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Over the years, I've come to know that many people approach this special season from many different perspectives.
 I find that one of the joys of the holidays is that it can be what you wish it to be or what you need it to be. Sometimes you have to clear your way through the tinsel and the sales circulars and the half a million lights (at the Farmers Branch Tour of Lights, now through December 30) to find your personal holiday season. While we share common memories and cultural media traditions like Charlie Brown and the Grinch, what is most important is what is unique to you and to your family. My family celebrates Christmas as it should be - as a very personal experience. We have our personal traditions and are so happy each year to share them with our ever-expanding family. I know Christmas is only two days away. But, in this brief message, let me give you some good news - it's not too late. Let me challenge you to find your personal season. It might be sending greetings to an old friend or distant family member you haven't heard from in a while. It might be giving back, as you are able and as you see fit, to your church or community charitable concern. Whatever your trigger might be, you can still find your personal season and, if just for a moment, re-live the wide-eyed anticipation and wonder that brings the season home to each of us. Don't wait for it to come to you. Embrace it. Enjoy it and experience it. Merry Christmas!
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Tour of Lights closed Christmas Day, continues through December 30
FBTX ~ In order to allow all involved to spend the holiday with their families, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights will be closed Friday, December 25.
 The tour will reopen on Saturday, December 26 and continue through Wednesday evening, December 30 from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. Admission to the Tour of Lights is free with donations accepted by the non-profit agencies working each night. Beginning at the intersection of Valley View Lane and Stemmons Freeway, the tour follows the miles of lights and Christmas displays down Denton Drive to the Farmers Branch Historical Park where a synchronized light show awaits all tour participants.
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January 5 deadline
While Council considers public safety, Citizen Committee will plan quality of life bond issue
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With the January 5 deadline approaching, City leaders are encouraging as many people as are willing to fill out an application to consider plans for a potential quality-of-life bond initiative that could hit ballots next fall.  While Council develops and considers immediate public safety needs that may be brought in a May election, this committee will consider other quality of life proposals for a possible November 2016 bond election.
The Citizen Committee would be expected to begin work in January 2016 after having had an opportunity to meet with Council for finalizing appointments. Although a volunteer effort, committee members would be expected to commit several hours and days per month towards planning the future of Farmers Branch.
The Committee will have three to four months to assess current City facilities and needs, consider Council suggestions, identify new projects for consideration, determine costs and prioritize proposals. Members of the committee will then create a written report and present their findings to the City Council in mid-June.
Organizers say the committee will likely be self-directed so people with a passion for Farmers Branch are necessary. Anyone interested in applying for service on the committee should complete an application and return it no later than 12 noon on January 5, 2016.
A special meeting has been set for January 14 at 6 p.m., at the Community Recreation Center, for Council to meet applicants and discuss timeline and process for the quality of life bond issue.
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FBPD plans to educate on 'open carry' in public meeting set January 12
FBTX ~ Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller wants to be sure everyone is informed on the new law where on January 1, 2016, Texas becomes the latest state to permit the open carrying of handguns by licensed individuals. 
As such, he is inviting the public to an open, informational meeting on the subject, set for Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at The Branch Church, 3035 Valley View Lane.
"The new law is complex and it's important for our residents and businesses to be informed. " Chief Fuller explained. "The law permits concealed handgun license holders, thereafter to be called a handgun license, to carry their weapon openly in a belt or shoulder holster or concealed."
He said those individuals must have their license on their person at all times and must show it to law enforcement officers upon request.
For questions or for more information, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at 972.484.3620.
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City Council revises plan on trash & recycling collection
FBTX ~ Following discussion in a specially-called meeting, the Farmers Branch City Council revised their direction on the upcoming solid waste contract for trash and recycling, asking for twice a week garbage collection in bags and optional once a week curbside recycling collection in rolling containers.
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ICMA renews credentials of
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Gary D. Greer |
City Manager Gary Greer
WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ Recognizing his record of success and continuing professional development, the International City/County Management Association has renewed the professional credentials of Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer.
ICMA established the credentialing program in 2001 to define and recognize local government managers and to promote lifelong learning.
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Farmers Branch ED department rated fifth best in DFW for 2014
FBTX ~ The Farmers Branch Economic Development Department has landed on the Dallas Business Journal's Top Ten list of DFW-area Economic Development agencies for the fourth consecutive year. Managing Director John Land and his team placed at number five on this year's list, up from number 10 last year. |
R. Walhood
Holiday cheer
City staff members gathered for an exuberant group picture on Christmas sweater day last week at the City Hall tree.
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Volume 5 | Edition 51 | Number 252
Wednesday, December 23, 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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City offices closed December 24 & 25, January 1
FBTX ~ All City offices and facilities will be closed on both Thursday and Friday, December 24 & 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Some City facilities may post earlier than usual closing hours on Thursday, December 31 but all City office and facilities will be closed on Friday, January 1 to observe New Year's Day.
Call the facility of your choice to inquire on December 31 hours of operation. There will be no garbage collection on December 24, 25 & January 1 and the Citizen Collection Center will be closed.
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2016 Frog Pond season passes on sale for Christmas
FBTX ~ A summer's worth of fun in the sun at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center's Frog Pond makes a great Christmas gift as season passes for 2016 are on sale through the season. Officials say that individual season passes for Farmers Branch residents are on sale for $65, that is $20 off regular price. Family passes are good for up to four immediate family members and are $130, a $40 savings. The sale continues through March 31. Drop by the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center at 14032 Hearthside Place, call them at 972.919.8720 or visit fbh2o.com. The 2016 summer swim season at the Frog Pond opens Memorial Day weekend.
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Accomplished photographer Derrick Birdsall put some motion on a slow shutter inside the large tree of lights at the Historical Park on the Christmas Tour of Lights, for this unique effect.
Photo by Derrick Birdsall
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Applications are being accepted for membership on several of the City's volunteer advisory boards and commissions, according to City Secretary Amy Piukana.
Currently, the following boards have vacancies:
Parks & Recreation Board Community Watch Committee
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THRU DECEMBER 30 CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
6:30 to 9:30 pm each evening thru Dec 30 (closed Dec 25)
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Most City offices closed
No garbage collection
972.247.3131
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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