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Home My WebLink AboutUBI 2016 NOV_DEC_webInside College Station * * * * * * * C C S * Home of Texas A&M University ® * College Station, Texas * * * * * * * S tarting Nov. 9, it will be illegal to use a hand-held communication device while operating a vehicle or bicycle in College Station city limits. This ordinance was adopted in August 2016. Authorized emergency personnel acting in an official capacity and licensed amateur radio operators are exempt. Can I use my phone while driving if I have a hands-free device? Yes, the ordinance allows the use of Bluetooth or connected devices. What if I need to make/take a call or text message? Find a safe place to pull over or use a hands-free device. If your car is lawfully and completely stopped, you may use a hand-held cell phone. Can I still use my GPS? The ordinance does not apply to a GPS unit that is separate from a cell phone. Drivers may use their cell phone for GPS purposes if it’s mounted in the vehicle. What If I have an emergency? The ordinance allows drivers to use their hand-held device to report a crime, traffic accident, medical emergency, serious traffic hazard or to prevent a crime. If I am issued a citation, will it appear on my driving record? It’s not considered a moving violation and will not become part of your driving record. What is the fine for violating the ordinance? The fine amount will not be less than $25 or more than $200, plus court costs. Will police seize or inspect my cell phone in the course of investigating violations of the ordinance? No. If you have additional questions, please email us at cspolice@cstx.gov. . . . . . . . . . . . . NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 For many, using a cell phone while driving is a hard habit to break, but successfully doing so could save your life and the lives of others. That’s why the City of College Station is partnering with Safe2Save, a free smart phone app that rewards you for not picking up your phone while you drive. Minutes of safe driving turn into points, and points can be redeemed for free or discounted items at several popular local eateries and retailers. App creator and College Station resident Marci Corry describes the app, which launched in early October, as extremely simple to use, no matter your age. “Once you download Safe2Save, just open it before you get in your vehicle,” Corry said. “If you get a text while driving and you’re tempted to reply, a message appears that says ‘It Can Wait. Don’t text and drive!’ A photo of your family can be uploaded onto the home screen of the app, which is a powerful reminder. We already know it’s even resonating with high school and college students, and hundreds have already told us how this helped them break the habit of texting and driving.” Corry has a patent pending and hopes Safe2Save will eventually attract national sponsors that allow its use to change habits in other markets around Texas and across the U.S. Learn more at safe2save.org or download it directly from iTunes. The app is expected to be available for Android users by the end of December. HAND-HELD DEVICE WHILE DRIVING BAN BEGINS NOV. 9 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY This interactive, 11-week program designed to offer citizens an inside look at their local police department and criminal justice system. It also allows citizens and police officers to interact in a positive and proactive setting. Program starts Feb. 7 and is held on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the College Station Police Department. For more details or to apply, go to cstx.gov/cpa. Application deadline is Jan. 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas in the Park: Dec. 2-4 The City of College Station’s Christmas in the Park will return to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park: Friday, Dec. 2 • 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 • 12-10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 • 6-10 p.m. Free daily activities include old-fashioned hayrides, cookies and hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. You’re allowed to bring your own camera to take a photo for free or buy a professional photo for $5. On Saturday, Dec. 3, visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, two real snow slides and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and more. Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed. Food vendors will also be available. Interested in being a vendor, performer or volunteer? Register by Nov. 18. For more details, visit cstx.gov/christmas, call 979.764.3486, or email parks@cstx.gov. LIGHTS ON: NOV. 24-JAN. 1 The holiday celebration doesn’t stop there! Guests can continue the family tradition of viewing more than one million lights that will decorate our 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park for free from 6-11 p.m. daily starting on Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citizen Committee Openings One way to become actively involved with the City of College Station is to serve on one of the following boards, committees or commissions: •B/CS Library Committee •Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Board •Construction Board of Adjustments •Design Review Board •Historic Preservation Committee •Joint Relief Funding Review Committee •Parks & Recreation Board •Planning & Zoning Commission •Zoning Board of Adjustments To apply for service, you must be a resident and a qualified, registered voter of College Station. Members serve without monetary compensation. Application deadline is Friday, Dec. 2, and the College Station City Council will consider appointments on Thursday, Jan. 12. To view complete details and to apply, visit cstx.gov/committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn About YOUR City The City of College Station has three, free opportunities for residents to get better acquainted with their city. CITIZENS UNIVERSITY You’ll get to talk to those who build budgets, construct capital projects, plan for growth, keep the lights on and keep neighborhoods safe in College Station. Program starts Jan. 23 and runs for 12 weeks on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. at various city facilities. For more details and to apply, visit cstx.gov/cu. Application deadline is Friday, Jan. 6. CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY The 12-week program begins Jan. 31 and is designed to provide citizens a fun, interactive and in-depth behind-the-scenes look at their fire department. Sessions are Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m., plus a Saturday session that features a live fire exercise. For more details or to apply, go to cstx.gov/cfa. Deadline to apply is Jan. 10. Inside College Station events AGE OF ELEGANCE BANQUET Dec. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Ages 55+ Lincoln Recreation Center cstx.gov/lincolncenter 979.764.3779 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 14 | 10 a.m. | Ages 55+ Southwood Community Center cstx.gov/seniors, 979.764.6371 CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS Dec. 23 & 26, Jan. 2 & 16 Sanitation will be collected as normal. THE DREAM WORKS CONFERENCE Register: Dec. 6-Jan. 4 Event: Jan. 14 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lincoln Recreation Center cstx.gov/lincolncenter 979.764.3779 BRAZOS VALLEY SENIOR GAMES Register: Jan. 2-Feb. 13 Event: Feb. 24-26 Ages 50+ can compete to win medals in a variety of events. cstx.gov/seniors, 979.764.3486 For more events, visit:cstx.gov/calendar athletics cstx.gov/sports • 979.764.3486 WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL Registration ends: Dec. 9 Ages 6-12. Fee: $70 CHALLENGER BASKETBALL Registration ends: Jan. 27 Ages 3+ with Special Needs. Fee: $15 START SMART BASKETBALL Registration ends: Jan. 30 Ages 3-6. Fee: $50 ADULT KICKBALL & SOFTBALL Registration ends: Feb. 5 Ages 16+. Fee: $390/team ADULT VOLLEYBALL Registration ends: March 5 Ages 16+. Fee: $225/team NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016 {PAGE 2}