Volume 031921 | March 19, 2021

Your weekly news & updates

I hope you took time to enjoy the art work on display in downtown being played by professional and amateur pianists on Thursday. If you didn't, you missed a treat! The pianos are part of a new public art project developed by Public Sketch, a group led by Doug Moss (pictured talking with a TV news crew), with help from the Taylor Public Arts Advisory Board. The project was inspired by a similar effort in New York City. for Taylor, Public Sketch gathered four pianos and placed them along Main Street. They can be found at the corner of Main and 5th, Main and 4th, Main and 2nd and on 2nd outside the McCrory-Timmerman building. Public Sketch contracted with artists to paint them including (clockwise from left in the photo) Judy Blundell, Nick Ramos, Adam Davenport, and Shawn Cox. On March 18, pianists shared their own art at the grand unveiling. And, YES! You are welcome to play them, too! In fact, that's the whole point! Now some people have wondered about how these instruments, now works of art, will withstand the elements. Well, most of them weren't in great shape to begin with. They are past their prime with sticky keys and, though they have been tuned, little ability to still echo a clear pitch. This is their last hurrah, their chance to "rage against the dying of [their] light." So, help them. Celebrate them, play them, listen to others play. It's a wonderful way to celebrate life returning this Spring of 2021 to our lives and to our community.

Information & Education

State of Our City luncheon will be in person at Holiday Inn We hope you will all join us at noon Monday, April 19, for a special message on the State of our City from Mayor Brandt Rydell. This program will mark the return to in-person meetings for the Chamber's monthly luncheon. Reservations for the meeting will cost $15 to attend and, if registered prior to 5 p.m. Monday, April 12, will include a pre-packaged lunch from Thrall Country Diner. Reservations after April 12 will not include lunch. Click HERE to register. SPONSORED BY

Long may she wave! The Chamber is grateful to Larry Johnson who rehabilitated the flag pole and rehung the flag in front of our office recently. We appreciate his thoughtfulness and his beautiful work! Why are flags at half staff? By the order of the President of the United States Joe Biden, the United States Flag should be flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, March 22, honoring the victims of the tragedy in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Orders like this can come from the president or from the Governor of your state. You can sign up for flag status notifications for the US and Texas HERE.

Chamber News and Calendar

Thursday, March 25, 8 a.m. -- Funding: Zoom Thursday, April 8, 8 a.m. -- Finance: Zoom Monday, April 12, 6 p.m. -- Local Candidate Forum featuring candidates for TISD Place 2 and City District 3 Tuesday, April 13, 5 p.m.--Tourism: Zoom Monday. April 19, noon--Chamber Luncheon Wednesday, April 21, noon--Programs & Services: Zoom Thursday, April 29, 8 a.m.-- Funding: Zoom Thursday, May 6, 8 a.m.-- Finance: Zoom Monday, May 10, 5:15 p.m.--Board Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 5 p.m.-- Tourism: Zoom For information on joining these or any Chamber meeting or committee, email info@taylorchamber.org.

Free rapid Covid tests So far, the Chamber has saved local businesses more than $10,000 (in test costs alone) by providing free rapid Covid-19 antigen tests that have helped businesses protect their employees and stay working. While we hope and believe the end of this virus is in sight, we are continuing to offer this service at 1519 N. Main St. for employees of its member businesses. Please call the Chamber at 512-352-6364 to setup a time and ask those being tested to register at register.txrapidtest.org prior to their arrival.

Member announcements

Passover Seder Please join Northview Christian Church Friday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. for a traditional Seder meal with a Christian perspective. Reserve your spot today HERE. Schedule your blood donation today! Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Taylor will host a blood drive 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday April 27. To register for an appointment, call 877-724-4376 or click HERE. Edward Jones of Taylor is hiring Carol VanderDys of Edward Jones is looking for a Branch Office Administrator full-time. To be considered for this position please submit a resume online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job code53557BR Golf Tournament The Rotary Club of Taylor will host its annual golf tournament at noon Friday, April 9, at Mustang Creek Golf Course. Four-player teams can register for $300 (which includes a sponsorship) and sponsorships without teams are $100. Find more information about registration HERE and sponsorship HERE. To learn more, email Austin Brown at AustinBrownSales@gmail.com. Square Dancing Square Dancing with Al Frazier invites families, couples and singles age 10 and up to a square dance party 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Christ Fellowship Church, 1517 McLain St. Reserve you spot today! RSVP to Al Frazier, 512-632-1932 or TSCA@alfraziertx.com.

Service Fair The Rotary Club of Taylor plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary in Taylor with a Service Fair designed to connect volunteer organizations and service clubs with people looking to become more involved in our community. The event is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at The Loose Screw, 410 W. 7th St. Clubs and organizations interested should email Tia Rae Stone at tia.stone@gmail.com. Local job opportunities Hart Components is hiring full time workers for first and second shift. Starting pay $12-$14 plus benefits. Will train. Stop by 110 Southpark Blvd. anytime from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 20 to learn more and APPLY!