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Happy Thanksgiving from the City of Farmers Branch
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Think on thanks
Even though we've been hearing jingle bells on the radio and seeing mistletoe and holly on retail aisles earlier than ever, we still get the chance to hit the pause button this week, gather together with family and begin to reflect on the year gone by.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and as we get ready for that very American traditional holiday, we should take the time to be thankful, be it publicly or privately, for what we have.
I believe the process of giving thanks begins with that introspective consideration of our opportunities, accomplishments and challenges in the past year.
Different people might have different takes on 2014 - whether it was a good year or bad, worth remembering or not.
Still, big picture perspective is always in order on these occasions if, for no other reason, to discern the difference between "getting what you want" and "wanting what you've got."
And wherever we fall on that spectrum, we all share common blessings of living in a great city, in a free country, with opportunities available to us that are not there for 80 percent of the world.
That's gotta be worth something.
So, wherever you are tomorrow, please take a moment and think on thanks. It's a worthwhile exercise that can help us better prepare for how we approach the year to come.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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HISTORICAL PARK ~ For the first time in its storied history, the traditional Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights is taking a different turn with a change to the route and a new, synchronized show of dancing lights in the Historical Park for the 2014 edition, opening Friday. The driving tour will begin, as always, at I-35E and Valley View, continuing east on Valley View but now turning south onto Denton Drive. From there, guests will enjoy additional lighting displays down Denton Drive, passing Liberty Plaza, before turning left onto Farmers Branch Lane and into the Historical Park. The tour will be open each night from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m., November 28 through December 30 (closed only December 6 & 25). The dancing lights in the Historical Park will be set to Christmas music and are expected to greatly enhance the tour experience. Car radios should tune to 107.3 FM. As is the case every year, the Historical Park portion of the tour is staffed by members of community non-profit organizations. The tour is free with donations accepted by those non-profits working each night.
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New Aquatics Center memberships make great Christmas presents
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With construction continuing towards a 2015 opening, the all new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center will begin selling memberships and season passes in December for those looking for the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends. 
The new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center will include the Margaret Young Natatorium and the Frog Pond outdoor area. The Margaret Young Natatorium will operate year-round and is expected to be ready for swimmers by spring of 2015.
The Frog Pond is planned to open by Memorial Day Weekend.
To find out more about each of the Aquatics Center facilities or for more information about membership and season pass prices, call the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center at 972.247.4607.
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City partners with Metrocrest Services to restock food pantry for holidays
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In anticipation of the holiday season, Metrocrest Services has reported a critical shortage of baking supplies for distribution to families in need in the area. 
Trying to help fill the void, the City of Farmers Branch is partnering with Metrocrest Services to help restock their food pantry with baking necessities.
All non-perishible food items will be accepted, but there is a serious need for sugar, flour, salt, spices, oils and boxed mixes. Items may be dropped off at Farmers Branch City Hall or at the Community Recreation Center from December 1 to December 23.
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Blacksmithing demo set for Sunday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A live demonstration of the ancient art of blacksmithing will take place in the log culture area of the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Sunday, November 30, between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The demonstration is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Park at 972.406.0184.
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VIDEO 
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Farmers Branch: In the Air, 2014
A literal overview of Farmers Branch from an aerial perspective, outlining major City achievements in the past year.
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Volume 4 | Edition 47 | Number 196 
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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City offices to close for Thanksgiving
FARMERS BRANCH ~ All City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
On Friday, November 28, most offices remain closed except for the Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, both open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Historical Park reopens at 6:30 p.m. for the first night of the Christmas Tour of Lights.
There will be no garbage pickup either day and the Citizen Collection Center will be closed.
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Tree Lighting event planned for December 6
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Countdown to the official lighting of the Farmers Branch tree and a special holiday fireworks show will all be a part of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, set for Saturday, December 6 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7. The night also features a visit from Santa, a snow hill for tubing, a free KidZone, letters to the North Pole, holiday treats and more.
For more information, call 972.919.2620 or visit
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Valley View set for nighttime closure in December
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials with the 35Express project are reporting they intend to close Valley View Lane under I-35E during nighttime hours for most of the month of December.
In order to finish bridgework, crews will reportedly close the intersection at 9 p.m. each evening, December 1 -24, reopening at 6 a.m. the next day.
Visit www.35express.org for additional information on this closure or the 35Express project.
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Rec Center & Historical Park Open 8-5
No Garbage Collection
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS OPENS
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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DEC 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall @ 6 pm NEW TIME
DEC 6
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433
DEC 13
BROOKHAVEN COLLEGE HOLIDAY HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
972.247.2511
DEC 16
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall @ 6 pm NEW TIME
DEC 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
All City Offices Closed
No Garbage Collection
DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
All City Offices Closed
Thru DEC 30
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
Not open Dec 6 or 25
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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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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