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Details speak
There is a reason that we teach our employees the virtues of the organizational culture at the Disney company. As anyone who has ever visited a Disney park can attest, details make a difference.
Details speak.
It is with that I would like to underscore the tremendous job done by our Parks and Recreation Department staff when it comes to special events and, in particular, last Thursday's spectacular Independence Day Festivities.
Led from the front by people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, this group of folks - along with support from other departments - pay attention to the details that lead to the greatest possible experience for our guests.
My job at Thursday's event was to be a member of the audience, along with my family. I get to watch professionals at work doing everything they can to make the night special - whether that was coordinating the band, guarding access to the backstage area, working with the fireworks people or simply trying to keep the aisles clear, the restrooms in working order and the trash cans from overflowing.
A pie-eating contest does not just happen.
And, the greatest thing about it all is these folks do it, not just because they want to do their job, but because they want to be the best there is at their job. That's not accomplished until you have a memorable experience that keeps you coming back to Farmers Branch, for a weekend or for a lifetime.
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Texx Stewart
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Not everything is perfect, but you can bet that our staff will learn from what didn't go well and make it better next time out.
So, when you see people in the green shirts that say "STAFF" on the back, you can rest easy knowing these are the folks that are here for you - people like Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting and Special Projects Manager Meredith Dowdy and Parks Superintendent Charles Cancellare and everyone that works with them.
On that note, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that this Independence Day event was the last of Texx Stewart's tenure as Recreation Superintendent. For the better part of the last three decades, Texx, with his warm smile and trademark white beard, has been one of the original purveyors of detail work that has benefitted the city and citizens of Farmers Branch in so many ways. And while Texx may be retiring this week, he has set a very specific standard of excellence for those that work with him, for him and around him, as a legacy of service that will live on in this particular workplace for years to come.
We will miss his wit, wisdom and undying dedication to the Texas Rangers (even during the lean years) and hope he knows that he takes with him our best wishes and deepest thanks for a job very well done.
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Ironclad Performance Gloves opening local distribution center
FARMERS BRANCH ~ California-based Ironclad Performance Gloves has announced the opening of a distribution center later this summer in Farmers Branch. 
Built on specially designing gloves for specific types of work or activity, Ironclad will be moving into a 13,000-square foot space in the 1900 block of Hutton Drive. Ironclad offers a diverse product line that, in the words of founder Ed Jaegar, "offers protection and performance but sacrifices neither."
The facility is expected to be open in mid to late August.
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Vendor registration for annual Craft Fair opens tomorrow
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Residents over the age of 50 that want to sell handmade items at the annual Farmers Branch Craft Fair, coming this October to the Senior Center, may register as vendors beginning Thursday, July 10 at 9 a.m. 
Planned for Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., the annual sale has become an unofficial kickoff for the impending holiday season with themed wares made by local and area artisans.
Farmers Branch resident vendor registration will continue through Wednesday, July 23. Then, open registration commences July 24 and continues until all spaces are filled.
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Retired FBPD K-9, Kilo, has died at the age of 9
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Kilo flashes a toothy smile during his retirement ceremonies held in the courtroom at the Farmers Branch Justice Center in December of 2012.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Only a year and a half after his retirement, former Farmers Branch Police Department K-9, Kilo, has died at the age of 9.
A Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, Kilo's career, as the FBPD's fifth K-9, spanned 42 dog years, working from 2006 until his retirement ceremony in December of 2012.
During his watch, Kilo, along with his partner, Officer Cary Morgan, was responsible for seizure of 193 pounds of marijuana, more than 11 pounds of cocaine, 73.6 grams of heroin, 36 pounds of methamphetamine and almost 900 doses of other drugs and pills. Total street value of Kilo's seizures was $874,229.
Officially signed over to Officer Morgan at his retirement, Kilo died suddenly and unexpectedly in June from undetermined causes.
He was buried privately.
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Valley View closures extended again, now through July 14
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials with the 35Express group have again extended nighttime closures of Valley View Lane under Interstate 35E now until Monday, July 14.
 Construction crews close the intersection to affect work on the overhead bridge and support during the nighttime hours of 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. More info at www.35express.org.
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Family Star Party coming July 18
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With a nod to safe solar observation of the late day sun and sunset, in advance of celestial viewing, a Family Star Party has been planned for the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Friday, July 18, from 7 until 11 p.m. 
Free and open to the public, the party begins with a bring-your-own-picnic dinner to accompany safe solar observation and a "How To" telescope clinic. Volunteers from the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas will be on hand.
After sunset viewing at 8:15, the high-powered telescopes kick into gear for viewing of Saturn, Mars, summer constellations and more.
For more information, call the Park at 972.406.0184 or visit www.texasastro.org.
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Aquatics Center begins to take form
 FARMERS BRANCH ~ Construction continues throughout the summer on the new Aquatics Center to be located next to the Community Recreation Center on Heartside Place, near Valwood Parkway.
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2014 Swim Season Options
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The year-round, indoor section of the new complex is expected to be open next winter with the outdoor portion ready for the summer, 2015 swim season.
In the meantime, Farmers Branch residents can still get season passes, at 2013 Farmers Branch prices, for the Carrollton Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatics Facility. Call 972.247.4607 for more information, or check out this video.
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Volume 4 | Edition 27 | Number 176 
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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Council meeting planned July 15
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council will meet for one regularly scheduled meeting in July on Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
A Study Session precedes the regular meeting in the upstairs conference room at City Hall at 5 p.m. Both session are carried live on FBTV, cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranchtx.gov.
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Town Hall Meeting set July 24
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The plans for street refurbishment in the next 10 years, stemming from the 2014 voter-approved $23.5 million bond program, will be the topic of discussion at a Town Hall Meeting, set for Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. For more information, call 972.919.2515.
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Street bond projects underway
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The first street projects under the voter-approved $23.5 million bond issue began last week with work on Templeton Trail.
Street projects either under active or impending construction, include:
- Templeton Trail, between Ridge Oak and Myra.
- Montvale, between Josey Lane and Brandywine.
- Templeton Trail, between Valley View and Cloverdale.
- Golfing Green, between Longmeade and Webb Chapel.
street repairs. Registration is available on that page for text alerts on street projects. Residents may also connect with the City on Facebook and Twitter for street program updates.
In addition, the Town Hall Meeting on July 24 at the Farmers Branch Senior Center will focus on the upcoming Street program.
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Random Acts of Kindness to visit Police Department
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch Senior Center's "Random Acts of Kindness" group will visit the Farmers Branch Police Department Thursday morning to deliver snacks and treats to officers.
The RAK group was founded on the principle of "paying it forward" in hopes that random acts of kindness inspire others to similar acts.
For more information, call the Senior Center at 972.919.8740.
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Firehouse Theatre to say 'Hello Dolly'
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing their trademark fresh look at classic shows, the Firehouse Theatre is planning to open their production of the rousing musical, "Hello Dolly!" on Friday, July 11 at the Plaza Arts Center in old downtown Carrollton.
Directed by John Wilkerson, the show will continue through July 27. For reservations and information, call 972.620.3747 or visit thefirehousetheatre.com.
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Oncor begins tree trimming in area neighborhoods
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Oncor has notified Farmers Branch that they will be trimming trees in several local neighborhoods in the coming weeks.
According to Oncor, the area to be trimmed is generally bounded by Webb Chapel Road, Belt Line Road, Marsh Lane and Pebble Beach Drive. Oncor can be reached at 888.313.6862.
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Residents can opt for texts on mosquito spraying
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A new service on the City's website allows residents to sign up for text or email notifications when mosquito spraying will take place in a certain area of the City as a defense to the spread of West Nile Virus.
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Rec Center sponsors new fitness classes
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Two new fitness programs, designed to get participants up and moving are set in July by the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center:
WALKING YOGA
- Saturday, July 12 | 9 am
- Route begins at the Historical Park
- Free (Pre-registration is required)
The whole family is welcome to exercise and practice yoga techniques surrounded by the Farmers Branch landscape from the Historical Park, through the Bird Sanctuary and Fuller Rose Garden to Gussie Field Watterworth Park.
Participants should bring water and a yoga mat. Beginner, intermediate or advanced levels are welcomed.
Pre-register by calling 972-247-4607 by July 10.
FIT FAMILY
- Saturday, July 26 | 9 am
- Gussie Field Watterworth Park Amphitheater
- Free (Pre-registration is required)
Everyone is invited to join in for a one-hour fitness event at Gussie Field Watterworth Park Amphitheater. Parents and kids will work out together for amped up energy and fun. Join trainer Meghan and her kids for functional strength training, cardio, games and more. All fitness levels are welcome. FIT Family will last about an hour. Please bring water and a yoga mat. Pre-register by calling 972-247-4607 by July 24.
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 | | Teen Camp Video Blog |
 | | "Don't Text & Drive" |
| | "Pool's Closed!" |
 | | "Above & Beyond" |
 | | "John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Overview" |
 | | "Farmers Branch Connections" |
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Epic pie eating was the focus of intense competition on stage between band sets at the Annual Independence Day festivities last week at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Photo by Mitzi Davis
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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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