledging a new hairdo, a colorful outfit, and letting them know you are happy to see them. It’s letting someone know they matter to you and their joy is your joy. Seniors like to be seen, and letting them know you see them brings them joy and a reason to keep going,” said Soheila.
We love the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness! Mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness go hand-in-hand with the Community Services Department’s mission to create world-class experiences.
How will you incorporate this year’s theme into today?
It’s another motivational Monday at the Community Services Department as we pause to recognize International Day of Happiness.
March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. Parks and Recreation professionals know a thing or two about happiness because it’s our job! This year’s theme is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” While the world seems stressful, finding happiness can be simple if you practice the tenants of this year’s theme.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a practiced skill that can help you stay in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice how your body is feeling. Commit to appreciating every moment you experience today!
Our Fitness and Performance Supervisor knows a thing or two about being mindful. Everyone at Champions Club has experienced Jake Coldren’s happy energy. Here’s how he maintains a healthy balance throughout his day by practicing mindfulness.
“I like to practice mindfulness by taking the time to stop and live in the present, also I try to remind myself that life isn't happening TO me but more so FOR me,” stated Jake.
Be Grateful
Gratitude is essential to increasing our happiness. Instead of stressing about the things you don’t have or haven’t achieved yet, jot down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. We’re thankful for many things at the Community Services Department, especially spending our days helping our residents create life-long memories.
Here’s what our Deputy Director of Community Relations is grateful for today. “I am most grateful for the time spent with my wife and two stepdaughters. I try very hard to be mindful of how powerful every moment is that we get to share together. Whether it’s a conversation during our weekly Sunday evening dinners as we prepare for the week ahead, or sitting outside watching my youngest ride her bike in the cul de sac, those are small moments of joy that I am very grateful for. I am also very grateful to work for the City of Southlake as we have an opportunity to truly serve others and live out our mission to create world-class experiences every day. I’m grateful for the teamwork and camaraderie that City of Southlake employees share that is truly second to none.”
Be Kind
Kindness is a quintessential trait for happy individuals. When you are kind to others, you enhance your confidence and sense of optimism. The best part? Kindness tends to be contagious! Once you give it to others, they tend to give it back.
Our staff knows that kindness is crucial to our commitment to world-class service. They also incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. Our Senior Center members experience Soheila’s caring nature every day. Here’s how Soheila keeps kindness at the forefront of her customer service approach.
“Happiness is allowing people to express and be themselves. Kindness is bringing joy and a smile to someone’s day by doing the smallest things like acknowledging a new hairdo, a colorful outfit, and letting them know you are happy to see them. It’s letting someone know they matter to you and their joy is your joy. Seniors like to be seen, and letting them know you see them brings them joy and a reason to keep going,” said Soheila.
We love the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness! Mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness go hand-in-hand with the Community Services Department’s mission to create world-class experiences.
How will you incorporate this year’s theme into today?
Spring Break is here, and we know parents are looking for ways to keep their young kiddos creative, active, and engaged.
Not only is it Spring Break, but it’s also National Children’s Craft Day! National Children’s Craft Day is a component of National Craft Month that encourages young people to get creative and develop their skills. Crafting can become a useful life-long hobby as it promotes relaxation, innovation, and critical thinking skills, according to nationaltoday.com.
Today is the perfect occasion to carve out a few hours to create crafts and life-long memories with your kids. Luckily, our Community Services team has spent the last few years finding and filming easy-to-recreate-at-home crafts for our young residents.
Here are a few handy-dandy crafts from our video arsenal!
Quick Cup Crafts
The best thing about children's active imaginations is their ability to see beyond the utilitarian purpose of commonplace items. Do you have a few extra paper cups and plates around your house? Instead of using them once and discarding them immediately, save a few paper cups for these three fun crafts! Click the video below to learn how to make a custom pencil holder, a friendly Monster Cup, and a festive Snowman Cup to use as a piece of holiday decoration next winter.
Paper Spinner
Who needs a fidget spinner when you can make your own colorful paper spinner? Follow along with the video below to learn how to make an entertaining spinner to keep your kids engaged for hours. Create a rainbow effect with different colored paper, or customize it to match your kid’s fun personality. The entire family will be delighted with this paper spinner!
Paper Frog
Origami can take years of practice to master. This paper frog craft is a perfect entry point if your child has demonstrated an interest in learning the intricate skills of paper folding. Grab some green paper and follow along to make your hopping companion!
There are so many ways to get creative with your little one today! What will you create?
Spring Break is here, and we know parents are looking for ways to keep their young kiddos creative, active, and engaged.
Not only is it Spring Break, but it’s also National Children’s Craft Day! National Children’s Craft Day is a component of National Craft Month that encourages young people to get creative and develop their skills. Crafting can become a useful life-long hobby as it promotes relaxation, innovation, and critical thinking skills, according to nationaltoday.com.
Today is the perfect occasion to carve out a few hours to create crafts and life-long memories with your kids. Luckily, our Community Services team has spent the last few years finding and filming easy-to-recreate-at-home crafts for our young residents.
Here are a few handy-dandy crafts from our video arsenal!
Quick Cup Crafts
The best thing about children's active imaginations is their ability to see beyond the utilitarian purpose of commonplace items. Do you have a few extra paper cups and plates around your house? Instead of using them once and discarding them immediately, save a few paper cups for these three fun crafts! Click the video below to learn how to make a custom pencil holder, a friendly Monster Cup, and a festive Snowman Cup to use as a piece of holiday decoration next winter.
Paper Spinner
Who needs a fidget spinner when you can make your own colorful paper spinner? Follow along with the video below to learn how to make an entertaining spinner to keep your kids engaged for hours. Create a rainbow effect with different colored paper, or customize it to match your kid’s fun personality. The entire family will be delighted with this paper spinner!
Paper Frog
Origami can take years of practice to master. This paper frog craft is a perfect entry point if your child has demonstrated an interest in learning the intricate skills of paper folding. Grab some green paper and follow along to make your hopping companion!
There are so many ways to get creative with your little one today! What will you create?
The City of Southlake celebrated Employee Appreciation Week during February 13- 17 and several Community Services employees were recognized with city-wide awards.
Our mission at the Community Services Department is to create world-class experiences and the following employees go above and beyond every day to live that mission. We are very proud to work with such dedicated and exemplary teammates.
Values Award: Innovation
Our Fitness Supervisor, Jake Coldren won the Innovation Award for his outstanding work coordinating the Fit City Challenge! Check out this video to learn more about his awesome efforts.
Values Award: Integrity
Hospitality and Sales Assistant Malia Belk embodies integrity in everything she does, especially when reconciling p-cards. Her commitment to safeguarding city resources makes her an excellent asset to the team!
Values Award: Teamwork
The Water Meter Reading Team earned the Teamwork award for replacing over 8,000 endpoints in water meters throughout the City. While this was a multi-department effort, our Parks team jumped in to help deliver this monumental project!
Director’s Award: Community Services
Parks Supervisor Terry Lee received this year’s Director’s Award for the Community Services Department. A hard-working Parks professional, Terry lives the Southlake Way values every day. He is a reliable team member and supervisor that takes tremendous pride in his work. You can see his commitment to excellence whenever you visit Bob Jones Park! Congratulations on this recognition, Terry!
Congratulations to everyone for representing the excellence of our department throughout the City! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are very proud to work with such outstanding individuals!
The City of Southlake celebrated Employee Appreciation Week during February 13- 17 and several Community Services employees were recognized with city-wide awards.
Our mission at the Community Services Department is to create world-class experiences and the following employees go above and beyond every day to live that mission. We are very proud to work with such dedicated and exemplary teammates.
Values Award: Innovation
Our Fitness Supervisor, Jake Coldren won the Innovation Award for his outstanding work coordinating the Fit City Challenge! Check out this video to learn more about his awesome efforts.
Values Award: Integrity
Hospitality and Sales Assistant Malia Belk embodies integrity in everything she does, especially when reconciling p-cards. Her commitment to safeguarding city resources makes her an excellent asset to the team!
Values Award: Teamwork
The Water Meter Reading Team earned the Teamwork award for replacing over 8,000 endpoints in water meters throughout the City. While this was a multi-department effort, our Parks team jumped in to help deliver this monumental project!
Director’s Award: Community Services
Parks Supervisor Terry Lee received this year’s Director’s Award for the Community Services Department. A hard-working Parks professional, Terry lives the Southlake Way values every day. He is a reliable team member and supervisor that takes tremendous pride in his work. You can see his commitment to excellence whenever you visit Bob Jones Park! Congratulations on this recognition, Terry!
Congratulations to everyone for representing the excellence of our department throughout the City! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are very proud to work with such outstanding individuals!
Spring Break is less than a month away, but you can never plan too far in advance for Spring Break Camps.
We know you want your kiddos to stay active and engaged during school breaks in a fun and safe environment. Luckily for you, our Programs and Athletics teams are offering a variety of Spring Break Camps for every interest and hobby!
Check out these Athletic Camps for young athletes looking to sharpen their skills:
For those that are more into STEAM, we have the following educational camps:
Our programs are popular and they fill out fast. Register early to secure your spot for Spring Break.
Spring Break is less than a month away, but you can never plan too far in advance for Spring Break Camps.
We know you want your kiddos to stay active and engaged during school breaks in a fun and safe environment. Luckily for you, our Programs and Athletics teams are offering a variety of Spring Break Camps for every interest and hobby!
Check out these Athletic Camps for young athletes looking to sharpen their skills:
For those that are more into STEAM, we have the following educational camps:
Our programs are popular and they fill out fast. Register early to secure your spot for Spring Break.
Spring Break is less than a month away, but you can never plan too far in advance for Spring Break Camps.
We know you want your kiddos to stay active and engaged during school breaks in a fun and safe environment. Luckily for you, our Programs and Athletics teams are offering a variety of Spring Break Camps for every interest and hobby!
Check out these Athletic Camps for young athletes looking to sharpen their skills:
For those that are more into STEAM, we have the following educational camps:
Our programs are popular and they fill out fast. Register early to secure your spot for Spring Break.
