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Memo from the Manager
Seniors in stride
While it is true that I will soon be age-eligible to attend events and activities at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, I have long been aware and ever-impressed with the wide range of activities for our "seasoned citizens," and the community-at-large, that go on around our local facility.
Two such events are coming up during the next few weeks to both inform and entertain and both of these events are open to all ages.
First, on October 1, there will be multiple speakers on hand for the Crimes Against Seniors Safety Information Seminar, beginning at 9 a.m. Representatives of the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments will join presenters from the health insurance and senior assistance industries for a talk on crime prevention, medicare fraud, services for seniors and more. This is shaping up to be a must-see for our older Americans.
Then, on October 15, handmade crafts of all varieties will be on display and on sale at the annual Farmers Branch Craft Fair. This features more than 100 crafters, artisans and artists displaying and vending their wares. The show goes from 9 a.m. til 4 p.m. and is free. You don't want to miss that.
There is also a few more days to register for the senior holiday trip to San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country November 28 through December 2. Cost is $469 and that registration deadline is this Friday, September 30.
But every week is a busy one at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. On Monday nights, seniors from around the Metroplex converge on our facility for the Monday night dance club's weekly party. Even if you don't know how to dance, they'll teach you.
So, if you're turning 50, or turning 50 for the second time, there's always energetic and inviting folks ready to welcome you to the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The incredible Ed Toliver, Senior Center Manager, and his excellent staff always look forward to new seniors joining their activities. Please stop by and enjoy the wonderful facility and all it has to offer.
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Safety Snapshot
Crimes Against Seniors Safety Seminar designed to enhance older Americans' awareness
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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Back to Nature
Nature Walks at Burke Preserve continue Oct. 1
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. Upcoming dates include October 1 & 12 and November 5 & 9.
Each walk will be led by a Master Naturalist who will explain and identify various flora and other features of the 104-acre preserve. 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.
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Shining light on crime
National Night Out in Texas set October 3
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 October 4. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out encourages neighbors to spend evenings out of doors with outside lights on to present a united front against crime in neighborhoods.
The regular meeting of the Farmers Branch City Council, originally scheduled for that night, has been reset for Monday, October 3 in order to avoid conflict with National Night Out. The meeting begins 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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Gold standard
Farmers Branch recognized for financial transparency
AUSTIN ~ For setting the bar with efforts of transparency in government accessibility and reporting, the City of Farmers Branch has been awarded the Gold Leadership Circle Award by the Texas Comptroller's Office.
The Leadership Circle program was launched in 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. Specifically, award criteria includes whether or not the government is opening its books to the public, providing clear, consistent pictures of spending and sharing information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.
Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer praised the Finance Department and director Charles Cox for going the extra mile. "Transparency in government isn't just a goal, it is an imperative," he said. "Our Finance Department and its employees strive to be the best at all aspects of municipal finance and especially in providing transparency to our citizens"
The Comptroller's Office defines "Gold" as those agencies that are excelling with transparency efforts. "Silver" is designed to encourage those who are making progress, while "Bronze" is meant to inspire those who are just beginning their transparency efforts.
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Bloomin' Bluegrass . Oct 14 & 15
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ The lineup of performers for the 2011 edition of Bloomin' Bluegrass in Farmers Branch has been announced. Performers scheduled this year include J.D. Crowe & the New South, Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Seldom Scene, Kenny & Amanda Smith, The Whites, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Special Consensus, The Herrins, Highland Crossing and more. The festival is set for Friday and Saturday, October 14 & 15 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Thousands of bluegrass music fans from across the country are expected again this year to sit in on impromptu jam sessions with other musicians, browse bargains on instruments and take in music on the main stage. The public is invited and admission is free. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended. More at bloominbluegrass.com.
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Farmers Branch Craft Fair . Oct 15
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Just in time for the gift-giving season, the Farmers Branch Senior Center has announced its annual Craft Fair on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. More than 100 artisans, artists and entrepreneurs will be on hand to show and sell their handmade quilts, crafts and decorative wares. The public is invited and admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. The Farmers Branch Senior Center is located at 14055 Dennis Lane. Call 972.919.8740.
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Adult Yoga @ Library . Weekly thru Nov 28
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MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Adults can now stretch their muscles as well as their minds at the Farmers Branch Manske Library with a new Adult Yoga class every Monday, from 6 to 7 p.m. The free class is geared towards beginning and intermediate levels and is available to anyone age 18 and older who is interested in exploring the art of Yoga. The focus for the class is on the basic skills and practices to develop personal growth and understanding of Yoga. Call the Library for additional information at 972.247.2511. |
Senior Holiday Trip . Registration deadline Sep 30
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SENIOR CENTER ~ To take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season in the Alamo city, a motor coach trip has been planned by the Farmers Branch Senior Center, for local seniors, to San Antonio, November 28 through December 2. Cost is $469 and includes motor coach transportation, four nights lodging and eight meals (four breakfasts and four dinners). There will be visits to the Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio missions and tours of the LBJ Ranch. Additionally, seniors will embark on a city tour, cruise the holiday-decorated Riverwalk, visit the Alamo and more. Registration deadline is September 30 and space is limited. For more information, call the Senior Center at 972.919.8740. |
Natural Health @ Library . Weekly thru Oct 26
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MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Natural health is the focus of series of Health Classes held weekly through October 26 at the Manske Library. Natural Health Specialist Dr. Ted Barrows offers 45 minutes to start thinking about a healthier, happier life each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Dr. Barrows incorporates functional nutrition and chiropractic neurology to help participants balance their health. Call the Library for additional information at 972.247.2511. |
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Parting Shot: EarthKind Cover
Photo by Derrick Birdsall Parks and Rec Business Elaborating on the success of EarthKind roses, Farmers Branch Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith, along with Gaye Hammond of the Houston Rose Society, co-authored the September cover story in the trade magazine, Parks and Rec Business. The cover photo, featuring Parks and Recreation crew member Jose Hernandez, was taken at the National EarthKind Rose Trial and Display Gardens at Gussie Field Watterworth Park earlier this year. |
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In the Banner
A Busy Center
Since its opening in 1999, the "new" Farmers Branch Senior Center has set the benchmark for others to follow. A constant and ever-changing slate of activities and excursions complement traditional events to provide a vigorous and uplifting experience for all
Staff Photo
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Your Weekly Planner
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TUE / SEP 27
Historical Preservation & Restoration Board
7 pm @ Historical Park
Zoning Board of Adjustments & Building Code Board of Appeals
7 pm @ City Hall
SAT / OCT 1
Nature Walk
9 am @ John F. Burke Nature Preserve, 1111 Valley View
Crimes Against Seniors Safety Info Seminar
9 am @ Senior Center
MON / OCT 3
City Council Meeting6 pm @ City Hall Senior Dance 7 pm @ Senior Center Southern Pride ___________________ All meetings & events subject to change. Call 972.247.3131
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
Frank Anderson
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Position:
City Electrician
Department:
Parks Dept/ Facility Maintenance Division
Years with City:
22 yrs
Background:
I have a journeyman electrical license, a TDLR HVAC license and 30 years carpentry experience. I have completed several Building Management courses and various others including ADA, electrical code and fire code.
Personal:
I enjoy entertaining friends and family. I love to hunt on my deer lease, ride my Harley, lounge around my swimming pool and play my Gibson guitars.
What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?
"Working with my coworkers and the citizens of Farmers Branch."
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Weekly Report
LANE CLOSURES
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LBJ Express is the name given to the five-year project that will renovate and expand capacity for Interstate 635, the LBJ freeway. Begun in 2011, the project updates its status, and lane closure information weekly. Click the "LANE CLOSURES" link to be taken directly to the most recent report.
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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