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No better time
Weekends always present great opportunities.
There can be the opportunity to improve the look of your yard or to find buried treasure in the attic or storage unit. Some people paint or work on cars and trucks. Others simply engage their hobbies and see about raising their game or lowering their handicap.
This Saturday presents an extraordinary opportunity to actually add a new friend to your family.
'Empty the Shelter Day' is being staged in communities across north Texas to highlight the great work being done by Animal Services personnel and volunteers but also to alleviate overcrowding in our shelters so we can accommodate as many animals as possible that need care. This can be best accomplished by adopting out those that are eligible and ready.
In other words, we need to "empty the shelter."
From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, all available animals at the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center will be up for adoption with all fees waived - but for this one day only. 
Even if you're not in the market for a new pet, I encourage you to come on by the Animal Adoption Center and take a look at this wonderful facility. Since the doors opened, just over five years ago, they have adopted out more than 2,500 pets - and that doesn't count wayward dogs and cats that were returned to their owners.
So, if you've been thinking about adding on a watch dog or watch cat, perhaps a new playmate for the kids or just want to acquire a furry companion to take walks with, there is no better time than this Saturday.
  
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Proposed budget to be discussed in City Council workshop, Tuesday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bob Phelps and the members of the Farmers Branch City Council will discuss City Manager Gary D. Greer's proposed Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget in a special workshop session set for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19 in the Study Session Room at Farmers Branch City Hall.
The workshop will precede the Council's regular Study Session, to follow, in advance of the evening's regularly scheduled Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 972.247.3131
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Dogs & Cats go free
Fees waived for special pet adoption event, Saturday @ AAC
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a means of showcasing services and in an effort to reduce the population at the Animal Adoption Center, Farmers Branch will be joining with dozens of other participating cities, counties and non-profit organizations in sponsoring "Empty the Shelter" day, when dozens of pets will be available for adoption, at no cost to citizens.
The event will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16 at the local facility. 
Regular adoption fees can run up to $85, but will be waived for one day only. Although the center maintains a consistently high adoption rate, it is necessary to make room for other incoming animals that need care.
Since opening its doors on May 7, 2009, the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center has been responsible for adopting out 2,528 pets, including 439 last year alone. Animal Services Manager Miguel Gauna said those statistics do not include rescues and pets returned to owners. 
"Empty the Shelter Day" participating cities include Carrollton, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Irving, Lewisville, Plano and Richardson, among others.
The Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center is located at 3727 Valley View Lane, just east of the Farmers Branch Justice Center and near the entrance to Brookhaven College. Call them at 972.919.8770.
For more information on the single day adoption event, visit www.emptytheshelter.org.
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West Nile Virus confirmed in three Farmers Branch mosquito traps
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Due to excessive rains this summer, followed by the onset of extreme heat, three sites in Farmers Branch have produced mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus. 
Some mosquitoes found in the residential areas of Oakbrook and Dutch Village, as well as in the neighborhood south of the Four Corners, have become the first mosquitoes testing positive for the disease in Farmers Branch in two years.
Farmers Branch Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright said the mix of wet weather and hot temperatures is providing a perfect setting for mosquito-breeding. "We still haven't had a confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in Farmers Branch this year and we want to help everyone guard against it," he explained. "Eliminating standing water sites around your property is the best way to keep those mosquitoes from spreading West Nile Virus."
Mr. Wright said more information on combating mosquito-breeding areas, protecting humans from exposure and sign up for text alerts for mosquito spraying can be found online at www.farmersbranchtx.gov/wnv.
The neighborhoods with the positive mosquito traps were sprayed Monday and Tuesday and will be sprayed Wednesday nights after 9 p.m., weather permitting.
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Vintage Base Ball's Farmers Branch Mustangs to play Irving, Saturday
Gates open at 9:30 a.m. with first pitch at 10. Admission is free.
Part of the Vintage Base Ball league, the Mustangs are seeking new players to engage in the great game as it was originally intended - no glove, no ungentlemanly conduct, no stealing of bases and more.
Residents are encouraged to come and play ball with the Mustangs or join the Mustang's Fan Club. No sports experience necessary. For more information, email the Historical Park or call 972.919.8731. The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road, just east of the DART Green Line tracks.
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Street bond projects well underway
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Asphalt is expected to be laid on Templeton Trail as the first project under the voter-approved $23.5 million bond program for street enhancements during the next decade.
Farmers Branch Public Works Director Randy Walhood said concrete replacements are also coming up on sections of Golfing Green and Valwood Parkway.
Residents can be kept informed about street projects under the bond program by registering for text alerts on the City's website.
972.919.2597
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Mosquito Dunks available free for residents
CITY HALL ~ To continue to combat mosquito-breeding that can lead to the spread of West Nile Virus, the City of Farmers Branch is offering free mosquito larvacide briquets, or dunks, to put in standing water. Those are available while supplies last at Farmers Branch City Hall and the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
Likewise, residents can be informed about mosquito spraying in neighborhood areas by signing up for text alerts at the City's website.
972.919.2539
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Coupon Swap set for Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Residents can learn how easy saving money and budgeting can be at the Farmers Branch Manske Library's Coupon Swap Tuesday, August 19 at 5 p.m.
While not everyone devotes their life to clipping coupons, participants can take some time on Tuesday to share and exchange coupons and budgeting tips on a small scale. Everyone is invited to the free program and should bring coupons they do not want.
972.247.2511
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Tell it to the Mayor planned twice monthly
CITY HALL ~ Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps will be available for open office hours on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, 3 to 6 p.m., at Farmers Branch City Hall, beginning in August. Anyone is welcome to come by to chat with Mayor Phelps on any topic.
972.919.2511
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Citizen Police Academy seeks applicants
JUSTICE CENTER ~ The Farmers Branch Police Department is gearing up for the Fall session of its Citizen Police Academy. The 30-hour block of instruction is broken into classes over 10 weeks designed to give adults a working knowledge of Farmers Branch Police Department policies, personnel and procedures. Enrollment is free.
972.484.3620
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Aquatics Center construction update
Updated: August 13, 2014
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.
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. Call 972.247.4607 for more information.
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Volume 4 | Edition 32 | Number 181 
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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Big fella
This attentive canine was watching people milling about at National Night Out a few years back. Although he won't be available this weekend, dozens of other dogs, and cats, will be up for zero-fee adoptions during the special "Empty the Shelter Day" at the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center.
Photo by Tom Bryson
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This Week
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SAT, Aug 16
EMPTY THE SHELTER DAY
@ FB Animal Adoption Center
9 am - 3 pm
972.919.8770
VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME @ FB Historical Park
Farmers Branch Mustangs vs. Irving Estelles
Free admission
Gates open 9:30 am
972.406.0184
TUE, Aug 19
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
> Special Budget Workshop begins @ 3 pm
Regular meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
In Coming Weeks
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LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
> Most City facilities closed
> No garbage collection
> Rec Center & Historical Park open 8 am - 5 pm
972.247.3131
TUE, SEP 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
Study Session @ 5 pm
Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
Watch LIVE
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
SAT, SEP 6
OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES
"E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial"
@ Manske Library Amphitheatre @ Dusk
972.247.2511
SAT, SEP 13
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
@ Community Rec Center
9 am - 12 noon
972.247.3131
PICKUPS-N-PANELS
@ FB Historical Park
10 am - 3 pm
OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES
"National Treasure"
@ Manske Library Amphitheatre @ Dusk
972.247.2511
TUE, SEP 16
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
Study Session @ 5 pm
Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm
972.247.3131
* All meeting dates & times subject to change. Call for verification.
@ Manske Library Amphitheatre @ Dusk
TUE, SEP 23
STAR PARTY
@ FB Historical Park
Dusk - 9 pm
972.406.0184
TUE, SEP 23
Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins"
@ Barney Wood Athletic Cplx
972.247.4607
Mark Your
Calendar
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OCT 17-18
BLOOMIN' BLUEGRASS
FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL &
CHILI COOK-OFF
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
OCT 18
CELEBRATION OF ROSES
@ Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch
972.919.2550
OCT 25
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
NOV 11
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
@ Senior Center
10:30 am
972.919.2620
DEC 6
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
NOV 28 thru DEC 30
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
972.919.1433
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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 | | Teen Camp Video Blog |
 | | "Above & Beyond" |
 | | "John F. Burke Nature Preserve: An Overview" |
 | | "Farmers Branch Connections" |
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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
lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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HISTORICAL PARK ~ The 
