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Applause
Some people ask me if there is a difference between a "city" and a "community." There are those that use the terms interchangeably.
I am not among them.
In simple terms, "city" is a geographical, political entity. A "community" is a gathering of people engaged in the business of making their part of the world a better place.
Part of what makes the Farmers Branch community a better place is the ample opportunities for quality education for our children. Central to that mission is the ongoing, rock-solid relationship we have with the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.
To that end, I am very proud to congratulate C-FB ISD Superintendent, Dr. Bobby Burns, on being named the Texas PTA's 2015 Superintendent of the Year.
In presenting the award, Texas PTA officials said that Dr. Burns believes in the importance of 'community' and 'backing the future of all 26,000 C-FB ISD students.'
I think the way Dr. Burns models leadership, as noted by the Texas PTA, speaks volumes to the school district's commitment to the future leaders of this community. They have to look no further than their district's front door for a role model.
At the community level, I cannot think of a better partner the City has in carrying out its mission to make our part of the world a better place.
From all of us at the City of Farmers Branch, congratulations, Dr. Burns! This is an honor well-deserved.
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LBJ Express plans intersection closures in advance of project grand opening
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the announced opening of the LBJ Express project planned for September 10, officials said there are closures planned in Farmers Branch in the next
 48 hours that will help finish up the massive, five-year endeavor. Josey Lane, under LBJ, will completely close tonight, Wednesday, August 26, at 7 p.m., reopening Thursday morning at 6 a.m. Likewise, on Thursday, August 27, the Webb Chapel intersection, under LBJ will be closed from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Friday. For more information, visit www.lbjexpress.com.
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Pickups-N-Panels
16th annual Classic Car-Truck Shootout coming September 12
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Benefitting the American Cancer Society, the 16th Annual Pickups-N-Panels Classic Car-Truck Shootout is returning to the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Saturday, September 12.
Open to all 1990 model, and older, cars and trucks, the event populates the verdant meadow at the Historical Park with all manner of classic vehicles.
Registration begins when the gates open at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12 noon. Awards will be at 2:30 p.m.
Cost for registering vehicles will be $20. Owners can pre-register by mail or online at www.pickupsnpanels.com. Pre-registered participants will receive a free show t-shirt. Spectator admission is free. There will be concessions available for purchase and a bounce house for kids.
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FBPD reminds drivers to stop for school buses as new year starts
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With kids heading back to school this week, Chief Sid Fuller and the Farmers Branch Police Department are reminding drivers that school buses now have cameras on board to ensure that cars stop for students.
Enforcement of violations captured by stop-arm cameras on buses owned by Dallas County schools are now in effect. Chief Fuller said there have been more than 29 incidents of vehicles failing to stop for school buses recorded by the cameras since the program began last Spring.
"As always, the idea is deterrence," the Chief explained. "When vehicles pass school buses with red lights flashing, children are at risk and we will not allow that in Farmers Branch."
Vehicles disregarding the flashing red school bus lights and stop arms can be mailed a citation for which the fine is $300. Chief Fuller said citations can be issued by mail to the owner of the vehicle when a violation is recorded.
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Frog Pond readies for final weekend of summer swim season
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Having seen thousands of swimmers pass through its gates the outdoor Frog Pond at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center is planning a strong finish for its final weekend of the 2015 summertime swim season. 
One of two components of the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, the Frog Pond is designed for activity during the summer months and will be open from 12 noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday.
The Margaret Young Natatorium, on the other hand, is open year-round. Additionally, the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center is taking reservations for fall events in the two Party Pavilions on the site.
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Name the Frog contest winners announced
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Parks and Recreation Department has offered congratulations to the Wilson, Estrada and Ford families as the winners of the Name the Frog contest at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center.
All three families submitted the winning name for the center's frog mascot who will hereafter be known as "Tad."
They won VIP passes to the Frog Pond and a "staycation" at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas near the Galleria.
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Council sets budget workshop August 31
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing discussion on the proposed 2015-2016 Fiscal Year budget, Mayor Bob Phelps and members of the
Farmers Branch City Council will meet in a special workshop session on Monday, August 31 at 3 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
At the September 1 meeting, the Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget. They are scheduled to consider adoption of the new budget on September 15. The new fiscal year starts October 1.
Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway. For more information, call 972.247.3131.
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Library plans outdoor movies
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Continuing their tradition from recent years, the Farmers Branch Manske Library will feature two outdoor movies in the Library's amphitheater in September.
First, on Saturday, September 5, the contemporary classic, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" will grace the screen.
Then, on Saturday, September 19, the 2015 inspirational Kevin Costner film "McFarland, USA" will be shown in the amphiteater. Admission is free with blankets and lawn chairs recommended. Showtime is dusk.
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Facilities list hours for Labor Day holiday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Most City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities
 will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Exceptions are the Farmers Branch Historical Park and the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, both open from 8 am until 5 pm and the Frog Pond, closing for the season that day, but open from 12 noon until 6 pm. The fitness area at the Rec Center opens at 6 am. There will be no garbage pickup on Monday, September 7.
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Battle of the Badges pits public safety departments in annual fight for blood
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With bragging rights at stake, the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments will square off in their annual quest to raise the most blood donations in the Battle of the Badges, set Friday, September 11.  Planned for 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. anyone wishing to donate blood should go to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and cast a ballot for the Police or Fire Departments along with their donation.
For more information, call 972.247.4607.
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Water/sewer rate increase proposed to offset pass-through costs
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The record rainfall of 2015 in addition to a legal battle over the source for local drinking water is combining for a perfect storm that will likely result in higher water and sewer rates for the new fiscal year.
Most costs associated with water service come from Dallas Water Utilities, the City's water provider, and the Trinity River Authority, the City's wastewater service provider.  " About 80 percent of our water and sewer expenses come from fixed costs that are passed along to us by the Trinity River Authority and Dallas Water Utilities," said Farmers Branch Managing Director of Finance and Administration Charles Cox. "In addition to that, local water sales are down 15 percent, or about $3 million, because of the record rainfall this spring. MORE
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Volume 5 | Edition 34 | Number 235
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the City of Farmers Branch 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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SEPTEMBER 1
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins at 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131
SEPTEMBER 5 MANSKE OUTDOOR MOVIES
presents
"E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" @ Manske Library Amphitheater @ Sundown
Free Admission
972.247.2511
SEPTEMBER 7
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Most offices & facilities closed
Historical Park & Rec Center open 8 am-5 pm
Aquatics Center open 12-6 pm
NO GARBAGE COLLECTION
farmersbranchtx.gov
SEPTEMBER 10
FIREHOUSE THEATRE opens
'Brighton Beach Memoirs'
With performances on select nights through September 27
972.620.3747
SEPTEMBER 15
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins at 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131
SEPTEMBER 18-19ENCOUNTERS from the PAST 7 to 9 pm @ Keenan Cemetery Tours leave every 15 minutes Tickets $5 (6 and under free) 972.406.0184
SEPTEMBER 19
MANSKE OUTDOOR MOVIES
presents
"McFarland, USA" @ Manske Library Amphitheater @ Sundown
Free Admission
972.247.2511
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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VIDEO  EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball Video Profile
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Cool off at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Economic Development Update: 2nd Quarter 2015
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FINAL WEEK
Photographer Derrick Birdsall's amazing depictions of the American southwest is on display at the Farmers Branch Manske Library Art Gallery, now, through August 28.
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Incoming
A gathering of directionally-challenged Canadian geese skim across Rawhide Creek, near the Manske Library, when a jogger on the creekside path produced a baggie of breadcrumbs.
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OCTOBER 5 | Special Night
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
OCTOBER 6
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
CITYWIDE CLEANUP DOCUMENT SHREDDING
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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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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