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Future stock
I can be bought.
Yeah, kind of stunned me too. But, apparently, my company at lunch is worth something when the beneficiary is a worthy charity auction.  As a result, last week, I had the honor of accompanying seven-year-old Emily Derrick (and her father, Tony) to lunch at Marshall's Barbecue where, amidst the conversation and the brisket and sauce, I had a couple of revelations.
First, in taking stock of the leaders of tomorrow, our future is in good hands with the likes of Emily Derrick, and her colleagues, at the wheel.
In addition to being very well-mannered, Emily was inquisitive. This is no surprise from a young lady in the dual language program at Janie Stark, whose favorite subject is math and who has already embarked on a theatre career with parts in "Annie" and the Firehouse Theatre's "Christmas Celebration." In between these other interests, she plays soccer.
Beyond conversation about the job of the City Manager, there were questions about current City issues. Emily is familiar with the planning that has been taking place for a possible new aquatics center and had questions about that. Also, she's keeping up on Shops at Branch Crossing news, wanting to know when we expected Panda Express to be open. 
But, beyond Emily providing me with a great deal of comfort in our leaders of the future, it occurred to me that the future is now. Emily was a toddler when I started as City Manager in Farmers Branch five years ago. Five years from now, she and her friends will be teenagers, starting to think about college.
And, just that quickly, Emily will be at Marshall's having lunch with the next generation coming up. All the more reason we've got to make every day count while its our watch, so Emily will have something to work with.
  
Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
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Special meeting planned to finalize election
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council will meet in Special Session on Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at  Farmers Branch City Hall for the purpose of canvassing the votes from the May 12 City officers election.
According to the Dallas County Elections Department, unofficial results show for Place 3, Jeff Fuller received 1,579 votes while incumbent Michelle Holmes received 928 votes.
Incumbent Ben Robinson was running unopposed in Place 5 and received 1,696 votes.
Following action to declare the election official and final, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Robinson will be sworn in.
For more information, visit www.dalcoelections.org.
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Field of Flags sponsorships close Monday
 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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National Anthem voting continues thru Friday
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 on the festival's Facebook page.  Deadline for voting is Friday, May 18 at 12 noon. 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. |
 FARMERS BRANCH ~ On the first night of Liberty Fest, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Robert F. Welch, III will be commemorated by the American Fallen Soldiers Project in a special ceremony at Liberty Plaza, a little more than a year after he was killed in action in Afghanistan at the age of 26.
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U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Robert F. Welch, III
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Everyone is invited to the ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25, when artist Phil Taylor will present a portrait of Lt. Welch to his family.
Lt. Welch will be remembered as a father, husband, son, soldier and friend by many. However, by others in the Farmers Branch organization, he is remembered as "Robby," the good-natured kid with a smile on his face that worked at the Historical Park from 2004 to 2005
"He was a nice kid," said Historical Park Museum Educator Barbara Judkins. "At Texas History Alive, Robby was the one in the trailer hauling out the heavy stuff and always with a smile on his face.
"He was in that trailer at the end of the day, too, loading stuff back up with the same demeanor even though he'd been on his feet all day talking to people. Patience is something a soldier must have and Robby had quite a bit."
 | | Lt. Welch and his son, Robert F. Welch, IV |
Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting remembered the delight Robby took in portraying historic characters during events.
"I remember him as Colonel Travis," Mr. Harting said. "He took a lot of pride in his portrayal. Plus, it would be incredibly hot and he was happy in his wool coat and the rest of that hot, but authentic, uniform.
"He was always polite. No matter how often we spoke, he always addressed me as 'sir.'"
Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall remembered the transformation of a kid into a man.
"I remember Robby as being a big, goofy kid who was always smiling and polite," he said. "I remember watching him get into ROTC and transform from an overweight teenager into a big, strong man, but he kept his smile and politeness.
"I was in shock when I heard the news that he was killed in action. The image of Robby they had on TV, that is his induction picture at the end of boot camp, showed a leaner Robby, but he still had that smile and that mischievous glint in his eyes."
For more information on the American Fallen Soldiers Project, visit americanfallensoldiers.com.
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Manske LIBRARY |
Local authors & illustrators to meet and greet patrons at Manske Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Drawing on the pool of literary talent from Farmers Branch and the surrounding area, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will host more than 20 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. Catalog gets
online facelift FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Manske Library is getting an online facelift with the implementation of a new internet-based catalog system.
Library Director Belinda Jacks said the new system, Polaris, will go online Thursday, May 17.
"Patrons will notice a different look to the Library's webpage when they sign in to the catalog," she said. "However, everyone will have the same access to the catalog and to their account as well as new features coming on in the next few months."
Library patrons are encouraged to call the Manske Library at 972.247.2511 with any questions, comments or concerns. |
Employee: Terry Evans Position: Firefighter
Department: Fire Department
Years of Service: 2 years
Background: I have an Associates Degree in Fire Science Management. I have certifications as a Firefighter, EMT-B and Driver/Operator. I was a Staff Sergeant in the Army and was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation All-American. I enjoy working out, hunting, shooting and playing video games and spending time with my wife and two dogs.
What I love most about working for the City: What I enjoy the most about working for the City is the Fire Department Brotherhood!
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LBJ Update |
LBJ work could affect traffic coming to and from Liberty Fest
Project continues through holiday w eekend
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Work around the Marsh Land and Welch Road bridges over LBJ Freeway, along with other components of the project, could impact traffic coming to and from Liberty Fest, May 25 & 26.
According to LBJ Express, the construction group responsible for the project, the coming weeks will see widespread activity that could have an affect on Farmers Branch motorists. Unless otherwise noted, all locations are at their intersections with LBJ:
LIBERTY FEST-RELATED DATES
- Welch Road - Bridge remains closed. Deck pouring scheduled for May 25 at 8 p.m. through May 27 at noon. Scheduled to reopen in June.
- Marsh Lane - Pouring of new decks on the bridge is scheduled for May 26 at 8 p.m. through May 27 at 12 noon. Marsh will remain open during this time but be reduced to one lane each direction. Eastbound entrance and westbound exit ramps will be closed during the work.
RECENT WORK COMPLETED
- Midway Road - Partial bridge demolition completed. No further closure of Midway is expected until after Welch reopens.
- 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.
- Valley View - Partial bridge demolition completed.
- 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.
PROJECTS IN PROGRESS
- 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.
- Denton at Harry Hines - Utility relocation work continues for another six 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 Thursday. Access to Josey will be via 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.
- Rosser Road - Rosser remains closed through July for gas line relocation work.
Schedules are weather-permitting and subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.lbjexpress.com.
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In memory
Photo by Tom Bryson
A member of "Bugles Across America" renders "Taps" from the Walk of Honor in Liberty Plaza as part of ceremonies marking Peace Officer Memorial Day, Tuesday. Farmers Branch Police Department hosted the Metrocrest regional ceremony involving police departments from four other cities, including Addison, Carrollton and Coppell. |
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Combat Challenge
Firefighters converge on Liberty Fest for unique competition
FARMERS BRANCH ~ New to Liberty Fest this year will be the "toughest two minutes in sports" as the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will hold a regional  competition in Farmers Branch May 25-26 in the parking lot of the CFB-ISD Technology Learning Center at 2427 Carrick, just north of the Dr Pepper StarCenter and south of the intersection of Valley View Lane and Interstate 35-E, Stemmons Freeway. The Combat Challenge showcases the talents, skills and athleticism of America's firefighter heroes in an exciting, fast paced competition. Simulating the essential skills of firefighting such as climbing a five-story tower in full-bunker gear, dragging and hoisting a fire hose, simulating forcible entry, and racing around obstacles, this event highlights the best of the best competing against each other in a timed, physical contest. The Farmers Branch Fire Department Combat Challenge Team, who finished 15th internationally in 2011, will be joined by teams from across the nation for the Liberty Fest event. There will also be a Kid's Firefighter Challenge, a miniaturized version of the adult challenge. This will be an exciting adventure for any child that has ever imagined becoming a firefighter. For more information, visit www.fblibertyfest.com or www.firefighterchallenge.com.
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Videos for Veterans
Liberty Fest looking for shoutouts to military
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.
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Liberty Fest Prep
Get your t-shirts now at Recreation Center
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.
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Not too late to volunteer for Liberty Fest 2012
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. |
May 19
Local Authors Book Signing @ Manske Library, 3-5 pm May 25-26Liberty Fest @ and around City Hall & Historical Park
www.fblibertyfest.comJune 2 & 13
Nature Walks @ John F. Burke Nature Preserve, 10 a.m.
June 2
"To Kill a Mockingbird" screening @ Manske Library,
2 p.m.
June 4 - July 26
Summer Reading Club
@ Manske Library
June 12
Egyptologist Rollin Phipps
@ Manske Library, 7 pmJune 14
Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety @ City Hall, 6 pm
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Rollin' on a River
Well ... on Rawhide Creek, where kids of all ages will again sample the joy of kayaking as part of the Outdoor Expo at Liberty Fest, set for Saturday, May 26 near City Hall. 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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Can't Wait for Styx
"Can't wait until May 26th. My honey and I are going to see STYX Concert at The Farmers Branch Historical Park with my BFF ... I am so excited I just can't wait."
~ Brenda, from Facebook
Loves the Library
"As one who practically took up residence in the dark, musty, but much loved library of my childhood, I can't assign enough praise to the Farmers Branch Library."
~ Connie, from NeighborsGo READ MORE
Tarrant County coverage "Manske Library in Farmers Branch to host semi-annual Books for a Buck sale." ~ from Fort Worth City and Press
Loves the Library Tables "Oh, this is FABULOUS: The Farmers Branch Library turned the study tables into gorgeous art!
~ IArtLibraries, from Twitter
  
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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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