AUSTIN ~ For setting the bar with efforts of transparency in government accessibility and reporting, the City of Farmers Branch has been awarded the Gold Leadership Circle Award by the Texas Comptroller's Office for the fourth consecutive year.

   The Leadership Circle program was launched in 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online.

   Specifically, award criteria includes whether or not the government is opening its books to the public, providing clear, consistent pictures of spending and sharing information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.

   The Comptroller's Office defines "Gold" as those agencies that are excelling with transparency efforts. "Silver" is designed to encourage those who are making progress, while "Bronze" is meant to inspire those who are just beginning their transparency efforts.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Popular at last summer's Town Hall Meeting, handheld voting devices will be making a return appearance at Thursday night's event so that those in attendance can weigh in on preferences concerning a possible bond election in 2014.

   The Town Hall Meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. Thursday night at Farmers Branch City Hall and will be broadcast live on FBTV, cable channel 16 and online at farmersbranchtx.gov.

   For anyone unable to attend the meeting, they can rely on social networking to relay their comments and input on possible bond issues

via Twitter @fbtx. 

   The meeting will include formal business as the City Council will canvass and make official the results of the November 5 Charter Amendment election. Beyond that, the focus is on the City's financial status and what ideas are generated from the public on potential bond proposals, including whether or not to have a bond election and whether to have it in May or November of next year.

   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. 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The DFW International Community Alliance will present a Homebuyers Workshop at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Saturday, November 16 at 3 p.m.

   The workshop is free and open to the public with no registration required. A professional team from Wells Fargo will be available to address concerns and answer questions that potential homebuyers might have.

   For more information, call 972.247.2511.

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The Farmers Branch Fire Department will be hosting an informative program on fire investigations on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.

   Farmers Branch Fire Marshal Tim Dedear and Lieutenant Reggie Alexander will cover methods and techniques used in an investigation.

   Afterwards, the audience is invited to view the Mobile Unit that will be outside the Library that evening.

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Children are invited to celebrate the traditional season of harvest by enjoying the first "Book Feast" at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, November 20 at 6 p.m.
   Seated in the "cafe" by a teen volunteer hostess, children and their guardians will be able to order from a menu of popular picture books. The teen waitstaff will serve the selections to the table, where they can be read together. 
   Registration is required. Sign up in the Library at the Youth Services desk or through the online calendar. Teens are also encouraged to sign up for volunteer positions at the Youth Services Desk.
   For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.  

FARMERS BRANCH ~ All City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, November 29, most offices remain closed, except the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, both open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be no garbage collection either day. 

FARMERS BRANCH ~The week before Thanksgiving will be laden with opportunities to get back to nature with separate, guided walks through the John F. Burke Nature Preserve and the Farmers Branch Bird Sanctuary.

   First, on Thursday, November 21, Dallas County Master Naturalists will lead a one hour walk through the John F. Burke Nature Preserve. Participants are asked to bring binoculars, water and wear suitable clothing. The group will meet in the parking lot at 1111 Valley View Lane, near the President George Bush Turnpike, west of Luna Road.

   Then, on Saturday, November 23, bird lovers are invited on a walk through the Farmers Branch Bird Sanctuary. Those same binoculars, water and suitable clothing items are encouraged.

   Both walks are free and open to the public.

   Call 972.19.2625.

GUSSIE AMPHITHEATER ~ While all forms of turkey leftovers are still in the fridge, a new event will usher in the 2013 Christmas Tour of Lights Thanksgiving weekend, while also offering the opportunity to support WFAA's Santa's Helpers.

   The amphitheater at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall, will be the setting for the event with live entertainment, sweet treats food trucks, hayrides through the Tour of Lights and costumed holiday characters.

   Admission is free but everyone is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help Santa's Helpers make the season a bit brighter for less fortunate kids in north Texas. 

   The 300,000+ twinkling lights will first come on Friday, November 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and continue nightly through December 30, closed only December 7 and 25.