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Don't Forget the Town Hall Meeting | Thursday @ 7 pm | City Hall
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The Listicle
No, it's not a typo.
The listicle is a manifestation of 21st century journalism where a list of "top whatever" is the basis for the article, podcast or blog. "Listicle" is an abbreviation of the two words "list" and "article."
That's not to say that a listicle isn't a real thing. There are very legitimate entities putting out lists in this form that specialize in providing quantitative analysis for folks seeking information.
Personally, I think this can all be traced back to David Letterman and the "Top 10" lists.
One such was a few months ago when the statistical analysis site niche.com rated Farmers Branch as number 11 on their 2015 preference survey of 77 Dallas-Fort Worth area suburbs. It was based on livability, using grades for weather, safety, schools and access to activities, jobs, housing and transportation. Pretty good stuff.
The Dallas Business Journal has listed our Economic Development Department as one of the top 10 most productive agencies of its kind in the Metroplex for three years running.
Sometimes, the subject matter is a bit more light.
Just this week, thrillist.com rated a Farmers Branch establishment as the second best barbecue joint in all of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas Child is taking votes on the Best Places for Kids' Parties in DFW. Our Aquatics Center is on the list.
And, now, nerdwallet.com, a national financial analysis site, says Farmers Branch is the fifth-best place in all of Texas to start a business.
I am starting to like this "listicle" thing.
Not to be outdone, I'd like to present the Top Five Places to Enjoy Summertime in Farmers Branch:
5. Air-conditioning.
4. The Historical Park for any event, tour or picnic.
3. A stroll through the early evening breezes in the rose gardens at Gussie Field Watterworth Park.
2. The Frog Pond.
1. Anywhere you want to be - after all, it's Farmers Branch.
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Taxable property values see 7.7 percent increase
DALLAS ~ Increases in commercial, residential and business personal property values have resulted in taxable property values in Farmers Branch increasing 7.7 percent, according to figures released this week by the Dallas Central Appraisal District. 
The DCAD placed Farmers Branch total values for the 2015 tax year at $4.5 billion. Commercial values were up 9.7 percent. Residential rose by 6 percent while business personal property saw an increase of 4.4 percent.
The total taxable value increase of $323.3 million includes $78.2 million in new construction ($10.3 for residential and $67.9 for the commercial sector).
Farmers Branch Managing Director Charles S. Cox said the new information confirms the positive trend seen in Farmers Branch taxable values during the past several years.
   
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Spraying continues in areas near Temple Trails Park
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a mosquito trap near Temple Trails Park in Farmers Branch has tested positive for West Nile Virus, streets within a one-mile radius will be sprayed for mosquitoes on two consecutive nights on Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29 beginning at 9 p.m. and concluding no later than 5 a.m. on both nights.
Residents are advised, as a precaution, to bring in pet dishes or cover them, cover aquatic ponds, fish ponds and birdbaths and do not go outside during the posted hours. 
Temple Trails Park is located on Templeton Trails Drive just south of Valley View.
As incidence of West Nile Virus increases throughout North Texas through the late summer months into fall, residents are reminded to drain standing water, use insect repellent with DEET, and to avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquito dunks (larvacide briquettes), for the treatment of standing water, are available free of charge (limit one per household) at Farmers Branch City Hall and at the Farmers Branch Senior Center. For more information, please call the Mosquito Hotline at 972.919.9868 or visit farmersbranchtx.gov/mosquito.
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Exchange Zones
Farmers Branch PD sets safe harbor for online returns or child custody exchanges
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to further the safety of the community, the Farmers Branch Police Department has initiated a "Safe Exchange Zone" program for the exchange of items that have been bought, sold or traded or for child custody exchanges.  The designated area in front of the parking lot at the Farmers Branch Justice Center, 3723 Valley View Lane, will enable divorced parents to make child custody handoffs and will give buyers and sellers of online items, from sites like Craigslist and Ebay, a safe location to transact further business.
"The Farmers Branch Police Department is committed to safety of the community," said Police Chief Sidney Fuller. "Now there is a dedicated, safe area for online buyers, sellers and parents with visitation rights to make the exchanges."
Chief Fuller added that although his department encourages use of these areas for exchanges, online buyers should always exercise good judgment, as there is no guarantee to the legitimacy of any transaction.
For more information on the "Safe Exchange Zone" program please contact Detective David Laisure at 972.919.9354.
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Tastes & Tunes to revisit the 80s as summer series wraps up
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The band Live 80 will be harkening back to the days of parachute pants and pushed-up sleeves while food trucks sell their wares at the final 2015 installment of Tastes & Tunes, set for Friday, August 14 at The Grove @ Mustang Station, corner of Bill Moses Parkway and Denton Drive.
Admission to the event is free with folding chairs and blankets recommended for lawn seating.
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Multiple factors add up to expected rise in water/sewer rates
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The record rainfall of 2015 isn't the only weather affecting water and sewer issues as that, plus a legal battle over the source of local drinking water, is combining for a perfect storm that will likely result in higher rates for the new fiscal year.
Farmers Branch Finance Director Charles Cox said all players in the Farmers Branch water and sewer equation are experiencing issues. First, local water sales are down 15 percent this year, or about $3 million below expectations, due to the excess rainfall.
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American Southwest photography to be featured in gallery in August
MANSKE LIBRARY~ Come along for the ride with adventure photographer Derrick Birdsall as he explores the backroads and forgotten byways of the American Southwest at the Farmers Branch Manske Library, August 2-27, in the gallery.
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| | Photographer Derrick Birdsall |
Birdsall became serious about photography in 2009. Since then, he has had a book of photography published by Abilene Christian University Press as well as several articles in various publications.
There will be a reception on August 2 from 2-4 pm in the gallery. This event is free and open to the public. If you have questions, please contact the Library.
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Superhero Send-Off planned to wrap up Summer Reading Club
MANSKE LIBRARY~ It is time to end summer reading with a BANG!
All of the super-readers are invited to attend the Superhero Send-off at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Friday, July 31 at 12 noon.
Participants can play a wide array of games around the amphitheater, including Bean Bag Attack, Water Balloon Spoon Races, Dinosaur Pinata and more. There will also be chalk for making sidewalk art, as well as door prizes!
Enjoy some lemonade as the official list of summer reading grand prize winners is announced. Attendance is not necessary to win. Participants should wear clothes they don't mind getting dirty or wet.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions about this and other events, please contact the Library.
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There is hoopla at the Library
MANSKE LIBRARY~Farmers Branch Manske Library is excited to announce the public availability of thousands of movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks, all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital.
All that is needed is a library card. 
Patrons can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on any Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com. hoopla digital has a simple sign-up and an easy-to-use interface. There's also no waiting to borrow popular movies, TV shows, albums or audiobooks. And hoopla digital's automatic return feature eliminates late fees.
When a title is borrowed on one device, it is automatically available via all devices with the hoopla digital app and via PC web browsers. Patrons are allowed to borrow 12 titles each month. Content is available for streaming immediately or via download for later viewing.
For more information, contact the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Volume 5 | Edition 30 | Number 231
Wednesday, July 29, 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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Town Hall Meeting on Recycling set Thursday at City Hall
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bob Phelps and the members of the Farmers Branch City Council invite the community to a Town Hall Meeting on Recycling, planned Thursday, July 30 at Farmers Branch City Hall. 
On the agenda will be discussion of a curbside recycling plan for the City. Meeting time is 7 p.m.
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'Name the Frog' contest continues thru Aug 5
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The mascot of the Frog Pond at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center is becoming a familiar face to regular attendees of the outdoor water facility this summer.  But, he has no name.
That is about to change as the City of Farmers Branch, in association with the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas near the Galleria, is sponsoring the 'Name the Frog' contest now in progress, through August 5. Anyone can enter the contest with the entry form and a good name for the Frog Pond's Frog. Click here or come by the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center at 14032 Heartside Place. The winner will receive a weekend 'staycation' at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas near the Galleria in Farmers Branch, for up to a family of six with complimentary breakfast, and a VIP family pass to the Frog Pond.
For more information, visit fbh2o.com or call 972.919.8720.
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Craft Fair
registration full for October event
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Vendor registration is completely full for the 2015 edition of the holiday-themed Craft Fair at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, according to Craft Fair officials.
Artisans will be vending their handmade wares from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 at the Senior Center.
Vendors wishing to still participate can contact the Senior Center to be placed on the waiting list. Call 972.919.8740.
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Fall party reservations now available at Aquatics Center
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Anyone hosting a celebration this fall is encouraged to check out the pavilions at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center.
The Frog Pond will be closed for the season, but reservations are being taken for use of the pavilions on Saturdays in four-hour increments.
Facilities include the covered pavilion, tables, grill, restroom access and playground.
Rentals are $100 per four hour block for residents and $140 for non-residents, plus a $100 refundable deposit.
Also, indoor pool parties are available at the Margaret Young Natatorium.
For more information, call 972.919.8720.
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Firehouse Theatre to offer final weekend of Oklahoma!"
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The first effort of a fruitful partnership will be featured in Farmers Branch as the Firehouse Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, "Oklahoma!" on select nights through August 2. 
Performances will be offered at the Firehouse Theatre, 2535 Valley View Lane. For reservations and ticket information visit www.thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747.
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VIDEO  EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Economic Development Update: 2nd Quarter 2015
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Safe Exchange
Farmers Branch Police have begun a new program to offer a safe setting for citizens to conduct online business or child custody exchanges.
See related story.
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FIREHOUSE THEATRE
Select Nights thru Aug 2
CHILDREN"S THEATRE
presents "Cindereller"
July 28 @ 10 am to 12 noon
972.620.3747
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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AUGUST 4 & 18
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
6 pm @ City Hall
LIVE Coverage on FBTV
972.919.2515
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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SEPTEMBER 18-19ENCOUNTERS from the PAST SEPTEMBER 26
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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Make a SPLASH with your NEXT BIRTHDAY BASH!
Click on the Frog
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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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