Helpful Info on Austin Safe Routes to School Website

Posted Aug 21, 2010 10:00am by Cheri Hartman in Local Interest | no comments

Just a little reminder: The first day of school is Monday, August 23 and soon our neighborhood will be buzzing with students, parents and teachers.

Austin Safe Routes to School is a City of Austin-sponsored program designed to improve safety and encourage more kids to walk and bike to school. Their website offers tips for students, parents, drivers and educators. Please click here for helpful tips and resources.

Summer Reading Program at the Library

Posted Jun 9, 2010 9:00am by Cheri Hartman in Local Interest | Comments Off

Journey Beyond, the Austin Public Library’s 2010 Summer Reading Program, runs from June through August this year. Participating in the program is easy:

  1. Join either the Adult or Youth program by signing up at an Austin library or online.
  2. Read your books and record them in your reading log/entry form.
  3. Return your completed form to the library and become eligible for prizes.

The Adult Reading program kicks off at Recycled Reads this Saturday, June 12 at 4 pm.

For more information, call 512-974-7400 or visit www.austinsummerreading.org.

Candy Ellard, Teacher of the Year Finalist

Posted Apr 6, 2010 2:29pm by Chip Rosenthal in Local Interest | Comments Off

Candy EllardWe received the following email from Huddie Murray at Pillow Elementary:

North Shoal Creel Neighbors,

Pillow received a surprise visit from HEB on Thursday. The occasion of the visit was to name Candy Ellard as one of five State Finalists in their Teacher of the Year competition! Candy will go on to interviews, etc., and a decision on the winner will be made in late April/early May. We are so proud! Congratulations to Pillow teacher and North Shoal Creek resident Candy Ellard once again!

Huddie Murray

Ms. Ellard is a recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. We previously wrote about this honor here: Statesman’s Q&A with Candy Ellard.

APL Policy Reduces Number of Books to Reserve

Posted Mar 27, 2010 10:00am by Cheri Hartman in Local Interest | Comments Off

APLThe Austin Public Library system  is reducing the number of books a patron is allowed to place on reserve from 10 to 5, effective Monday, April 5.

APL says that over the past year, the number of holds transferred between branch libraries has jumped by nearly 50 percent, and the increased workload has not been met with an increase in staff or vehicles. This causes a backlog and an increased wait for requested items.

This change will go into effect on April 5, 2010.  Current requests of over 5 books will be honored until April 5.

Track Neighborhood Census Participation

Posted Mar 25, 2010 2:58pm by Cheri Hartman in Local Interest | Comments Off

Are you curious to know the percentage of North Shoal Creek neighbors who have turned in their U.S. Census forms?  Click here to track the Census participation rate of return.

Currently, as of March 25, only 10 percent of our neighbors have returned their Census forms.  In 2000, 76 percent of North Shoal Creek residents participated in the Census.  The Texas average (as of March 25) is 12 percent.  The national average is 20 percent.

Please take some time today to complete and mail your Census form. For more information about the Census, read our previous post or visit the  2010 Census website.

The 2010 Census is Heading Your Way

Posted Mar 17, 2010 9:30am by Cheri Hartman in Local Interest | Comments Off

The US Census counts every resident in the United States and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. By participating in the US Census, your information will help communities across the United States receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year. This money is allocated to build and provide hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges and other public works projects and emergency services. The census data also helps determine the number of seats Texas has in the US House of Representatives.

While it’s important to cooperate with the census, residents should also remain mindful to avoid becoming victims of fraud or identity theft. With the increased awareness of break-ins in our neighborhood, neighbors are understandably cautious; however, the Census is often an exception to the rule.

“Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information,” said Steve Cox, Better Business Bureau spokesperson.

The BBB offers the following advice on how to tell the difference between a US Census worker and a con artist.

  • If a Census worker knocks at your door, they will have a badge and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and never invite anyone into your home who you do not know.
  • Census workers will never ask for your Social Security number, credit-card number or banking information. While they may ask for basic financial information, such as your salary range, they will not ask for more specific financials nor will they solicit donations.
  • Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. They will not contact you via email, so please be cautious of email scams. Never click a link or open any email attachments that are supposedly from the US Census.

For more information about the 2010 US Census, visit their website at www.2010.census.gov.

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