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It's not worth it
I blame Steve Jobs.
We are tied to our handheld devices. For better or worse, until they get surgically implanted, they're here to stay and they're a part of everyday life here in, what we used to think of as, the future.
But, the convenience of being able to communicate with anyone at any time is not worth the life-altering heartache of knowing that you hurt someone, or worse, because you were distracted by a text, email, social media post or maybe a photo.
It's not worth it.
A little more than a year ago, after a number of distracted driving accidents in our town, including a critical injury to a City employee, your City Council installed an ordinance that prohibits use of a handheld device while driving in Farmers Branch.
It should be common sense, but for so many, it's not.
We engaged in a campaign of public information to try and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, including printed information and a video piece.
Then, late last summer, the Farmers Branch Police Department started writing citations under the ordinance when applicable.
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VIDEO  EXTRA
DNT TXT N DRV IN FB
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Now, with that said, I will tell you that Chief Sid Fuller and I consider a low number of citations and distracted driving accidents a success. Our goal is not to write tickets, but to change behavior.
So far, I'm pleased to report that only a handful of tickets have been written and the numbers of distracted driving accidents are down. That's anecdotal evidence but we hope it's the beginning of a trend.
However, there have been other accidents involving vehicles colliding with marked City trucks doing work in the roadways. Parks and Street crews still report near misses with cars and people.
So, please, let's all slow down for crews in the street and let's concentrate our efforts on making distracted driving a thing of the past.
The important thing is to reinforce the message. In the words of a national campaign, "it can wait." I'll add ...
It's not worth it.
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Second Date
Popular 'Date Night in the Park' expands to offer autumn edition
FARMERS BRANCH ~ By
popular demand, Date Night in the Park is expanding to two dates annually with the fall edition coming up Saturday, September 26 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free.
A variety of food trucks will be on hand with their culinary offerings. In addition, there will be craft beer for sale. Live music from Prophets & Outlaws will lead into the outdoor movie, "Aloha" which gets underway after dark.
No outside food and drink and no pets will be allowed.
Food trucks on hand will include:
Childcare is available at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center for $10 per child. Please call for reservations at 972.247.4607.
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Free parking will be at the Metro Square Business Park, at 12300 Ford Road, two blocks south of the Historical Park, with a free shuttle to the gate. The park is also a short, five-minute walk from the Farmers Branch Station on DART's Green Line.
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Prescription takebacks at FBPD this Saturday from 10-2
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The lobby of the Justice Center will serve as a drop off location for the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone can drop off old medication in the police department lobby during those posted hours.
The DEA will be accepting old prescriptions at locations around the country as part of their annual effort to properly dispose of outdated medications. The program is an addition to the Farmers Branch Police Department's regular prescription take-back program which operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Farmers Branch Justice Center is located at 3723 Valley View Lane at the corner of Valley View and Marsh Lanes.
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Code Enforcement sweeps continue this week
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to boost code compliance across the City, the Community Services Department has announced that Code Enforcement officers will be focusing resources on areas with a history of significant code issues. These "sweeps" will bring all code enforcement officers together into an area, over several days, to help identify as many violations as possible and work to bring those violations into compliance. "In the spirit of neighborhood revitalization, the Farmers Branch City Council asked City administration to increase code compliance activity by stepping up our level of enforcement," said Community Services Director Andy Gillies. "With that in mind, we are taking this non-traditional approach to help improve code compliance in specific areas." Mr. Gillies said the sweeps will rotate throughout the City, as the need arises, while working to maintain a balance and not disrupting enforcement efforts in other parts of the City.
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Firefighter Combat Challenge returning to Farmers Branch
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Putting firefighers through the grueling paces of everyday activity, in the form of timed competition, is at the heart of the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, which will be holding the U.S. National competition in Farmers Branch, October 2, 3 & 4.  Set for the parking lot of the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria, the Combat Challenge showcases the talents, skills and athleticism of America's firefighter heroes in an exciting, fast-paced competition. Simulating the essential skills of firefighting, the events include climbing a five-story tower in full bunker gear, dragging and hoisting a fire hose, simulating forcible entry and racing around obstacles. There will also be a Kid's Firefighter Challenge, a miniaturized version of the adult course. The Doubletree hotel is located at 4099 Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch. For more information, visit firefighterchallenge.com. |
AARP Smart Driver Course set Sep 24
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The AARP Smart Driver Course will be held Thursday, September 24 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The course teaches participants how to compensate for age-related changes in driving which may reduce traffic violations, accidents and chance for injury. Organizers say participants may be eligible for an insurance discount but the course does not qualify for dismissal of a traffic violation. Call the Senior Center at 972.919.8740.
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TFT plans final weekend for 'Brighton Beach'
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Set in Brooklyn, New York, Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is presented by the Firehouse Theatre on select nights, through September 27.  Performances will be presented at the theatre, located in the old Farmers Branch Fire Station No. 1 at 2530 Valley View Lane, east of Interstate 35E.
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Registration underway for National Night Out block parties coming October 6
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Celebrating the Texas version of America's "night out against crime," National Night Out is planned in Farmers Branch and around the Metroplex on Tuesday, October 6.
Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said Community Watch members are hoping to organize a record number of block parties, designed for neighbors to get to know each other.
For more informaiton or to register a block party, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.
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First Council meeting in October changes dates to accommodate National Night Out
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to encourage as many neighborhoods as possible to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, October 6, Mayor Bob Phelps and the Farmers Branch City Council have opted to move their regular meeting, scheduled for the same night, to Monday, October 5. The Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall and will be broadcast live on FBTV (Time Warner Cable Channel 16, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 and online at farmersbranchtx.gov). Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway. For more information, call 972.919.2515.
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Writers Organization announces book event coming up Halloween afternoon
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Donning the costumes of their characters, a group of local authors will be hosting a book reading and signing event on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. The Halloween Book Event will feature local authors launching six new books, including science fiction, historical biography, poetry, romance and children's picture books.In addition to dressing like their characters, the authors will share Halloween treats and raffle original artwork and books at this free event. The Writers Organization meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and welcomes new writers to join them. Membership is open to anyone and is free.
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Welcome aboard!
Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer welcomes new officers to the Farmers Branch Police Department during a recent visit to Farmers Branch City Hall. Pictured are (from left) Training Officer Austin Tapp, Mr. Greer, new officers Garry Battle, Jason Henrichs and Karla Vazquez.
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Farmers Branch picks up national honors for communications work
ATLANTA ~ The City-County Communications and Marketing Association, or 3CMA, at its annual conference held recently, bestowed its Presidents Award on the City of Farmers Branch communications and marketing of the Demo/Rebuild Program.
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Communications Director Tom Bryson and Assistant to the City Manager Rachael Johnson represented Farmers Branch at the conference.
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A professional association of government communicators and marketers, 3CMA selected the Farmers Branch program over others from all sized jurisdictions across the country. In addition, the Demo/Rebuild program received the Savvy award as top prize for Marketing in the Economic Development category. The new Farmers Branch Intranet resource site for City employees was honored with a Silver Circle Award, as was the Design and Branding for the new Farmers Branch Aquatics Center. Finally, the public service announcement informing residents of swim season options during the summer of 2014 received the Award of Excellence. The 60-second spot replicated a scene from National Lampoon's 'Vacation.'
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VIDEO  EXTRA
Pool's Closed!
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City Manager Gary D. Greer congratulated members of the City staff across multiple departments that had a hand in the success of these now-nationally recognized programs. In other activity at the conference, the membership elected Farmers Branch Communications Director Tom Bryson as a national Vice President. |
Volume 5 | Edition 39 | Number 240
Wednesday, September 23, 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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Deeper Mallon
Crews worked this week to dredge Mallon Park Pond on Farmers Branch Creek in order to restore the holding capacity of the pond there and improve stormwater flow. This project, and the recent dredging of Winn Park on Midway, were among the first undertaken with the new Stormwater fund enacted this year.
Photo by Tom Bryson
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Watercolor Works
Inspiration and dexterity in the use of transparent watercolor is being displayed at the Manske Library Art Gallery this month, by the Wednesday Painters of Artisan's Studio Gallery, working under guidance of nationally known watercolor instructor Naomi Brotherton. The exhibit is open now, through October 2.
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Residents can download the Adopted Trail Master Plan
Designed with the goal to promote a pedestrian and bicycle-oriented trail network, the Trail Master Plan would provide connectivity for all of Farmers Branch, linking neighborhoods, schools, parks and key destinations to surrounding communities.
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Mosquito traps inform City on WNV levels
FBTX ~ Although fall has officially begun, Farmers Branch staff is still working hard to protect public health and prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
Each week, staff puts out mosquito traps in strategic locations throughout the city. The mosquitoes caught in these traps are then tested by Dallas County for West Nile Virus.
"If and only if a mosquito tests positive, the City will spray a one-half mile radius from the location of the trap the mosquito was found in," said Environmental Health Manager Katy Evans. "This scientific approach prevents the overuse of chemicals, which can lead to mosquito resistance."
The City's Mosquito Management Program focuses on protecting public health through prevention and education.
Until the first freeze of the season, residents are reminded to drain standing water, wear insect repellent with DEET, and to avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Learn more about the city's mosquito program at farmersbranchtx.gov/mosquito.
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Applications open for vacant City boards
FBTX ~ Applications are being accepted for membership on several of the City's volunteer advisory boards and commissions, according to Acting City Secretary Amy Piukana.
Currently, the Community Watch Committee, Family Advisory Board and Senior Advisory Board all have openings.
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Water/sewer rate increase to offset fixed costs
FBTX ~ 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.
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SEPTEMBER 26
DATE NIGHT in the PARK
PRESCRIPTION TAKEBACK
THRU SEPTEMBER 27
FIREHOUSE THEATRE sets
'Brighton Beach Memoirs'
With performances on select nights through September 27
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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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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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
9 am to 12 noon @ City Hall
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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