W.R. Grace workers wanted
The EPA Region 6 office is seeking former employees and neighbors of the W.R. Grace vermiculite processing facility that operated on the Big Tex site in Southtown from 1961-89 to assist with its risk-assessment project. The EPA is evaluating the site for possible asbestos contamination in advance of a commercial and residential development project planned by owner James Lifshutz `See Counterpoint, March 1-7, 2006, “Big Tex lives to fight another day,” February 15-21, 2006`. Parties with information may contact Jon Rinehart at (214) 665-6789.
A helping hand for crime victims
Among the Commissioners Court Items of Note for March 28 was District Attorney Susan D. Reed’s proclamation of April 3-9 as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” The week is intended to support crime victims in Bexar County with workshops and ceremonies honoring them and their families. Events include a seminar on legal remedies for family violence on April 5, a victims awareness march April 6, and a children’s picnic April 7. For a complete schedule, contact Cyndi Jahn at 335-2733.
You say measles, I say sarampión
To address the lack of bilingual and bicultural health-care professionals, the PacifiCare Foundation is offering 75 $2,000 scholarships to bilingual (Spanish- and English-speaking) high-school students who plan to enter the health-care industry. The funds have been donated on behalf of UnitedHealthcare’s Latino Health Scholars program.
The scholarships are only available to high-school seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must be accepted into a university, community college, or accredited technical college and enrolled for an approved health-care program.
Applications are due May 29, 2006. Visit pacificarelatino.com to apply.
I have glaucoma
After a two-year drug-policy study, the Texas League of Women Voters is advocating legalizing the use of marijuana with a prescription, according to a press release from Texans for Medical Marijuana. TMM plans to work towards the passage of a medical marijuana bill during the 80th Texas Legislature with support from its new advocate. For a quick primer on states’ rights and pot, see “Up in smoke,” June 16-22, 2005.
Heavy petting encouraged
Sanantonio.gov/animalcare is pushing puppies, kittens, and proper pet care. The website, which launched March 30, offers information on spay and neuter services, adoption events, vet care, and hundreds of other furry and feathered topics. Animal Care Services adopted out more than 2,300 cats and dogs in its first year of operation.
