Summer is finally here, and it seems like there’s a feeling in the air that you could do so much with your wonderful warm-weather time! I’d like to propose that you take up the cause of ending sexual assault, a major public health crisis in our country and in our town right now – with nearly 25% of the population suffering from something preventable. The Sexual Assault Resource Agency is providing three ways for you to step into this cause. You can be trained to answer hotline calls for people in crisis and in need of support, or you can be involved in outreach – either as an activist planner on the SARA outreach Action Committee, or as a activist ‘do’er – implementing the programs and campaigns through the SARA outreach Task Force. Learn more and apply at http://www.sexualassaultresources.org/volunteer.htm . You’ll meet awesome people, and feel highly fulfilled because you’re making a positive impact on so many people!

A rather sad email fell across our desks this morning.  It’s from J.E. “Chip” Harding, the Albemarle County Sherrif.  He explains that:

The number of evictions in Albemarle County has risen approximately 40% since 2006. So far this year we have seen approximately 285. With the economy currently on the “down swing” we can only anticipate the numbers to continue to climb. In an effort to bring assistance to families in jeopardy I spent some time researching and meeting with agencies that might be able to provide assistance. They have all agreed that it would be helpful if the Sheriff’s Office provides referral information as early in the eviction process as possible. Starting today a letter from my office will be attached to all civil process affiliated with eviction.

It’s a sad time for people who own houses beyond their means. As Jim Duncan explains in his analysis of the 2nd quarter housing marketing, “I think that the calls for the proverbial “bottom” are premature.” So, if you are in this sinking ship, you can at least get a little help from Albemarle County.

Chip provides a lot of information in the letter:

You can call Love, INC at 977-7777 MACCA- CARES at 295-3171 ext.4 and the Salvation Army at 295-4058. Piedmont Housing Alliance at 817-2436 has counselors specialized to assist you in avoiding foreclosure.

[Read the Full Letter Here] [pic]

You may or may not have seen our little birdie before. Maybe you are not a frequent reader of the site or maybe you are color blind (’cause he sits on the top right). I looked over the old thread where we introduced him to you and realized that you have a lot of ideas for his names. I’m going to setup a poll to narrow down the choices for names. The top names or so will be included in the final, shortened list and there will be one last voting round. Feel free to add names and tell your friends!