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Interest has been shown by some members of Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale, in having a community garden if a suitable partner or organizer can be found.The church is seeking people to take ownership for planning, tilling, fertilizing, planting and harvesting. The church will furnish land, water and some volunteers. The church or local food banks would receive at least the first fruits (10 percent) of output and the remainder could be sold, bartered or distributed by the organizer, perhaps even as a source of personal revenue.
Lots of details to work out, but it first starts with this step: Do you want to be this person or do you know someone in the community who loves growing things?
Contact Mike Renquist at (512) 663-9868 or mgrenquist@sbcglobal.net right away. Spring is almost here.
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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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In accordance with our bylaws, a petition has been filed by members of the Board of Directors to call a meeting of the NSCNA Board of Directors this Tuesday evening.
NSCNA Board of Directors Meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck Ave.Agenda
1. Call to Order, Adoption of Agenda
2. Speaker: Nathan Lenss from Frost Insurance, Insurer for Texas Assoc. of NonProfits, Directors and Officers Liability Risk, General Liability
3. Communication between Meetings/Among Directors
4. Bylaws: Social events to be approved by Board
5. Adjournment
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I don’t know how many of you are planning to go to South by Southwest this year, whether it’s for the film festival, Interactive conference or any of the many music events. For years, I planned ways to avoid downtown during SXSW and tried to hide from it, which isn’t too hard to do in our neighborhood. But now I love to attend SXSW Film every year and have lots of fun … except for the downtown parking.You may not be planning to throw yourself wholeheartedly into SXSW this year, but I wrote a guide especially for Austin people who might want to see just one or two films during the festival. The guide is available on Slackerwood, a website about the Austin film community that I edit. It includes tips and tricks for parking, info on which theaters are best if you just want to buy a ticket, and the best times to try getting into a movie at the last minute. So take a look at my SXSW 2010 Guide: Filmgoing Tips for Non-Badgeholders and if you have any tips yourself, feel free to add a comment over there.
I haven’t found any films this year that were shot in our neighborhood — unlike 2009, when Artois the Goat was partially shot at San Francisco Bakery. But if I find any neighborhood connections this year, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, I’m off to the movies … for eight days.
[Photo credit: “SXSW 2009” by J. Kernion]
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Please join your Brentwood neighbors for their FREE Spring 2010 Plant & Seed Swap on Saturday, March 20 at 3 pm under the big tree on Arroyo Seco in Brentwood Park.Things eligible for trading are:
- Plants (house plants, outdoor landscape plants, veggie and herb plants, larger plants like shrubs, saplings and vines are all welcome. Please bring them potted or freshly dug and bagged.)
- Bulbs, rhizomes, starters
- Seeds or new seed sprouts
- Volunteer plants that just popped up in the wrong spot
- Garden/landscape tools, pots, books, supplies, yard art, bird houses/feeders, etc.
Bring your items and set up a small area with your goods for trade. Then simply chat with others and peruse what they have for trade. If you see something you would like, ask for it then offer that person something from your stash.
The swap has grown the last couple of years. The best part is chatting with people and learning about the plants and seeds being traded. It’s a fun time to meet others and a great way to develop your own backyard for free.
Contact Kat with any questions at kat@dukecorrea.com or 225-4732.
Photo credit: “Habenaro Seedlings“ by Peter Baer on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.
