Branch Bulletin: E-News from Farmers Branch

Memo from the Manager 

  Walking on the Wild Side

   The bustling Metroplex we call home is about to get even more hectic with the advent of the holiday season. And, while there don't seem to be enough

City Manager Gary D. Greer

 hours in the day during the months of November and December (an illusion greatly enhanced by the impending time change), it is still important to take a moment and take a breath every now and then.

  May I suggest getting away from it all in the 

middle of a wilderness - that is right here at home?

   The John F. Burke Nature Preserve is one of the newest jewels of Farmers Branch. Located on the far west side of the City, the preserve is 104 acres of unspoiled, natural beauty. Walking trails 

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John F. Burke Nature Preserve
John F. Burke Nature Preserve

spread throughout the preserve, taking the intrepid into a natural countryside located in the geographical center of Dallas-Fort Worth.

   Imagine looking up from the verdant forest floor to see sunlight filtering through the leaves waving in the trees above. Imagine listening to the call of birds along the river corridor and the splash of wildlife in the wetland ecosystem.What better way to take a short time out from the ever-increasing speed of life and gaze at the wonder that is Mother Nature?

   For those wanting to take a guided tour, master naturalists host walks through the Burke Nature Preserve at regular intervals throughout the year. The next two are coming up November 5 & 9 at 9 a.m. The John F. Burke Nature Preserve is located at 1111 Valley View.

   The real world is located everywhere else.

 

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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
Halloween in the Park is coming Oct 29
HalloweenFARMERS BRANCH ~ Before receiving treats on Saturday, revelers will
Autumn in Farmers Branch
 have the opportunity to give as the Farmers Branch Halloween in the Park event will accept canned food donations to benefit Metrocrest Social Services for the upcoming holiday season.
   The annual event is set for Saturday, October 29 from 5 until 10 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Admission is free.
   There will be traditional carnival games, trick-or-treat stations, pumpkin patch, stage entertainment, concessions and more. The infamous "Haunted Hedge" opens at 7:30 p.m. 
   The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Free parking will be available at the Metrosquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate. Disabled parking will be at the Farmers Branch DART Station on Denton Drive at Valley View, also with a free shuttle. For more information, call 972.247.4607.
Haunted Hedge 

 

The infamous Haunted Hedge invites trick-or-treaters for some fun-filled thrills when it opens, beginning at 7:30 p.m that evening.

 

 

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CharlesCoxFinance Director Cox named among top CFOs in DFW
Charles S. Cox
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With competition ranging from Fortune 500 finance chiefs to small companies and colleagues at the likes of DART and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Farmers Branch Finance Director Charles S. Cox was honored at a recent luncheon as one of the top 21 Chief Financial Officers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
   All 21 CFOs were celebrated at a luncheon presented by the Dallas Business Journal who also sponsored the competition.
   The 25-year-veteran of municipal finance has served the past 18 years at Farmers Branch and says that economic challenges may be ever-changing but the constant in government work is earning the trust of stakeholders.
   "We continue to work on building trust with our residents by being honest, transparent and responsive," he said.
   

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CCSMedical supply company to relocate from Florida
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Citing the superior business climate and strong workforce, CCS Medical has announced that it is moving its headquarters from Clearwater, Florida to Farmers Branch.CCS Medical
   Together with a nearby warehouse, CCS intends to add 230 jobs to the area during the next two years.
   Founded in 1994, the medical supply company is receiving up to $506,000 in training funding from the Texas Workforce Commission. "Working with the state on a project like this was important," said Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land. "It wouldn't have happened without the state's participation."
   Nationwide, CCS has about 1,500 employees working in seven offices.
   

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SnapPollSnap Poll: Tour of Lights
Snap Poll  
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City Staff Mini-Profile

 

Alex Ruiz 

Alex Ruiz

 Position: Electrician  

Department: Parks & Recreation / Facilites Maintenance

Years with the City: 4 yrs  10 months

Background: I was enlisted in the Navy and performed my duties as an Aviation electrician. I am also a master electrician and a certified commercial electrical inspector.

Personal: I have been married to my wife Leslie for 12 years. I am active at home with my two children (Alexis and AJ). I am a big kid at heart and love playing sports, especially golf and softball.

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?

I think the City is a fun place to work where group efforts and end results continually amaze me!  

Veterans Day 2011
 PartingShotParting Shot: 
"Hi, my name's Jason, what's yours ..."
Halloween in the Park is coming Oct 29Staff Photo
This young trick-or-treater seems to be undisturbed by the scary spectre he found in the Haunted Hedge at Halloween in the Park last year. The Haunted Hedge opens at 7:30 p.m. at this year's event, set Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
InsideTHISWeek
STORIES
> Meetings with the Mayor
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BranchBRIEFS
Town Hall Meeting coming November 3 

SENIOR CENTER ~ The annual autumn Town Hall Meeting will be hosted by Mayor Bill Glancy and the City Council on Thursday, November 3 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
   City staff, along with representatives of the LBJ Express project will be on hand at the Senior Center from 6 until 7 p.m. to entertain questions and discuss issues with citizens. Then, at 7 p.m., Mayor Glancy will call the meeting to order.
   Call 972.919.2515 for more information.
SeniorHolidayTripSenior holiday trip deadline extended 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Local seniors have the opportunity to participate in a holiday excursion to San Antonio this coming season and now the deadline for registration has been extended.

   The Farmers Branch Senior Center is sponsoring the trip to San Antonio, departing on Monday, November 28 and returning on Friday, December 2.
   Cost of the trip is $469 and includes motor coach transportation, four nights lodging, and eight meals (four breakfasts and four dinners). 
   Registration deadline is now October 28 and space is limited. Call the Farmers Branch Senior Center at 972.919.8740.
MayorMeetingsMayor Glancy continues informal meetings 

CITY HALL ~ Mayor Bill Glancy is continuing office hours on Council days to offer
City Hall by aircitizens an opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions or just chat during "Meetings with the Mayor."
   Anyone can come meet with Mayor Glancy in Council Chambers at Farmers Branch City Hall between 3 and 3:45 p.m. on regularly scheduled Council days. Those upcoming dates are November 1 & 15, as well as December 6 & 20. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
NatureWalksNature Walks resume in November at Burke 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The next in a series of John F. Burke Nature Preserve autumn Nature Walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve is set for Saturday, November 5 to be followed by Wednesday, November 9 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.
Congressman Marchant sets Veterans Fair

EULESS ~ U.S. Representative Kenny Marchant has issued a widespread invitation to a November 5 event designed specifically for veterans.
   The Veterans Fair will be held Saturday, November 5 from  10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Euless Family Life Center, 300 West Midway in Euless. According to Mr. Marchant's office, 30 vendors will be present to share information about veterans' benefits, programs and organizations. Visit Congressman Marchant's website for more information.
FCC plans national Emergency Alert test

WASHINGTON ~ The first-ever national test of state and local emergency alert systems will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. in the Central time zone. 
   Federal Communications Commission officials said most jurisdictions conduct monthly tests, but there has never been a national test to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public to a national emergency.
   The test will resemble the regular monthly tests but will be based on a nationally broadcast request for alert activation.
InTheBANNER
One young trick-or-treater can't believe her eyes as she and friends navigate the Haunted Hedge at Halloween in the Park last year. This year's edition is set for Saturday, October 29 from 5 until 10 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. The Haunted Hedge opens at 7:30 p.m. - when it's good and dark.
Staff photo
WeeklyPLANNER
WeeklyPlannerTUES / OCT 25
Historical Preservation Board
@ Historical Park, 7 pm
Zoning Board of Adjustment @ City Hall, 7 pm 
 
SAT / OCT 29
Halloween in the Park
@ Historical Park, 5-10 pm
 
MON / OCT 31
Senior Center Dance
@ Senior Center, 7 pm
w/ J.C. Tippett
 
TUE / NOV 1
Meetings with the Mayor @ City Hall, 3 to 3:45 pm
City Council Meeting
@ City Hall, 6 pm 
 
THU / NOV 3
Town Hall Meeting
@ Senior Center, 6 pm displays, 7 pm meeting 
ImportantLINKS
LinksoCITY
Farmers Branch Website
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Parks & Recreation
Community Recreation Center
Senior Center
Historical Park
Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch
Garbage Pickup Holiday Schedule
Police
Fire
Online Water Bill Payment 

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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

LBJ Express

www.lbjexpress.com

 

Halloween in the Park is coming Oct 29
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.Unsub