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Isn't it rich
I hate to contradict stereotypical public opinion of government workers, but the vast majority of us are not, in fact, clowns.
Except for these guys. They are real clowns.
Really.
Every year, as part of the ongoing Fire Prevention programs of the Farmers Branch Fire Department, the 'Branch Brigade' visits thousands of school children each year, spreading knowledge and information about how to prevent fires in the home.
The troupe consists of two bumbling clowns, "Squirt" and "Fog Nozzle," along with "Firefighter Scot" who helps correct dangerous behaviors and reinforce good ones, and "DJ Scotty" who helps control the sound effects, music and multimedia to make it a memorable, multi-dimensional show.
The 'Branch Brigade' spends extra time on the road every October during Fire Prevention Month, making stops at every elementary school in Farmers Branch. Last year, the Brigade reached more than 2,000 students in grades K through 3 in October, alone.
 Their skit changes every year to reflect the current National Fire Protection Association's Fire Prevention Month theme, or to reflect a safety topic that is relevant to the age group of the audience. Since cooking is the number one cause of home fires, and more children are preparing their own meals at home, last year the 'Branch Brigade' followed the national theme of "Prevent Kitchen Fires." In addition to reaching kids on a level they can relate to, the troupe reinforced their message with parent letters that explained age-appropriate activities in the kitchen. When the dust settles after every show, kids have had fun, they've been entertained and, whether they knew it or not, they learned something about fire safety. That makes the 'Branch Brigade' another of our very valuable tools in educating and informing the public or, in other words, telling the City's story. In this case, the story is about keeping lives and property safe. I'd like to invite anyone to join me in supporting the ongoing work of the 'Branch Brigade.' Call the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 972.919.2640 for more information. Come to think of it, I actually enjoy contradicting that stereotypical public opinion of government workers. In Farmers Branch, it's easy with the caliber of hard-working, caring employees we have. Especially, the clowns. |
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Dallas County Elections release unofficial results
DALLAS ~ Unofficial results of the June 21 runoff elections for Farmers Branch Mayor and City Council, District 2 have been released by the Dallas County Elections Department. 
In the Mayor's race, Bob Phelps received 1,787 votes (54.47 percent) while David Koch received 1,494 votes (45.53 percent).
For City Council District 2, Luther Bernstein received 453 votes (47.38 percent) while Harold Froehlich received 503 votes (52.62 percent).
The results remain unofficial until canvassed by the Farmers Branch City Council at a special meeting set for Monday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall. Duly elected candidates will be sworn in at that time.
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Reception planned Monday for newly elected officials
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following Monday's special Council Meeting, where votes will be canvassed for the City Council's Runoff Election, there will be a reception held for new Mayor Bob Phelps and returning Councilmember from District 2, Harold Froehlich.
The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The reception will be held immediately following adjournment. Call 972.919.2515 for more information.
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INDEPENDENCE DAY
Pie Eating Contest at event to benefit military charities
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a show of support for U.S. military members and their families, some select Farmers Branch residents will take time at the annual Independence Day event to engage in an activity that is very American - eating a lot of pie. 
New to the Farmers Branch Independence Day festivities this year will be an old-fashioned Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Uncle Willie's Pies, with proceeds benefitting military charities. Held on stage at 7:30 p.m., the contest will feature two divisions: Youth (ages 8-13) and Adult (ages 14 and up).
Rules are simple - the person that eats the most pie in the best time wins. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in both contests. Entry fee is $10. Anyone can pre-register at www.unclewilliespies.com or at the pie tent on the day of the event.
In addition to the eating extravaganza, the evening will feature a concert by Groove Knight, making a return Independence Day appearance in Farmers Branch, concession vendors in the park and a spectacular fireworks finale.
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Free parking will be available at the Metrosquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road, with a free shuttle to the gate. The Historical Park is also a short walk south from the Farmers Branch DART Station on the Green Line. Call 972.919.1433 or visit fbspecialevents.com.
   
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Six promoted at FBFD
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Fire Chief Steve Parker has announced six  promotions, effective today at the Farmers Branch Fire Department.
Lieutenant/Paramedic Mike Campbell and Lieutenant/Paramedic Jonathan Castro were both promoted to Captain/Paramedic.
John Garcia and Kyle Richardson were both promoted from Driver/Paramedic to Lieutenant/Paramedic.
Scot Vickers and Morgan Bell were both promoted from Firefighter/Paramedic to Driver/Paramedic.
These six will be officially celebrated at a promotion ceremony, set for Tuesday, July 15 at the Bob Phelps Fire Administration Building.
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Employee: Miklos Valdez
 Position: Aquatics Manager Date Hired: June 19, 2014 Background: I am an avid rugby player and a Captain for the Dallas Harlequins Rugby Football Club. I also serve as Treasurer for the Dallas Harlequins. I have worked for the City of Allen prior to coming to Farmers Branch in the Parks Division, in particular the Aquatics Center. I am a certified pool operator and lifeguard instructor trainer. I have received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Looking Forward to Working for the City: I am really looking forward to opening the new Aquatics Center for Farmers Branch. It's an exciting opportunity to get in from the start and create a new experience for patrons.
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Strike a Pose
Two of the 17 students in the 2014 edition of the Farmers Branch Fire Department Teen Fire Academy try on bunker gear as part of their week-long experience with the FBFD.
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Volume 4 | Edition 25 Number 174 
is published weekly by the Communications Office
of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Three-time Award Winner for Excellence in
E-Newsletters in Texas
Awarded by the
Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
www.texastamio.org
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Coming Soon
All events subject to change
JUN 30 (Mon)
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:30 pm @ City Hall
Broadcast LIVE on FBTV
972.919.2515
JUL 3 (Thu)
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
@ FB Historical Park
. Gates open at 6:30 pm
. Concert by Groove Knight
. Pie-Eating Contest
. KidZone
. Fireworks finale
JUL 4 (Fri)
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Most City offices and facilities closed. Only exceptions are Community Rec Center and Historical Park, both open 8 am to 5 pm
NO GARBAGE COLLECTION
RED, WHITE & BLUE INDEPENDENCE DAY WALKING PARADE
9 am @ Rawhide Parkway between Josey & Longmeade
JUL 15 (Tue)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:30 pm @ City Hall
Broadcast LIVE on FBTV
972.919.2515
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 | | "Don't Text & Drive" |
 | | Pool's Closed! |
 | | "Above & Beyond" |
 | | "John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Overview" |
 | | "Farmers Branch Connections" |
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New fire engine assembly can be tracked online
APPLETON, WI ~ The Pierce Manufacturing construction status webpage is offering weekly updated views of the new Farmers Branch fire engine as it continues to be assembled at their Appleton, Wisconsin plant.
Fire Chief Steve Parker said the status page is updated every Friday with new pictures. Those interested should click on the link and scroll down to Farmers Branch.
Chief Parker said he hopes the new engine, to be designated E-131, will making its first call from Fire Station No. 1 on August 1.
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Family Advisory Board plans walking parade
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Creativity will be on display Friday morning, July 4 as the Farmers Branch Family Advisory Board sponsors the Red, White and Blue Independence Day Parade.
The annual walking parade begins at 9 a.m. at Rawhide Creek, between Josey and Longmeade. Everyone is invited to bring flags, wear red, white and blue, decorate strollers, bikes and wagons.
In addition to the walking parade, there will be a kids' watermelon eating contest, adult pie eating contest, other games, prizes and food.
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Swimming passes still available at resident discounts
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Farmers Branch residents can still take advantage of Carrollton's Rosemeade Rainforest facility at a special discounted rate, while the new aquatic center is being built on the site of the old Don Showman pool.
The Farmers Branch City Council approved the plan earlier this year. Farmers Branch residents can go to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center to fill out appropriate paperwork, show proof of residency and pay a fee equivalent to the 2013 fees at the Don Showman Pool. That is $18 for residents and $55 for families.
For more information, call 972.247.4607.
   
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Summer Reading program to include senior reading
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ In a partnership with Emeritus, the Farmers Branch Manske Library's Summer Reading program will include Reading PALS on Fridays at 10:15 a.m. beginning Friday, June 13.
PALS, or Partner And Learn with Seniors, is open to young readers who need extra assistance with reading comprehension. Children will be able to read aloud with their special tutor from Emeritus.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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The party band, Groove Knight, will return to the Farmers Branch Historical Park for this year's Independence Day festivities on July 3.
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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