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All the world's a stage
As it turns out, there has been more than one benefit of the Fire Department moving into new Fire Station No. 1 on Webb Chapel.
That is, they've left old Fire Station No. 1 behind with its prime location on Valley View across from our emerging station area developments. It is our great fortune that it didn't stay vacant for long as Broadway veteran and local resident John Wilkerson came forward with a proposal to bring live theater to Farmers Branch.
And so, the Firehouse Theatre was born.
In the year since then, John and his Board of Directors have been working diligently to set the wheels in motion to transform the well-worn but venerable old fire station into a performing arts venue for the community. They started with Christmas shows during the past two holiday seasons and are embarking on an ambitious season bill for this year, including performances in the Manske Library amphitheater.
They are performing in alternate locations around Farmers Branch because the conversion of the fire house is something that will happen over time. The City has entered into an agreement with the Firehouse Theatre for use of the building, in exchange for their provision of live theater as a cultural amenity for Farmers Branch.
And, they are looking for help.
Whether you have natural talent for the stage, or for renovations, or for mustering support by writing a check, Mr. Wilkerson and his crew are looking for you.
Visit www.thefirehousetheatre.com to find out more about upcoming productions or how to get involved in the performing arts, right here at home.
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Annual Keenan Cemetery
 'Encounters' tours begin this weekend
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. Tours leave every 15 minutes with the last tour beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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 for $5 each, free for kids under age 6. Call 972.406.0184.
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 Scientific survey uses 21st century tools to study local streets
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a means of gathering scientific data on street conditions in order to prioritize repair and maintenance schedules, the Farmers Branch Public Works Department begins a comprehensive study this week, using a combination of 21st century technologies.
"In years past, street assessment was done by human observation," said Farmers Branch Public Works Director Randy Walhood. "Now, technology is going to give us so much more information than we ever dreamed possible."
He explained the City has contracted with Infrastructure Management Services to perform the study. For most of the month of April, a specially-rigged IMS van will be driving the 196 lane miles of Farmers Branch streets utilizing GPS technology, along with digital video photography and lasers to evaluate street conditions and compile a detailed inventory and condition rating for all roadways in the city.
The company's Laser Road Surface Tester, or RST, measures pavement roughness, rutting, cracking and other surface distresses as it travels with lasers hitting the roadway up to 6,000 times per second. Digital video and GPS mapping completes the process. The one-ton van is clearly marked and is equipped with onboard cameras, GPS receivers and a modified front bumper. The vehicle is operated by three field technicians.
"Once all the data is collected, it will be used to develop a series of reports that will allow us to cost-effectively budget resources for long-term maintenance of Farmers Branch streets," Mr. Walhood concluded.
For more information, call Public Works at 972.919.2597. Additional information on the contractor and their equipment can be found at www.ims-rst.com.
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Music + food trucks +
Clint Eastwood = Date Night
 HISTORICAL PARK ~ Grown-ups should plan on spending an evening out 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," starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake. 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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Medication collection added to CityWide CleanUp Day
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As part of the National Take Back Initiative for prescription medication, members of the Farmers Branch Police Department will be on site at CityWide CleanUp Day to accept old medications that citizens want to drop off for disposal.
 CityWide CleanUp Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at Oran Good Park, near the intersection of Valley View Land and Tom Field Road. Anyone wishing to get rid of old or outdated prescription drugs should come to the park on that day and turn them over to Farmers Branch Police personnel who will see that they are properly disposed of. Sponsored by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Take Back Initiative observes its sixth year in 2013. CityWide CleanUp Day will also 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. Metrocrest officials kindly request that donations be clean and in working order. Gently used clothing and non-perishible food donations are especially welcomed. Small appliances are not currently needed. 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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Employee: Mike Thomson 
Position: Division Chief of Training and Emergency Medical Services
Department: Fire
Years of service: 11 years 3 months
Background: I am certified as an Advanced Firefighter, Fire Officer II, Instructor I, Driver Operator and a am a DSHS EMS Instructor. I am a member of the North Central Texas Trauma Advisory Council, Biotel Advisory Council, Brookhaven College Advisory Board and a member of the Fire Instructors Association of North Texas. I am also currently enrolled in Fire Science classes at Columbia Southern University. I hope to graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in 2014. I have been married for 10 years and have two wonderful daughters. My family and I are involved with the girls in the Girl Scouts of America, and active in church. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, dancing and any sports activities my girls are involved with.
What I like most about working for the City: I enjoy working for the City because of the great support the citizens provide for their Fire Department.
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Early voting set April 29 - May 7
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With City Council election day coming up May 11, Dallas County election officials are preparing for the early voting period to take place April 29 through May 7.
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. The implementation of the single member district system will be staggered during the next three years to coincide with the current staggered three-year terms. 
In 2013, Districts 1 and 4 are up for election. Candidates in District 1 are Ana Reyes and William Capener. For District 4, Kirk Connally faces incumbent David Koch.
Early voting will be conducted at City Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, April 29 to May 4; from 1 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 5; and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, May 6 & 7.
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 if that district is up for election in that year. The Mayor's position will continue to be elected at-large.
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.
Dallas County Elections Department will be sending new cards to registered voters, including the district number for their residence. Detailed maps are available for inspection at City Hall or online at www.farmersbranch.info. For more information, call 972.919.2503.
CLICK HERE FOR THE DALLAS COUNTY ELECTIONS WEBSITE
CLICK HERE FOR THE SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT MAP
  
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Special sculpture
A very evocative bronze sculpture of children on a park bench now occupies a place of prominence at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. The bronze was donated to the City for use at the Library by the family of Lorraine Blair, in her memory.
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Volume 3 | Edition 14 | Number 110 
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 sets Thursday book swap
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Just in time for spring cleaning, the Farmers Branch Manske Library is hosting a book swap, open to the public, on Thursday, April 4 at 4 p.m.
Everyone is invited to bring in gently read books to swap with others and find new favorites.
For more information, call 972.247.2511.
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Brookhaven College Classic Guitar Ensemble performs Saturday
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Twelve classical guitar students of all skill levels and backgrounds will perform at the Brookhaven College Classic Guitar Ensemble, Saturday, April 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
From duets to solos, the ensemble performs renditions of traditional guitar music. Instructor Carlo Pezzimenti, a faculty member at both Brookhaven and Texas Woman's University, has been playing classic guitar for more than 40 years. For more information, call 972.247.2511.
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Library plans DART art tour, April 17
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Concentrating on artistic expression that has led to what are essentially outdoor galleries along DART's light rail lines, "The Community as Canvas: DART Art Station Tour" will depart the Farmers Branch Manske Library Wednesday morning, April 17, at 10 a.m.
Participants will ride the DART train and enjoy the collection of public art that has won numerous awards for design. Commuters will marvel at how artists have transformed common elements in the transit stations, such as canopies, columns, paving, windscreens, fencing and more into striking art and design elements.
The tour is free but seating is limited so advance registration is requested by calling the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Certified Tourism Ambassador class set April 30
CITY HALL ~ Those interested in becoming Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the City of Farmers Branch are invited to participate in a private certification class on Tuesday, April 30 from 1 until 5 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
A nationwide certification, the CTA program seeks 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.
The Farmers Branch Economic Development and Tourism Department is hosting the class with an emphasis on Farmers Branch attractions.
Deadline for registration is April 15. For more information, costs and registration information, visit www.ctanetwork.com, using promotion code EC03081230007733.
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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.
Kayaks coming to Fishin' Fun
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Ever expanding the range of offering fun, with fish, the 2013 edition of Fishin' Fun in Farmers Branch will feature kayaking and kayak fishing as part of this year's event, set for Saturday, May 4 around Rawhide Creek at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall.
The traditional fishing event, open to kids ages 16 and under, will begin with registration starting at 7 a.m. that morning. The tournament goes from 8 until 10 a.m. with kids looking for the biggest of the one ton of farm-raised catfish that have been stocked in the creek. The awards ceremony will follow.
Additionally, the Kids Zone, featuring games for younger kids, will be open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.
Kayak fishing will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 noon with onsite reservations available for specific time slots. General kayaking will be available throughout the morning. As always, registration for Fishin' Fun is free and loaner fishing equipment is available at no charge. For more info, call 972.919.1444.
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Tax help continues as deadline looms
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.
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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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 Spring is definitely springing in Farmers Branch with flowering trees near City Hall. Photo by Tom Bryson
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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, April 4, 2013.
Valley View (at IH35E): The IH35E northbound frontage road left lane will remain closed at Valley View through June. In addition, there will be various lane closures along Valley View between the IH35E frontage roads for several weeks beginning this week to facilitate construction of a new IH35E northbound entrance ramp over Valley View.
IH 635/IH35E Interchange: The ramp connecting westbound LBJ to northbound IH35E will be closed on the nights of April 5 and 8 for bridge work. Traffic will be detoured via Luna Road.
Denton Drive: The westbound LBJ frontage road between Ford and Denton will remain closed until mid-April. The westbound frontage road between Metro and Denton will be closed on the nights of April 22-25 for beam installation.
Josey Lane: Construction of the permanent paving and drainage on Josey has experienced delays and will now require various lanes closed through April. Josey Lane will be closed at LBJ on the night of April 6 for bridge beam installation. Treeview Lane: Treeview will be closed for storm drainage installation until April 8. Maybrook will be closed during night-time hours on April 5 and 6. Webb Chapel: Webb Chapel will experience various lane closure during night-time hours during the week of April 8-12 for bridge work. Webb Chapel will be closed at IH635 on the night of April 16 and May 6 for bridge construction. Marsh Lane: The pavement and bridge work on Marsh south of Ridgeoak will continue through early May when all lanes should be reopened. The southbound right turn lane will be closed until April 5 to allow for sidewalk construction. Various additional lanes may be closed during off-peak hours. Marsh Lane is scheduled to be closed during the weekend of April 12-14 to allow for paving of the intersection at the westbound frontage road. During this closure southbound Marsh will be closed at Valley View Lane. The closure will also include the westbound Marsh exit and the westbound frontage road approaching Marsh. Valley View (at IH635): Valley View is scheduled to be closed on the nights of April 11, 15 and 19 for bridge construction. 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 south of LBJ is scheduled to be closed from March 29 to April 19 for drainage installation. The westbound to eastbound U-turn lane will be closed March 28-April 5. The eastbound frontage road east of Midway will be closed during off-peak hours daily through June. Midway will be closed on the night of April 20 for bridge construction. Welch Road: Welch is narrowed to one lane in each direction at LBJ for through May for drainage system work. 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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