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A difference in two weeks
Suddenly, Christmas is only two weeks away.
Although we seem to make that observation about this time every year, again, every year it seems to have come on more quickly than it has in the past.
And, if we're lucky enough to be surrounded by friends and family and have the resources to make it a great Christmas, we are indeed blessed, regardless of how quickly the season is upon us.
However, we all know there are those in this world that are not as fortunate. What we don't always see, though, is that there are those in our own community whose outlook for this holiday is bleak at best.
It's true that many of us march into the holiday season with the best of intentions to be sure to help make Christmas a wonderful occasion for those less fortunate. But, then time screams by us and before we know it, the season has come and gone.
We can all make this year different.
Even though there are only two weeks to go, it is not too late to do something for someone else, right here in Farmers Branch.
 Here at the City, we've partnered with Metrocrest Services to help restock their food pantry with baking supplies so the families that they serve can have a better holiday season. The great part is that anyone can help and it couldn't be easier. All non-perishables will be accepted, but there is a specific need for sugar, flour, salt, spices, oils and boxed mixes. Just drop these items into the collection box at Farmers Branch City Hall or at the Community Recreation Center any time before December 23. It is that easy to help another family this season. In that spirit of giving, or more specifically, giving back, I hope you'll join us in helping Metrocrest Services help those that need it.
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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Traffic continues as buzz builds for all-new Tour of Lights
FARMERS BRANCH ~ After 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, traffic is expected to increase through the month heading up to the Christmas holiday.  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 Thursday, December 25 for Christmas Day.
The Tour is free with donations accepted by the non-profits working the event each evening.
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Re-Certified
ICMA renews professional credentials for City Manager Gary D. Greer
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Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer
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WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ Recognizing his record of success and continuing professional development, the International City/County Management Association has renewed the professional credentials of Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer.
ICMA established the credentialing program in 2001 to define and recognize local government managers and to promote lifelong learning. To maintain credentials, members must submit an annual report, describing 40 hours of professional development during the previous year.
Serving as City Manager of Farmers Branch since 2007, Mr. Greer is among 82 credentialed managers in Texas, out of more than 1,800 municipalities.
There are currently 1,342 credentialed managers across the United States.
Source: icma.org
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Santa to begin annual run of local house calls, December 12-24
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Santa will make 15 minute visits to Farmers Branch households within 5 miles of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center starting December 12. 
All gifts for Santa to deliver must be provided by the parents in advance. Cost is $25 for Rec Center members and $29 for non-members. Santa will not be entering the homes by chimney, so Recreation Center staff asks that parents please not request it.
Time slots for visits each day will begin at 6:30 and end at 9 p.m. in 15 minute increments. Payment is due at time of booking.
For more information, contact the Rec Center at 972.247.4607.
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Gift bags available for first 150 to purchase Aquatics season passes
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. 
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.
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Donations now accepted at City Hall & Rec Center for Metrocrest food pantry
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-perishable 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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Historical Park stages blacksmithing demonstrations this weekend
 HISTORICAL PARK ~ As part of its ongoing mission to educate the public on the history and customs of the past, the Farmers Branch Historical Park has planned a series of demonstrations on the historically important practice of blacksmithing. The live demonstrations take place in the Log Culture area at the Park and are suitable for all ages. The next series of presentations will be December 13 & 14. Demonstrations go on between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Call 972.406.0184 for more information.
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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 49 | Number 198 
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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Download a
'Season's Greeting' from
the City of Farmers Branch
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'Christmas at the Firehouse' set for weekend run
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. The Firehouse Theatre is located in former Farmers Branch Fire Station No. 1, at 2535 Valley View Lane, near City Hall.
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Brookhaven Handbells to chime at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Sixty-eight handbells and 68 handchimes will be ringing to celebrate Christmas at a special performance of the Brookhaven College Holiday Handbell Ensemble, Saturday, December 13 at 3 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
 Admission is free to the program that will include holiday favorites like "Blue Christmas," "Sleighride," and more. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Ecologist plans book signing at Library
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Ecologist, Dr. Dan Moulton, will discuss different regions of the Lone Star State and highlight notable nature and environmental centers in a presentation titled, "Explore Texas," at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16 at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Dr. Moulton will also be there to sell and sign copies of his new book, Texas Nature and Environmental Centers Guide.
For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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City outlines holiday hours
FARMERS BRANCH ~ All City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. 
There will be no garbage collection on either day and the Citizen Collection Center will be closed.
The following week, offices will again be closed on Thursday January 1 to observe the New Year's holiday. Likewise, there will be no garbage collection and the Citizen Collection Center will be closed.
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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 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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35Express continues nighttime work at Valley View
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.
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This young soloist helped her choir along with several others, bring live music to the Christmas Tree Lighting event, held Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Choirs from Janie Stark, Farmers Branch and Blair Elementary schools entertained the crowd.
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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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