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Good guys win
A couple of weeks ago, there was a story in the news that got some significant air time. It appears that a storage unit in Dallas, just south of Farmers Branch, was broken into and quite a bit of hockey equipment was stolen.
What made this unique was that the equipment was for a sled hockey team that allows those that may not be completely physically able to play hockey at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch.
In the upcoming season, team captain Taylor Lipsett said they were planning to invite disabled children, patients in rehab centers and wounded warriors to join them on the ice.
But with the storage unit burglary, those plans were in jeopardy.
Until, the community got involved.
When the news got out, our Economic Development Director John Land reached out to the Dallas Stars who said they were working with the team to see what could be done to help. Likewise, other members of the community stepped up to offer their assistance.
In short order, John received an e-mail back from Mr. Lipsett who said they had been contacted by an individual whose donation would replace everything that was stolen and that they would put additional donations towards ice time and travel expenses for the team.
Once upon a time, Mr. Lipsett had been told that he'd never be able to play sports. Today, he is a gold medalist as a member of Team USA at the 2010 Paralympic Games. He hopes that this second chance for his team will enable others who might otherwise be unable to compete, like he once was.
"What a huge blessing," he said in his e-mail. "We are beside ourselves at the response from the community."
We don't know for sure who their big donor is, or where they live. But, we do know that the desire to reach out and do what we can to make a worthwhile endeavor whole again is just Farmers Branch being Farmers Branch.
The bad guys may have been able to fence some hockey equipment. But, the good guys win.
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 HISTORICAL PARK ~ Anyone with taste buds is qualified to judge chili and there are a few spots remaining for the 2013 Farmers Branch Chili Cook-Off, going on in conjunction with the Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
The music will be going Friday evening and most of the day Saturday. The Chili Cookoff is set for Saturday only and, again will feature chili cooks from around the area vying for the prizes and prestige as part of this growing tradition. More than 30 cooks showed off their creations last year to the assembled crowds that tasted them.
 Sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, the Cook-Off features space for the first 75 cooking teams that register. The $20 registration can be done online in advance or on site, beginning at 8:30 a.m. that day. Categories include Chili, People's Choice, Pot of Beans and Show Team. Guests can sample the chili being crafted in the park in the People's Choice category for $3 for tasting cups. People's Choice tasting commences at 12 noon. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. To register a cooking team or to volunteer as a chili judge, visit www.bloominbluegrass.com. |
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Craft Fair to offer handmade wares for upcoming holidays
SENIOR CENTER ~ More than 100 crafters and artisans will be on site, selling their handmade items during this year's Craft Fair, set Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, 14055 Dennis.
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Celebration of Roses invites gardeners for lunch & a show
CITY HALL ~ With emphasis on the changing nature of the City's gardens, the City of Farmers Branch presents the Celebration of Roses, Saturday, October 19 with activities in the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch and a slate of expert speakers at Farmers Branch City Hall.
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Fire Chief Parker elected to leadership of state association
AUSTIN ~ Continuing the tradition of peer leadership in respective fields, Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker has been elected third vice president of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association.
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Fire Chief Steve Parker
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His election puts Chief Parker on track to move up through the ranks of second and first vice president positions in upcoming years and become president of the organization in 2017.
An active member of the TFCA for more than 15 years, Chief Parker has also acted as an instructor for the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy at St. Edwards University in Austin since the academy's inception in 2007.
"In my role as a Fire Chief Academy Instructor, I have had the opportunity to establish relationships with fire officers from all over the state," he said. "As I begin my term as third vice president, I am planning to use those relationships to help make the Texas fire service a safer and more efficient institution."
Chief Parker's term begins January 1.
  
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Sneak peek of upcoming yoga class available at Rec
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER ~ A free introduction to Modern Hatha Yoga will be available with trial classes at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center in late October, ahead of regular class sessions kicking off in November.
Set for October 21, 25 and 28, the trial classes will offer participants a sneak peek of Modern Hatha Yoga with Christine Chisum, described as a means of developing strength and flexibility while finding relaxation and balance of mind and body.
Rec Center staff members said the active class is for all levels, whether a beginner or a regular yoga practitioner.
Regular classes begin in November on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. Monthly fees will be $25 for members and $29 for non-members for one class a week, $45 and $49 for two classes per week.
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Library offers diverse programs on Saturday, October 12
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Creatures, both cute and not-so-much, are in the offing for the Farmers Branch Manske Library's dual programs on Saturday, October 12.
First, "Tales with Tails" is back as story time with therapy dogs offers kids the chance to read with a calming pet by their side. The dogs are part of the non-profit, all-volunteer Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs. That session begins at 2 p.m.
Also, at 2, the North Texas Dieselpunks will screen the 1954 cult classic motion picture, Creature from the Black Lagoon in the Library's theater.
Both events are free and open to the public. Call 972.247.2511.
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Tom Bryson Meeting of the Mayors
Farmers Branch Mayor Bill Glancy (right) pauses for a photo opportunity with fellow neighboring Mayors Matthew Marchant of Carrollton (center) and Todd Meier of Addison (left) at the annual Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Forum earlier today. |
Volume 3 | Edition 41| Number 137 
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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Writers to present self-publishing tips tonight at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Six members of the Farmers Branch Writers Organization will share the experiences they learned from when writing, printing and selling their books during a special presentation, "The Triumphs & Pitfalls of Self-Publishing" at 7 p.m. tonight at the Manske Library.
Today's publishing industry offers options like e-books, paperbacks, hardcover and more. These authors will share their "good, bad and ugly" experiences in self-publishing. Call 972.247.2511 for more information.
  
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How to write a family memoir to be discussed Monday
SENIOR CENTER ~ Author L.E. Taylor will read from his book and offer advice on writing a family memoir in a special presentation Monday, October 14 at 1 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
Admission is free but registration is required at the Senior Center front desk.
Mr. Taylor, author of "Elgan and Grace: A Twentieth Century Saga, will share his approaches to writing and how to successfully complete a project.
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Senior Center continues Tuesday health sessions
SENIOR CENTER ~ Focusing on 'Healthy Literacy,' Texas A&M AgriLife will present a four week educational series on Tuesdays in October at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The 10 a.m. sessions will concentrate on 'Lifestyle Choices and Your Health,' 'ABC's of Medicare,' 'Talking to Your Doctor,' and 'Medication Management.'
Admission is free. Call 972.919.8740 for more information.
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Nature Walks slated for Burke 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, 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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Fire Prevention Week proclaimed October 6-12
CITY HALL ~ Continuing an annual rite of autumn, October 6 through 12 has been proclaimed Fire Prevention Week in Farmers Branch, by Mayor BIll Glancy.
"Prevent Kitchen Fires" is the theme of the 2013 campaign, originated by the National Fire Prevention Association and carried out locally by the Farmers Branch Fire Department. Numerous activities are planned during the week, and throughout the month of October including elementary school performances by the Farmers Branch Fire Department clowns known as the Branch Brigade, educational sessions and the always-popular fire prevention poster contest.
For more information, call the Fire Department at 972.919.2640.
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Jalapeņos are just some of the potential ingredients involved in the myriad chilis that will be tasted and debated at the 2nd Annual Bloomin' Bluegrass Free Music Festival and Chili Cookoff. The music is Friday and Saturday, October 18-19 with the chili on Saturday. |
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OCTOBER
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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Fire Department Dinner Brigade
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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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