When was the last time you were in the Manske Library?  Well, whether it was last week or last year, that's too long. 

  There are constant, great changes going on at our Library, from materials to exhibits, from lectures to movies and from staff all the way up to the brand new Director.

   We are so excited to have Farmers Branch's own Denise Wallace at the helm as the new Director of the Library. Denise is no stranger to us. Not only has she lived in Farmers Branch for more than 20 years, she is a former volunteer on the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board and has worked at the Manske Library before.

   Denise brings an exuberance to the Director's position that is quite contagious and will be reflected in the excitement surrounding Library events and activities this year. In addition to regular activities that keep residents informed, involved and entertained, like Story Times, book discussions, ESL and citizenship classes, the Library is looking forward to lots of great special events this year.

Library Director Denise Wallace

  Chief among them will be a continued partnership with Brookhaven College to bring live performances of classical guitar, hand bells and opera to the Library stage. March will spotlight the women of Farmers Branch featuring artifacts and memorabilia from Farmers Branch women through the years. Amazing landscape photography from the Historical Park's own Derrick Birdsall will be featured in the Library gallery in August. And, outdoor movies return to the Library's amphitheater this fall.

  Even right now, an exhibit on ancient Egypt, featuring some re-creations but some authentic artifacts, is ongoing in the Library gallery through the end of February. Egyptologist Rollin Phipps will be there on Saturday to wrap up a demonstration on the ancient art of mummification.

  Denise tells me that empowering the staff to best serve citizens is a high priority. "Strengthened staff development opportunities ensure our staff are trained in customer service, current technology and library trends," she said. "I am looking forward to partnering with our Library Board to gain further insight into the community while offering patrons a unique and welcoming experience in this beautiful space."

   Heck, there's even a new sound system in the Library's theatre.

   Come on by the Library and let Denise and her staff enrich your life in 2015. You will be very glad you did.

Crime in Farmers Branch drops to its lowest level in memory

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Citing community partnerships and advances in technology, Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller announced this week that overall crime in Farmers Branch dropped to its lowest level in the past 15 years with 997 incidents reported.

   This continues a five-year trend of declining crime rates, after recording 1,615 offenses in 2009.

   Chief Fuller explained that all crime reporting should be taken with a grain of salt.

Police Chief Sid Fuller

   "Of course, we're happy with this report but crime is a very complex phenomenon that is influenced by many factors," he said. "Things like the economy, unemployment, age of criminal population and such.

   "Therefore, we can't take full credit for the decrease in crime, just like we can't take blame for increases."

   However, the Chief said that there are factors the Police have control over and the local department tries to take full advantage of them.

   "I do believe that police, working in partnership with the community, can have an impact on crime," he said. "We have the best citizen partners on the planet who support this department, look out for each other and have an open line of communication to share information."
   Chief Fuller cited awareness as the first step towards crime prevention but added that technology has been a big help. Auto license plate recognition systems help officers spot wanted people and stolen cars electronically. Citizen Observer is software that allows the department to alert large segments of the population of crime trends as well as
to provide crime maps that keeps residents informed. The software also lets the public send crime tips anonymously which, he said, has paid off in the arrests of numerous offenders.

   "I also believe in the broken window theory," Chief Fuller explained. "The efforts of our City to keep our neighborhoods up and remove blight does have an impact on crime. Once an area becomes run down, it welcomes criminal activity. Farmers Branch works hard to make sure that doesn't happen.

   "Most importantly, hardworking, dedicated and well-trained police employees should be credited," the Chief added. "From the beat officer who provides an active presence on the streets to the detectives who follow up on crime to arrest and prosecute offenders, all supported by the best support personnel anywhere. It is truly a team effort."

FARMERS BRANCH ~ More than 240 businesses either moved into Farmers Branch or expanded their existing footprint in 2014, accounting for 1.9 million square feet of space and more than 1,400 new jobs, according to Farmers Branch Managing Director John Land.

Farmers Branch Managing Director John Land

   In a presentation recently to the Farmers Branch City Council, Mr. Land said that 2014 saw local economic indicators continue to trend positively. His presentation came on the heels of news that the Farmers Branch Economic Development office was named to the Top 10 North Texas Economic Development agencies by the Dallas Business Journal for the fourth year in a row.

  Commercial property values in Farmers Branch were up 11.8 percent to $2.3 billion, while residential property increased 4.7 percent to $871 million.

   Mr. Land noted that office and warehouse occupancy rates were both on the rise at 76.2 percent and 92.2 percent, respectively.

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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Anyone wanting to learn more about the operations of the Farmers Branch Fire Department is invited to enroll in the Citizen Fire Academy, which has a few spots left for the session that gets underway March 5.  

   The 10 class sessions are held on either Thursdays or Saturdays from early March through mid May and will cover topics and activities like: Fire Department History, Rank and Structure, CPR/AED training, Fire Demonstrations, Fire Station Tours, Emergency Operations Center, Vehicle Extrication, EMS Helicopter Landing, and Ride-Along Opportunities, among others.

   "If you ever wonder what it's like to be a firefighter or just want to know more about the Fire Department, I invite you to enroll today in the Farmers Branch Fire Department Citizen Fire Academy," said Fire Chief Steve Parker. "If you're over the age of 18 and live, work or go to school in Farmers Branch, you are welcome to participate and, best of all, it's free."

   Most classes will be held at Farmers Branch Fire Admin/Station No. 3 - 13333 Hutton Drive.

   To find out more or to apply for enrollment, call the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 972.919.2650.

 FARMERS BRANCH ~ After serving the City of Farmers Branch for nearly nine years, Fire Department Lieutenant Reginald Alexander is moving on to become the next Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief for the City of Cedar Hill.

   Displaced from his native New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Lt. Alexander came to Farmers Branch as a Fire Inspector/Arson Investigator. In New Orleans, he had served in similar capacities. He has also served as a Lieutenant in U.S. Navy Reserve.
   As a Fire Inspector, Lt. Alexander has worked closely with businesses and property owners to ensure education and compliance of the City's fire and building code requirements. He also provided public education classes for high-rise buildings and was instrumental in co-developing and delivering the "Fresh Start" juvenile fire setter intervention program for youth and their parents upon request, referral or court order.
   Lt. Alexander holds a Master of Pastoral Studies/Counseling degree from Loyola University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He also holds multiple intermediate and advanced certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
   "I have had more than a wonderful career in the fire service thus far in the City of Farmers Branch," he said. "The training opportunities, work ethic and customer service model instilled here has enabled me to grow as a true fire service professional and I am forever grateful to Chief Steve Parker and City Manager Gary Greer."

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With an increase in recent auto and home burglaries, Farmers Branch Police are reminding people to eliminate the crime of opportunity and keep their doors locked.

   "There have been several offenses recently involving thieves entering unlocked cars, trucks, and most importantly, homes," said Lt. Mike Blum. "These have not been violent, home invasion-type offenses and, in most cases, weren't discovered until the following day."

   He explained that burglars will target unlocked vehicles, houses and storage buildings.

   "Reducing their opportunity by keeping all doors locked greatly reduces your risk of being a victim of property crime," he explained.

   For more information, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.484.3620. 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the benefit of some good January weather, crews have completed delivery of the annual supply of 84 paper trash sacks to residents.

   Provided at no cost to residents on an annual basis, the sacks are designed to last throughout the year.

   Anyone who missed their delivery should call Public Works at 972.919.2597.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ After having to cancel the January 14 "Tell it to the Mayor" session, Mayor Bob Phelps plans to resume his normal open office hours schedule on January 28.

   Anyone can come by to speak to the Mayor for any reason, without an appointment during these sessions, regularly scheduled for the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month.

   Hours for "Tell it to the Mayor" sessions are from 3 until 6 p.m. Call 972.919.2515 for more information.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Tax preparation assistance from AARP-trained volunteers resumes January 27 at the Manske Library and continues through the season from 1 until 7 p.m. each Tuesday.

   Anyone needing assistance should bring all necessary documents, last year's tax return and printed tax forms.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Registration for the spring edition of the popular 'Camping Under the Stars' event at the Farmers Branch Historical Park begins February 2 at 8 a.m.

   The event is planned for Saturday into Sunday, March 14 & 15. Registration requires a $50, non-refundable fee per campsite. Call 972.406.0184 for more information.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Gumdrops, lollipops and candy canes set the scene for the 2015 edition of the annual Daddy Daughter Dance, set Saturday, February 7, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. 

   Tickets are $5 per person for residents and $8 for non-residents and are available in advance through February 6. All tickets are $10 at the door.

   The event will feature a live DJ, face painting, a keepsake photo, cookies, punch and coffee. 

   For more information, call 972.247.4607.