Wednesday, October 5, 2016
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'Neighbors' in 'neighborhoods'
It has long been said that business is the lifeblood of Farmers Branch but its residents are the heartbeat.
That heartbeat was clearly evident Tuesday night as Farmers Branch, along with the rest of Texas, celebrated National Night Out.
 In neighborhoods all over town, residents were out in front yards and back yards and at block parties and cookouts - all presenting a united front against crime in residential neighborhoods. How did they do this? By showing up. That's really all that is necessary - for neighbors to see and be seen, to get to know each other and, in doing so, look out for each other by being more readily able to identify suspicious activity. They also do it by getting to know our Police officers and Firefighters who were out and about along with elected officials and City staff. That heartbeat makes this community work. In essence, National Night Out provides an annual opportunity to put 'neighbors' back in 'neighborhoods.' And, it is through that strength that our residential community can become ever stronger for the benefit of everyone. But, it doesn't have to happen just once a year. Farmers Branch Community Watch fosters this type of neighborhood camaraderie throughout the year. Find out more by contacting Farmers Branch PD at 972.484.3620. Or just get to know your neighbors. We hear stories all the time of people doing extraordinary things for others whose relationship consisted of nothing more than living on the same street. Sometimes it's picking up the paper for someone mobility impaired. It might be helping to watch out for an elderly veteran whose independence requires that he or she be self-sufficient. Maybe the kids next door need a place to go if they get home from school and parents aren't there yet. Whatever the case, be the 'neighbor' in your 'neighborhood.' You won't regret it.
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Dean Habel promoted to Deputy Chief of Police, Lee to Lieutenant
FBTX ~ In one of his first acts of his new office, Farmers Branch Police Chief David Hale has announced that Dean Habel has been promoted to Deputy Chief while Jimmy Lee will assume the rank of Lieutenant.
Deputy Chief Habel has served the Farmers Branch Police Department for 21 years rising through the ranks to Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2001 and Lieutenant in 2005. He has served in patrol, administration and Special Investigations.
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Lieutenant Jimmy Lee (left) and Deputy Chief Dean Habel.
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He has been an operator, team leader and Commander of the SWAT Team, Internal Affairs and the custodian of records. In addition, he holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree in Behavioral Studies from Southern Methodist University.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Habel is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (2011), the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (2005) and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at the Center for American & International Law (2005).
Lieutenant Jimmy Lee first joined the Farmers Branch Police Department in 1996 following five years of police service in Royse City. He was promoted to Corporal in 2001 and Sergeant in 2007.
Lieutenant Lee is currently the Intoxylizer program coordinator, video system coordinator, fitness instructor and a member of the department's hiring board.
He is also a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at the Center for American and International Law. Lieutenant Lee is a Master Peace Officer and a 1985 graduate of Fountain Gate College where he received a bachelor's degree in Theology.
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Farmers Market in final month of season
SATURDAY ~ Cruising to the finish line of its inaugural year, the Farmers Branch Market will be open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon every Saturday in October at The Grove @ Mustang Crossing, adjacent to the DART Green Line Station. 
An eclectic collection of vendors has made up the fabric of the new market this year, including those selling produce, meats, eggs, honey, specialty items as well as arts and crafts and more.
The final market of the season will be held Saturday, October 29.
Officials advise that Farmers Branch Market parking will not be allowed in the DART lot during the run of the State Fair of Texas. Parking remains available on the street or at the Dr Pepper StarCenter.
Vouchers for Household Hazardous Waste collection must be picked up by Friday
SATURDAY ~ Any Farmers Branch resident wishing to participate in Saturday's Household Hazardous Waste collection event should pick up the voucher at City Hall before 5 p.m. Friday.
Dallas County will be in Farmers Branch for the collection event on Saturday, October 8 at Oran Good Park, from 10 am to 1 pm.
Vouchers have been available for residents to pick up at City Hall on a first-come, first-served basis, since September 15. Call 972.919.2597 for more information.
A celebration of cats planned to promote feline adoptions
SATURDAY ~ The brainchild of seven-year-old Jacob Hale, a Cat Adoption Party will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center.
According to Jacob's mom, Rachelle, Jacob loves cats and has always wanted to throw them a party at the local Center.
As a result, the public is invited to attend this feline fiesta where there will be $45 discounted adoptions, special treats and toys for all the cats, thank you gifts for all adopters as well as a bake sale benefitting the Adoption Center. Farmers Branch Police officers and vehicles will also be on hand to meet and greet the public. Call 972.919.8770.
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FBPD joins with DART Police for National Coffee with a Cop Day
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Farmers Branch Police Officers will join their counterparts from Dallas Area Rapid Transit to meet and greet members of the community with caffeine and conversation on National Coffee with a Cop Day, Friday, October 7, from 9 to 11 a.m.

This event will take place at McDonald's, 2899 Valley View Lane.
Designed as an opportunity for members of the community to have a conversation with law enforcement officers, 'Coffee with a Cop' is held regularly at rotating locations around Farmers Branch.
For more information, call 972.919.9135.
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Upcoming Calendar
OCT 11
DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING TO VOTE IN NOV ELECTIONS
OCT 14 & 15
BLOOMIN' BLUEGRASS AND CHILI COOK-OFF
@ Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane
Fri 4:30 - 10 pm, Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
OCT 15
CELEBRATION OF ROSES
@ Farmers Branch Rose Gardens in Gussie Field Watterworth Park
OCT 15
CRAFT FAIR
@ Farmers Branch Senior Center 9 am to 4 pm
OCT 24 - NOV 4
EARLY VOTING
@ Farmers Branch City Hall, 13000 William Dodson Parkway
OCT 27 & 28
MURDER & MAYHEM TOURS
@ Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane
5 to 7:30 pm
OCT 29
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
@ Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane
5 to 10 pm
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Volume 6 | Edition 41 | Number 294
Wednesday, October 5, 2016

is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
Five-time recipient of TAMIO & 3CMA Awards for Excellence in eNewsletters, recognized by
the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (state) &
the City-County Communications & Marketing Assn (national)
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Bloomin' Bluegrass coming Oct 14 & 15
FBTX ~ The distinctly American sounds of Bluegrass music will waft through the air on the aroma of fresh chili as the Farmers Branch Historical Park hosts the annual Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival and Chili Cookoff, October 14 & 15. 
The two day festival kicks off Friday with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Music for the evening includes Gold Heart, Texas & Tennessee, Gibson Brothers and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.
On Saturday, activity goes on all day with morning music in the rose garden, featuring Pickin' in the Garden with Gold Heart and complimentary lunch with Augusta Road.
Music on the main stage starts at 12 noon. Entertainers will include Herrins, Sister Sadie, Tim O'Brien, Band of Ruhks, Jerry Douglas & Earls of Leicester and Del McCoury Band & David Grisman.
In addition, at the Historical park, there will be an Arts & Crafts Marketplace and a free Kidzone, featuring bounce houses, rock climbing wall, inflatable slide and more.
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Celebration of Roses features best blooms
FBTX ~ The annual Celebration of Roses rounds out the trifecta of events on Saturday, October 15 with activities going on from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
There will be Bluegrass music to serenade the morning activities while the day promises rose garden tours and workshops, a complimentary lunch and the Dallas Rose Society Rose Show at City Hall. Visit fbroses.com.
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Holiday shopping at Craft Fair on Oct 15
FBTX ~ More than 100 crafters, quilters and artists will offer their handmade wares at the annual Craft Fair, coming Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
More than 135 tables will be stocked with one-of-a-kind, unusual and unique items including holiday items, wreaths, ceramics, yard art and much more. Admission is free.
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In the Banner
FBTX ~ Cats will be celebrated in feline fashion at a Cat Adoption Party coming up Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center.
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CODE CORNER
Holiday Decorations
With the holidays quickly approaching, the Farmers Branch Code Enforcement staff would like to remind residents that holiday decorations may be displayed beginning on November 1st and must be removed no later than Feb 1st.
For any other national holidays, appropriate decorations may be displayed beginning two weeks prior to the holiday and must be removed by the first Monday following the holiday.
RECYCLING CONTAINER SCREENING REMINDER
Code Enforcement staff reminds residents that blue recycling containers must now be stored out of sight from the street - either in a fenced back yard, inside a garage or
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Click image to play video
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street - either in a fenced back yard, inside a garage or behind a screening fence if stored beside the house.
Code Enforcement has provided a helpful video tutorial of how to construct a simple screening fence at youtube.com/fbtv16. A sample screening fence and recycling container can be seen in the lobby at City Hall. If any resident is unable to construct, or afford to construct, a screening fence, there may be assistance available from local civic agencies (as resources are available). For more info, call Code Enforcement at 972.919.1414
TO REPORT A CODE ISSUE:
972.919.1414
MyFBTX mobile app
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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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