Branch Bulletin: E-News From Farmers Branch
HEADLINES 

Memo from the Manager 

CMA practical paragraph   

City Manager Gary D. Greer

 

    Coming up through the grades of elementary, middle and high schools, kids are often required to learn important passages from America's great historical documents. Perhaps it was, "When in the course of human events ..." from the pen of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence or the chorus of free voices singing, in unison, "WE, the people of the United States of America ..." as the preamble to our constitution.

   These bold statements left no doubt that the foundation of the United States was forged in the conviction of our founding fathers that everyone was entitled to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

   As much as the testaments of liberty are, and should be, woven into the fabric of our heritage, I am always vexed by the absence, in this basic education, of another monumentally important statement that is a compass for our way of life every day.

   "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

   The First Amendment to the United States constitution is a marvel. In one, short paragraph, the founders guaranteed freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly and redress. This sentence is, arguably, the bedrock of our American society.

  We have an opportunity at hand to exercise the First Amendment this week at our autumn Town Hall Meeting, set for Thursday, November 3 at the Senior Center. The story below will give you more details but when we assemble there, peaceably, Thursday night, let's all bear in mind those simple, yet immensely practical words that make it possible. 

 

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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
OpenMikeFARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bill Glancy and the members of the City Council invite everyone to the annual Autumn Town Hall Meeting, set for Thursday, November 3 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, 14055 Dennis Lane.
   City Staff, along with representatives of the LBJ Express Project, will be on hand at from 6 until 7 p.m. toSenior Center answer questions and discuss issues with residents. Then, at 7 p.m., Mayor Glancy will bring the formal Town Hall Meeting to order. A brief video on Farmers Branch highlights from the fiscal year that just ended will open the meeting, to be followed by a question and answer session. 
   The Town Hall Meeting is scheduled to conclude at 8:30 p.m.  The event will be taped for replay on FBTV later in November & December.Call 972.919.2515 for more information. 

  

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This Benjamin Franklin quote at Liberty Plaza exemplifies the spirit of service put forth by the U.S. military that is celebrated on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day event to celebrate all who serve  
vetsFARMERS BRANCH ~ Again, Farmers Branch will pause in celebration to honor all U.S. military service members, past and present, in ceremonies at the Farmers Branch Senior Center on Friday, November 11 beginning at 10:30 am.
    The event will include special guest speaker, Texas State Representative Jim Jackson, and a performance by a cappella quartet "Smooth Brew" who will salute American veterans with songs designed to pay tribute to the military as well as inspire others.
   Immediately following the program a free hot dog lunch will be provided to all attendees. The event and lunch is free to the public.
   For more information, please call 972.919.8740.
   

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Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest WinnersRed Ribbon poster contest winners celebrated at picnic
redribbonFARMERS BRANCH ~ Keying on the theme of "Freedom is Drug Free," elementary students from across Farmers Branch created posters for a competition, celebrating Red Ribbon Week in October.
   The top two poster contest winners from each grade level (1-5) were invited to a picnic, held by the Farmers Branch Police Department, to celebrate their accomplishment. Overall, the top five students from each grade level of every school were rewarded with $5 for participation. The Fourth Place grand prize winners from each grade level received an additional $25. Third Place finishers received $50 while Second Place winners received $75. The grand prize winners from each grade level won $100.
   

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John Perkins

Position: Firefighter/Paramedic  

Department: Fire Department - B Shift

Years with the City: 

Background: I earned a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University. I served 9 years with the United Stated Marine Corps with 1 deployment to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. I am a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I have also received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal twice.

Personal: I am married to my wife Lori and have a son (Hunter). I enjoy baseball and football.

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? I enjoy the camaraderie of working with firefighters and officers that make up the Farmers Branch Fire Department.  

Snap Poll Results:
Tour of Lights
SnapPollResults: Tour of Lights
 PartingShotParting Shot: 
"Captain America meets Captain Jack"
Captain America meets Captain Jack Farmers Branch Staff Photo by Amy Cooper
In a "clash of the captains," opposite-sized trick-or-treaters posing as Captain America (left) and Captain Jack Sparrow engage in a little harmless tomfoolery during the wildly successful 2011 edition of Halloween in the Park. Organizers estimate more than 4,000 made their way to the Historical Park for the annual event this year.
 
InsideTHISWeek
STORIES 
> Nature Walks
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BranchBRIEFS
NatureWalksBurke Nature Walks planned November 5 & 9 

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.
VeteransFairCongressman 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.
NationalEASFCC 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.
SAVVYCity receives national notice for marketing and communications

CITY HALL ~ For efforts in 
marketing and communications, 
Savvy Awards
Mayor Bill Glancy (from left) presented the Savvy Awards to City Manager Gary D. Greer and Assistant to the City Manager Rachael Loftus at Tuesday's Council meeting.
the City of 
Farmers Branch has received two coveted "Savvy" awards from the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association.
   The top national awards came in two different categories. One was for Best Recurring Special Event for "Liberty Fest" with the other coming in the sign-of-the-times category, Most Creative Idea with Least Dollars Spent, for the Historical Park fundraiser, "No Show Gala." The City has won 14 3CMA awards through the years, but only four Savvies.
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 15, as well as December 6 & 20. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
InTheBANNER
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The reds, yellows and oranges are starting to come out in fall color on some trees around Farmers Branch. With one morning bearing a touch of frost in recent weeks, leaf lookers are advised to take notice quickly as the first hard frost will likely accelerate the process.
Staff photo
WeeklyPLANNER
THU / NOV 3WeeklyPlanner
Town Hall Meeting
@ Senior Center, 6 pm displays, 7 pm meeting 
 
SAT / NOV 5
Nature Walk
@ Burke Nature Preserve, 9 am 
 
MON / NOV 7
Senior Dance Club
w/ Southern Pride Band, 7 pm @ Senior Center 
 
WED / NOV 9
Nature Walk
@ Burke Nature Preserve, 9 am 
National Emergency Alert Test
1 pm
 
FRI / NOV 11
Veterans Day Celebration
@ Senior Center, 10:30 am, Free
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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LBJExpressLBJ 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

 

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Veterans Day 2011
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