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Memo from the Manager
Park barking
Continuing the very busy Farmers Branch spring event schedule, Gussie Field Watterworth Park will be overrun with furry, four-legged friends (as in "man's best ...") on Sunday, May 1 with the renewal of a young event, but one that is gaining traction as a regular happenstance every Spring - "Bark in the Park." What you probably know is that this event offers dogs (and cats) and their humans an opportunity to come out and mingle with other pets and people, partake of some services and have some fun.
What you probably don't know is that this event, as well as a significant amount of work that goes on for pets in this community, was begun by volunteers, working in concert with City Staff. So, let me take this opportunity to thank the good folks at Cause for Paws and Arfriend along with City staff like Michael Spicer, Stacy Wright, Louise Maranzana, Ethel Strother and everyone that works in and around the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center. It is because of these wonderful people that pet adoptions are way up, the alternative is way down and we have the opportunity to celebrate our pets and the joy they bring at events like "Bark in the Park." By the way, don't worry if you don't have a pet. Come on out to"Bark in the Park" and adopt one or come by the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center. They'll be happy to see you! |
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ While a new grocery store is constructed across the street in the coming months, Chase Bank has a reconstruction project of its own that will further the redevelopment crusade in the Shops at Branch Crossing, formerly known as the Four Corners, at Valley View and Josey Lanes.
The existing Chase branch building, at 12875 Valley View in the southwest quadrant of the shopping district, was originally constructed in the 1970s and has undergone several name changes with different bank acquisitions through the years. The building is 20,000 square feet, housing both the bank and a training center. Chase plans to replace it with a more traditional location of 4,100 square feet. The Chase training center will be relocated to another Chase location in the Metroplex.
Part of the Chase changes will also be the closing of the detached drive-through center, located several blocks behind the main building. New drive-through lanes will be located adjacent to the new building. Farmers Branch Planning Director Andy Gillies said the new facility is in line with the Four Corners Vision Plan, composed by local merchants, residents and stakeholders in 2007, that calls for more compact, pedestrian-friendly development with reduced surface parking.
Demolition is expected to take place this summer with the new branch open by spring of 2012. During the construction, Chase is doing business in a temporary location adjacent to the detached drive-through center, most easily accessible from Valley View Lane, just west of Josey. |
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 Tim O'Hare
Mayor reflects on politics, parenthood and love of hometown as he prepares to leave office
After six memorable years as a City Councilman and as Mayor, Farmers Branch native Tim O'Hare shocked the  community this spring by announcing he would not seek re-election to the office that brought him acclaim as well as controversy. Before leaving office, he sat down with Branch Bulletin E-News editor, Tom Bryson, for a candid conversation.
Part 4 of 4: Legacy
BRANCH BULLETIN: Why step down now?
TIM O'HARE: You know, I left the office of Mayor, decided to not seek reelection because we had a little girl, well we didn't know what she was when I decided, but we had a baby coming and our plan is, since I am not getting any younger, is to have at least two more children, if not three (we would like to have four), and we would kind of like to have them back to back to back pretty quick. So I just didn't want to be going out at night to Council meetings, staying until 10 p.m. and going to Chamber events, and Rotary galas, and all these other things when I had my wife at home taking care of two, three or four children. I am hopeful that we will have at least three by the time my next term would have been over if I had sought reelection. I didn't want to do that. I want to be there for my family, my philosophy and belief is the most important job I will ever have is raising kids, and it is hard enough to be married, run a business, and be Mayor and do all three of them well, but take care of your wife and your children and run a business and be Mayor, I just don't see how anybody could do it. And I think that is why you see most Mayors around town are not my age. Most Mayors around town are much older than I am and their kids are all grown and out of school.
BRANCH BULLETIN: The paradigm shift upon becoming a father is pretty amazing. Are there any regrets at this point for stepping out of the political arena? Or is there no doubt in your mind that this was the way to go?
READ the answer to that question and the entire interview at www.farmersbranch.info |
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 Pam Smith recognized by Rotary for service to community
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In recognition of her work as Landscape Manager for the City of Farmers Branch and her exceptional service to the community, the Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary Club has bestowed their Paul Harris Fellow Award on Pam Smith. The award is named for Chicago attorney Paul Harris who founded Rotary International in 1905. |
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Canine celebration set for Gussie on Sunday, May 1
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Micro-chipping can help identify dogs and cats if they  get lost and can be done this weekend for only $10 per pet at Bark in the Park, Sunday, May 1 from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, 2610 Valley View Lane near City Hall.
Other activities will include a silent auction, working dogs, therapy dogs, cat and dog adoptions, doggie massages and pedicures, face painting, children's games, concessions and more.
Additionally, there will be a performance by the human and dog dance troupe, Top Dog and there will be an artist on hand to compose drawings of pets. Admission is free with games and concessions available at a nominal price. Proceeds benefit the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center and its volunteer organizations. 972.919.8770. |
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Snap Poll:
Pet Preferences
Last Week's Results:
Liberty Fest Concerts
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In the Banner |
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Barking in the Park | |
In celebration of Sunday's canine festivities, better known as "Bark in the Park," this week's banner contains the image of a young pup recently looking for a home at CityWide CleanUp Day. "Bark in the Park" is set for Sunday, May 1 from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at Gussie Field Watterworth Park.
Staff Photo by Amy Cooper |
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EARLY VOTING Schedule | |
Mon thru Sat, May 2-7
8 am to 5 pm
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Sun, May 8
1 to 6 pm
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Mon & Tue, May 9-10
7 am to 7 pm
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Early voting at
Farmers Branch City Hall 13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
Election Day is May 14
www.dalcoelections.org | |
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May 27 & 28
Concert tickets now on sale at City Hall, Rec Center and online at
www.fblibertyfest.com
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Video  Extra
EarthKind Roses
Farmers Branch Landscape Manager Pam Smith
appears on "Dig In DFW" with Neil Sperry, elaborating on rose care, from the National EarthKind Rose Trial and Display Gardens in Farmers Branch
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
Jay Stanley
Position:
Automotive Technician
City Department:
Equipment Services
Claim to Fame:
Recently certified as Emergency Vehicle Technician for ambulances
Years with the City:
Two years, nine months
Personal Stuff:
Enjoys playing golf, bicycling and riding four-wheelers
What He Likes Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch:
"I enjoy the vast diversity of vehicles and equipment I get to work on and like how I have been welcomed into an organization with a feeling of 'family' and working together." |
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
MAIN LANE CLOSURES
Right lane in both directions from Josey Lane to Hillcrest
Thru April 29 / 8 pm to 6 am
WESTBOUND FRONTAGE ROADS
Right lane between Dallas North Tollway and Preston
Thru May 16 / 24 hrs
Right lane from West of Coit to Road to Park Central Drive
Thru May 16 / 24 hrs
Right lane from West of Hillcrest Road to Preston
Thru May 16 / 24 hrs
EASTBOUND FRONTAGE ROADS
Right lane from East of Montfort Drive and Preston Road
Thru May 30 / 7 am to 6 pm
LBJ HOV LANE CLOSINGS
Phase I starting May 15
Eastbound
beginning east of Luna Road and extending west of Midway
Westbound
beginning west of Midway and extending just west of Joe Tarcliff Pedestrian Walkway
For More Project Information
www.lbjexpress.com |
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About the City of Farmers Branch
Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, Farmers Branch is a vibrant and vital community with a residential population of 28,800 but a daytime population of 66,000. The City's 28 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Farmers Branch Historical Park allows residents to step back in time and the John F. Burke Nature Preserve offers the opportunity to experience a real, 104-acre wilderness in the middle of one of the busiest metro areas of the world. The City's location in the geographical center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, only 15 minutes away from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information about Farmers Branch, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2515. |
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