BRANCH BULLETIN ~ E-News from Farmers Branch   

Memo from the Manager 

Faith, hope and love

   I used to think that some people stress over major age milestones to enhance the drama of the occasion. However, as I close in on my own 50th birthday later this year, I've come to realize that the true catalyst for what some call "middle age crazy" is based in the reflection on life, so far, that is visited upon all of us.

   We all take stock of where we are in life and what we still want to City Manager Gary D. Greer - Backyard accomplish and, at the end of it all, make a value judgement on our relative success.

   That big picture perspective really came home to City Hall last week as a co-worker of ours, and a friend, turned 50. However, the celebration was muted as our friend is in an intensive care unit, trying to recover from a devastating turn of fate. 

   In response, our extended family of City staff has responded in every possible way to be sure our friend and our friend's family feels the faith, hope and love that comes from the special group of people that work for Farmers Branch. Visits to the hospital have been virtually constant. There was a bake sale here last week to support these good people (yielding $1,500 ... what office bake sale yields $1,500?!). Staff wore ribbons at the July 3 event as a sign of support. And, the thoughts and prayers of so many have been ongoing.

   You see, Farmers Branch City employees not only work for you every day, they work for, and alongside, each other. The camaraderie and familial atmosphere on this staff is unlike any I've ever seen.

    For now, our friend turned 50 last week, in the shadow of a road to recovery that will be long and arduous. To be honest, I'm still looking for the life lesson in that. I know, at least, that we should each be thankful for life and health and especially for friends.

   I wrote this column as a tribute to our recovering colleague, but also to make sure everyone knows the outstanding character of their City staff. As City Manager, I appreciate how much our employees care about people. It shows in their work ... and beyond. 

  

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Breaking News
Land sale clears final hurdle for grocery store construction 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Walmart formally closed on the purchase of land in Farmers Branch on Wednesday, setting the stage for construction on their grocery store on the southeast corner of Valley View and Josey Lanes toWalmart  begin within weeks. 

   Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land said Walmart is expected to begin work on the Walmart Market in August with an approximate six month construction schedule.

   The closing caps months of constant negotiations between the City and the corporate giant to bring their grocery store to the property bought by the City in 2009 in order to seed redevelopment in the area. Mr. Land said there has been strong interest from other developers on land adjacent to the Walmart project and he hopes to make additional announcements in the near future.

 

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Bowling museum rolls into Historical Park Lecture Series  

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following the history of baseball in Fort Worth , the Farmers Branch Historical Park's Summer Lecture Series turns to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in a presentation set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 26 in the park's Old Church.

   The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame opened in Arlington inSnap Poll - What is the best game you ever bowled?

2010 after being located in St. Louis, Missouri until 2008. Representatives will be on hand to detail the museum's collection and history of the game. Everyone in attendance at the lecture will be entered into a drawing for five individual free passes to the museum and other prizes to be given away at the conclusion of the evening.

   The summer lecture series concludes on August 30 with the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame . All lectures are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Church on the Historical Park grounds. The Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Call 972.406.0184 for more information.  

 

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International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame TV Feature
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame TV Feature produced by the USBC

Jeff Harting to take the reins at Parks and Recreation 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Citing his 26 years of service to the City of Farmers Branch with extensive experience in all facets of his department, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer announced Tuesday that Jeff Harting 

Jeff Harting - Incoming Director of Parks and Recreation

Incoming Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting

will become the new Director of Parks and Recreation,  effective October 1.
   Harting replaces the retiring Jeff Fuller who, with 25 years on the job, is the longest tenured Parks and Recreation Director in Farmers Branch history.
   "We're thrilled to be able to make this seamless transition and continue the tradition of exceptional leadership that has resulted in world-class parks, landscaping and special events that is the envy of other cities," Mr. Greer said. "Jeff Harting's extensive experience with our City will enable him to keep the Parks and Recreation Department moving at full steam."
   A 1984 graduate of Texas A&M University , Harting worked briefly for a Parks and Recreation District and U.S. Forest Service in Colorado before coming to Farmers Branch in 1985. He quickly moved through the ranks from foreman to Assistant Director by 1988, a position he has held for 22 years. His many accomplishments include project management of the Community Recreation Center construction project and the creation of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve .
   "What's great about working for Farmers Branch is that we can truly say we make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve," Harting said.

  

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April 2011: Jeff Harting introduces the community to the John F. Burke Nature Preserve
April 2011: Jeff Harting introduces the community to the John F. Burke Nature Preserve

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Bea's Kids School Supply Drive continues through August 5

FARMERS BRANCH ~  Notebook paper and pencils are a particular need for the 3rd Annual School Supply Drive to benefit Bea's Kids, sponsored by the Bea's Kids School Supply Drive is in need of pencils and notebook paperFarmers Branch City Council and City staff.

   Through August 5, any school supplies may be dropped off at Farmers Branch City Hall at 13000 William Dodson Parkway, Community Recreation Center at 14050 Heartside Place, Senior Center at 14055 Dennis Lane, Manske Library at 13613 Webb Chapel, Fire Administration at 13333 Hutton and the Justice Center at 3723 Valley View Lane.

   All school supplies will be accepted but specific needs are folders with brads in all colors, wide-ruled notebook paper and no. 2 yellow pencils. 

   Bea's Kids is a Farmers Branch-based organization that provides educational and personal development programs to children from low-income families so they will stay in school and break the cycle of poverty.

For more information, call 972.919.2515.  

Telescope clinic leads off Star Party next week at Historical Park

HISTORICAL PARK ~ Observation of the largest star in our sky will be coupledTelescope viewing with a telescope how-to clinic, family picnic and evening stargazing at a special Star Party, set for July 29 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.

   There will be solar observation during the early evening, beginning at 7 p.m. along with volunteers from the Texas Astronomical Society on hand to instruct participants on proper use of telescopes, all during a family picnic.

   Then at 9 p.m., attention turns to the nighttime sky as telescopes will be trained on celestial objects both near and far. The public is invited and admission is free. Call 972.406.0184. 

Update: FBFD fares well in New Mexico combat challenge competition

CARLSBAD, NM ~ Five Farmers Branch firefighters set new personal bests in the Firefighters' Combat Challenge Competition held recently at Carlsbad, New Mexico.

   Farmers Branch Firefighters Michael Bilharz, Andy Davis, Eric Blunt, Bryan

Firefighter Combat Challenge Team

Farmers Branch Fire Department Firefighter Combat Challenge Team

Hardy and Michael Mania all set personal records in the individual open race while Morgan Bell tied his old personal record. Additionally, the team's top three scores combined placed second in the team singles competition. Bilharz took fourth place in the individual open marking the first time a Farmers Branch firefighter has made the top ten in a Combat Challenge event.

   The Combat Challenge series of events tests firefighters physical ability while performing common emergency procedures in bunker gear. Farmers Branch Firefighters compete on their own time and at their own expense. The next event is July 29-30 in Greenville, Texas. 

In the Banner

Spare Pastime

 

While one cannot actually roll a strike at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, sports historians can strike it rich when the Park's Summer Lecture Series welcomes the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum July 26. Scroll down for more. 

File Photo

07.21.2011
Memo from the Manager
Walmart on the way
History of Bowling Lecture
Harting to lead Parks & Recreation
BranchBriefs
In the Banner
Coming Up Calendar
Staff Profile: Cade Holmes
LBJ Express report
Parting Shot

Coming Up

July 25

SENIOR DANCE
- 7 pm @ Senior Center

- Featuring Gary Lee Band

- 972.241.8636

___________________ 

 

July 26

LECTURE SERIES
- Historical Park Lecture Series welcomes International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame

- 6:30  pm @ Old Church

- Free admission

- 2540 Farmers Branch Ln

- 972.406.0184

____________________

 

July 26
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS & BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEAL

- 7  pm @ City Hall
- 13000 Wm Dodson Pwky
- 972.406.0184

___________________

 

July 29

ENHANCED STAR PARTY

- 7 pm - Solar Observation, telescope how-to clinic  & Family Picnic

- 9 pm - Telescope viewing

- Historical Park

- 2540 Farmers Branch Ln

- 972.406.0184

 

All meetings & events subject to change. Call 972.247.3131

City Manager's Rose Contest

City logo graphic

City Staff

Mini-Profile

  

 Cade Holmes
Cade Holmes 

 

  Position:

 Animal Services Assistant

   Department: 
  Community Services

Years with the City:

 7 years

Background:

 Started employment with the City as a lifeguard 7 years ago. In October 2010, Cade transferred to the Community Services Department which oversees the Animal Adoption Center.

  Personal:

English major at the University of North Texas. Enjoys working out in his spare time. 

  What Does He Like Most About Working for Farmers Branch:

Really enjoys working with all the animals brought in to the Animal Adoption Center. Has appreciated the opportunity to serve the Farmers Branch community of the 2 legged and 4 legged varieties.

LBJ Express 

Weekly Report

LANE CLOSURES

 

  

FRONTAGE ROADS and CROSS STREETS
 

Eastbound

Right lane from east of Josey to Webb Chapel

Until August 13 / 24 hrs 

 

Right turn lane of EB I-635

at Marsh Lane

July 18 - 23 / 9 am to 3 pm

 

Left lane of EB I-635 from east of Midway to east of Coit

Until July 29 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Right lane of EB I-635 frontage from west of Welch to west of Inwood

Until August 30 / 24 hrs

 

Westbound

Right lane WB between the off-ramp of Marsh and Marsh Lane

July 18 - 23 / 9 am to 3 pm 

 

Right lane of WB I-635 frontage from west of Marsh to

Webb Chapel Road

Until August 13 / 24 hrs

 

Right lane WB from just west of Coit Rd to west of Montfort Drive

Until July 31 / 24 hrs

 

Left lane of WB I-635 from east of Midway to east of Coit

Until July 29 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Northbound 

 Right should of NB I-635 cross street at Rosser Road

Until July 29 /  7 am to 7 pm

 

Left lane closure of NB I-35 Stemmons frontage between Royal Lane and Crown Road

Until August 2012 / 24 hrs

 

Southbound

Alternating lane closures of I-635 cross street along SB Valley View from 500 ft north of LBJ

to WB LBJ

July 18 - 23, 2011 / 9 am to 3 pm 

  

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
 

Farmers Branch Logo 

Parting Shot
Roses DO grow on trees
                                                                                                                                                                             Staff Photo by Tom Bryson
STOPPING TO PLANT THE ROSES
Student members of the Leader-In-Training program, offered through the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, take time to plant Crepuscle and Peggy Martin roses on wiry "Rose Trees" on the eastern bank of Rawhide Creek in Gussie Field Watterworth Park, across from the National Earthkind Rose Trial and Display Gardens. City Manager Gary D. Greer said the new "trees," upon which the roses will climb, demonstrate that Farmers Branch has a passion for roses. Mr. Greer is sponsoring a rose contest for residents that encourages the planting of roses throughout the City. Find out more HERE.
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.