It’s Fire Prevention Month!
Each year, October is proclaimed Fire Prevention Month, as the City’s “Branch Brigade” firefighter characters and other Fire Department staff take safety messages to schools and the community. This year’s theme, Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You, promotes the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home, which can reduce the risk of fatalities by 54 percent.
Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your house, including basements.
• Interconnect your smoke alarms so that they all sound when one is triggered.
• Make sure alarms meet the needs of all household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Check smoke alarms at least once per month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Visit fpw.org for more tips and sparky.org for fun fire safety activities.
Holiday Craze
October 14-18
Need an activity for your kids during the upcoming school holiday? Holiday Craze is a recreational day camp for ages 6-12 that is operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. The week features field trips, entertainment and more.
The cost is $130 per child for residents and $60 for those receiving financial aid. Each day is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and both drop-off and pick-up are at the Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place. To reserve your spot, visit fbparksandrec.com. For questions, call 972-247-4607.
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
Did you KNow?
1. The City’s two new Green Grabbers can each hold about 40 cubic yards of material, or 2,000 beach balls.
2. They can also hold up to 4.5 tons, which is about the weight of four Honda Accords.
3. With travel time, a Green Grabber typically performs about eight to 10 collections per hour.
Shredding Event
1 is National Night Out
NEIGHBORHOODS ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER PARTIES
On Tuesday, October 1, neighborhoods will be spending the evening outdoors, presenting a united front against residential crime, during the City’s Annual National Night Out. Block parties and backyard barbecues will be hosted throughout Farmers Branch, allowing neighbors to get to know each other and foster the familiarity that promotes awareness.
Anyone planning a National Night Out party is encouraged to register their gathering with the Police Department by calling 972-919-9304. Registered parties will be visited by as many members of the Farmers Branch City Council, City staff and Police Department as possible.
Upcoming Election
Prescription Drug Disposal
Clean
Tree Giveaway
The City will be giving away a limited number of trees to Farmers Branch residents on Saturday, October 12.
Trees must be reserved in advance and are limited to one tree per household. Online reservations begin at noon on September 24 and can be made by visiting the Public Works webpage at farmersbranchtx.gov/1387.
After reserving your tree, you must pick it up during the Tree Giveaway event, which will be hosted from 9 to 11 a.m. on October 12 at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus.
The Tree Giveaway is an annual event that was created to support our tree canopy, which provides numerous environmental, economic and health benefits. Saturday, October 26 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Justice
The last day to register to vote is October 7, and you must apply for mail-by-ballot by October 25. For more information, visit dallascountyvotes.org.
OCT SPOOKY POOCH
5
Saturday, October 5 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Barney Wood Bark Park | Free
Join us for a furr-tastic, doggy-friendly celebration filled with food, dog-friendly vendors, live music and photo ops! Dress your pups up in their scariest and cutest costumes. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Outside food or beverages will not be allowed in the park during the event.
HALLOWEEN IMPROV SHOW
Tuesday, October 8 | 5 - 6 p.m.
Manske Library | Free
Dress in costume for a Halloween-themed improv show. Winners for best family and children’s costumes will win prizes. Candy will be provided.
BLOOMIN’ BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Friday, October 18 | Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 | Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Farmers Branch Historical Park | Ticket required
Enjoy two days of traditional bluegrass music under the Texas sky! The Grassroots Stage is back this year with local bluegrass and Americana bands featuring Squeezebox Bandits. Festival headliners include Del McCoury Band, Dan Tyminski Band and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. To purchase tickets, visit bloominbluegrass.com.
OCT CRAFT FAIR
19
Saturday, October 19 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Recreation Center | Free admission
Discover unique handmade items from talented artisans and makers. From stunning jewelry to intricately crafted textiles, you’ll find a wide array of exceptional creations. Hosted by the Branch Connection.
BRANCH ARTS LIVE!
Sunday, October 20 | 1 - 4 p.m. Historical Park | Free
Enjoy an afternoon of live dance performances by a variety of local schools and organizations, brought to you by the Arts & Culture Committee. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
TRICK or TREAT
24 OCT HAUNTS & HOUSES
NOV DIÁ DE LOS MUERTOS
Thursday, October 24 | 4 - 6 p.m.
Historical Park | Free
Bring your young and school-aged kids to trick or treat through Manske Library’s “Boo-Ville” area during this come-and-go event. Characters will be on site to distribute candy on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as to pose for photos. Plus, Public Works will be hosting Touch-A-Truck.
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT
Thursday, October 31 | 4 - 8 p.m.
Recreation Center & Aquatics Center Free
No tricks, just treats this Halloween! Join Parks & Recreation staff for a hauntingly good time, with areas set up in the south parking lot by the playground and in the Aquatics Center lobby. While you’re here, don’t forget to snap some photos at our various spooktacular spots!
1
Friday, November 1 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Historical Park | Free
Join us to welcome back and honor the souls of our deceased loved ones. Activities will include musical and dance performances, Loteria, kids’ crafts and an air brush artist. Festival food and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The event will feature a beautiful community altar in the Old Church where attendees can pay respect and celebrate beloved family and friends. Notecards, candles and flowers will be provided to place on the altar. Attendees are invited to bring duplicate photos or mementos to lay at the community altar, but items will not be returned.
11 NOV
VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION
Monday, November 11
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Recreation Center | Free
This year’s event will include a patriotic ceremony, the presentation of the Charlie Bird Award, complimentary food and drinks, a photo booth, pro-military organizations and entertainment.
