As most folks in the community agree, one of the most highly anticipated events is the Northeast Hospital Gala. Every year, the hospital outdoes the former year, transforming the Civic Center into a marvelous party, gathering hundreds of auction items and showcasing professional talent. It has been a WOW event for years. Then, Northeast Hospital became part of the Memorial Hermann system. The system has their own gala and hitting everyone up two times for galas makes neither event successful.
There have been many changes at the hospital - new administration, new policies, new paint and signage. All those plans take lots of meetings and strategizing. The Northeast Hospital Foundation, which was the organization behind the Gala, still exists. Last year, the first after all the changes, there was a gala but no auction. It costs a tremendous amount of money to put on the galas and ultimately, it was decided not to continue them. So - newsflash. NO more galas. The gala is gone. :(
The Memorial Hermann Foundation has stepped in to replace the event with something even more fun and exciting. Think October. Think pink. Think midday meal. I don't want to say too much more but yours truly is on the host committee and we have some surprises in store!

This summer, more and more Americans find themselves thinking twice before taking road trips because of gas prices. According to a national study conducted by WNBC/Marist College, 63% of Americans plan to take a summer vacation but gas prices are one factor in the plans they are making.

After hearing a friend complain about being ‘violated’ every time she went to fill her tank, Andrew Noakes wrote 101 Ways to Beat the Gas Pump. A former car dealership owner and collector and restorer of classic cars, Noakes shares ways drivers can save big money in gas expenses each year. Noakes shares tips for drivers, such as:

* Drive barefoot!
* Buy your gas during the coolest hours of the day
* Use your cruise control
* Do not purchase gas from a station that has just had its tanks refilled
* Keep the windows and sun roofs up

LEGISLATORS OPPOSE NEW 911 PHONE TAX HIKE BY STATE AGENCY

AUSTIN—July 15, 2008 -- Two Texas state legislators today called on the state agency that manages the 911 system statewide to discontinue collection of a monthly tax it has imposed on pre-paid cell phones used by hundreds of thousands of low-income, elderly and rural consumers in the state.

Last month the Commission on State Emergency Communications voted in a controversial and heavily criticized move to apply a monthly tax of $.50 to every purchase of a prepaid cell phone or prepaid minutes.

The Texas Consumer Association and the Gray Panthers of Texas registered their strong objections to the Commission’s action, stating that many older Texans and low-income residents rely upon the affordable prepaid phones to stay connected to family members and to seek and maintain employment. The groups are concerned that any increase in cost, in these difficult economic times, may adversely affect these vulnerable Texans.

State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez of Austin and State Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas have joined the grassroots groups in opposition to the new tax.

“I strongly urge the CSEC, at its July Board meeting, to consider repealing this fee as it applies to prepaid phone use until the Legislature can consider a more equitable solution to the problem,” wrote Rep. Rodriguez. He further noted in his letter that his “district includes a significant number of low income residents who face daily challenges such as paying for escalating gas and food costs.”

Rep. Anchia, in his letter to the Commission, stated, “Since the legislation was enacted, the use of prepaid phones has greatly increased among low income and elderly Texans. Many of these residents are living on a limited or fixed income and are struggling in today’s challenging economy.” He continued, “I hope the CSEC will refrain from collecting this fee from prepaid cell phone users.”

The Commission is scheduled to meet in Austin, Texas on Friday, July 25th to further consider the new tax on prepaid cell phones.

Let’s Talk: Cell Phone Early Termination Fees up for Debate

Angie’s List advises current customers to speak up early to get what may only be offered to new customers

It’s looking like the beginning of the end for those triple-digit early termination fees that have trapped consumers in cell phone contracts or required them to shell out hundreds of dollars to get out early. Two of the biggest cell phone companies have already started scaling back termination fees, two others are preparing to, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also on the job.

But consumers shouldn’t get too excited just yet, cautions Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, (www.angieslist.com), the nation’s leading consumer rating service.

“These early termination changes would only affect new customers,” Hicks said. “Current customers who are facing early termination fees will need to be smart negotiators if they want to get a break.”

The FCC met June 12 to discuss an industry-sponsored proposal that would give new cell phone customers a 30-day grace period to cancel their contracts without penalty. After those 30 days, early termination charges would be pro-rated over the life of the contract. Pro-rated billing would result in customers paying much less to terminate a contract in its 20th month as compared, for example, to its 4th month of service. The termination fee proposal comes as cell phone companies are facing class-action lawsuits that claim the early termination fees are unfair. If the FCC approves the proposal, those lawsuits could be dismissed.

“Sometimes you can’t negotiate your way out of early termination fees, but it’s definitely worth a shot – especially with these changes underway,” Hicks said. “The worst thing that can happen is the company won’t budge. But if you keep your cool and plead a good case, you could undo the contract you’re in and get a fresh start.”

Angie’s List Tips to avoid paying a full termination fee:

* Know your contract: Understand what you've signed up for, so you can negotiate out of it. Have your contract with you when you approach the company and quote from it to bolster your position – especially if you didn’t get all the service the contract promised.
* Shop the competition: Determine what other providers are offering and use that as leverage. Even if you have to pay a termination fee, you may be able to save overall by jumping ship.
* Start with the Customer Service Department: Lay out your case for why you want to end your contract early. Be specific about what you signed up for and outline what you haven’t gotten (if that’s the case.)
* If necessary, go to the top: If the representative insists that you must pay the full termination fee, remind him/her of the actions the FCC and some providers are taking. If you still don’t get anywhere, ask for a manager and lay out your case again.
* Ask for customer retention department: If you have a good payment record with the company, ask to speak with the Customer Retention Department and lay out your case one more time. If you have a good record, the Retention Department will work hard to keep you as a customer, possibly forgiving the termination fees altogether and offering you a better deal.

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Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local service providers in more than 330 different categories. Currently, more than 650,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right professional for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the award-winning Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com. Read Angie’s blog at http://www.angiehicksblog.com.