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The last full measure of devotion
It's hard to believe but we're now less than three weeks away from the 2012 edition of Liberty Fest in Farmers Branch. If you've attended Liberty Fest before or if you're considering a first time visit, we want you to know you are welcome in Farmers Branch as we offer you an exciting event that honors our troops, our country and gives our families a great option for Memorial Day weekend activity.
In this publication, and through other City communications channels, you will be learning about all the activities and events that will be coming up. However, today, I want extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us for a very special event that exemplifies the aim of Liberty Fest more than any other facet of our celebration.
Since its inception, Liberty Fest has been blessed to have the participation of the American Fallen Soldiers Project, and artist Phil Taylor, who has painted hundreds of portraits of U.S. military members who have given their lives in service to their country.
Such will be the case again this year at Liberty Fest, but with extra special significance.
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U.S. Army First Lieutenant
Robert F. Welch, III
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On Friday evening, May 25 at 7 p.m., we hope you can be with us for an American Fallen Soldiers Project portrait presentation to the family of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Robert F. Welch, III, killed in Afghanistan a little more than a year ago. A native of north Texas, he was known as "Robby" to his family, friends and co-workers when he was employed at the Farmers Branch Historical Park from 2004 to 2005.
The fact that many of our people here at the City organization knew Robby makes this presentation even more special to Farmers Branch. But, so is every memorial to every American service man and woman who leaves their family to defend our freedom, and doesn't come home.
So, specifically for Robby Welch, but broadly for all American soldiers here and abroad, we hope you can be with us for this very moving and poignant celebration of their lives, their sacrifice and their service.
  
Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
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City Council elections planned Saturday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With early voting concluded, attention turns to Election Day, set for Saturday, May 12.
 Polls will be open at Farmers Branch City Hall and at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Three candidates are running 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.
For more information, including precinct numbers and corresponding polling places, consult www.dalcoelections.org.
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MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Depicting the six, serene landscapes from the "Turning the Tables" art series, the Farmers Branch Manske Library now has notecards available in boxes of 12 for $10 each at the Library's checkout desk.
The six tables came from an assortment of surplus furniture that were sanded down then handpainted by Library staff member, and accomplished artist, Caren Khan. The project took about six months from start to finish and the tables were officially unveiled at a community reception at the Library recently with more than 200 in attendance.
The tables are now on display in the Library's magazine area.
The Farmers Branch Manske Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel, at the corner of Webb Chapel and Golfing Green, on the banks of Rawhide Creek.
Call 972.247.2511 for more information or visit the Library online at www.farmersbranch.info/library. |
Manske Library plans semi-annual book sale this weekend
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Just in time for Mother's Day, the Manske Library's Spring Book Sale will boast thousands of offerings this weekend.
Set for Thursday, May 10 through Sunday, May 13, during regular Library hours, the semi-annual sale will offer most titles for less than $1. All proceeds go to benefit Library programs.
The Farmers Branch Manske Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel, at the corner of Webb Chapel and Golfing Green. Thursday hours are from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. The Library is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from 1 until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Call 972.247.2511 for more information.
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Liberty Fest Field of Flags sponsorships open through May 21
FARMERS BRANCH ~ For Memorial Day weekend, Liberty Plaza will become a showplace for military equipment along with a field of US flags to honor the memory of those who have fallen, those who have proudly served, and those who currently serve our country.
Flags may be sponsored in memory of or in honor of military loved ones. Proceeds benefit the American Fallen Soldiers Project.
Flag sponsorships are available through May 21, on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. Remaining sponsorships will be available at Liberty Plaza Saturday, May 26, from 10 am to 3 pm. Visit www.fblibertyfest.com.
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Celestial viewing to be full of stars
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Volunteers from the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Astronomical Society will again be on hand Tuesday, May 15 for a Star Party at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, from dusk until about 9 p.m.
Everyone is invited to look through high powered telescopes at Saturn, Venus, double stars, globular clusters and open clusters of stars.
For more information, call the park at 972.406.0184 or the Texas Astronomical Society at 214.800.6000 or visit texasastro.org.
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Employee: Mayve Strong Position: Chief Accountant
Department: Finance
Years of Service: 17 years
Background: I am a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants, Texas Society of CPAs, Government Finance Officers' Association, and the Government Treasurers' Organization of Texas. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, scuba diving and underwater photography, playing the clarinet and reading.
What I love most about working for the City: I enjoy City staff's high level of professionalism and willingness to serve the public to the best of their ability. I love having the Bird Sanctuary, Historical Park and rose gardens in the fantastic parks of Farmers Branch only steps from my office!
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| LBJ Express releases new date for Valley View closure at Midway
Myriad work continues through the month
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Delayed from an earlier date, Valley View will be closed at Midway Road beginning tonight, May 9, at 8 p.m. through late Thursday, May 10 or early Friday, May 11 for partial bridge demolition.
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:
- Nighttime main lane closures - Various main lanes of LBJ, in alternating directions, will be closed in various locations during overnight hours for the next month to facilitate bridge work.
- Midway Road - Partial bridge demolition completed.
- Denton at Harry Hines - Utility relocation work continues for another seven weeks.
- Josey Lane - Inside lanes are closed and expected to remain closed through June for drainage improvements. In addition, there will be utility line relocation in the area which may require nightly closures of some lanes of Josey at the westbound frontage road.
- Also, the eastbound Josey exit will be closed in the next week. Access to Josey will be via the reopened Forest Lane.
- Also, on May 29, the westbound Josey exit to Denton is scheduled to be closed. By that time, a new Josey/Denton/Harry Hines exit ramp should be open east of Josey.
- Welch Road - Bridge remains closed.
- Marsh Lane - Pouring of new decks on the bridge tentatively scheduled for late May. No word yet on associated closures.
- Rosser Road - Rosser remains closed through July for gas line relocation work.
- Utility Work East of Midway - All utility relocation work on the north side of LBJ from Midway to the Dallas North Tollway has been completed.
Schedules are weather-permitting and subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.lbjexpress.com.
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Having fish, and fun
Photo by John Campbell
The 2012 edition of Fishin' Fun in Farmers Branch saw more than 600 registered kids and several thousand adults enjoy a beautiful morning on Rawhide Creek. The creek had been stocked with more than one ton of farm-raised catfish. The longest fish caught that morning was 23 inches. |
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Liberty Fest looking for video shout outs to troops, veterans
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In keeping with the theme of supporting U.S. troops, Farmers Branch Liberty  Fest will feature video clips from family members of active duty military members or veterans with their messages of support or thanks. Anyone wishing to send a video clip should forward it to fbinfo@farmersbranch.info by May 21. By sending the clip, the sender agrees to have the clip shown on the big screen at Liberty Fest and on FBTV. For more information, call 972.919.2511. |
Facebook voting continues for National Anthem auditions
FARMERS BRANCH ~ One of three finalists will sing the National Anthem at this year's Liberty Fest celebration, as the result of online voting taking place now through May 18 on the festival's Facebook page.  Audition videos submitted by the finalists have been posted at www.facebook.com/fblibertyfest. In order to vote for any given singer, all a registered Facebook user need do is "Like" that video. The video with the most "Likes" will win the opportunity to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at this year's Liberty Fest celebration over Memorial Day weekend along with a prize package to include reserved seating for four, a parking pass and Liberty Fest t-shirts. Voting, or "Liking," will continue on the Liberty Fest Facebook page through Friday, May 18 at 12 noon. |
Liberty Fest t-shirts now available
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ Get a head start on the celebration with the advance purchase of a Liberty Fest t-shirt, on sale now for only $10 at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.  The heather grey shirt is emblazoned with the custom-designed logo for this year's Liberty Fest event, featuring a red, white and blue guitar with the familiar Liberty Fest "logo tree" on the end of the neck. Sizes are available from adult small to adult XXL, while supplies last. The Community Recreation Center is located at 14050 Heartside Place, just south of the intersection of Heartside and Valwood Parkway. Call them at 972.247.4607 for more information. |
Liberty Fest still seeking volunteers
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The best way to get a good look at the inner workings of a major event, and represent the community to visitors, is to give your time as a Liberty Fest volunteer. Several opportunities still exist for volunteering at this year's event. Visit www.fblibertyfest.com for more information. |
Library plans local author book signing
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Drawing on the pool of literary talent from Farmers Branch and the  surrounding area, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will host local authors and illustrators for a session of book signing and meeting with the public on Saturday, May 19 from 3 until 5 p.m. at the Library. Interested authors/illustrators should contact the Library for more details on how to get involved with this event. Call 972.247.2511 for more information. |
May 12Election Day
May 19
Local Authors Book Signing @ Manske Library, 3-5 pm May 25-26Liberty Fest @ and around City Hall & Historical Park
www.fblibertyfest.comJune 12
Egyptologist Rollin Phipps
@ Manske Library, 7 pm
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A Piper in the Meadow
A lone piper plays amongst the Field of Flags during the American Fallen Soldiers Project portrait presentation at Liberty Fest 2011. Artist Phil Taylor will be back at Liberty Fest this year with a portrait presentation to the family of former City employee, First Lt. Robert F. Welch, III. More at www.fblibertyfest.com
Photo by Derrick Birdsall |
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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