Christmas Tree Lighting set Saturday  |  7 pm  |  Historical Park
Memo from the MANAGER

Paul Watten

 

  During this season of thanksgiving and celebration, it is a moral necessity that we stop at this particular moment and reflect on a life well-lived.

Gary 2013

  Paul Watten passed away Monday night. 

  When trying to characterize the impact that someone like Paul had on so many, words seem very inadequate. Still, it is our responsibility to find the right ones that effectively describe this man.

   What I've decided is that the most accurate term is not one used very much anymore, but it is appropriate in this context. Paul Watten was a Farmers Branch "stalwart" - that is, according to the dictionary, a loyal, reliable, and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization, team or community.

   More importantly, Paul was a friend and a great supporter of the City of Farmers Branch. Beyond that, he lent his leadership to organizations like the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, where he served as its first president. He also served on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School Board in the late 1970s, as does Nancy, today.

   And, Paul was a big fan of anything involving a ball and a glove. Paul was known to sit in his chair in the same spot, just to the right of home plate, and cheer on girls softball, Turner softball and just about every tournament that came to town.

Paul & Nancy Watten pause to take a photo with a young athlete at a Farmers Branch event.

   CFB Girl's Softball Scheduler Alisha Crandall said Paul would sit and talk to her son while she and her husband were chalking fields and Nancy was prepping concessions for the night. "It was sweet to watch them sitting there talking," she said.

  In fact, Paul talked to everyone and made sure they were enjoying themselves and that they felt welcome in Farmers Branch.

   Paul and Nancy Watten were married for 55 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Not surprisingly, their dedication extended to the off-season, when Paul and Nancy, and their family, would work at the Tour of Lights on Christmas Eve, collecting donations for youth sports.

   There is so much more to say, but the main thing everyone should know is how much Paul loved Farmers Branch and how much Farmers Branch loved him back.  

   He will be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever. Please keep the Watten family in your prayers at this difficult time and never forget what Paul Watten did to make Farmers Branch the special place that it is.


 

There will be a Memorial Visitation with Paul Watten's family and friends on Monday, December 8 at The Branch Church, 3035 Valley View @ Webb Chapel - in the Family Life Center from 5 until 8 p.m. The family has suggested cans of food be brought for donation to Metrocrest Services in memory of Paul.   

To contact Gary, click on his picture 

Tour of LIGHTS
Dallas Morning News ranks Farmers Branch Tour as one of Top 10 places to see lights

DALLAS ~ The GuideLive section of The Dallas Morning News included the Farmers Branch Tour of Lights as one of its Top 10 places to see lights this holiday season.
   Keeping company with venerable lighting sites like Interlochen, the Anatole and the Gaylord Texan, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights is noted this year for its new route and new, synchronized light show in the Historical Park portion of the tour.
   The Farmers Branch Tour of Lights is open each evening, through December 30, from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. The driving tour starts at Valley View and I-35E and continues south on Denton Drive to Farmers Branch Lane and into the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
   The Historical Park portion is closed on Saturday, December 6 for the annual Tree Lighting Event and Thursday, December 25 for Christmas Day.
   The Tour is free with donations accepted by the non-profits working the event each evening. 
FEATURED Stories
O Christmas Tree
Annual Tree Lighting festivities planned for Saturday

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
Community Recreation Center plans annual Open House Friday

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing their annual tradition, the staff of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center will open their doors for a Christmas Open House on Friday, December 5 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
   Themed to a 50th anniversary celebration of the Rankin-Bass TV classic, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," the event will feature a visit with Santa, crafts, strolling carolers, fitness equipment demonstration and refreshments. 
   Entertainment will include Amy's Dance at 6:30 p.m. and Josey's Dance at 6:45. Samantha's Footnotes will perform at 6:50 with the R.L. Turner Theater at 7:10. The House of Funk Theatre Company comes on at 7:30 p.m. before the Firehouse Theatre closes the evening at 8.
   Additionally, there will be three mini-Yoga sessions in the dance studio beginning at 6:45, 7:20 and 8 p.m. No special clothing or equipment is required. Mats will be provided.
   Everyone is invited and admission is free.
Branch BRIEFS
Used Book Sale gets underway Friday and Saturday at Library

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Thousands of books, movies and musical collections will be available at bargain prices, beginning Friday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at the Used Book Sale at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
   The sale continues through Saturday, December 6, during regular Library hours. Many titles will be available for less than $1. Proceeds directly benefit Library programs, facilities and materials.
   Likewise, if anyone has books, movies or music to donate, the Library accepts donations to be used during the sale. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.  

Library patrons invited to annual holiday appreciation reception

 

MANSKE LIBRARY ~ As is their annual holiday tradition, the staff of the Farmers Branch Manske Library invites all patrons to come to a holiday open house for light snacks and refreshments in the mezzanine on Tuesday, December 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

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. Aquatics Center Logo

   In addition, the first 150 to purchase passes will receive an Aquatics Center gift package.

   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. 

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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Farmers Branch: In the Air 2014
Farmers Branch: In the Air, 2014
A literal overview of Farmers Branch from an aerial perspective, outlining major City achievements in the past year.

Volume 4 | Edition 48 | Number 197  
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Important NEWS
Malfunction sets off Dallas storm sirens early Wednesday

DALLAS ~ Anyone living or traveling along the southern boundary of Farmers Branch this morning may have been surprised to hear storm sirens during a mildly overcast morning.
   The Dallas Office of Emergency Management said a system error accidentally tripped the sirens to sound city-wide at 8 a.m. today.
   They emphasized there was and is no cause for alarm and apologized for the inconvenience.

Police searching for impersonator

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Police are searching for a man that stopped someone in a vehicle, claiming to be a police officer Sunday afternoon.
   According to reports, a female was stopped at Luna and LBJ when a Hispanic male pulled up next to her in a silver Jeep Liberty, shined a flashlight into the car, said he was a police officer and told her to pull over.
   The suspect asked for permission to search the car which the female, believing him to be a police officer, allowed.
   However, under closer inspection, she noticed the suspect, while wearing a yellow safety vest, was not wearing a badge or a gun. After being questioned further about his identity, the suspect became "nervous" and allowed the female to leave.
   He is described as a Hispanic male in his mid thirties, 5 feet 5 inches tall, medium build, with a flat top haircut, mustache and scars on his face.
   Anyone with information about this suspect or this incident is asked to call Farmers Branch Police at 972.484.3620.

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, now through December 24, reopening at 6 a.m. the next day.
   Visit www.35express.org for additional information on this closure or the 35Express project.

IN the BANNER
The Farmers Branch Historical Park plays host, yet again, to the featured section of the storied Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights.
December DATES
DEC 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall @ 6 pm NEW TIME

DEC 5-6
USED BOOK SALE
@ Manske Library

DEC 6
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
@ FB Historical Park
972.919.1433 

DEC 13
BROOKHAVEN COLLEGE HOLIDAY HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
@ Manske Library @ 3 pm
972.247.2511

DEC 16
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall @ 6 pm NEW TIME
972.919.2515

DEC 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
All City Offices Closed
No Garbage Collection

DEC 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
All City Offices Closed
No Garbage Collection

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.
FHT prepares for 'Christmas at the Firehouse' 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ "Christmas at the Firehouse: A Family Tradition!" is the holiday-themed spectactular to be presented by the Firehouse Theatre, December 11-14.     
   Admission will include a catered dinner, then move to the Firehouse Theatre for performances. 
   Shows are at 6 p.m. each evening, with a 1 p.m. matinee on December 13-14.
   For more information, call 972.620.3747 or visit  thefirehousetheatre.com.

Mayor plans single session this month

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Due to the holidays, Mayor Bob Phelps will hold his "Tell it to the Mayor" session in December on the second Wednesday only, December 10.
   The Mayor usually holds "Tell it to the Mayor" sessions on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at City Hall, but decided to curtail the schedule as the fourth Wednesday this month is Christmas Eve and Farmers Branch residents will "likely be otherwise occupied."
   For more information on the "Tell it to the Mayor" sessions, call 972.919.2515.

Santa & Cookies set for Library

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The whole family is invited to celebrate the holiday season with cookie decorating, activities and songs at the Santa & Cookies event, Wednesday, December 10 at 6 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. Call 972.247.2511 for more information.

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About the City of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch Logo
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.