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Long time passing
It's difficult not to notice the changes going on in the massive rose garden at Gussie Field Watterworth Park. Some have reacted with some understandable measure of alarm. Others have simply been curious as to what's going on and why all the work?
Simply put, our showcase rose garden is undergoing a makeover and you're going to be very pleased with the end result.
Originated as a living laboratory, the National EarthKind Rose Trial Garden studied varieties of roses that needed little care, water or fertilizer. Now, after years of successful study, the EarthKind National Trial came to a conclusion in 2012. However, Farmers Branch wanted to maintain this wonderful asset and expand it for use as a destination.
As such, two of the four former EarthKind blocks are being renovated to showcase new collections of roses. There is an area being created as a venue for weddings and garden gatherings.
And, the roses will keep coming.
There will be an area that will showcase French roses. Other roses to be planted include those hybridized by Texans and a more complete collection of Buck roses.
For now, the former EarthKind trial roses have been pruned for the first time in five years. So, while the spring of 2013 may see a decline in blooms, the roses will quickly bounce back to produce even stronger floral displays as they receive attention and care in the seasons to come. Those EarthKind principles of management will be used to grow the new roses and former trial roses in an environmentally responsible manner. If anyone wants to play a part in the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch, please contact our Landscape Manager, and resident rose guru, Pam Smith at 972.919.2625. Pam is always looking to involve more folks in helping with the garden.
So, the garden is in a state of transition. But, hang on, because the new garden will be better than ever.
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Council creates permit process for foundation work
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to protect local residents against less qualified practitioners in the multi-billion dollar, unregulated Texas foundation repair industry, the Farmers Branch City Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance requiring a permit for foundation repair so that work can be reviewed by a licensed engineer.
Farmers Branch Community Services Director Jim Olk said there are no licenses required and no special training for anyone to be in the business of foundation repair in Texas. 
"Prior to issuing a permit, the City of Farmers Branch will require that a set of plans be submitted that reflects the work to be done and that the plans are reviewed and sealed by a licensed engineer," Mr. Olk explained. "Additionally, the engineer will need to inspect the work and then certify that the work was done as per the design."
He said this should help protect the public by insuring that the foundation repair work meets the designed standards.
Once the foundation work is complete, the plumbing will be tested to insure that no damage was done to the water lines or the drain under the house. For more information, call 972.919.2550.
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Easton Corbin joins musical bill for Liberty Fest 2013
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Easton Corbin
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Country music star Easton Corbin will join Jack Ingram and Randy Houser as the featured performers for Liberty Fest 2013, set for Saturday, May 25 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
The event will start at 12 noon and feature country music acts all day, leading up to the featured performers that evening.
The 2013 Memorial Day Weekend event will also feature a Burgers and Brews tasting section and Craft Marketplace. Additionally, "The Zone" will have a zip line, bungee trampoline, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, velcro wall and more for $2 per play or $10 unlimited. For smaller Liberty Fest-goers, there will be a free Kidzone with games, ice cream, bubble station and more.
 Free tickets will be required for admission to Liberty Fest and will be available beginning April 1 at City facilities, sponsor locations and online. Admission on day of the event will be $10 for anyone not presenting a ticket.
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CityWide CleanUp Day moves to Oran Good Park, April 13
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to better facilitate traffic flow through the area, City officials have announced that CityWide CleanUp Day 2013 will be held at Oran Good Park, corner of Valley View Lane and Tom Field Road, on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon.
Again, the event will feature opportunities for electronics recycling and document shredding, along with regular refuse disposal and recycling drop off.
Representatives of the Farmers Branch Manske Library will be on hand to accept any old books, DVDs or other media that residents would like to donate to future used book sales. Also, Metrocrest Social Services will be there to accept donations of clothing and canned goods to benefit the less fortunate in the area.
Additionally, there will be public safety equipment on display, information on Liberty Fest, Community Watch, animals available for adoption and more.
Oran Good Park is located at 13401 Tom Field Road, near the corner of Tom Field and Valley View Lane. Call 972.919.2510 for more information.
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Firehouse Theatre concludes "Nunsense" this weekend
FARMERS BRANCH ~ While they renovate their new home in old Fire Station No. 1, the Firehouse Theatre is staging their current production of "Nunsense" at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2280 Springlake in Farmers Branch.
Directed by John Wilkerson and choreographed by Jennifer Leyva, the show concludes this weekend with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
For ticket pricing and more information, call the Firehouse Theatre box office at 972.620.3747.
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Employee: Richard Campbell 
Position: Fire Equipment Operator (Driver)
Department: Fire Department
Years employed: 13 yrs
Background: I am currently stationed at the new Fire Station No. 1 on Webb Chapel where my primary responsibilities are to safely drive and operate Engine 131 or Quint 131 each shift. I earned my B.S. in Biology from Abilene Christian University in 1989, an A.A.S. in Paramedicine in 1990, an A.A.S. in Fire Science in 2011 and am currently working to obtain a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. I hold a Master Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and last month earned my Master Fire Instructor. Prior to working for the City of Farmers Branch, I worked two years as a firefighter/paramedic for Haltom City Fire-Rescue, and 14 years as a paramedic for MedStar EMS in Fort Worth, Texas. On my days off, I teach paramedic and EMT education at Brookhaven College. My hobbies are SCUBA diving and traveling overseas to countries such as Greece and Malta.
What I like most about working for the City: I enjoy working for the City of Farmers Branch because I work with the greatest group of firefighters there is.
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City elections coming in May
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council has called the annual City election for Saturday, May 11 to elect City Council members. As the result of a lawsuit, the federal district court has ordered that City Council members must now be elected from five geographically drawn single member districts, replacing the at-large system of elections used in prior years.
In 2013, Districts 1 and 4 are up for election. Candidates filing for the District 1 seat are William Capener and Ana Reyes. In District 4, Kirk Connally will face incumbent David Koch. The implementation of the single member district system will be staggered during the next three years to coincide with the current staggered terms of office.
Next year, District 2 plus the Mayor's seat will be chosen. Then, in 2015, representatives from Districts 3 and 5 will be elected. Current Council members will retain their positions until the end of their respective terms, at which time they have the option to run for re-election according to the district of their residence, if that district is up for election in that year. The Mayor will continue to be elected at-large and all members of the Council will serve three-year terms.
District 1 generally covers the northwest end of the City while District 4 encompasses most of the southeast section of Farmers Branch. District 3 extends from the center of the City to the southwestern edge while Districts 2 and 5 are located in the northern central area of town. Detailed maps are available for inspection at any City facility or online at www.farmersbranch.info.
For more information, call 972.919.2503.
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Click Map to Expand
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Volume 3 | Edition 12 | Number 108 
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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Library fine forgiveness program runs thru March 24
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Patrons can bring canned food items to the Manske Library, along with overdue Library items to have Library fines waived through Sunday, March 24.
Charges associated with previous fines, lost, billed, damaged or otherwise missing items cannot be waived and fines paid in the past are not subject to refund. Call 972.247.2511 for more info.
Library Director Belinda Jacks said a similar program last year was very successful in compiling school supplies. Canned food donations for this program will be sent to Metrocrest Social Services to benefit Farmers Branch families in need.
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Daughters of the Republic of Texas to present 32 flags
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The celebration of Texas Independence is going on all month long at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
On Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m., the James Butler Bonham Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will hold a presentation on the 32 historic flags that have flown over Texas.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Encounter Keenan Cemetery with annual tours
KEENAN CEMETERY ~ With an affectionate nod to Farmers Branch forefathers (and mothers), the Farmers Branch Historical Park presents "Encounters from the Past," on Fridays and Saturdays, April 5-6 & 12-13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening.
The unique, guided walks through Farmers Branch Keenan Cemetery will explore the lives and contributions of many of the community's early citizens, with the help of local, costumed actors. Tickets are on sale now. Call 972.406.0184.
Military couples can win a Wedding in the Branch
FARMERS BRANCH ~ One deserving military couple will receive a dream Wedding in the Branch at the renovated Farmers Branch Rose Gardens, provided by the City of Farmers Branch with the help of local sponsors and partners.
Military couples may apply for a chance to win the wedding, between March 30 and May 1. The wedding will accommodate up to 100 family and friends for the ceremony to be held in 2014. Details are at www.weddinginthebranch.com.
Date Night planned for grown-ups
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Grown-ups should plan on spending an evening on Saturday night, April 20 as the City of Farmers Branch presents "Date Night" at the Historical Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment will include the Dallas band, "The O's," along with some of DFW's best gourmet food trucks and an outdoor movie, "Trouble with the Curve." Child care is available at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, but must be pre-registered by calling 972.247.4607.
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Tax help Tuesdays continue into April
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Free tax preparation assistance from AARP volunteers is now available on Tuesdays at the Farmers Branch Senior Center and at the Manske Library.
Volunteers are on hand at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Manske Library from 1 until 7 p.m. through April 16. The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15.
City offices list Good Friday schedules
CITY HALL ~ Most Farmers Branch City offices and facilities will be closed for the Good Friday holiday, Friday, March 29. There will be no garbage collection.
Facilities with limited hours that day include the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, each open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Library and Senior Center are both closed.
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Click on the video or print links to download different media for the Farmers Branch Office of Economic Development and Tourism Year End Report
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 Various chefs put their irons in the fire at the annual Spring renewal of the "Camping Under the Stars" event, held Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Photo by Derrick Birdsall
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LBJ Express Project Animation VIDEO
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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 Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
Valley View (at IH35E): The IH35E northbound frontage road left lane is closed at Valley View through March 29.
IH 635/IH35E Interchange: The ramp connecting westbound LBJ to northbound IH35E will be closed on the nights of March 20, 27 and 28 for bridge work. Traffic will be detoured via Luna Road. The ramp connecting eastbound LBJ to southbound IH35E will be closed on the night of March 25.
Denton Drive: The westbound LBJ frontage road between Ford and Denton will remain closed until mid-April. The westbound frontage road between Denton and Harry Hines will be closed on the night of March 22.
Metro Boulevard: Northbound Metro has been reopened.
Josey Lane: Construction of the permanent paving and drainage on Josey will require various lanes closed through March. Josey Lane will be closed at LBJ on the night of April 6 for bridge beam installation.
Webb Chapel: Webb Chapel will be closed at IH635 on the night of March 29 for bridge work. Webb Chapel will experience intermittent closures on the night of March 22 for transportation of beams.
Marsh Lane: The pavement and bridge work on Marsh south of Ridgeoak will continue until late April when all lanes should be reopened. The southbound right turn lane will be closed until late March to allow for sidewalk construction. Various additional lanes may be closed during off-peak hours.
Rosser Road: Rosser will be narrowed to one-lane with a flagger to control traffic March 25-30 to allow for installation of ornamental fencing.
Midway Road: The southbound left turn lane on Midway Road between the LBJ frontage roads will remain closed indefinitely. Expect various lanes to be closed on Midway at LBJ during off-peak hours. The right southbound lane of Midway north of LBJ is closed for drainage installation through March 29. The right southbound lane of Midway south of LBJ is schedule to be closed from March 29 to April 12 for drainage installation. The westbound to eastbound u-turn lane will be closed March 21-28.
Dallas North Tollway: LBJ is narrowed to 3 main lanes in each direction at the DNT.
Other Locations: The new westbound frontage road from Valley View to Marsh and the new eastbound frontage road from Marsh to Midway are now expected to be opened in April.
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. All scheduled work is tentative as permitted by weather conditions and other factors.
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About the City of Farmers Branch
 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 greenbelts 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. |
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