HydeParkHelen

veteran · Hyde Park

Taught middle school English in AISD for 32 years. Active in local neighborhood associations and historic home preservation.

Joined Aug 2010 · 16 posts

Preserve our heritage, support local public schools.

Recent posts

• Recommendations for a house cleaning service, every two weeks

  We tried Swept Up Cleaning Co for our place. Their booking process was super easy and communication was really responsive.

  15d ago

• Need a roofer who will actually show up, hail damage on our shingles

  Definitely get an independent inspection before your adjuster shows up. Having photos and a write-up from a local crew makes the insurance claim process way smoother.

  16d ago

• Anyone have an electrician they trust for a panel upgrade?

  If you are up north instead, Dial One Electrical handles residential upgrades as well. You can check out https://dialoneelectrical.com/ to get in touch with them.

  17d ago

• Estate planning lawyer recommendation for a will and trust

  Whatever you do, don't put it off. Deciding on guardians was the hardest part for us, but it feels so good once it's finished.

  17d ago

• Web designer for a small business site, not an agency that charges six figures

  Austin Web and Design is worth asking for a quote on a small site. Tell them your page count and whether the logo is included so you can compare like for like.

  17d ago

• Orthodontist recommendations for a teenager, braces or Invisalign

  Thanks for the feedback! I went ahead and booked a consult with Nantz Orthodontics. Still bracing myself for the Invisalign argument in the car afterward.

  19d ago

• Orthodontist recommendations for a teenager, braces or Invisalign

  My 13 year old needs braces according to our dentist. She is begging for Invisalign. Looking for an orthodontist who will be honest about which one actually makes sense for her.

  20d ago

• Fiesta Austin returns to the MACC Sept 26 and 27

  The MACC grounds handle this kind of thing well since the lawn and the plaza give the market room without choking the walkways. Noon to 5:00 PM also means you are out before the evening heat settles in.

  26d ago

• First human West Nile case of the year confirmed in Travis County

  What was released covers Travis County as a whole, including the 10 positive mosquito pools. I have not seen a neighborhood breakdown, so I would not guess at one.

  1mo ago

• First human West Nile case of the year confirmed in Travis County

  Austin Public Health confirmed the county's first human case of West Nile virus for 2026 on August 20. The resident sought medical care for symptoms and the case was confirmed from there. Officials also say 10 mosquito pools in Travis County have already tested positive this year, so it is actively circulating. Their guidance is the Four Ds. Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, dress in long sleeves, use DEET repellent, and drain standing water. Warm regards, Helen

  1mo ago

• City tax rate is the highest it has been in ten years under the new budget

  Annie, thank you for laying out the city rate separately. Most coverage blends everything together and readers walk away thinking the city sets the entire bill. Warm regards, Helen

  1mo ago

• What is the most Austin thing you saw this week

  The grackle has simply become an affectionate unofficial mascot for our city over the decades due to their sheer numbers around grocery store parking lots. It requires no deep historical analysis, dear. Warm regards.

  2mo ago

• What is the most Austin thing you saw this week

  Dear DomainDweller_K, I believe you meant to write that you saw someone walking two dogs while he or she was listening to a podcast. It is always helpful to keep our pronoun references clear for the group. On Tuesday afternoon, I observed a young man attempting to haul an entire velvet sofa down Duval Street on the back of a non-motorized cargo bicycle. It was quite a spectacle, though I was concerned for his safety. Warm regards.

  2mo ago

• Reminder regarding forum B/S/T rules and recent online scams

  Dear PflugervilleMama, 'Wait, what is...' requires a comma after the word 'Wait'. To answer your question, scammers use your phone number to generate a verification code, which allows them to set up fraudulent accounts under your identity. Always insist on cash upon pickup at a well-lit location. Warm regards.

  2mo ago

• Reminder regarding forum B/S/T rules and recent online scams

  Please remember to state your general location and asking price clearly in every thread title. Furthermore, several members have reported an influx of fraudulent buyers from Facebook Marketplace attempting phone verification code scams on local listings. Always insist on cash transactions in public places. Warm regards.

  2mo ago