Milwood Neighborhood Assoc.

Can you lend a hand getting the word out about the neighborhood July 4th parade and picnic?

We always make sure to get info out to every house in the neighborhood before the 4th so that new and old residents know they are welcome to share some neighborhood spirit.

If you can walk a street or two, and just drop off the flyers on the stoop, it is super easy: come to 4103 Dauphine Drive, the flyers are on the porch, already broken out by street. Take flyers for a street, sign up on the clipboard, and deliver in the next several days.

received this by email:

CAPITAL METRORAIL PROGRESS REPORT – JUNE 19, 2009
Capital Metro has made significant progress on the MetroRail project since last month’s report. We are much closer to announcing a new opening date for the Red Line. However, we will complete the remaining milestones and ensure proper safety and operation of all systems prior to selecting a date to open the service to passengers. Safety has and will continue to be the top priority.

Milestones Completed Since May 13
• The Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) signal system is in full operation and Rail Dispatchers are utilizing it to direct train operations.
• The signal system, including new work added to the original scope of the project is complete and final crossings adjustments are underway.
• The installation of traffic signal preemption equipment at several crossings adjacent to intersections is complete and final adjustments are underway.
• All MetroRail, freight and Austin Steam Train engineers and supervisors are now certified on the use of the CTC signal system.
• MetroRail trains have begun operating under full-service conditions in the morning – to meet the timelines and stops according to the proposed service schedule but with no passengers aboard.
• MetroRail engineers have begun comprehensive contingency training to prepare and train for unforeseen challenges.

Remaining Milestones
• Complete adjustments to crossings and complete final testing for full-service operation.
• Complete full-service test runs to finalize schedules.
• Complete Engineer contingency training.

When will service begin?
Capital Metro will announce an opening date when the entire rail system is demonstrated to be operating in a consistent, reliable and safe manner. We will report back to the community in mid-July if not before.

Tonight the City is coming North to present on the proposed plans to meet a 30 million dollar general funds shortfall. They will be at the Northwest Recreation Center from 6:30 to 8, which is located at 2913 Northland (2222 east of Mopac). I’ll be there with a short list of items towards the middle depending on when I get out of something else. Come and listen, contribute.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2913+Northland+austin+tx&sll=30.266582,-97.736922&sspn=0.01427,0.027895&g=600+East+6th+Street,+Austin,+TX&ie=UTF8&ll=30.33362,-97.751884&spn=0.114084,0.22316&z=13&iwloc=A

Folks, July 4th is rapidly approaching, and sa you probably know is the most important event for our neighborhood all year. We’ll have a more specific schedule coming up shortly, but here are the things we need to help make the event a success (in no particular order):

volunteers to distribute flyers in the neighborhood to make sure new residents know about the event
volunteers to grill/serve food/etc
Contributions of gift cards or services for our fund raising raffle
Contributions of groceries or home cooked items to let us keep the food line free and bountiful.

Send me an email at dustin at milwoodna.com if you can contibute, and more informatio to come.

As an FYI to folks who may have missed the CapMetro report to the community in mid-May, I linkit below, and not the commitment for another update in “mid-June”

http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-update.shtml

Resident Cheryl Harrison sends us informaiton on the following gardening seminars:

Rainwater Harvesting for Your Garden
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10am-Noon
Riverplace Country Club
4207 River Place Blvd
Austin TX 78730

Come enjoy a free seminar concentrating on capturing rainwater and lowering water usage in your landscape. This session will teach you all the basics on building a non-potable rainwater harvesting system.

In addition, learn about rain gardens which capture valuable rainwater in your landscape. Vendors representing tank and gutter companies will be available to answer specific questions. City of Austin representatives will be available to answer permit and rebate questions. This seminar is free and open to the public and does not require reservations.

Becoming a Garden Detective: Diagnosing Plant Problems
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
7-9pm
Steiner Ranch Towne Square Community Center
12550 Country Trails Lane
Austin 78732

Just when you think you’ve done everything right by your plants, one of them starts to go downhill. One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is correctly diagnosing plant problems and finding effective, safe solutions. Is your plant dying because of an insect, environmental or disease problem? Join us to learn the causes of plant problems, the process for diagnosing plant problems, and preventive garden management techniques. This class is free and open to the public. A plant clinic will run during the seminar to help you diagnose current problems so please bring samples of problem plants.