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Putting things in perspective
It seems lately that I have come into contact with more and more folks that are suffering hardships either themselves or in their family.
I don't know if its a sign of getting older or that there is more suffering in the world, or maybe I'm becoming more sensitive to it, but my thoughts are increasingly centered on hoping for strength and courage for those around me that are facing challenges.
I know that difficult times are a part of life. In my profession, there are often hard times. As such, and as a matter of survival, it is an absolute requirement to be able to uplift yourself in the darkest of hours.
Some of you know that I became a City Manager when I was 27 and had to learn early to deal with politics, and all that that implies. Something unforgettable happened my first year that has helped me put adversity into perspective in my life and career.
At the time, I was dealing with a very difficult issue and was convinced that I was not going to be able to withstand the criticism that was coming at me like a tidal wave.
Then, in the mail came a card from a local citizen that had been an observer of the difficulties I was experiencing. The card simply said. "Hang in there, you are doing the right thing, I have enclosed something that may help you get through this."
Inside the card was a list of words to live by that are often attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. These words have a great effect on my life and career. I pass them on to anyone facing challenges in their life and hope that they help to resolve their difficulties as they have mine over the last 25 years.
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give the best you've got anyway.
To contact Gary, click on his picture
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In case you missed it, please check out these links for the most recent month of 'Memos from the Manager' and complete editions:
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Grammy-winner
LeeAnn Womack coming to Bloomin' Bluegrass
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The 2015 incarnation of the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff may still be several months away but excitement is starting to build with the announcement of this year's slate of talent, including Grammy-winner LeeAnn Womack.
With album sales of more than 6 million worldwide, Ms. Womack will tie her passion for country music with her love for bluegrass. Joining her at this year's free music festival will be the Del McCoury band, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, Balsam Range, Helen Highwater Stringband, The Grascals, The Herrins and The Snyder Family Band. The Chili Cookoff will again accompany the red-hot music on stage while others shop at the Arts & Crafts Marketplace, visit the KidZone, complete with a petting zoo and face painting, or stroll through the nearby Celebration of Roses at the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch. Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cookoff is coming to the Farmers Branch Historical Park October 16 & 17. Admission and parking are free. Details can be found online at www.bloominbluegrass.com.
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Economic Development quarterly video update highlights growth
FARMERS BRANCH ~ After a premiere showing before the City Council, the Farmers Branch Economic Development Department has released a video update of high points and achievements in business development and retention in the first quarter of calendar year 2015.
 Managing Director John Land said his department is planning quarterly updates throughout the year, highlighting new businesses in Farmers Branch as well as those that made the choice to stay here along with other related news.
Each update will be available on the City's website, on FBTV and online at youtube.com/fbtv16.
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Stars & Strings to feature Fort Worth's finest musicians, May 23
HISTORICAL PARK ~ The sounds of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be filling the Historical Park at this year's edition of Liberty Fest presents Stars & Strings over Memorial Day weekend.
The Park will open its gates at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 with activities for the young and the young at heart including the all-time favorite low level fireworks show that helps cap off the event. Admission and parking are free with no ticket required.
Activities leading up to the fireworks include tours of historical structures in the park, bounce houses, face paintings and more free activities in the Kidzone.
Select concessionaires will be onsite selling a variety of festival fare, beer, wine, and snacks. Festival-goers can also pre-order one of the many picnic baskets prepared by Central Market. Their menu and ordering details will soon be available online.
New at this year's event is "Uncorked," a private wine tasting area for those wishing to expand their palate. A total of eight wines will be accompanied with the perfect pairing for the full tasting experience. The area will have an exclusive performance at the gazebo for those in attendance.
Tickets for the wine tasting are limited and are available at www.fbspecialevents.com. Parking will be at the Metrosquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park at 1200 Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate. For more information, call 972.919.2620 or visit www.fbspecialevents.com.
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FBPD to participate in Law Enforcement Memorial Service May 24
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Police Chief Sid Fuller and the members of the Farmers Branch Police Department will take part in the Metrocrest Law Enforcement Memorial Service for 2015, set Thursday evening, May 14 at the Carrollton Amphitheater, 2035 East Jackson Road in Carrollton.
A joint effort by the departments of Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Addison and Coppell, the event rotates between cities each year, taking time to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
A 7:30 p.m. reception will feature police vehicles on display and a performance from the Carrollton Community Chorus. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.
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South segment business meeting for 35Express planned for Friday
CARROLLTON ~ Officials from the 35Express expansion project will meet with business owners in the south segment of the project at 10 a.m. Friday at the C2 Cafe, 1101 South Broadway in Carrollton.  The south segment of the I-35E makeover is generally defined as the area between LBJ freeway and the President George Bush Turnpike and includes all of Farmers Branch and most of Carrollton.
Business owners and employees along the south segment, along with other interested parties, are invited to attend.
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Margaret Young Natatorium sets swimming hours
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Working up to a full schedule, the Margaret Young Natatorium will be open for public swimming from 4 until 8 p.m. through Thursday.
Aerobics classes and Prime Time 50+ classes are planned from 9:30 to 11 a.m. through Friday, and lap swim from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday.
 Public swimming is open this weekend from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost for annual memberships is $90 per individual, $180 for a family and $50 for a senior (ages 50 and up). Daily admission fees are $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents. Kids age 2 and under are free. Officials added that the 12-month clock on annual memberships does not begin until the Natatorium begins its schedule of regular hours, expected in May. The Margaret Young Natatorium at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center is located at 14032 Heartside Place, adjacent to the Community Recreation Center. Find out more at www.fbh2o.com.
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Employee: Amy Piukana 
Title: Records Management Coordinator
Employed: April 27, 2015
Background: I am a Certified Texas Registered Municipal Clerk through University of North Texas in 2012, and currently serve on the Marketing and Public Relations Committee for the Texas Registered Municipal Clerks Association. I have 15 years experience in municipal government having worked for the cities of Hurst, Prosper and the Colony.
What do I like about working for the City of Farmers Branch: I would have to say the friendly people and professional environment are what initially drew me here to City of Farmers Branch. The HR Department , IT Department, and Administrative team have made me feel comfortable and I look forward to working with such a great team.
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Volume 5 | Edition 18 | Number 219
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office since March 5, 2011
of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Three-time Award Winner for
Excellence in E-Newsletters in Texas
Awarded by the
Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
www.texastamio.org
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MANSKE LIBRARY ~ The Brookhaven College Jazz Combo will perform at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Combo, which consists of a rhythm section, keyboards, bass, electric guitar and voice, will play well-known jazz standards, pop songs, and original music.
The performance is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Voters will go to the polls on Saturday to cast ballots for candidates in two City Council races in Farmers Branch.
Residents of Districts 3 & 5 are the only voters who will vote in this election.
In District 3, candidates (in ballot order) are Andy Olivo, Brenda Brodrick and John Norwood.
In District 5, candidates (in ballot order) are David Merritt and Mike Bomgardner.
For more information or to locate a precinct by address, visit farmersbranchtx.gov/elections or dallascountyvotes.org.
Unofficial results will be posted on City media channels Saturday night once reported from Dallas County.
VOTING PRECINCTS
2302
2305
2306
2307
2308
2309
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Farmers Branch City Hall
13000 William Dodson Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX
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2300
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2311 |
Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center
14050 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch TX
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RECREATION CENTER ~ With a vision of providing non-motorized mobility by connecting key destinations, City leaders are formulating a master plan for a trail system in Farmers Branch, and they want the public's input.
A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center. At that meeting, officials will outline the conceptual trail plan and ask for public input.
It is hoped that the master plan for a trail system will promote a pedestrian and bicycle-oriented network that provides safe connections within the community, as well as connections to surrounding cities and their trail systems.
The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center is located at 14050 Heartside Place, near the intersection of Heartside and Valwood Parkway.
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Document destruction event set May 16
CITY HALL ~ Spreading its services out through the year and to different venues, CityWide CleanUp will offer document shredding to Farmers Branch residents on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Farmers Branch City Hall.
These document destruction services are designed for residents only and proof of residence may be required. For more information, call 972.919.2510.
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TRAIL MASTER PLAN
6:30 pm @ Rec Center
972.919.2620
MAY 16
CITYWIDE CLEANUP
presents
SHREDDING EVENT
9 am to 12 noon @
City Hall
972.919.2510
farmersbranchtx.gov
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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This young symphony fan surveys the meadow at the Farmers Branch Historical Park during "Liberty Fest presents Stars & Strings" last year. This year's event is set for Saturday, May 23 with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
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An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit
lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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