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Caring about people
One of the hardest things for any City Manager to abide is the uninformed critic.
If someone wants to come and experience a place, get to know its people, take in one of its events, then give a qualified opinion on something, I will completely respect their right to do so.
But those that make determinations about the character and heart of a community based solely on headlines and blogs?
Well, they're just wrong.
The case in point for Farmers Branch is the outpouring of support for Parks and Recreation Department employee Rodrigo Burgos.
You'll remember that Mr. Burgos was severely injured last month when a vehicle hit his crew's parked flatbed trailer on Marsh Lane, trapping him between the trailer and the truck it was hooked to. His injuries were debilitating and life-changing.
Last week, City staff set about organizing a little bake sale in order to raise some money for Rodrigo and his family during his recovery. We were hoping to reach $500.
 Well, the word got out to the Farmers Branch community and the next thing we knew, everyone from students to retirees to business owners, sports associations and corporate executives were joining City staff in raising money for Rodrigo. Parks Director Jeff Harting said some people were giving us $50 to buy a cupcake and others were just dropping off checks.
Although contributions are still coming in, our little bake sale has topped $11,000 in donations.
Most of the people involved in this venture don't even know Rodrigo. But, they know his work. They see it every day when they drive down a street with a beautifully manicured median or past an immaculately maintained park.
There are so many things to say about this, but I'll limit my summary to two major points. First, on behalf of the City staff and the Burgos family, our deepest thanks to everyone in the Farmers Branch community, and beyond, that came together to help someone in need.
Secondly, let it be stated for the record that Farmers Branch cares about people.
Don't let anyone ever tell you differently.
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Farmers Branch pictorial history book now available at Historical Park
FARMERS BRANCH ~ More than a century in the making, 'Farmers Branch: A History in Pictures' has been published and is now available at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, while supplies last.
 The bronze-colored volume features a line art drawing of the historic Gilbert House from the Historical Park on the outside cover. Inside, there are 120 photo-laden pages detailing Farmers Branch history. "The book is unique in that it not only draws from the archives of the city but from the archives of several local families as well," said Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall. "This gives a unique perspective of over 170 years of our community's history." Anyone pre-ordering the book can pick up their copy at the Historical Park beginning today. Mr. Birdsall said there are a limited number of additional copies available for sale on a first-come, first-served basis, for $50 per copy. For more information, call 972.406.0184.
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Dinner Brigade
Brookhaven residents offer monthly spread as appreciation of firefighters' service
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Once every month local residents might see a little lady with a big personality being happily greeted by hungry firefighters at Farmers Branch Fire Station numbers 1, 2 and 3.
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Amanda Johnson
Fire Chief Steve Parker finds out what Sally Squair has brought for dinner.
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Sally Squair will tell anyone who will listen that she has always admired and appreciated firefighters. But, about two years ago, she began contemplating a way to really show tangible thanks and real gratitude to the crew that had responded to a fire at her neighbor's house.
What she discovered was that while firefighters could not accept any monetary gifts, there was something she could give them in return for their dedicated service, and that was dinner and dessert.
Once Sally had the idea, her organizational skills from a career spent in Human Resources kicked in and took over.
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Amanda Johnson
Firefighters prepare for the Dinner Brigade's arrival at Station No. 1.
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Despite a special affinity for Station No. 1 (they are the ones that respond to the calls in her neighborhood), Sally wanted to do something for all the firefighters and paramedics.
So, once a month, the Sally Squair Fire Department Dinner Brigade invades all three stations with food and drink as ongoing thanks for a job well-done.
"I thought it'd last a few months," she said. "But it's been going for about a year and half and probably will for many years into the future."
Even dealing with the volume of food needed for everyone on shift, Sally didn't see as a problem. She made some calls, sent out some e-mails, and friends and neighbors jumped at the chance to volunteer to do whatever they could to help.
VIDEO  EXTRA
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Fire Department Dinner Brigade
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So, with the groceries provided by donations, and the Brookhaven Country Club chef and staff preparing the food, the Fire Department Dinner Brigade was born.
"That is such wonderful support for us," said Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker. "There's no better way to get to a firefighter's heart than through their stomach."
For more information or to get involved, contact Sally at 972.247.6986 or squair@att.net.
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Carnival caps community reading program
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The second annual Farmers Branch Reads campaign comes to an exciting conclusion on September 21 with book discussions, games, a carnival and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. 
Beginning at 10 a.m. there will be activities based on the recommended books for Farmers Branch Reads this year, including a Flotsam craft and The Incredible Journey through the Library in the Youth Services area. A book discussion on The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will be held in the Library Theater at 10 a.m. For teens, a book discussion on The Hobbit will be held in the Impressionist area of the Library at 11 a.m.
The carnival will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. inside and outside the Library. Everyone is invited to enjoy carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, card and board games, performances by The Dazzlers, and special guests Fog Nozzle the clown, magician and juggler David Slick, and Newton's Lab.
For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
Library heads over the rainbow for
 outdoor film finale
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The second annual outdoor movie series in the Farmers Branch Manske Library's amphitheater wraps up th
is weekend with the Disney contemporary classic, 2013's "Oz: The Great & Powerful."
The September seriesbegan September 7 with the 1985 blockbuster, "Back to the Future," followed by the Hitchcock classic "North by Northwest" on September 14.
Admission is free and concessions will be available. Residents are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the movie which will begin at dusk. Picnic baskets and coolers are welcomed, but alcohol is not. Pets must be on a leash. In case of inclement weather, the movie series will move indoors to the Library's theater.
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October garden party planned to honor local rose growers
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As part of City Manager Gary Greer's ongoing program for rose beautification of Farmers Branch through individual, residential gardens, an informal Rose Show and Garden Party is planned for participants in October.
 Members of the program will receive an engraved bud vase and a rose plant while new members also get a Farmers Branch Rose Garden crest to display at home.
To sign up or for more information about the Rose Gardeners of Farmers Branch, call 972.919.2625 or visit www.fbroses.com.
 
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 Tom BrysonFarmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer and Economic Development Director John Land were among many celebrating the opening of Elliott Electric Supply on I-35E last week. Elliott performed a complete makeover on an aging warehouse for their new 152,000 square-foot D/FW area distribution center.
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Volume 3 | Edition 38 | Number 134 
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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Nature Walk set Thursday at Burke nature preserve
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Dallas County Master Naturalists will conduct guided nature walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, beginning at 9 a.m. on three Thursdays in the coming months, September 19, October 17 and November 21.
Walks are free, last about one hour and are suitable for all ages (might be a problem for strollers). Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and wear appropriate clothing.
Those interested should meet in the parking lot at the preserve, 1111 Valley View Lane, under the President George Bush Turnpike.
For more information, call 972.919.2625.
  
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Movie in the Park is coming "Up"
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Disney-Pixar hit simply known as "Up" will be featured at the autumn edition of Movie in the Park, Saturday, September 28 at the Barney Wood Athletic Complex, next to the Community Recreation Center.
Admission is free and families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor seating. Concessions, sno cones and a children's area will also be available. Activities start at 7 p.m. Showtime is at dusk.
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City employee bake sale for injured worker nets $11,000
CITY HALL ~ What began as a City staff-generated bake sale turned into a community-wide outpouring of support for injured, long-time City of Farmers Branch employee, Rodrigo Burgos, raising more than $11,000.
A dedicated member of the Parks and Recreation team that works hard to keep parks, medians and public grounds immaculately maintained, Mr. Burgos suffered a serious and debilitating injury last month when a vehicle struck a trailer, near where he was working. Organizers said all proceeds will go to benefit Mr. Burgos and his family during his recovery.
The two-day sale started as an idea for the City staff to help one of their own, but word got out and suddenly, soccer moms, retired folks, sports associations and business owners were coming through the door with donations.
Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting said people were coming in and paying $50 for a cupcake.
"I think this proves that Farmers Branch is a community that cares about people," he said. "It was an amazing response and on behalf of the Burgos family, we want to thank every City employee and especially the individuals, associations and businesses in the community that either donated goods or funds to help Rodrigo."
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National Night Out coming October 1
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Local neighbors will be out in force as National Night Out, America's night out against crime, will be observed in Farmers Branch on Tuesday, October 1, beginning at 6 p.m.
Neighborhood gatherings are encouraged to promote a united front against crime in residential areas. Registered NNO parties will be visited by as many police, fire and City officials as possible.
For more information or to register a party, call 972.919.9304.
The regular Farmers Branch City Council Meeting, scheduled for that evening, has been postponed until Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
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Police win feud in annual Battle of
the Badges
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With numbers on their side, the Farmers Branch Police Department won bragging rights again this year, besting the Fire Department in the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive, held in conjunction with the Health and Wellness Expo last weekend.
According to Carter Bloodcare officials, 23 whole blood units were drawn during the event with the majority of donors backing the "blue."
In conceding the race, Fire Chief Steve Parker said the real winners are the 69 patients that can be saved as a result of these blood donations. "And," he added. "There's always next year."
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Neighbors seeking old photos
CARROLLTON ~ In an effort to preserve their history, the Carrollton Historic Preservation Advisory Committee is asking residents in Farmers Branch for help in looking for old photos of their first city hall / fire station.
Any Farmers Branch resident with old Carrollton photos is asked to contact Lydia Tormos at 972.466.3040.
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Environmental Health Director elected to board
IRVING ~ The North Texas Association of Environmental Professionals has announced the election of Farmers Branch Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright to their board of directors.
Mr. Wright, a long-time Farmers Branch staff member, will also serve as the association's program director for the coming year.
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 Denizen ducks take a break in the cool waters of Rawhide Creek near City Hall. Cooler weather is in store for the ducks, and the rest of us, this weekend. |
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SEPTEMBER
Sep 21
Farmers Branch Reads Carnival
Outdoor Movie at the Library - "Oz: The Great and Powerful"
Sep 28
Movie in the Park
- Disney-Pixar's "Up"
OCTOBER
Oct 1
National Night Out
Oct 2
City Council Meeting
Oct 5
Vintage Base Ball game
Oct 8
Star Party
Oct 18-19
Bloomin' Bluegrass
Oct 19
Chili Cookoff
Senior Center Craft Fair
Celebration of Roses
Oct 26
Halloween in the Park
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VIDEO GALLERY
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Bloomin' Bluegrass Preview with Alan Tompkins
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Aquatic Center Groundbreaking
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Dr. Gilbert's Diary
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Farmers Branch Business: Anything but Usual
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Check the latest weekly report on the five-year reconstruction of Interstate 635 that includes:
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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 farmersbranchtx.gov, visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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