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Memo from the Manager
In ceremony and in sport
There are seminal events in our history as a people that serve as mile markers along the journey. They are the moments that are recalled with the phrase, "where were you when..."
In the past 50 years, arguably, there have been four: the assassination of President Kennedy, Neil Armstrong taking an important step, Challenger, and the terrible Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001.
This year, a decade later, there will be tributes and commemorations going on across the nation. Here in Farmers Branch, we choose to observe the occasion in ceremony and celebrate the first responder heroes in every community, in sport.
The Stars and Spokes Bike Tour and USA Cycling-sanctioned circuit race is an opportunity for the entire community to come out and get involved on Saturday, September 10 at Fire Station No. 3 on the City's Westside. Proceeds will benefit the Texas Association of First Responders and the family of Dallas Fire Lt. Todd Krodle, a first responder who was killed last week.
I especially want to invite everyone to bring their bikes out for the family bike tour that begins at 8 a.m. You don't have to be a competitive rider to mark the occasion with a family outing. Afterwards, please stick around for the exhibits, the free burgers and hot dogs and a special ceremony at 10 a.m., dedicating 9/11 commemorative plaques that will be permanently placed later at Liberty Plaza.
The competitive circuit races will be going on through the mid-afternoon so be sure to cheer on the racers that are very serious about their cycling. There is more information below, at the link to the right or at www.starsandspokes.com.
September 11th was an event that happened to Americans as a community. Join us as we, as a Farmers Branch community, choose to pay tribute to the heroes that fell and celebrate the heroes among us.
Most of all, we choose to remember.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Families are invited to help the City of Farmers Branch mark 10 years since 9/11 with a one-mile bike tour of the City's Westside that will serve as a start to the Stars & Spokes bike race. Ten years after police, paramedics and firefighters exemplified the traits of courage and bravery on 9/11, the City of Farmers Branch is planning to honor the efforts of all first responders with the charity Bike Tour and Race on Saturday, September 10. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Texas Association of First Responders who seek to aid firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel, injured in the line of duty as well as the family of Dallas Fire Lt. Todd Krodle, killed in the line of duty earlier this month. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Farmers Branch Fire Station No. 3 at 13303 Hutton Drive. The mile-long bike tour for individuals and families will begin at 8 a.m. and last until 9:30. Also starting at 8 a.m., serious riders take to a USA Cycling-sanctioned 3.1-mile circuit on the Westside of Farmers Branch in search of a total of $3,000 in prize money to be handed out to winners in different categories. Those races will last til mid-afternoon. Throughout the event, there will be ongoing activities around Station 3 including a first responder vehicle display, children's activities, information booths, t-shirt sales benefitting charity and more. At 10 a.m., there will be a special ceremony unveiling 9/11 commemorative plaques that will later be placed at Liberty Plaza. A free lunch of burgers and hot dogs will be served. For online registration or more information, go to www.starsandspokes.com. |
Cowgirls are coming
National Cowgirl Museum brings its best to Historical Park's summer lectures
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Detailing the history of notable women of the
western frontier, representatives of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, in Fort Worth will close out the Summer Lecture Series with "The Cowgirl Legacy" August 30.
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The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Church on the Park grounds. The public is invited and admission is free. The Farmers Branch Historical
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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Check Out the Library
Library renovations to limit access, Sep. 12-16
FARMERS BRANCH ~ To allow for a small scale renovation of the computer and media area, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will offer limited access the week of September 12 through 16.
Library Director Belinda Jacks said some services will be available in the Library gallery, including Internet access (no printing), material holds and interlibrary loans. She added that Library staff will retrieve materials from the shelves for checkout when possible.
Programs will continue in the Meeting Room as scheduled and the book drop, as well as online catalog, will remain available 24/7. The Library will reopen to full access no later than Saturday, September 17.
The interior work involves rearrangements of some materials on the first floor in the media area, installation of new computer furniture and a reallocation of computer terminals throughout the first floor.
For more information, call 972.247.2511.
Library satisfaction survey launches Sunday
MANSKE LIBRARY ~In an effort to gauge the quality of library services, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will launch an online survey Sunday, August 28 and ask patrons to log on and help define their level of overall satisfaction.
Library Director Belinda Jacks said the survey will measure users' perceptions of service quality and identify areas of improvement. "The results will allow us to identify strengths, areas in need of revision, and opportunities in order to meet our patrons' needs," she said.
The survey will run for two weeks from Sunday, August 28 through Sunday, September 11 and can be accessed HERE.
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Animal adoption fees reduced through Labor Day
VIDEO EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center - A Look Inside
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Pets in need of good homes are in abundance at the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center. In an effort to find homes for more of these kittens, cats, pups and dogs, the adoption fee has been reduced to $55 for both dogs and cats through Labor Day. That includes spay or neutering, current rabies vaccination, microchipping and free veterinarian checkup. The normal fee for adoption is $80. The Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center is located at 3727 Valley View Lane, east of the Farmers Branch Justice Center, near the entrance to Brookhaven College. They are open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 972.919.8770. |
Pickups-n-Panels Classic Car & Truck Show
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HISTORICAL PARK ~ Renewing their annual trek to the Farmers Branch Historical Park, Pickups-n-Panels of North Texas has scheduled their annual Classic Car & Truck Shoot-Out, benefiting the American Cancer Society, for Saturday, September 10.
The show is open to all classic rides, 1986 or older and traditionally draws exceptional autos and terrific trucks from far and wide. Additionally, there will be refreshments available and a bounce house for kids.
For more information, call 972.333.1311 or log on at www.pickupsnpanels.com.
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Crimes Against Seniors Seminar
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SENIOR CENTER ~ In an effort to better educate older Americans on topics of crime prevention and general safety, the Crimes Against Seniors and Safety Information, or CASSI, Seminar has been scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at 9 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
Seminar organizer Renee Junkin-Luck said speakers are scheduled to include Officer Sue Sharp and Detective James MacPhail of the Farmers Branch Police Department, Wendi Kimpton from the Farmers Branch Fire Department, health insurance specialist Carmen Irwin and a representative from Senior Adult Services.
Topics will include crime prevention, medicare fraud, safety plans for the elderly and mobility-impaired, services available to seniors and much more.
For more information, call the Senior Center at 972.919.8740.
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Christmas High Tea reservations
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HISTORICAL PARK ~ Reservations are still available for the Farmers Branch Historical Park Christmas High Teas, to be held on Saturdays, December 3 and 10. Non-refundable tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call the Park at 972.406.0184
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National Night Out / Council Meeting move
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ National Night Out in Texas has moved to the first Tuesday in October for the third consecutive year with the 2011 edition set for the evening of October 4.
Consequently, the regular meeting of the Farmers Branch City Council, originally scheduled for that date has been changed to Monday, October 3 at 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
For more information on National Night Out or to register a NNO neighborhood party, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.
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Senior Dances in September
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SENIOR CENTER ~ The Farmers Branch Senior Dance Club holds dances every Monday evening from 7 until 9:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Admission is $5 with free dance lessons at 6 p.m. with paid admission. The September edition of the City's newsletter, the BRANCH REVIEW, incorrectly listed the scheduled bands for the month. The correct schedule is:
- September 5 - No dance in observance of the Labor Day holiday
- September 12 - Southern Pride
- September 19 - Will Taylor's Solid Country
- September 26 - Gary Lee Ballroom Band
The Farmers Branch Senior Center is located at 14055 Dennis Lane, between Josey and Valwood Parkway. For more information, call 972.241.8636.
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Citizen Police Academy enrollment
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JUSTICE CENTER ~ Designed to give citizens insight into the policies, positions and personnel of local law enforcement, the 22nd session of the Farmers Branch Citizen Police Academy is now accepting applications for classes, set to begin in September.
Established in 1998, the Academy has given hundreds of participants a combination of classroom instruction and "hands on" experience to demonstrate the hows and whys of law enforcement. The Academy meets for three hours on Thursday nights for 11 weeks. For more information, call 972.484.3620 or e-mail Lt. Mike Blum at [email protected].
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Parting Shot
Derrick Birdsall The 2011 edition of the Farmers Branch Independence Day festivities may be in the history books but this dramatic fireworks shot, captured by staff photographer Derrick Birdsall, was worth one last look. |
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In the Banner
Rollin' on the Westside
Early September weather is always a question mark, but there will be two-wheelers a plenty for the Stars & Spokes family bike ride and competitive circuit race on Saturday, September 10, benefiting the Texas Association of First Responders and held in observance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Scroll down for more.
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This Week
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August 29
Senior Center Dance
- J C Tippett - 7 pm @ Senior Center - 972.241.8636 August 30 Historical Park Lecture Series: Cowgirls- 6:30 pm @ Historical Park Old Church - 972.406.0184 ___________________ All meetings & events subject to change. Call 972.247.3131 ___________________ Mark Your Calendars September 8 LBJ Info Meeting September 10 Stars & Spokes Pickups -n- Panels September 17 Community Health Fair September 18 All Play Ball September 24 Movie in the Park October 1 Crimes Against Seniors Seminar October 4 National Night Out October 14-15 Bloomin' Bluegrass October 15 Holiday Craft Fair RoseDango October 22 Annual Rose Show October 29 Halloween in the Park November 3 Town Hall Meeting November 11 Veterans Day
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Look for information on these and other events in the coming weeks in BRANCH BULLETIN
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
MAIN LANES
FRONTAGE ROADS
CROSS STREETS
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Eastbound
Right frontage lane of EB I-635 from west of Welch to west of Inwood
Til Aug 30 / 24 hrs
Eastbound on-ramp from frontage road at Marsh Lane to EB LBJ
Aug 29 - 30 / 12 am to 6 am
Right LBJ frontage lane from west of Welch to west of Inwood Drive
Til Aug 30 / 24 hrs
Westbound
On-ramp from frontage road at Marsh to WB LBJ I-635
August 30 / 12 am to 6 am
Exit ramp of WB LBJ I -635 to Marsh Lane September 1 / 8 to 11:30 pm Exit ramp of WB LBJ I-635 to Webb Chapel Road September 1 - 2 11:30 pm to 5 am Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Marsh Lane to Webb Chapel Rd Until Sept 7 / 24 hrs Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Josey to Metro Blvd Til Sept 18 / 9 am to 3 pm Right frontage lane WB I-635 between Inwood Rd and Midway Rd Til Sept 30 / 24 hrs WB parallel street Forest Lane between Denton Drive and Harry Hines. Traffic detoured to Harry Hines. Until Dec 2011 / 24 hrs Northbound Right NB lane of Webb Chapel at I-635 Til Sept 9 / 24 hrs Right lane of Marsh Lane at NB I-635 from High Meadow Dr to frontage road Until Sept 30 / 24 hrs Left frontage lane of NB I-35 from Royal Lane to Crown Rd Until Aug 2012 / 24 hrs Southbound Traffic shift of I-35 to Joe Field Road cross street Until Sept 22 / 24 hrs
HOV LANE CLOSURES Effective June 17 Eastbound Beginning east of Luna Road and extending to just east of Hillcrest Westbound Beginning east of Hillcrest Rd 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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