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Be informed
Arguably, one of the greatest political thinkers in American history was Thomas Jefferson. One of his most treasured ideals was that education and information were central to the functioning of a government.
"Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight," said the master of Monticello.
This is a valid preface for explaining the City organization's role in the bond proposition before the voters.
As you know, $23.5 million is being requested to fund street improvement projects during the next 10 years. As part of this process it is important to know that the City organization does not and cannot advocate a position either way on the issue. Rather, it is our job to be sure the voters are as educated as possible on the subject where they can render an informed opinion at the ballot box.
VIDEO  EXTRA
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Bond Issue 2014: My Dinner with Randy
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If you haven't seen it yet, I encourage you to take a look at the attached four-minute video piece where our Public Works Director, Randy Walhood, explains more about the bond issue and how we arrived at this point, over a virtual, video dinner.
Let me rephrase that - if you have any questions, please call us at 972.247.3131.
We want everyone to know as much as they can before they enter the voting booth. So, if you're searching for information we've not provided to you, please let us know.
Don't forget, early voting begins Monday and Election Day is May 10.
 
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Valley View to close tonight
FARMERS BRANCH ~ So that crews can reset portable concrete barriers as part of the LBJ Express project, Valley View Lane, at Interstate 35E, will be closed at 8 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Thursday morning.  The Valley View exchange is a part of the LBJ Express project, the five-year makeover of Interstate 635 and its contributing arteries. The 35Express project is engaging in a rebuild of Interstate 35E from LBJ, north to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County. For information on each project:
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Military couple gets a 'Wedding in the Branch'
Saturday ceremony will be a first for redesigned rose garden
ROSE GARDENS OF FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing the patriotic theme of City events, and in an effort to symbolically give back to the men and women of the U.S. military, the City of Farmers Branch, in association with 24 vendors from around the area, is giving away a Rose Garden Wedding to a military couple on Saturday, April 26.  | |
OSSN Brandon Cullum & Elizabeth Croager
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U.S. Navy Operations Specialist Seaman Brandon Cullum and his fiancée, Elizabeth Croager, will be the first couple to wed in the newly redesigned Rose Garden at Gussie Field Watterworth Park in Farmers Branch. Both originally from north Texas, Brandon is currently stationed in Japan aboard the U.S.S. Shiloh. Featuring archways, fountains and a designed "outdoor room" amidst the roses, the garden was redesigned after the EarthKind rose trial designation expired in 2012. Until then, the garden was a vital and active part of the EarthKind rose trials, experimenting with rose varieties that require little care or water. The garden was redesigned with weddings and events in mind. Brandon and Elizabeth were awarded the "dream rose garden wedding" in an announcement last year at the Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration. Sponsors offered prize giveaways to registered participants in the months leading up to the announcement last summer. Those partners have donated the various components of the wedding from formal wear to the cake, flowers, invitations, photography and more. Information on the Wedding in the Branch, including sponsors, a blog and more, can be found at www.weddinginthebranch.com. |
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Fishin' Fun
This year, no registration required for kid-friendly fishing event at Rawhide Creek
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A rite of Spring in Farmers Branch, the annual Fishin' Fun event returns to the banks of Rawhide Creek, near City Hall, on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. til 12 p.m. 
Rawhide Creek will be stocked with a ton of fish waiting for young anglers (16 and under). The event is free of charge and no registration is required. Additionally, there will be a kayaking area further downstream that has proved to be very popular.
Fishing will take place between 8 and 10 a.m. with an awards ceremony at 10:30.
For more information, call 972.919.1444.
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SMU ensemble to play Saturday at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Residents can take a musical adventure around
VIDEO  EXTRA
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MWME performing "Gankino"
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the world with Southern Methodist University's Meadows World Music Ensemble under the direction of Jamal Mohamed on Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
The Ensemble will explore countries through the magic of music as the they combine musical instruments from Asia, Africa and Latin America with western orchestral instruments.
This performance is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
  
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Firehouse Theatre presents Shakespeare
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Firehouse Theatre will present "The Taming of the Shrew" as their annual Shakespeare Under the Stars offering in May at the Farmers Branch Manske Library Amphitheater.
The classic will be presented May 8-11 and 15-18 at 8 p.m. at the venue, 13613 Webb Chapel Road.
Producing Artistic Director John Wilkerson said this would be FHT's second year to produce Shakespeare under the Texas sky and have added a second weekend to allow more patrons to attend.
Theatre-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair for the grassy, tiered rows in the amphitheater.
For tickets, call 972.620.3747 or thefirehousetheatre.com.
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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: Kim Thrasher 
Division: Police - Communications
Background: I have worked for the Police Department for almost a year. I have 5 years of previous experience in dispatch before coming to Farmers Branch. I have achieved my advanced certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator which is highest level obtainable. I truly love dispatching and I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I am a 10 year breast cancer survivor and each year I participate in the Anderson County Relay for Life event which raises money for cancer research. I have a 9 year old son who is my whole world!
What I like most about working for the City: In the short time I have worked for Farmers Branch, I have made some amazing friends. This is a wonderful place to work and I look forward to coming into work every day!
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Amanda Johnson
Caring for Mother Nature
Volunteers from the Farmers Branch-based U.S. headquarters for French lens manufacturer, Essilor, celebrated Earth Day by helping with landscaping projects at the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Wednesday.
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Volume 4 | Edition 16| Number 165 
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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Voting Calendar
At Dallas County Polling Locations, including
Farmers Branch City Hall
APR 28 - MAY 3 (Mon-Sat) EARLY VOTING
7 am - 7 pm @ Dallas County Polling Places
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VIDEO GALLERY
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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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"Pool's Closed!"
But, Farmers Branch residents have swimming options for the 2014 season.
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John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Overview
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This Week
All events subject to change
APR 23 . WEDNESDAY
READING UNDER THE STARS
972.247.2511
PRESCRIPTION MED TAKEBACK
10 am - 2 pm @ Justice Center
972.484.3620
SMU's MEADOWS WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE
All events subject to change
8 am @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
Alternate Weather Date May 8
MAY 24
LIBERTY FEST presents STARS & STRINGS
Featuring the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Concert
@ Historical Park
972.919.2620
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Burke Preserve to be profiled at
Earth Day Texas
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With a new display, presenting the merits of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, the City of Farmers Branch will be on hand for the Earth Day Texas exhibition this Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27 at Fair Park in Dallas.
Parks and Recreation Landscape Manager Pam Smith will be staffing the exhibit space in booth number 1210.
The event will feature more than 800 exhibits, 85 non-profits, 89 academic institutions and 50 government agencies.
For more information, visit www.earthdaytx.org.
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Mosquito dunks available to get jump on season
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With mosquito season again at hand, the City of Farmers Branch Environmental Health office is providing mosquito dunks to residents.
Dumping standing water is always the preferred method of eliminating potential mosquito-breeding areas, if dumping is not possible, treating with mosquito dunks is the next, best option.
Dunks are available at no cost to residents at Farmers Branch City Hall and at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, while supplies last.
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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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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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A "fisheye" view of City Hall gives a unique perspective as the springtime sunshine gleams down on the building. Photo by Tom Bryson |
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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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