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Celebrate service
In a speech in the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. best characterized the nature of service to community.
"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
I am reminded of that this time of year when our neighbors line up to say "I want to serve" as part of our annual election season.
By its very nature, politics is about disagreement. That is to say, politics is about challenging ideas and raising the level of debate for the betterment of the community, at whatever level. However, and to that end, we should readily recognize a truism that is so frequently overlooked in the rhetoric of political seasons - we can disagree without being disagreeable.
We can, and should, raise up our elected officials and candidates for office who have offered to put themselves under the spotlight, to make themselves vulnerable, because they want to exercise that heart of service Dr. King spoke of. In fact, it is that "local" nature of politics at the municipal, school district or county level that should invite greater harmony, simply because we know the players. They may live next door or it may be the guy we do business with down the street. It seems that even if our neighbor's beliefs completely clash with ours, we should still appreciate him for his willingness to serve.
Shouldn't we?
Indeed, we can agree to disagree without losing our humanity and so let's reach for the day when elected officials will be celebrated for their service and not reviled for their reasoning.
After all, all politics is local.
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PUBLIC Health ALERT 
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Boy bit by rabid skunk
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Environmental Health Department has issued a public health alert after a skunk that bit a child on Saturday, April 26, tested positive for rabies.  The 10-year-old boy was attending an event that featured live animals, at a building in the 2200 block of Springlake Road, Saturday morning when he approached the skunk that had apparently entered the building through an open back door. The animal bit the boy on the ankle before being trapped and euthanized by Farmers Branch Animal Services officers. Farmers Branch Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright said the skunk tested positive for rabies after being sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin. The child is undergoing medical treatment for rabies exposure. Anyone that may have had contact with this skunk is urged to contact Farmers Branch Animal Services immediately at 972.919.8770. "It is always important, but more so under these circumstances, to be sure all family pets are current on rabies vaccinations," Mr. Wright said. "Everyone should avoid approaching or handling wild animals in any circumstance. Also, carefully observe pets that may have contact with wild animals. "If they suspect an animal may be rabid, they should avoid contact and call the Animal Services Department." |
Featured STORIES
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 Fishin' Fun  One ton of catfish await able anglers at Saturday's annual outdoor excursion
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A regular 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 one ton of farm-raised catfish waiting for young anglers (16 and under).
The event is free of charge and no registration is required. Fishin' Fun is absolutely free with loaner equipment available for kids that do not have their own. For younger kids, there will be a catch and release tank as well as games in the Kidzone (available 8 a.m. until 12 noon).
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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Used Book Sale set Thursday-Sunday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Thousands of books, movies and musical collections will be available at bargain prices, beginning Thursday, May 1 at the Bi-Annual Used Book Sale at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
The sale continues through the weekend, during regular Library hours, wrapping up on Sunday, May 4. Most titles will be available for less than $1. Proceeds directly benefit Library programs, facilities and materials.
Likewise, if anyone has books, movies or music to donate, the Library always accepts donations in good condition to be used twice a year during this sale.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Shakespeare's 'Shrew' will be under the stars
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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'1,000 Books before Kindergarten' plans party
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Trying to foster childhood literacy by the time kids start school, the "1,000 Books before Kindergarten" program will celebrate those achieving that milestone with a graduation party and special story time on Monday, May 5 at 11 a.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
The program encourages parents and caregivers to read many, many books with their child by the time he or she begins their formal education years with kindergarten. Although the event is designed to celebrate those who have met the goal, children and guardians who are still reading toward the goal, or those who are interested in starting are also invited to attend.
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Class creates crafts out of old books
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Employee: Alana Matlock-Frierson 
Division: Police - Communications
Background: I am a transplant from Chicago Police Department dispatch and look forward to living in Texas. I enjoy trying out new restaurants and bike riding. I love to travel and hang out with my 3 kids. I am excited to go see the local sights like the Dallas Aquarium, museums and especially the State Fair of Texas.
What I like most about working for the City: In the short time I have worked for Farmers Branch, I have enjoyed the Above and Beyond customer service aspect of the Police Department. Everyone here is so very friendly and hospitable!
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 Meredith Dowdy
Dream wedding
Navy Specialist Brandon Cullum and Elizabeth Croager became the first couple to wed in the newly redesigned Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch at Gussie Field Watterworth Park on Saturday. The couple were the recipients of a free "dream wedding" courtesy of the City of Farmers Branch and a number of local sponsoring vendors.
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Volume 4 | Edition 17 | Number 166 
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
Additional Information:
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This Week
All events subject to change
MAY 1 - 4 . THU - SUN
USED BOOK SALE
During regular hours @ Manske Library
8 am @ Gussie Field Watterworth Park
MAY 6
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
Alternate Weather Date May 8
Coming Soon All events subject to change
MAY 20
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 24
LIBERTY FEST presents STARS & STRINGS
Featuring the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Concert
@ Historical Park
972.919.2620
Most City offices closed
NO GARBAGE COLLECTION
Historical Park open 8-5
Rec Center open 8-5
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youtube.com  fbtv16
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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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"My Dinner With Randy"
Dinner & dialogue with information on the 2014 bond election
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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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Local NEWS
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Registration opens May 1 for summer youth camps
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Whether teaching teens about law enforcement, fire & rescue or the merits of leadership, three tried and true Farmers Branch Youth Camps open registration for the 2014 summer season on May 1.
The "Leader in Training" teen camp runs throughout the summer from June 9 through August 22. Designed for ages 13-15, the camp meets weekly and includes volunteer opportunities throughout the City. There is a $15 weekly fee.
Open to ages 13 to 18, the Teen Fire and Rescue Academy will be held June 23-27 and will include hands-on training, challenges and drills for the teens in attendance.
The Teen Police Academy is also open to ages 13 to 18 and will be held July 14-18. Cost for both the Teen Police Academy and Fire and Rescue Academy is $50 for members of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and $65 for non-members.
Call 972.247.4607 for more information.
   
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Hanna Kim to exhibit in Library art gallery in May
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ With unique works of oil on canvass, along with drawings, artist Hanna Kim will be featured in the Art Gallery at the Farmers Branch Manske Library from May 3 - 30.
The gallery is open during regular Library hours. Call 972.247.2511 for more info.
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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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A "fisheye" view of Gussie Field Watterworth Park gives a unique perspective as one ton of farm-raised catfish are pulled from Rawhide Creek by young anglers at Fishin' Fun in Farmers Branch, set this Saturday. City Staff Photo |
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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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