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An eagle has landed
For way too many years, you may or may not have noticed the large, birdlike apparatus that seemed to be nestled in the bushes near the front door of the Manske Library.
Now, thanks to our good friends at the Civic League, the bird has flown from the Library and landed in its full glory as an eagle, at Liberty Plaza. 
"Landing Eagle" is the sculpture by the late artist, Octavio Medellin, and portrays an American bald eagle, retracting its wings and extending its claws for landing. The Civic League, of Farmers Branch, donated the sculpture to the City more than 30 years ago. However, in its previous position at the Library, full appreciation of the artwork's impact could not be realized.
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"Landing Eagle" as it neared completion in the studio of artist Octavio Medellin, in 1976.
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Now, being able to see the entire work as it is perched on a rock, near the massive flagpole at Liberty Plaza, reveals what is, for all intents and purposes, an entirely different sculpture. It is stark, it is dramatic and it is worthy of the many conversations it will invariably spark by visitors to Liberty Plaza. Beyond that, "Landing Eagle" complements the other traditional sculpture on display at Liberty Plaza. The bronze works of the World War II veteran at the Walk of Honor, and the young boy with the folded flag nearby, create an interesting visual counterpoint to the metal tubing medium and sharp angles of "Landing Eagle."
We owe a debt of gratitude to the good folks at the Civic League for the original donation of "Landing Eagle" but for also having the foresight and tenacity to encourage the City to move the sculpture to a more appropriate home where it can be fully appreciated from every angle.
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"Landing Eagle" now perched at its new home at Liberty Plaza.
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Click Gary's picture for background and contact info
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ In honor of the Farmers Branch Manske Library's 50th anniversary, the bestseller clock is turning back to 1962 in order to promote a summer "Community Reads" campaign of the top titles of that year. "To Kill a Mockingbird," "A Wrinkle in Time" and "The Snowy Day" are the three selections for the Manske Library 50th anniversary Community Reads  Campaign. Library Director Belinda Jacks said the campaign will start on Saturday, June 2 and pledge cards will be made available at the Library in the next few weeks. "As a means of celebrating this wonderful anniversary, we hope the Farmers Branch community will join us in reading, or re-reading these wonderful works," she said. "We hope that the campaign will strengthen community ties and promote literacy while drawing more people to the library."
"To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee is the adult book in the campaign. "A Wrinkle in Time," by Madeleine L'Engle, is designed for younger adult readers, while "The Snowy Day," by Ezra Jacks Keats, is a children's picture book. Anyone is welcome to read any of these modern classics and return a pledge card to be eligible for prize drawings at the conclusion of the program on September 22. Ms. Jacks said that extra copies of all three books will be made available at the Library in order to encourage the campaign.
In addition to the bestsellers, the Manske Library is encouraging people to read "50 books for 50 years," between now and September 22. Again, those completing the task as individuals or families, will be recognized.
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Summer Reading Club encourages kids to "Get a Clue ... At the Library"
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Encouraging kids and families to explore and investigate books, the Manske Library has announced the 2012 Summer Reading Club, "Get a Clue ... At the Library" begins Monday, June 4.
As part of the 2012 Summer Reading Club, regular activities are programmed throughout the months of June and July, including a Family Movie from 3 until 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, there is a teen movie from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and a special activity on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. "Carnival Kickoff" is set for June 6, "Critterman" on June 13, "Willy Welch" will be there on June 20 and "Reading with Ringling" on June 27 at a special time of 4 p.m.
Wednesday activities continue on July 11 with a Puppet Show. "Magic!"pops in on July 18 and the summer closes out with juggler "David Slick" on July 25. Thursdays will feature "Teen Scene activities at 3 p.m. including gaming, Rock Band, makeovers and crafts.
Additionally, "Brain Freeze Tutoring," for grades 1 through 5, is on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information on the 2012 Summer Reading Club, call 972.247.2511. |
Employee: Sharon Atkins Position: Team Leader - Communications
Department: Police Dept
Years of Service: 17.5 years
Background: I grew up in Weston, Texas and attended school in Celina. I now live in downtown Dallas with best friend (and co-worker) Angelica along with some exotic pets (Bengal cat, French Bulldog and toy Poodle). I love to travel and my favorite place is Lahaina, Maui. I enjoy road cycling, hiking, scuba diving, antique shopping, completing home renovations, and spending time with family.
What I love most about working for the City: I started at the Police Department in 1994 but everyday is still a new adventure! I work the night shift on 4th Watch and absolutely love my co-workers and truly feel like we are a family. Working at the Police Department has allowed me many great opportunities over the years, professionally and personally. Even after 17 years, I still love coming to work every day. I not only love the work I do, but I'm also blessed with working along side of some of my best friends.
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 Saluting the Fallen Photo by Tom Bryson
American Fallen Soldiers Project founder and artist, Phil Taylor, hugs Becky Welch after presenting her family with a portrait of her late husband. U.S. Army First Lieutenant Robert Welch III, a former City of Farmers Branch employee, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. The presentation was made in special ceremony as part of the opening night of Liberty Fest 2012 over Memorial Day weekend.
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Into the Night
Styx guitarist, and vocalist, Tommy Shaw plays a solo during their spirited performance before a crowd of thousands at Liberty Fest over Memorial Day weekend.
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| Town Hall meeting to focus on public safety
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With presentations from the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments, along with a massive display of equipment and other resources, a Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety has been set for Thursday, June 14 at Farmers Branch City Hall.
Police Chief Sidney Fuller and Fire Chief Steve Parker will have members of their departments represented in force to show off equipment and answer questions beginning at 6 p.m.
A formal meeting presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers inside City Hall.
For more information, call 972.247.3131.
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| Nature Walks shed summer light on Burke Nature Preserve
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Master Naturalists will lead Nature Walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve in Farmers Branch on Saturday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 13 for those intrepid individuals who want to see wilderness in the big city.
 Both walks begin at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Nature Preserve at 1111 Valley View Lane, under the President George Bush Turnpike. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
VIDEO  EXTRA
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John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Introduction
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| Library art table notecards on sale
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 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
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June 2 & 13Nature Walks @ John F. Burke Nature Preserve, 10 a.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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 Touchdown
"Landing Eagle" is the newest addition to the sculpture landscape at Liberty Plaza. Originally donated to the City by the Civic League in the late 1970s, the artwork was recently relocated from the Manske Library
Photo by Tom Bryson |
CITY
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
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Branch Bulletin
is the recipient of the 2011 and a Finalist for the 2012
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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