BRANCH BULLETIN: E-News from Farmers Branch
HeadLINES
Memo from the MANAGER
Infamy, plus 70 years 

 

   There are few incidents in American history that mark more of a turning point than the events of the morning of December 7, 1941 when the empire of City Manager Gary D. Greer - BackyardJapan attacked American military forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

   Here in Farmers Branch we hold our military heroes in high esteem. As such, we will be marking the occasion of 70 years since Pearl Harbor with a brief ceremony on the morning of Wednesday, December 7 at 10 a.m. at Farmers Branch Liberty Plaza.  

   The day after that Sunday morning attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress.

   All eight U.S. Navy battleships in port at Pearl Harbor were damaged, four were sunk. Six were eventually raised, repaired and returned to U.S. service. Also, the attack sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, one minelayer and 188 U.S. aircraft.  More than 2,400 Americans were killed. Almost half were aboard the U.S.S. Arizona.

   Today, as the Arizona rests at the bottom of the harbor in relatively shallow water, one of her gun turrets breaks the surface near the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, standing atop her sunken hull. 

   "Remember Pearl Harbor" became a battle cry for the war in the Pacific. On Wednesday, we will do just that.

   Please join us.  

 

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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
FeaturedSTORIES
Farmers Branch to remember Pearl Harbor, December 7
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The City of Farmers Branch will remember the heroes of  Pearl Harborwith a brief ceremony of commemoration on the 70th anniversary of the attack, Wednesday, December 7.U.S.S. West Virginia at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
   Set for Farmers Branch Liberty Plaza at 10 a.m., the ceremony will feature excerpts from FDR's famous speech to Congress following the attack, remarks from local officials and the unveiling of the next in a series of plaques at Liberty Plaza, marking significant turning points in American military history.
   The public is invited to attend. Farmers Branch Liberty Plaza is located at 12700 North Stemmons Freeway, just south of the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch and is most easily accessible from Denton Drive. For more information, log on at www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2620.

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USEDBOOKSReturn of Manske Library's Used Book Sale planned Dec. 8-10

FARMERS BRANCH ~ A local Library tradition returns in December with the Manske LibraryManske LibraryUsed Book Sale, December 8 through 10.
   Planned for the Library's Meeting Room, the sale will be held during regular Library hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday as well as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
   Hundreds of titles will be available, many for less than $1.
 Library Director Belinda Jacks said all books offered for sale were donated to the Library for this purpose and that all proceeds will go to benefit the Library and associated programs.

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Dallas Stars players sign autographs after practice in Farmers Branch.
Quite a Pardy
All 6 feet, 4 inches (plus skates) of Dallas Stars' defenseman Adam Pardy signs autographs for a mother and her young Stars fan son after the team's annual practice at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch, yesterday.
   About 200 local Stars fans showed up for the open practice and were treated to free lunch by the City of Farmers Branch.
   In addition, DFW-area sports guru, Norm Hitzges, was there, broadcasting his midday sports talk show on 1310 AM, "The Ticket."
RECOPENHOUSEChristmas Open House coming Friday to Community Recreation Center

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center will open its doors for a Christmas Open House event on Friday, December 9 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm
   Those in attendance can visit with Santa, share story time with Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts and be entertained by stage performers and strolling carolers.
   There will also be hot chocolate, cookies and punch.
   Rec Center officials said the open house is a great opportunity to drop by a new, unwrapped toy or gift to benefit the families served by Metrocrest Social Services. Call 972.247.4607.

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CityStaff Snapshot

STAFFName:  Jason Peebles

Jason Peebles

Position: Recreation Programmer

Department: Parks

Years with the City: Part time 5 years, Full time 6 + years   

Background: Graduated from North Texas. I currently oversee the fitness component of the Recreation Center; fitness classes, sports classes, supervise the pool, aquatic and Employee Wellness programs. 

Personal: I enjoy playing golf, am an avid sports fan and participate in any and all activities in the outdoors.

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? I truly enjoy the friendships I have built with the members of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and helping the members achieve their fitness goals. I have also enjoyed watching many of the youth I worked with in our youth program grow up to be successful young adults.

 

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Season'sGREETINGSGuide
SEASONSGREETINGS
~ SPECIAL EVENTS ~

TOUR OF LIGHTS  .  Thru Saturday, Dec 31 
  • 6:30 to 9:30 pm each evening
  • Driving tour starts at Stemmons/Valley View
  • Free and open to the public with donations accepted
  • Historical Park portion closed Dec 25, 31 & Mondays
COOKIE EXCHANGE @ Library  .  Tuesday, Dec 6
  • Manske Library @ 6:30 to 8 pm
  • Exchange cookies, goodies and recipes
  • Free and open to the public 

OPEN HOUSE @ Rec Center  .  Friday, Dec 9

  • Community Recreation Center @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm
  • Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and punch
  • Stage entertainment, stroller carolers
  • New, unwrapped toys and gifts accepted for Metrocrest Social Services
  • Free and open to the public  
SANTA HOUSE CALLS  .  Mon - Sat, Dec 12 - 24
  • Thru Community Recreation Center (limited to homes w/in 5-mile radius)
  • Santa delivers presents provided in advance by parents (15 minute visits)

SANTA VISIT @ Library  .  Wednesday, Dec 14

  • 6:30 pm @ Manske Library
  • Santa reads "The Night Before Christmas"
  • Cookie decorating
  • The Grinch to stop by
  • Free and open to the public

~ SPECIAL HOURS ~ 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE  .  Saturday, Dec 24    

  • Manske Library open 10 am to 6 pm
  • Rec Center open 7 am to 5 pm
  • Historical Park open 12 to 6 pm
  • ALL OTHER OFFICES & FACILITIES CLOSED  
CHRISTMAS DAY  .  Sunday, Dec 25
  • ALL OFFICES & FACILITIES CLOSED
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY  .  Monday, Dec 26
  • MOST FACILITIES CLOSED
  • Rec Center open 6 am to 5 pm
  • Historical Park open 8 am to 5 pm
  • No garbage collection
NEW YEAR'S EVE  .  Saturday, Dec 31
  • Manske Library open 10 am to 6 pm
  • Rec Center open 7 am to 5 pm
  • Historical Park open 12 to 6 pm
  • Senior Center open 1 to 5 pm
  • ALL OTHER OFFICES & FACILITIES CLOSED  
NEW YEAR'S DAY  .  Sunday, Jan 1 
  • ALL OFFICES & FACILITIES CLOSED
NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY  .  Monday, Jan 2 
  • MOST FACILITIES CLOSED
  • Rec Center open 6 am to 5 pm
  • Historical Park open 8 am to 5 pm
  • No garbage collection

All hours and events are subject to change
Call 972.247.3131 for questions or verification of hours or events

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PartingSHOT
PartingSHOTNeed a lift?
Spectators watch a cargo helicopter hover near the new Walmart Neighborhood Market construction project.
Staff Photo by Tom Bryson 
A cargo helicopter, lifting HVAC units into place at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market, attracted spectators to the area of Josey and Valley View around lunchtime on Thursday. Construction on the new grocery store is proceeding with an expected opening in 2012.

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InsideTHISWeek
STORIES
FEATURES
TOOLS
BranchBRIEFS
LIGHTTOURTour of Lights continues thru Dec 31

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Despite the weather-related cancellation of the Tree Lighting Event, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights will continue to brighten December evenings through New Year's Eve.
   The driving tour begins at the intersection of Stemmons Freeway at Valley View and follows the signs down William Dodson to City Hall then around to the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
   Admission is free with donations accepted by the non-profit groups at the park. The Historical Park section of the driving tour will be closed December 25 & 31, along with Mondays.

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 COOKIELibrary cookie exchange happening this evening

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Manske Library will hose a festive Cookie Exchange from 6:30 until 9 p.m. tonight. Everyone is invited to bake their favorite cookies to swap. All in attendance can leave with an assortment of holiday goodies and recipes.Call 972.247.2511.

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COUNCILMEETCouncil to meet December 6

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers
Farmers Branch logoBranch City Council will meet in regular session on Tuesdays, December 6 & 20 at 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall. Agendas can be found online at www.farmersbranch.info after 5 p.m. the Friday before the following Tuesday's Council meeting.
   All regular Council meetings are broadcast live on FBTV, Time Warner cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Metroplex and onlne at www.farmersbranch.info. 

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PETADOPTPet adoption gift certificates available for holiday giving

FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a non-traditional option for gift-giving this holiday season, the
Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center is offering Pet Adoption Gift Certificates.
   Each $80 gift certificate includes the adoption of an animal, sterilization, rabies and pre-selected vaccinations, microchip and free vet examination.    For more information, call the Animal Adoption Center at 972.919.8770.

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STNICKSanta, Grinch to visit Library Dec. 14

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Ever want to meet the Grinch?
   He plans to be in attendance at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, along with Santa Claus for a special event December 14 at 6:30 p.m. The event will include ol' St. Nick reading Clement Clarke Moore's classic "The Night Before Christmas," along with cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a bounce house and a dance performance by Branch Park Academy.
   Call 972.247.2511

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FIREHOUSETickets still available for Firehouse Theatre holiday performances

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Soon to be a tenant of old Fire Station No. 1, the all-new Firehouse Theatre has planned its inaugural performance in December.
   Broadway performers John Wilkerson and Margaret Shafer will join other Metroplex performers in "The Firehouse Theatre Christmas Spectacular," 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 469.522.0766 or e-mail [email protected]
InTheBANNER
BannerBANNER Seeing Stars
Dallas Stars' defenseman Mark Fistric glides across the Dr Pepper StarCenter ice in Farmers Branch during the NHL team's practice there yesterday. About 200 showed up to cheer them on and participate in a free lunch, offered by the City of Farmers Branch. Norm Hitzges of Sportsradio 1310, "The Ticket," also broadcast live from the event.
 
Staff Photo by Tom Bryson  
WeeklyPLANNER
WEEKLY TUE / DEC 6
City Council Meeting
@ City Hall, 6 pm

WED / DEC 7
Pearl Harbor Ceremony 
@ Liberty Plaza, 10 am 

THU - SAT / DEC 8-10
Used Book Sale 
@ Library during regular hrs

THU / DEC 8

Senior Advisory Board 
@ Senior Center, 1 pm   

MON / DEC 12
Planning and Zoning
@ City Hall, 7 pm
Senior Dance

 

TUE / DEC 13
Zoning Board of Adjustment 
@ City Hall, 7 pm
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 

EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
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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