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Man's best friend
A few weeks ago, my friend, and The Most Interesting Planner in the World, Andy Gillies asked if I would be interested in rescuing a dog that needed a friendly and loving home.
As we have been dog-less for about eight years, I was somewhat apprehensive about bringing on a new furry family member. After all, we travel, my job is very busy and we like the freedom we have, being experienced empty nesters.
Andy was going to Europe for two weeks, so, on a trial basis, we decided to dog sit. I'm sure everyone can figure out what happened next.
Maxwell and all of his dog stuff showed up on a Saturday. By Tuesday, we found ourselves cruising PetSmart in search of the "perfect toys," figuring out the best walking routes and taking him for car rides in Cozy's convertible.
It took no time for him to become an important part of our life.
I have always heard of how dogs are used as therapy for disabled veterans, senior center residents and children. I have now come to realize that a dog can offer the same therapy to someone who has huge demands on their life. It is kind of ironic that Maxwell has required me to do the things that I have cut out of life, like spending time outside, walking throughout the community, and just playing. 
And then there is the unconditional love that pours from every part of his body. That is really one of the most amazing things about having a dog.
I now realize, again, what it means when they say "a dog is man's best friend." But beyond that, I have figured out what the term "rescue dog" really and truly means.
It is not the dog that is being rescued. It is the owner.
The City of Farmers Branch has one of the premier Animal Shelters in all of Texas. We constantly maintain a 100 percent adoption rate at the facility and our staff is incredible, led by its manager, Miguel Guana. They work very hard to see that every animal has a match.
With my current experience with Maxwell, I would like to encourage everyone to visit the Animal Adoption Center at 3727 Valley View or visit the City's website to see the incredible friends that need a home.
You never know, you might just get rescued yourself.
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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Niche.com ranks Farmers Branch in the top dozen of DFW suburbs
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The statistical analysis site, niche.com, has listed Farmers Branch as number 11 in its 2015 preference rankings of Dallas-Fort Worth area suburbs.
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Niche.com DFW Top 15
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15. | University Park
Murphy
Allen
Highland Park
Frisco
McKinney
The Colony
Coppell
Carrollton
Lewisville
Farmers Branch
Grapevine
Euless
Highland Village
Flower Mound |
A total of 77 DFW-area suburbs were rated for 2015, based on livability using grades for weather, safety, schools and access to activities, jobs, housing and transportation.
 Farmers Branch was given an "A" rating in the 2015 list, noting that median household, individual income and high school graduation rates were all above national averages. Additionally, public safety scored high with the rate of violent crime far below the national average. Niche.com was founded in 2002 by Carnegie Mellon University students and is "obsessed with providing students, families and professionals with the best-in-class content and deep insight into big life decisions."
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Unofficial election results canvassed May 19
New Council members to be sworn-in
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Following last Saturday's City Council election, ballots will be canvassed and declared official at the upcoming City Council regular meeting planned for Tuesday, May 19.
New City Council members John Norwood and Mike Bomgardner are expected to be sworn into office at that time. 
According to the Dallas County Elections Department unofficial results from the May 9 City Council election were:
In District 3, candidates (listed in ballot order) received the following votes: Andy Olivo 164 (23.56 percent), Brenda Brodrick 124 (17.82 percent), John Norwood 408 (58.62 percent).
In District 5, candidates (listed in ballot order) received the following votes: David Merritt 199 (38.2 percent), Mike Bomgardner 322 (61.8 percent).
The City Council Meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Farmers Branch City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
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'Uncorked' to provide new wine tasting area for Stars & Strings
HISTORICAL PARK ~ To accent the evening of music in the meadow, 'Uncorked' is a new wine tasting event that will accompany this year's installment of Liberty Fest presents Stars & Strings, featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, on May 23.
The Memorial Day weekend event will be held at the Farmers Branch Historical Park with gates open at 6:30 p.m.
While admission to the event, and parking, are free, 'Uncorked' will be a separate, ticketed event within Stars & Strings, at the Gazebo area in the park. Patrons will have the opportunity to taste eight select wines and pair with cheese, crackers and fruit. 
Wines include Chilensis Malbec Reserva 2012, Stone Rose Cabernet Sauvignon California 2012, Hinojosa Tempranillo 1/750 ML, Aumieres Perles Noirs 2012, Falkenstein Kreuznacher Kronenberg Riesling Spatlese 2012, Nica Chardonnay, Lorire Properties Chardonnay 2012, Au Cler Cotes-de-Gasconge 2012.
Uncorked will be open from 6:30 until 8 p.m. during the event and will also include an acoustic performance from singer Ty Mayfield, who recently entertained at April's 'Date Night' event.
Tickets are available online through fbspecialevents.com for $25 each but quantities are limited. Patrons can listen to Classical 101.1 FM next week to win a prize giveaway that includes two tickets to Uncorked, a dessert basket from Central Market and VIP parking.
Everyone must have a ticket to enter the Uncorked event area and must be at least 21 years old with ID. There will be no in/outs and no children or strollers in the area.
In addition to Uncorked and the Fort Worth Symphony performance, Stars & Strings will include a free KidZone with multiple activities, tours of the park's Historical structures and fireworks to cap off the night.
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.
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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Law Enforcement Memorial Service canceled due to threatening forecast
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The 2015 Metrocrest Law Enforcement Memorial Service, originally set Thursday, May 14 at the amphitheater in Carrollton, has been canceled due to threatening weather.
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. The event will not be rescheduled.
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Shredding set Saturday, 9 to noon
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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Natatorium lists hours for the week
FARMERS BRANCH AQUATICS CENTER ~ Open swimming at the Margaret Young Natatorium continues this week from 4 until 8 p.m. through Thursday.
Also on Thursday and on Friday, Prime Time 50+ and Aerobics classes are scheduled from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
On Friday, lap swimming is available from 11 a.m. until 12 noon.
 Then, the weekend is open for swimming on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on on Sunday, from 1 until 4 p.m. 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.
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35Express outlines upcoming work
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Officials from the 35Express expansion project have announced roadwork that will affect Farmers Branch residents and businesses in the south section of the freeway makeover project.
 Widening of the main lanes north of LBJ has begun. As a result, east and westbound Harry Hines Boulevard between the north and southbound I-35E frontage roads will experience various nightly closures through July. The northbound main lanes of I-35E will shift slightly to the east this month. The main lane bridges over Valwood Parkway are being rehabilitated with full intersection closures on Valwood expected at night through June.
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HISTORICAL PARK Happenings
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Service station to be open Saturday
HISTORICAL PARK ~ The old Texaco Service Station at the Farmers Branch Historical Park will be 'open for business' on Saturday, May 16 from 1 until 4 p.m.
Everyone is invited to experience the old style service of the gas stations of the time and lend a hand as the mechanic helps to care for our authentic Glad Acres truck.
For more information, call 972.406.0184.
Meet Mrs. Gilbert at her home
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Visitors will be able to meet the original resident of the oldest home in Dallas County as "Mrs. Julia Gilbert" will be available to receive visitors at the Gilbert House in the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Saturday, May 16 from 1 until 4 p.m.
Guided tours of the home will be provided by a costumed interpreter who will elaborate on Farmers Branch in the 19th century, Mrs. Gilbert's husband's job as a local doctor and the history of their home.
For more information, call 972.406.0184.
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Volume 5 | Edition 19 | Number 220
Wednesday, May 13, 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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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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'Ribbit Cutting' scheduled for Frog Pond
grand opening
AQUATICS CENTER ~ After months of construction and rainy weather, the new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center's 'Frog Pond' outdoor activity area will be celebrated with a 'Ribbit Cutting' on Saturday, May 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Located adjacent to the Margaret Young Natatorium, the summer swim season Frog Pond features a slide tower with two water slides, a lazy river, lagoon pool with tanning ledge, kids activity pool area and more.
Following the opening ceremonies, the Frog Pond will be open for the season at 12 noon. The first 100 guests will receive a free pair of sunglasses and 'Frog Juice' shaved ice from Kona Ice.
For more information on the facility, hours and admission rates, visit fbh2o.com.
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MAY 13
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
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
4 pm - Study Session
6 pm - Regular Session
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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JUNE 10
TELL IT TO THE MAYOR
3 to 6 pm @ City Hall
Repeats every 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month
972.919.2515
farmersbranchtx.gov
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
@ City Hall
4 pm - Study Session
6 pm - Regular Session
** ONLY MEETING IN JUNE
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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Even though the official Metrocrest Law Enforcement Memorial service has been canceled due to threatening weather, National Peace Officer Memorial Day will still be observed on Friday, May 15 with all flags flying at half staff.
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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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