N eighbors gathered to hear the news and debate events in the City at the July meeting of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. These fun and informative meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at the Hyde Park Methodist Church on Speedway and 40th at seven in the evening. Co Presidents Gary Penn and Bruce Nadig presided over a full house almost as packed with visitors as with members.

Homes Tour Recap
    Hyde Park Homes Tour maven Alan Marburger read a letter from Wendy Biro-Pollard of the nearby Austin State Hospital. These historic grounds border Hyde Park to the west but often go unnoticed by passersby. This year, the hospital's Old Main Building, dating back to 1857, was selected as the lead site in the annual Homes Tour. The response was exceptional and many Hyde Park residents are now seeking a way to assist the hospital in the upkeep of its grounds. Ms. Biro-Pollard's letter to Alan announced that a volunteer association that serves the hospital, the Volunteer Service Council, will match or exceed funds donated in this calendar year. The funds are slated for the landscaping of the Children's Intensive Care Unit. Alan recommended we explore this opportunity further and the Association agreed.

Look Out!
    "Reckless Drivers Beware!", warned Bruce Nadig. The Austin Police Department has begun its new Summer Heat program. APD will be keeping a close eye out for speeders and runners of stop signs. Some in attendance observed the "heat" was from the City's budgetary pressures, not the weather, but most agreed there is too much speeding along the Avenues and welcomed the City's getting tough on the issue. Maybe it's the weather, but something has caused an outbreak of sticky fingers in the area. Nadig described an increase in "crimes of opportunity" in the area, and reminded neighbors to please lock doors and chain up bicycles. Anyone observing graffiti in the neighborhood is asked to dial 311 and ask officer to check for gang activity in the area.

Homes Tour Recap
    Gary Penn wrapped up the details of this years successful Homes Tour and reminded all present to thank any home owners and volunteers for their efforts. A special round of thanks was allotted to former HPNA President and Homes Tour super star Bob Breeze for his unflagging efforts in keeping the Tour on track another year. Thank You Bob!

Media Monopolies: A Disturbing Trend
    Those present were given a unique and thoroughly unnerving presentation on the consolidation of media outlets in the United States. Guest lecturer Kile Johnson, founder of www.bumperactive.com educated neighbors on the increasing trend toward monopoly in print and broadcast media.