Just like that, 2011 is in the books.

   And, now, it is again time for us all to take on that spirit of renewal and purpose that comes with the turning of the calendar and make a list of the things we want to accomplish in 2012.

   The proverbial "resolutions."

   Defined as "a firm decision to do or not to do something," resolutions are as much a part of New Year's celebrations as Dick Clark looking down on far too many people in Times Square. And, for most of us, reality sets in sooner or later and most resolutions go the way of other good intentions by about mid-January. That "not to do" part of the definition always seems to catch up. 

   But, its only logical. The holidays come to an end and "life" comes back to conduct business as usual, complete with its joys, sorrows, successes and challenges. Well-meaning resolutions get knocked down the priority list until you really can't find them anymore.

   Well, how about taking the root of the word "resolution" as the key motivator for 2012? Let's don't just "resolve," let's find "solutions" to whatever is necessary in our lives. Somewhere, there are situations holding us back. Maybe we can be more productive if we get up 30 minutes earlier? Solve it. Buy a better alarm clock, set it earlier. Perhaps we need better personal financial management? Check out the many courses or online resources out there. Perhaps we need more family time or need to lose the holiday weight?

   By approaching the "solutions" we an all lead off the New Year with a specific mission, to get what we want, rather than writing down "resolutions" which usually entail goals without plans for achieving them.    

   Set out for the "solutions" and see if 2012 gets off to a brighter, faster and better start.

   Happy New Year from all of us at the City of Farmers Branch! 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Asking residents to again do what they've demonstrated the ability to achieve, City Manager Gary D. Greer is requesting that voluntary water conservation measures at residences and businesses go into effect January 1 in Farmers Branch. 

   Dallas Water Utilities, the City's water provider, requested in mid-December that its customer cities initiate conservation measures.  

   "We've had situations in the past when our water use was reaching very high levels," Mr. Greer said. "A simple request on City media and traffic message boards, 'Use what you need, save the rest,' resulted in an appreciable decrease in consumption.

   "Now, we have to ask again but this time we are doing so under the auspices of the City's drought contingency plan." 

   Stage 1 of the plan calls for voluntary reductions in:   

• Frequency of watering new and first-year landscaping and foundations.
• Frequency of washing or rinsing of vehicles and recommended use of bucket/container, handheld hose with positive shutoff valve or commercial car wash.
• Excessive runoff from landscape areas.
• Frequency in draining and refilling of swimming pools and ornamental fountains.
• Hosing off paved areas, buildings, windows or other surfaces.
• All other non-essential water use.

 MORE

Eleven for '11:

Branch Bulletin celebrates 2011 with a cross-section of stories from the year 

Steve Parker named Farmers Branch Fire Chief

Steve Parker

March 2, 2011 ~ Citing his extensive qualifications in fire

administration, emergency management  and his 10 years of service with the Farmers Branch Fire Department, City Manager Gary D. Greer has named Steve Parker to be the fourth Fire Chief in Farmers Branch history. MORE  

Cornering the Market: Walmart's move is big step for former Four Corners

April 6, 2011 ~ One year after heavy machinery cleared away the last remnants of an old grocery store building on the southeast corner of Josey and Valley View Lanes, the Farmers Branch City Council has approved a new grocery store  for the site that is projected to be a catalyst for development in the area, formerly known as the Four Corners. MORE

Rick Springfield

Celebrate: Memorial Day Weekend kicks off with Liberty Fest

May 25, 2011 ~ Building on the success of its inaugural year, Liberty Fest returns to Farmers Branch this Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28 with varied activities and events, punctuated by headlining concerts each evening, featuring southern rockers, 38 Special and 80s icon, Rick Springfield. MORE

Best of the Best: Farmers Branch firefighters fare well at Combat Challenge

June 22, 2011 ~ Acting as a simultaneous test of ability, tool for training and friendly competition among peers, the Firefighter Combat Challenge program offers local heroes the chance to improve personal skills, set personal records  and compete and events across the country. MORE 

Moving and Shaking: Solar panel maker & electronics recycler add to parade of firms choosing Farmers Branch

July 28, 2011 ~ With two Dallas Business Journal cover stories in as many weeks, Farmers Branch is asserting itself as a major contender for continued economic development expansion in the second half of 2011. MORE

Busy Bea's: Council & staff team up for thousands of school supplies for Bea's Kids

August 15, 2011 ~ Completing the drive for paper and pencils begun in July, members of the Farmers Branch City staff delivered thousands of school supplies to Bea's Kids, a local charity, earlier this week. MORE 

Pedal Power: Stars & Spokes invites families for bike tour to mark 9/11

August 26, 2011 ~  Families are invited to help the City of Farmers Branch mark 10 years since 9/11 with a one-mile bike tour of the City's Westside that will serve as a start to the Stars & Spokes bike race,  to benefit Texas First Responders. MORE

EcoDevoRetro: Grass roots economic development will be recalled with 1920s-era store

September 6, 2011 ~ Expanding on the decades on display in its 27 acres, the Farmers Branch Historical Park will soon add the roaring twenties to its repertoire with the construction of a replic 1920s-era General Store. MORE  

Larger Dollars: StarCenter bond refinance to net nearly $1 million more than expected

September 13, 2011 ~ Based on prime market conditions, the refinance of municipal bonds used to build the Dr Pepper StarCenter in 2004 will save the City of Farmers Branch nearly $1 million more than originally anticipated. MORE

Michael Bilharz

Cited for Service: FBFD's Bilharz recognized with Air Force Reserve national award

September 20, 2011 ~ For safely directing fire crews, with no mishaps, and for his demonstrated leadership during deployment in Iraq in 2009 and 2010, Famrers Branch Firefighter Michael Bilharz has been named the United States Air Force Reserve Firefighter of the Year. MORE

Check It Out: Library renovations invite patrons to enjoy an indoor/outdoor experience

November 15, 2011 ~ Once sealed off since nobody remembers when, the Farmers Branch Manske Library now invites its guests to take it outside with four furnished patios for reading and relaxing. MORE   

Name:  Urbano Olivas 

Position: Maintenance Worker

Department: Parks and Recreation

Years with the City: 1 yr   

Background: I am a twenty year resident of Farmers Branch and graduated from RL Turner High School. I served in the U.S. Army for five years and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a year and three months. I am single and enjoy hanging out with my family and friends and enjoy watching football and baseball.

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? I like the people that I work with, the variety of work and working outside in the sunshine.

 Farmers Branch Feedback

 Subscribe to Branch Bulletin

www.lbjexpress.com