Don’t ignore the Census
It’s Census time, when the formal count of the population of the entire United States is taken.
Our Founding Fathers wrote in the Constitution that every 10 years the population is to be counted.
So why is it important to know the population? Simply put, while every state has two Senators, the Census determines the number of seats each state will have in the House of Representatives, based on a state’s population. And the Census can help determine dollar distribution for government programs.
What questions will be asked? The number of people living with you, their ages, races, national origins, genders and their relation to you. You also will be asked whether you own your home or rent it. Don’t worry; your information is protected.
By now, you should have received something in the mail about the Census; don’t ignore it — by law, you must participate. You can respond online, by mail or by phone. If you haven’t responded, the Census Bureau will send someone to your home beginning in May. For more information, v is itwww .2020 census. gov. TECH TUESDAY Did you know? The average compact disc (CD) holds about 74 minutes of music.
BOX IT UP
DEAR HELOISE » Every Tuesday morning when I put out the trash, I look up and down our street in Chatsworth, California, and the trash bins are overflowing with empty cardboard boxes!
Is there any way they can be recycled? Perhaps the companies could have a place where the boxes can be returned? What are your thoughts?
— Joe D., via email
Joe, this is becoming a real issue, and companies are stepping up to find solutions. The biggest online commerce company is attempting to recycle more of its shipping containers and cardboard boxes.
In one program, they are asking their customers, when donating household items and clothing to charities, to place the donations back into the cardboard boxes. They are even providing pre-paid shipping labels to ship the boxes to big charity houses.
To get involved, search “Give Back Box Program” via a search engine on your computer.
STOP THIEF!
DEAR HELOISE » Think about it: A sport utility vehicle (SUV) doesn’t have a trunk, so there are fewer compartments in which to conceal personal property — merchandise, laptops, luggage if you’re traveling, etc. Get in the habit of not leaving valuables in plain sight, especially if it’s in an SUV.
— Mike in Texas
IMAGINE THAT
DEAR HELOISE » I am astounded by the enthusiasm of your readers. Does everyone use exclamation points, or do you add them in your editing process?!!
— Martin K., via email Martin, we love the energy and excitement of our readers, and while we do edit for grammar, brevity and clarity, letters are otherwise printed as is!! Thank you for your inquiry!!
Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@ Heloise.com.