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With a population of about 6,000, a total land area of about three square miles, and a remote location about 80 miles north of Pittsburgh, I never really understood how the tiny Pennsylvania hamlet of Punxsutawney gained worldwide notoriety for a supposedly 130-year-old groundhog who can forecast the seasons.
In any event, a salute to that municipality for a brilliant marketing ploy. Find out more at groundhog.org. But, even though Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, I think even the ageless rodent got it wrong.
Spring isn't just coming soon, it has been almost immediate.
I keep thinking that we're not done with cold weather yet, but maybe so.
Two things that I know will come hand-in-hand with the advent of spring will be the Farmers Branch and Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Clubs' Signature All-Inclusive Playground and the all new Farmers Branch Market, coming to The Grove at Mustang Crossing.
Construction on the Rotary Playground is well underway and the new facility, at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, should be ready for kids in the coming months. The key to this playground is its all-inclusive design. Kids of all abilities, and physical limitations, will be able to play with each other, side-by-side near the banks of Rawhide Creek, the rose garden and City Hall.
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Construction work continues on the Rotary Signature, All-Inclusive Playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall.
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The Grove, for those of you that don't know, is the name we're using for the small stand of trees just west of the DART tracks and across Denton Drive from the StarCenter. Last year, we began using the area for Tastes & Tunes, our very successful food truck/live music event (which will be returning this year, by the way). Right now, we're making some improvements to The Grove in order to initiate a new function there, starting in May - a Farmers Market.
Specifically, to be called Farmers Branch Market, the new area will open on May 7 and will be open every Saturday through October 29. Much like contemporary farmers markets in other places, we hope to mix a large selection of produce vendors with those selling arts, crafts and other items.
Then, if that wasn't enough, we slide into spring event season with Date Night, Fishin' Fun and Liberty Fest presents Stars & Strings, just to name a few.
So stay tuned. Things are happening in Farmers Branch this spring!
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Farmers Market returns to Farmers Branch after 15 years
FARMERS BRANCH ~ About 15 years after the last farmers put up the tailgate on his pickup and drove off, a new and innovative Farmers Market will return to Farmers Branch this May with expanded offerings in a freshly expanded location with convenient access for anyone coming by car, or by train.
 The Grove at Mustang Crossing, at the southeast corner of Bill Moses Parkway and Denton Drive, very near the DART Green Line Station, will be the permanent setting for what will be officially titled the Farmers Branch Market. |
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VIDEO  EXTRA
Farmers Branch Market:
A Preview
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Last year, The Grove was the site for the summertime food truck/live music series, Tastes & Tunes. Improvements have been underway at the location for the past few weeks that will enhance the Market experience including a pathway for vendors and guests, picnic tables, portable restrooms and sinks and a shed to house supplies, along with electricity and fencing along Denton Drive to help improve safety for guests to the Farmers Branch Market, Tastes & Tunes and other events. The Farmers Branch Market is scheduled to open on May 7 with a wide array of vendors offering seasonal favorites. The Market will run each Saturday, through October 29, from 8 am to 12 noon. Organizers are looking for local vendors who want to share their products and passions with Farmers Branch. Those interested should visit farmersbranchmarket.com and fill out the Vendor Interest Form, or call 972.919.2631.
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| Back row (from left): Jose Ramirez, Charles Cancellare, Kerry Phillips, Porforio Leyva, Roberto Sarabia.
Front row (from left): Pam Smith, Jose Torres, Tony Derrick. |
Parks staff named state's best
GALVESTON ~ The Farmers Branch Parks staff was named state champions in the equipment rodeo at the Texas Recreation and Parks Society annual conference, earlier today in Galveston. In addition to the number one overall ranking, Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith took first place in the Plant Identification event while Maintenance Worker Roberto Sarabia won top honors in the mower obstacle course. These honors come in addition to a planning excellence award the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department will receive Thursday night at the annual TRAPS Award Banquet, for the Trails Master Plan. Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Harting emphasized that these friendly competitions really underscore the caliber of the Farmers Branch staff. "Trophies are nice, but what they mean is that you have the best people in Texas doing what they do for the citizens of Farmers Branch every day," he said. "These honors are well-deserved and I couldn't be more proud of our people."
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Firehouse Theatre plans final weekend for "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Recalling the allure of old-school song and dance musicals, The Firehouse Theatre is preparing for its final weekend of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," on select nights through Sunday, March 6.
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VIDEO EXTRA
The Firehouse Theatre video clips of "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
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With music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Dick Scanlan, the musical is based on the 1967 film of the same name, starring Julie Andrews.
Millie is a small town-girl who comes to New York City in 1922 to marry for money and soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle. The stage interpretation blends new songs with some from the original film.
The newly renovated Firehouse Theatre is located at 2535 Valley View Lane. For performance listings, tickets and more information, visit thefirehousetheatre.com or call 972.620.3747.
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Camping Under the Stars has a few campsites left for reservations
FARMERS BRANCH ~ There are two campsites left for the family-friendly Camping Under the Stars event at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, coming up March 12-13.
Family campsites are $50 and must be reserved in advance. The experience includes a community campfire, star viewing, s'mores and more. Call 972.406.0184 for more information.
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Aquatics Center offers Spring Break lifeguard training course
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Anyone wanting to pursue certification as a lifeguard may consider the lifeguard course taking place at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center during the upcoming Spring Break week of March 7-11.
Designed for ages 16 and up, the course will take place in the Margaret Young Natatorium at the Aquatics Center.
Call 972.919.8720 for more information.
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Tell it to the Mayor alters hours March 9
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Due to a previous commitment, Mayor Bob Phelps open office hours session on March 9 will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. rather than the traditional 6.
"Tell it to the Mayor" offers citizens the chance to come by City Hall and visit with Mayor Phelps on any topic, without an appointment, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, typically from 3 until 6 p.m.
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Shredding event announced for April 2
FARMERS BRANCH ~ In addition to the start of the recycling program in April, the City of Farmers Branch has announced the first of two document shredding events has been planned for Saturday, April 2.
A shredding truck will be on hand at Farmers Branch City Hall from 9 a.m. until 12 noon to accept household document destruction from Farmers Branch residents. Organizers emphasize this is for residential use and should not be used for commercial or home-based businesses.
The service is free to Farmers Branch residents. Proof of Farmers Branch residency may be required.
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CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
 (listed by ballot position) Ana Reyes
Chuck Zubarik
Terry Lynne
EARLY VOTING
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN MAY 7 ELECTION: April 7
ELECTION DAY: May 7 from 7 am to 7 pm
LOOKUP HELP
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Fire Department promotes five
FARMERS BRANCH ~ A range of Farmers Branch Fire Department officers were promoted in ceremonies held Tuesday at the Bob Phelps |
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Battalion Chief Mike Lafon, retired in February after 40 years of service.
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Fire Administration Building. City Secretary Amy Piukana administered the oath to (from left) newly-promoted Captain Kyle Richardson, Fire Inspector Aristeo Rodriguez, Driver Daniel Latimer, Battalion Chief Jerry Cromer, along with Mayor Bob Phelps, and new Lieutenant Steve Sabolski, alongside Fire Chief Steve Parker. The promotions were triggered by the recent retirement of longtime Battalion Chief, and 40-year Fire Department veteran, Mike Lafon who began his career in Farmers Branch in 1975 before being promoted to Lieutenant in 1980, Captain in 1984 and Battalion Chief in 2002. Chief Parker said Battalion Chief Lafon played a vital role in creating the paramedic program and helped transform the Farmers Branch Fire Department into the respected organization it is today. |
Volume 6 | Edition 09 | Number 262
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
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CART DELIVERY
begins March 21 as curbside recycling returns to Farmers Branch. Residents will receive 95-gallon rolling containers for recyclables beginning the week of March 21. The program begins the week of April 4. Recycling containers should be placed near the same location as trash for collection (curb or alley) and will be collected according to the schedule map that can be accessed at fbrecycles.com. The program is free to Farmers Branch residents. TRASH COLLECTION
will continue the same twice weekly schedule on the same days and from the same location either in front of or behind homes (with alley access). This service remains free for Farmers Branch residents, except that the City will no longer provide trash sacks. Paper or plastic trash sacks can be purchased at most hardware and grocery stores. For more information, call 972.919.2597.
SIGNS
will begin to appear in medians next week to inform residents of the impending delivery of recycling carts.
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VIDEO EXTRA |
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VIDEO 
Extras
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Economic Development 4th Quarter Update & Year in Review
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FBPD 'Open Carry Law' Meeting Presentation
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Yellow daffodils dot the landscape in Farmers Branch, at least temporarily as one of the first harbingers of impending spring.
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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:
Community Watch Committee
Planning & Zoning Commission
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Most City facilities including Citizen Collection Center closed
Natatorium open 6 am - 5 pm
Rec Center open 6 am - 5 pm
Historical Park open 8 am - 5 pm
All City facilities closed
972.919.8740
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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