Branch Bulletin: E-News from Farmers Branch
HEADLINES 
MEMOMGR

Memo from the Manager 

City Manager Gary D. Greer - Backyard
Take a breath

    Wow. Between everything that's happened, large gatherings and small activities, the City of Farmers Branch has hosted more than 18 events since Labor Day, beginning with the Stars & Spokes Bike Race and going up to, most recently, our Veterans Day Celebration.

   While we have a minute to take a breath, before we plow forward into the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Tour of Lights, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making all of these events, seminars and activities a success. This takes a collective effort on the part of our tireless City Council, our wonderful City staff, community volunteers and the audiences that attend them all.

   That said, I want to be sure to invite everyone to drive through our annual Tour of Lights trail, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. You'll see new displays blending with older favorites that continue to make the Farmers Branch "Tour" one of the most visited holiday displays in the Metroplex. Thousands will be on hand December 3 for the annual throwing of the switch to light the City's Christmas Tree at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. And, I certainly hope you can join us on Wednesday, December 7 at 10 a.m. when we pause at Liberty Plaza to reflect on and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

   Admittedly, our events slow down a bit during the coldest winter months. However, don't be fooled by any lack of visible activity. Our people will be using that time for planning the 2012 edition of Liberty Fest, set for Memorial Day weekend, with a return appearance by "Gin Blossoms" in advance of the legendary rock band, "Styx."

   You may want to mark your calendars now.

 

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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
STARSDallas Stars set annual practice to feature free food, radio broadcast

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. There will be a free box lunch for the first 300 in attendance at the practice that will also feature a radio broadcast from sports talk station KTCK, "1310 The Ticket."
   Watch for more details in BRANCH BULLETIN and other City of Farmers Branch media. 
Library renovations invite patrons to enjoy an indoor/outdoor experience
Manske Library Director Belinda Jacks shows off the newly re-arranged first floor, featuring better light, more user-friendly stacks and new furniture.

LIBRARYRENOFARMERS BRANCH ~ Once sealed off since nobody remembers when, the Farmers Branch Manske Library now invites its guests to take it outside with four
Large patio outside at Manske Library.
Library Director Belinda Jacks shows off one of four new patios to Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish.
furnished patios for reading and relaxing.
   "The patios really promote a casual atmosphere that many don't associate with a library," said Manske Library Director Belinda Jacks. "We invite folks to bring their lunch and enjoy the outdoor furniture looking out over Rawhide Creek."   The newly accessible patios are among the improvements made recently to the Library in an effort to keep the facility user-friendly and in step with 21st century technology.
   "One of the main things we needed was new furniture for computer workstations," said Farmers Branch Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish. "The new arrangement in the adult and children's areas allows Library staff to better assist patrons using the Library's very popular computers." The 18 new adult workstations are arranged in linear fashion near some new furniture designed for comfort and quiet conversation.
   The first floor shelves have been rearranged east/west to take advantage of better lighting on the materials. In the back corner of the first floor, the shelving re-alignment has given way to a "quiet corner" near the periodicals where patrons can browse newspapers and magazines away from the primary activity near the front door.
   "We're very pleased with these advancements that will further enhance this already wonderful facility," Ms. Jacks explained. "Between the main areas of the Library, the patios and the new, more secluded reading areas, our patrons have some real choices in their Library experience."
New computer workstations at Manske Library
Computer workstations are arranged in a line near the front of the facility.
   Other renovations include two new red children's book bins to allow kids to more easily browse their selections, relocation of Youth Services area to allow the children's area to expand and accommodate "Storytime," new landscaping near the Golfing Green entrance and removal of old security gates to improve aesthetics of the entrance.
   "We also created a 'new books' section near the entrance to help patrons identify recent releases," Ms. Jacks added. "In addition, we relocated materials being held outside the circulation desk so that patrons could locate their own materials."
   The Manske Library is located at 13615 Webb Chapel Road (at Golfing Green). Their hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Call them at 972.247.2511 or visit online at www.farmersbranch.info/library.

Farmers Branch Staff Photos by Tom Bryson

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LIBRARYLibrary seminar to focus on seasonal safety

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Keeping families safe during the upcoming holiday Holiday safety graphic
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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CROMERFire Department's Cromer honored at Cowboys game
ARLINGTON ~ During Veterans Day weekend, recognition of American military service men and women at the November 13 Dallas Cowboys halftime show
Farmers Branch Fire Department Lt. Jerry Cromer
Farmers Branch Fire Department Lt. Jerry Cromer
included Farmers Branch Fire Department Lt. Jerry Cromer.

   As a U.S. Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant, Lt. Cromer was selected by the Air Force for his part in organizing the 2011 Joint Mass Casualty Exercise near Fort Worth on September 11. The exercise involved more than 600 participants from national and local governments as well as private enterprise and allowed multiple agencies to integrate in a common response.
   "Jerry is just another example of the incredible caliber of individuals that serve Farmers Branch in our Fire Department," said Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker. "His dedication to serving his country shines through every day he wears the Farmers Branch uniform to render the same degree of service to this community. We're very proud of him."

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 Honoring those who have served
Farmers Branch elementary 3rd graders deliver postcards to veterans.
Farmers Branch Staff Photo by Derrick Birdsall  
(Above) Third grade students from Farmers Branch Elementary pass out postcards they created as "thank yous" to American military veterans during the annual Veterans Day Celebration, held last week at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. 
SNAPSHOT
CityStaff Snapshot

Name: Scott Burke

Position: Captain

Department: Fire

Years with the City: 12 

Background: I have a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University. I am a certified Peace Officer, Arson Investigator and Fire Inspector.

Personal: I have a four year old son, a crazy dog and a lazy cat. My free time is spent relaxing with the family, playing golf and ice hockey, and attending Dallas Stars games.

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? I really enjoy working with the variety of businesses and industries throughout the City. They create a wide range of fire protection challenges ensuring no two days are ever the same.

 PartingShotParting Shot: 'Tis the Season
Work crews attach giant snowflakes to City Hall.
Farmers Branch Staff Photo by Tom Bryson
Crews work to attach giant snowflakes to the front of City Hall in advance of the start of the Tour of Lights on November 25. The annual driving tour will run from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve. 
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VETSVIDEO2011 Veterans Day Celebration now available on FBTV

SENIOR CENTER ~ A few short days removed from one of the most well-attended Veterans Day Celebrations in Farmers Branch history, the 2011 event is now
VIDEO  View our videos on YouTube  EXTRA
Veterans Day Celebration 2011
Veterans Day Celebration 2011
 available for viewing on FBTV.   The event featured a keynote address by Texas State Representative Jim Jackson, special performance by a capella quartet "Smooth Brew," a video presentation and more.
   The program can be seen at 9 a.m. seven days a week, through the holidays, on FBTV, Time Warner Cable Channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranch.info. BRANCH BULLETIN subscribers can click on the VIDEO EXTRA link above to be taken directly to the program.
STARPARTYStar Party postponed til Thursday

HISTORICAL PARK ~ TelescopesSaturn will be on hand and volunteers will help viewers with celestial observation during the final scheduled Star Party of the autumn season, now set for Thursday evening, November 17 from dusk til about 9 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. The party was rescheduled from Tuesday, November 15 when threat of inclement weather and cloud cover forced a postponement. Star Parties are free and open to the public. Call 972.406.0184 for more info.
THANKSGIVINGCity sets hours for Thanksgiving holidays

CITY HALL ~All City of Farmers Branch offices and City Hall by air 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.
TOUROFLIGHTSTour 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.Tour of Lights
   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.
FOGKeep money from going down the drain this holiday season

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Public Works Department advises residents that the best way to avoid sewer problems this holiday season is to keep things from going down pipes that don't belong there - primarily fats, oils and grease.
   Residents should remove oil and grease from all dishes with paper towel before washing; scrape excess grease into a container; and place food scraps in waste containers. For more information, call Public Works at 972.919.2597.
InTheBANNER
Banner The Big Red Bin 
New red bins in the children's area of the Manske Library will help kids better browse their selections. The bins are just part of recent renovations to the Library. See the full story above.
Staff Photo by Tom Bryson
WeeklyPLANNER
TUES / NOV 15WeeklyPlanner
Meetings with the Mayor
@ City Hall, 3 pm
City Council Meeting
@ City Hall, 6 pm
 
THUR / NOV 17
Parks & Recreation Board
@ Rec Center, 7 pm 
 

MON / NOV 21

Senior Dance Club
@ Senior Center, 7 pm w/ Will Taylor Band
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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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