Personal challenge

   Let's have a candid conversation about Abilene.

   Many of you know that I was recently selected as a finalist for the City Manager position in that community. I was supposed to interview next week, so, a couple of Saturdays ago, we drove out to check it out. After spending several hours in Abilene, we decided to pull out of the process and stay right here in Farmers Branch.   

   There were a number of reasons. After visiting the City it was readily apparent that I would not be good fit there. But, more importantly, Cozy and I have put down roots here and, as an added benefit, in Farmers Branch I get to work with an extraordinary group of people, the likes of which are hard to find anywhere - public or private.

   In addition, we've been involved in some incredible projects here that are extremely important to our citizens and that I don't want to leave undone. Those include the pending expansion of our landfill, the new Aquatics Center, working towards a resolution on Farmers Branch Creek issues, and merging emergency communications and fire training facilities with our neighboring communities. 

   And, in the final analysis, you have to search far and wide to find a place finer than Farmers Branch. It's not perfect. But, for us, it's not far off.

   So, what was Abilene about? Why engage in the process in the first place?

   I think that Mexican-born American soccer star Martin Vasquez expressed it best when he said, "If you never challenge yourself, you'll never know your potential."

    Throughout my life I've always believed that. Whether it was athletics, classes, business, golf or city management, I've always looked forward to opportunities to be challenged so that I can recognize my own potential, as well as shortcomings.

   It's always good to know how you stack up against your peers. As such, the process of being considered for a City Manager post is a rigorous one involving a battery of tests and interviews. Invariably, you get the opportunity to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and that only makes you stronger. My hope is to be a better City Manager because of processes like this.

   However, the unintended consequence has been alarming people unnecessarily. So, please know that we love Farmers Branch. We're proud to be from Farmers Branch. I'm honored to lead this organization and look forward to continuing in the capacity until powers-that-be think differently or until I retire.

Raymond DeLeon Field

Local legend attends dedication ceremony naming field in his honor

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Citing his immeasurable contributions to local youth sports and the profound effect he has had on the lives of so many local kids, Farmers Branch baseball legend Raymond DeLeon was appreciated Thursday night with the dedication of a new tee ball field in his honor at the Oran Good Park complex.

   The small, but lush, green field is located across Dennis Lane from Vivian Field Middle School.

Members of two local tee ball teams were in attendance for the dedication then took the field for the inaugural game.

   Rain postponed the dedication ceremonies from the previous Saturday to last Thursday evening at the site, adjacent to Oran Good Park. Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps, along with Parks and Recreation Board Chair Margaret Young were among the local dignitaries who took turns at the microphone to praise Mr. DeLeon's work through the years and to thank him for countless years of service.

   Then, Mr. DeLeon took the microphone and spent most of his time talking about the kids who come out to play and especially praising the coaches for working with them on tee ball. "It's hard. I couldn't do it," the longtime coach quipped.

   Three vacant lots at the site were dedicated for public park purposes last year. The Farmers Branch City Council voted to name the field to be constructed in honor of Mr. DeLeon, a longtime Farmers Branch resident and former Executive Vice President of the Farmers Branch Baseball Association.

   Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting said Mr. DeLeon has dedicated untold hours to further baseball in Farmers Branch and was selected to the Farmers Branch Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

   Following the ceremony, Mr. DeLeon and the presiding umpire called for the assembled teams to "Play Ball" as the first game on the new field.

Parks' J.D. Arnold takes state honors in equipment rodeo

J.D. Arnold

Aquatics Center is now hiring staff in advance of opening next month 

FARMERS BRANCH AQUATICS CENTER ~ With water having filled the therapy and lap pools inside the Margaret Young Natatorium, officials at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center are now looking to hire part-time people for both summertime and year-round work.

   Aquatics Manager Miklos Valdez said positions are available for head lifeguards, lifeguards, swim instructors, fitness instructors, recreation leaders as well as positions for concessions and ticket booth.

   The all-new Aquatics Center is comprised of two facilities - the indoor Margaret Young Natatorium, which will operate year-round, and the summer swim season, outdoor Frog Pond, set to open May 23.

   For more information on available positions or to find out more about the new Aquatics Center, visit fbh2o.com or call 972.919.8766.

Dallas International Girls Cup opens

ROSS STEWART SOCCER COMPLEX ~ Teams from around the world are in Farmers Branch tonight for the fifth annual Dallas International Girls Cup soccer tournament, set for play April 1-5.

   Games will take place at the Ross Stewart Soccer Complex and at the Cox Park Soccer Complex, both in Farmers Branch. First round begins on Wednesday with quarter-finals and semi-finals on Saturday.

   Tournament play will include teams from around the U.S. as well as girls from England, Denmark, Colombia, Canada, Mexico and Sweden.

   Find out more at www.dallasinternationalgirlscup.com.

Employee: Michael Hastings

Department: Information Services

Position: Public Safety Support Specialist

Employed: March 30, 2015

Background: He started his career in the non-profit sector and then worked for several Managed Services Providers supporting small to medium businesses in the DFW area. Michael specializes in providing advanced technical support and ensuring client satisfaction.

   His interests which he pursues outside of work include video games, cars, travel, reading, dogs and craft beers. Quite an eclectic mix that should make it interesting getting to know Michael as he continues his career here at the City.

   His educational background includes A+ and Network + Technical certifications. He attended UNT and majored in psychology.

What drew him to work for the City: Michael said he is excited to work for an organization that's focused on providing excellent services and making a positive difference for the citizens. He really enjoyed working for a non-profit early in his career and he is happy to be returning to a similar type organization. He is eager to work alongside the public safety departments and hopefully make a noticeable impact on their ability to provide better services to the citizens.