BRANCH BULLETIN: Enews Magazine from Farmers Branch
Inside this WEEK 
Memo from the MANAGER 
Everyday heroes

   I spend a lot of time in this space extolling the virtues of the wonderful men and women who work for you day in and day out at the City of Farmers Branch.

   Today, I'd like to talk about only one.

City Manager Gary D. Greer   Most of you probably never had the pleasure of meeting Don Moore. And, that's no great surprise.

   That's how Don preferred to do his work. For 35 years and two months, Don quietly served the City of Farmers Branch with the kind of dignity and strength you might expect from a humble gentleman with the heart of a servant. Don also served his country for 32 years as a member of the United States Air Force, Reserve and Air National Guard. Beyond his direct military service, on his own, Don was an active and constant supporter of military families.  

   For all of this, he didn't want credit or the limelight. Don simply took his satisfaction from doing his job well.

   And he was married to Anne for 54 years. 

Don Moore
Don Moore

   In working with and knowing Don personally, it was easy to see that he was a man of few words and many good deeds. Sadly, we got the word Monday night that Don had died after only five years of retirement. In this close-knit organization, a loss in the family is felt, especially by those that worked beside him for many years. But, the work he did here will be remembered much like the man, understated and reserved, but always thorough and efficient.

   Sometimes, our society spends too much time celebrating notoriety, athletic superiority and political gamesmanship. That makes it even more important, at least every now and then, to cut through the fog to take note of the real heroes in our midst - those men and women, fathers and mothers, daughters and sons who go to work or to school or whatever it takes to better themselves, to take care of their families and to leave their corner of the world a better place.

   Like Don Moore.


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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
BreakingNEWS
LBJ motorists to face multiple projects in month of May

Walmart 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ As the weather begins to heat up, so too does the plethora of projects involved in the five-year LBJ makeover between Central Expressway and I-35E Stemmons, through Dallas and Farmers Branch.

   According to LBJ Express, the construction group responsible for the project, the coming month will see widespread activity that could have an affect on Farmers Branch motorists. Unless otherwise noted, all locations are at their intersections with LBJ:    

  • Welch Road - Bridge work will result in main lane closures on LBJ this weekend, April 27-29. 
  • Midway Road - Partial bridge demolition scheduled for this weekend beginning at 8 p.m., Friday, April 27 and continuing through 5 a.m., Monday, April 30. All Midway traffic will be detoured. Additional work will have lanes blocked for median removal and temporary paving through the coming week.
  • Josey Lane - Inside lanes are closed and expected to remain closed through June for drainage improvements. 
  • Marsh Lane - Bridge work will require limited nightime main lane closures for deck panel installation through April 29. Ramps to and from Marsh will be closed for beam hanging, May 4 & 5, although Marsh will remain open.
  • Rosser Road - Rosser remains closed through July for gas line relocation work.
  • Valley View Lane - Beginning the week of April 30, there will be short-term overnight closures of Valley View under LBJ, west of Midway. On Friday, May 4, Valley View will be closed at LBJ until late Saturday for partial bridge demolition.  

Schedules are weather-permitting and subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.lbjexpress.com. 

  

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FeaturedSTORIES
MANSKEThe first half century: Community invited to lead off a year of celebration

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Commencing 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.

Long look at Library art tables
Manske Library staffer and artist Caren Khan turned surplus furniture into artwork for library patrons.

   The six tables were surplus furniture discovered in the Library basement. However, rather than send them to auction, Library Director Belinda Jacks asked 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."

   To Kill a MockingbirdThe table artwork is also featured on sets of notecards and bookmarks that will be available for sale, beginning at the reception. Proceeds will benefit LibraryCaren at work

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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Backing Up
Fishin' Fun returns to early May for better biting 
 FishNFun
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Exerting every effort to bring the best biting to anxiousFishin Fun coming May 5 young anglers, the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the 2012 edition of Fishin' Fun will be held earlier than the previous two years, planned for Saturday, May 5 on 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. 
   For more information, call 972.919.1444 or log on to www.farmersbranch.info/play/special-events
 
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CityStaff Snapshot Employee
Name: Derrick BirdsallDerrick Birdsall
Department: Parks and Recreation
Position: Historical Park Superintendent
Years with City: 13.5 yrs total
Background: I came to Farmers Branch after working at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum as their Director of Education and have been working in the museum field for nearly 20 years. I am often called upon to dress in character costume while groups are touring the Historical Park. When I'm not at work, I like to dabble in photography, competitive shooting and motorcycle riding. 
What do I like most about working for Farmers Branch?
The Historical Park is the best place to work in the City. We are surrounded by history and lovely grounds every day and get to meet people from around the state, nation and world! It's great to share our local history with folks from other parts of the globe and make history come to life.
 
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Parting
PartingSHOT                            Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube 
An eclectic crowd
Cheerleaders at Walmart Neighborhood Market grand opening
All manner of local dignitaries and businesspeople were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, at the southeast corner of Valley View and Josey Lanes, on Wednesday. The store's opening culminates a concerted effort by the City Council to spark redevelopment in the retail area, known as "The Shops at Branch Crossing."                                                                                                                                                                    Photo by Tom Bryson
Love the Branch

Liberty Fest concert tickets now available
Water: Use What You Need, Save the Rest
TopSTORIES
Early voting begins next week at City Hall
Voting
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.Farmers Branch Logo
   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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Cartoonist to drop by Library on Monday
Voting
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Cartoonist and artist Alan Stacy will present "The Creative Genius Within" at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, Monday, April 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
   The inspirational presentation will include information about Mr.Stacy's books and instruction on how to draw stories.
   A television computer graphic artist and animator, Mr. Stacy has also worked in costume design, art direction and makeup artistry for music videos, corporate presentations, plays, films and more.
   Seats are limited. Call the Library at 972.247.2511 for more information. 
 
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LibertyFEST
UPDATES
LFUPDATE

Liberty Fest "virtual" ticket goes out to Branch Bulletin subscribers tonight

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ An email version of the free Liberty Fest concert ticket will be sent to Branch Bulletin subscribers tonight, but others still have an opportunity to get in on the virtual fun.

   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 free "virtual" ticket by email 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 [email protected]. 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.

     

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 andLiberty Fest 2012
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  [email protected] 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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ComingUP
April 26
Library 50th Anniversary Kickoff Reception
@ Manske Library

April 30
Cartoonist & Artist Alan Stacy
@ Manske Library, 4:30 pm

April 30 - May 8
Early Voting for City Election
@ City Hall 

May 5
Fishin' Fun
@ Gussie Field Watterworth Park, 8 am

May 7
Children's Author Tim Ostermeyer
@ Manske Library, 4 pm

May 12
Election Day

May 19
Local Authors Book Signing 
@ Manske Library, 3-5 pm


May 25-26
Liberty Fest
@ and around City Hall & Historical Park
www.fblibertyfest.com

June 12
Egyptologist Rollin Phipps
@ Manske Library, 7 pm

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More info @ 972.247.3131
 
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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

 

Branch Bulletin is the TAMI Award
 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.Unsub