BRANCH BULLETIN - eNews from Farmers Branch
Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff Coming October 16 & 17
MEMO from the MANAGER
A wonder to behold
 
  When this community comes together to make something happen, it is a wonder to behold.
 Earlier this year, we told you that the City has joined forces with the Rotary Clubs of Farmers Branch and Carrollton-Farmers Branch to create a signature, all-inclusive playground that will have a positive impact on quality of life for kids with 'differences.'
   Today, I am happy to report that funding has largely been achieved to begin the process of making this dream a reality. However, we still need help to finish out details and installation needs.
   Uniquely designed to allow children with disabilities to play alongside their siblings and friends, the playground will be located at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall and adjacent to the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch.
 We owe such a debt of gratitude to everyone that has donated their time, effort and, yes, money to help fund this very worthwhile project. Whether you gave $10 or your company gave $10,000, you've all done a really good thing here.

  If you haven't yet had the chance to be a part of something special, I encourage you to visit cfbplayground.org to find out more. Donations may be sent to Rotary Playground Project, P.O. Box 819010, Farmers Branch, Texas 75381. 
   The new playground is expected to be open for kids to enjoy by next Spring.
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Coming UP
National Night Out celebrations set Tuesday in Farmers Branch

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. 
   Although the majority of the U.S. celebrated National Night Out in August, the organizing body, National Association of Town Watch, offers special dispensation for Texas to push its date to the first Tuesday in October. 
   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).
   For more information or to register a block party, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.919.9304.
Featured STORIES
Combat Challenge
Unique firefighter competition brings U.S. Nationals to town this weekend

Farmers Branch Fire Department Captain Melissa Murphey will be among the competitors this weekend at the Firefighter Combat Challenge U.S. Nationals in Farmers Branch.
FARMERS BRANCH ~ By simulating some of the most vital, and strenuous, activities firefighters can undertake, organizers of the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge have created one of the most unique sporting events in the world.
   Farmers Branch will be represented in the U.S. Nationals of the Firefighter Combat Challenge, that will be held Friday through Sunday at the Doubletree Hotel by the Galleria, 4099 Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch. Action begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, 12 noon on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
   Engaging in activity, such as racing up a five-story tower in full bunker gear, dragging and hoisting a hose, simulating forcible entry and racing around obstacles, the competition is timed with both individual, team and age divisions.
   "Our firefighters are much better at their jobs and in much better shape than ever since becoming involved in the Firefighter Combat Challenge competition," said Farmers Branch Fire Chief Steve Parker. "We were very pleased to host a regional competition a few years ago and absolutely honored to be the site for this weekend's U.S. Nationals."
   Firefighters from all over the U.S. and Canada will converge on Farmers Branch this weekend for the competition.
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Point-of-View run of Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge
Courtesy Jordan Anderson
   The "home team" will include Captain Melissa Murphey and Deputy Chief Gabriel Vargas competing in the "Over 40" age division. Battalion Chief Steve Lamar and Captain Brian Lafleur will run in the "Over 50" category.
   Featuring specialities in different areas of the challenge, the Farmers Branch Fire Department Relay team will feature Firefighters Bryan Hardy, Brett Schonfeld and Michael Mania, along with Driver Morgan Bell and Lieutenant Eric Blunt.
   There will also be a Kid's Firefighter Challenge, a miniaturized version of the adult course that kids can try out.
   For more information, visit firefighterchallenge.com.
The Farmers Branch Fire Department Firefighter Combat Challenge Relay Team displayed their first place finish at a regional competition in Carlsbad, New Mexico. They are (from left) Firefighters Bryan Hardy and Brett Schonfeld, Driver Morgan Bell, Firefighter Michael Mania and Lieutenant Eric Blunt.
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Bloomin' Bluegrass getting tuned up for festival weekend
Lee Ann Womack

FARMERS BRANCH ~ With strong ties to country music but an enduring love for the uniquely American genre of bluegrass, Grammy-winning vocalist Lee Ann Womack comes to the 2015 edition of the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cookoff, set Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. 
   Admission and parking are free. Ms. Womack will join the best the Bluegrass world has to offer in performances on stage throughout the festival. Scheduled to appear ar the Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, Balsam Range and more. 
Bloomin' Bluegrass 2015 Promo
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Bloomin' Bluegrass 2015 Promo
   In addition to the talent on stage, music will be in the air from all corners of the park as musicians from far and near get together for informal jam sessions on the porches of historic buildings and in the shade of hundred-year-old trees. 
   Shopping at the Arts & Crafts Marketplace will be another returning feature of the festival with all manner of items available for purchase. 
   The KidZone will have plenty for the little ones to do with myriad activities including a petting zoo and inflatable play areas.
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Coming Up THIS WEEK
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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MARK YOUR Calendars
Craft Fair to feature thousands of handmade wares from dozens of local artisans

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Everyone is invited to get a head start on holiday shopping on Saturday, October 17 as the annual holiday Craft Fair is scheduled to take place at the Farmers Branch Senior Center from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 
   Dozens of local artisans will be on hand to offer their holiday-themed wares to the crowds in attendance. 
   The Farmers Branch Senior Center is located at 14055 Dennis Lane, between Josey Lane and Valwood Parkway. For more information, call 972.919.8740.
Roses to be celebrated in contests, lectures, workshops and tours during annual event

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The beauty of roses will be celebrated in The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch with an exceptional day of activities on Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 
   Admission is free. After registering in the Pavilion at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, 13000 William Dodson Parkway, the day will begin with picking in the garden where Bluegrass music will serenade participants as they select blooms for the hands-on floral design workshop. 
   Presentations on daylillies, irises and, of course, roses will assist gardeners in the creation of a lovely garden. The Garden Passport to all corners of the rose gardens promises to show off the best Farmers Branch has grown. 
   Finally, the Farmers Branch Rose Show will be held in City Hall during the celebration which will also feature a complimentary grilled hot dog lunch, next to Rawhide Creek. Shuttles will provide easy access to the rose gardens and to Bluegrass music at the ongoing festival at the Historical Park that day. Find out more at fbroses.com.
'Tell it to the Mayor' sessions coming up 
Oct 14 & 28; schedule changes for holidays

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bob Phelps will be available for conversation and questions during his 'Tell it to the Mayor' sessions, regularly set for the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Farmers Branch City Hall.
   In October, those dates are October 14 & 28. The sessions are held between 3 and 6 p.m. and anyone is welcome to visit with the Mayor without an appointment, but on a first-come, first-served basis.
   There will be a holiday alteration to the schedule in November and December as the fourth Wednesdays of each month fall on holiday weeks. In November, the only 'Tell it to the Mayor' session will be held on Wednesday, November 11. In December, it will be Wednesday, December 9.
   For more information, call City Hall at 972.919.2515.
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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Volume 5 | Edition 40 | Number 241
Wednesday, September 30, 2015  
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011

Comments are welcomed at [email protected]

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IN the BANNER
Hot Dog!
Block parties will spring up all over Farmers Branch Tuesday night for the Texas incarnation of National Night Out. The Farmers Branch Police Department is registering local parties for visits by Police and Fire personnel along with other City officials. Call 972.919.9304.
Photo by Tom Bryson
TRAIL Master Plan


BRANCH Briefs
Free smoke alarms available for those who qualify

FBTX ~ Renewing their participation in a long-standing program, the Farmers Branch Fire Department is offering free smoke detectors to local residents who qualify.
   "The Farmers Branch Fire Department wants residents to have the early warning needed to escape a fire," said Fire Chief Steve Parker. "If anyone is over the age of 55 or cannot afford a smoke alarm, they may qualify to have smoke alarms installed in their home at no cost."
   Chief Parker added that supplies are limited and alarms will be installed on a first-come, first-served basis.
   For more information, call 972.919.2640.
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.

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.  
IN the GALLERY

LAST CHANCE for 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.
October 2015
OCTOBER 5 | Special Night
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV

OCTOBER 6

OCTOBER 14
3 to 6 pm
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at City Hall
 
3 to 6 pm
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at City Hall
972.919.2515

All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
VIDEO Gallery
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Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball Video Profile
Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball Video Profile

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Cool off at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center
Cool off at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center

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Farmers Branch Economic Development Update: 2nd Quarter 2015
Farmers Branch Economic Development Update: 2nd Quarter 2015


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About the City of Farmers Branch Farmers Branch Logo
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.