This week we bid a fond farewell to a 24 year employee from the Planning & Zoning Department. Stacy Henderson has been the "go to" person not only for her department, but for the entire administrative staff of the City. Additionally, she has been invaluable to the management team, Planning & Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. So much of the success of the City in the last ¼ century was accomplished due to Stacy's involvement, guidance and support.
   She started her career with the City in 1991 as a Senior Secretary. She was promoted in 1997 to Office Supervisor and again in 2000 to Office Manager.
   It is not only her outstanding work ethic, but also her professional, kind and convivial personality that make her special. This came from the management team, co-workers and council members. Over the years,

Stacy Henderson

whenever citizens have come in contact with Stacy, they always have positive experiences. I have never heard a better voice on the phone, ever. Everyone seems to proclaim - "She's incredible." She has been a great example of what it means to be a Farmers Branch City Employee.
   We are going to miss her a great deal, but are so proud of her promotion/opportunity with the City of Lucas as City Secretary. She is going to take on her new challenge as she does everything - with class and professionalism.
   Thanks, Stacy for 24 outstanding years. There is no doubt you will continue to be "incredible" as a City Secretary. We are so glad you were part of the Farmers Branch team for so many years. We all wish you the best!

REC CENTER ~ With the theme of "Gumdrops, lollipops and candy canes galore," the annual Daddy Daughter Dance is destined to make memories this Saturday night, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center.

   In addition to the aforementioned dancing, there will be a Live DJ, face painting, a keepsake photo, cookies, punch and coffee. Organizers emphasized that this is a special occasion for Dads and Daughters so other family members will not be admitted.

   Advance tickets are available through Friday at the Community Recreation Center for $5 per person for Farmers Branch residents and $8 for non-residents. All tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, call 972.247.4607.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Growing a City of roses requires commitment, skill and sometimes information, in order to promote healthy plants that showcase our streets and neighborhoods.

   Farmers Branch Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith said local rose gardeners should be pruning their roses by the end of February to be ready for the upcoming blooming season.

   "If you found some odd looking growth that was abnormal for your variety of rose, it's time to take action to protect the rest of your roses, your neighbor's roses and your City's roses," she said. "Remove and dispose of that rose plant."

   Ms. Smith said Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) has made its presence known in Farmers Branch and threatens all our rose plants. The abnormal growth can include witches broom, malformed flowers and leaves, excessive thorniness, red discoloration, lateral shoot elongation and flattened or enlarged stems. 

   "If you think your rose might be diseased and would like confirmation, please email me at pam.smith@farmersbranchtx.gov with contact information and a picture." she explained.

   "I'll be happy to assist you in diagnosing RRD. At the current time, there is no known cure or a way to prevent the disease. The good news is that it does not affect the soil and roses can be replanted." Visit www.fbroses.com for more information.

Homecoming of the Bell, church anniversary to be celebrated

HISTORICAL PARK ~ To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the relocation of the Old Church from Renner, Texas to the Historical Park and installation of its original bell, there will be a special "Homecoming of the Bell" presentation on Thursday, February 19 at 4 p.m. at the park.

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Vintage Base Ball Spring Training set Saturday, February 21

HISTORICAL PARK ~ Anyone wanting to learn to play the great game by 1860s rules, when it was still two words - base ball, is invited to come out to the Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball team spring training day on Saturday, February 21 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.

   All equipment is provided and no previous sports experience, or talent, is necessary. Visit fbvintagebaseball.com for more information.

Crime drops to 15-year low

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.

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