BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
ThisWEEK 
Memo from the MANAGER
Stop and smell the roses ... right nowMemo from the Manager

Stop what you're doing and go look at the roses.
   Seriously, the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch are ablaze with myriad colors right now and they won't be for much longer. It was the philosopher F. Bueller who once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

   Same goes for roses.
   Farmers Branch has been rapidly "growing" it's reputation as the rose capital of north Texas since the installation of the National EarthKind Rose Trial and Display Gardens at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, the Ruthan Rogers Memorial Antique Rose Garden at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, the Jeff Fuller Rose Garden in the DART station area and all the beds and pocket gardens around the City. All of this, and I don't overstate when I say it, all of this is planned, orchestrated and overseen with loving care by our maestro of mulch, Landscape Manager Pam Smith. If you love our roses, tell Pam. She'll love you for saying so.
Roses    Last weekend started our Celebration of Roses that included the Dallas Rose Society's Fall Show and presentations from some of the best rosarians in the business. Oh, and the roses. Some of the most strikingly beautiful roses were on display. Later this week, friends and fellow gardeners that are participants in the City Manager's Rose program will meet for an annual celebration of the growing season with an October garden party.
   But, if you missed of this, don't worry. All you need to do is head on out to one of our wonderful rose gardens and get a true sense of natural beauty in Farmers Branch in its purest sense.
   So, don't wait until next week, don't wait until tomorrow, go to Gussie Field Watterworth Park and check out the magnificent roses in Farmers Branch ... Why are you still reading this? Go!

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ImportantINFO    
Early voting underway in Dallas County
EARLYVOTING
DALLAS ~ Early voting for the November 6 general election is now underway in various location in Dallas County, but not in Farmers Branch, according to City Secretary Angie Kelly.
   Any registered voter can vote at any early voting locations in Dallas County through November 2, Ms. Kelly said, with the closest locations to Farmers Branch being the Josey Ranch Library on Keller Springs at Josey Lane in Carrollton, or the Marsh Lane Baptist Church, at 10716 Marsh Lane in Dallas.
   Full early voting, precinct and election day information can be found on the County's website at www.dallascountyvotes.org.

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BreakingNEWS     
Historical Park nominated for magazine honor; online voting available now
DALLASCHILD 
DALLAS ~ DallasChild magazine has nominated the Farmers Branch Historical Park as the "Best Place to Bring Your Picnic Basket" in their annual Best for Families reader survey for 2012.
   Anyone wishing to vote for the Historical Park to win this prestigious honor, visit the DallasChild survey. DallasChild says the results will be published in their December edition.

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FeaturedSTORIESFEATURED 
Haunted Hedge to highlight Halloween in the Park
HALLOWEENFARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PARK ~ Cool weather is expected to augment the annual unleashing of thrills and chills for the 2012 edition of Halloween in the Park, set for Saturday evening, October 27, from 5 until 10 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Carnival games for kids will be among the myriad activities at this year's event.
Carnival games for kids will be among the myriad activities at this year's event.
   Admission is free with canned food donations accepted to benefit Metrocrest Social Services. Carnival games for kids will be among the myriad activities at this year's event.
   Highlighting the event again this year will be the "Haunted Hedge," opening at 7:30 p.m. which takes brave adventurers deep into the recesses of the Historical Park's dark and mysterious shrubbery.
     Additionally, there will be trick-or-treat row, carnival games, pony rides, a petting zoo, state fair-style food vendors, teen zone, living statues, photo buttons, giant sandbox and more.
   Call 972.247.4607 or visit www.farmersbranch.info.

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Tourism ambassadors sought for certification classes November 8 or 9
TOURISM
James and Vicki Goode
Current Tourism Ambassadors James & Vicki Goode
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Individuals wanting to become Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the City of Farmers Branch are invited to particpate in one of two separate classes, on Thursday, November 8, from 1 until 5 p.m. or Friday, November 9, from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.
   The Farmers Branch Economic Development and Tourism Department is hosting the two Certified Tourism Ambassador classes with an emphasis on Farmers Branch attractions. CTA is a nationwide certification program that serves to increase tourism by training and inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to work together to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience.
   Classes will be held in the Mesquite Room of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, at 14050 Heartside Place. For more information, costs and registration information, visit www.ctanetwork.com, using promotion code: EC03081230007733.

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Upcoming Star Party elects to move to Thursday evening, November 8
STARPARTY
HISTORICAL PARK ~ In order to avoid conflicts with political stars, the Texas Astronomical Society has moved its previously-scheduled election night Star Party from Tuesday to Thursday, November 8 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Saturn
   The event begins at dusk and lasts until about 9 p.m. The public is invited to gaze at celestial bodies through high-powered telescopes set up in the Historical Park meadow.
   Volunteers from the society will be on hand to assist visitors with telescope viewing and to answer questions. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.texasastro.org.
 
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PartingSHOT PARTINGSHOT  
Parks Rodeo
Rodeo champions  
Members of the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department took top honors in the Region 2 & 3 Texas Recreation and Park Society's Annual Equipment Rodeo, held recently in Keller. Team members are (first row, in green shirts, from left) Roberto Sarabia, Jose Martinez, Rubin Hernandez, Tony Derrick (with large team trophy) and Jose Torres. On the back row are (from left) Earl Marrett, Joey Romano, Jose Ramirez, J.D. Arnold, Mark Moffeit, Kerry Phillips, Pam Smith, Ross Pittman and Ben Solis. The team won first place in Region 3 and first place overall. Individually, Roberto Sarabia placed second in the Back Pack Blower competition, Ben Solis took first in the Nail Driving competition, Pam Smith won top honors in the Plant Identification contest, Kerry Phillips and Ross Pittman took 3rd in the Truck and Trailer Backing competition while Kerry Phillips also won first place in the Backhoe contest.    
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Volume 2.43 | Number 87
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the  Communications Office of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Two-time TAMI Award Winner for Best eNewsletter in Texas 
Given by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers 

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Autumn in Farmers Branch
QuickHITS   
Firehouse Theatre plans amphitheater show Thu - Sat
 
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Continuing the renaissance of the outdoor amphitheater at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, the venue will play host to the Firehouse Theatre's production of the mystery comedy, "Bats in the Belfry," at 7:30 p.m., October 25-29.
   For tickets and more information, call 972.620.3747.  
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Economic Development offers October update on video
 
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Detailing business activity during the month just ended,  
Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land and his team have released the "Branch Business Brief" for October 2012. The short video covers new housing developments, the status of the Panda Express under construction and more.

VIDEO View our videos on YouTube EXTRA
Branch Business Brief ~ October 2012 
Branch Business Brief ~ October 2012
 
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Town Hall Meeting to focus on Code Enforcement
 
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The annual Autumn Town Hall Meeting is set this year for Thursday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
   Continuing the theme begun earlier this year of focusing these meetings on a specific City operation or function, the November 1 meeting will include emphasis on Code Enforcement. In addition, there will be an opportunity for questions and answers with Mayor Bill Glancy and the members of the Farmers Branch City Council. 972.247.3131. 
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Veterans Day to feature the
Victory Belles

 
SENIOR CENTER ~ The World War II-era song and dance troupe, "Victory Belles" will be on hand to entertain at the Veterans Day Celebration, set for Friday, November 9, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
   The annual event will be followed by the traditional (free) hot dog lunch. More at 972.919.2620.  
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Single Council meeting set for November
 
CITY HALL ~ As the traditional second monthly meeting date falls two days before an early Thanksgiving, the Farmers Branch City Council has opted to hold one regular meeting in November.
   That first Tuesday meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, beginning at 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway. Call 972.247.3131. 
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BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch  In the Banner
A family of unsuspecting revelers is suddenly surprised by a crazed lumberjack with a scary chainsaw during a tour of the Haunted Hedge at Halloween in the Park. 
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Coming Up
OCT 27
Halloween in the Park
NOV 1
Town Hall Meeting  
NOV 6
City Council Meeting
(Only meeting in November)
 
NOV 9 
Veterans Day Celebration 
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LBJUpdateLBJ
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The weekly update on the     Interstate 635 expansion project has been made available by LBJ Express, the construction team  
responsible for the five-year project that will completely renovate the freeway from the Dallas North Tollway to Interstate 35E. This update is for October 24, 2012.  
Denton Drive: Denton remains closed between LBJ and Villa Creek for Atmos relocation. Traffic is detoured via Harry Hines and Ford. Two-way traffic on Denton north of LBJ will be restored this week. However, AT&T work will require lane closures on the west side of Denton through December 15. Southbound Denton is closed between the LBJ frontage roads until October 31 to allow for placing beams on new bridges over Denton.
Metro Blvd: Metro is closed at the LBJ frontage road until October 27. Traffic is detoured via Ford Road. 
Josey Lane: Construction of the permanent paving and drainage on Josey and the east end of Villa Creek continues. Various lanes will be closed on Josey until December. 
Webb Chapel: The westbound entrance ramp to Webb Chapel was closed on October 5 for approximately one year.
Marsh Lane: On October 18, there will be a one-night closure of the eastbound Marsh exit ramp. The eastbound Marsh entrance ramp will be closed for one night on October 20. The pavement and bridge work on the west side of Marsh south of Ridgeoak has been extended to April. Placing beams for the new southbound Marsh Lane bridge will require closures of Marsh for two nights on November 2 and 3. 
Midway Road: Both U-turn lanes have been reopened. The left turn lanes between the LBJ frontage roads were closed on October 8 and will remain closed until October 22. Additional lanes will be closed during night time hours. Telephone relocation on the south side of LBJ will require closure of the northbound right turn land through October. Atmos began installing a new gas line crossing Midway on October 15. The Atmos line is expected to require the closure of the two right lanes of southbound Midway approximately 200 feet north of LBJ. All utility work on Midway is expected to be completed by late November.
Welch Road: The right land of southbound Welch is closed for pavement work until October 21.
Dallas North Tollway: LBJ is narrowed to 3 main lanes in each direction at the DNT. 
Other Locations: 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
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Farmers Branch logo  
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.