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Memo from the MANAGER |
Inspiration
In the course of my job as City Manager I am fortunate to meet with some outstanding people who inspire me to do a better job. In my career, these sources of inspiration have been mayors, city council members, business people, church leaders, pillars of the community and everyday citizens. 
For me, inspiring folks seem to possess similar characteristics. They always act ethically and care about others before themselves. They always have the ability to see the path to success. They always tenaciously set goals and work every day to continually improve.
When I meet a person who exhibits this, I try to watch, listen and learn. Over the last five years I have been watching, listening and learning from Heath Robberson,
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General Manager for Brookhaven Country Club. His efforts to transform this undeniably important part of Farmers Branch are nothing short of incredible. In the midst of a recession (which should hit entertainment venues the hardest) he has transformed Brookhaven and has built on success after success. Watching him develop and implement his vision, work through adversity and produce outstanding results has been inspiring to me.
I've found when leaders, such as Heath, achieve outstanding results it is contagious. Great leaders can inspire people, organizations, groups, and yes, communities to action with their actions.
I see the transformation of Brookhaven to be an important example and benchmark for our community revitalization and redevelopment. In my opinion, Heath and his staff have set the bar very high for the rest of Farmers Branch.
It is my hope that the public and private redevelopment efforts in Farmers Branch continue to enhance and improve the community, much like what has been accomplished at Brookhaven.
Thanks for challenging us to be great, Heath.
  
Click Gary's picture for background and contact info |
Grocery store cuts ribbon April 25
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Completing a quest that began two years ago, the revitalization of the Shops at Branch Crossing retail center takes a giant step forward when the Walmart Neighborhood Market grocery store celebrates its grand opening on the southeast corner of Josey and Valley View, April 25.
 A banner on the building indicates the store will actually "soft" open on Friday, April 20.
Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land said this event is about much more than a ribbon cutting.
"The City was heavily invested in revitalizing this corner as a catalyst for the area," he said. "Walmart's opening is about more than a grocery store, it's about a resurgence of economic growth and consumer confidence in our area."
Walmart officials said the public is invited to attend the grand opening event at 7:30 a.m., April 25.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ The deadline has been extended to sign up for Farmers Branch E-news in order to receive a Liberty Fest concert ticket by email and to have a chance to meet Styx.
Anyone signing up for Farmers Branch E-news by April 30 will receive a PDF of a free ticket that will be accepted for entry at the May 26 concert featuring the legendary band, Styx, along with 90s favorites, Gin Blossoms.
However, for every 25 friends they forward that ticket to, the subscriber will receive one entry into a drawing for reserved concert seating for four and meet and greet passes to meet Styx. In order to be entered, forwards must also copy fbinfo@farmersbranch.info. Without the copy, the number of forwarded tickets will not be counted.
To receive the email concert ticket, sign up for BRANCH BULLETIN at www.farmersbranch.info by April 30. Contest details will be printed on the email accompanying the ticket. Call 972.919.2511 for more information.
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Library art tables to be unveiled at 50th anniversary reception
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Kicking off the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Farmers Branch Manske Library, the community is invited to a reception to officially "unveil" the library tables transformed into works of art, on Thursday, April 26 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Library.
The six tables were surplus furniture discovered in the Library basement. However, rather than send them to auction, Library Director Belinda Jacks asked Library staffer, and gifted artist, Caren Khan, to transform them into serene landscapes that would capture the indoor/outdoor feel of the Library. The recently renovated building features a split level interior, augmented by several exterior patios and an outdoor amphitheater.
"The tables are simply beautiful and will be a source of inspiration and reflection for our patrons for many years to come," Ms. Jacks said. "Caren is a wonderfully talented artist and we are truly blessed to have her on our staff."
The table artwork is also featured on sets of notecards and bookmarks that will be available for sale, beginning at the reception. Proceeds will benefit Library programs.
Other activities throughout 2012 that will contribute to the 50th anniversary celebration includes screenings of movies from 1962 that include "To Kill a Mockingbird," "In Search of the Castaways" and "The Music Man." There will also be a community-driven tile wall art project that gets underway in May and a community-based effort to read best sellers from the era of the early 1960s.
The Farmers Branch Manske Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel, at the corner of Webb Chapel and Golfing Green. For more information, call 972.247.2511.
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One ton of fish to bite hooks of anxious anglers, May 5
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Anxious young anglers will be excited to know the popular annual event known as Fishin' Fun has returned to early May and is set for Saturday, May 5 from 8 until 11 a.m. along the banks of Rawhide Creek in Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near Farmers Branch City Hall.
 As always, the event is free of charge for children, ages 16 and under only. Onsite registration begins at 7 a.m. and requires a parent's signature. Kids are encouraged to bring their own rods or to use loaner equipment provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fishing will actually take place from 8 to 10 a.m., to be followed by an awards ceremony.There will also be a catch and release fishing tank for smaller anglers, kayaking, prize giveaways, as well as
other children's activities.
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Early voting begins April 30
FARMERS BRANCH ~ At the close of the filing period for City elections, three candidates have applied to run for two seats on the Farmers Branch City Council.
For the Place 3 City Council seat, Jeff Fuller is running against incumbent Michelle Holmes. In Place 5, current Councilman Ben Robinson is unopposed for re-election.
Early voting will be held Monday, April 30 through Saturday, May 5 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday, May 6 from 1 until 6 p.m.; and, Monday and Tuesday, May 7 & 8 from 7 a.m. til 7 p.m. Early voting polling places will be located throughout Dallas County, including Farmers Branch City Hall. Election day is set for Saturday, May 12.
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Name: Meredith Dowdy 
Department: Parks and Recreation
Position: Special Projects Manager
Years with City: 8 yrs total
Background: I worked for the City from 2000 to 2008 at the Recreation Center and Senior Center. During that time I came in contact with a diverse group of residents. An opportunity to return to work for Farmers Branch happened, and in January 2012 I was happy to be welcomed back like I had never been gone! I graduated from RL Turner and the University of North Texas, and have lived in this area of North Texas all my life. I love to spend time with family, cook, run and play in graphic design.
What do I like most about working for Farmers Branch?
Just being able to do my dream job surrounded by great co-workers and appreciative residents.
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Daisy Troop 7258 lends a gardening hand
 Daisy Troop 7258 has committed their helping hands to keep Mary's Garden, located at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, weed free and beautiful, as well as adding flora to the garden as needed. The City is happy to recognize this Troop of dedicated young ladies for their service to our community. Photo by Tom Bryson
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Webb Chapel closed at LBJ this weekend
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing the work on expanding and upgrading Interstate 635, Webb Chapel Road in Farmers Branch will be closed at LBJ most of the coming weekend for outside bridge demolition, according to LBJ Express, the group responsible for the five-year project.  The work is not expected to have an effect on the main lanes of LBJ as those lanes have already been rerouted from the area of demolition. All work is weather permitting and subject to change. Elsewhere in the LBJ corridor, the original construction schedule called for the bridge at Rosser Road to reopen by the first of April. Although paving and bridge construction will be complete by April 20, Atmos Energy has scheduled the relocation of a gas line crossing the LBJ right-of-way beginning in early May. This utility work will require Rosser to remain closed for three additional months with a new projected opening at the end of July. For more information, visit
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Followup meeting on aquatics facility set Thursday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With drawings in hand, the Parks and Recreation Department is inviting local residents to come out for a followup meeting on a possible new aquatics facility, on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Working with a consultant and City staff, a steering committee made up of members of the Parks and Recreation and Senior Boards have drawn up schematics that reflect many of the ideas suggested during an initial meeting with residents, held in March. For more information, call 972.919.2620.
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LibertyFESTUPDATES
Ambassadors needed to greet & guide Liberty Fest guests
FARMERS BRANCH ~Anyone interested in working on behalf of their community to introduce Farmers Branch hospitality to visitors is encouraged to become a Liberty Fest volunteer Ambassador.
Dozens of volunteers are needed for various areas of the Liberty Fest event from Friday evening through Saturday night. For more information and a volunteer application, visit www.fblibertyfest.com. Who wants to sing for a live audience?FARMERS BRANCH ~ It's not exactly American Idol, but Farmers Branch residents will have the opportunity to express themselves vocally in an online competition for the opportunity to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at Liberty Fest 2012. Community crooners should record an audition video, including their name and address and their rendition of the National Anthem. The top three videos will be featured on the Liberty Fest Facebook page where the top vote-getter will sing at the 2012 event and win a prize package to include reserved concert seating for four, Liberty Fest t-shirts, a parking pass and more. Videos should be sent to fbinfo@farmersbranch.info and include the vocalist's name, address and contact phone number. All submitters must agree to have their video featured on Facebook for the purpose of selecting a winner. Contest is open to Farmers Branch residents only. Call 972.919.2511. Deadline for submissions is May 1.
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April 30 - May 8Early Voting for City Election @ City Hall
May 5
Fishin' Fun @ Gussie Field Watterworth ParkMay 12Election Day May 25-26Liberty Fest @ and around City Hall & Historical Park
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Drive Thru
Hundreds of Farmers Branch residents came out to participate in CityWide CleanUp Day 2012 depositing electronic waste, documents for shredding and more in the trucks at Barney Wood Athletic Complex.
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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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