Good Morning, Justin and Neighbors!

We hope you're staying cool and enjoying the summer heat (or at least surviving it with plenty of iced coffee and air conditioning).

A quick community note: tomorrow is Jeremy's birthday! If you happen to see him around town, be sure to wish him a happy birthday.

Also, please be patient with us this week as we're taking a small grid break to recharge and spend a little time with family. We'll still be keeping an eye on what's happening around town, but responses and updates may be a little slower than usual.

As always, thanks for being part of the Justin Journal community. We appreciate you and hope you have a fantastic day!

THE DIGEST

The Justin Cemetery Association held its annual meeting on April 26, 2026, where members shared updates on preservation efforts and future plans for the historic site.

This year marks 120 years since the cemetery was established by the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows Lodge #432 on March 8, 1906. In April, the Justin Cemetery was officially certified as a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission. At the meeting, the Association voted to pursue a Historical Marker to recognize and document this designation.

Additional updates include updated cemetery signage and plans to have the grounds scanned for unmarked graves, ensuring all resting places are respectfully identified and recorded. The Association is also exploring future improvements, including the possibility of a columbarium to provide additional options for cremated remains.

In other news, the cemetery has been selected as a community project by a member of Scout Troop #328 in Trophy Club, in partnership with VFW Post 5074 in Roanoke, to help mark all veteran graves for decoration now and in the future.

The Justin Cemetery Association is supported by an all-volunteer board and maintained through community donations. For more information, contact [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 811, Justin, Texas 76247.

One of the most common questions we see from local families is, "How do I help Mom, Dad, or Grandpa get out and meet people?" Fortunately, there are a few opportunities right here in Justin that may be worth checking out.

Justin Seniors Group

The Justin Seniors Group meets every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Methodist church in Justin and is open to adults 55 and older.

Participants enjoy:

The group is wheelchair accessible, parking is available behind the church, and newcomers are welcome—even if you've never played the games before.

Several community members described the group as friendly, welcoming, and a great way to meet others in the area.

First Baptist Justin Senior Activities

Community members also recommend checking with First Baptist Church Justin for senior-focused gatherings and activities. Contact the church directly or reach out to John Chamberlain for information on upcoming events.

Local Church Activities

Many of Justin's churches host Bible studies, fellowship groups, lunches, game days, and special events throughout the year. If you're looking for regular social opportunities close to home, it's worth checking the calendars of local congregations.

Justin Coffee & Trading Co.

Justin Coffee & Trading Co. frequently hosts community gatherings and Bible studies that may appeal to older adults looking for casual social interaction in a relaxed setting.

Looking for More?

If you know of a senior group, coffee meetup, card club, walking group, or other activity within five miles of Justin, send us the details. We'd love to build a community resource list to help local seniors stay active, connected, and engaged.

Getting involved doesn't have to mean a big commitment. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up, sharing a meal, and meeting a few new friends.

DO SOME GOOD JUSTIN

Several local organizations are working quietly behind the scenes to preserve the heart and history of Justin for future generations.

The Justin Cemetery Association is operated entirely by an all-volunteer board and maintained through community donations. Contributions help care for the historic cemetery grounds and preserve an important part of Justin’s history.

Meanwhile, the Justin Heritage Foundation continues its mission to:

As Justin continues to grow, organizations like these help ensure the town’s stories, landmarks, and small-town character are not forgotten.

We recently had the chance to meet one of the owners of Crave Cookies at their new Northlake location, and one thing stood out immediately—they're local. The family lives in Harvest, and you'll find family members working in the store right alongside their team.

Crave is known for its deep-dish style cookies, loaded fillings, and rotating weekly flavors that go far beyond the typical chocolate chip cookie with a different frosting on top. Their philosophy is simple: if you're going to indulge, make it worth it.

One feature parents are sure to appreciate is the drive-thru. Whether you've got kids buckled into car seats, a packed schedule, or just don't feel like unloading everyone for a dessert run, you can grab a sweet treat without ever leaving your vehicle.

Located at 101 Plaza Place, Suite 100 in Northlake, Crave offers a rotating menu of specialty cookies, cookie-inspired desserts, and classic favorites. The owners are excited to become part of the community and bring a new dessert option to the area.

Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 10:30 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM–7:00 PM

For families looking for an easy after-dinner treat, date-night dessert stop, or a reward after a long day of summer activities, Crave may be worth a visit.

Pools, water parks, beaches, and lake escapes all within about 30 minutes. (see last weeks’ newsletter for splash pads)

Pools & Water Fun

Lake Days & Outdoor Escapes

Wednesday~ June 17

Thursday~ June 18

Friday~ June 19

Saturday~ June 20

Check out the GetOut Pass and use JUSTINJOURNAL for $5 off

Last week, we shared the story of the last known surviving item from the Icarian community—a bell that once called townspeople together for meetings and somehow found its way to the old Pennington School.

In 1913, the Pennington School became obsolete when Justin built a new three-story school on the west side of town. (That school has since burned down.) The Pennington building was purchased by the Baptist congregation, now known as First Baptist Church of Justin, and the bell was placed in storage.

There it remained for decades.

By 1941, the United States was involved in a war half a world away and iron was in high demand for ammunition and other wartime needs. Two men approached the church looking to purchase scrap iron from its storage area and requested to buy the old bell.

That could have been the end of the bell's story.

Instead, Mrs. Alma Bishop—the wife of Justin's first mayor—took it upon herself to save the bell. She quietly "borrowed" it and hid it in her shed. There the bell remained, tucked away and protected, until the church came looking for it years later.

The church had seen another community create a display around an old bell and wanted to do something similar in Justin. Knowing exactly where an old iron bell could be found, they reached out to Mrs. Bishop.

According to local accounts, Mrs. Bishop simply replied, "Take it and put it where it belongs."

Today, that same bell still hangs outside First Baptist Church in Justin—a surviving piece of the town's Icarian past, preserved thanks to one resident who refused to let history be melted away.