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Notes for June 2008
City adds more Points of Pride
City adds more Points of Pride
Phoenix has three more Points of Pride.Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, ASU at the West campus and Burton Barr Central Library are the latest to join the list of city landmarks and attractions that the community believes evoke a sense of pride among residents.
The new sites, which bring the number of Points of Pride to 33, received the most votes of the 12,500 that were cast during a six-week public voting period.
Cutler-Plotkin, the top vote getter, was the Valley's first Jewish synagogue and has been used as a place of worship by both the Chinese and Hispanic communities. It currently is being restored by the Arizona Jewish Historical Society as a museum and cultural center that will feature exhibits depicting the Jewish experience in Arizona and contributions Jews have made to Arizona and American life.
ASU at the West campus, which has about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offers more than 40 degree programs in four nationally recognized colleges. It is considered an important part of Arizona State University's multi-campus vision.
Burton Barr houses more than 760,000 books and other items and has more than 2,500 daily visitors. It also is home to a number of unique Arizona history and rare book collections and hosts special areas for people with disabilities and teens.
The three winners were among 10 finalists selected from a field of 60 that area residents nominated for the honor. The other top finalists included: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Cesar Chavez Park, Chase Field, Murphy Bridle Path, North Mountain Visitor's Center, Pioneer Living History Museum and Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
To learn more about the 16-year-old Points of Pride program that is coordinated by the Phoenix Pride Commission, visit phoenix.gov/pride.
Light rail testing heads downtown
Light rail testing is about to expand into downtown Phoenix.By summer, trains will travel regularly through downtown and by fall they will be running north to the North Central and Christown Spectrum Mall areas.
Now is the time to start following the rules of light rail safety.
Learn more at MetroLightRail.org/Safety.
- Never stop or park your car or bike on the tracks.
- Obey all traffic signals. Turn left on a green arrow only. A red arrow means "do not turn."
- Pay attention near the tracks, look for flashing train headlights and listen for warning bells.
- Cross only at crosswalks and obey the crosswalk signs.
- Teach your kids to stop, look and listen around light rail tracks and to never play on or near the tracks.
There's still time to get in on tax windfall
Although the April 15 deadline for sending in your federal tax return has long passed, there's good reason for you to still consider filing, even if you're not required to do so.People who file returns for the 2007 tax year may be eligible to receive checks from the Internal Revenue Service of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples under the federal government's economic stimulus plan.
The checks would be separate of any tax refund a taxpayer might have coming.
Under the stimulus plan, the government is mailing checks to citizens who file tax returns in hopes that they will spend the money and give the sluggish economy a boost.
In addition to the maximum amounts for individuals and couples, parents also could get $300 for each eligible child.
The city has joined with the IRS in urging people who usually don't need to file a tax return - some retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers among them - to complete one and send it in as soon as possible. People who receive at least $3,000 from wages or certain benefits from Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Affairs may be eligible for the stimulus payments.
Remember, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your stimulus payment. Those who file before Oct. 15 still could receive a check before the end of the year, according to the IRS.
For more information, visit www.irs.gov.
Help fight West Nile virus
It's West Nile virus season again and Maricopa County is urging residents to join in the battle against the potentially serious health threat.Health officials say everyone can help by becoming better educated on how to prevent the spread of the virus, which is passed to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that have become infected from feeding on infected birds.
They suggest people mosquito proof their homes by keeping swimming pools, spas, decorative ponds and fountains clean; removing standing water from old tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, gutters, pet dishes, wading pools, birdbaths and plant pots every two to three days; having good screens on their windows and doors; and properly maintaining their evaporative coolers.
In addition, residents should use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Also, they should notify the county of "green pools" or mosquito problems in their neighborhoods.
For more information or to file complaints, call 602-506-0700 or visit maricopa.gov/wnv.
Library exhibit showcases French cowboys
Cowboys in France?Yup, they had them there, too, and you can learn what they were all about by viewing a special exhibit at the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.
"Gardians of the Camargue: The French Buckaroo Tradition" gives visitors an inside look at a centuries-old cowboy culture in France.
The exhibit, on display through July 31, features photographs and paintings as well as tools and clothing unique to the Camargue region, a small area of southern France where gardians of cowboys much like those in Arizona date back to 1512.
For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.
Help homeless stay cool
Many homeless individuals and families who live on the city streets are in need of help to get through the hot summer.You can help by donating unopened water bottles, sunscreen, new underwear, white socks, white T-shirts and prepackaged items such as individually wrapped cookies and crackers. Financial donations also are welcomed.
The tax-deductible donations may be dropped off weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 30 at any of the city's four Family Services Centers: Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave., 602-534-4732; John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave., 602-262-6510; Central Phoenix, 1250 S. Seventh Ave., 602-534-1250; and Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Road, 602-495-5229.
Head Start opens enrollment
Phoenix Head Start programs are recruiting preschool children for the 2008-2009 school year.Families must meet federal income guidelines and children must be 3 or 4 years old before Sept. 1. Parents of children with special needs are encouraged to apply.
The 67 Head Start sites within the city's service area, which have varied hours and schedules, offer children learning activities, nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and disabilities and mental health services. Parents are invited to participate in their child's school readiness program and receive social services assistance.
For information on how to apply, call 602-262-4040.
Library offers engine repair database
If you're planning to tackle a repair job on your motorcycle, boat or other equipment with small engines, you might first want to check out a new Phoenix Public Library resource.The library now offers the EBSCO Small Engine Repair Reference Center database that can be accessed free in the library or from home with a library card.
The center is an online repair assistance tool for motorcycles, ATVs, boats, commercial mowers, farm tractors, generators, outdoor power equipment and other equipment with small engines. It contains 407 reference books in full text with original photos and illustrations that guide the user through every job.
For more information, visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org or call 602-262-4636.
Hazardous waste collections resume in September
There will be no Household Hazardous Waste collections in July and August. The next monthly collection will be 7 a.m. to noon Sept. 18 to 20 at Cesar Chavez Park, 7858 S. 35th Ave. For more information, send e-mail to pwserve@phoenix.gov, visit phoenix.gov/publicworks or call 602-262-7251.
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