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Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff Coming October 16 & 17
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A calling
I tend to lose count of how many times I am asked why I do what I do.
It's been my experience that people who are passionate about their professions generally fall into one of two categories - those that are thankful to have been at the right place at the right time and those who have felt a true calling to a certain line of work.
I've known plenty of both but am proud to call myself the latter. Many years ago, even when I took a few years off to work in the steel industry, I knew I was meant for local government work which is why I got back to it very quickly.
Last week, I had the great opportunity to spend time with colleagues at our international association's professional conference. The experience of hanging around like-minded folks always invigorates me and reminds me of why I do what I do.
Part of it certainly has to do with public service, that is the desire to give back and make our part of the world a better place. But, why at the local level? That, I can sum up in one word. Community.
At the basic level of every government entity is the element of community. It is the intangible essence that makes a place unique and worthwhile. It is also the very tangible group of people, through the years, that create local history, culture and traditions.
I can think of no greater calling than community-building, that is not just taking care of a community's needs today, but providing for its future.
Nowhere have I ever found the essence of community more real than in Farmers Branch. Our elected officials, our community leaders and our people are as down-to-earth and serious about the business of their city as any I've ever encountered.
That's why I do what I do.
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Chili forecast planned for Bloomin' Bluegrass
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Dozens of chili cooks from around Texas are expected to show their stuff on Saturday, October 17 at the CASA-sanctioned Chili Cookoff, a part of the weekend Bloomin' Bluegrass festival.
Planned for Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff will feature the top names in bluegrass music on the main stage, along with country great Lee Ann Womack.
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 are the Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, Balsam Range and more.
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VIDEO  EXTRA
Bloomin' Bluegrass 2015 Promo
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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.
Tasting for the Chili Cookoff will be available from 12 noon til the chili is gone.
Elsewhere in Farmers Branch that weekend, the Senior Center hosts their annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Then, over at City Hall, the Celebration of Roses brings together all manner of rosarians from around the state to learn together and appreciate their growing craft.
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road, and a short five-minute walk to the Farmers Branch Green Line DART Station. Free parking is available at the MetroSquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate.
Stay & Play packages are available from participating local hotels with special rates for Bloomin' Bluegrass and other amenities. For information on Stay & Play packages or for more on this year's festival, visit bloominbluegrass.com.
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A single vehicle motors down a roadway in central England, named for Farmers Branch, Texas.
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Sister Cities coming for a visit next week
FARMERS BRANCH ~ It was 35 years ago that Farmers Branch embarked on its Sister City program, creating a cultural and educational exchange that has withstood the test of time.
In 2015, the City is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its relationship with the District of Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire, England and 25th anniversary of its twinning with Garbsen, Germany.
Additionally, this year marks 20 years since forming a "friendship city" relationship with Schonebeck, Germany.
From October 15 through 21, 34 visitors from our Sister Cities will be in Farmers Branch to renew old acquaintances and create fresh relationships with a new generation of City and community leaders.
Twenty host families in Farmers Branch have been arranged to accommodate the City's guests. Among their activities will be to tour the City and attend the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival while sampling some of Texas' best in the Chili Cookoff.
Likewise, during this time, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD will be hosting 26 German exchange students who will join their adult counterparts at the City Council meeting on October 20 for formal recognition with honorary citizenship certificates.
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Brookhaven's Dr. Chesney to highlight Readers are Leaders, Tuesday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Children are invited to attend a special Readers are Leaders story time on Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Dr. Thom D. Chesney is the president at Brookhaven College and has a passion for arts, culture, children, education, and health. He is an accomplished educator who has worked at several colleges including UT Dallas and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
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Out of this World program for kids set Wednesday at Library
FARMERS BRANCH ~ "Blast Off at the Library" invites kids, ages 7 to 12, to an out of this world program at the Farmers Branch Manske Library on Wednesday, October 14 at 4 pm.
In this STEM program, participants will explore science and technology. This is a great opportunity to learn about craters, comets and rockets. Kids will have the chance to test their engineering skills with straw rockets and explore chemistry by creating edible comets.
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Get a head start on holiday shopping at annual Craft Fair at Senior Center
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.
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Celebration of Roses to gather rosarians from far and wide for informative day
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.
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'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.
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Writers Organization gathers local writers for Halloween book reading and signing
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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Tom Bryson
National Night Outing
Farmers Branch Deputy Police Chief David Hale talks community policing during a National Night Out stop, Tuesday evening, in the Las Campanas neighborhood. Farmers Branch Police report there were at least 36 separate National Night Out block parties Tuesday night, representing a record in recent history.
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Volume 5 | Edition 40 | Number 241
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
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Jamming
Informal and organic jam sessions will spring up all over the Farmers Branch Historical Park during the annual Blooming' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff, coming Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17. Find out more at bloominbluegrass.com.
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TinkerCademy to highlight 3D printer at Library
FBTX ~ Everyone is invited to learn more about 3D Printing and how it is redefining the way physical objects are made at TinkerCademy sessions, Saturdays, October 10 and October 24 at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Participants will learn to design 3D objects using TinkerCAD and see the Library's 3D printer in action.
TinkerCademy is open to all ages but children under 10 should be accompanied by a caregiver. Participants will receive one free print per class. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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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.
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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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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 following boards have vacancies:
Community Watch Committee Family Advisory Board
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Farmers Branch - Carrollton Art Show
The Farmers Branch - Carrollton Art Association holds its annual Fall Juried Show this month in the Manske Library Art Gallery with members displaying original artwork in various media. Now thru October 30.
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OCTOBER 14
3 to 6 pm
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at City Hall
6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
CITYWIDE CLEANUP DOCUMENT SHREDDING
9 am to 12 noon @ City Hall
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at 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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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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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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