If you are like me, you are waiting for some truly fall weather to arrive with cooler temps and no more of this 80 degree weather. The leaves are definitely getting into the act by FALLing into the pool, onto the yard, and into the gutters. I’m also noticing a good number of neighbors with leaves accumulating on their roofs. This might not be a good thing, as moisture (rain, please) can accumulate under the leaves and the leaf rot can cause roof rot. It might not be a bad idea to get a young, nimble person to help you out by getting on your roof and raking the leaves off and cleaning the gutters out at the same time.

SECURITY LIGHTS
We have received roughly one dozen orders for security lights and will place the order following the November meeting, giving anyone interested one more chance to order them. The two bulb, 75 watt motion detection light is the unit of choice at a cost of $22. When communicating about your order to me, please specify white or bronze color. Any NEW orders can be emailed to me at dedhm1@ev1.net, or give me a call at 292-9323.

PLUG-IN ELECTRIC HYBRIDS
The City of Austin, along with Austin Energy, has launched an initiative to get automakers to manufacture and sell Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). We will have a petition for you to sign at the November meeting. Click below for more information.
www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Environmental%20Initiatives/Plug-in%20Hybrid%20Vehicles/

OFFICER OPENINGS
As the end of 2005 approaches, so do the end of terms for President, Treasurer, and News Letter Editor. In addition, we recently learned our Vice President, Barbara Klein, and her family are moving out of the neighborhood, so that position is open as well. All interested candidates should contact me, and/or come to the November meeting.

MEETING AGENDA
We have a good program in store from the Austin Fire Department and a good slate of business items, including a continued discussion on number and frequency of COVNA meetings. Please attend this important meeting.

See you there,
Doug DuBois

My wife and I just took advantage of a city sponsored loan to replace our 25-year-old air conditioner. We chose the five year, 0% interest loan. We figured the old unit couldn’t last forever and the new unit will save energy, doesn’t use Freon, and we’ll save money on our electric bills. We also received a free energy audit and weatherization, probably because I’m disabled. There are a number of free, inexpensive, loan, and rebate programs available. Visit www.austinenergy.com and follow the rebates, loans, and free home energy improvements links.

City of Austin customers can pick up free water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators during business hours at 625 E. 10th St, Suite 615. These showerheads have a flow rate of 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm). If you haven't replaced your showerheads in several years, you could save up to 2 gallons per minute. If you'd like to measure the flow rate of your existing shower or faucet, stop by or call 974-2199 and ask us for a flow-rate bag.

The Toilet Replacement Program can help replace up to three old, large-capacity toilets per household with new, efficient toilets. To qualify, your existing toilets must have been installed before January 1, 1996. Residential customers may choose between the Free Toilet Program and the Toilet Rebate Program (up to $100). The City offers rebates on the purchase of high efficiency clothes washers. The $100 rebate is made up of two parts: a water rebate and an energy rebate. For info on the toilet programs or clothes washer rebate, click on the appropriate link at www.cityofaustin.org/watercon.

Turn in your old refrigerator or freezer and receive $35. The refrigerator and freezer recycling program offers a cash incentive, free pick-up, and environmentally-friendly disposal of your old appliance. The unit must be in working (cooling) condition. Direct Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Questions: 452-8685. Click on www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Refrigerator%20Recycling/index.htm

Austin Symphony Christmas Sing-Along
December 13 - 8:00 pm- Riverbend Centre
This concert is FREE, but tickets are still required. Tickets may be obtained in-person only at the ASO box office, located at the corner of 11th and Red River in Symphony Square, beginning at 9:00 am on Thursday, December 1.
This concert is VERY popular. If you want tickets, be in line at 9:00 am.

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Trail of Lights – Zilker
December 11—23, 7-10 pm
Walk through the mile of lighted displays, enjoy the variety of refreshments and food and entertainment. Each night a variety of area entertainers will take the stage and provide diverse holiday enjoyment. Dancers, musicians, storytellers, choirs, comedians, theatre troupes and more will enliven the night air. On cold evenings, expected on a regular basis, visitors can warm themselves at one of 2 huge yule fires.

Holiday Sing-Along and Tree Lighting
December 4, 6 pm, State Capitol-south steps
This 3rd annual Sing-Along is organized by the Austin Downtown Alliance and KUT-FM 90.5 and features John Aielli, an accomplished vocalist and host of KUT’s Eklektikos, leading the audience in singing traditional carols followed by the tree lighting. Many Congress Ave. galleries, boutiques and restaurants along the north stretch of Congress will stay open until 8 pm offering live music and entertainment. The event benefits the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas by asking people to place food donations at the base of the Christmas tree. Several Congress Ave. property owners will provide free parking in exchange for a $2 donation to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. Commemorative songbooks will be given to participants courtesy of Print Depot.

Holidays at Wildflower Center
Holiday Shopping at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
December 2 & 3, 9 am - 5:30 pm
December 4, noon to 5 pm
Admission to the Wildflower Center and Wild Ideas:
The Shopping Event is free.
For a complete listing of vendors, special guest appearances, and specials, visit www.wildflower.org or call 292-4300.