Memo from the Manager 

   As you all well know, it's already hot outside. And, as it is officially summer, water is the watchword for the summer months. If you're outside, stay hydrated. If you need to cool off, visit the Don Showman Pool and, in any event, be proud of your water.

   Huh?

   Yep, the quality of your water is in good shape, according to the annual water quality report which will be arriving in your Farmers Branch mailbox very soon.  Ironically, the federally-mandated water quality report is typically filled with incredibly "dry" information, ranging from the total amount of trihalomethane in the water to the maximum contaminant level goal. It's all very important, but not the most exciting read in the world.

   That is, up until a few years ago. In an effort to give residents a reason to pick up and glean the information from the water quality report, City Staff began inviting more attention to the document with the inclusion of "out of the ordinary" photography. Two years ago, most of the Public Works staff gathered for a group photo in work clothes, while standing waist-deep in water. Last year, Public Works Director Mark Pavageaux was photographed sitting at a fully-equipped desk in the fountain behind City Hall. And, this year's theme is "Defending Your Water: The Quest for Water Supremacy," taking a comic book approach to the very serious business of ensuring your water is of the highest quality possible.

   Are the photos silly? Maybe a bit. But, if they give anyone a chuckle and, more importantly, cause them to pick up and read the document then the approach has worked.

   After all, we all need to know what cryptosporidium is.

Additional copies of the 2010 Water Quality Report are available at Farmers Branch City Hall or online right here. For more information, call 972.919.2597.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Acting as a simultaneous test of ability, tool for training and friendly competition among peers, the Firefighter Combat Challenge program offers local heroes the chance to improve personal skills, set personal records and compete at events across the country.

   This weekend, the Firefighter Challenge Team from Farmers Branch Fire

Department will compete in Carlsbad, New Mexico following their 3rd place finish at the opening event of the season in Lake Charles, Louisiana last month. That finish qualified them for the 2011 World Finals.

The Farmers Branch Fire Department Firefighter Challenge Team competed in Lake Charles, Louisiana in May. They are Firefighters (from left) Michael Bilharz, Morgan Bell, Andy Davis, Billy Hartman and Michael Mania.

   Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker said each regional event is two full days of competition and the World Finals is a week of racing culminating in the final two days where the world champions are crowned.
   Parker added that competitors engage in the challenge on their own time and at their own expense.

   Wearing "full bunker gear" and the SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting a 45-lb. hose roll, simulation forcible entry, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. "victim" as they race against their opponent and the clock.

   In 2010, the Farmers Branch Firefighter Challenge Team qualified to go to the World Finals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where the relay team made it to the final day of competition and placed in the top 30 of more than 300 teams.

   The Challenge annually attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments at more than 25 locations and is now expanding to countries around the world, including England, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. For more information, call the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 972.919.2640.

BRANCHbriefs 

Teen Kayak Trip & pool classes highlighted at Rec Center

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ Space is limited so pre-registration is encouraged for a Teen Kayak Day Trip to Lake Ray Hubbard, sponsored by the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, on Tuesday, June 28.

   The trip is for kids ages 13 through 18 and costs $20 for Recreation Center members and $24 for non members.

   At the Don Showman Pool, Aqua Pilates and Power Sculpting continues on Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Also, Teen Kayaking at the pool is Friday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required for Teen Kayaking.

   For registration or more information on any Rec Center program, call 972.247.4607.

Independence Day festivities to include music, fireworks & more

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Free admission, live music and spectacular fireworks are on the agenda as Farmers Branch celebrates America at the annual Independence Day festivities, Sunday, July 3 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with a concert by local variety band, Professor D beginning at 8. Fireworks will follow the show at approximately 9:30 p.m. In addition, there will be tours of historical buildings, concessions and kids activities. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the holiday weekend in Farmers Branch. More at www.farmersbranch.info or 972.919.2620.
   Then, on Monday, the 4th, the Red, White and Blue Independence Day Walking Parade will take place on Rawhide Parkway between Josey and Longmeade, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring flags, wear red, white and blue and to decorate strollers, bicycles and wagons. For more information, call 214.647.0137.

Town Hall Meeting broadcast available online & TV

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The "State of the City Thus Far in 2011" video presentation along with the questions and answer session with the City Council from the Town Hall Meeting held earlier this month is now available for viewing online and on FBTV.

   Television viewers can find the meeting on FBTV at 9 a.m. and following evening Council meeting replays. FBTV can be seen on Time Warner Cable Channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranch.info.

   An on-demand viewing of the meeting is being placed on the Farmers Branch YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/fbtv16. That video is expected to be available by Wednesday evening.

Keeping Kids Busy in the Summertime

 A New Snap Poll Returns Next Week 

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