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December Events
River Valley Farmers Market in Downtown Elgin! Every Saturday 10-2 at Veterans’ Memorial Park
Holiday by the Tracks - VFD Lighted Holiday Parade! Saturday December 3 10am to 8pm with Lighted Parade at dusk in Historic Downtown Elgin. For more information see article below
Holiday Concert by Elgin Elementary Thursday December 8 at 6:30pm on Depot Street enjoy the sounds of Christmas from the 4th and 5th grade classes of Elgin Elementary School. Once Upon A Housetop, an International Holiday Celebration by John Higgins and John Jacobson will be performed for one night only! The community is invited to enjoy the music and have dinner or do some holiday shopping downtown that evening.
Committee Christmas Cheer Monday December 5 at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church - 216 W 3rd St. Come celebrate our success and fellowship with the Chairs and Committee members that give so much of themselves for Relay. All are welcome. Food, Fun, Door Prizes.
Serve on a City Board Complete the City of Elgin Application for Community Boards by printing it at this link http://www.elgintx.com/pdfs/BoardApplication_000.pdf Mail the completed application to Shirley Garvel, City Secretary at PO Box 591, Elgin, TX 78621. You may also scan and email it to sgarvel@ci.elgin.tx.us. Learn more about all the City boards, at this link for the website. http://www.elgintx.com/boards.asp
ACC Classes Available in Elgin. See details below!
Registration underway!www.austincc.edu/centers/elgin
New Bus Stop Downtown! Commuter Bus Service Available from Elgin to Austin! Daily weekly and monthly passes are available. See below or for information call 474-1200 or www.capmetro.org
Look for more information on these events below or Check the website at www.elgintx.com for updates and more events!
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City Offices Closed - Friday December 23rd and Monday December 26th, 2011 - Monday January 2, 2012.
City Council
Meeting Information
Tuesday, December 6th
Tuesday, December 20th
Tuesday, January 10th
Tuesday, January 24th
Meetings are held at 7pm at the
Elgin Public Library Civic Center
Contact the City Secretary for a
copy of
the agenda or to request
assistance
at these public meetings.
512-281-5724
Elgin City Council
2011-2012
Marc Holm, Mayor
Keith Joesel - Ward 4
Mayor Pro-TemTheresa Scott - Ward 1
Kenneth SimpsonPatrick Dudley - Ward 2
Stacey Van LandinghamChris Cannon - Ward 3
Ron RamirezJoey Miller - Ward 4
News and Events
Holiday by the Tracks
Saturday, December 3 Held in partnership with the River Valley Farmers Market and Barry Perez Studios, Holiday By the Tracks includes fresh produce and baked goods, handmade arts and crafts, unique items and one of a kind creations by artists from the Central Texas area. Pictures with Santa at Holiday by the Tracks are $5 each. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Elgin Parks. Entertainment throughout the day at the Gazebo concludes with a Live Nativity produced by St Peter’s Lutheran Church. In addition to the arts and crafts and farmers market items downtown, Barry Perez Studios at 621 Lexington Road will be open with artists including fine jewelry, metal crafts, hand pressed architectural tiles and more. Area non-profit groups will be at Holiday By the Tracks to share information about their projects and raise funds to support operations. A Decorated Christmas Tree Auction will be held in the afternoon with proceeds from each tree benefitting a local non-profit group. The day includes delicious food, activities for the kids, and store specials throughout downtown. Elgin is home to two Christmas tree farms, both have gift shops, games for the kids, and beautiful scenery. Elgin Christmas Tree Farm and Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm are locally owned and operated and are open throughout the fall and winter months. Visit www.evergreen-farms.com and www.elginchristmastreefarm.com. The grand finale is the Holiday Lighted Parade, sponsored by the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department. The Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Board, and City of Elgin Parks & Community Development Department organize Holiday By the Tracks as a community celebration of the holidays. Events occur from 10am to 8pm and a complete schedule can be found at www.elgintx.com
Holiday by the tracks Entertainment
10:00 am Raymond Ott & Sarah Page
10:35 am Tuck N Tumble gymnastics
11:05 am Dana McBride acoustic holiday guitar
11:50 am Ballet Folkloric of America
12:15 pm Christmas Tree Auction (ends at 12:40pm)
12:50 pm Elgin 6th grade Choir will sing Christmas Carols for all too enjoy.
1:30 pm Mount Carmel Church Youth
2:10 pm King’s Kid Elementary Acting Class for a little Christmas surprise.
2:40 pm First Baptist Choir will continue with singing, Santa must be getting closer.
3:20 pm Lucretia Alvarez Dance Troup
There is more entertainment to be announced, come out and see your favorite groups.
Have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy the variety of vendors.
Hide, Take, and Lock!
With the holiday season in full swing and shoppers heading out to complete their holiday shopping, the police department wants to remind everyone to use extra care with their holiday purchases. When stopping at numerous stores to make purchases remember to hide packages from sight, take personal property such as purses and GPS systems with you, and be sure to lock your vehicle when it’s unattended. In these tough economic times thieves are looking for unlocked and unattended vehicles. They often check out the inside of a vehicle to see if it’s worth exerting the effort to break into. If they see a lot of valuables or packages in plain view they will often be willing to risk breaking into that vehicle. If there is nothing in plain sight and the car is locked, most thieves will pass by and look for an easier target. The Elgin Police Department wants you to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season remember – Hide, Take, and Lock your vehicle.
Christmas Tree Recycling
December 27th thru January 8th drop off trees free of tinsel, lights and ornaments at the park and ride on Highway 95 North and Main Street in Elgin Memorial Park. Please note that drop off location is not staged please leave trees any time of day during allotted days. The City of Elgin Public Works department will take these trees to Bastrop to be mulched. Anyone is welcome to drop off their tree. NO FLOCKED TREES. Trees will be mulched in partnership with Bastrop County. Mulch will only be available at the Bastrop location south of the Little League Fields off Highway 95 South from December 26th to January 12th. The Christmas Tree Recycling is Sponsored by City of Elgin Parks and Community Development Department, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City of Elgin Public Works Department.
Red Light Cameras
Effective December 1, 2011, the four red light cameras installed in Elgin will be turned on and begin recording violations. For the first 30 days a warning notice will be issued to the owners of vehicles recorded running the red light. After January 1, 2012, owners of vehicles recorded running the red light will be issued a citation that carries a fine of $75.00. The cameras are set up to watch westbound US 290 traffic at 11th street; westbound US 290 traffic at County Line Road; eastbound US 290 traffic at SH 95 North; and eastbound US 290 traffic at Loop 109. Between those four intersections police estimate almost 400 vehicles a month run the red light The Elgin police department works a number of collisions that cause a great amount of property damage and personal injury. The hope is that the red light cameras will help reduce the number of collisions in those intersections. The police department will be tracking the results and will share those results in the future. Please use caution when driving and pay particular attention to signal lights and other traffic control devices.
Library News and Events
Book clubs, story times, family movie nights, arts and crafts, materials galore!
Free Wi-Fi
Children’s Programs
at the Library
Preschool story time & lap sit every Tuesday 10:30a.m.
"New!"
in the Children's Area computers especially designed for kids
and loaded with software just for them! Lots of fun learning games. Crafts Wed 4:30pm -
Afternoon Movie Classics with Popcorn
Across the Pacific
Friday December 2nd @ 1:00
Holiday Inn
Friday December 16th@ 1:00
The Afternoon Book Club
Gathering of people that enjoy reading and like going off the beaten path from what they normally read. Meeting the second Tuesday of the month @ 2 o’clock
December 13th
“Six Geese A-Slaying”
By Donna Andrews
Family Movie Night
Bring the entire family out and enjoy the movie!!
December 15th - 6pm Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure
Hours of Operation
Tuesday 10 to 7
Wednesday 10 to 6
Thursday 10 to 7
Friday 10 to 6
Saturday 10 to 4
The Friends of the Elgin Library, this non-profit organization raise funds for books and programs at the library. You can be a member!
http://www.elgintx.com/pdfs/FriendsofLibform.pdf
Parks Information
The City of Elgin Parks and Community Development Department helps to offer and market many special events and activities. Events occur in all five parks and at the Elgin Municipal Pool. Our parks include Elgin Memorial Park, Veterans’ Memorial Park, Thomas Memorial Park, Morris Memorial Park and Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt. The parks website offers up to date information on events and other items such as a guide to reserving the parks or pavilions for your next party or special event. The parks are open to public and we encourage you to go outside and have fun enjoying these beautiful community treasures. Please note our parks rules and regulations, hours and help keep the facilities safe and clean. If you notice anything about the parks that needs attention or have questions and ideas please contact Alicia Stoll, Parks and Recreation Program Manager at 512-281-5724 or astoll@ci.elgin.tx.us. Monday – Friday 8am-5pm.
Depot Museum
The City of Elgin is celebrating its Sports History with the Elgin Sports Exhibit. Check out the current exhibit at the Depot Museum Tuesday through Sunday from 2-5. Group tours may be arranged by calling 285-2000.
ANIMALS OF ELGIN is a face book page that talks about low cost clinics in town and pet information. Check it out it’s a great way to let everyone know what’s going on. If you lost or found a pet you can post it. Need to know how to keep the wild life away? Look in the discussion box, there’s information on that to. Tonya Schwartz, Animal Control Officer, tschwartz@pd.ci.elgin.tx.us 512-281-3330
Wildcat Flags for Sale
The Elgin Main Street Board is celebrating 20 years as a Texas Main Street City. Celebrations include purple and white flags emblazoned with a wildcat and the words Elgin, Texas. These full size flags can be flown at anytime at your home or business but are especially fun to have during Western Days, community events, and youth sport seasons. Flags may be purchased for $25 at Elgin City Hall 310 North Main Street or Dorothy’s Jewelry and Gifts 104 Depot Street. Or by email cpannell@ci.elgin.tx.us shipping and handling charges will apply for mail order requests. For more information visit www.elgintx.com
A Row To Share
From Our Gardens To Your Table
Stacey Vanlandingham Community Cupboard Board Member
Join a handful of Elginites who have decided to donate their own home-grown fresh produce to the Elgin Community Cupboard. Simply prepare an extra row, sow a few more seeds or plant an extra container of cherry tomatoes. When you're ready to harvest contact Carolyn Lanford with the Community Cupboard at 281-4011 for information on when to deliver your donation or arrange for pickup. You can also visit us online at www.arowtoshare.wordpress.com for information.
River Valley Farmers Market
Every Saturday 10-2 at Veterans’ Memorial Park. Look for special vendors on Saturday November 19. Details available www.rivervalleyfarmersmarket.com
ACC Classes Available in Elgin!
Austin Community College’s Elgin Center continues to offer classes in Elgin in advance of the opening of the new Elgin Campus. Students can choose from a variety of transferable core curriculum classes. Need Information? Contact Elgin Center at 512-223-9400 or look online: http://www.austincc.edu/centers/elgin.php
Look for regular updates to the ACC Facilities project construction website. Please see:
http://www.austincc.edu/faoadmin/images/ElginCampus.php or
http://www.austincc.edu/collegeoperations/pdfs/082611BastropCountyBreakfastMeeting.pdf
For the most up to date information on the new Elgin ACC Campus
Commuter Bus Service from Elgin to Austin
Route Starts at Veteran's Memorial Park Bus Stop Downtown! or the Park n Ride on Hwy 95 North
CARTS and Capital Metro have teamed up to provide service from Elgin to Austin. The West Bound pick-ups from downtown at Veterans’ Memorial Park on Main Street at 5:40am, 6:40am and 7:40am and at the Elgin Park & Ride at 5:45am, 6:45am and 7:45am for the 990 Weekdays with stops at: Manor, Applied Materials, Koenig at Guadalupe, Congress at Cesar Chavez. The Return trips or East Bound stops start at Congress at 2nd Street at 3:58pm, 5:03pm, and 6:08pm, with additional stops at Koenig at Guadalupe, Applied Materials, Manor and Elgin. Daily weekly and monthly passes are available. For information call 474-1200 or www.capmetro.org
KEEPING IT CLEAN!!!
Seniors Sign Up for Lower Garbage Rates!
Residents over 65 years of age, who are the primary account holder, can apply for a reduction on their bill of $2.02 per month for (1) 95 gallon cart only. Extra carts will not qualify for a reduction. Residents over 65 who wish to apply for the additional reduction MUST contact City Hall during regular business hours from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday at 310 North Main or 512-285-5721 to request an application. Required documentation that will need to be provided can be either a valid driver license or a State issued photo ID for proof of age eligibility.
Weedy Lots!!!
Grass or weeds over 12” tall may be reported to Code Enforcement at 281-0119. All calls are anonymous. Let's
each take pride in our properties.
Weekly trash Service Information
Weekly trash service for residents of the City of Elgin includes the following: blue recycle box for tin, plastic, aluminum and paper, the blue cart for household trash, up to three extra bags, boxes or containers of household trash and four bundles of brush, as well as small bulky items that can easily be handled by one person. Brush must be bundled with string into lengths of three feet or less and weigh no more than forty pounds.
Additional Recycling Information
City of Elgin residents receive curbside pick up recycling weekly. A recycling station for oil, aluminum, tin and plastic is available at Precinct Four County Barn located at Bull Run Road and Central Avenue. Paper recycling is available at all Elgin ISD School campuses. Paper items that are accepted are newspapers, magazines, office paper, paperback books and catalogues. Phone books are not accepted. Old glass can be recycled at 707 E 9th (9th and IH 35) Ecology Action in Austin. For old electronics contact ESPI 512-251-4691.
Feel Like Cleaning Out the Garage?
Take advantage of this service included in your monthly water bill
:
FREE Bulky Trash Pick-up Service Available Monthly
City of Elgin residents may request bulky trash pick-up for FREE once per month by calling 1-800-252-3586. Pick up occurs the first Monday of each month. This service is included in the monthly garbage fee. There is no additional charge for bulky trash pick-up. Items that can be put curbside are box springs, mattresses, large pieces of furniture, stoves, washers, dryers and appliances that have had the refrigerant removed and are red tagged. This is a FREE service. Arrangements must be made with Allied/Republic Waste Services in advance of the pick-up day. The numbers to call are either 512-247-5647 or 1-800-252-3586.
Streetlight out?
To submit information about a streetlight outage or malfunctioning street light. Call 888-313-4747 or go online
http://www.oncorgroup.com/community/streetlights/default.aspx
Relay For Life Elgin
Peace ~ Love ~ Cure!
It’s About a Community That Takes Up The Fight… Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. There were more than 4,400 events raising more than $3 million throughout the country this past year. Relay for Life is a unique event held at Elgin High School Wildcat Stadium. Teams from businesses, clubs, families, friends, churches, schools and service organizations take turns in the Relay. One team member walks, strolls or jogs around the track at all times. Cancer doesn’t sleep and neither do we! This is not a competitive event, but one that both young and old can enjoy.
We are taking a retro trip in time to the 70s and bringing Peace n Love to Elgin in our search for a Cure! We are in the process of planning our 2012 season and are looking for Chairs and Committee members to join us for fun as we begin our journey towards May 18, 2012. Contact us and let us know what you want to do to help us Fight Back!
elginrelayforlife@gmail.com
Sheri Mac – Chair 512-629-2041
Krista Marx – Co-Chair 512-285-5141
www.relayforlife.org/elgintx
Be Green with utility bills by Email!
You may now receive your City of Elgin water bill via e-mail! You will receive your bill around the first of the month and be able to view the consumption as usual. We have the option to mail and e-mail the bill, mail only or e-mail only. Please call 281-5724 or e-mail Melissa Lipiec (mlipiec@ci.elgin.tx.us) to sign up for Utility bill by Email. Please specify if you want e-mail only or both e-mail and regular mail.
Forward to a Friend
Please forward this newsletter to your friends and family. You can subscribe to this newsletter by simply clicking on the subscribe link on the bottom of this newsletter. If you have an idea for a newsletter article or if you have a question about anything related to the City of Elgin please e-mail news@ci.elgin.tx.us