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Memo from the Manager
Pickin' & grinnin'
"Pickin' and grinnin'" is an old phrase that used to be identified solely with a country music television show, but is really most descriptive of the quickly emerging phenomenon that is the Bloomin' Bluegrass music festival, coming up in Farmers Branch this weekend.
 And, phenomenal is not an overstatement. Why?
It features more than a dozen, high profile bluegrass acts that are winners of multiple Grammy awards, regular performer at the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville and standouts in their musical field. And they will be standing out in our field, in the meadow
at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the Metroplex.
On top of that - it's free.
Trust me, if you like live music, you'll enjoy wandering the park, taking in the informal jam sessions and the featured acts on the main stage. These are world-class musicians displaying their craft. I hope to see you there.
Finally, don't forget the other events happening this week. If you've not been out to the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, you have the opportunity to get a guided tour with a master naturalist on Wednesday. Then on Saturday, along with Bloomin' Bluegrass, gardeners can get to know more about roses than they ever thought at RoseDango. At the same time, everyone can get a head start on holiday shopping at the Senior Center's annual Craft Fair. More info on all these events is featured in this edition.
And, if anyone makes all four of them, let me know!
  
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ There will be grammy-winning musicians on the main stage, along with informal jam sessions on porches of historic buildings and in the shade of hundred-year-old trees as Bloomin' Bluegrass makes a triumphant
VIDEO  EXTRA
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Preview for the bluegrass DVD, "Fanning the Fire," shot, in part at the 2010 edition of Bloomin' Bluegrass at the Farmers Branch Historical Park
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return to the Farmers Branch Historical Park this weekend.
Thousands are expected, from across the country, to converge on the park to take in their favorite bluegrass acts. Sponsored by the City of Farmers Branch and the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, the music begins on Friday, October 14 at 5 p.m. and continues through the evening until 10. Then, on Saturday, the festival gets underway at 12 noon and goes all the way until 10 p.m.
Among this year's performers are  | |
Sammy Shelor (left) and accomplished bluegrass musician, Steve Martin.
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winners of multiple Grammy awards, dozens of International Bluegrass Music Association awards and the 2011 winner of the Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass (Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band).
Included on stage this year will be J.D. Crowe and the New South, Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Seldom Scene, Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, The Whites, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Special Consensus, Honi Deaton & Dream, Gerald Jones & Clone Mountain, The Herrins and Highlands Crossing.
The public is invited and admission to Bloomin' Bluegrass is completely free. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for the meadow seating at the park. Visit www.bloominbluegrass.com. |
  
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ The EarthKind roses of Gussie Field Watterworth Park are thriving in the autumn air after being irrigated only three times during what was, arguably, one of the most brutally hot north Texas summers on record.
Finding out more about the hardy EarthKind roses, along with other bloomin' things will be among the topics at RoseDango in Farmers Branch on Saturday, October 15, held in conjunction with Bloomin' Bluegrass.
VIDEO EXTRA
 | | Neil Sperry with Texas A&M's Dr. Steve George on EarthKind roses |
"Come see some amazing roses have survived the summer of 2011 with a recording breaking 71 days of 100º plus temperatures and way below average rainfalls," said Farmers Branch Landscape Manager Pam Smith. "The trial roses have only been irrigated three times this summer and have never been sprayed, fertilized or pruned.
" RoseDango participants can select their favorite roses for season long color in their landscape that are Texas Tough and environmentally friendly."
There will be a complimentary lunch in the pavilion at Gussie Field Watterworth Park for registered attendees at 12 noon, in advance of instructive seminars every half hour between 12:30 and 3 p.m. at various garden locations in the area.
Topics include the EarthKind roses being developed at the National EarthKind Rose Garden in Farmers Branch, Butterfly Gardening, The Art of Making Potpourri, Garden Tool Care, How to Propagate Your Own Roses and Rose Culture and Pruning. Kidszone activities will begin at 1.
RoseDango activities will be going on at the Chambersville Heritage Rose Garden in McKinney on both Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Just in time for the gift-giving season, the Farmers Branch Senior Center will hold 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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21st century shopping excursion to benefit 1920s General Store project
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ A VIP shopping excursion, October 23, has been planned as a benefit event for the Farmers Branch Historical Park General Store project.
For $25 per ticket, shoppers (ages 3 and up) will have access to a VIP shopping experience at American Girl, 13464 Dallas Parkway at the Galleria, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, while the store is closed to the general public. Additionally, there will be crafts, goodie bags, refreshments and a silent auction to win an American Girl doll.
Space is limited. Available tickets are on sale through October 19. Call 972.247.4607 or 972.406.0184 for more information.
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Nature Walk coming Wednesday to Burke
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The next in a series of  autumn Nature Walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve is set for Wednesday, October 12 at 9 a.m.
The walks are hosted by a master naturalist who will guide the group through the 104-acre preserve, highlighting its features and attributes. Walks are free and open to the public. The Burke Nature Preserve is at 1111 Valley View Lane, west of Luna Road. |
Mayor Bill Glancy sets informal meetings
CITY HALL ~ Mayor Bill Glancy is setting up office hours to offer  citizens an opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions or just chat during "Meetings with the Mayor" at 3 p.m. on regularly scheduled Council days at City Hall.
Anyone can come meet with Mayor Glancy in Council Chambers between 3 and 3:45 p.m. on Council days. Those upcoming dates are October 18, November 1 & 15, as well as December 6 & 20. For more information, call 972.247.3131. |
LBJ Project updates available from source
LBJ FREEWAY ~ Bridge demolition and reconstruction along Interstate 635-LBJ, as part of the massive reconstruction project, will result in sometimes massive traffic issues, especially on weekends through the fall months. As plans can change rapidly, motorists are advised to check the latest construction updates at www.lbjexpress.com. |
Adult Yoga happens at the Library on Mondays
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. |
Firehouse Theatre plans December benefit
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As soon as the Fire Department moves out of old Station No. 1 on Valley View in early 2012, the Firehouse Theatre moves in to create a permanent amenity for the arts in Farmers Branch.
In the meantime, Broadway performers John Wilkerson and Margaret Shafer will join other Metroplex performers in the theatre's inaugural production, "The Firehouse Theatre Christmas Spectacular," set for December 16-18 at the Victoria restaurant, 13435 Bee Street. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $30 for students. For more information, call 469.744.3456 or e-mail
info@thefirehousetheatre.com. |
Your Weekly Planner
THU / OCT 13 Senior Advisory Board
@ Senior Center, 1 pm
Library Board
@ Manske Library, 7:15 pm
FRI-SAT / OCT 14-15 Bloomin' Bluegrass
@ Historical Park, schedules @ www.bloominbluegrass.com
SAT / OCT 15 Craft Fair
@ Senior Center, 9 am - 4 pm
RoseDango
@ Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch, schedules @
www.rosedango.com
MON / OCT 17 Senior Dance
@ Senior Center, 7 pm
with Will Taylor
TUE / OCT 18 City Council
@ City Hall, 6 pm, agendas at www.farmersbranch.info
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City Staff
Mini-Profile
Gabriel Vargas
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Position:
Lieutenant/Paramedic
Department:
Fire
Years with the City:
14 yrs
Background:
I have an Associates in Applied Science in Fire Officer Certification, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UT Austin and I am currently working on my Masters in Public Administration from UTA where I will graduate in May 2012. Recently I have received the Fire Department's Golden Eagle award for service (2009) and the 2010 Fire Office of the Year award.
Personal:
My number one supporter in my life is my wife, Kami. Together we have 5 growing boys and it's never a dull moment in the Vargas household. I enjoy working out with my kids and helping them with their homework.
What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?
I like it when Farmers Branch citizens and their families come by the fire station and not just because they bring desserts to us! I enjoy the look on children's faces when they climb into the fire engine for the first time or when they try to "bunk out" into my gear. Then it's obvious that visiting the station (and me) has put a smile on their faces.
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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, from Central Expressway to Stemmons Freeway through parts of Dallas and Farmers Branch. Begun in 2011, the project team updates its status, and lane closure information weekly, including weekend bridge construction that could have serious traffic impacts.
For More, Click Here
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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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