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City Facilities CLOSED December 24 & 25 | No Garbage Pickup
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The gift of life
I am a big believer that "family" is created by so much more than blood relationships. It can, in fact, be exclusive of bloodlines. Love, care, fellowship, inclusiveness - all these qualities really help reinforce the true meaning of family.
With that in mind, I want to let you know about a young lady, named Abby Dunning.
My daughter, Caley was Abby's roommate. Over time, as they became closer, Abby became a member of our family. Although afflicted with cystic fibrosis, Abby continued to live life to its fullest.
What most of us know about cystic fibrosis is little more than it is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organs but, primarily, the lungs. Life expectancy for people with CF used to be very short. Today, it's getting better, but medical science hasn't figured it out quite yet.
Abby beat the odds and her life expectancy of 18, living past the age of 25.
And, although CF took her young life last night in a hospital in Nebraska, Abby left us with an enduring legacy about the gift of life.
People with terminal illnesses tend to see life through a different lens than most. Whether the end is close at hand or many years away, they know they're not as bulletproof as the rest of us seem to think we are and they tend develop the appreciation of each day as the gift that it truly is.
But, as has often been said by philosophical types and religious teachers, tomorrow is promised to no one.
We should all capture that lens and learn what it is to live life to its fullest each and every day. My family was blessed to have Abby in our lives for the time she was here. Your family probably knows, or has at one time lost, someone like that.
I hope that we can honor their lives by celebrating our own, by seizing the day - each and every one of them.
It is tough to be facing a death in the family anytime, but especially this time of year. Still, Christmas is about the gift of life. As such, maybe, its a good time to celebrate the lives of everyone important to us - those still in our midst and those that have gone before us.
So, put aside the lists and put down the wrapping paper. Pull your kids and your parents and your siblings and everyone else a little closer to you. And get out the photos and the home videos and raise a glass to those gone from our sight, but still in our hearts.
More than ever before, let's celebrate the gift of life this Christmas.
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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Tour of Lights scoring record numbers for 2014 light show
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Benefitting from enhanced visibility from the freeway, good weather and better  publicity, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights is in the midst of its most popular year yet, with traffic up approximately 87 percent, compared to the same days of operation last year. Orchestrated by the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department, the Tour of Lights is very different this year with a new route and with a new, synchronized light show inside the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Even 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.
The new route for the driving tour still begins at I-35E and Valley View Lane, but then takes a right turn onto Denton Drive before winding through the Historical Park and the synchronized show.
Traffic is expected to increase through December, but organizers say that savvy Tour-ists can avoid crowds and long lines by coming out on weeknights early in the evening.
The Farmers Branch Tour of Lights is open each evening, through December 30, from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. 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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Check It Out
Farmers Branch resident Denise Wallace appointed Library Director at Manske
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Drawing on her local experience and familiarity, Farmers Branch resident Denise Wallace has been appointed Director of the Manske Library.
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Farmers Branch Manske Library Director Denise Wallace
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The announcement came this week from Library Systems and Services, the contract management firm that operates the Library on behalf of the City of Farmers Branch.
"Libraries are our greatest asset in connecting with all communities and keeping them current about the world around them," Ms. Wallace said. "I am thrilled to be working with the Farmers Branch Library and my fellow citizens."
This is Ms. Wallace's second tour with the Manske Library, having served as Children's Youth Supervisor from 2013 until earlier this year. Before that, she served six years as an elementary and middle school librarian and instructional media specialist for Grand Prairie ISD and two years as youth librarian for Prince of Peace Christian School.
Farmers Branch Managing Director John Land, who supervises the Library operation, expressed excitement at the appointment of such an experienced Director.
"Denise is not only familiar with the community, she's familiar with the Library and the staff," he said. "Her qualifications, combined with her effervescent personality and drive to excel, will be perfect for the Manske Library."
Ms. Wallace grew up in the Austin area, graduating from Pflugerville High School before obtaining her Masters degree in Library science at the University of North Texas in 2002.
Married, with one son, Ms. Wallace has been a resident of Farmers Branch for 22 years and formerly served on the Farmers Branch Historical Preservation and Restoration Board.
The Farmers Branch Manske Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel Road. Call them at 972.247.2511 or visit them online at farmersbranchlibrary.org.
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Aquatics Center gift certificates also available for Christmas
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In addition to memberships and passes now on sale for the all-new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, officials have announced that gift certificates are also available at the Community Recreation Center.
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Bold colors dominate the "skyline" at the new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, adjacent to the Community Recreation Center at Heartside Place, near Valwood Parkway.
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With construction continuing towards a 2015 opening, the Aquatics Center staff began 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 or visit www.fbh2o.com.
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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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Job, well doneWith a combined 82 years of experience in law enforcement, three veteran members of the Farmers Branch Police Department were celebrated on Friday upon the occasion of their retirement. They are (front row, from left) Officer Charles "Rusty" Taylor, Officer Phillip Wardlaw and Lieutenant Daryl Bradley. They were joined by (back row, from left) Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Kirk Connally, Mayor Bob Phelps, Police Chief Sid Fuller and City Manager Gary D. Greer.
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Volume 4 | Edition 50 | Number 199 
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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Police on the lookout for package thieves
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As the holiday season brings out the worst in some people, Farmers Branch Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for thieves targeting packages left on residential doorsteps.
With the substantial increase in online shopping, more and more packages are being delivered to residences and dropped on doorsteps.
 There were two incidents reported to Police on Monday in the area of Janlyn Lane at Courtdale. A witness reported a possible suspect to be a white female in her early 20s, driving a silver "boxy" SUV, possibly a Scion. Police said it is always preferable to have packages delivered to a location where someone can take possession of them, like an office. Most online vendors will allow delivery to an address other than the billing address of the customer. Anyone with knowledge of this suspect, these incidents or any like them are asked to call Farmers Branch Police at 972.484.3620.
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Coffee with a Cop set Saturday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Building on the success of the first such outing, members of the Farmers Branch Police Department will be on hand Saturday, December 20 to meet and greet the public during 'Coffee with a Cop.'
Everyone is invited to the event, being held from 10 until 11 a.m., at McDonald's located at the corner of Valley View and Josey Lanes. Organizers emphasized there are no speeches or agendas, just coffee and conversation.
For more information, call 972.484.3620.
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Download a
'Season's Greeting' from
the City of Farmers Branch
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Santa House Calls profiled on Friday newscast
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As seen on CBS11 News, appointments are still available for Santa to make 15 minute visits to Farmers Branch households within 5 miles of the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center through Christmas Eve.  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.
Watch the CBS11 News story
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Food pantry donations accepted through Tuesday
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 through December 23.
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City offices to close for holidays
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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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 night work at Valley View set to wrap
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials with the 35Express should conclude their nighttime closures of Valley View Lane, under Interstate 35E, just in time for Christmas.
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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Bright greens and reds dominate the treed landscape near the Train Depot in the Farmers Branch Historical Park as part of the new 2014 Christmas Tour of Lights.
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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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