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Memo from the MANAGER |
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Cutting up roses (in a good way)
Every year, about this time, most married, engaged or significantly involved people are on one end, or the other, of a rose transaction.
And, all those dozens of Valentine's Day roses add up.
 This year, more than 50 million roses are expected to be given on February 14. If you do the math, based on approximately $75 a dozen, that comes out to $6.25 per rose or more than $300 million worth of floral business on one day out of 365. That's more than the combined gross domestic product of the tiny western Pacific island nations of Kiribati, Tuvalu and Niue.
But, let's back up the chain of events.
None of that financial enterprise exists if it weren't for conscientious gardeners that think of roses a bit differently on Valentine's Day. In this part of the world, February 14 is time to prune rose plants. All roses, except climbing roses, need to pruned in the next week for the bush's health and for production of flowers.
For many, it's a bit daunting to approach a plant that's been nurtured and loved with a sharp implement. However, it is for the roses' own good. Without proper pruning at the right time of year, bushes may get scraggly, poor air circulation may open the door for disease to set in and flower production can be greatly diminished.
So, this Valentine's Day, whether you are giving or receiving roses, please remember to prune your plants for vibrant rose production that will contribute to the growing reputation of Farmers Branch as the rose capital of north Texas.
Of course, the economies of small Pacific countries have nothing to do with it. But, if it helps you remember to prune, just think that the Federated States of Micronesia are depending on you.
  
Click Gary's picture for background and contact info |
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FBPD rolls out Police Alert Network to keep neighborhoods in the know
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Drawing on 21st century information technology to keep citizens informed about what's going on in their neighborhoods, Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller has unveiled the Police Alert Network. As part of this online application, local registered users can receive Citizen Alerts on neighborhood crime, missing persons or even an upcoming police or community event. In addition, users may send anonymous tips to Farmers Branch Police by e-mail or text, using a secure website. Anyone can register or view recent alerts at www.farmersbranch.info/police or www.facebook.com/fbpolicedept.
"Innovation is one of our police department's core values," said Deputy Police Chief David Hale. "This application harnesses the technology that most of us use everyday and helps us keep our citizens informed." Call 972.919.9305 for questions or for more information.
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Spots still available in Certified Tourism Ambassador class
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Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ There is still an opportunity to get in on a class that will enable local residents to act as Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the City of Farmers Branch.
The training class for the nationwide Tourism Ambassador certification program is set for Thursday, March 8 at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the four-hour block of instruction beginning at 8:30.
Farmers Branch Tourism Sales Manager Melissa Thomas said the course involves reading material to be provided to registered participants three weeks prior to class time.
Those interested should complete an online application at www.ctanetwork.com, selecting the Texas/Dallas/Fort Worth Area option. The regular application fee is $35 with $25 annual certification renewal. Ms. Thomas said Farmers Branch attendees can receive a $5 discount on the registration by using the promotion code ECO3081230007733.
For more information, call 817.328.2438.
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Rose classes conclude February 28
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The winter 2012 edition of the "Landscaping with Roses" class series concludes on Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. with a session on "Roses Bred for Toughness."
Mark Chamblee, owner of Chamblee's Roses in Tyler, will present the session at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.The City of Farmers Branch, along with the Dallas Area Historical Rose Society and the Dallas Rose Society, has co-sponsoring the class series.
Attendance is free but registration is requested at 972.247.4607. Additionally, rose plants will be available for $10 each. For more information, call 972.919.2625.
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Multiple events on the way in March
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Everything from camping to stargazing is on tap for Farmers Branch residents in March as the winds of spring begin to ease their way into the community.
Upcoming events include:
- March 3 - Grand Opening ceremonies for new Fire Station No. 1
- March 20 - Star Party @ Farmers Branch Historical Park
- March 23-24 & 30-31 - Encounters from the Past @ Keenan Cemetery
- March 24-25 - Camping Under the Stars @ Historical Park
Details on all upcoming events will be featured in weekly issues of Branch Bulletin and online at www.farmersbranch.info. Call 972.247.3131.
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Name: Stacy Henderson
Position: Admin Assistant III
Years with the City: 21 yrs
Background: I was born and raised in Illinois and lived in Texas since 1990 when I began my career with the City of Farmers Branch in the Community Services Department. I have been married to my husband Bob for 20 years and have one beautiful son, Eric, who is 10. I enjoy gardening, baseball (Go Rangers), and spending time with my family.
What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? During my time at the City, I've had the opportunity to work with many wonderful staff members through the years, some that have become good friends. I've also had the privilege of working with the Planning and Zoning Commission for many years and have met many wonderful Farmers Branch citizens so diligently serving their community.
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Police Department
"Gotta love our Police Department. They knocked on our door around 11:30 last night to tell us that we left our cars unlocked! Only in Farmers Branch will you see this kind of dedication to keep the crime away!
~ Kathy Liberty Fest 2012 "I had to google Styx, now I remember them. 'Babe' was one of my favorites. Awesome, they are coming to Liberty Fest." ~ Mary |
Boots & Bling A collection of 400 daddies and daughters kicked up their boots and showed off their bling at the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance held Saturday at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. Photo provided by the Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Department |
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Input sought on possible new aquatic facility master plan
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to formulate a vision for a possible new aquatics facility in Farmers Branch, the Parks and Recreation Department is hoping to get public input at a meeting set for Thursday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.
Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting said the conversation is purely in the exploratory stage.
"If the City, at some point in the future, decides to go forward with a new aquatics facility, we want to know which direction the community wants us to go," he said. For more information, call 972.919.2620.
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New bridge work scheduled on LBJ
FARMERS BRANCH ~ More weekend traffic woes are in the offing for Interstate 635-LBJ for February 17-19 as bridge work is scheduled for the Joe Ratcliff pedestrian bridge as well as the Rosser bridge in Farmers Branch.
Likewise, the same weekend, in work that could affect traffic to and from Farmers Branch, crews are set to work on the Monfort Bridge over LBJ, just east of the Dallas North Tollway.
All scheduled work is subject to change. Log on at www.lbjexpress.com for the latest information and updates.
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 New Fire Station No. 1 grand opening set
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a celebration of the latest advancement in community public safety, the Farmers Branch Fire Department has scheduled grand opening ceremonies for new Fire Station No. 1 for Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.
The new station is strategically located in the heart of the Farmers Branch residential community at 13601 Webb Chapel, near the Manske Library and just south of the intersection of Golfing Green and Webb Chapel.
For more information, call 972.919.2650.
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VIDEO  LIBRARY
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Strategic Success 12:01
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Turning Tables 4:57
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Love The Branch: The Drive - :46
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Stopping to Smell
The aroma of this rose, from a past Dallas Rose Society Show, almost wafts off the screen. February 14 is not only a great day for giving roses, but for pruning them as well. See this week's Staff Photo by Tom Bryson |
CITY
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
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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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