Heart of community

   I'm absolutely thrilled to tell you about something really special going on in Farmers Branch this month that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of.

   Profiling those that have provided the heart of this community through the centuries, "The Women of Farmers Branch" is something that should not be missed.

   The exhibit is a production of the Farmers Branch Historical Park and is being shown through their partnership with the Manske Library, and their gallery.

   It is an intricate, and sometime intimate, look at those women who helped shape our local history. And, it is there in the Library Gallery to entertain, amuse and educate you through March 27.

   Last week, I had the great pleasure to attend a kickoff reception where the public could meet the exhibit's curators but also, in a testament to the great generation of women among us, attendees got to mix and mingle with many of the ladies whose pictures and stories were on the wall.

   From Ruth Ann Parish to Margaret Young to Calla Davis and all the members of the Civic League and Woman's Club, these folks are living history that we are so lucky to have here in Farmers Branch.

   Another honoree I was happy to see was my predecessor in this position, former City Manager Linda Groomer. Retirement appears to agree with Linda as she and her husband, Mike, have never looked better. It's a heavy responsibility to come into a community and assume operational control of the City organization. When I arrived here eight years ago, that transition was made considerably easier because of the work that Linda had put in during her tenure as Farmers Branch City Manager. It was good to see her.

   I certainly want to thank three wonderful women of Farmers Branch very specifically. From the Farmers Branch Historical Park, Jamie Rigsby and Danielle Brissette curated the exhibit and took such extreme care with the information and artifacts to be sure it was presented in a logical and understandable format.

   But, it could not have been completed without their partnership with our new, progressive and exceedingly helpful Library Director, Farmers Branch's own Denise Wallace.

   Do yourself a favor and get over to the Manske Library before March 27 to take advantage of this exceptionally local event.

Northbound Valley View exit ramp closure continues through Friday

35EXPRESS ~ The northbound Interstate 35E exit ramp to Valley View Lane will be closed nightly from 9 pm until 6 am, through Friday, March 13, according to officials with the 35Express project.

   The Valwood exit would be the next available access on I-35E. Officials said the closures are necessary for crews to re-stripe northbound main lanes and set concrete barriers.

   The 35Express project group is the organization responsible for the overhaul of Interstate 35E from Interstate 635 in Dallas, north through Farmers Branch, Carrollton and Lewisville, to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County.

Drug Takeback

Farmers Branch Police set up permanent receptacle for disposing of old prescriptions

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In what was previously a once or twice a year event, dropping off old prescription medications for proper disposal is now a permanent service offered by the Farmers Branch Police Department.

   Sergeant Terry Eoff said the new receptacle is located in the lobby at the Farmers Branch Justice Center, 3723 Valley View Lane (at the corner of Marsh) and is available for access Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

   In years past, the take back of prescription meds has been orchestrated in coordination with CityWide CleanUp Day. However, Sgt. Eoff said this installation is permanent and designed for use every business day.

   He explained that most prescriptions are accepted for the takeback receptacle, including prescription patches, medications, ointments, along with over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and pet meds. 

   Items that cannot be accepted include needles, medications from businesses or clinics, thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, lotions or liquids, and aerosol cans.

   For more information, call 972.484.3620.

Triple Play Weekend

Trio of activities make for fun filled weekend at Historical Park

HISTORICAL PARK ~ Swinging bats, swiping swords and pitching tents are all in store for the Farmers Branch Historical Park on what promises to be a very busy weekend.

Vintage Base Ball: Playing the great American past time by 1860s rules can be a bit of a spectacle and even more fun to play. The Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball club will host a game in the Historical Park meadow at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. Spectators and interested players are welcomed.

Victorian Fencing: Also at 1 p.m., there will be a demonstration of Victorian fencing at the Queen Anne Victorian Cottage in the park. Offered by the Victorian Fencing Society, spectators are invited to come, watch learn and, perhaps, practice the late 19th century art of swordplay with foils and sabres. No experience is necessary and the demonstration is free.

Camping Under the Stars: Then, after 5 p.m., families will descend on the park for the Spring edition of Camping Under the Stars. The $50 registration fee includes a campsite for one family, a community campfire, s'mores and breakfast (camping equipment not provided). Call the Historical Park at 972.406.0184 to check campsite availability.

After snow and ice, 35Express project tackling resulting potholes

LEWISVILLE ~ As the Metroplex emerges from the recent snow and ice events, AGL Constructors is increasing efforts to tackle potholes left behind as a result of recent weather conditions. 

   Beginning last week, AGL, the firm tapped to lead construction of the 30-miles of Interstate 35E between U.S. 380 in Denton County and I-635 in Dallas County, will focus its efforts on repairing the roadway and making travel easier for the hundreds of thousands of commuters using I-35E each day.

   "Potholes are cyclical in nature," explained Mark Smith with AGL. "As soon as these winter events end and we put away the sand trucks and plows, our efforts immediately turn to repairing the damage left by the weather conditions."

   In order for crews to make repairs, the weather has to cooperate. Temperatures should be above 40 degrees and the air must be relatively dry.

   Repair work will continue in these areas over the next several weeks and as weather permits. Commuters should expect periodic mainlane closures along I-35E during off-peak hours as crews work to make the repairs. We appreciate the patience of the traveling public while this work is being performed.

   For more information about the 35Express project or to sign up for traffic alerts, please visit www.35Express.org.

Five candidates running for two seats on the Farmers Branch City Council

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With elections coming up on May 9 to fill City Council seats for Districts 3 and 5, early voting has been scheduled for April 27 through May 5. 

   At the close of the official filing period, the following candidates had filed to run for the District 3 seat - (in ballot order) Andy Olivo, Brenda Brodrick and John Norwood. 

   In District 5, David Merritt is running against Mike Bomgardner for that position. 

   The Mayor and five Council members, from geographically-defined districts, are elected to three year terms with two positions up every year.

   Early voting will be held at Dallas County early voting locations, including Farmers Branch City Hall, according to the following schedule:

• Mon, April 27 through Sat, May 2, from 8 am to 5 pm
• Sun, May 3 from 1 until 6 pm
• Mon & Tue, May 4 & 5, from 7 am until 7 pm

   Additional information on voters can be found at farmersbranchtx.gov/elections, including a Council District Map, facts about the Texas Voter ID law and a lookup tool for determining Council districts according to address.

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