May 13 Elections and April Primary Runoffs

Before the local elections in May, we now have an opportunity to vote in runoffs from the Primary. Voting is April 3 - 7 from 7am to 7pm at the Northeast Subcourthouse, Euless Public Library or Hurst Recreation Center. Primary Runoff Voting Day is April 11 and that day you will need to go to St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Forest Ridge north of the Boys Ranch. But if you have not voted in a primary you could still sign a petition for Kinky Friedman or Carol Keeton Strayhorn - just be sure to participate! Think of what your forefathers did to ensure you could do this! Think of all those people braving scary things to get a chance to vote in other countries! We have it so easy.

The next local election is May 13 to elect the Mayor and 2 City Council members. Voting that day will be at the Pat May Center. You can early vote every day May 1 - 9 (even Sunday!) at a number of Tarrant County locations. See the city website under "Elections" for times and a list of polling places.

Neighborhood Party! May 6, 2006

Plan now to come to the southern Shady Brook neighborhood party! It will be a brunch, 8am to 10am on Saturday, May 6, in the Shady Brook Court cul de sac. Our alternate rain date is May 20. Plan to bring a breakfast food to share and your own chairs. We'll provide coffee and orange juice, plus plates, etc. The cul de sac will be blocked off with barricades we'll borrow from the city. The neighbors on the Court have already graciously given permission to have it blocked that day. If you want more information, contact me via the link over in the right hand column.

Don't be alarmed by the Formosan termites scare

The scare about Formosan termites destroying your house due to New Orleans-originated mulch is not as bad as it sounds. The mulching process generally is destructive to the termites plus industry standards and a quarantine should provide protection if you buy from a reputable source. Railroad ties are a more likely problem. This termite has been in Tarrant County since 1995.

Here is an excellent "set the story straight" article from Texas A&M thanks to NeilSperry.com which includes treatment information should you spot one of the yellow orange-headed soldiers.

Here is the Snopes.com explanation. with additional links. Snopes.com is a good place to check any time you get an urgent, scary email.

3-9-08 www.wfaa.com has a story about this and reports "Texans wondering whether a bug is a Formosan termite should put it in alcohol and call either the agriculture department at 1-800-835-5832 or their local extension agent."