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A word about hashtags
Continuing our conversation about "connections," I'd like to spend a few minutes elaborating on the great dichotomy of technology.
"Digital natives" are that part of the population under the age of about 30 who know all things technological as second nature, like speech and motor skills. Their knowledge and skills grow along with the exponentially-exploding nature of the technological revolution.
The rest of us, even though we're older, we didn't grow up with technology. We have had to learn it as we go. As much as we'd like to be on the cutting edge of the latest and greatest, we just don't understand it like our kids do.
So, consider this a part of that learning process.
As we explore those social networking opportunities, there are ways for us to better connect with our neighbors and co-workers and fellow citizens in Farmers Branch.
Hashtags. 
For those of you that don't know, a hashtag is an increasingly common device for creating common conversations across the vastness of social media. By attaching the '#' (or 'hash') symbol, followed by a word or series of words without spaces, you categorize your post or tweet for others to follow. If you're watching a major sporting event, chances are you have seen some on or near-field advertising for the event hashtag. Like #worldseries or #superbowl.
Use of hashtags has brought us everything from the inside scoop on Iranian election violence to frivolous entertainment info that we profess to be uninterested in, but can't quite look away from.
As part of Farmers Branch "Connections" we're going to start advertising our hashtag - #fbtx - in hopes it will catch on and the social media conversations in and about Farmers Branch become better linked and, in doing so, more coherent and productive.
There's no reason our small town atmosphere can't extend to social networking.
So, if you're posting a birthday wish on Facebook, or tweeting where you are at this very moment, or even filtering a picture of your breakfast muffin on Instagram, be sure to include the hashtag #fbtx.
You'll be surprised how quickly it can catch on.
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Interactive Town Hall Meeting to elicit ideas on potential bond issues
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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Recent fire highlights chimney safety
DANNY LANE ~ An off-season bird's nest built into an unprotected chimney shaft was all the fuel necessary to turn a fireplace marshmallow roast into a house fire, resulting damage to the house and contents estimated $33,000. 
No one was injured but the incident highlights the critical need to keep chimneys clean and in proper operating order, says Farmers Branch Fire Marshal Tim Dedear.
"Approximately 14,000 house fires each year are started by fireplaces," he explained. "Most of these fires grew beyond the fireplace because of an overloaded fire, obstructed flues, ignition of nearby combustibles, flying sparks or a build-up of creosote."
Dedear said creosote is the residue resulting from fire and smoke and sticks to the inner walls of the chimney. If there is enough creosote build-up and the flue temperature is too high, the creosote could ignite and cause a chimney fire.
VIDEO EXTRA
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Chimney Safety w/ Farmers Branch Fire Marshal Tim Dedear
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"Have chimneys inspected annually and cleaned as necessary by a Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified Chimney Sweep," he added. "This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney."
Fire Marshal Dedear covers these and other fireplace and chimney safety advisories in an informative four-minute video now available on Farmers Branch City media. For more information on fire safety and prevention, call the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 972.919.2640.
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Fire Department completes emergency connections test
AUSTIN ~ As certified by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Farmers Branch Fire Department recently successfully completed the statewide test of WebEOC platform to ensure connectivity to the Disaster District coordinator and State Operations Center in the event of an emergency.
Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker said the Internet-based WebEOC platform allows our local Emergency Operations Center to communicate with both the County, State of Texas Regional Disaster District and up to the State Emergency Operations Center located in Austin when requesting assistance if a large scale emergency were to strike our community.
"It's just another tool in our arsenal for dealing with emergency situations," he explained. "The ability to communicate up the line when there's a continuing emergency situation can be critical for receiving assistance in a timely manner."
Chief Parker doubles as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City and helps to facilitate the Farmers Branch Emergency Operations Center, consisting of designated City staff who are on-call to fulfill specific responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
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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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 FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an organizational restructuring, designed to offer increased efficiency and effectiveness, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer announced today that longtime department heads Charles S. Cox and John Land have been promoted to Managing Directors. |
 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. |
Derrick Birdsall Saturday night screamin'
A good crowd of intrepid trick-or-treaters braved the gloomy forecast and came out to Halloween in the Park, held Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Many took advantage of the Haunted Hedge before storms moved into the area and forced an early closing of the event. |
Volume 3 | Edition 44 Number 140 
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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Early voting ends Friday, Election Day set Tuesday
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Victory Belles confirmed for Veterans Day
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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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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Singer, storyteller to play Library story time Saturday
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ A special story time will take place this Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library with guest Willy Welch.
Well-known singer, songwriter, storyteller and author Welch will be performing his original music and stories for children and their families.
For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Star Party planned Tuesday at FBHP
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Neptune, Venus, the Moon, star clusters and more will be focused on during a Star Party, set for Tuesday, November 5 from dusk til about 9 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Volunteers from the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Astronomical Society will be on hand to assist with telescope viewing. Star Parties are free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the Star Party will be rescheduled for Thursday, November 9.
Call 972.406.0184 or texasastro.org.
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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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The pumpkins don't get any cuter than this one during this autumn time of year. |
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 28-mile, $1.4 billion reconstruction of Interstate 35E from LBJ, through Farmers Branch, 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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