December 2023
December PICKUP Week S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29 30
Branch Review C I T Y
O F
FA R M E R S
B R A N C H ,
T E X A S
31 During Bulk Pickup Week, December 4-8, the Green Grabber will pick up bulk items such as furniture, large appliances, and other items that cannot be placed in a garbage bag. Visit farmersbranchtx.gov/brushbulky for more information.
Kids in the Kitchen
Friendly Reminders
Calling all Farmers Branch registered voters who want to serve their community!
O COCOA BOMB, O COCOA BOMB!
Sunday, December 10 | 1 - 3 p.m. Farmers Branch Historical Park $50 per child | Ages 7+ O Cocoa Bomb, O Cocoa Bomb ... your marshmallows delight us! Participants will learn the basics of working with chocolate, as well as several decorating techniques, to ignite their creativity. Each kid will leave with their own assortment of cocoa bombs just in time to make gift giving sweet. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Visit fbhistoricalpark.com.
The following Boards and Commissions serve an important function in helping to mold public policy decisions for our community:
Appropriate holiday decorations, lights and displays may be in place until February 1.
Be BAttery Safe this Holiday Season
• Animal Shelter Advisory Committee • Arts & Culture Committee • Historical Preservation & Restoration Board • Library Board • Municipal Drainage System Advisory Committee • Parks & Recreation Board • Planning & Zoning Commission • Senior Advisory Board • Sustainability Committee • Zoning Board of Adjustment & Building Code Board of Appeals Applications are now being accepted to serve on any of nearly a dozen Boards and Commissions. Apply at fbboards.com or call City Hall at (972) 247-3131 for more information.
When buying or receiving gifts that utilize lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, remember to follow manufacturing directions for both use and disposal. Li-ion batteries are used in many products; but, when improperly handled or disposed, they can cause harm to people or the environment.
help Spread the Holiday Cheer The holiday season is about generosity, and nothing demonstrates that more than giving to those in need. In that spirit, Metrocrest Services, a nonprofit that provides resources to families and seniors in Farmers Branch, is hosting multiple donation drives.
Stop using Li-ion batteries if you notice any of these problems: odor, change in color or color, over-heating, leaking or odd noises. When storing Li-ion batteries, tape the battery terminals and/or place them in separate plastic bags. Lithium-ion batteries should never go in household garbage or recycling bins. Dispose of your expired lithium-ion batteries at the Dallas County Chemical Collection Center, located at 11234 Plano Rd. in Dallas. The center is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 214-553-1765.
Want to give back, have your voice heard and help lead the City?
escanear para español
The organization is currently collecting children’s toys, items for teenagers, food for families, and winter coats for all ages, as well as accepting financial donations. You can get involved by making an individual donation or by hosting your own donation drive. Visit metrocrestservices.org to find a drop-off location, to download a toolkit for starting your own drive, or to make a virtual contribution.
Inside: Your Guide to Holiday Happenings in Farmers Branch
Holiday Hours FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 Most City facilities are open Historical Park is closed City Hall is closed Garbage / recycling will be collected
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 Most City facilities open Historical Park is closed
CHRISTMAS EVE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 City facilities are closed
CHRISTMAS DAY MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 City facilities are closed No garbage / recycling collection
NEW YEAR’S DAY MONDAY, JANUARY 1 City facilities are closed No garbage / recycling collection
DEC
1
FELIZ NAVIDOG Friday, December 1 | 6 - 8 p.m. Barney Wood Bark Park | Free Join us for a furr-tastic, doggy-friendly Christmas celebration filled with food, vendors and plenty of photo ops!
DEC
5
DEC
2
A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
DEC
9
Saturday, December 2 | 5 - 9 p.m. Farmers Branch Historical Park | Free
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable holiday experience. The evening will feature carnival rides, holiday performances, face painting, balloon artists, strolling holiday characters, a drone show and, new this year, Dasher’s Silent Disco! The Holiday Marketplace will be your destination for unique gifts, handmade finds and delicious treats. Santa Claus himself will be at the celebration from 5:15 to 8:45 p.m.; then, to top it off, the night will end at 9 p.m. with a beautiful low-level fireworks display!
DEC
9
ember 8 November 10 - Dec e th Drop off Letters at rium
atato Margaret Young N
Experience a relaxing story time in your PJs while enjoying some cookies and juice.
PANCAKES & PAJAMAS
Guests will tour several historical structures and learn how the holiday season has been celebrated throughout the years.
Saturday, December 9 | 9 - 11 a.m. Community Recreation Center Ticket required
SANTA & FRIENDS ON THE MOVE Saturday, December 9 | Free En route from 10 a.m. – noon At Mallon Park from noon – 12:30 p.m. Santa and friends are loading up in a fire truck and City vehicles and coming to you! City staff will transport Santa and friends from City Hall on a special sleigh around Farmers Branch neighborhoods and finish at Mallon Park, where you can greet Santa and his friends. Light refreshments will be available. Santa’s route can be found at christmasinthebranch.com
DEC
13
December 2, 9 & 16 | Noon December 8 & 15 | 6:30 p.m.; lantern-led Farmers Branch Historical Park $5 per person; ticket required
Explore the rich holiday traditions from across the globe as we honor different countries and cultures at Historical Park’s holiday exhibit, A Celebration of Christmas: Traditions Around the World.
Tuesday, December 5 | 6:30 p.m. Manske Library | All ages | Free
Join us for a morning of holiday cheer! Enjoy hot pancakes, bacon, sausage and your choice of Starbucks coffee, milk or orange juice. Santa will be present for photos and visits, while Mrs. Claus will be reading Christmas stories.
Get a personalized letter back from Santa!
LETTERS TO
SWEET HOLIDAY STORYTIME
Christmas Exhibit Tours
SANTA & COOKIES Wednesday, December 13 | 6 p.m. Manske Library | Free ‘Tis the season for the Library’s annual Santa & Cookies! Arrive early to listen to a special guest read the enchanting story, ‘Twas the Night before Christmas; munch on some delicious cookies while you make a holiday craft; and, of course, meet the famous Cowboy Santa!
CHRISTMASINTHEBRANCH.COM
Santa Makes House Calls December 12 - 24 | 6:30 - 9 p.m. $30 for members; $34 for non-members Santa will visit your home to deliver gifts! Gifts must be provided in advance by parents. Each visit is up to 15 minutes long, and Santa enters through the front door. Time slots are available from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and the residence must be within a five-mile radius of the Recreation Center. To register, call 972-247-4607 or visit the Rec Center.