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Connections
As the folks in my generation move slowly towards being the last of the baby boomers to retire in the next 10 to 15 years, it occurred to me that youth isn't the only thing we're leaving behind.
This would be hard to fathom, especially for anyone born since about 1980, but those of us in our late forties and early fifties are one of the last generations that have an active memory of America in a simpler time. Neighbors knew each other. Kids went trick-or-treating by themselves. Listening to music meant something called "records" and involved sliding a needle along a vinyl disc. There was a single-digit number of channels on the television and reading something meant putting fingers on paper.
Let me stop here and say that I am, and always have been, a big proponent of technology and see this wondrous age as a colossal step forward in the evolution of society.
It is a good thing.
However, when Mom or Dad calls the kids for dinner by texting them (in the next room), it's safe to say the familiarity of our families and our communities is undergoing a shift of some significant proportions.
Social psychologists may decry this evolution as the death of familiarity, but it doesn't have to be if we don't let it. No, we're not going to get back the American community of 1965, but we can leverage what we have now to create new relationships with people, places and spaces.
In Farmers Branch, we're going to do something about it, starting November 14 with something we're going to call "Connections."
That night we're going to kick off this conversation with a Town Hall Meeting where we hope to demonstrate how our homes and families are connected to our businesses, to our places of worship, to the places we shop, to our celebrations, to each other and more.
That night, we'll talk about what we, as a community, would like to see put before the voters as a bond package next year that can help enhance these connections. But, beyond all that, we will try to shift our collective thinking into the mode of what Farmers Branch has always done - revere the 'past,' celebrate the 'now.'
So, let's talk about connections and how that can, not revive our neighborhoods of old, but help us transform our neighborhoods into the best connections they can be in this new age.
And, let's admit that it's OK to let go of the simpler times of years past, but only if we embrace the present and all that it has to offer.
Right now, we just want your thoughts. The conversation begins November 14 at City Hall.
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Halloween in the Park returns Saturday to Historical Park
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Both thrills and chills are in the works for the 2013 edition of Halloween in the Park, set for Saturday evening, October 26, from 5 until 10 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Admission is free with canned food donations accepted to benefit Metrocrest Social Services. Highlighting the event again this year will be the zombie-themed "Haunted Hedge," opening at 7:30 p.m. which takes brave adventurers deep into the recesses of the Historical Park's dark and mysterious scary shrubbery.
Additionally, there will be trick-or-treat row, carnival games, pony rides, a petting zoo, state fair-style food vendors, photo buttons, and more. Call 972.247.4607 or visit www.farmersbranchtx.gov.
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Managing Directors appointed for City organization
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an organizational restructuring, designed to offer increased efficiency and effectiveness, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer has announced that longtime department heads Charles S. Cox and John Land have been promoted to Managing Directors.
The two will retain responsibilities for their departments while assuming oversight responsibility for other parts of the City organization. Mr. Cox is Director of Finance and will also supervise the Human Resources, Municipal Court, Fleet and Facilities Management and Information Services Departments.
In addition to directing the Economic Development and Tourism Department, Mr. Land will oversee Public Works, Community Services, Library and Planning. Mr. Greer will maintain direct supervision of the Police and Fire Departments and Parks & Recreation. Two vacant Assistant City Manager positions have been eliminated from the budget.
"The level of talent on our City staff is phenomenal," Mr. Greer said. "Charles and John are not only fantastic at what they do, they're also great coaches that will allow for our organization to use their talents to bring out the very best in all of our professionals for the greater good of Farmers Branch citizens."
Recently appointed to a five-year term on the national Financial Accounting Foundation Board of Trustees, the group that sets accounting standards for public and private entities, Mr. Cox is in his 21st year as Finance Director for Farmers Branch. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University and of Southern Methodist University and is a past president of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Additionally, Mr. Cox is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Program at Harvard University.
"I am excited to be a part of an incredible team that consistently seeks ways to improve the quality of life for our residents," Mr. Cox said. "This is an outstanding, quality organization that works progressively and professionally towards a common goal of service."
A graduate of the University of North Texas and of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Land has 11 years of progressive municipal government experience, coupled with more than 14 years as a chamber of commerce executive in Farmers Branch, Midland and Frisco. He is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Tourism Industry Association and the International Economic Development Council among other professional groups. He has served on the boards of the Texas Association of Business, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, Association of Texas Leadership Programs and the Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.
"Farmers Branch has always been a very special place to me," Mr. Land said. "My first job was in Farmers Branch, I met my wife in Farmers Branch, both of my kids were born in Farmers Branch and hopefully this position will allow me to finish my career in the town that I love."
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Town Hall Meeting set November 14 to discuss bond ideas
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to solicit public input on a possible 2014 bond election, the City of Farmers Branch has scheduled an interactive Town Hall Meeting for Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m., at Farmers Branch City Hall.
For the first time ever, this Town Hall Meeting will be broadcast live on FBTV (Time Warner Cable Channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 and online at www.farmersbranchtx.gov).
Anyone not able to make it to City Hall will be able to submit their ideas for bond projects or questions via Twitter @fbtx.
Additionally, those in attendance will be able to weigh in on potential bond ideas and priorities by use of portable voting devices that will be passed out to the audience that night.
Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway, just south of Valley View Lane, about one mile east of I-35E. Call 972.247.3131.
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Manske Library to become 'Boo-Ville' for Halloween Eve
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The celebration of Halloween is here with the Boo-Ville Haunted House and Pumpkin Patch set for Wednesday evening, October 30, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Admission to the activities held inside the Library is free. Everyone will love trick-or-treating in the pumpkin patch. For those feeling a bit more brave, there will be the all-new haunted house.
For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Derrick Birdsall Singing Suzy
Grammy-winning music veteran Suzy Bogguss entertained the crowd at the first night of the annual Bloomin' Bluegrass festival held last weekend at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Officials estimate that more than 6,000 people were in attendance between both days of the free music festival that featured some of the top acts in bluegrass music, along with an Arts & Crafts Marketplace and the annual Chili Cook-Off. |
Volume 3 | Edition 43 | Number 139
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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Charter election early voting continues this week
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OCTOBER
Oct 26
9 am @ City Hall rear plaza
5 to 10 pm @ Historical Park
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NOVEMBER
Nov 1
7 am to 7 pm @ City Hall
Nov 5
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Pk
Nov 11
10:30 am @ Senior Center
Nov 14
Nov 19
6:30 pm @ City Hall
Nov 28-29
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS
Nov 30
TOUR OF LIGHTS KICKOFF
6:30 pm @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park Amphitheater near City Hall
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Bird Sanctuary Walk on tap for Saturday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Dallas County Master Naturalists will conduct guided nature walks at the Farmers Branch Bird Sanctuary, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturdays in the coming months, October 26 and November 23.
Walks are free, last about one hour and are suitable for all ages. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and wear appropriate clothing.
Those interested should meet at the fountain in the City Hall courtyard (behind the building) at 13000 William Dodson Parkway.
For more information, call 972.919.2625.
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Calorie burn guaranteed at Senior Center exercise class
SENIOR CENTER ~ 'Not Your Mama's Exercise Class' is the aggressive title for an ongoing series of Wednesday night workouts at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The sweat session convenes each Wednesday evening, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Senior Center.
Officials said the easy-to-follow class focuses on building abdominal and back strength to improve flexibility with aerobic exercises, using weight bands and balls.
Call 972.919.8740.
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Victory Belles to ring again at Veterans Day Celebration
SENIOR CENTER ~ Making a return appearance, the World War II - era song and dance troupe, the Victory Belles, will entertain the crowd at the 2013 Veterans Day Celebration, set for 10:30 am., Monday, November 11 at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The event will also feature traditional patriotic elements and conclude with the traditional free hot dog lunch.
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Senior Center concludesTuesday 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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Orange will be the color of the day on Saturday, October 26 for the annual Halloween in the Park event at the Farmers Branch HIstorical Park. |
VIDEO GALLERY
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Fire Department Dinner Brigade
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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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Check the latest information on the upcoming 28-mile, $1.4 billion makeover of Interstate 35E, from LBJ north to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County.
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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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