To: LH Area HOAs
From: John Gould, Audelia Friends President
Re: April Library Update 2009
Audelia Library Friends Website….www.audelilibraryfriends.com
See details below for information about:
Lynn Moore, new branch manager
New Audelia Library Friends Website
Puppetry
Earth Day
April Book Sale
Early Voting
Large Multi-Children’s Event
AARP Driver Safety Program
Basic Computer 1-Hour Course
For more events scheduled, check our website calendar.
Lynn Moore started last week as the new manager at both the Audelia and Skillman Branches. Lynn has 20 years experience in the Dallas Library System with positions at several different branches and at the Central library. She is a graduate of UT and has a Masters of Library Science from North Texas . We are looking forward to working with Lynn . She is replacing John Elfers who retired after 30 years with DPL.
The big news is that we now have an Audelia Friends website up and running thanks to Ed Ferguson. Ed volunteered to serve as our webmaster. When you have time please log on to www.audelialibraryfriends.org. It is easy to navigate to find information in any of four areas: Audelia Branch Library; Audelia Friends; Adult Programs; and Children’s Programs. Scroll down the Home Page to see a monthly calendar of activities that can be viewed chronologically or by individual category preference. If you click on any of the calendar dates more details about the events pop up. The website is available to anyone looking for up-to-date information about the library and activities. Our library is a great community resource for information whether its books, computer technology, AV media, reading or studying areas, job search, or public meetings.
The April Exhibit Case in the lobby features Puppets. An eye-catching display of puppets put together by Sue Willman, a Friends volunteer. This is a prelude to the Sunday, April 26th 1:00 to 4:30 pm program sponsored by the Texas Lone Star Puppetry Club. That afternoon there will be a workshop for children on puppet-making and a puppet show. In May the exhibit case in the lobby will feature patriotic memorabilia. If you have uniforms and photos you think may be of interest, please contact Sue Willman. She can be reached at suewillman@cowtown.net.
On Thursday, April 23rd, 3:30 to 6:00 pm an Earth Day Event for children will be sponsored by LH 4-H Club and Dallas Future Organic Farmers of America . For more details contact Friends volunteer Janice Fowler at jancandoit@hotmail.com.
Our Sunday afternoon Book Sale on March 15th brought in $115.25 and many people went away happy with the books and AVs they were able to purchase at reasonable prices. Children’s books are always in demand. Any good used books may be deposited in the white plastic tub under the Friends exhibit table near the entrance. Our next book sale will be Sunday afternoon. April 19th, from 2:00 to 4:00.
When you check our Friends website calendar, note that Early Voting starts on Monday, April 27th in the Audelia Library auditorium.
A large Multi-Children’s Program is scheduled for Sunday, May 17th with Clifford, the Big Red Dog. There will be a Special Story Time, Crafts, and a lion hunt through the library with “Lyndale the Literary Lion”. TV and print media coverage is planned. Volunteers will be needed to help direct children and their parents to different events. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Carole Dengle, Children’s Librarian, at cdengle@dallaslibrary.org
An AARP Driver Safety Course will be held on Monday, April 20, 12:30 to 4:30. Register with librarian.
A One-Hour Basic Computer Course is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Limited to 4 adults. Register with librarian.
Our Annual Friends Membership mail campaign is still underway. If you didn’t receive a letter or renewal form for some reason, you can find a form either at our Friends Exhibit Table or go to our website. Click on, Audelia Friends, and you’ll find a membership form that can be downloaded and printed out. Your continued support is important.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. gould.john@sbcglobal.net.
March 31, 2009
March 20, 2009
Come to Calloway's Perennial Swap - Make your list today!
Dear Homeowners Association,
A Perennial Swap is planned Saturday April 4th at select Calloway’s Nursery locations.
Our Perennial Swap promotion will allow customers to exchange plants and meet local gardeners in the safety of a Calloway’s location. Calloway’s Nursery is excited to host the Perennial Swap on April 4th in South Arlington and Lewisville !
Here’s how it works:
1) Visit the Perennial Swap blog.
2) List what you have and what you want.
3) Arrange to meet and swap on April 4th (locations listed below).
4) Save money, go home, plant and enjoy!
Visit Perennial Swap today,
and start your FREE plant shopping list!
Mark your calendar:
Calloway’s
Perennial Plant Swap
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Noon to 2 p.m. at
April 4th swaps take place at the following locations:
· South Arlington: Calloway’s - 4940 S. Cooper, Arlington , TX 76017 817-465-2838
· Lewisville - Calloway’s: 423 East FM 3040, Lewisville , TX 75067 972-315-3133
A Perennial Swap is planned Saturday April 4th at select Calloway’s Nursery locations.
Our Perennial Swap promotion will allow customers to exchange plants and meet local gardeners in the safety of a Calloway’s location. Calloway’s Nursery is excited to host the Perennial Swap on April 4th in South Arlington and Lewisville !
Here’s how it works:
1) Visit the Perennial Swap blog.
2) List what you have and what you want.
3) Arrange to meet and swap on April 4th (locations listed below).
4) Save money, go home, plant and enjoy!
Visit Perennial Swap today,
and start your FREE plant shopping list!
Mark your calendar:
Calloway’s
Perennial Plant Swap
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Noon to 2 p.m. at
April 4th swaps take place at the following locations:
· South Arlington: Calloway’s - 4940 S. Cooper, Arlington , TX 76017 817-465-2838
· Lewisville - Calloway’s: 423 East FM 3040, Lewisville , TX 75067 972-315-3133
From the desk of Rep. Allen Vaught
Bills Filed for the 81st Legislative Session
The deadline to file most bills in both the House and the Senate was this past Friday the 13th, the 60th day of the legislative session. Over 600 bills were filed on the final day as legislators struggled to complete their legislative agenda, hoping that something was not forgotten or overlooked. Over 4,600 bills were filed in the House and over 2,400 were filed in the Senate.
I filed six bills on the last day and thirty-eight in total. Some of the bills I filed were ideas from teachers’ groups, law enforcement, our military personnel and veterans, and others. However, the bulk of the bills came directly from conversations with my constituents over the past couple of years.
In the next few articles, I would like to talk about some of the bills I filed and why I think they would benefit this district if passed into law.
Insurance Reform
Insurance reform is by far one of the biggest issues and concerns brought to my attention since I have been in office, so I filed several bills that seek to address this issue.
Our current system in the insurance market, known as “file and use” allows companies to immediately implement a new rate once it is filed with the Texas Department of Insurance. House Bill (HB) 1609 would require insurance companies to submit their rates for prior approval to the Insurance Commissioner if they have a Complaint Index that is 50% higher than the statewide average. The Texas Department of Insurance compiles a Complaint Index that allows consumers to easily compare the ratio of justified consumer complaints against particular insurance companies. This bill would ensure that companies with a track record of justified complaints are scrutinized more closely before they raise rates again on consumers.
Additionally, I have filed HB 4563 which would mandate that automobile insurance companies cannot use the occupation or educational level of a person insured as a factor in underwriting or rating their coverage. Currently, auto insurance companies divide consumers into several categories and subcategories, including occupation and education, in order to determine their rate. There is no limit on the number of sub categories a person can fit into, and therefore the shared risk of driving (the point of insurance) is negated. Furthermore, companies do not give consumers information on which subcategories they fit into which makes it difficult for consumers to try and lower their rates.
In looking at the bigger picture and where ultimately most of the decisions and power lie, I am a joint-author of HB 173 which would make the Insurance Commissioner an elected position and subject to the voters of Texas. We already elect the Agriculture Commissioner and the Railroad Commissioner among others, yet many of the decisions made daily by the Insurance Commissioner affect Texans to greater degree. I believe we should have the right to hold the commissioner accountable to ensure a fair insurance marketplace and to protect consumers.
Finally, I have filed HB 2010 which would require insurance companies to adequately notify consumers of changes in their policy. My hope is that these bills among others filed by my colleagues in the House and friends in the Senate will protect consumers and protect Texans during these tough economic times. While Texans currently pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country, we cannot afford for this to continue.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas regarding the bills I have filed for the 81st legislative session. Keep in mind that these are the bills as introduced and that details are subject to change as part of the legislative process. Please email my office at District107.Vaught@house.state.tx.us with the subject line 81st Legislative Session Bills.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at (214) 370-8305 with any questions regarding these or other state issues. I look forward to hearing from you.
The deadline to file most bills in both the House and the Senate was this past Friday the 13th, the 60th day of the legislative session. Over 600 bills were filed on the final day as legislators struggled to complete their legislative agenda, hoping that something was not forgotten or overlooked. Over 4,600 bills were filed in the House and over 2,400 were filed in the Senate.
I filed six bills on the last day and thirty-eight in total. Some of the bills I filed were ideas from teachers’ groups, law enforcement, our military personnel and veterans, and others. However, the bulk of the bills came directly from conversations with my constituents over the past couple of years.
In the next few articles, I would like to talk about some of the bills I filed and why I think they would benefit this district if passed into law.
Insurance Reform
Insurance reform is by far one of the biggest issues and concerns brought to my attention since I have been in office, so I filed several bills that seek to address this issue.
Our current system in the insurance market, known as “file and use” allows companies to immediately implement a new rate once it is filed with the Texas Department of Insurance. House Bill (HB) 1609 would require insurance companies to submit their rates for prior approval to the Insurance Commissioner if they have a Complaint Index that is 50% higher than the statewide average. The Texas Department of Insurance compiles a Complaint Index that allows consumers to easily compare the ratio of justified consumer complaints against particular insurance companies. This bill would ensure that companies with a track record of justified complaints are scrutinized more closely before they raise rates again on consumers.
Additionally, I have filed HB 4563 which would mandate that automobile insurance companies cannot use the occupation or educational level of a person insured as a factor in underwriting or rating their coverage. Currently, auto insurance companies divide consumers into several categories and subcategories, including occupation and education, in order to determine their rate. There is no limit on the number of sub categories a person can fit into, and therefore the shared risk of driving (the point of insurance) is negated. Furthermore, companies do not give consumers information on which subcategories they fit into which makes it difficult for consumers to try and lower their rates.
In looking at the bigger picture and where ultimately most of the decisions and power lie, I am a joint-author of HB 173 which would make the Insurance Commissioner an elected position and subject to the voters of Texas. We already elect the Agriculture Commissioner and the Railroad Commissioner among others, yet many of the decisions made daily by the Insurance Commissioner affect Texans to greater degree. I believe we should have the right to hold the commissioner accountable to ensure a fair insurance marketplace and to protect consumers.
Finally, I have filed HB 2010 which would require insurance companies to adequately notify consumers of changes in their policy. My hope is that these bills among others filed by my colleagues in the House and friends in the Senate will protect consumers and protect Texans during these tough economic times. While Texans currently pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country, we cannot afford for this to continue.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas regarding the bills I have filed for the 81st legislative session. Keep in mind that these are the bills as introduced and that details are subject to change as part of the legislative process. Please email my office at District107.Vaught@house.state.tx.us with the subject line 81st Legislative Session Bills.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at (214) 370-8305 with any questions regarding these or other state issues. I look forward to hearing from you.
From the desk of Rep. Allen Vaught
Bills Filed for the 81st Legislative Session
The deadline to file most bills in both the House and the Senate was this past Friday the 13th, the 60th day of the legislative session. Over 600 bills were filed on the final day as legislators struggled to complete their legislative agenda, hoping that something was not forgotten or overlooked. Over 4,600 bills were filed in the House and over 2,400 were filed in the Senate.
I filed six bills on the last day and thirty-eight in total. Some of the bills I filed were ideas from teachers’ groups, law enforcement, our military personnel and veterans, and others. However, the bulk of the bills came directly from conversations with my constituents over the past couple of years.
In the next few articles, I would like to talk about some of the bills I filed and why I think they would benefit this district if passed into law.
Insurance Reform
Insurance reform is by far one of the biggest issues and concerns brought to my attention since I have been in office, so I filed several bills that seek to address this issue.
Our current system in the insurance market, known as “file and use” allows companies to immediately implement a new rate once it is filed with the Texas Department of Insurance. House Bill (HB) 1609 would require insurance companies to submit their rates for prior approval to the Insurance Commissioner if they have a Complaint Index that is 50% higher than the statewide average. The Texas Department of Insurance compiles a Complaint Index that allows consumers to easily compare the ratio of justified consumer complaints against particular insurance companies. This bill would ensure that companies with a track record of justified complaints are scrutinized more closely before they raise rates again on consumers.
Additionally, I have filed HB 4563 which would mandate that automobile insurance companies cannot use the occupation or educational level of a person insured as a factor in underwriting or rating their coverage. Currently, auto insurance companies divide consumers into several categories and subcategories, including occupation and education, in order to determine their rate. There is no limit on the number of sub categories a person can fit into, and therefore the shared risk of driving (the point of insurance) is negated. Furthermore, companies do not give consumers information on which subcategories they fit into which makes it difficult for consumers to try and lower their rates.
In looking at the bigger picture and where ultimately most of the decisions and power lie, I am a joint-author of HB 173 which would make the Insurance Commissioner an elected position and subject to the voters of Texas. We already elect the Agriculture Commissioner and the Railroad Commissioner among others, yet many of the decisions made daily by the Insurance Commissioner affect Texans to greater degree. I believe we should have the right to hold the commissioner accountable to ensure a fair insurance marketplace and to protect consumers.
Finally, I have filed HB 2010 which would require insurance companies to adequately notify consumers of changes in their policy. My hope is that these bills among others filed by my colleagues in the House and friends in the Senate will protect consumers and protect Texans during these tough economic times. While Texans currently pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country, we cannot afford for this to continue.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas regarding the bills I have filed for the 81st legislative session. Keep in mind that these are the bills as introduced and that details are subject to change as part of the legislative process. Please email my office at District107.Vaught@house.state.tx.us with the subject line 81st Legislative Session Bills.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at (214) 370-8305 with any questions regarding these or other state issues. I look forward to hearing from you.
The deadline to file most bills in both the House and the Senate was this past Friday the 13th, the 60th day of the legislative session. Over 600 bills were filed on the final day as legislators struggled to complete their legislative agenda, hoping that something was not forgotten or overlooked. Over 4,600 bills were filed in the House and over 2,400 were filed in the Senate.
I filed six bills on the last day and thirty-eight in total. Some of the bills I filed were ideas from teachers’ groups, law enforcement, our military personnel and veterans, and others. However, the bulk of the bills came directly from conversations with my constituents over the past couple of years.
In the next few articles, I would like to talk about some of the bills I filed and why I think they would benefit this district if passed into law.
Insurance Reform
Insurance reform is by far one of the biggest issues and concerns brought to my attention since I have been in office, so I filed several bills that seek to address this issue.
Our current system in the insurance market, known as “file and use” allows companies to immediately implement a new rate once it is filed with the Texas Department of Insurance. House Bill (HB) 1609 would require insurance companies to submit their rates for prior approval to the Insurance Commissioner if they have a Complaint Index that is 50% higher than the statewide average. The Texas Department of Insurance compiles a Complaint Index that allows consumers to easily compare the ratio of justified consumer complaints against particular insurance companies. This bill would ensure that companies with a track record of justified complaints are scrutinized more closely before they raise rates again on consumers.
Additionally, I have filed HB 4563 which would mandate that automobile insurance companies cannot use the occupation or educational level of a person insured as a factor in underwriting or rating their coverage. Currently, auto insurance companies divide consumers into several categories and subcategories, including occupation and education, in order to determine their rate. There is no limit on the number of sub categories a person can fit into, and therefore the shared risk of driving (the point of insurance) is negated. Furthermore, companies do not give consumers information on which subcategories they fit into which makes it difficult for consumers to try and lower their rates.
In looking at the bigger picture and where ultimately most of the decisions and power lie, I am a joint-author of HB 173 which would make the Insurance Commissioner an elected position and subject to the voters of Texas. We already elect the Agriculture Commissioner and the Railroad Commissioner among others, yet many of the decisions made daily by the Insurance Commissioner affect Texans to greater degree. I believe we should have the right to hold the commissioner accountable to ensure a fair insurance marketplace and to protect consumers.
Finally, I have filed HB 2010 which would require insurance companies to adequately notify consumers of changes in their policy. My hope is that these bills among others filed by my colleagues in the House and friends in the Senate will protect consumers and protect Texans during these tough economic times. While Texans currently pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country, we cannot afford for this to continue.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas regarding the bills I have filed for the 81st legislative session. Keep in mind that these are the bills as introduced and that details are subject to change as part of the legislative process. Please email my office at District107.Vaught@house.state.tx.us with the subject line 81st Legislative Session Bills.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at (214) 370-8305 with any questions regarding these or other state issues. I look forward to hearing from you.
News Release from Representative Allen Vaught and Senator John Carona
March 11, 2009
AUSTIN, TX - This week, Representative Allen Vaught and Senator John Carona took steps to give not only closure but justice to rape victims whose cold cases cannot be prosecuted because they happened at a time before the Legislature had removed enforcement of the statute of limitations in 1996.
Filed Monday, HB 2932 and SB 1558, as introduced, will require a new type of notation in pre-existing criminal histories for clear connections between DNA evidence from older, unsolved sexual assaults and current samples on file with the Department of Public Safety. Once an offender has been identified through DNA, their records must then include a summary indicating that a high likelihood from DNA evidence links the offender to a sexual offense, regardless of whether the offender will or has had charges brought against them.
"The Dallas Police Department has already taken the lead in using advanced science to solve cold cases while still maintaining due process of the law," said Representative Vaught. "I look forward to working with Senator Carona, as well as both Chambers, to create measures that will not only keep the public safe but ensure that offenders are properly identified through DNA. Most importantly though, this legislation will hopefully bring closure to those victims who could not receive it before the advancement of DNA technology."
With the notion that DNA has the potential to one day identify and solve cold cases, the Dallas Police Department has been one of only a few law enforcement agencies in the United States to preserve it from every case where it was discovered through rape kits that can date back to the early 1980's. With that evidence in place at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science lab located in Dallas, there are thousands of cases where the possibility of being solved now exists thanks to the progress that science has made to identify individuals through DNA.
The Dallas District Attorney's office, as well as the Dallas Police Department, have joined forces to help those victims who cannot seek justice through prosecution. Both have not only supported the legislation filed by Representative Vaught and Senator Carona, but they have also been a significant factor from the beginning in creating justice for victims who might otherwise feel forgotten. Of the cases already re-opened by the Dallas PD through their Sexual Assault Cold Case Program, 18 cases of sexual assault have been solved through DNA. The offenders matched are often serving time in a state corrections facility facing parole or are out in the community facing terms of probation or other forms of sentencing from a judge.
"The objective of this legislation is to hold an offender accountable, and therefore keep the public safe, while still being mindful of rights guaranteed by the Constitution," said Senator Carona. "I expect to see this bill evolve during the legislative process to ensure a consequence for these offenders who clearly committed a sexual assault that is both effective and fair for these unconscionable crimes."
If passed, Texas will be the first state to require such a sanction for those identified through DNA as rape suspects.
AUSTIN, TX - This week, Representative Allen Vaught and Senator John Carona took steps to give not only closure but justice to rape victims whose cold cases cannot be prosecuted because they happened at a time before the Legislature had removed enforcement of the statute of limitations in 1996.
Filed Monday, HB 2932 and SB 1558, as introduced, will require a new type of notation in pre-existing criminal histories for clear connections between DNA evidence from older, unsolved sexual assaults and current samples on file with the Department of Public Safety. Once an offender has been identified through DNA, their records must then include a summary indicating that a high likelihood from DNA evidence links the offender to a sexual offense, regardless of whether the offender will or has had charges brought against them.
"The Dallas Police Department has already taken the lead in using advanced science to solve cold cases while still maintaining due process of the law," said Representative Vaught. "I look forward to working with Senator Carona, as well as both Chambers, to create measures that will not only keep the public safe but ensure that offenders are properly identified through DNA. Most importantly though, this legislation will hopefully bring closure to those victims who could not receive it before the advancement of DNA technology."
With the notion that DNA has the potential to one day identify and solve cold cases, the Dallas Police Department has been one of only a few law enforcement agencies in the United States to preserve it from every case where it was discovered through rape kits that can date back to the early 1980's. With that evidence in place at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science lab located in Dallas, there are thousands of cases where the possibility of being solved now exists thanks to the progress that science has made to identify individuals through DNA.
The Dallas District Attorney's office, as well as the Dallas Police Department, have joined forces to help those victims who cannot seek justice through prosecution. Both have not only supported the legislation filed by Representative Vaught and Senator Carona, but they have also been a significant factor from the beginning in creating justice for victims who might otherwise feel forgotten. Of the cases already re-opened by the Dallas PD through their Sexual Assault Cold Case Program, 18 cases of sexual assault have been solved through DNA. The offenders matched are often serving time in a state corrections facility facing parole or are out in the community facing terms of probation or other forms of sentencing from a judge.
"The objective of this legislation is to hold an offender accountable, and therefore keep the public safe, while still being mindful of rights guaranteed by the Constitution," said Senator Carona. "I expect to see this bill evolve during the legislative process to ensure a consequence for these offenders who clearly committed a sexual assault that is both effective and fair for these unconscionable crimes."
If passed, Texas will be the first state to require such a sanction for those identified through DNA as rape suspects.
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