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Service above self
Farmers Branch is blessed to have many groups that volunteer to be involved in improving the community. Two of the most prominent and long-standing service clubs in Farmers Branch are the Carrollton/Farmers Branch and Farmers Branch Rotary Clubs. 
The motto of all Rotary Clubs is "Service Above Self." The members of these clubs emulate this motto in a big way to our community. They are truly some of the greatest community cheerleaders for positive change we have.
The Carrollton/Farmers Branch Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. at Brookhaven Country Club. Their 55-plus members, led this year by Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller, engages in fundraising to help Metrocrest Services, the Family Place, scholarships for local young adults, and various veterans programs. Currently, they are raising money to provide a special needs playground/park in Farmers Branch.
The Farmers Branch Rotary Club meets on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. at the Night Hotel. They are led by Richard Fleming, local businessman and CFB-ISD School Board Member, boasting about 25 members. This club also helps fund Metrocrest Services and other local interests, including scholarships, recreation fees for kids and other charities. The club raises funds with an annual golf tournament.
Speaking of which, Monday, April 28 is their 28th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The Farmers Branch Rotary Club is looking for golfers and sponsors for the event to help this fundraiser for community programs.
So, please keep these community-minded heroes in mind when you remember who helps Farmers Branch advance. Also, don't hesitate to get involved with either club by joining up, donating to the special needs park or playing in or sponsoring the golf tournament.
They will help you learn how your life can be enhanced when you put service above self.
  
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City offices to close for holidays on Good Friday, Easter Sunday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Most City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, April 18 in observance of the Good Friday holiday. 
The only exceptions will be the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, both of which will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
There will be no garbage collection on Good Friday.
All City offices and facilities will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20.
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Public Works Director offers virtual video 'dinner,' along with bond conversation
VIDEO EXTRA
 | | Bond Issue 2014: My Dinner with Randy |
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In a departure from traditional videos on road work, usually featuring heavy equipment and traffic cones, the Farmers Branch Public Works Department has released a informational video on the 2014 bond election with a different theme.
In "My Dinner with Randy," citizens are invited to sit down to a 'virtual' dinner with Public Works Director Randy Walhood, where he engages his dinner companion in an informational discussion on the components of the roadwork to be covered by the $23.5 million bond issue the voters will consider in the May 10 election.
The City's Elections Info web page features this video, along with other information pertaining to the May 10 election for the bond package, local option for beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption and the City officers election for Mayor and Council Member District 2. For more information, call 972.919.2515.
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Fourth Dallas International Girls Cup soccer tourney opens today
ROSS STEWART SOCCER COMPLEX ~ Hosted by the Dallas Texans select soccer club and drawing soccer teams from all over the world, the 2014 Dallas International Girls Cup takes place this week at the Ross Stewart Soccer Complex in Farmers Branch and at locations across the Dallas area. The fourth edition of the tournament will be the biggest edition yet with  88 teams including some of the best girls teams from across the United States including the Dallas Texans, Dallas Sting, World Class FC from New York, Eagles SC from California, Rio Rapids Soccer club from New Mexico, and Jacksonville FC from Florida, among others. Some top Canadian teams will also be participating including Barrie FC, Ottawa South United, Whitby Iroquios and Thunder Bay Chill Reserve. Of course the tournament will also feature outstanding international participants. Representing Australia will be Subiaco AFC, from Denmark will be Himmelev Veddelev BK and Ballerup-Skovlunde Fodbold, representing Haiti will be Citadelle Football Club and traveling from England will be the Blackburn Rovers, Millwall FC and Preston North End. The Ross Stewart Soccer Complex in Farmers Branch with six world- class lighted fields, a professional style clubhouse, training facility and a retail village with special support from Nike is once again serving as the platform for the participants to showcase their skills. However, what makes the Dallas International Girls Cup a once-in-a-lifetime experience and not just a soccer tournament are the events that take place off the field. Organizers emphasize that this tournament allows players, parents, managers and coaches to have the opportunity to interact and enjoy the distinctive Texas hospitality and culture. Helping to make this event possible are sponsors such as NIKE, the City of Farmers Branch, Gatorade and many others. More information can be found at www.dallasinternationalgirlscup.com, along with more detailed information regarding the tournament. |
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Full house at Animal Adoption Center prompts $35 special
ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER ~ With the Animal Adoption Center at capacity, and in order to free up space, City officials have lowered the cost for pet adoptions temporarily to $35.  Normally $85, the adoption fee covers more than $200 of veterinary services including heart worm testing for dogs over six months old, feline leukemia testing for cats over six months, sterilization, rabies and selected vaccinations, microchipping and a free veterinarian exam at participating vet clinics.
The reduced fee will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, call the Animal Adoption Center at 972.919.8770.
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Citizen Collection Center has reopened
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Citizen Collection Center has officially reopened for Farmers Branch resident use between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday of each week, except for posted holidays.
Closed in 2009, funding to reopen the center was approved by the Farmers Branch City Council earlier this year. Located at 1399 Valley View Lane, the convenience station features drive up dumpsters to drop off large trash and debris, along with regular household garbage and recycling items.
Public Works officials emphasized the Center is designed for use by residents only. No commercial vehicles or contractors will be allowed use of the site. There is no charge for residents.
   
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Sale of e-cigarettes to minors prohibited
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Responding to the growing proliferation of the electronic cigarette market, the Farmers Branch City Council recently took action to safeguard youth by restricting sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
The new ordinance prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to minors as well as possession of e-cigarettes by minors. In addition, e-cigarettes are restricted from sale in self-service machines where minors could have access.
Violation of the ordinance carries a fine of up to $500 per offense. For more information, call 972.484.3620.
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Voluntary water conservation remains in effect
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Although 2013 proved to be wetter than usual for north Texas, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer wants to remind residents voluntary water conservation measures remain in effect.
"Although the rain we've had last summer was extremely rare for that time of year, we remain in the clutches of non-typical weather patterns," he explained. "That's why we implemented Stage 1 voluntary conservation measures, under our drought contingency plan, in early 2012 and that's why we're continuing that stage now."
>> MORE
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Employee: Sabrina Turner 
Division: Finance - Customer Service
Background: I have 10+ years experience in customer service, as well as 4+ years in retail sales and services. I am attending school in pursuit of an Education degree and have completed numerous courses and seminars in customer service, marketing strategies, inventory control, time management and leadership.
What I like most about working for the City: What I like most about working for the City are the people, my work environment and my boss. When I began here, even as a temp, everyone was super friendly! The environment I work in is very positive and. I enjoy coming to work every day. I am never stressed by the end of the day. Also my boss, Leslie Smith, is a joy to work with.
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Volume 4 | Edition 145| Number 164 
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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Coming Soon
All events subject to change
APR 28 - MAY 3 (Mon-Sat)
EARLY VOTING
8 am - 5 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
MAY 3
FISHIN' FUN
8 am @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park
1 - 6 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
7 am - 7 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places including Farmers Branch City Hall
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
Alternate Weather Date May 8
7 am - 7 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places
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Council approves Demo/Rebuild tax incentives
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council, on Tuesday, took action to approve a property tax incentive under the Demo/Rebuild program for a home in the 14000 block of Olympic Court.
Under the terms of the program, any homeowner who demolishes an existing home and builds a new one can apply to have their property taxes frozen at the previous home's valuation for a period of seven years.
For more information on the program, call 972.919.2509.
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Additional med collection April 26
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Anyone that was unable to participate in the deposit of old prescription medications at CityWide CleanUp Day can still bring them by the Farmers Branch Justice Center on Saturday, April 26, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Part of the annual Drug Enforcement Administration effort, the medication take-back is sponsored annually. The Farmers Branch Justice Center is located at 3723 Valley View Lane, at the corner of Valley View and Marsh. Call 972.484.3620.
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Library plans an evening of reading under the stars
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Welcome the warmer spring weather with a night of "Reading under the Stars" at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to bring his or her flashlight and blankets and relax outside in the Library's amphitheater. Books and extra flashlights will be available.
This story time is free and open to all ages. For more information call the Library at972.247.2511.
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New online payment system on the way
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Customers in Farmers Branch will soon be seamlessly directed to a new online utility payment site when they access the City's website at www.farmersbranchtx.gov to pay their utility bill.
The new site will allow customers to pay their account by debit or credit card using Visa, MasterCard or Discover on a one-time basis or to set up recurring payments. Customers may also choose to auto draft their bank account on a recurring basis on their bill due date.
Additionally, customers can sign up for e-notifications to receive alerts about their account.
The system will guide customers through the first-time setup process. For more information, call 972.919.2525.
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Mid-Year budget workshop to replay thru May 6
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bill Glancy and members of the Farmers Branch City Council considered a presentation on mid-year adjustments to the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget during a special workshop, held as part of their April 15 Council Meeting, that will be rebroadcast on FBTV at 3 p.m. seven days a week, through May 6.
FBTV can be seen on cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranchtx.gov.
For more information, call 972.247.3131.
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Farmers Branch
"Above & Beyond"
A profile of Farmers Branch City employees who daily go "Above & Beyond" expectations to deliver service to citizens.
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Twilight descended on the Farmers Branch Historical Park last Saturday as the assembled crowd anticipated the evening, outdoor movie at Date Night in the Park. Photo by Derrick Birdsall |
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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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