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Memo from the Manager
 Sullivan & Sarah Upon the occasion of Veterans Day, later this week, when we pause to honor all who have worn the uniform, there is so much to be said. Those among us that feel so inclined may try to wax eloquent of the meaning of service and the cost of freedom. However, I can think of no words more eloquent and more appropriate than these from an American solider in a letter to his wife on the eve of battle: Dear Sarah: Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt. Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all these chains to the battle field. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come crowding over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. If I do not return my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name ... Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again. (Abridged) Many letters have been written by soldiers in the field during the past 200 years. This missive comes from Sullivan Ballou, a major in the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, in 1861. The courage he exhibits can only be explained in a love for his country and, in protecting her, the love for his family. A week after penning this heartfelt letter, Sullivan Ballou was killed at the First Battle of Bull Run. Sarah, a widow at 24, never remarried and died peacefully in 1917, at the age of 80. Today, they rest side-by-side in Providence, Rhode Island. Their sons did grow up to "honorable manhood." Many veterans come home. Many do not. The very least we can do is to offer them, and their families, our heartfelt, deepest gratitude. Finding the right words is an impossible task. So, this Friday, go up to a veteran and simply say, "Thanks!" Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Specializing in a capella barbershop harmonies, but with a bit of jazz and doo-wop thrown in, the singing quartet, "Smooth Brew" will entertain the crowd at the 2011 Veterans Day Celebration, set for Friday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The event will also include special guest speaker, Texas State Representative Jim Jackson, a video presentation and other tributes to the military. The four members of "Smooth Brew" are also members of the Plano-based "Men of Note" barbershop chorus, and of the international Barbershop Harmony Society.
Immediately following the program a free hot dog lunch will be provided to all attendees. The event and lunch is free to the public. The Farmers Branch Senior Center is located at 14055 Dennis Lane, between Josey and Valwood Parkways.
For more information, please call 972.919.8740.
  
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Dallas Stars set to shine at
Farmers Branch StarCenter in December
 STARCENTER ~ A different kind of Star Party will be going on December 5 as the Dallas Stars come to town for their annual practice at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch, near the DART station at 12700 North Stemmons Freeway. The practice is free and open to the public and is tentatively scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Watch for more details in BRANCH BULLETIN and other City of Farmers Branch media. |
| Autumn nature walks at Burke conclude Wednesday |
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The last in a series of autumn Nature Walks at  the John F. Burke Nature Preserve is set for Wednesday, November 9 at 9 a.m. The walks will be 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. Parking is available under the President George Bush Turnpike at that location.
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Library seminar to focus on seasonal safety
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Keeping families safe during the upcoming holiday  season is the focus of a seminar to be presented at the Manske Library by the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments on Wednesday, November 16. Co-sponsored by the Country Club Estates Crime Watch Committee, the seminar will begin at 6 p.m. in the Library meeting room. Representatives of the Farmers Branch Fire Department will be on hand to offer fire prevention tips when preparing holiday meals and dealing with trees and decorations. Then, members of the Farmers Branch Police Department will discuss holiday crime prevention in the home as well as the mall, personal safety and siutational awareness. There will also be a demonstration of the Property Identification Program offered by the Farmers Branch Police Department as well as information on Neighborhood Watch. For more information, call 972.247.2511. |
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City Staff SNAPSHOT
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Name: R. Chandler
 Position: Officer Department: Police Years with the City: 6 Background: I am currently 3 semesters away from receiving my Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. I began my career in Farmers Branch as a Detention Officer when I was just 18 years old. After I turned 21, I applied for the position of Police Officer and was fortunate to be hired by the City. I have been a Patrol Officer for the past 3 years and now have various duties at work including: Police Explorers Associate Advisor, Canine Decoy Training, Police Bicycle Team and Police Training Officer. Personal: I am a member of a bowling team, which is one of my newly discovered hobbies. I also enjoy distance road cycling with a few of my co-workers. Outside of that, my friends and family make me the most happy. What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? What I like the most about Farmers Branch is the staff, and not just in the Police Department. I have friends from several other departments in the City, and they are some of the best friends I could ever have asked for. |
Parting Shot: Make room for Jeff
 Farmers Branch Staff Photo by Tom BrysonFarmers Branch Senior Advisory Board Chairwoman Katie Roberts, left, joins guests of honor Jeff and Janie Fuller, along with Mayor Bill Glancy at the Tuesday dedication of the Jeff Fuller Room at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. Senior Dance Club President Buford Watson presided over the ceremony in honor of Mr. Fuller who recently retired as Parks and Recreation Director, after 25 years with the City of Farmers Branch.
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FCC plans national Emergency Alert test Wednesday
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. |
City sets Thanksgiving holiday hours
CITY HALL ~All City of Farmers Branch offices and  facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Then, on Friday, November 25, the holiday continues as most facilities remain closed except for the Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, both open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be no garbage collection either day. |
Tour of Lights set to start Thanksgiving weekend
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The annual tradition of the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights will get underway this year while turkey leftovers are still in the fridge.
The 2011 edition of the "Tour," featuring 300,000 twinkling lights, will open on Friday, November 25 and remain open through New Year's Eve, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each evening. The Historical Park portion of the driving tour will be closed on Mondays, as well as December 3, 25 and 31. |
Star Party set to gaze at the sky Nov. 15
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Telescopes will be on hand and volunteers will help viewers with celestial observation during the final scheduled Star Party of the autumn season, set for Tuesday evening, November 15 from dusk til about 9 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Star Parties are free and open to the public. Call 972.406.0184 for more info. |
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O Say Can You See ...
The red, white and blue of old glory stand in stark contrast to the earth tones of a November day as flags decorate the grounds of the Senior Center in advance of Veterans Day activities.
Staff photo
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| WED / NOV 9
Nature Walk
@ Burke Nature Preserve, 9 am
FRI / NOV 11
Veterans Day Celebration
@ Senior Center, 10:30 am, Free
MON / NOV 14
Senior Dance Club
@ Senior Center, 7 pm w/ Dave Brewer Band
TUES / NOV 15
Meetings with the Mayor @ City Hall, 3 pm
City Council Meeting
@ City Hall, 6 pm
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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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Branch Bulletin is the 
recipient of the 2011
TAMI Award
for Best
E-Newsletter in Texas, bestowed by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
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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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