Movie In the Park | Saturday @ Dusk | Walt Disney's 'Mary Poppins'
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The grass is always bluer
To win an award should never be the sole reason for doing something. However, when it happens, it can be a great affirmation of the effort and a measuring stick against the competition.
Plus, when it's a big one, that's pretty sweet.
Next Thursday, October 2, at the World of Bluegrass Business Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Awards will be given out to the best and the brightest on the Bluegrass music scene across the globe.
And, it is with a great deal of pride that Farmers Branch will be announced in the mix of other people and places as we are up for "Bluegrass Event of the Year" for our Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff (coming up this year October 17 & 18).
By the way, before you raise an eyebrow at a global reference to bluegrass music, you should know that our first Bloomin' Bluegrass festival drew a couple from Italy (not Italy, Texas). More than that, they were on their honeymoon, listening to bluegrass music in Farmers Branch. There is international appeal to this genre. That's where you get the "international" flavor of the awards.
Now, before you worry whether or not Farmers Branch can be considered a haven for bluegrass music, you should also consider that the other nominees in our category are North Adams, Massachusetts, Turnbridge, Vermont, Richmond, Minnesota and McMinville, Tennessee. I think we're in the mix.
Whether we win or not, the big takeaway here is the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff is really emerging onto a big stage as one of the major events on the annual calendar for bluegrass music enthusiasts. Each of the four years of the festival so far, people have come from across the country (and, yes, some from other countries), to sit in the meadow at the Farmers Branch Historical Park and indulge their passion.
This year, our fifth annual, promises to be even better than before. Our musical headliners include the incredible Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, along with Seldom Scene, the Gibson Brothers, Rambling Rooks, Balsam Range, Flatt Lonesome and many more.
As usual, there will be an Arts & Crafts Marketplace and a free KidZone with activities for the little ones.
And, there will be chili. Lots of chili.
If you like making chili or eating chili, this will be the place to be on Saturday. Find out more about all of it at www.bloominbluegrass.com.
And, just maybe, there will be a nice, shiny award we can show off.
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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Farmers Branch Police arrest two for burglarizing vehicles
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Three individuals were arrested in the pre-dawn hours today for burglarizing vehicles in the area of Joanna Drive and Queens Chapel.
Police said the subjects were entering unlocked vehicles and removing items. Anyone living in that area that is missing items from their vehicle is encouraged to call Farmers Branch Police at 972.484.3620.
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Valley View closed tonight
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials at the LBJ Express project will be closing all lanes of Valley View under Interstate 35E from Wednesday night at 8 p.m. to Thursday morning at 6 a.m.
 The closure is for the deck demolition of a temporary bridge over Valley View.
Webb Chapel to reopen Friday night after rush hour
FARMERS BRANCH ~ After a lengthy closure, Webb Chapel Road, under Interstate 635 is projected to reopen to traffic Friday night after evening rush hour.
Officials at LBJ Express said there will still be nightly partial closures on Webb Chapel for overhead construction on the main lanes of the interstate highway. LBJ Express is the construction group responsible for the massive makeover of the freeway from I-35E east to Greenville Avenue.
Additionally, officials noted that Josey Lane, at LBJ, is scheduled to be reduced to two lanes on the north and southbound sides on Saturday.
>> LBJExpress.com
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BARNEY WOOD ATHLETIC COMPLEX ~ Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Walt Disney Classic, "Mary Poppins" will be featured at the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department's annual Movie in the Park, set Saturday, September 27 with events beginning prior to the film at the Barney Wood Athletic Complex.
Showtime is dusk and admission is free. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for open field seating. Concessions will be available for sale, including Kona Ice.
The Barney Wood Athletic Complex is adjacent to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center at 14050 Heartside Place, near the corner of Heartside and Valwood Parkway.
Call 972.247.4607 for more information. Weather information can be found at 972.919.1455.
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Farmers Branch Firefighter Combat Challenge Team members include (from left) Driver/Paramedic Eric Blunt, Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan Hardy (with son, Brennan), Firefighter Michael Mania and Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Davis (with daughter, Paige).
Farmers Branch Firefighters fare well at Arlington Combat Challenge
ARLINGTON ~ Farmers Branch Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan Hardy ran an impressive "Lions Den" qualifying singles race while the Farmers Branch team finished first in the Team Singles event at the Arlington Firefighter Combat Challenge, held recently in the mid-cities.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a series of obstacle course type events, geared to the activity/challenges firefighters undertake on the job.
FIrefighter/Paramedic Hardy posted a 1 minute, 37 second time on the challenge course. The "Lions Den" designation is for any competitor who can run the course in less than 1 minute, 40 seconds. Less than 5 percent of all competitors worldwide have met the "Lions Den" standard.
The first place finish in the Team Singles event included Firefighter/Paramedics Hardy and Andy Davis, along with Firefighter Michael Mania posting a combined singles time of 5 minutes, 4 seconds.
Firefighters travel to and compete at regional and national Firefighter Combat Challenge events on their own time and at their own expense.
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Camelot Landfill honored by TxDOT
AUSTIN ~ For consistent efforts in keeping the neighboring highways clear of trash and debris, the Texas Department of Transportation has issued a certificate of appreciation to the City of Farmers Branch and the Camelot Landfill.
Signed by TxDOT's "Adopt a Highway" coordinator, the certificate was presented "for outstanding effort and generous contribution of time and energy to maintain the beauty of Texas roadsides through dedicated voluntary participation in the 2014 Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off."
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Citizenship classes resume at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ In partnership with the Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. the Farmers Branch Manske Library will resume citizenship classes in October.
All classes to prepare for the United States citizenship test will be free, but seating is limited. Students are asked to register before October 1, by calling Rigo Aguilar at 214.553.9909, ext. 144. For more information call the Manske Library at 972.247.2511.
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Comics discussion set for 'Graphic Mania'
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ As the popularity of graphic novels continues to soar, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will host an informal discussion on Thursday, September 25 at 4:30 p.m. "Graphic Mania" will provide an opportunity for older children and teens to share their preferred manga, comics and graphic novels with similarly-interested peers. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorites from home or the Library's collection to share. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Autumn leaves help care for yards
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the beginning of Fall this week, Farmers Branch Environmental Health officials are encouraging use of autumn leaves to help care for neighborhood yards.
"Instead of raking and bagging them, where they'll head to the landfill, why not put them back into your lawns and gardens, as a valuable source of mulch, fertilizer and compost," said Environmental Health Director Stacy Wright. "Leaves contain 50 to 80 percent of the nutrients a plant extracts from the soil and air during the season."
As such, he said residents should consider mowing leaves and leaving the shredded remains on the lawn, mulching leaves and working into beds or composting for future soil conditioning.
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Farmers Branch Reads sets October events
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ October is full of exciting "other worldly" events for all ages at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. On Wednesday, October 1 at 6 p.m., there will be a screening of the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, inside the Library. Next up on Monday, October 6, children reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library can try their hand at their own library escape and scavenger hunt. Lecturer Rollin Phipps will return to present on on the history of various different secret societies on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. Teens are invited to a life-size board game of literary Clue on Wednesday, October 22 at 4 p.m. The movie adaptation of the teen title, Coraline, will be shown on Saturday, October 25 at 2 p.m. inside the Library. The month will be capped off with another crafting session of Repurposed Books with a Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore theme.
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Still time to register for National Night Out
JUSTICE CENTER ~ Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said he expects record response to the 2014 edition of National Night Out, set for Tuesday, October 7 in Farmers Branch. 
Chief Fuller explained that more than 30 neighborhood parties registered with the Police Department last year and said interest in Farmers Branch Community Watch could push that number even higher.
The first Tuesday in October of every year is the Texas edition of National Night Out, dubbed America's night out against crime by the National Association of Town Watch. The event is designed to get neighbors outside, meeting, greeting and getting to know each other and, in doing so, present a united front against crime in residential areas.
Council meeting moves for NNO
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the Texas version of National Night Out again set for the first Tuesday in October, Mayor Bob Phelps and the members of the Farmers Branch City Council will hold their first meeting of the month 24 hours earlier on Monday, October 6.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall. Study Session will precede the Council Meeting at 5 p.m. in the second floor conference room at City Hall. Call 972.247.3131.
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Registered neighborhood parties may receive visits from the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Department as well as the Mayor, some members of the City Council and other City officials.
For more information or to register a neighborhood party, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.
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Firehouse Theater to visit 'Ivy Gap'
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following generations of churchgoers from 1945 to 1970, the Firehouse Theater continues their production of "First Baptist of Ivy Gap" at the Farmers Branch Manske Library Theater on select dates through October 5.
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35Express sets business owners meeting
LEWISVILLE ~ The 35Express team has announced a series of business owner information meetings highlighting the progress of the 35Express project as the first anniversary of construction nears.
Each meeting will highlight a different segment of the 30-mile corridor and will focus on upcoming construction and the steps being taken to mitigate the effects on local traffic.
Businesses in the South Segment (Farmers Branch and Carrollton) are invited to a meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 8:30 a.m. at C2 Café, 1101 South Broadway in Carrollton. For more information about the 35Express Project, visit www.35Express.org or call 214.483.7777.
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Last Week's Results
Results are not scientific and are intended only to present a "snapshot" of popular responses.
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Going swimmingly
Members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were joined by City staff for a tour of the new Aquatics Center construction area recently. Work continues on the new facility, located adjacent to the Community Recreation Center, that will house both the Margaret Young Natatorium and the outdoor "Frog Pond" water play area and pool. The Margaret Young Natatorium is projected to open in early Spring with the Frog Pond set to make a splash by Memorial Day weekend.
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Volume 4 | Edition 38| Number 187
Branch Bulletin
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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Stay & Play packages available for guests
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Guests coming in for the Fifth Annual Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival and Chili Cookoff, set October 17 & 18, can take advantage of 'Stay & Play' accommodation options designed just for the festival. Packages include free shuttle to and from the hotel and the festival, food and beverage credits, two Chili Cookoff tasting cups and a bonus for a two-night stay, including two souvenirs and two free chair rental coupons. Grammy and IBMA-winners are slated to appear at the increasingly popular event at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. In addition to the dozens of impromptu jam sessions that will crop up around the park, the main stage will see performers like Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Seldom Scene, Gibson Brothers and Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers. Also featured will be the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Rambling Rooks, Balsam Range and Flatt Lonesome. Beyond the music, this year's event will feature the return of the Chili Cookoff where judges and tasters are needed. There will be a KidZone, the Arts & Crafts Marketplace and more.
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In the Banner
Walt Disney's struggles to get it made were profiled in a major movie last year. Saturday night, his classic film, "Mary Poppins" will be shown at Farmers Branch Movie in the Park.
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Senior Center plans zip line trip, Saturday
DALLAS ~ Adults ages 50 and over are invited to accompany the Senior Center to a Zip Line Adventure on Saturday, September 27.
The Trinity Forest Adventure Park, in south Dallas County, is the destination for the trip that costs $33. The bus will be departing the Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 1 p.m.
Call 972.919.8740.
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Reading Under the Stars planned Tuesday
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Welcome the fall weather with a night of "Reading Under the Stars" at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Tuesday, September 30 at 7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to bring blankets and a flashlight for use outside in the Library's amphitheater. Books and extra flashlights will be available. This story time is free and open to the public. Call 972.247.2511.
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SAT, SEP 27
MOVIE IN THE PARK 
Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins"
@ Barney Wood Athletic Cplx
972.247.4607
vs. Carrollton Elites @ McInnish Sports Complex in Carrollton @ 11 am
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OCT 6
CITY COUNCIL MEETING -
Special Date
@ 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.
OCT 7
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Schedule Neighborhood Parties by calling FBPD @ 972.919.9304
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN TO SPEAK
@ Manske Library @ 7 pm
Free Admission
972.247.2511
OCT 8
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
OCT 11
COFFEE WITH A COP
@ McDonald's, 2899 Valley View
10 - 11 am
972.919.9305
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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Craft Fair coming October 18
SENIOR CENTER ~ The traditional head start on shopping for the holiday season gets underway Saturday, October 18 with the annual Craft Fair at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
Planned for the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the show will feature hundreds of local artisans selling handmade wares for the upcoming holiday season.
Admission is free. Call 972.919.8740.
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Celebration of Roses completes trifecta
CITY HALL ~ Completing a trio of high profile events, the Farmers Branch Celebration of Roses is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, along with the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cookoff and the annual Craft Fair.
Slated for 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the free event will celebrate roses in the gardens of Farmers Branch, with a rose show and with a slate of speakers at Farmers Branch City Hall.
Shuttles will provide easy access to the rose gardens and the Bluegrass music at the Historical Park.
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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
CRAFT FAIR
@ Senior Center
9 am to 4 pm
972.919.8740
OCT 21
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.
OCT 22
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
Open Office Hours with Mayor Bob Phelps @ City Hall
3 - 6 pm
972.919.2515
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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Updated Wednesday, September 17, 2014
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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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