JULY 2012

WHETHER your home is heated by gas or electricity you probably received the above pamphlet from Trussville Utilities. Since Heather Pointe’s utilities are underground it’s important to take precautions even when planting a tree or a shrub.


It’s essential to be informed in case of a natural gas emergency.

There are three ways to detect a natural gas leak.

LOOK-If you see blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by live green plants there could be a problem

LISTEN- A hissing sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak

SMELL- Natural gas is odorless BUT, utility companies add a substance called mercaptan which has a rotten-egg odor so that humans can detect if there is a gas leak.

IF YOU DETECT A LEAK leave the area immediately.

Don’t try to find it or stop it.

Do not smoke, use any type of phone, turn lights either on or off, or operate any appliances

AFTER LEAVING THE AREA Call 205-655-3211 or 1-800-755-3211

CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning can occur if a natural gas appliance is operated in an enclosed space that has no access to fresh air. Unlike natural gas treated with mercaptan, carbon monoxide has no odor. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble flu like symptoms, ie. headache, dizziness and/or nausea. Get fresh air immediately. If you purchase a carbon monoxide detector be sure it meets the UL Standard 2034.

Gas line markers give only GENERAL locations and specifications.
 

That is why it is important to CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. You must contact Alabama One Call by dialing  811 at least two days before you plan to dig, drill, excavate or move earth in any way.  Hitting an underground utility line could  be devastating not only to you but also to those around you.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

With approval from the Heather Pointe HOA, Sylvia P. McClain has piloted a Public Relations Committee. A desire to have a more involved community is what prompted this idea. This project is separate and does not fall under the Heather Pointe Association umbrella. At this time the most important element is to contact  Sylvia (mpgs324@gmail.com ) when a new neighbor whether buying or leasing moves into the neighborhood. Two people from the committee would go by the home, introduce themselves, welcome the newcomer and present them with a plant and a small booklet or door hanger regarding Heather Pointe and other pertinent information.

You’re probably saying, “No one welcomed me when I moved in.” I too had that experience. The past couple of years I have tried to make a conscious effort to greet any newcomers on my block and welcome them. This does not mean we become bosom buddies or have a revolving door to our homes. The welcome is merely a gesture of kindness. Not everyone is amenable. Some people are very reserved. Once I detect this or am told I keep a wide berth respecting their privacy.

If our community is to thrive involvement will be a key aspect. Communities deteriorate when no one cares. Other project thoughts include Community Garage Sale, Community Clean up Day, Neighborhood Night Out, Walking Group.

If you are interested in participating or have ideas for activities contact Sylvia P. McClain mpgs324@gmail.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. (wikipedia)

July 4th conjures up visions of cookouts, water sports, fireworks and heat. The oppressive heat has caused much of outdoor vegetation to become dry. The rain of July 2nd didn’t provide enough saturation to guard against the potential of grass and brush fires. Exercise caution during your holiday activities.

Have a Safe and Happy July 4th

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve will host its third annual Float Your Boat  on Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This fun-filled, family event features balsam wood boat races on a newly-designed race course, food, entertainment, and prizes. Proceeds from the races benefit the Preserve’s environmental education and youth outreach programs.


One Boat - $5

Fleet (6 boats) - $25

Armada (12 boats)- $50

SCHOOL REGISTRATION DATES (click to enlarge)

SHRED-A-THON
August 4, 2012 bring important documents you want shredded to Pinson City Hall from 9:00am-1:00pm


 
 
 
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR JULY-Thursday July 5th and Thursday July 19th
Pre-Council at 6:30pm
Council at 7:00 pm
Public Welcome
                                                                  Pinson City Hall
                                                                  4410 Main Street
                                                                  Pinson, Alabama 35126
 

ELECTION CALENDAR

Municipal election is August 28th
Run-off election is October 9th

***

Highlights from

National Night Out

Residents of Heather Pointe turned out this past Tuesday, August 2nd for  it's first National Night  Out. Although the heat was sweltering a good number of families supported NNO.

In attendance were the Mayor of Pinson, Hoyt Sanders (left) along with Deputy Jeff Hannah (right). The Mayor exhibited his culinary skills, arriving with grilled hot dogs for the event. Additionally, the City of Pinson also provided sodas, chips and frozen fruit bars. Councilor John Churchwell stopped by for a hot dog and visited with neighbors.

Fire Marshall, Matt Angelo (left) and other members of the Center Point Fire Department were on hand as well.

Pets are usually good icebreakers for children. Children showed quite a fascination and no fear for the two Great Danes in attendance with their pet parents.

New found friendships were formed among children and

adults.

 

Thanks go out to the City of Pinson for choosing Heather Pointe as one of the anchor communities for NNO. Thank you to the neighbors who loaned coolers and other needed items. Though not listed many neighbors thought to bring fans and chairs.

Pinson Library

April Wallace will be the new Director of the Pinson Library. The library will open to the public in October of this year.

August 13th

*Get old documents shredded for free at the Shred-a-thon to be held at Pinson City Hall.9am-1pm

*PVHS Workday, 8am-noon

* Volunteers are needed for  Main Street Clean up day

Area School Openings

Bessemer -- Aug. 15.

Birmingham -- Aug. 10.
Fairfield -- Aug. 15.
Homewood -- Aug. 10.
Hoover -- Aug. 15.
Jefferson County -- Aug. 15.
Leeds -- Aug. 9.
Midfield -- Aug. 15.
Mountain Brook -- Aug. 16.
Shelby County -- Aug. 11.
Tarrant -- Aug. 15.
Trussville -- Aug. 9.
Vestavia Hills -- Aug. 11.
END***

National Night Out

Innsbrooke and Heather Pointe will be two of the featured communities during the  August 2, 2011 National Night Out.  As NNO goes into its 28^th year it provides a wonderful opportunity for neighborhoods to show unity in the fight against crime. 

According to the NNO website, NNO is intended to;

•  Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
  • Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
  • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
•  Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

With the recent posting of the Neighborhood Watch signs this event will strengthen the vitality of the program.

Mayor Hoyt Sanders and the City of Pinson will provide refreshments for the community at a designated home to be announced later. Residents may also contribute refreshments if they like. The tentative time slot is 6:00-8:00 pm on August 2nd.


To ensure clear access to roads, we would like to request that you walk to the designated NNO home if you are able. What better way to end the day than with an evening walk socializing with neighbors and bonding to fight crime.


Beat the Heat at Turkey Creek

July 16, 2011 from 10:00am-2:00pm. Pinson city leaders will be doling out cool confections to those present at Turkey Creek.

Plan to participate in the Float Your Boat contest to be held at 1:00 pm. Boats are $5.00 with proceeds going toward the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Education Program. For more information
click here. 
 
Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

There will be a Shred-a-Thon at Pinson City Hall on August 13th. if you have documents that need to be shredded this would be the time to do so. A time was not given at the July 7th City Council Meeting.

August 15^th is the first day of  school for Jefferson County School students.

END