Branch Bulletin- E-News from Farmers Branch

Memo from the Manager

    In its inaugural year, in 2010, Liberty Fest was a success on many fronts but probably one of the most well-attended events was the Outdoor Expo. This year, the Outdoor Expo is back and will be better thanCity Manager Gary D. Greer ever. First, its total area will be more concentrated on the area behind and just to the west of City Hall. There, within sight of the DART station, one of our renowned rose gardens and the bird sanctuary, the Outdoor Expo will be set up to showcase camping demonstrations, rock climbing, and that ever-popular kayaking. A raptor show and Master Naturalists will be on hand to talk to anyone about Texas flora and fauna and specifically what kind of experience you can have at our own John F. Burke Nature Preserve (Video Extra) on the City's west side.

   The Outdoor Expo is one of my favorite events as it really underscores that you can have an "outdoors" experience in the midst of the big city, as we do here in Farmers Branch.

   Beyond that, Liberty Fest has so much more for everyone, from the Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show to the Liberty Plaza Field of Flags, Fishin' Fun, football and rugby tournaments and those headlining concerts from 38 Special and Rick Springfield. To learn more about Liberty Fest, please visit www.fblibertyfest.com.

   Make plans now to attend. You really don't want to miss this.

Liberty Fest Expo to love the outdoors

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Everyone is invited to sample kayaking, rock climbing, archery and other outdoor activities at the Outdoor Expo on Saturday, May 28 from 12 until 5 p.m. at Farmers Branch Liberty Fest.

 

The area of Gussie Field Watterworth Park on Rawhide Creek, west of Farmers Branch City Hall and north of SnapPoll: Outdoor Expothe Farmers Branch DART station, will be the staging grounds for the Outdoor Expo and its activities, that will include Camping Basics, provided by REI; archery demonstrations, provided by Lone Star Bowhunters Association; and, kayaking demonstrations with in-boat paddling opportunities, courtesy of Kayak Instruction. Also, there will be a rock climbing wall; flora and fauna exhibition from the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, presented by Farmers Branch Landscape Manager Pam Smith and area Master Naturalists; and the Blackland Prairie Raptor Show at 1 and 4 p.m.

 

Admission to the Outdoor Expo is free and open to the public. For more information on this or any other Liberty Fest event, call 972.919.2620 or visit www.fblibertyfest.com.

 

Video  View our videos on YouTube Extra

Liberty Fest Outdoor Expo 2011 

Mayoral transition set for special City Council meeting, May 25

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The transition of the City's highest elected office is on the agenda for a special meeting of the Farmers Branch City Council on Wednesday, May 25 when incoming Mayor-Elect Bill Glancy will take the oath of office, in advance of a reception honoring retiring Mayor Tim O'Hare.

 

Following City elections last weekend, Mr. Glancy and Councilman Harold

City Hall by air

2011 Election Summary

Froehlich took their respective races and will take their respective oaths of office in the special meeting, set for 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall. In the Mayor's race, Mr. Glancy garnered 1,660 votes to challenger, Charlie Bird's total of 1,541. In the Place 2 City Council election, incumbent Harold Froehlich received 1,768 votes while Jack E. Viveros had 1,336.

 

A non-binding referendum, asking voters if they "prefer the establishment of an independent school district in the City of Farmers Branch separate and apart from the Dallas Independent School District and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District," received 1,064 "Yes" votes and 2,030 "No" votes. Proposition 2, to add limits of two consecutive terms each to the offices of Mayor and/or Councilmembers, or a maximum of four consecutive terms if a Councilmember later becomes Mayor or vice-versa, received 2,450 "Yes" votes and 560 "No" votes.

 

At the conclusion of the brief May 25 meeting, a reception will be held in the City Hall lobby, honoring outgoing Mayor Tim O'Hare. The public is invited to attend. Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway. For more information, call 972.247.3131.

BRANCHbriefs 

Field of Flags sponsorship deadline nears

FARMERS BRANCH ~ One week remains to honor a loved one's militaryField of Flags service by sponsoring a 12 by 18-inch flag that will be one of 1,700 in the Field of Flags at Liberty Fest over Memorial Day weekend. Sponsorships of flags, for veterans or active duty military service members, are available through May 21, for $5 each, at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Forms are available online at www.fblibertyfest.com. A courtesy card will be mailed to the honoree for an optional $1 more.

 

Meet Rick Springfield ... if your ticket is drawn for backstage passes Friday

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Tickets for each VIP package drawing for this year's Liberty Fest concerts, including backstage passes, must be purchased by

Rick Springfield

 

 Thursday, May 19, in advance of the drawing on Friday, May 20. On Friday, May 27, Liberty Fest presents 38 Special in concert at the Farmers Branch Historical Park with special guests, Whiskey Myers. Then, on Saturday, May 28, the featured concert will be 80s icon Rick Springfield with special guests, Spin Doctors. For a $10 donation to the Farmers Branch Historical Park, concert goers can be entered into the VIP package drawing for each night's concert. Package includes one VIP parking pass at the Farmers Branch Historical Park (good for day of concert only), upgrade to preferred seating (general admission tickets must have been purchased in advance), backstage passes to meet the headliner band, $50 in food and beverage coupons and a signed poster from the headliner band. Proceeds benefit the 1920s General Store construction project at the Park.

 

Library's Summer Reading Club looks to "dig up" good books during the coming months

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Promoting reading during the upcoming months is the goal of this year's Summer Reading Club at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. Dubbed "Dig Up a Good Book This Summer," the programManske Library will kick off June 8 and will feature regular activities on weekdays.Tutoring will be held on Mondays between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. to be followed by a movie from 3 until 5 p.m. Tuesdays will feature a Teen Movie from 3 until 5 p.m. Wednesdays are "Live!" performances and include Critterman on June 8; Mister Jazz on June 15; Slick Juggler on June 22; and Family Games on June 29. Tutoring returns on Thursdays from 2 until 3 p.m. followed by the Teen Scene, which alternates a rock band or teen craft each week, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information on the Summer Reading Club and future Live! Schedules, call the Library at 972.247.2511.

 

 

Liberty Plaza building wrap in progress.

Large scale branding

An installation crew works to "wrap" the north end of the Dr Pepper StarCenter with a banner that brands the area it faces, Liberty Plaza, with the admonition, "Liberty Lives Here." The new signage was scheduled to be in place in time for Memorial Day weekend's Liberty Fest, but is designed to stay in place for months to come. (City staff photo by Tom Bryson)

Snap Poll Results:

Greatest Automotive Decade

Poll Results: Greatest Auto Decade

Liberty Fest 2011

SCHEDULE

 

Friday, May 27

FIELD OF FLAGS

All day @ Liberty Plaza

LIBERTY KIDZONE

5:30- 9 pm @ Historical Park

38 SPECIAL IN CONCERT

Gates open at 5 pm @ Historical Park

 

Saturday, May 28

FIELD OF FLAGS

All day @ Liberty Plaza

VOLKSMARCH WALK

7 - 11 am @ Farmers Branch DART Station

FISHIN' FUN

7 - 11 am @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park

7-ON-7 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

8 am - 4 pm @ Dallas Christian College Athletic Fields

CAR TRUCK & MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Noon - 4 pm @ Liberty Plaza Area

7 A SIDE RUGBY TOURNAMENT

10 am - 4 pm @ Cox Soccer Complex

OUTDOOR EXPO

Noon to 5 pm @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park and Rawhide Creek Area

LIBERTY KIDZONE

3 - 9 pm @ Historical Park

RICK SPRINGFIELD IN CONCERT

Gates open at 3 pm @ Historical Park

 

www.fblibertyfest.com

THIS WEEK'S ISSUE
Memo from the Manager
Outdoor Expo returns to Liberty Fest
Mayoral transition set May 25
BranchBriefs
Wrap Crew
Snap Poll Results
Liberty Fest 2011 Schedule
In the Banner
Staff Profile: Perlita Ruiz
LBJ Express report

In the Banner

Rollin' on the ... Creek

 

Kids try their hand at paddling kayaks on Rawhide Creek as part of Liberty Fest 2010's Outdoor Expo. The kayaks return to Rawhide as part of this year's Liberty Fest event on Saturday, May 28, from 12 noon til 5 p.m.

 

City Staff Photo by
Derrick Birdsall

City logo graphic

april

City Staff

Mini-Profile

 PerlitaValdez.2 

Perlita Ruiz 

 Position:

City Hall Receptionist
 Department
:

Human Resources

 Years with the City:

1 month

  Personal:

Happily married with a toddler son who keeps me busy at home. I love the outdoors and see alot around Farmers Branch I can enjoy. Loyally support all the local sports teams (Go Cowboys, Mavs and Dallas Stars)!

 What Does She Like Most About Working for Farmers Branch:

"I'm new to the City, but I already love my new workplace. I take pleasure in meeting the citizens, taking their calls and directing their concerns to the appropriate department." 

LBJ Express 

Weekly Report

 

LBJ HOV LANE CLOSURES

Phase 1 began May 15

 

EASTBOUND

Beginning east of Luna Road and extending west of Midway Road

 

WESTBOUND

Beginning west of Midway Road and extending to just east of Josey Lane

 

LANE CLOSURES

 

MAIN LANES

 

WESTBOUND

Left lane of I 635 westbound will be closed between Midway Road and Webb Chapel Road

May 20 - 21 / 9 pm - 10 am

 

EASTBOUND

Left lane of I 635 will be closed between Webb Chapel and Midway Road

May 15 - 20 / 8 pm - 6 am

 

FRONTAGE ROADS

 

EASTBOUND

Right lane of I 635 between Montfort Drive and Hillcrest Road

Until May 30 / 7 am - 6 pm

 

DEMOLITION OF WALKWAY

 

Joe Ratliff Pedestrian Walkway will be demolished beginning June 2

 

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.