BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
Memo from the MANAGER

Lessons from Capitol Hill

 

   In my position of City Manager you get to sit on the front row and observe politics at the local level and you also have to be involved in state and federal politics as an advocate for your city.    This part of my job is what prompts people to occasionally say, "I wouldn't have your job for a million dollars." I have to admit that watching politics over the last 25+ years has been quite an experience. It appears that we have moved towards a political environment that has become more personal and confrontational, but less effective.

Gary 2013

   My first exposure to big time politics was when I attended the Institute of Comparable Economic and Political Systems at Georgetown University my junior year of undergraduate school. During that hot summer of 1983 I worked in a congressional office on Capitol Hill and learned quite a bit about the political process and politics in general.

   One afternoon while sitting in on a committee meeting I was exposed to a vicious fight between competing factions that almost rose to the occasion of fisticuffs. From my perspective I thought the people involved were so adversary that they made the Hatfields and McCoys seem like pacifists. After the hearing everyone went back to their perspective offices to end the day with red faces and their blood pressure high.

   In Washington, DC after the workday is over many congressional staffers empty out into the Washington night to blow off steam, attend socials, dinners and generally gather. To my surprise, I found myself in a local Irish establishment with several of the staffers who attended the day's hearing. In attendance were people who earlier that day had been at each other's throats, but afterward calmly enjoying a beverage and talking about politics. I was confused. How could these people hang out and celebrate after they were so disrespectful to each other?

   I pulled aside one of the folks I identified with to see what the heck was going on, asking "How can you stand to be around those fools." That congressional assistant said something to me that I have never forgotten and that I have carried with me throughout my career. He said, "Young man, you have a lot to learn about politics, don't you know that you can hate someone's politics, but you don't have to hate them."

   I can tell you from my perspective that politics have become very personal at the local, state and national level. The decorum has changed considerably. It is my hope that after we figure out that our politics are not working very well that we will take a more elevated approach to the political process and get back to what I learned so long ago as a Congressional Intern.

 

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Traffic ALERT
LBJ work to close ramps and roadways this week

  Interstate 635-LBJ

INTERSTATE 635 ~ Ongoing work as part of the five-year makeover of LBJ freeway will result in several closures of ramps and roadways in the coming week.
  • 635/35E Interchange: Southbound Interstate 35E will be closed on the nights of July 17 and 18. Westbound LBJ, Southbound Interstate 35E, and various ramps at the LBJ/35E interchange will be closed on the nights of July 19 through 21. Eastbound LBJ will be closed on the night of July 22. 
  • Webb Chapel: Webb Chapel is scheduled to be closed for bridge work on the night of July 18. The Webb Chapel exit ramp will reopen on August 19.

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Featured STORIES
Wedding in the Branch prize winners announced  
Wedding in the Branch
 
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In partnership with a number of local vendors, the City of Farmers Branch has selected one, deserving military couple as the recipient of a prize wedding in the newly renovated Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch.
   Elizabeth and Brandon, of Arlington, were selected from the pool of applicants to be the grand prize recipients of an expenses paid "Wedding in the Branch."
   Elizabeth is currently attending college at the University of Texas at Arlington while Brandon is serving in the United States Navy, currently stationed in Japan. When proposing, Brandon led Elizabeth on a scavenger hunt before proposing in song with Tracy Byrd's "Keeper of the Stars."
   The "Wedding in the Branch" program is made possible in part by partnership with Culinary Art Catering, Jenny McCann photography, Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria, Meringue Bakery, BJ's Party Planning and Decorating, Uncle Willie's Pies catering, Panini Bakery, In Bloom flowers, Green Light Media Services, 2 Sweets Candy Bar and Keestone Events.
 
   
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Branch BRIEFS
Quite a pickle
Preserving sustainable gardening to be explained in canning session at FBCRC 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Pickling and canning fresh produce in order to preserve the bounty of a home garden will be the focus of a free educational session on Tuesday, July 23, 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. Vintage canning, circa 1923.

   Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Regional Director Trish Percy will be on hand to discuss basic canning equipment, share recipes and explore options for living life sustainably by preserving produce into the growing offseason.

   Call 972.919.2625 for more information. The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center is located at 14050 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch, Texas, 75234

 

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Mortgage firm expanding operations to Farmers Branch

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Irving-based Pacific Union Financial, a mortgage and loan servicing firm, has announced it is expanding operations to 59,000 square feet of office space in Farmers Branch.

   The new offices at 1603 LBJ Freeway will house 235 employees. Pacific Union's headquarters will remain on Freeport Parkway in Irving.

 

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Citizen Police Academy seeking applicants for Fall session

 

JUSTICE CENTER ~ Focusing on the inner workings of law enforcement, rarely seen by outside eyes, the Farmers Branch Police Department Citizen Police Academy is now accepting applications for its Fall session.

   The 11-week course meets once a week and offers everyday citizens both classroom and hands-on learning experiences on all aspects of law enforcement and the operations of the Farmers Branch Police Department.

   The class is open to adult residents of Farmers Branch. For more information, contact Lt. Mike Blum at 972.484.3620 or mike.blum@farmersbranch.info.


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Online Community Visioning Survey concludes Friday

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to afford citizens every opportunity to participate, the 2013 Town Hall Meeting Community Visioning Survey has been extended online until July 19

VIDEO View our videos on YouTube EXTRA
Community Visioning Since 2010
Community Visioning Since 2010

 At the Town Hall Meeting, held June 13 a the Manske Library, Farmers Branch Planning Director Andy Gillies recapped the feedback received during the visioning meeting held in 2010 and reviewed progress in the three years since then. Following that, Senior Planner Alexis Jackson conducted a spot survey with the audience on community visioning for the near future.

   Those survey questions are available online for anyone's participation by clicking on "Community Visioning Survey" on the City's homepage at www.farmersbranchtx.gov.

 

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Parting SHOT
Readers are Leaders with Fire Chief Steve Parker
Readers are Leaders
Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker gives emphasis to the story he conveyed during the special "Readers are Leaders" storytime at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. Different City leaders, from Mayor Bill Glancy to City Manager Gary Greer and others are taking time from their schedules to read to kids on Wednesdays during the summer months as part of the program.
Photo by Richard Posey

 

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Volume 3 | Edition 29 | Number 125
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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Coming UP  
Digital photography workshop ties in to gallery exhibit

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Everyone with budding interest in digital photography is invited to a presentation by photographer Ed Auger at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Saturday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Ed Auger Photography Ed Auger photography Ed Auger Photography
   Mr. Auger has been involved in photography since his early teen years and specializes in landscapes, floral and seascape themes. Additionally, he uses his expertise in computer editing software to create various art media as well as pure photographic images.
   Examples of Mr. Auger's work as well as that of Ray Marabito, Sarah Scott and Carol Stum are on display in the Manske Library Gallery in the show, "Photo Escapes: On the Road Again" through August 2. The artists will be on hand for a reception on July 13 from 1 until 3 p.m.
   The digital photography workshop is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.

Council resumes regular first and third Tuesday schedule

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ After a single meeting in July, the Farmers Branch City Council is set to return to the traditional first and third Tuesday schedule in August with meetings on the 6th and 20th, at the new start time of 6:30 p.m.
Farmers Branch Logo

   Regular meetings of the Farmers Branch City Council are held at Farmers Branch City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway. For more information, call 972.247.3131.

FBTV replay schedule to switch to 6:30 start time

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to simplify scheduling for City Council meeting broadcasts, replays of the most recent Council meeting will begin airing at 6:30 p.m. on FBTV, beginning Monday, July 22.
FBTV    Live coverage of Council meetings on scheduled nights also begins at 6:30 p.m.
  Officials said the change in meeting time from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. was the reason for changing the replay time so that there is one consistent time for Council meetings on TV, be it live or replay - 6:30 p.m., seven days a week.
   FBTV can be found on cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch (15.1 digital), on AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranchtx.govwith video on demand available.

   For more information, call 972.247.3131.


Firehouse Theatre concludes Fiddler on the Roof
Firehouse Theatre concludes 'Fiddler'

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Based on traditional tales, the musical theater classic "Fiddler on the Roof" will be presented by the Farmers Branch Firehouse Theatre, at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Carrollton with concluding performances July 18-20 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on July 21.

   Broadway veteran and Firehouse Theatre Creative Director John Wilkerson heads the cast that recounts the story of Tevye and his family in a small community in Czarist Russia.

   For ticket prices and more information, call 972.620.3747 or visit www.thefirehousetheatre.com.


Summer Reading Club winding down at Manske Library

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ There are only a few weeks left to turn in completed reading logs for the Summer Reading Club at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. Dig into Reading: Summer Reading Club 2013

   This is the first year of the Summer Reading Outstanding Readers traveling trophy. The school with the highest number of completed reading logs will be awarded the trophy to keep for the 2013-2014 school year.

   Completed reading logs for kids and teens should be turned in by July 31. Prizes for a completed log include a completion certificate, a variety of tickets and coupons for local businesses, and a free book.
   Participation in Summer Reading Club is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
Other 
STORIES Online
SCAM
Alert Series
  
Identity, investment scams concentrate on elements of trust 

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Although there has not been a substantial increase in reported scams, Farmers Branch Police want to be sure citizens are educated on the work done by con artists, in hopes of avoiding victimization.

   Farmers Branch Police Lieutenant Jay Siegel said scams come in a variety of guises but usually have some common patterns. Every week, in this space, a different type of scam will be profiled in hopes of raising awareness.  


IDENTITY THEFT
 
Be on alert for people who ask you for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card number. Scammers will use a variety of methods to convince you to give them this information. Reputable companies will not ask for this information via e-mail.
 
INVESTMENT SCAMS
High pressure sales tactics are used to convince people to invest in a business or some endeavor with the promise of immediate, guaranteed returns. 

   Notify the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.484.3620 if you or someone you know is being scammed. If you are called by someone who you suspect is a telemarketing scammer, hang up. If they continue to call you in a harassing manner, call the police.

   Please visit the resources listed below for more information on scams and what you can do to defend yourself against these practices:

  

More Info on Scams
West
NILE Watch
  

Farmers Branch Environmental Health officials have

 posted information online 

 that can help local residents and business people guard against

the West Nile threat by eliminating potential mosquito breeding areas.

West Nile Watch

 

 

For more information,  

visit these online resources  

IN the BANNER
BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
The state-of-the-art Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center, now in its fourth year of operation, continues to see hundreds of pets adopted each year by Farmers Branch families. FInd out more information online.
  Photo  by Tom Bryson
LBJ Express UPDATELBJX
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, July 17, 2013.
 
LBJ Express Finished Project Animation 
LBJ Express Finished Project Animation
Valley View (at IH35E): The IH35E northbound frontage road left lane will remain closed at Valley View through July. In addition, there will be various lane closures along Valley View between the IH35E frontage roads for several weeks to facilitate construction of a new IH35E northbound entrance ramp over Valley View.  
Denton Drive:  Denton will be closed for bridge work from July 29 through August 1. The westbound frontage road from Josey to Denton will be closed nightly for several weeks.         
Josey Lane: Construction of the sidewalk on Josey will require various lanes closed through this week. The eastbound frontage road is closed between Josey and Bankway until August 30. Frontage road traffic is detoured via Forest Lane to Webb Chapel.  Josey will be closed for bridge work on the night of July 23. The eastbound Josey exit will reopen on August 2.
Marsh Lane: All through lanes on Marsh are now open during peak periods. The westbound Marsh entrance ramp is closed through August 19. The westbound frontage road from Marsh to Webb Chapel will be closed nightly July 22-26.
Midway Road: The southbound left turn lane on Midway Road at LBJ and both U-turn lanes are closed indefinitely. Expect various additional lanes to be closed on Midway at LBJ during off-peak hours. The eastbound Midway exit is scheduled to be closed on the nights of July 18, July 31 and August 1. Midway will be closed for bridge construction on the night of July 18, July 26 and 27. The westbound Midway entrance will be closed on the night of July 19. The eastbound frontage road east of Midway will be closed during off-peak hours daily through August.
Welch Road: Welch is narrowed to one lane in each direction south of LBJ through July for drainage work.
 
Check Out the All New 
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 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 farmersbranchtx.gov,  visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.