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Flags on City buildings and grounds in Farmers Branch will fly at half-staff Thursday in honor
of the victims of the disaster in West, Texas. Others are encouraged to participate.
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Howard Dennis
The opportunity to present you with a new message each week sometimes involves giving you an inside look at City activities or background on an upcoming event.
 And, sometimes, it's just to deliver news. Today, it is my sad duty to report that a member of one of our community's oldest families, Howard Dennis, has passed away at the age of 98.
Howard was a native of Farmers Branch. He
 | | Howard Dennis, circa 1932 |
and his wife, Pauline, raised two daughters here on Epps Field Road near what would become the Historical Park, where Howard would spend so much time volunteering.
A two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, Howard served his country during World War II and was there at Normandy and at the Battle of the Bulge. What kinds of things he must have seen. What a witness to history.
In fact, two years ago, Howard and his younger brother, George, appeared before the City Council to receive the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board's "Witness to History" award. We've clipped the video from that meeting which you can watch by clicking on Howard's picture.
The contributions of Howard Dennis to this community are many and various over the years. For now, let's just say that Farmers Branch is a much better place because of the lifelong civic stewardship of Howard Dennis.
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Street closures possible in the vicinity of DART station
FARMERS BRANCH ~ So that a construction crane can lift roofing materials onto the top of the Mustang Station multi-family mixed use complex, some street closures in the vicinity of the DART Green Line station will be necessary through Thursday.
Specifically, in the vicinity of Bee and Pepperwood Streets, closures are possible as the heavy equipment begins the process of topping out the buildings that will envelope the concrete parking garage that many saw constructed first.
Public Works Director Randy Walhood said traffic in and around the Green Line Station should be restored by Thursday evening.
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Farmers Branch Community Services Director Jim Olk helps inspect a damaged apartment complex, a week after the deadly fertilizer plant blast in West, Texas, about 20 miles north of Waco.
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Farmers Branch factors into disaster recovery in West
WEST, TX ~ Drawing upon his years of experience in the field and specialty certification as a Disaster Inspector for the State of Texas, Farmers Branch Director of Community Services Jim Olk spent Wednesday assisting state and federal officials in determining the extent of damage to structures within the blast radius of the disaster in the central Texas town of West.
Last week, a fire caused a fertilizer holding facility to explode in a gigantic fireball, destroying or heavily damaging most buildings within a five block radius, injuring scores of people and killing a yet-to-be determined number.
As part of the International Code Council, Mr. Olk achieved his Disaster Inspector certification and was called in to West by the Texas Municipal League to help in determining the condition of damaged structures. He is one of only about 20 certified disaster inspectors in Texas.
Late Wednesday, he said they are hoping to finish up work today but it could extend into Thursday.
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Amateur American idols invited to submit audition video for Liberty Fest contest
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Building on the success of a similar event last year, Liberty Fest is calling all vocalists to try out for the "God Bless America" singing contest.
Aspiring singers should video record themselves singing the first verse of "God Bless America" and email the clip, or a link, to fbinfo@farmersbranch.info. Deadline for entries is May 1.
A panel of judges will select the best three from the virtual auditions to be posted on the Liberty Fest Facebook page for fan voting, to take place from May 3-15. The winner will be the video with the highest number of Facebook "Likes."
This year, the winner will sing "God Bless America" during the patriotic ceremony program on the main stage at Liberty Fest, May 25 and will win a prize package to include reserved Liberty Fest seating for four, a VIP parking pass and four Liberty Fest t-shirts. In addition, the winner will be invited to join the Farmers Branch delegation as part of the audience for "Good Morning, Texas" on May 17. For more information, email fbinfo@farmersbranch.info.
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West Nile prevention urged as weather warms
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Hoping to avoid another serious season of West Nile virus, Farmers Branch Environmental Health officials have posted an informational diagram on the City's website that can help local residents eliminate mosquito breeding areas before they become a problem. Find out more at www.farmersbranch.info.
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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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Photo by Tom Bryson
Oh ...
The Dallas band, "The O's" entertained the crowd at the first-ever 'Date Night' event from the back porch of the depot at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, Saturday. An estimated 500 people enjoyed the music, while enjoying the gourmet food trucks before setting in for a crisp evening of moviegoing in the meadow with the Clint Eastwood movie, "Trouble with the Curve."
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Volume 3 | Edition 16 | Number 112 
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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Information meeting planned tonight for Library Friends
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Anyone who loves the Farmers Branch Manske Library and wants to help advance its programs and objectives is invited to an information meeting for the Friends of the Farmers Branch Manske Library, set for Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Library Theatre.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Additional prescription take back happens Saturday
JUSTICE CENTER ~ Following the success of the old prescription disposal program introduced at the April 13 CityWide CleanUp Day, the Farmers Branch Police Department will be offering one additional opportunity for residents to drop off old or expired medicines.
The Farmers Branch Police Department, at 3725 Valley View Lane, will be open Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to accept any old medications that residents would like to drop off.
For more information, call 972.484.3620.
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Early voting for Council election starts Monday
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.
Detailed district 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 MAP
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Fishin' Fun brings kayaks to Rawhide, Saturday, May 4
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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'Battling with the Bard' combines stage combat with Shakespeare
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ An introductory class to combat on stage will be combined with an appreciation for staging techniques in Shakespeare's time in 'Battling with the Bard' at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. The focus of the two-hour class will be safe, effective stage combat. All students must be at least 10 years old. Call the Library for more at 972.247.2511.
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Pictorial history books still available for pre-sale orders
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Advance orders are now being taken for a limited edition pictorial history book of Farmers Branch, set for publication later this year. The Farmers Branch Historical Park says the volume will be full color with expanded history and an index that will provide a great historical reference of the City. "The book will update the first pictorial history that was published in 1996," said Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall. "While readers will find some old favorites, there will be many, many new images that the Historical Park has acquired during the past 17 years. "Readers will go along on a journey from the founding of Farmers Branch up to the present day in a full color format." Advance orders are $35 through May 31 and $50 afterwards. Call 972.406.0184 or click the link for the presale order form. PRESALE ORDER FORM   
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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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 Hundreds sampled the food truck fare prior to taking in an outdoor movie at "Date Night" Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Photo by Tom Bryson
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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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