April News ReleasesApril 30, 2008 City of Abilene hosting Senior Jamboree 2008 ABILENE, Texas - The City of Abilene is hosting the annual Senior Jamboree. This year’s theme is “Seniors are the Stars”. The event will be held at the Abilene Civic Center on May 20, 2008, starting at 8:30 a.m. The jamboree is designed to promote the interests of older adults and attracts 1,000 people on average each year.
The event is free for adults over 60 years old but a donation of $2.50 is suggested. Tickets for guests under age 60 are $5/each. Seniors can pick up tickets for the luncheon now at Rose Park Senior Center, 2526 S. 7th though May 13, 2008.
Senior Jamboree 2008 Schedule
8:30 a.m. ……………………….. Doors Open
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. …………. Hawaiian Dancers
9:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. …………. Texas Dancers
10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. ………. Senior Strutters
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. ……….. Lone Star Steppers
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.………… Hot Footers
12:00 p.m. ....…………………….. Lunch
Beverly Stevens will be guest speaker for lunch with Classic Traditions providing entertainment. The Senior Jamboree 2008 is sponsored by the City of Abilene Senior Citizen Division. April 28, 2008 Just in time for flea and tick season, a popular service for dogs is available again at Animal Services ABILENE, Texas – Beginning this Wednesday, April 30, Animal Services is once again offering free flea and tick dips for Abilene resident’s dogs. The Animal Services Adoption Center, located on 925 South 25th Street, will offer the flea and tick preventative for dogs only on Wednesday afternoons between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. through the summer. Animal Services Manager Alvin O’Dell said, “The flea and ticks dips were extremely popular for pet owners last year, the first year we provided the service. Residents brought in more than 800 dogs in 2007. Now is a good time for dog owners to take action and we’re helping do that at no cost to them.” Shelter attendants will be available to assist the owner with the dipping of the dog. Citizens, wishing to have their pet dipped, are asked to come through the east gate at the shelter and contact one of the personnel for assistance. Best Tasting Water Contest to be held at Abilene Civic Center ABILENE, Texas – Bragging rights for the best tasting ground and surface water are at stake during the annual Best Tasting Water Contest. The contest coincides with this year’s Central West Texas Regional School which runs from May 5 through May 8 at the Abilene Civic Center. The City of Abilene is hosting the school which trains area and regional water and wastewater employees for licensing. The water competition gets underway at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 in the Abilene Civic Center’s lobby. Cities will compete in two categories: best tasting surface water for big city and small city, and best tasting ground water for big city and small city. An award is also given for Best Overall Tasting Water. Four judges look for specific taste qualities when determining the award winners. The winners then become eligible to participate in the statewide contest. Awards include: Best Tasting Ground Water, population greater than 10,000 Best Tasting Ground Water, population less than 10,000 Best Tasting Surface Water, population greater than 10,000 Best Tasting Surface Water, population less than 10,000 Best Overall Tasting Water Winners will be announced the following day, Wednesday, May 7 around noon-time during the Texas Water Utility Association’s meeting that’s taking place at the Central West Texas Regional School inside the Abilene Civic Center.
April 22, 2008 Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days a Success ABILENE, Texas - Results are in for Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days and they show this year to be a success. During the three-day event, 1,175 customers brought in a total of 196 tons of trash. They also dropped off 2,220 tires, 450 partial gallons of automotive products, 1,150 partial gallons of paint, 85 partial gallons of household chemicals and 25 partial gallons of lawn & garden chemicals. This year’s Spring Clean was held April 10 through April 12. The City of Abilene’s Solid Waste Services Division offers several specialized clean-up events throughout the year. The next scheduled event the public will be able to participate in is Fall Clean which is set for October 9 – 11. The Environmental Recycling Center (ERC), located at 2209 Oak Street, is a "one stop drop" Recycling Center. The ERC’s hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday. The ERC is closed on all city approved holidays. There are also eight neighborhood drop-off recycling sites. For more information on recycling, contact the Environmental Recycling Center at (325) 672-2209.
April 21, 2008 Family moves back into home, reconstructed through Office of Neighborhood Services program ABILENE, Texas – Charles and Ann Loyd now have the perfect way to mark their 50th wedding anniversary: a newly reconstructed, energy efficient home. This afternoon, Mayor Norm Archibald handed over the keys for the 2949 Hickory Street house to the Loyd’s. They are the first family to have their home redone through the Homeowner Reconstruction program which is overseen by the City of Abilene’s Office of Neighborhood Services. The home was in such bad shape that rehabilitating the home was not possible and the Loyd’s qualified for the reconstruction program. Work began back in November 2007. BlakeLee Builders was awarded the bid to construct the 1,250 square foot, Energy Star certified two bedroom, two bath house. The builder used Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) construction for its durability, energy efficiency, air and sound barrier qualities and projected lower maintenance costs. The home also contains an interior closet that acts as an emergency storm shelter, constructed with ICF walls and a tornado door. The shelter is built to National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards which require resistance to winds up to 250 miles per hour. The home is also insulated with polyurethane foam that improves its energy efficiency and durability. The Homeowner Reconstruction program is available to qualified Abilene homeowners based on income and ability to pay a percentage of the building costs, property maintenance, insurance and taxes. The program is funded through the HOME Investment Partnerships Grant and just became available in Abilene in mid-2007. For residents interested in learning more about the Homeowner Reconstruction program, contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at (325) 437-4576. Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District to participate in Big Country Immunization Coalition’s Family Festival this week ABILENE, Texas – In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District is taking part in Big Country Immunization Coalition’s Family Festival this Thursday, April 24. The BCIC event will offer free childhood immunization (0 to 18 years of age, bring child’s immunization records) on April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Festival Gardens, 2070 Zoo Lane. The Family Festival offers free tickets to the zoo for the first 75 kids immunized, compliments of the Abilene Zoo; free bicycle helmets while supplies last to children immunized; free children’s books; free coupons from various merchants; free face painting, games and prices; and visits with several child-friendly characters including pet therapy dogs. BCIC members include Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, T-J-H County Medical Society and Alliance, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Caring for Children Foundation, Care Van, Medical Care Mission, 211-United Way, Department of State and Health Services, Abilene ISD, Wylie ISD, St. John’s School, Kenley School, Hardin Simmons University Neighborhood Enhancement, Medical Care Mission, Mall of Abilene and Texas Medical Association Foundation. The Family Festival is sponsored by Abilene Zoo, Cumulus Radio, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Play Faire Park, Whitewood Bowling Lanes, Dairy Queen, Sanofi Pasteur, A-OK Driving School, Abilene Food Bank, ABC/ECI and FastSigns.
April 18, 2008 Upcoming Family Festival offers free childhood immunizations Big Country Immunization Coalition (BCIC) is offering free childhood immunizations during the Family Festival scheduled for Thursday, April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Festival Gardens, located across from the Abilene Zoo at 2070 Zoo Lane. Click here for more details.
April 17, 2008 Delays expected at Southwest Drive/Catclaw Drive intersection ABILENE, Texas – Drivers may experience longer delays today at the Southwest Drive/Catclaw Drive intersection as AEP Texas crews relocate power lines. The power to these lines, which provides electricity to the street lights, traffic signal equipment and ATM in that area, remains turned off while the work is underway. As a result, City of Abilene crews installed stop signs at the intersection temporarily until the power is turned back on. Drivers should use caution when traveling in and around the construction zone. On April 7, the City’s contractor began widening a section of Southwest Drive near Winters Freeway. City officials appreciate everyone’s patience while this project is underway. Construction is expected to be completed by late October. Update: The traffic signals are operational again after power was restored around 2:30 p.m. April 14, 2008 Ribbon cutting for house, reconstructed through city program, scheduled for April 21 ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Office of Neighborhood Services is unveiling a new Homeowner Reconstruction Program house during a ribbon cutting next Monday, April 21, 2008. Mayor Norm Archibald will speak at the ceremony which will be held outside the reconstructed home. What: Ribbon cutting for reconstructed house Who: Mayor Norm Archibald, City of Abilene
When: Monday, April 21 1:30 p.m. Where: 2949 Hickory Street
The Homeowner Reconstruction program is available to qualified Abilene homeowners based on income and ability to pay a percentage of the building costs, property maintenance, insurance and taxes. The program is funded through the HOME Investment Partnerships Grant.
April 12, 2008 Record turnout for Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk ABILENE, Texas – A record setting 264 people, including Mayor Norm Archibald, participated in the 5th annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk in Abilene this morning. This year’s event attracted a full range of age groups from babies being pushed in strollers to runners, age 70 and up. The Mayor’s Round-Up got underway at 8:30 a.m., beginning and finishing at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. The overall male finisher is Shawn Hailey with a total running time of 15:30.626. The overall female winner is Samantha Burgess with a total running time of 20:47.818. Additional race results can be found online through Cadence Sports, which provided the event timing, at www.cadencesportsonline.com/results.cfm. Organizers attributed the great turnout to Mayor Archibald’s community-wide fitness initiative, reduced rates for families and having the run/walk chip timed. Photos from the Saturday, April 12 event will soon be available online at the City of Abilene’s website here. This year’s Mayor’s Round-Up was sponsored by the City of Abilene and the Abilene Runners Club.
April 10, 2008 Wastewater Plant Superintendent honored by Texas Water Utility Association ABILENE, Texas – City of Abilene Wastewater Plant Superintendent Mickey Chaney was recently awarded the Daniel C. Allen Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Water Utility Association (TWUA). Chaney received the Association’s second highest award for his exhibited untiring dedication to the water/wastewater utilities industry and TWUA. In presenting the award, TWUA officials pointed out that Chaney is “very knowledgeable in the wastewater field.” They also credit him for helping Abilene’s Water Utilities Department receive many awards and recognition for innovative processes over the years, stating “a lot of the success can be traced back to Mickey and his co-workers.” Chaney was nominated for the award by his peers. The 22-year City of Abilene employee is an “A” operator. He is very active within the Central West Texas Regional School and the Central West Texas District of TWUA. Chaney has held various offices in both organizations and currently serves as the secretary/treasurer for the regional school.
April 8, 2008 Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days are almost here ABILENE, Texas – Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days are an opportunity for citizens to clean out their homes, garages and attics while recycling their unwanted items at the City of Abilene’s Environmental Recycling Center (ERC), 2209 Oak Street. This year’s event is scheduled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 10 – 12. Hours of operation will be 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Special traffic conditions will be set up on Saturday, April 12th when Oak Street will become a one way street, entering from South 25th. The one-way traffic is meant to increase safety during the busiest day of Spring Clean. During this special event, the ERC will accept a variety of items including furniture, mattresses, batteries, common recyclables, bulky brush and tires. Citizens can even drop off household hazardous waste ranging from paint and automotive items such as oil and oil filters. However, there are fees for computers/electronics. Materials that won’t be accepted are items from major remodeling projects, roofing materials, concrete, stones and dirt. Fencing will be taken but participants will have to off load their own materials. Abilene residents may bring in up to eight (8) passenger tires without rims, free of charge with proof of residency (current water bill). Passenger tires with rims will have an additional $3.00 service fee per tire. Truck tires without rims are $6.00, with rims $10.00. Only Ag tires without rims will be accepted and are priced by the size of the tires. No commercial or business tires will be accepted. For more information about Spring Clean for Abilene & Tire Amnesty Days, call (325) 672-2209.
April 4, 2008 Southwest Drive Road Construction Update ABILENE, Texas - Beginning Monday, April 7, the Street Services Division will begin widening a section of Southwest Drive between Catclaw Drive and Danville located near the Winters Freeway. During the construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane on the construction side of the street while crews are working. Drivers are asked to be cautious when traveling in and around the construction zone. Construction is anticipated to be completed by late October and is part of the Street Bond Projects approved by voters in 2006. April 1, 2008 Keep Abilene Beautiful places second in prestigious statewide environmental competition ABILENE, Texas – Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB) received honors from Keep Texas Beautiful by tying for second place in Category 8 (population 100,001 to 250,000) for the 2008 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA). KAB coordinator Jill Frizzell Flores says, “Abilene continues to stand out in this competitive category. This is the third year in a row that we have placed in the top three. Abilene is continuing to showcase its commitment to beautification, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers.” For the 2008 GCAA in Category 8, Denton captured 1st place, with Midland tying with Abilene for 2nd place. The Category 8 winner receives $155,000 in prize money from the Texas Department of Transportation for landscaping projects along state-maintained highways in their community. Keep Texas Beautiful chooses one community from each of the nine population categories for their efforts in cultivating a grassroots environmental program. Abilene won 3rd place in the 2007 GCAA and 2nd place in 2006. In 2001, Abilene earned a 1st place ranking and worked with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct the buffalo entrances to the city. Abilene also won first place in 1992 with the winnings going to the entrances on Business 80/Judge Ely Blvd. and State Highway 36/Judge Ely Blvd.; and in 1996 with the award money going to the traffic circle on Business 80/North 1st and South 1st Streets.
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