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Fall is here and with celebrations like Halloween and fun festivities like trick-or-treating coming up, there are many temptations and goodies to be offered. Following a few dos and don’ts can help make the celebrations a little safer and healthier for children, parents and grandparents. 

Treats for Special Diets

Food allergies can put a damper on any kid’s fun, especially during Halloween. Parents are reminded to examine the label of all candies to ensure your child’s allergen isn’t present and are cautioned not to allow any home-baked goods or foods that are not commercially wrapped to be eaten. It is important to keep in mind that mini or bite-size versions of candy might have different ingredients than their full-size versions. To be certain last year’s treats aren’t this year’s trick, impose a “no eating while trick-or-treating” rule until you have time to review all food labels and check for tampering. 

Handing out candy to little ghosts and goblins on Halloween is part of the celebrated experience and there’s a fun and easy way to make it even more inclusive for the one in 13 children who have life-threatening food allergies or intolerances. The “Teal Pumpkin Project” created by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization suggests placing a teal colored pumpkin out front signaling it contains allergy-friendly candy or foods as well as non-edible treats like small toys, glow sticks, or stickers. 

WellMed Disclaimer: Some items and foods are choking risks for children and should be avoided, particularly with children under age four or who have certain disabilities. The list includes certain foods (including hard candy, nuts, string cheese and chewing gum), small toys and any item small enough to place inside the mouth.

Keeping a watchful eye on your kids while they enjoy their loot is important as food allergies can develop at any stage of life. Every 10 seconds, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S. and no parents need that type of scare on Halloween. child having an allergic reaction may manifest symptoms of putting their hands in their mouth, pulling or scratching at their tongues, slur their words, or their voice may become hoarse or squeaky. 

Other symptoms you may see are hives, abdominal pain, and in very severe cases, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.  If you think your child is having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care.  Calling 911 may be needed in some cases particularly when a severe reaction occurs, symptoms begin soon after ingestion or if symptoms are progressing rapidly.

Tricks on Keeping Them Healthy

The spookiest time of the year is a good marker for the start of flu season as well. Getting a flu vaccine before mischief night can help keep your child happy and healthy past Halloween and into the family holiday season.

It is also a great time to remind your child of other important ways to stay healthy and safe as they travel door to door speaking to neighbors as they receive treats. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween night should remember to always watch out for cars, use reflective gear, if possible, walk with a large group, walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and carry a flashlight.

For parents with children who wear face paint or makeup it’s important to check out those ingredients as well. Harmful ingredients in face makeup can trigger allergies or cause problems like skin irritation. Some tips to help avoid a toxic ingredients and possible skin reactions: avoid makeup with heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead and even arsenic. To avoid infection from makeup, wash hands before applying and never share makeup with others. A good practice is to test a small amount of makeup a few days before to see if your child will have a reaction, and when in doubt, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Stay safe, healthy, and happy this Halloween and be sure to remain healthy throughout the rest of the holiday season.

About the Author: By Dr. Tamika Perry, family medicine, WellMed at Redbird Square

Dr. Tamika Perry, practices family medicine with WellMed at Redbird Square. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine DO program and is board-certified in both family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Additionally, she earned a Master of Public Health from UNT Health Science Center. She was inspired to enter a career in medicine to help provide quality health care to disenfranchised communities. She believes that her ears, eyes and heart must remain wide open to treat her patients most effectively and enjoys working with families within the community.

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The Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the recent reopening of "The Branch Connection" Senior Center. Following a $4 million comprehensive renovation project, which began in early 2024, the newly revitalized center once again welcomes seniors for programming and fitness classes. Notable updates include an expanded lounge area, a larger and improved fitness room, a newly transformed coffee bar lounge, and a new theater room. A grand opening celebration is planned for June 10, 2025, at the center. 

"We are incredibly excited to reopen the doors of The Branch Connection and unveil these fantastic renovations to our senior community," said Jessica Alvarado, Supervisor, Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation. "These improvements represent our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality facilities and programs that enrich the lives of our senior residents. We can't wait to welcome everyone back and see them enjoy the updated spaces and new opportunities."

The extensive updates to The Branch Connection include:  

  • Expanded Fitness Room: Featuring new equipment and increased space to support active lifestyles.
  • Improved Kitchen: Upgraded to facilitate cooking demonstrations and shared meal opportunities.
  • New Furniture: Providing comfortable and modern seating throughout the center.
  • New Hospitality Bar: Creating a welcoming social space for members to connect.
  • New Theater Room: Offering an enhanced venue for movie screenings, presentations, and entertainment.
  • New Yoga Room: A dedicated and serene space for yoga and other mind-body wellness programs.
  • New Front Entrance Doors: Enhancing accessibility and the overall aesthetic of the center.
  • Refinished Ballroom Floor and New Lighting: Revitalizing the popular ballroom for dancing and events.


Rudick Construction has led the improvement project, which includes renovations to more than 16,000 sq.ft.of the 25-year-old facility's 24,000 sq. ft. Approved by voters in the May 2024 election, the new interior was funded by $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, $605,000 from the City's general fund, and $600,000 from the general fund. 

The Branch Connection begins its regular programming schedule upon reopening on May 9. Residents are encouraged to visit the center to explore the new amenities and learn more about upcoming activities and events, including special membership pricing by visiting The Branch Connection at 14055 Dennis Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234 during regular business hours, 8 am - 8 pm Monday - Wednesday, 8 am - 5 pm Thursday and Friday, and 1 pm - 5 pm on Saturday. 

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About The Branch Connection

The Branch Connection is a 2,000 sq. ft. active adult center designed to meet the physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of individuals 50 years of age and better. The facility offers daily programming for residents and non-residents with memberships, including fitness classes, educational seminars, and social events, Monday through Saturday. Managed by the City of Farmers Branch, The Branch Connection is served by the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department, recognized for its 31 award-winning parks, includingthe Joya glow-in-the-dark playground at Oran Park and The Frog Pond outdoor waterpark, extensive walking trails, and world-class athletic fields. Learn more about The Branch Connection by visiting us at 14055 Dennis Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234, online at https://www.farmersbranchtx.gov/530/The-Branch-Connection or calling (972) 919-8740. 

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The City of Farmers Branch is excited to kick off its “Christmas in the Branch” events for 2024! Celebrating the holidays from Nov. 10 through Dec. 24, the city hosts more than 40 days of special activities and programs for the community designed to be enjoyed by the whole family (including those four-legged friends!) From its always sold-out Holiday Tea at the Dodson House at its beautiful Farmers Branch Historical Park to its Santa Makes Housecalls, where Santa delivers gifts personally to your front door from a festive firetruck, Farmers Branch is the destination for making holiday traditions. And don’t miss “A Christmas Carnival” on Dec. 7 with an evening of holiday magic including Dasher’s Silent Disco, holiday drone show,  a fireworks show and of course, Santa! Many activities are free, but spaces are limited, so make reservations quickly!

Letters to Santa

Nov. 10 – Dec. 8
Make this holiday season extra special for your kiddos with Letters to Santa! The Farmers Branch Aquatics Center has teamed up with the North Pole to ensure all those precious letters to Santa get straight to him. Have your kids write a letter to Santa Claus and they will get a personalized letter back from Santa himself! Just remember to pop in a return address, their Christmas must-haves, and a little something about them. Drop off letters Nov. 10 - Dec. 8 at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, 14032 Heartside Pl.

Cost: Free

Christmas Ribbit Reading
Dec. 16, 6 pm
Farmers Branch Aquatics Center 
Join us on select Mondays at 6 p.m. for Ribbit Reading. We're excited to offer this reading event on our Instagram page. November 25, "Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving" by Mercer Mayer and December 16, "The Littlest Reindeer" by Brandi Dougherty. 

Cost: Free

Feliz Navidog
Dec. 6, 6-8 pm
Barney Wood Bark Park
Deck the paws with holiday cheer! Bring your fur babies to the most PAW-some Christmas party of the year! Give your pup a Holly Jolly Christmas with dog-friendly vendors, festive photo opportunities, pawliday treats, puppy mingling, So grab your leash and join us for a tail-wagging good time!

Cost: Free

A Christmas Carnival
Dec. 7,  5-9 pm
Farmers Branch Historical Park
Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland as the Farmers Branch Historical Park transforms into A Christmas Carnival.  The park will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday season at A Christmas Carnival at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. With holiday treats and eats, carnival rides, live entertainment including Stargazer, Lady Diamond, and local school shows on the Elf Stage; Dasher’s Silent Disco, roaming holiday characters, and of course everyone’s favorite - Santa! Don’t miss the finale with a holiday drone show and fireworks finale! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of Christmas magic!

Cost: Free

Christmas Teas (sold out)
December 7 & 14, 10 am & 1 pm
Dodson House at Farmers Branch Historical Park
A long-standing, always sold-out event, Christmas Teas are a Historical Park tradition. Join us for an afternoon of live harp music, delectable treats, Christmas décor, and of course, tea. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

Cost: $40 per person; $30 per person for Friends of the Farmers Branch Historical Park.  

Santa Makes House Calls
Dec. 9 - 24, 6:30 - 9 pm
Farmers Branch
Create an unforgettable holiday memory this year with a personal visit from Santa himself! Imagine your little ones' faces lighting up as the jolly man in red walks through your front door with their special gifts. Available within five miles of the Farmers Branch Recreation Center, Santa makes a 15-minute magical visit to deliver gifts (provided in advance) personally to your home. Don't miss this chance to make this holiday season extra special!

Cost: Members, $30; Non-Members $34. Register in person at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center or call 972-247-4607. 

Sweet Holiday Story Time
Dec. 10, 6 pm
Manske Library
Experience a relaxing story time in your PJs while enjoying some cookies and juice.

Cost: Free

A Polar Express Pancakes & Pajamas
Dec. 14, 9-11 am
Farmers Branch Recreation Center
All aboard the Polar Express!  Bring your holiday spirit and your appetite, join us for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer at our annual Pancakes & Pajamas celebration. Wear your coziest PJs and join us for a festive breakfast experience your whole family will treasure with a delicious Pancake Breakfast while watching the Polar Express, a visit to the Santa Hut, special storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a holiday craft station. This enchanting morning promises to create wonderful memories for children and parents alike. Registration opens for residents Nov. 1. Non-residents registration opens Nov. 26.

Cost: Residents: $8 per person, Non-Residents: $12 per person.  Register in person at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center or call 972-247-4607. 

Santa & Cookies
Dec. 18,  5-7 pm
Manske Library
Enjoy fun activities, munch on some delicious cookies while you make a holiday craft, and meet the one and only Santa!

Cost: Free 

Christmas Exhibit Tours
Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 at Noon
Friday, Dec. 13 and 20, 6 pm and 7 pm (lantern-led)
Farmers Branch Historical Park

 

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT:  Christmas in the Branch

WHEN:  Nov. 10 - Dec. 24, 2024

WHERE: Various locations throughout Farmers Branch 

ADMISSION:  Open to residents and the community, many events are free, but require reservations.

MORE INFO: https://www.farmersbranchtx.gov/1466/Christmas-in-the-Branch

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About Farmers Branch, Texas

The event is produced by the City of Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Farmers Branch Multicultural Task Force. Farmers Branch, Texas has earned its reputation for excellence. It's an oasis of small-town life in the heart of a big-city bustle. World-class arts, shopping, and great schools, plus a big-business boom and lower business tax rates are just a few of the features that make Farmers Branch the ideal place to live, work, and play. Visit farmersbranchtx.gov for more information about our events. 

 

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CASA of Tarrant County Hosts “Pinwheels Project” and “Coffee with CASA” in Arlington, Azle, Mid-cities/NRH, Fort Worth, and Southlake this April

Did you know that Tarrant County has the 3rd highest confirmed number of cases of abuse and neglect in Texas?  However, everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small, during Child Abuse Prevention Month with CASA of Tarrant County.  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tarrant County is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children because they want them to have a brighter future, more hopeful than their past. The organization is hosting multiple programs, Pinwheels Project and Coffee with CASA, to increase awareness and raise money to continue the support of abused and neglected children throughout Tarrant County specifically in Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, and Southlake.

PINWHEEL PROJECT

CASA of Tarrant County is working throughout April to raise awareness and share the important impact of local communities through its “Pinwheels Project.” Throughout April the community is invited to view several outdoor installations of the blue pinwheels, each signifying a child served by CASA of Tarrant County last year at notable locations throughout Tarrant County including: 

Arlington 

  • April 10-26: Levitt Pavilion, 100 W Abram St., Arlington, Texas 76010 

Azle 

  • April 1-30: Azle Lions Club,412 Commerce St, Azle, Texas 76020

  • April 1-30: Tater Club Learning Center, 340 W. Main St, Azle, Texas 76020 

  • April 1-30: Reata West Apartments,1133 Boyd Rd, Azle, Texas 76020

Fort Worth

  • April 8-12:  Southwest Fort Worth Library, 4001 Library Ln, Fort Worth, Texas 76109 

HEB-Midcities/North Richland Hills 

  • April 1-14: North Richland Hills Library,9015 Grand Ave, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180

  • April 1-30: Bedford YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, Texas 76021 

Southlake 

  • April 1-12: Southlake Town Square, 285 Grand Ave, Southlake, Texas 76092

COFFEE WITH CASA

In addition to its Pinwheel Project throughout DFW, CASA will host multiple “Coffee with CASA” and Information Sessions for the public throughout the month. At “Coffee with CASA,” meet members of CASA and learn more about the organization during the come-and-go experience. Those wanting to get more involved as a volunteer with CASA can attend one of the many convenient Information Sessions. 

Arlington

  • April 17: 8:30 am -10:00 am - Coffee with CASA at Inclusion Coffee, 101 E Abram St #110, Arlington, Texas 76010

Fort Worth  

  • April 9: noon - Information Session at the Southwest Fort Worth Library, 4001 Library Ln, Fort Worth, Texas 76109 

  • April 9: 8:30 am -10:30 am, Coffee with CASA at Love Local | Coffee + Art Shop, 4612 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas 76109

  • April 12: 8 am -10 am, Coffee with CASA at Casa Azul Coffee, 300 W Central Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76164

H-E-B Midcities / North Richland Hills 

  • April 23: 12:30 pm - Information Session at the Bedford YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, Texas 76021 

Southlake 

  • April 3: 8:30 am -10:30 am, Coffee with CASA at Jane Southlake,1151 E Southlake Blvd #390, Southlake, Texas 76092

Friday, April 5 is also nationally recognized as “Go Blue Day,” so CASA asks to show your support for Child Abuse Prevention Month by wearing blue. #goblueday.

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER

Unfortunately there are so many more abused and neglected children in Tarrant County that still need assistance, but many more CASA volunteers are needed to make this happen. This April consider stepping up to make a difference by becoming a CASA volunteer. Training and support are provided to all volunteers. 

To learn more about these events, the services provided by CASA, or volunteering for CASA (volunteer child welfare advocate),visit SpeakUpForAChild.org.

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About CASA of Tarrant County

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tarrant County is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children because they want them to have a brighter future, more hopeful than their past. Tarrant County has the third-highest confirmed number of cases of abuse and neglect in Texas. From helping siblings find permanent placement together, to finding a child a stable home with a relative, to uncovering positive information that helps a loving family reunite, to something as simple but yet important to that child as ensuring that their shoes are not too tight for their feet, volunteer Advocates make incredible differences in the lives of children. Currently CASA of Tarrant County has more than 400 active volunteers who come from all walks of life, however, there are still about 500 kids each year who are left waiting for a CASA, because there aren’t enough volunteers to meet the demands of the child welfare system. Visit SpeakUpForAChild.org to learn more and sign up to make a difference in a child’s future.