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Memo from the Manager
The Winds of Liberty
There are certain times of year when the world around us needs to stop for a  day, so that we can take measure of how spectacularly blessed we are to have been born Americans. We do this on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and September 11 and December 7. But, there is no question that chief among these special dates commemorates the signing ceremony that took place on the fourth day of July in 1776. There is a story that captures the essence of that feeling from the depths of our souls that gives thanks for that experiment in democracy that started those many years ago.
"Matthew parted the curtain and looked out the window when he heard the horses trotting restlessly in the pen as the midnight moon cleared the high clouds to cast a pale glow on their shimmering backs. He couldn't sleep either. There was something happening. Something in the wind that would change their lives forever. 
"Quietly, he pulled on his boots and wrote a note to Sarah telling her not to worry but that he was riding into town to hear of the news and that he loved her more than life itself.
"Big Ben was happy to be out and strode with a spring in his step as he and Matthew closed in on the center of town, oddly illuminated for that hour. As he entered the square, the streetlamps were still ablaze as townspeople, some still dressed and some in their bedclothes, scurried about to huddle with others and read the freshly printed postings that were being handed out by young boys in tri-cornered hats.
"Matthew saw one of the papers tacked to the freshly painted outside wall of the newspaper storefront. He fumbled for his spectacles as he walked towards the tattered and slightly smudged flyer. But, his heart soared as he read the words ... 'In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776, the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America ...' With tears in his eyes and pride in his new country, he continued to drink in every word as the bell in the old church tower began to toll."
May our moment in history be that of a people that revere their heritage and perpetuate the legacy that began that warm day in Philadelphia, 235 years ago. Happy Fourth of July to us all! |
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City offices to close for 4th
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Most City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The only exceptions will be the Farmers Branch Historical Park and the Community Recreation Center, both of which will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be no garbage collection on July 4. |
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Fabulous fireworks will be preceded by magnificent music at the Farmers Branch Independence Day festivities on 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. |
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Walking parade set for 4th morning | |
 RAWHIDE CREEK ~ Following the fantastic fireworks at the Farmers Branch Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, the focus turns to families on the morning of Monday, the 4th of July for the annual Red, White and Blue Independence Day Walking Parade.
The foot fete 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. |
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Neighboring city puts the red in red, white and blue with holiday blood drive | |
ADDISON ~ Citing the need for types O negative and B negative, the Addison donor center for Carter Bloodcare is encouraging blood donations during their annual "12 Hour GIVE" on Monday, July 4 from 5 a.m. til 5 p.m. at 3955 Beltline Road in Addison. For more information, call 800.366.2834. |
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Town Hall Meeting & State of the City videos now available online
CYBERSPACE ~ June's Town Hall Meeting, covering a variety of topics from Code Enforcement to the LBJ project and many things in-between, is now available for online viewing at the Farmers Branch YouTube channel.
Viewers should log on at www.youtube.com/fbtv16 for access to these and other city-related videos or sample the links below.
VIDEO  EXTRAS
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State of the City Mid-2011
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Teen CSI Camp to follow the evidence, July 11-15
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Back for a fifth year, kids ages 13 to 18, will discover the ins and outs of law enforcement professions during Teen CSI Camp, sponsored by the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
Activities will include hands-on demonstrations led by a variety of law 
enforcement professionals, including representatives of the medical examiner's office, forensic artists, district attorneys, FBI agents, undercover narcotics officers, DFW Airport Police, K-9 units and more. Off-site trips to the Dallas Police Homicide Unit, a mock trial and mock crime scene searches are also included.
The camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 11-15, at the Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place. For more information, call 972.247.4607. |
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Rock on! Staff Photo by Amy Cooper
First, they rocked Liberty Fest, now the For Those About To Rock School Junior All-Star Band took time from their summer schedule to entertain the kids at the Community Recreation Center's Summer Funshine Program last week. Members of the group range in age from 7 to 12 and play regular engagements. |
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Special Snap Poll:
Celebrating the Fourth of July
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In the Banner |
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Fireworks over Fourth
Fireworks will explode over the Farmers Branch Historical Park at the conclusion of the traditional Independence Day celebration Sunday, July 3. | |
File Photo by Tom Bryson |
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E-NEWS NEWS |
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Publication moving to Thursday
Since its inception in March, BRANCH BULLETIN has set a new standard for the City's electronic communictions with its weekly publication and variety of content.
Now, to better accommodate deadlines, BRANCH BULLETIN is switching publication days to Thursdays beginning July 7. As always, anyone subscribed to BRANCH MAIL e-mail news blasts will automatically receive BRANCH BULLETIN every Thursday.
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BRANCH BULLETIN honored with state award
Citing its unique content, the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers recently honored BRANCH BULLETIN as the top e-newsletter in Texas.
Judges lauded the diverse content offerings, including Staff Profiles, photo banners and Snap Polls. |
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
LaJeana
Thomas
Position:
Administrative Assistant
Department:
Public Works
Years with the City:
15 years
Personal:
I like to travel (just got back from Las Vegas), golf, hunt and fish with my husband, Philip. I grew up in Farmers Branch and my entire immediate family still lives in Farmers Branch.
What Does She Like Most About Working for Farmers Branch:
Working for the community I grew up in keeps it all close to home. And my co-workers feel like extended family. |
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
MAIN LANE CLOSURES
Eastbound
Right lane of I-635 from east of MarshLane
Until July 1 / 8 pm - 6 am
Westbound
Left lane just west of Coit to just west of Midway
Until July 29 / 8 pm - 6 am
FRONTAGE ROADS
Eastbound
Right lane from east of Josey to Webb Chapel
Until August 13 / 24 hrs
Right lane from west of Welch to west of Inwood
Until Aug 30 / 24 hrs
Right lane between Hillcrest and Park Central
Til July 15 / 9 am to 6 pm
Westbound
Right lane WB from west of Marsh to Webb Chapel Rd
Until August 13 / 24 hrs
Right lane WB from just west of Coit Rd to west of Montfort Drive
Until July 31 / 24 hrs
HOV LANE CLOSURES
Effective Jun 17
Eastbound
Beginning east of Luna Road and extending to just east of Hillcrest
Westbound
Beginning east of Hillcrest 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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