Reconnect

 It is a well-known fact that in 21st century society, more than 65 percent of families with both parents working, generally do a poor job of balancing career and home life.

  At the same time, it is also known that 83 percent of all statistics are made up.

   The essence of that thought still applies. Too often, life gets in the way of living and before you know it, weeks months and years go by.

   My recommendation to everyone is to stop and smell the roses. Take time to reconnect with your significant other. 

   If you don't have time, make time.

   So, whether you're dating, young married, mature married, with kids or without kids, a great time to reconnect with your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife or otherwise significant other is this Saturday night at the Farmers Branch Historical Park at "Date Night in the Park."

   This is the third year we've featured this event in April and it continues to grow in popularity.

   And, wow, does this year look great.

   We're going to have eight food trucks in the park, serving everything from pizza to tacos, from ice cream to burgers and from Cajun food to Cuban American and Vietnamese.

   Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and serving from the trucks begins immediately. There will also be a bar serving beer and wine AND a Craft Beer Tasting area with taste tickets available for $2 apiece.

   At 7, Dallas-based pop sensation Ty Mayfield takes the stage for a concert while the sun sets in the west. Then, after dark, our giant, inflatable screen comes to life with the greatness of Bill Murray in the movie "St. Vincent." There will be picnic tables around the food trucks but you probably want to bring some lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor movie.

   And, get this, admission and parking are all free.

   To help make it easier, we even offer childcare at the Community Recreation Center during the event for just $10 per child. They do need to know you're coming though, so please call them at 972.247.4607 for advance registration. 

   Take the time. Reconnect. See you there.

   Now, we just need the weather to cooperate (knock wood).

HISTORICAL PARK ~ Food trucks, live music, craft beer and an outdoor movie all come together Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park for the Spring edition of "Date Night in the Park." 

   Now in its third year, the increasingly popular event provides a Saturday evening escape for singles and parents, within the friendly confines of the Historical Park meadow. 

   Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and admission to the park is free. 

   Eight food trucks are scheduled to be there this year. They include: Nammi Truck (Vietnamese cuisine, Banh Mi sandwiches), Rockin' Ricks (Cajun burgers, po-boys, fries), Easy Slider (slider burgers), Ruthie's Rolling Cafe (gourmet grilled cheese), SoCal Tacos (southern California-style tacos, plus burritos and quesadillas), Guava Tree (Cuban American), Bellatrino Pizza (gourmet pizza) and Gypsy Scoops (ice cream). 

   Additionally, Doc Popcorn will be there with a variety of popcorn flavors, including butter, kettle, jalapeno and cheddar. 

   Most vendors have credit card capability but there will also be an ATM on site. The Craft Beer Tasting area will have a number of craft beers available for $2 per taste or $5 for the bottle. Plus, there will be a bar with beer, wine and sodas. 

   Up and coming pop artist Ty Mayfield will serenade the crowd beginning at 7 p.m. Then, the feature film "St. Vincent," starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy, begins after dusk. "St. Vincent" is rated PG-13. 

   Childcare is available at the Community Recreation Center for $10 per child but advance registration is required at 972.247.4607. Fee includes activities and dinner. 

   The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road and a short, five-minute walk from the Farmers Branch Green Line DART Station. Free parking will be the MetroSquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate. 

   For more information, visit www.fbspecialevents.com. 

CITY HALL ~ The early voting period for the May 9 City election opens Monday at Dallas County early voting locations, including Farmers Branch City Hall, and continues through May 5.

   Voters may vote early between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, April 27 through Saturday, May 2. On Sunday, May 3, voting is available from 1 until 6 p.m. Then, on Monday and Tuesday, May 4 & 5, early voting is available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

   On Election Day, May 9, voters will cast ballots at their assigned voting precincts. There is a precinct and Council district lookup facility on the City's website at www.farmersbranchtx.gov/elections.

   The Mayor and City Council members in Farmers Branch are elected to three year terms with two positions up for election each year. Council members are elected from geographically-defined single member districts while the Mayor is elected at-large.

   On the ballot for this year's election are the City Council seats for Districts 3 and 5. 

   In District 3, the candidates (in ballot order) are Andy Olivo, Brenda Brodrick and John Norwood. For District 5, candidates (in ballot order) are David Merritt and Mike Bomgardner.

   For more information, visit www.dallascountyvotes.org or www.farmersbranchtx.gov/elections.