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Stars & Spokes Bike Tour & Race This Weekend
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Memo from the Manager
A Tale of Two Stores
Less than 100 years ago, small towns like Farmers Branch were located in different regions of the country but with one commonality. They didn't yet have malls, or boutiques or specialty establishments - but they all had a general store where one could buy everything from a horse collar to the week's groceries.
Now, in an ironic twist of fate, two grocery stores from different centuries are coming to Farmers Branch. Each of them will have distinct differences but more commonalities than might be first expected.
The community has raised the vast majority of the funding necessary to re-create a 1920s-era General Store at the Historical Park, that will soon begin construction. In the early 20th century, as depicted by the picture of the Farmers Branch store in this week's banner, the general store was more than just a place to do your shopping. For many towns, the general store was the social gathering place for the farmers and ranchers and other citizens that lived locally. A stove or fireplace was a usually provided the centerpiece for consumption of coffee and commentary on the day's events.
In 2012, the Walmart Neighborhood Market, which is already under construction, will also provide a focal point for community commerce in the heart of Farmers Branch at Valley View and Josey Lanes. And, although there may not be a stove, there will undoubtedly be conversation going on in the aisles, at the counter, and over the cantaloupes.
Each of these stores represents a center of business for its time as well as that uniquely American tradition of sharing chatter, tall tales and the latest from the family grapevine with friends, neighbors and loved ones.
The majority of fundraising for the General Store came from private donations including a $50,000 matching donation from Charles Bond, in memory of his wife, JoAnn, and a substantial contribution from Republic Solid Waste, who operates the City's landfill. But a large part has come from the $5, $10 and $100 donations from the Farmers Branch community.
Some, in response to our invitation to the "No Show Gala," where you were encouraged not to come to a party, not to spend money on dinner or fancy clothes, but donate to the project. Some were just eager to help. But, make no mistake, this project is going to be a reality because of you.
Let me extend an advance invitation for the community to come out and celebrate when the ribbons are cut on the General Store and the Walmart Neighborhood Market in 2012.
The only thing I'm not certain of is which one will be first.
   
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Expanding on the decades on display on its 27 acres, the Farmers Branch Historical Park will soon add the roaring twenties to its repertoire with the construction of a replica 1920s-era General Store. 
Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall said the idea came from the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board in 2009 and was put into action
VIDEO  EXTRA
| | Farmers Branch Historical Park General Store - 1920s Commerce is Coming |
last year with a fundraising effort designed to build the store with private funds supplemented by public money.
Once centers of commerce in small towns all over the country, the General Store frequently served as a social center as well - a place for everything from coffee breaks to checkers games. Many housed the local post office and most were the central supply link between rural areas and the outside world.
In 2010, Charles Bond offered a $50,000 matching donation towards the $100,000 project in memory of his wife, JoAnn Elliott Bond, a member of the Elliott's Hardware family. For every dollar raised toward the project, Mr. Bond promised a matching dollar, up to half the total cost.
The "No Show Gala" spurred a number of donations from folks that wanted  to be a part of the history. The "Gala" was a spoof of sorts, asking invitees not to come to a fancy party, not to buy expensive clothes or an expensive dinner, but put that money towards the General Store project. "Don't Even Think About Showing Up," the invitation exhorted.
This summer, Republic Services, the operator of the City's landfill, asked how much more was need to meet the fundraising goal. They donated the remaining $17,376 to reach the $100,000 mark.
Mr. Birdsall says that plans are now being drawn up for construction of the store that should be complete in time for the Christmas Tour of Lights, which traditionally includes a drive through of the Historical Park.
For more information, call 972.406.0184. |
| Stars & Spokes ready for action
Two-wheelers take to the streets Saturday
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
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Alternate route, anyone?
Ratcliff bridge removal to tie-up LBJ Sat-Sun
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
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| Radical rides coming to Historical Park this weekend
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.
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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.
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Library limited service . Sep 12-16
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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. |
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Community Health Fair . Sep 17
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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. |
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Movie in the Park . Sep 24
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| 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.
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Crimes Against Seniors Seminar . Oct 1
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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 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. |
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Feedback:
POLICE OFFICER SHARP
"Thank you, Officer Sharp, for the presentation that you gave to the TOPS Club on Tuesday evening August 16. The informatin on safety, protection, and being alert to our surroundings was appreciated by all of us. We hope to remember many of the topics you covered should we ever need it for our protection. We appreciated the handouts that you gave us. Thank you again for taking the time to meet with us." ~ Judy
BICYCLE COMMUTER
"As a bicycle commuter I very rarely encounter a problem, until July 26 when I stopped at the Marsh and Valley View traffic light. A frustrated driver in a black Hummer began revving his engine and honking his horn. I hugged the curb showing plenty of room for his [sic] to pass. He passed me, returned to the lane and slammed on his brakes expecting me to run into him. Instead I stopped and and stayed to the side knowing better than to pass him. He left and I called 911. The dispatcher took my information and was flawless in getting information and sending an officer. Officer Turner not only arrived within minutes, he took my information and saw to it I was alright as I must've seemed pretty shaken. Within the hour I received a call updating me on the situation Please accept my deepest gratitude regarding all being resolved to the fullest extent..." ~ Heather
MORE INFORMATION ON THE FARMERS BRANCH POLICE DEPARTMENT
HISTORICAL PARK RENTAL
"Just wanted to take a moment to thank you and other City of Farmers Branch ("City") employees for all you did for us before and during my granddaughter's wedding and reception...I know the City has received some bad publicity from some of the news media in the past; I just wish there was some way I could relate to them how truly kind and helpful everyone with the City was in this matter. Kim Jolly Champman definitely went above and beyond her job in answering and helping us...Rick at the Historical Park was also very friendly and helpful..." ~ Daisy
MORE ON THE FARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PARK RENTALS
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Parting Shot 
Derrick Birdsall Not last week City Hall sits under a blanket of snow during last February's intense icy weather. This and others like it remind local residents that a change in the oppressive heat is on the way and soon, winter will be coming again. |
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This Weekend
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In the Banner
Looking Back
The 1920s General Store coming to the Farmers Branch Historical Park is patterned, in part, after the actual General Store that existed in Farmers Branch in that era. Note the exposed bulb light fixtures and the ubiquitous stove in the back. Everything anyone could possibly need could probably be found here. As one east Texas store's slogan once read, "If You Need It, We Might Have It."
Photo provided by the Farmers Branch Historical Park
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
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Sharon Cline
Position:
Human Resources Assistant
Department:
Human Resources
Years with City:
3 1/2 yrs
Background:
I am a native of Farmers Branch, graduated from RL Turner High School and have attended Brookhaven College. My Human Resources career started in the private sector for several years, until I joined the public sector with the City of Farmers Branch.
Personal:
I enjoy reading a good book, gardening, shopping with my mom, and relaxing at home with my boyfriend, Brian, and our chocolate lab, Kaylee.
What Does She Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?
I enjoy being part of the stellar group of employees here at the City. Our quality of employees shows in our community.
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
MAIN LANES
FRONTAGE ROADS
CROSS STREETS
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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 |
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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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