Water well concerns addressed in survey

The second meeting of the Ruhenstroth Water Planning Ad Hoc Committee was held June 27.

Rick Oliver said they are "preparing to send out a survey to all residents of our neighborhood about their water well concerns in the next week or so."

It will be in a Douglas County envelope but it is from our neighborhood ad hoc committee and not the government. The committee members are asking the residents to complete it and return it to the post office box mentioned.

Rick said they hope to be able to include a self-addressed stamped envelope, but if unable to, I think we can help by placing a 41-cent stamp on it to let our voices be heard. The committee would like to receive all responses by Aug. 1 so they will have time to tabulate them before the next meeting. If you do not receive one in the mail, you can complete the survey on the Web site created by neighbor Gary Swift at www.geocities.com/ruhenstrothwater.

The Web site was created after the December neighborhood meeting regarding a proposed commercial well in the industrial area off Sawmill Road. It has the minutes of the Ruhenstroth Water Planning Ad Hoc Committee meetings from January as well as the most recent one last week. The committee members will be making a presentation at the Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department Annual Bar-B-Q on July 21.

The recent fire in the Tahoe area is another reminder for all of us to be cautious in these extremely dry conditions. Have you checked your property and removed potential fuel from the area? Do you have a fire kit in your car or home to be able to take with you on a moment's notice? Don't forget to prepare for your pets' safety as well.

We can be grateful that no human lives were lost in the recent fire since it was an extremely fast moving one and didn't give the residents much time to escape.

Why not take some time to become familiar with their information so that hopefully it will save your life or the life of someone you love? You can check the American Red Cross Web site for fire safety at www.nevada.redcross.org as well as www.tahoefire.com and our own East Fork Fire District Web site at www.effpd.co.douglas.nv.us for more specific localized information.

With all the talk of development in northern Douglas County, you are probably not aware of something that has been under construction in the area across from the Target store. The Carson Valley Children's Center, better known as Austin's House, is set for its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 2.

It is the culmination of four years of planning, wishing, begging and building to see this dream for the Douglas County Court Appointed Special Advocate office come true. Austin's House is a temporary safe haven for children in crisis, which means they are the victims of abuse and/or neglect.

"The home can accommodate up to 10 children and provide all the basic needs as well as any special needs the child may require. Austin's House will also have rooms for family visits and will provide training for foster parents and support groups. It is a great opportunity to see what the generosity of this community has built," said Terry Palmatier. "It has some of the latest ideas through the generosity of numerous community leaders, members of the building trades, and local citizens."

Linda Cuddy, coordinator for the CASA office adds, "Once the center is open for clients, confidentiality laws will prevent the public from viewing the facility."

You can contact Linda or Terry at 782-6247 for further information.

Don't forget to buy your tickets to the Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Bar-B-Q and Neighborhood Block Party from 4 p.m. to midnight, July 21. It is a fun evening for the entire family with music provided by Dyna Mic Duo and a silent auction as well as games for children of all ages. The firefighters should be at the mailboxes in the afternoon selling tickets soon. Remember, you can also buy tickets to the raffle even if you can't come to the party but we hope to see you there.

-- To reach Gail Davis, e-mail RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com or call 265-1947.