PfCONA TIDBITS - WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PFLUGERVILLE & NEIGHBORHOODS (incl. Hurricane Relief info)

LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE MAKING THINGS HAPPEN IN PFLUGERVILLE:

See further below for briefs and contact info on Hurricane Relief Efforts...remember "this is a marathon, not a sprint." Neighborhoods can help by passing on this E-mail and posting on their web pages to help tap the untapped folks who are needed. Also, collaborate with other neighborhoods, churches, community organizations, and city services.

September 6th - 30th - Falcon Pointe Residents' Club Collecting Items for Hurricane Victims
Location is 19015 Falcon Pointe Blvd. right off Kelly Lane to drop off items from Tuesday thru Saturday between 10am to 2pm. Clubhouse Phone: 670-1400. Items will be delivered to a local charity assisting disaster victims. Needs include blankets, sheets, pillows, and large to very large adult clothing. Other items include: school supplies; new socks and underwear; nonperishable food (preferably industrial size); baby formula; diapers; ointment for babies; flashlights; batteries; plastic gloves; and personal hygiene and feminine hygiene items.

A resident from Ridge at Steeds Crossing is interested in putting together a fundraising activity to donate food, water, and/or money to the victims. That person was put into contact with Falcon Pointe Activities Director in case they wanted to join forces since Falcon Pointe has set up a collection site.

September 7th - Central Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Emergency Meeting
Wednesday, September 7, 2005, Gymnasium at Parker Lane United Methodist Church, 2105 Parker Lane 9:30 a.m. Directions: From I-35, exit at Oltorf and head east. Parker Lane is the first light, right after the Luby’s. Turn left (north) at Parker Lane. The church is the 2nd church on your right. www.plumc.com. Texas Interfaith Disaster Response will be there to provide information on the coordination efforts with all the centers and agencies. TIDR will be ready to give new volunteer opportunities at the time.

CTVOAD is made up of organizations like Red Cross, UW, Salvation Army, churches, Capital Area Food Bank, city/county emergency offices, etc. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to come!! If you know of any agency, organization, church, group, etc. providing any form of relief, including fund raising, please invite them.

September 10th - Castillo Family and Parkcrest NA Garage Sale
To be held at 1302 Spoonemore. Proceeds go to Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Victims. All things not sold will go to Goodwill, which is also helping Katrina victims. Contact: cynthiacastslah@juno.com. Items can be left at location ahead of time.

September 11th - Trailer in Pflugerville High School Parking Lot for Hurricane Katrina Victims
From 9am-12:30pm. Items are being collected for Salvation Army relief effort in San Antonio. Main needs are blankets, sheets, pillows, and large to very large adult clothing. Other items include: school supplies; new socks and underwear; nonperishable food (preferably industrial size); baby formula; diapers; ointment for babies; flashlights; batteries; plastic gloves; and personal hygiene and feminine hygiene items.

September 10th - Springbrook HOA Garage Sales
From 8a-2p in neighborhood whose entrances are N. Heatherwilde and off Pflugerville Loop.

September 12th - PfCONA TOWN MEETING - PISD Superintendent Patricia Pickles
To be held at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. from 7pm-8:30pm.

Speaker: It is an opportunity for neighborhood leaders and public within and beyond city limits to meet Dr. Pickles, learn her direction for the district, her vision to work hand in hand with neighborhoods, to ask her questions, and more.

Status Report: On Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in Pflugerville and Greater Austin area.

Other city/PfCONA issues will be discussed/updated as time permits (e.g., Plan for PfCONA quarterly board meeting (neighborhood leader roundtables), and improvement of neighborhood notification by city/developers/PfCONA.

Note: See http://www.pfcona.org/Meetings-Minutes.htm for past town meeting agendas/minutes. The Mayor, City Councilperson Duane Blakeslee, City Manager, Chief of Police are scheduled to attend this monthly PfCONA Town Meeting. PISD/School Board has been invited to send a representative like council does on a rotating basis. PISD Public Information Officer has been frequently attending.

September 13th - Pflugerville Community Disaster Relief Meeting (tentative)
Starting at 10am at St. Mary's Baptist Church at 1202 Pecan St. For church/neighborhood/community organization and government leaders to coordinate short- and long-term efforts on behalf of Hurricane Katrina evacuees and families assisting them.

Pflugerville Relief/Refugee Effort Contact: Pastor Richard Coaxum or Necee Grayson at 251-5578 or E-mail pastor@stmarybaptist.com. Address: 1202 Pecan St. Office Hours: 10a-2:30p, but has been earlier and later lately.

September 13th - Chamber Chatter
At 11:30 AM, European Bistro. Speaker: Gary Farmer, Chairman of Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation on subject of Regional Economic Development with Opportunity Austin. Cost: $12. For more info/deadline to RSVP call 251-7799 or go by 101 S. 3rd.St (corner of 3rd and Pecan St.). E-mail: gpcc@sbcglobal.net.

Deadline: September 15th - Applications for Drawing for Three Free Rentals by Nonprofits of Pfluger Hall

Travis County ESD #2 requests a letter requesting rental at no charge by 5pm. Letter must identify the organization, approximate date needed, how the organization supports the community, and the event that is planned (must be non-alcoholic event and hall cannot be sublet). Organization must be based in ESD #2. Letter must include proof that organization is a not-for-profit via a 501 letter from IRS or State of Texas documentation, or application will be disqualified. Use of hall rules apply or no agreement will be issued or full billing will take place. Any winner will not be eligible for a drawing for 3 years. For more info contact: John Grasshoff, Chief of Staff Services, at 251-2801.

September 15th - Hurricane Relief Effort Meeting (Austin area)

Thursday, at 5:30pm at First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street, Downtown at 9th and Trinity. All clergy, chaplains, religious leaders, and congregation members involved in hurricane relief efforts are invited to a meeting: 5:30pm, Service of reflection, prayer and song; 6:30pm, Strategy Meeting -- Where are we now with relief efforts? What
is working? Where do we go from here? What are the needs? How can faith
communities to respond? RSVP: If you plan to attend, please respond to Austin Area Interreligious Ministries, aaim@aaimaustin.org or 512-386-9145 ext. 19.

September 17th - Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce Expo 2005

On a Saturday from 9am-3pm at Austin's Park 'n Pizza. This the Chamber's 9th annual Expo. "Where Merchants, Community Services and Families Meet!"

Free admission. Featuring helicopters, children activities, martial arts demonstrations, public safety demonstrations and more! Entertainment from school and church groups, food and drink... Great door prizes (must be 18), booth drawings and giveaways AND MORE!

Invite your friends, family, neighbors, church groups, civic groups. Drop by the Chamber Office and pick up a flyer to post in your business, church, etc. If you know or are involved with a group who would like to entertain or do a demonstration, contact the Chamber Office at 251-7799 or go by 101 S. 3rd.St (corner of 3rd and Pecan St.). E-mail: gpcc@sbcglobal.net.

September 17th - Rep. Mark Strama "Second Saturday" Office Hours (3rd Sat. this mo.)
Representative Mark Strama is will hold office hours at the Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce Expo 2005 located in Austin’s Park ‘n Pizza, 16231 N IH 35 in Pflugerville. He will have a booth so please come by. Rep. Strama and his staff make themselves available to listen to your concerns regarding the important issues during Legislative sessions or other issues important to you and other residents in District 50. Please come with your ideas, concerns, and suggestions.

For more legislative info go to: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist50/strama.htm. E-mail Rep. Strama at: mark@markstrama.com or call 463-0821 for location of future office hours.

September 24th - Pflugerville Pfamilies Pfirst Pancake Breakfast for Fallen Warrior Memorial

From 7a-11a at Pflugerville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 10th & Pfluger. Suggested minimum donation: $5. Will include: Veteran exhibits, special guests, kids activities, raffles, and family fun. See: http://www.teamppp.com/.

September 25th - Pflugerville Police Department "Open House"

From 1pm to 5pm on Sunday at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. "Our house is your house - everyone is welcome". Come check out police and D.A.R.E. cars, gun range, jail, fatal vision goggles, paint ball target shooting, Child ID, H.E.A.T. registration, bicycle registration, Moonwalk, and fire department displays. Also, check out various departments and K-9s (police dogs). Call Police Department at 251-4004 for more information.

October 10th - PfCONA Town Meeting - HOA Attorney/Pflugerville Firefighters Assoc.
To be held at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. from 7pm-8:30pm.

Speaker: Attorney Connie Nieman, on HOA bylaws and property law

Short Presentation: Greg Monroe, Pflugerville Professional Firefighters Association, on what fire department has to offer, including information handouts.

Note: See http://www.pfcona.org/Meetings-Minutes.htm for past town meeting agendas/minutes. The Mayor, City Councilperson Mark Gladney, City Manager, Chief of Police are scheduled to attend monthly PfCONA Town Meetings. PISD/School Board has been invited to send a representative like council does on a rotating basis. PISD Public Information Officer has been frequently attending.

October 31st - Halloween on Main Street

Details to be announced by Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce.

November 4th-5th - Library Semi-annual Book Sale Fundraiser

The Library is needing contributions of DVDs, CDs, videos, hard cover books and paperback books for the sale. Any items that people are willing to contribute can be taken to the Library during their open hours. If you have questions or need more info, please contact Jacki Robertson during the day at the Pflag at 251-2220 or in the evening at 990-9402. Thanks for any help you can give us, the Friends of the Pflugerville Community Library, fundraiser sponsor.

November 5th - Dumpster Day (KPB Fall event)

From 8a-Noon at 300 East Pecan (between the old cotton gin & El Rincon Mexican Restaurant) and 1340 Heatherwilde Blvd (Community Pool Parking Lot of WestPark/ParkPlace) . Similar to March Pflugerville Citywide Cleanup (Spring event) also hosted by city's Keep Pflugerville Beautiful committee.

Dumpsters will be provided by IESI Trash Company. Absolutely No hazardous material will be accepted (For example: batteries, tires, paint, gasoline & oil base products). Take advantage of this opportunity to remove those unwanted items that have been cluttering up the garage and backyards. For more information, contact Jill Marsh at 512-251-2222 or Angel T. Hernandez at 670-5114.

November 6th - Saxony HOA Quarterly Meeting

From 7pm-8:30pm at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln.

November 12th - GPCC 20th Anniversary Gala

From 6pm-11pm at Pfluger Hall. Includes a Silent Auction.

November 14th - Joint Mayor Town Hall Meeting and PfCONA Town Meeting - regarding Austin Community College
To be held at a school location (to be announced) from 7pm-8:30pm.

Note: See http://www.pfcona.org/Meetings-Minutes.htm for past town meeting agendas/minutes. The Mayor, City Councilperson Kurt Reece, City Manager, Chief of Police are scheduled to attend monthly PfCONA Town Meetings. PISD/School Board has been invited to send a representative like council does on a rotating basis. PISD Public Information Officer has been frequently attending.

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Click here for September City Newsletter, "Pflugerville Pfacts", and past ones on city website. Current issue covers upcoming board and commission openings and meeting schedules; plus, 5th Annual Police Department "Open House" on September 25th from 1p to 5p.

Click here for other meeting/event dates listed on City Calendar on city website.
Click here for events at library.
Click here for public notices on City website.
Click here for city council and other boards/commissions/committee agendas and minutes on city website.
Click here for Community Calendar sponsored by PfCONA.(ask how to put something on it)

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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS/ITEMS OF NOTE:

See above calendar for local events regarding Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

NATIONAL/STATE HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS

Federal Emergency Management Agency/Other
* Click here for FEMA webpage for evacuees and disaster victims. Contact info: (800) 621-3362 or TTY: (800) 462-7585, http://www.fema.gov/.
* Click here for goverment FirstGov.gov webpage regarding finding loved ones, finding shelter, getting helping, offering help, and more. Also, see ready.gov, CDC.gov, and click here for your own family readiness kit at aap.org.
* Call (866) 487-2365 (USA-DOL) toll free for unemployment assistance (individuals from impacted areas and at evacuation sites) via U.S. Department of Labor, including information on registering for unemployment insurance and disaster unemployment assistance.
* Call 916-5404 for Social Security at 903 San Jacinto #102 in Austin.

* Call (800) 937-8097 for mental health issues.
* Call ESRD of TX at (972) 503-3215 for dialysis patients.
* Call (888) 588-2848 for road condition information.
* Call State Operations Center at (512) 424-2208 regarding price gouging complaints.
* Call Travis County HHSC for food stamps, Medicaid, and TANF at (512) 929-7330 at 1165 Airport Blvd, Austin or visit http://www.txstars.net/.
* Call Texas Workforce Commission for unemployment assistance (is helping displaced Louisiana residents apply) at 340-4300.
* Call Travis County WIC Office at (512) 251-2120 at 15822 Foothill Farms in Pflugerville or (512) 719-3007 at 9411 Parkfield, Suite 320 in Austin.
* The Texas Department of Insurance has set up a toll-free consumer help line to assist evacuees with questions regarding their insurance: (800) 252-3439.
* University of Texas Students and employees affected by the disaster can call the Counseling and Mental Health Center, 471-3515, or the Employee Assistance Program, 471-3366.
* Austin Community College: Displaced students may call ACC's admissions office at 223-7503 or e-mail admission@austincc.edu. Displaced faculty and staff can learn about ACC employment opportunities at www.austincc.edu/.
* Huston-Tillotson University: Displaced students and faculty can call 505-3000.
* The Texas Education Agency has set up a phone line for families looking to enroll in public schools: (800) 957-5109.
* Federal Trade Commission "Hurricane Katrina" consumer alert link regarding giving wisely: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/katrinaarlt.htm.
* Texas Attorney General Sept. 1 press release on reporting fraudulent charities exploiting tragedy: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1136.

LOCAL AUSTIN AREA HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS

Pflugerville Churches, City, and PfCONA Members
Charles Simon, Pflugerville Assistant City Manager, met with a group of area churches on Tuesday, September 6th, to discuss coordinating efforts to assist the evacuees that are in the Pflugerville area. St. Mary's Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, and Pflugerville Community Church are on board and others are to follow. They believe that PfCONA member involvement would be a big addition to the effort, and we believe that we can work hand in hand and behind the scenes to bolster a relief effort. PfCONA has since met with Mr. Simon and contact St. Mary's Baptist Church, which is leading Pflugerville relief effort.

It appears that Pflugerville has a few resident families who are hosting family members that have evacuated. Those evacuees are beginning to make plans for short-terms stays in Pflugerville. such as 17 refugee families that St. Mary's is dealing with. They are enrolling kids in school (93 in PISD so far), looking for homes to rent, looking for jobs, etc. Churches believe that we, including neighborhoods, may have several ways in which we can help them with these needs by focusing on Pflugerville evacuees and families assisting families, since others are taking care of Austin. More space is needed to warehouse donations and information needs to be shared among Pflugerville organizations, including determining number of evacuees in our area.

Pflugerville Relief/Refugee Effort Contact: Pastor Richard Coaxum or Necee Grayson at 251-5578 or E-mail pastor@stmarybaptist.com. Address: 1202 Pecan St. Click here for additional links on city website. Office Hours: 10a-2:30p, but has been earlier and later lately.

PISD Hurricane Relief Efforts
Randy Reese, Public Information Officer, reported that there are 93 students as of Sept. 9th enrolled via Project HELP, which places students in schools and provides them breakfast, lucnh, school supplies, clothing, and other support/programs. Also, 6-7 substitute teachers have been hired who have relocated here and school counselors have been involved in counseling at Toney Burger Center and will be offering related training to PISD staff. He said every campus has something going on in relation to raising money or collecting items/supplies. Murchison Elementary, for example, has raised $2,200. Donations have been collected at football games. Monies go to district and then is distributed to organizations. District is funneling some donations to The Storehouse at AAA Storage at 445 FM 685 and North Rural Community Center at 15822 Foothill Farms Loop. Some items such as school supplies are being kept at PISD Opportunity Center for distribution via Project HELP. He said the district is beginning to work with Pflugerville Relief/Refugee efforts through main contact, St. Mary's Baptist Church, on behalf of Pflugerville community.

Other examples of schools helping with relief effort:

- River Oaks is conducting a disaster relief drive. Fourth graders are making posters and collecting money for the Red Cross.

- Hendrickson High School Student Council is conducting several drives for cash and goods for the Astrodome refugees. They want to make a friendly challenge to all campuses to track all progress.

- Westview Middle raised $240 in “Dimes for Diapers” and donated the diapers to the Red Cross. They also have a food drive going.

- Dessau Elementary filled half their gym with the “5 essential items” last week and donated it to the cause.

-Rowe Lane also collected the five essentials and a parent took them to the collection site.

- Pflugerville High Student Council held a fund drive at last week’s football game.

- Connally Booster Club is planning a canned food drive. They also are considering a teacher supply drive for displaced teachers.

Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce

The Board of Directors of the GPCC has decided to support two families who are victims of the hurricane and have been relocated to our area. They will work with the Pflugerville Independent School District to identify and select those families. Stay tuned for further details.

Shelters In Austin Area

In Austin: Toney Burger Center at 3200 Jones Rd. Call (877) 929-1224. Meals served.
Outside Austin: See 2-1-1 list or go to: http://www.hurricanehousing.org/ to search for or list space in private homes. People staying with family/friends/other should still register at Burger Center with Red Cross and FEMA so they can be officially listed as an evacuee and receive news about services as they become available.

Volunteer to Provide Foster Care for the Pets of the Refugees at Toney Burger Center

Animals are not being allowed in the center. Visit the back of the Toney Burger Center on Highway 290 W in Sunset Valley. Contact the Texas Federation of Humane Societies at 282-1277, or contact Megan Karpinski at the Austin Humane Society by calling 837-7985 or by E-mail at mkarpinski@austinhumanesociety.org to let them know you can provide foster care for one or more animals. If you are sending an E-mail, include the following information: name, phone number, address, a statement that you want to help with Hurricane Katrina displaced pets, a listing of how many you can take of each species, and how long you are able to house the animals.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - Pflugerville and Greater Austin Notes:

The Storehouse food pantry (Collection Location)

Is at 445 FM 685 has already provided groceries to hurricane victims who have come to Pflugerville and Austin. They hope to continue to do so and your donations will help them do that. Contact: Jack and Sandra Cochrun. E-mail: thestorehouse@sbcglobal.net. Phone: 989-9989. They now have PayPal on their website at: www.thestorehouseofaustin.org.

North Rural Community Center (Collection Location)

Call 251-4168 at 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Building D. Hours M-F 8a-5p. Need any food, water, and toilet paper, paper cups, baggies, and especially canned meat with pull tabs. Also collect clothing. Are helping with assessments (intake) at Toney Burger Center and families are getting food from NRCC. Also, have Goodwill Job Assistance, WIC, health clinic, senior assistance, utility/rent/mortage/prescription/food assistance, and more. Contact: Pamela Johnston at 251-4168, ext. 202 or E-mail: pamela.johnston@co.travis.tx.us.

Falcon Pointe Residents' Club - Is organizing a Falcon Pointe Softball Tournament to raise money for the Katrina Relief Fund. If anyone out there would like to participate and has a team put together please contact Janie Balderas, Falcon Pointe Activities Director, at: janie_balderas@sbcglobal.net or call 989-7656.

St. Augustine's Anglican Catholic Church

Collection location at 100 W. Wilbarger. Items being collected are basics such as: socks/underwear, toiletries/soap/shampoo, baby supplies, and medical supplies. Contact: Cindy Lloyd, organizer at: 252-7473. Schedule for dropoff: 4p-8p thru Sunday. As early as 10a on Saturday. To be donated to Salvation Army.

Volunteer with Pflugerville Victim's Services

Call Police Department at 251-4004. Training is not being offered at this time but trained volunteers are available as needed and community support will be needed (toys and food) as Victim Services as well as Crime Prevention program do Blue Santa Program, which may ramp up sooner than usual due to long-term relief situation.

Goodwill Thrift Store (Collection Location and employment)

Dropoff clothing, toys, shoes, housewares, etc. at any Goodwill store or at Goodwill trucks. Specify that items are for hurricane victims. Victims that are screened are given vouchers for clothing at Goodwill stores. For employment call (512) 480-0772 to register.

Cover Hippoplex in Hutto (Collection Location)

At 1200B E. Highway 79. Accepting bottled water, canned goods, and clothing.

Volunteer to Open your Home to Refugees

Call 440-7965. Katrina Help. E-mail: katrinahelp@aol.com or see http://www.katrinahelpaustin.org/. Have placed 400 evacuees so far. Have a booth at Toney Burger Center.

Volunteer with the American Red Cross

Call locally at 928-4271 or 1-877-929-1224. The Red Cross is coordinating nationwide to bring help to all the refugees. Due to the number of people who have recently volunteered, it might take up to a week for them to contact you with an assignment. Other contact info: http://www.redcross.org/ or (800) HELP NOW (435-7669); (800) 257-7575 in Spanish. They are asking for volunteers to man the phone lines. Also, they're going to be teaching classes for anyone who wants to deploy to the effected area. Anyone wanting to help in either of these capacities could call 512-928-4271. (The deployment is for 2 weeks.)

Volunteer with the Capital Area Food Bank (Collection Location)

At 8201 South Congress. Call 282-2111. The CAFB is collecting specific items for distribution by the Red Cross for Austin shelter and affected states. Collection Sites are: All Randall's grocery stores; HEB at 1000 E 41st at Red River (Hancock Center); HEB at Bee Caves Road at Highway 71; HEB at Parmer Lane at IH-35; and, HEB at 115211 N RR 620 at Anderson Mill. Preferred Items are: Money; Bottled Water; Canned Meat (w/ pop tops); Diapers; Peanut Butter; and, Granola / Cereal Bars. Other contact info: America's Second Harvest (CAFB parent): (800) 344-8070.

Volunteer with the Salvation Army (Collection Location)

Call 476-1111. Other contact info: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/, (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769). Drop off clothing at: 501 E. 8th St.

Volunteer with Jewish Community Association (Collection location)

Call 735-8078. E-mail: relief@jcaaonline.org or go to: www.jcaaonline.org. Donations are being collected through September 9th in a truck trailer*, volunteers are needed, funds are being raised, families are being hosted or helped, and information is being disseminated. *Donations needed include: diapers, water, non-perishables, tote bags/suitcases, African American hair care products, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and strollers.

For Other Ways to Volunteer

Call United Way Volunteer Center at 973-9203 or via 211. Donate online via: https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/hurricane-katrina/donate/. Also go to: http://www.211centraltexas.org/.

Purchase and donate school supplies to any Washington Mutual Branch (Collection Location)

Washington Mutual is working in conjunction with Austin Partners for Education to provide supplies for refugee students entering AISD. Use the school supply list on http://www.austin.isd.tenet.edu/ (go to "Academics", then "Parent Information") as a guide for what supplies to donate.

Project Help (AISD Collection Location)

Drop off school clothes at: 901 Neal St., Portable 451. AISD contact info: 414-0760.

Hays and San Marcos Consolidated ISD

In process of setting up food, money, and clothing drives that should soon be underway.

OTHER LOCAL/NATIONAL CHARITIES

Although a variety of government and private agencies are en route to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, federal officials said people wanting to help should not head to the affected area unless directed by an agency. Instead, Michael Brown, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, urged people to make cash contributions to these groups:

* American Red Cross, www.redcross.org or (800) HELP NOW (435-7669); (800) 257-7575 in Spanish.

* Operation Blessing, (800) 436-6348.

* America's Second Harvest, www.secondharvest.org or (800) 771-2303.

* Adventist Community Services, (800) 381-7171.

* Catholic Charities, www.catholiccharities usa.org, (703) 549-1390.

* Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, (800) 848-5818.

* Church World Service, www.churchworldservice.org, (800) 297-1516.

* Convoy of Hope, (417) 823-8998.

* Episcopal Relief and Development, (800) 334-7626, Ext. 5129

* Lutheran Disaster Response, (800) 638-3522.

* Mennonite Disaster Service, (717) 859-2210.

* Nazarene Disaster Response, (888) 256-5886.

* OneStar Foundation, a statewide clearinghouse for volunteers and donations, http://www.onestarfoundation.org/, (800) 707-6768.

* Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, (800) 872-3283.

* Salvation Army, www.salvationarmyusa.org, (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769).

* Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief, (800) 462-8657, Ext. 6440.

* United Methodist Committee on Relief, (800) 554-8583.

-- The Associated Press

Local charities

* Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, www.austinfoodbank.org, 282-2111.

* Mobile Loaves & Fishes, http://www.mobileloavesandfishes.org/, 328-7299.

* The Arc of the Capital Area, www.arcofthecapitalarea.org, 476-7044.

Note: See PfCONA blog (go to lower left column link on www.pfcona.org) for recent Hurricane Katrina-related E-mails to neighborhood/community leaders.

Other Pflugerville Fundraising Efforts
In addition to the national efforts getting underway on behalf of disaster victims, a local effort is still underway in regard to Fallen Warrior Memorial. See www.fallenwarriormemorial.org.

Another effort, being promoted by Rep. Mark Strama, is underway for the AngelHeart Children's Shelter in the Pflugerville area. See http://www.angelheartshelter.org/ or Diane Hamilton at ghamilton5@austin.rr.com for more information on this 24-hour emergency shelter for victims of abuse and neglect. It must raise at least $25K (which would be matched) by October 15th in order to keep its facility. Have your organizations seriously consider, throughout the year, helping and/or promoting any one or all of these efforts, not too mention local food pantries and other area charities/fundraisers.

Attention All Springbrook and Highland Park Subdivisions Residents.

The City of Pflugerville’s Water Department needs your help. It’s time for the water systems Lead / Copper Monitoring. As mandated by state law the City must conduct Lead / copper testing of our Water system every 3 years. We need volunteers to assist us with this testing, if you would like to help there are two requirements. 1. Your home must have been build after 1983. 2. You can’t have a water softener. The Water Department will deliver a bottle to your home. All you need to do is fill it the first thing the next morning and place it on your door step; the Water Department will pick it up. If you can help with this testing Please call Darrell ASAP @ 251-9935 x 260. Please leave your name, address and phone number.

Thank You, Darrell Winslett, Water Superintendent, City of Pflugerville

Applications being accepted for Board and Commission Appointments
The City of Pflugerville offers a number of ways for its citizens to become involved in their local government. Citizens who are interested in volunteering to serve on a board or commission are encouraged to find out more, to attend a meeting of the board or commission of interest, and to make an application for appointment. Applications are available through the City Secretary’s Office by calling 990-4363 or on the City’s website: www.cityofpflugerville.com. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2005 for terms beginning January 1, 2006. Click here to download application.

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E-mail from Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations (PfCONA)
www.pfcona.org, info@pfcona.org

PfCONA's efforts include being a clearinghouse of information for the Pflugerville community and to foster collaborative efforts, workgroups, and forums to develop solutions for the community.