San Marcos Main Street Wins National Recognition, August 4, 2010
Chuck Nash Auto Group Offers Environmentally Friendly Lubricants, July 30, 2010
Welcome Back Bobcat Kits for Businesses Available, August 1, 2010
Generation TX Grant to Promote College Readiness in San Marcos, July 20, 2010
Hays County Job Growth Ranks Third in Nation, June 20, 2010
Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, June 19, 2010
Tanger Outlet Center Rewards Local Schools and Students with Donations Totaling $10,925, July 14, 2010
Hays County Commissioners Court Accepts 2010 Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan, July 9, 2010
Hays County Offices Highlight Ozone Alerts, June 25, 2010
Early Readers Become Leaders Book Drive, June 22, 2010
Prime Outlets-San Marcos Supports American Cancer Society Choose You Movement, June 10, 2010
Summer Fan Drive Now Underway, May 26, 2010
Surfing the Web at Rio Vista Park, May 11, 2010
City, Prime Outlets-San Marcos Host Press and Travel Trade Group from China, April 22, 2010
Tanger in San Marcos Named Best Outlet Shopping Center in Texas, April 7, 2010
Prime Outlets - San Marcos, City of San Marcos Earn National Award, March 28, 2010
Texas State, MicroPower Global to Develop Energy-Saving Technology, March 24, 2010
Ranch Road 12 Pioneer Trail Groundbreaking, March 23, 2010
City to Offer Rebates For Energy Efficiency, March 11, 2010
Corvairs Steer Towards San Marcos, March 11, 2010
Texas is a Poster Child for Economic Recovery, March 8, 2010
CTMC Receives Trauma IV Certification, March 5, 2010
College Access Program, February 24, 2010
San Marcos ACCess Coalition Kicks Off Petition Drive to Join ACC District, February 22, 2010
Texas Back to Work Offers $15+ Million to Texas Employers, February 17, 2010
Philips Wide-Lite VisorLED Named "Best in Class" in U.S. Department of Energy Competition, February 11, 2010
Workforce Consortium Receives Money for Regional Planning, December 11, 2009
San Marcos Main Street Wins National Recognition
The San Marcos Main Street Program has again been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center.
Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four-Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings.
“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the recession head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.”
Downtown San Marcos has seen more than $53 million in public and private sector reinvestment since the Main Street Program began in 1986. This has resulted in a net gain of 211 new businesses and over 912 new jobs. The square is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by The Texas Main Street Program of the Texas Historical Commission, which works in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 performance standards.
These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization.
Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving historic buildings. For more information on the national program accreditation program, visit www.mainstreet.org/nationalprograms.
The San Marcos Main Street Program is online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/mainstreet.
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a nonprofit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center® helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 30 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $48.9 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 417,919 net new jobs and 94,176 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 214,263 buildings, leveraging an average of $27 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.
Chuck Nash Auto Group Offers Environmentally Friendly Lubricants
New Synthetic Blend Also Reduces Dependence on Foreign Oil
SAN MARCOS, TX (July 27, 2010) – Universal ECO Ultra, re-refined motor oil is now available at Chuck Nash Auto Group.
ECO Ultra is a premium motor oil that is manufactured by collecting used motor oil, refining it to remove impurities, and then blending the re-refined base oil with new, high performance lubricant additives. It results in an 89% reduction of energy consumed and up to 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional refining process.
ECO Ultra is an American Petroleum Institute (API) licensed oil and must pass the identical cold-start, pumpability, rust-corrosion, engine-wear, and high-temperature viscosity tests as conventional oils. ECO Ultra meets or exceeds all major car manufacturer warranties.
Just as importantly, every ECO Ultra oil change can help reduce the US dependence on foreign oil by two barrels of crude. “We are very pleased to be an exclusive area provider of ECO Ultra,” said Chuck Nash, dealer principal at Chuck Nash Auto Group. “It gives our customers another oil change alternative.”
Since 1998 agencies such as the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Department of Defense have been using re-refined lubricants. It is an excellent way to conserve nonrenewable petroleum resources without compromising quality. According to Jimmy Castillo, Nash dealership Service Manager, “ECO Ultra works in most every make and model vehicle. Brand really doesn’t matter.
Even those who change their own oil can benefit by using ECO Ultra. “We sell it over the counter in quart bottles, says Bob Murphy, Parts Manager at the Nash dealership. “If a customer returns the used oil in the original ECO Ultra quart containers, we will dispose of it at no charge.”
To learn more about ECO Ultra or Chuck Nash Auto Group call Jimmy Castillo at (512)353-7788 or visit them online at www.chucknash.com.
Welcome Back Bobcats Kits for Businesses Available Aug. 1
San Marcos area businesses can receive free “Welcome Back Bobcats!” kits to help them show their Bobcat Pride through a partnership between Texas State University and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce starting August 1.
The kits contain valuable information about marketing to Texas State students as well as a poster for placement in storefronts and business lobbies.
“Texas State University enhances the quality of life in San Marcos in many ways. The campus contributes to the natural beauty of the city, and its presence as an academic center attracts students, visitors and industrial clients,” said Phyllis Snodgrass, president of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. “The university helps the local economy to grow and insulates it from severe economic impacts,” she added.
Students are an important part of the San Marcos economy. “We are proud to partner with Texas State University to make students feel more welcome and a part of the San Marcos community. Although they may not be permanent residents, students make significant contributions while they are here, through spending, volunteerism and as employees,” said Snodgrass.
The local economic impact of the university is significant. Texas State generated more than $385 million in direct spending in Hays County in the 2006 fiscal year, according to the latest figures.
“The chamber official believes that if students are made to feel more welcome in San Marcos, they will take greater pride and responsibility as citizens during their tenure as residents,” Snodgrass said.
Included in the free packet are an 11 X 17 color poster, a calendar featuring major fall TxSt events to help with marketing planning, other tips on showing “Bobcat Pride,” and a list of ways to market your business and events to Texas State students, faculty and staff.
The packets are sponsored through an annual collaboration between the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Texas State University Office of Community Relations.
A limited number of packets are available at the chamber office. You may also get a kit at the Office of Community Relations located in the River House, or by emailing communityrelations@txstate.edu or calling (512) 245-9645.
More information here: www.txstate.edu/community/community_outreach1/welcome-back.html
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Generation TX grant to promote college readiness in San Marcos
Texas State University-San Marcos and its educational partners have been awarded the 2011 College and Career Readiness grant for initiatives within the San Marcos area.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded SOAR, in conjunction with E3 Alliance, $50,000 for marketing college readiness.
"With this effort, we are striving to appeal to this generation of students the importance of going to college," said Michelle Pope, director of the Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State University. "It is all part of the larger effort to close the gaps in educational attainment and eliminate educational disparities in Central Texas."
The grant will fund a marketing campaign in San Marcos aimed at the current generation of primary education students to increase awareness of college opportunities as well as the importance of a college education. The project will involve Texas State marketing students in the development of the media campaign.
"As a regional education collaborative focused on strengthening the economy by building better student outcomes, we work with many local P-16 groups in Central Texas," said Susan Dawson, president of E3 (Education Equals Economics) Alliance. "We are partnering with SOAR because of its success in involving the community in educational initiatives. SOAR is often our poster child for the good things that can happen when a community aligns it resources to increase educational attainment."
The project is a part of the state's new Generation TX initiative, a multi-year statewide effort to organize and mobilize entire communities to help Texas students and their families pursue the path to college and career education beyond high school. The grassroots, community-based movement champions the message that every student--regardless of circumstances--belongs on the path to college or career education beyond high school.
"We are excited that San Marcos community will be a part of the Generation TX marketing campaign to increase the number of college bound students in our community," said San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President Phyllis Snodgrass. "As a Chamber, we are committed to increasing educational attainment as a key to the future economic development of our community."
"I am thrilled to see our District to be part of this opportunity. I think all of San Marcos students will benefit from the GenTX campaign," said Patty Shafer, superintendent of San Marcos Public Schools. "Our ultimate goal is to build a student 'movement' so that this generation of students all see themselves as having a path to college and career success after high school."
The Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State is a central location for educational programming focused on Closing the Gaps in Central Texas. The center is focused on promoting educational initiatives that create a seamless pipeline of success beginning in early childhood through college graduation.
SOAR’s Educational Partners consist of members representing Texas State, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, San Marcos CISD, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Hispanic Chamber, Austin Community College, San Marcos Education Foundation and United Way of Hays County.
For more information, contact Michelle Pope at (512) 245-9336, or visit the SOAR website at www.soarsanmarcos.com.
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Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan
Fellow Texan,
Over the past 6 months the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been developing a new Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan. As part of this process, we have analyzed the existing condition of the various transportation facilities throughout our state. We have looked at how these facilities and different modes of transportation connect to one another; and identified improvements to the facilities to meet forecasted demands on our transportation system. We have also analyzed projected funding sources to meet these needs through 2035, and we are now ready to present our findings and obtain your feedback.
We will be holding a final round of open-house style public meetings throughout the state from August 2 through August 13. At these meetings, you will receive information and be able to interact with our experts about the plan, how it was developed and what we found. You will also be able to provide your input and comments. Meeting times, locations and other details are provided in the newsletter (click here to view the newsletter).
Following this round of public meetings, we will analyze the feedback we receive and finalize the plan. We anticipate holding a final public hearing and submitting the plan for adoption to the Texas Transportation Commission this fall.
The Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan is the foundation for many planning efforts underway at TxDOT and includes the efforts of local, regional and federal transportation partners. This plan will provide a framework for developing and implementing a multi-modal transportation system through 2035, including highways, rail, water ports, airports, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, pipelines and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The plan also assures the state's goals are consistent with federal priorities and guidelines.
I hope you will participate in this important planning process. I encourage you to attend a meeting in your local area, or visit our website at www.dot.state.tx.us/public_involvement/transportation_plan/default.htm to learn more and provide comments. Your input is vital for TxDOT to fulfill its mission of providing safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods throughout Texas.
Sincerely,
Amadeo Saenz, Jr., P.E.
Executive Director
Texas Department of Transportation
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Tanger Outlet Center Rewards Local Schools and Students with Donations Totaling $10,925
San Marcos, TX, July 14, 2010….Before school let out for summer, the Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos presented a welcomed gift to several area schools. As part of Tanger’s 2009-2010 TangerBucks for Schools campaign, Tanger added a $1,000 donation to each of the five participating TangerBucks for Schools sales of Tanger savings books with the goal of helping these local students and schools excel. Schools receiving donations include: San Marcos Baptist Academy, San Marcos High School, Goodnight Middle School, DeZavala Elementary and Miller Middle School.
“Nothing is more important in our community than giving our students the tools they need to reach their full potential,” stated Michelle Carswell, General Manager. “Tanger is proud to help provide the needed funds for materials and educational programs to help our schools and kids continue to succeed.”
TangerBucks for Schools gave participating schools the opportunity to raise money with no strings attached. By being part of the TangerBucks program, these schools receive an equal share of proceeds from Tanger Coupon Books sold during the campaign period. Additionally, participating schools had the opportunity to raise even more money by hosting TangerBucks for Schools fundraising events during the school year retaining one-hundred percent of their proceeds. Nationally, schools across America received more than $135,000 this year as part of the TangerBucks for Schools campaign.
“We appreciate the support that we receive from local businesses like Tanger Outlets,” said Carol Fernandez, educator and Gifted and Talented Facilitator at DeZavala Elementary. “DeZavala teachers and students greatly appreciate your friendship and the support that Tanger has provided De Zavala over the years. We used our funds to support our after school Garden Club with about 40 students in grades K-5 participating. We sowed our own seeds and grew some of our own plants.
We planted some native plants, started a vegetable garden, an herb garden, a water garden, and a compost pile. Students kept a weekly journal about what they were learning. Everyone had a great time! As a result we are all enjoying the beautiful blooming flowers and the new birds that are attracted to our school grounds and we are ecstatic and thankful to Tanger for our outdoor learning program ”, said Ms. Fernandez.
The Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcosfeatures over 100 brand name and designer outlet stores. The Tanger center is centrally located between Austin and San Antonio on Interstate 35 at exit 200-Centerpoint Road.
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 33 upscale outlet shopping centers in 22 states coast to coast, totaling approximately 10 million square feet leased to over 1,900 stores operated by 330 different brand name companies. More than 150 million shoppers visit Tanger Outlet Centers annually. For more information call 1-800-4 TANGER or visit the company’s web site at www.tangeroutlet.com.
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Hays County Commissioners Court Accepts 2010 Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 Tuesday to accept the 2010 Hays County Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan, a document intended to serve as a guidepost for planning throughout the county that fosters cross-governmental communication and coordination.
As a priority initiative launched by County Judge Liz Sumter, the plan began in early 2009 with a countywide meeting of elected city officials and other leaders. Input was gathered through a series of focus groups and public meetings to help ensure that concerns about growth, transportation, water quantity and quality, green space and other issues facing a the county.
Referring to it as a bottom-up process that was rooted in citizen participation, Sumter said, “It encouraged citizens throughout the county to share ideas and discuss preferred solutions. The most important thing,” Sumter said, “was that participants had an opportunity to vote their preferences regarding future County expenditures.”
“The people who participated were engaged and vocal about what they wanted to see happen in Hays County,” said Chris Holtkamp, a certified planner with the Lower Colorado River Authority who led the planning process for the County. Planners with the Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative also assisted with the 16-month-long project, as did a nine-member steering committee.
“We held focus groups for a variety of issue-oriented groups as well as public meetings that encouraged participation from any interested resident,” Holtkamp said. “In addition to discussing their concerns and vision for Hays County, at each meeting we gave people an opportunity to let us know what they would be willing to spend more tax money on, and what they would not fund if given the opportunity. It was an exercise that gave us a lot of insight into where people’s interests and concerns are and what elected leadership should be giving thought to as they make plans and allocate funding.”
Calling the plan an essential tool if Hays County is to move forward in a financially prudent manner, Judge Sumter said, “There’s no such thing as too much citizen participation and that’s what the plan is about. It’s about citizens telling us about their spending priorities.”
To review the complete plan, go to the Hays County home page at www.co.hays.tx.us and click on Quick Links.
Early Readers Become Leaders Book Drive
San Marcos, TX, June 22, 2010 – The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee, through the SOAR initiative and its partnership with United Way of Hays County Success by Six, is conducting a book drive during the month of July. The goal is to collect 4,000 books for children ages 0-6 in both English and Spanish. The books will then be distributed in book bags donated by the San Marcos Manufacturing Association to students in the Early Childhood Initiatives (ECI), WIC and Head Start programs. The City of San Marcos and the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District have declared the month of July as “Early Literacy Month in San Marcos” and encourage all citizens to support the book drive.
Collection bins have been placed around town for you to drop off new or gently used books, beginning July 1. You can find bins at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, San Marcos CISD offices, Texas State, the City of San Marcos – City Hall, the City of San Marcos – Municipal Building and the San Marcos Public Library and at numerous businesses throughout the community.
Success By Six (SB6) is committed to working collaboratively with our community partners to help level the playing field for all children and ensure that San Marcos kids start school ready to learn. Once the initiative is established in San Marcos, it will be expanded to the rest of Hays County. Local control is a unique feature of SB6. Just as with United Way of Hays County, SB6 will be run by a local group of committed Hays County folks, dedicated to research, collaboration and best practices that will be most beneficial to our youngest citizens. SB6 will help children be ready to hit the ground running when they enter school, lowering the probability of falling behind at an early age and increasing the likelihood of success in both high school and higher education. Children who are ready for school before they even get there are much less likely to feel overwhelmed or confused and stay on grade level as they progress through school.
“We need to get the word out to our Chamber members and their employees to take a few minutes during the month of July to donate a book to the cause” said Rick Bell, Chair of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. “Please pass along the word to friends, co-workers and family members to participate.”
SOAR, which stands for “Seeking Opportunities, Achieving Results”, is a collaboration of the San Marcos Educational Partners, including the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Texas State University, San Marcos CISD, the San Marcos Education Foundation, the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Austin Community College, Gary Job Corps Center, the San Marcos Academy, and United Way of Hays County. For more information about SOAR, please visit our website at www.soarsanmarcos.com.
PRIME OUTLETS – SAN MARCOS SUPPORTS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CHOOSE YOU MOVEMENT
Prime Outlets – San Marcos Supports Campaign with “Fashionably Fit” Tips to a Healthier Lifestyle
BALTIMORE, JUNE 10, 2010 – Prime Outlets – San Marcos announced today it has joined forces with the American Cancer Society to promote the organization’s Choose You movement, a campaign to help motivate women to prioritize their health and engage in lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce their cancer risk.
The nationwide effort, which kicked off on May 4, is designed to shine a spotlight on a sobering statistic: one in three women will get cancer in her lifetime. As part of the Choose You movement, women are encouraged to sign a Choose You Commitment, an online pledge to reach a specific, individual health goal. According to the Society, about half of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise; avoided tobacco products; and underwent recommended cancer screening tests.
Prime Outlets – San Marcos’ Marketing Director, Celena McGuill says that the center partnered with the organization to encourage women to take a step in the right direction by making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
“We know how difficult it can be for busy women to take care of themselves when they are often putting the needs of their families before their own,” said McGuill. “We partnered with the American Cancer Society to help empower women with our Fashionably Fit tips that are designed to inspire and educate them to make healthy lifestyle choices.”
Knowing that many women often have little time to care for their own health, Prime Outlets – San Marcos offers a list of essential workout wear to take the guesswork out of proper exercise apparel. After all, wearing improper workout attire can lead to a less-effective workout.
To achieve the best workout possible, follow Prime Outlets – San Marcos’ Fashionably Fit tips to a healthier lifestyle.
- Stylin’ Sneaks: It’s easy to look stylish in stilettos, wedges and kitten heels, but athletic shoes can be fashionable, too! Make sure your sneakers offer the proper support to prevent injury during your workout. Flaunt a sturdy tennis or basketball shoe when you hit the courts and chose a lighter shoe with breathable material for walking and running.
- Sport Support: One of the most important workout essentials, a sports bra can make or break a good workout. Look for a sports bra in a breathable, water-resistant material that fits your body comfortably and separates, supports and wicks sweat away.
- Workout Warmth: Physically fit fashionistas will be ready for anything with a sporty warm-up jacket. Look for a cropped jacket with ¾-inch sleeves for a hip, edgy look or one that’s long-sleeved and hooded for extra comfort and warmth. Whichever you choose, be sure to always keep a lightweight, waterproof jacket in your gym bag for chilly days and unexpected wind and rain.
- Stretch Style: Available in a variety of styles and colors, yoga pants are a necessity for your workout wardrobe and will keep you looking sporty chic for Pilates and yoga classes as well as regular trips to the gym. Choose a long, boot cut pant, a fitted legging or cropped design, and mix and match them with your favorite workout top for added variety.
- Trendy Totes: Having the right gym bag is just as important as pairing an outfit with the perfect handbag or clutch. Brightly-colored, sporty bags are a hot trend that will take you, and all of your gear, to the gym or track in style. Be sure to pack your gym bag the night before with an iPod, water bottle and towel so you’re always prepared for a healthy workout.
Prime Outlets – San Marcos will sell Choose You pins through July 15 at Guest Services for $5 with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. To learn more about the Society’s Choose You Movement or to make a Choose You Commitment, visit www.ChooseYou.com.
About Prime Outlets – San Marcos
Prime Outlets – San Marcos is located off I-35 at Exit 200, between Austin and San Antonio in San Marcos, Texas. The 750,000-sq. ft. outlet center offers everyday savings of up to 65 percent off full retail prices and features a growing collection of 140 brand name retailers including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet OFF 5TH, Tory Burch, Gucci, FENDI, Giorgio Armani General Store, Hugo Boss Factory Store, Escada Company Store, Lacoste, Pottery Barn Outlet, Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel Outlet, kate spade, Michael Kors, Zegna Outlet, Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store, Juicy Couture, 2b bebe, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Dooney & Bourke and COACH Factory.
About Prime Outlets
Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Prime Outlets owns and operates 21 outlet shopping centers in the U.S. Spanning more than 8.2 million square feet throughout major United States markets, Prime Outlets is home to more than 400 leading designer and name-brands such as Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, kate spade, Michael Kors, St. John, Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and Neiman Marcus Last Call. The company’s retail outlets serve major markets including Orlando, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Austin/San Antonio, Texas and Williamsburg, Va., among many more. The company currently has two new ground-up projects in development: Prime Outlets – Grand Prairie, serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, and Prime Outlets – Livermore Valley, serving the San Francisco Bay region. For more information, please visit www.primeoutlets.com. On December 8, 2009, the company entered into a definitive agreement with Simon Property Group to acquire its portfolio of outlet center properties.
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Summer Fan Drive Now Underway
The City of San Marcos and other partners have joined the Family Eldercare 20th annual Summer Fan Drive to collect donations of new fans and new window air conditioners to bring relief from the scorching summer temperatures to low income and medically fragile residents.
Partnering this year with Family Eldercare are the San Marcos Fire Department, San Marcos Electric Utility, San Marcos Housing Authority, Driftwood Fire Department, Dripping Springs Fire Department, Hays County Precinct 2 Office in Kyle, and Texas State University Custodial Operations Department.
The collection continues through August 31.
The San Marcos Fire Department will accept donations of new fans and new window air conditioning units at four fire stations, including Central Station 1 located at 114 E. Hutchison; Station 2 at 1314 Academy; Station 3 at 2420 Hunter Road, and Station 4 at 404 Broadway.
The City’s Electric Utility is donating $500 toward the drive. Hays County collection points include Driftwood Fire Department, Dripping Springs Fire Department, 400 Sportsplex Drive, and the Hays County Precinct 2 Office, 111 N. Front Street, Kyle.
The fans requested are new 20-inch box fans and 12-inch or larger oscillating fans. Air conditioners are available on a limited basis to those with serious medical conditions. Financial contributions for the fan drive may be made to Family Eldercare at www.familyeldercare.org .
The Texas State University Custodial Operations Department has again volunteered to deliver the fans from the fire stations to distribution sites as well as to homebound recipients.
People who need a fan are asked to make an appointment to apply through the San Marcos Housing Authority Resident Services Office by calling 512.396.3364. The Housing Authority is assisting with local distribution of the fans. Photo ID and proof of income are required. Applicants may also call Family Eldercare at 512.459.4FAN.
Businesses, agencies or organizations interested in organizing a fan drive to collect new fans or new window air conditioners for residents of San Marcos and Hays County, may call Family Eldercare at 512.483.3557.
Last year, the drive provided more than 6,200 fans and 55 air conditioners to more than 3,700 households in Central Texas. The fans and funds raised in San Marcos and Hays County provided fans for San Marcos/Hays County residents.
The San Marcos Housing Authority provides safe and sanitary housing for about 555 low-income families and individuals, including the elderly and disabled.
Their Resident Services Department supports several initiatives, all of which are united in the overall goals of improving the quality of life for public housing residents, reducing dependence on the welfare system, and empowering residents to take charge of their lives and of their environment. They are pleased to be able to support this program, which serves the entire community, not just people receiving housing assistance.
Family Eldercare is a non-profit organization that serves more than 6,000 people annually. The organization is dedicated to the care and protection of elders and adults with disabilities. Its annual fan drive collects new fans and funds to offer relief from the intense summer heat to elders, adults with disabilities and families with children and provides other critically needed services.
Low-income families often face the summer without air conditioning due to the high cost of equipment, repairs and utilities. Fans help them safeguard against heat-related illness. Family Eldercare also provides window air conditioning units to frail neighbors with a documented medical condition that puts them at risk for heat related illness.
More people in the United States die from extreme heat exposure than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.
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