BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
This Week
Memo from the MANAGER
Straight on til morning

    If you didn't live through the summer of 1969, you may have a harder time fully appreciating the life of Neil Armstrong, who died this past weekend at the age of 82.Memo from the Manager
   Those of you under the age of about 50 will know that name from history books as the first man to set foot on the surface of the moon.
   For the rest of us, we remember being glued to the television as those ghostly black and white images were beamed back to earth and into our living rooms that summer evening as Neil Armstrong descended the ladder on the Lunar Excursion Module, "Eagle," and took one small step for man.
   However, it is not that he represented all mankind when he made that giant leap to another world, it is how he lived his life in the 43 years since then that sets him apart in the halls of American heroes. Neil Armstrong accomplished a feat not seen since Columbus, but conducted the rest of his life with the kind of quiet dignity, humility and grace that exemplified the spirit of real service that says we serve a greater good, much larger than ourselves.
   His example presents a stark contrast to today's mass marketing society of instant information and 24/7 fame-seeking on the part of entertainers, bloggers, would-be photographers, reality show contestants and radio talk show hosts.
 
The intrepid explorers of Apollo 11.
Apollo 11's partners in history were (from left) Mission Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Aldrin. 
  Neil Armstrong served his country because it was the right thing to do. He did not want fame or adulation. He just wanted to serve.
   How novel.
   His passing should remind us that a life of service is a life worth living but also that we should never lose that sense of wonder that drives us, as a people, to reach for the stars.

 
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FeaturedSTORIESSURVEY
Major movie month

 Library Vintage Movie Series

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Vintage films to celebrate an anniversary and family fare to mark an annual event will result in four movies to be shown under the stars on four Saturday evenings in September.

   In celebration of the Farmers Branch Manske Library's 50th anniversary, there will be a screening of movies from the early 1960s, complete with free popcorn, including "The Music Man" on September 8; "How the West Was Won" on September 15; and the all-time classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird" on September 22. Each screening will take place in the Manske Library's outdoor amphitheater, just west of the building at 13613 Webb Chapel. 

   To round out the month, the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department will shift the venue to the Barney Wood Athletic Complex, adjacent to the Community Recreation Center, for the annual Movie in the Park event on September 29. This year's showing will feature the 2012 family film, "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax." The Lorax

   The Barney Wood Athletic Complex can be found at the intersection of Valwood Parkway and Heartside Drive. 

   Showtime for each feature will be at dusk each evening. Admission is free with lawn chairs and blankets recommended. Families are invited to bring their own picnics and coolers, however, alcohol will not be allowed at any movie screening. Concessions will be available. 

 

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Citizen Survey getting good traffic
CITSURVEY

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The online version of the Farmers Branch bi-annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey has exceeded expectations in the first week, while 8,000 hard copy surveys are beginning to hit mailboxes in the city.

   City officials said the online opportunity was added this year in an effort to get the most participation possible. Green check

   The 27-question survey focuses on resident satisfaction with city-provided services, ranging from public safety to residential trash pickup to special event offerings and more. Results will be compared against the two previous surveys in 2008 and 2010 and released to the public.

   The 2012 survey will remain available at  www.farmersbranch.info through September 17. 

 

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Everyone invited to annual Health & Wellness Expo September 15
WELLNESS
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Free biometric screenings are among the services offered to local families at the annual Farmers Branch Health and Wellness Expo, set for Saturday, September 15 from 9 am til noon at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside.
   Biometric screenings capture "critical health numbers" such as cholesterol, glucose, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure. Results ready in less than 10 minutes and will be reviewed on site by a registered nurse from Baylor Medical Center. A limited number of biometric screenings are offered and a pre-scheduled appointment is required at 972.247.4607.
 

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Library seeks contributions for 50th anniversary time capsule
TIMECAPSULE
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a means of offering library patrons of the future a glimpse into the lives and mindsets of today, as part of the Manske Library's 50th anniversary, organizers are accepting submissions for a time capsule to be opened in 2037, when the Library turns 75.
   Through September 18, Library staff are collecting submissions in two categories: "Perspectives" and "Life" from 2012.
   Library Director Belinda Jacks said organizers would like to include "Perspectives" by asking for answers to these questions: What do you think libraries will be like in 2037? What is your favorite library experience? What are you currently reading and in what format?
 

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SnapPOLLSNAPPOLL
  Snap Poll
See results next week.
CityStaff Snapshot

 

Name: David Hale David Hale

Department: Police Department

Title: Deputy Chief

Background: I earned my B.A. in Sociology at Texas A&M University. I am a 2007 graduate of the FBI National Academy, a Master Peace Officer and a Rotarian. I enjoy fly fishing, camping and spending time with my family.

What I like most about working for the City: The dedication that the City has to providing exceptional customer service to the citizens we serve. Just getting the job done is not good enough and I think working in this environment for the majority of my policing career has made me a better public servant.

 

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PartingSHOT
The pitch
Photo by Derrick Birdsall  
There's the pitch 
This pitcher prepares to hurl a softball towards the plate as part of a tournament held recently at Oran Good Park. All total, an estimated 10,000 players have come to Farmers Branch so far in 2012, for games and tournaments on the City's state and national award-winning ball fields.   
Library carnival flyer  
Love the Branch    
About the City of Farmers Branch 
Farmers Branch Logo
   An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greeenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit farmersbranch.info,  visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com
or call 972.247.3131.
Volume 2.35 | Number 79
 
Two-time TAMI
Award Winner
Branch Bulletin 
is published weekly by the 
Communications Office of the 
City of Farmers Branch, TX 
 
972.247.3131 
 
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Farmers Branch Citizen Survey
West Nile Watch
Stars & Spokes 2012 logo
Further Down
Coming Up
Biker with social 
Stars & Spokes bike race to benefit first responders
STARSANDSPOKES
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In commemoration of the events of 9/11, Farmers Branch will again present the  Stars & Spokes bike race, Saturday, September 8, benefiting Texas First Responders.
   Registration begins at 7 a.m. with racing set to start at 8 at Farmers Branch Fire Station No. 3, 13303 Hutton Drive.
   The USAC circuit race will feature multiple race categories on a smooth, flat, closed road course on the west side of Farmers Branch.
   Competitive cyclists will be competing for a total of $3,000 in cash prizes.
   All proceeds from the event go to benefit the Texas Association of First Responders, an organization that supports the families of police and fire personnel who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. More at www.starsandspokes.com.

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View our videos on YouTubeBUDGETVIDEO
Proposed 2012-13 budget explained in video presentation

FARMERS BRANCH ~ An explanation of the City of Farmers Branch proposed 2012-2013 fiscal year budget, presented to the City Council in August, is now available by video on YouTube.
   Finance Director Charles Cox narrates the 34-minute presentation that details the $73.6 million proposed budget.
   The Farmers Branch City Council is set to consider the budget in their regular meeting of September 18 which will include a public hearing.
   The fiscal year begins October 1.
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Pickups-n-Panels
Pickups-n-Panels bound for Historical Park

PICKUPSNPANELS
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Classic cars and trucks are bound for the Farmers Branch Historical Park for the annual Pickups-N-Panels show, set for Saturday, September 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
   The "Shoot Out" is open to all 1987 and older model year cars and trucks. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
   For more information, visit www.pickupsnpanels.com or call 972.333.1311.
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City offices to close Labor DayLABORDAY
City Hall by air
FARMERS BRANCH ~ City offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The only  exceptions will be the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, both of which will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The fitness area at the Rec Center will open at 6 a.m. In addition, there will be no garbage collection on Monday, September 3.
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In the BANNERLBJ
It is green
The ball fields at Oran Good Park stand out as emerald diamonds year-round, providing world-class facilities for all levels of play from kid leagues to college tournaments. Parks and Recreation officials estimate that more than 10,000 people have visited Farmers Branch fields so far in 2012.
Photo by Derrick Birdsall 
Bloomin' Bluegrass 150sidebar
LBJUpdateLBJ
Ratcliff pedestrian bridge reopens

FARMERS BRANCH ~ This update is on the LBJ Freeway expansion project is for Wednesday, August 29, 2012. 
Denton: Closed between LBJ and Villa Creek until October 5. Traffic detoured via Harry Hines and Ford.LBJ Update
Josey: The drainage project on Josey from Maybrook to LBJ continues with one lane closed in each direction. The completion date has been extended to early September. Following the completion of drainage work, construction of the permanent paving of Josey and the east end of Villa Creek will begin. Various lanes will be closed on Josey until December.
Treeview: Reopened, but will be closed for one night only on August 30 to pave the connection with the new westbound frontage road.
Webb Chapel: Drainage work from Maybrook to LBJ was completed last weekend.
Joe Ratcliff Pedestrian Bridge: Now open.
Marsh: Pavement and bridge work will continue on the west side of Marsh south of Ridgeoak into November.
Midway: Both U-turn lanes are closed. Dallas Water Utilities relocation on the south side of the Midway/LBJ intersection has one lane closed in each direction. The scheduled completion has been extended until late September. Atmos will also be installing a new gas line crossing Midway, south of LBJ, following the water line project. The Atmos line is now expected to require the closure of the outside (right) lanes of Midway in both directions. All utility work on Midway is expected to be completed by mid-October. The westbound Midway entrance ramp will be closed for a short period on Friday, August 30 for adjustment of barriers.
Welch: Bridge is partially reopened. The entire bridge, including both U-turn lanes, is expected to be reopened by October.
Dallas North Tollway: LBJ in both directions has been narrowed to 3 main lanes at the DNT. Bridge demolition at the DNT interchange is set for the weekend of August 31-September 2. Beginning Friday night August 31, the southbound DNT will be closed until noon Saturday September 1. Beginning Saturday night, the northbound DNT will be closed until noon on Sunday September 2. In addition, various lanes of the DNT in both directions will be closed throughout the weekend.
Other Locations: The new section of sidewalk on Rosser from LBJ to Ridgeoak was completed last week including sidewalk connections to the new bridge. Clean-up and regrading remains to be completed.  The Stemmons Freeway northbound entrance ramp, south of Valley View Lane was closed on Monday, August 27. The ramp will ultimately be replaced by a new ramp near Valley View. A schedule for the completion of the new ramp is not yet available. Various main lanes of LBJ will be closed frequently during night-time hours. There will also be intermittent night-time closures of various LBJ entrance and exit ramps.
   Full updates and additional information can be found at www.lbjexpress.com. 

 

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