|
|
|
Most City Facilities Closed Labor Day . No Garbage Pickup . HP & Rec Open 8-5
|
|
|
Memo from the Manager
By any other name
Even Shakespeare noted that roses are among the world's wonderful features when he penned in Romeo and Juliet, "A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet." Shakespeare was obviously writing of inner beauty, but the unequivocal external beauty of roses and what each does for the human spirit and soul is undeniable.
Roses officially became one of Farmers Branch's most wonderful features when the Ruthann Rodgers Antique Rose Garden was installed at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. After that, came rose beds in different parts of town. Then, we hit the motherlode with the National EarthKind Rose Trial and Display Gardens at Gussie Field Watterworth Park. At this largest trial garden of its kind, research will influence how EarthKind roses are grown for years to come. All of these great strides to beautify the City have been accomplished by our outstanding Parks and Recreation Department with the astonishing Pam Smith leading the way.
As additional rose beds were cultivated in different parts of town, the City Manager's Rose Contest came about as a means of getting the community in on the sweet smelling action. I believe Farmers Branch can, and soon will, be known as the Rose Capital of North Texas. To accomplish this, yes, we will continue to plant roses wherever we can in public spaces that beautify our community. But, also, we want to encourage local residents to plant roses in their yards to beautify their neighborhoods and, in doing so, raise the level of natural beauty throughout Farmers Branch.
Participation in the City Manager's Rose Contest is free. We will give you a rose plant to place in your garden, a bud vase to display your prize rose in the October 22 Dallas Rose Society Fall Show at the Senior Center and a bronze medallion (pictured in this week's banner) that includes your yard in the collective we refer to as "The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch."
Finally, it will be my pleasure to invite you, as a participant, to a Garden Party at the Gussie gardens to celebrate the year in roses and make plans for the future. I'll be right there with you as my thumb isn't completely green yet, but I'm working on it.
There's still time to get in on the City Manager's Rose Contest. Whether you're a seasoned rosarian or a newcomer to the tool shed, we hope you'll join us in making, and keeping, Farmers Branch beautiful.
   
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A cold February day in 2008 was witness to a group of hardy souls battling the 40-degree temperatures to plant what has become a magnificent centerpiece of Farmers Branch beauty- the National Earthkind Rose Trial and Display Gardens at Gussie Field Watterworth Park.
Each spring and fall, the blooms of the gardens at Gussie burst with color as the roses explode upon the changing seasons. Now, in time for the fall of 2011, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer, a self-described convert to rose gardening, is giving the last call for members of the public to get in on the City Manager's Rose Contest.
Begun as a means of propagating roses throughout the City, the contest is free to enter and entitles the participant to a free rose plant, a bud vase and a bronze medallion that identifies the yard as part of the greater "Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch." Entrants can use the bud vase to show off their bloom as part of a friendly competition at the Dallas Rose Society's Annual Fall Rose Show, coming October 22 to the Farmers Branch Senior Center. Then, to celebrate the program and the beautification of the City, Mr. Greer will invite everyone in the contest to a Garden Party at Gussie Field Watterworth Park on October 27.
"With the incredible work done by Pam Smith and the City staff in creating magnificent rose gardens at Gussie, near the DART station and at the Historical Park, we wanted an avenue to keep more roses coming into Farmers Branch," Mr. Greer said. "The City Manager's Rose Contest is designed to be that opportunity for the City organization to work together with citizens to increase the scope of rose gardens in Farmers Branch in hopes of someday having roses in every yard."
For more information on the City Manager's Rose Contest, call 972.919.2625.
Deadline for entry is October 1.
|
|
Deconstructing Ratcliff
Pedestrian bridge demolition to bring traffic issues to LBJ September 11 weekend
ALONG INTERSTATE 635 ~ As part of the project work to widen and improve Interstate 635 through Farmers Branch, the Joe Ratcliff pedestrian bridge,  between Marsh and Midway, will be systematically demolished the weekend of September 10 - 11, according to LBJ Express, the construction group responsible for the project.
City officials are encouraging Farmers Branch residents to avoid LBJ from Saturday evening through Monday morning, selecting alternate routes to go east or west from the City. Access to Dallas Medical Center will be easiest from Webb Chapel during the weekend period.
>> MORE
|
First responders to be honored at
September 11 weekend bike race Proceeds benefit TAFR, family of DFD Lt. Krodle
FARMERS BRANCH WESTSIDE ~ The first responders that ran into the World Trade Center, while others were streaming out, along with the police,  fire and EMS officers that protect our communities every day, will be honored by the City of Farmers Branch in ceremony and in sport at the first Stars & Spokes Bike Tour and USAC Race, Saturday, September 10.
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 event. Then, the competitive racers will take to the USA Cycling-sanctioned 3.1-mile circuit course in search of a total purse of $3,000 to be handed out in different categories.
>> MORE
|
|
Burke Preserve nature walks . Sep 3
|
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Exploration of the wilderness in the middle of the Metroplex will be the aim of nature walks this fall at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve on the west side of Farmers Branch. The first event is coming up Saturday, September 3.
Each walk will be led by a Master Naturalist who will explain and identify various flora and other features of the 104-acre preserve. Other dates include September 14, October 1 & 12 and November 5 & 9. All walks begin at 9 a.m. at the preserve at 1111 Valley View Lane, west of Luna Road (entrance under the President George Bush Turnpike). The nature walks are free and open to the public.
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and water bottles. Sturdy shoes and long pants are also recommended. Call 972.919.2625.
|
|
Pet adoptions on sale . Thru Labor Day
|
|
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
 | |
VIDEO EXTRA
|
free veterinarian checkup. The normal adoption fee 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.
|
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ An informational open house on the progress and upcoming plans for the Interstate 635 expansion is set for Thursday, September 8 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
Members of the LBJ Express project, the construction group responsible for the work, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
For more information on the LBJ project, log on at www.lbjexpress.com.
|
|
Library limited service . 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. |
|
Pickups-N-Panels . Sep 10
|
|
FARMERS BRANCH 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.
|
|
Community Health Fair . Sep 17
|
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Health screenings, fitness consultations and class demonstrations are among the activities on tap for the Annual Farmers Branch Health & Wellness Expo, set for Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
The event is open to the public and admission is free although some services or activities may carry an additional charge. The Expo will include health screenings, consultations and demonstrations of many varieties. Again, the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments will engage in the "Battle of the Badges" blood drive with a ceremonial traveling trophy going to the public safety department that musters the most blood donations at the Rec Center during the Expo. The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center is located at 14050 Heartside Place. Call 972.247.4607 for more information. |
|
Movie in the Park . Sep 24
|
| FARMERS BRANCH ~ Local families should mark their calendars now for an evening under the stars as the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department presents the annual Movie in the Park, featuring the Disney-Pixar hit, "Toy Story 3," Saturday, September 24 at the Barney Wood Athletic Complex, adjacent to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, near the corner of Heartside Place and Valwood Parkway.
Call 972.247.4607 for more information. The weather hotline that day will be 972.919.1455.
|
|
Crimes Against Seniors Seminar . Oct 1
|
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 Seminar has been scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at 9 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
Seminar organizers Renee Junkin-Luck and Dru Swanson 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. |
|
Feedback:
STRANDED MOTORIST
"Unfortunately, my car broke down (one day) on Marsh Lane just south of Valley View. I tried to limp it into the church's parking lot, but I couldn't. Luckily, two different good Samaritans came along and pushed my car out of the lane. Not five minutes later, Officer Stephens came along. He parked his car in the lane behind me and put out cones. He even assisted AAA driver with steering the car to get it on the tow ramp. I do not reside in FB, But I would still like to compliment the officer for looking out for my safety and well-being. I travel through FB all the time. He even told me I could call 911 if I ever broke down again and someone should come and ensure my safety. I appreciate the great customer service and information Officer Stephens provided me." ~ Diane
MORE INFORMATION ON THE FARMERS BRANCH POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUMMER FUNSHINE
"I want you to know how much my seven year old grandson ... enjoyed the rec center's summer program. He was never bored and looked forward to being with his friends every day. My family and I were amazed at the inexpensive cost for the entire summer, especially considering the many activities and field trips. The staff - from top to bottom - was excellent and obviously loved their job. Please extend our family's appreciation to all involved." ~ Teo
MORE ON PROGRAMS AT THE FARMERS BRANCH COMMUNITY REC CENTER
GARBAGE COLLECTION
"Complements [sic] go to the City Manager and related staff and to the City Council that voted to approve the current refuse curbside residential collection outsourcing process. Since I have never wanted to set out my FB bags the night before, prior to the recent change, for as long as I have lived in Farmers Branch, I have had to wake around 7 a.m. to be sure to meet the previous early collection time on my street. Since I am now handicapped, the pickup time in the afternoon on my street has been wonderful ..." ~ Don
MORE ON FARMERS BRANCH SOLID WASTE SERVICES
Social Media Feedback Coming Soon
Let us hear from you!
fbinfo@farmersbranch.info
or be Social
  
|
|
Parting Shot
 Summer Funshine Staff Ahhhhhhhh ... This youngster enjoys a cool refreshment as part of last year's Summer Funshine Sock Hop. This year's Summer Funshine program recently concluded as Farmers Branch kids made their way back to school during the past two weeks. |
|
|
|
|
In the Banner
Bronze Medalist
This bronze medallion will be awarded to participants in the City Manager's Rose Contest, establishing their yard as a part of the "Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch." There is still time to get in on the contest with its Rose Show and Garden Party coming up in October.
Photo blend by Tom Bryson
| |
 | |
City Staff
Mini-Profile
| |
Belinda Jacks
Position:
Library Director
Department:
Manske Library
Years with City:
2 months
Background:
Previously worked as Director of Library Services for GPISD. Received my BA and Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin. I received my Master of Library Science from Texas Woman's University.
Personal:
I love to travel. Romania is a favorite, but the most exotic place I have ever been is the Galapagos Islands. I have two grown children and two grandsons.
What Does She Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?
The small town atmosphere. Everyone has been universally helpful and welcoming. Farmers Branch is like a family.
|
 | |
Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
MAIN LANES
FRONTAGE ROADS
CROSS STREETS
|
Westbound Forest Lane closed WB between Denton Drive and Harry Hines Blvd. Traffic detoured to Harry Hines Blvd. Thru Dec 1 / 24 hrs 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 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 Thru 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
Thru Sept 30 / 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
