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Memo from the Manager
It's warming up outside
In very similar form to last year, Liberty Fest over Memorial Day weekend, turned out to be the first scorcher of what promises to be a very hot summer season here in north Texas. With the traditional shift to winds out of the south (when we're lucky enough to have a breeze) comes the advent of all things summer - kids out of school, splashing in cool water and enjoying time off with family and friends.
Let me encourage everyone to take advantage of summertime offerings in Farmers Branch, including (but not limited to) the Summer Reading Club at the Manske Library, the Don Showman Pool, Historical lectures, Star Parties and more at the Historical Park and nature walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve.
These are just a few of the activities going on during the next few months. Of course, please make plans to be with us on Sunday evening, July 3 as Farmers Branch shows off its red, white and blue for the annual Independence Day festivities with fireworks, food and live music. And, if we can do anything for you this summer, or any other time of year, please let us know. |
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ The natural wonder of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve can be explored in detail on either of two upcoming guided nature walks, with Master Naturalist Jim Varnum, June 4 & 14.
Both walks begin at 9 a.m. at the preserve, 1111 Valley View Lane, between Luna Road and Interstate 635, and should last about one hour. These experiences are suitable for all ages. Sturdy shoes, for trails that could be muddy, are recommended. Cameras, bug spray and binoculars are also a good idea.
Mr. Varnum has already identified more than 200 species of plants in the preserve which is an excellent example of a bottomland forest and natural wetland area. In addition to the indigenous plant life, nature walkers will also gander at wildflowers and the bird population.
The nature walks are free and open to the public. Call 972.919.2625 for more information.
VIDEO  EXTRA
 | | John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Introduction |
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Thanks to a few French expatriates, one Boy Scout troop and an open space at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, Farmers Branch is now home to the bowling game Pétanque.
Pronounced "pay-tonk," the game originated in the south of France and is a cousin of both horseshoes and bocce.
The aim is to toss or roll a number of hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball wins.
The Pétanque court is located, ironically, next to the horseshoe pit in Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall, just south of the rose garden. The court was installed by Eagle Scout candidate Farhaat Ali.
Find out more about the game at www.petanque-america.com. |
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Manske Library Summer Reading Club begins Monday
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 program will kick off June 6 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. |
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BRANCHbriefs
Bark in the Park coming back on June 12
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The festival of all things canine gets a second chance on Sunday, June 12 as "Bark in the Park" is planned from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, on Valley View Lane, near Farmers Branch City Hall.
Admission to the annual event is free and open to local pets and their people. It includes a silent auction, working dogs, therapy dogs, cat and dog adoptions, $10 microchipping, clowns and facepainting, children's games, concessions and more. Proceeds benefit the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center and its volunteer organizations. For more information, call 972.919.8770. |
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Living History Summer Lecture Series coming to Historical Park
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Historical Park will take a look at sports and cowgirls during the once monthly summer lecture series coming up in June, July and August.
On June 28, the lecture series begins with Mark Presswood who will trace the history of the great game in a town known for cows in "From Panthers to Cats: The Legacy of Professional Baseball in Fort Worth."
"Three Strikes and You're Not Out," switches the topic from baseball to bowling as staff members from the National Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington present the history of bowling on July 26.
Then, "The Cowgirl Legacy" will close out the series on August 30 with Diana Vela, Director of Exhibits and Education at the National Cowgirl Museum.
All lectures are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Church on the Historical Park grounds. Call 972.406.0184 for more information. |
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Snap Poll:
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
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In the Banner |
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Rick Rocks Roses | |
Pop icon Rick Springfield shreds roses against his guitar during his Liberty Fest concert over Memorial Day weekend at the Farmers Branch Historical Park
Staff Photo by
Tom Bryson |
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
Baby Raley
Position:
Human Resources Manager
Department:
Human Resources
Years with the City:
10 1/2
Personal:
I am a Certified Interrogator for the US Army Reserves which can be useful in my job in the Human Resources Department. I received the 2011 Texas Municipal Human Resources Association "Rising Star" Award. I enjoy volunteering for numerous organizations. I can play the piano and the flute, and I really enjoy singing Karaoke.
What Does She Like Most About Working for Farmers Branch:
I love working at the City of Farmers Branch because it's a small community with a BIG heart! Working here is like working with family. It's great! |
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
SHOULDER CLOSURES
Westbound
Right shoulder from east of Monfort to the Monfort overpass
Thru June 2 / 8 pm to 6 am
MAIN LANE CLOSURES
Eastbound
Right lane between Webb Chapel and Marsh
Thru May 27 / 8 pm to 6 am
FRONTAGE ROADS
Eastbound
Right lane from Hillcrest to Park Central
Thru July 15 / 9 am-6pm
Northbound
Right lane of NB Marsh Lane from I 635 Westbound Frontage to 200 ft north
of I 635
June 9 / 9 am to 3 pm
Right lane of NB Josey Lane from I 635 Westbound Frontage to 100 ft north
of Villa Creek
June 10 / 9 am to 3 pm
Right lane of NB Rosser north of I 635 to the alley
June 14 / 9 am to 3 pm
HOV LANE CLOSURES
Eastbound
Beginning east of Luna Road and extending west of Midway
Westbound
Beginning west of Midway Road and extending just
east of Josey Lane
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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