Comic Strip: ROCK’burb 2/12/11

The 2010 Census results for Maryland were released this week. Rockville Central has been a Media Partner throughout the process so we’re excited to see the results.

About ROCK’burb: Last year we were tossing around ideas for new features on Rockville Central. We thought Saturday morning comics would be fun. Since I’ve always wanted to draw a comic strip, I decided to give it a try. Sometimes an idea pops up in my head and sometimes my whole family thinks up a panel about our lives here in Rockville.

Do you like to draw? We’re hoping we have other cartoonists who would be interested in submitting comic strips. If you have one about life in Rockville, please send it along! We’d love to see it and may even publish it. Remember, be nice! Email us: [email protected].

Local Census Information Still To Be Released But In The Meantime Survey Results

You may have noticed the U.S. Census Bureau delivered the official national and state population counts to the President yesterday. The U.S. Constitution mandates the data report on or before December 31st every ten years.

If you are wondering when we will learn the official counts for Rockville and Montgomery County, we need to wait until after January of next year. Since the District of Columbia was treated as a state, it was the only city to receive their population data.

As for Maryland, the official state population count used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives indicates there will be no change in the number of congressional representatives which is currently 8. Maryland’s population was counted as 5,773,552 which is a 9% increase since the last census. This makes Maryland the 7th densest state in the country with 594.8 people per square mile.

An interactive map showing the apportionment, density and populations of all states is here.

As a 2010 Census Media Partner, we look forward to finding out Rockville’s official count.

In the meantime, we can appease our data addiction by perusing the results of the many surveys conducted by the Census Bureau.

In particular, the American Community Survey provides social, economic, housing and demographic statistics for every community in the nation. The information was collected from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009 consists of about 11.1 billion individual estimates and more than 670,000 distinct geographies. This is the first time there was such a massive compilation of data estimates for small geographic areas.

ROCKVILLE INFO:

You can see extensive results on all aspects of life here in Rockville . This includes households, relationships, fertility, schools, education, place of birth, and language. There are also links to the Economic, Housing, and Demographic survey results. Also the extensive Narrative includes many, many graphs.

Rockville Exceeds County, State And Nation In Census Participation

Yesterday the U.S. Census Bureau announced the final mail participation rates for the 2010 Census questionnaire and the residents of Rockville did well filling out and mailing back the forms.

The City of Rockville participation rate was 81% compared to 80% for Montgomery County and 76% for Maryland.

The final rate includes an additional 2% of households that mailed back their forms after April 27. These forms were received too late to prevent a visit by a census taker, but they were included in the final tally.

Census Bureau Director Robert Groves explained, “We are very pleased with the public’s response to the 2010 Census, and these results demonstrate that the public stepped up to be counted.”

The nationwide participation rate was 74% and the Census Bureau considers this rate “a significant achievement in a time of declining survey participation worldwide.” Good job Rockville for far exceeding the national results!
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Approximately 47 million households that did not mail back a census form by the deadline were visited by census takers in person as part of a series of operations and methods to ensure as complete a count as possible. The Census Bureau either received a form or attempted repeated visits to 100 percent of the identified housing units in the country.

The law requires the Census Bureau to report the results to the nation by December 31st.

2010 Census Came In $1.6 Billion Under Budget

Today the U.S. Census Bureau announced it is returning $1.6 billion in 2010 Census operational savings which is 22% of the 2010 Census costs for the fiscal year. Across America, 72% of households returned the questionnaire by mail so there were lower costs in following up. Here in Rockville we helped even more with a 79% mail participation rate.

Some of the funding was set aside for “disasters or major operational breakdowns” and it was not needed. Also, employees completed assignments more efficiently, which is good news.

Right now quality assurance checks are making sure we had an accurate and complete count. You might be one of the small number of households who will receive a follow-up phone call or visit from a census taker to ensure that the data collected on your form is as accurate and complete as possible.

So, when do we get the results?

By law, the Census Bureau is required to report by the end of the year the nation’s population and apportionment of seats to each state in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rockville Central is a 2010 Census Media Partner.

Today Is The Last Day To Mail Your 2010 Census

If you haven’t mailed it, you are going to get a knock on your door by a Census worker. This is your last warning! If your Census questionnaire is still laying around your house, you will be visited by a worker going door to door to collect census responses unless you mail it today. The U.S. Constitution mandates an accurate count of every person living in the United States every ten years.Census workers have been hired from our community and they’ll come a knockin’ up to six times. Each time they’ll leave a door hanger featuring a phone number. Residents can call the number on the hanger to schedule a visit and be counted.“Now’s the time to clear off your kitchen table and stick that form in the mail,” U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. “Residents who fail to mail back their forms today should be prepared to get a knock on their doors in May and July.”How did Rockville do? I >looked at the participation rates for the Top 50 Cities in the US and we’re not on it. Maryland is at 74%, Montgomery County is at 74% and Rockville is at 76%. So 24% of the City’s households have not returned their forms.

Remember: The 2010 Census count will be used to decide on congressional seats for states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments, and to make decisions about which community services to provide.

All the 2010 Census forms are short. 10 questions in less than 10 minutes. Your privacy is protected by law.

Be counted Rockville!

Today is Census Day

If you haven’t filled out your 2010 Census, do it today! You can still mail it back if you haven’t already done so. The U.S. Census Bureau mailed or hand-delivered about 134 million questionnaires and only about half have been mailed back.Each form returned by mail saves us about $57 in tax dollars because it costs about $57 per household to be visited by an enumerator. The U.S. Constitution requires an enumeration of every person living in the United States. If you don’t mail it back you will be visited by a census taker starting in May — at significant taxpayer cost. The easiest and best way to be counted in the census is to fill out and return your form by mail. If everyone mailed back a completed form the cost of administering the census would be reduced by about $1.5 billion.>

“I’d like nothing more than to return money to the taxpayers following this census because they mailed back the census forms at a record rate,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “In the end, the American public’s willingness to participate in the 2010 Census will determine its success and how much money we’re able to save.”

You can check on Rockville’s progress with the interactive map here. Rockville’s currently above the national average at 62%. So 38% haven’t mailed it yet!

It’s only ten questions and takes less than 10 minutes. Just do it (if you haven’t already) and remind everyone else!

Which Neighborhood Is Leading The 2010 Census Participation Rate?

So far the Rockville neighborhood with the highest rate is … Woodley Gardens!Today the national rate is 20% and I’m so pleased to look at the >interactive 2010 Census Map and see that all of Rockville is above the national average. Woodley Gardens is leading with a big 39%.

Have you filled out and returned your 2010 Census Questionaire yet? I did. It took about 5 minutes to carefully read everything and provide the information for my family of four.

Thanks to this wonderful piece by Temperance Blalock, I thought about future generations researching the Cotte and Griffiths families when I filled out the information. Remember the Census is completely confidential! The Census Bureau is not permitted to share your information with anyone, but after 72 years the data is released.

As it states in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States, the Census is required by law:

The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of 10 years, in such manner as they shall by Law direct.

If you have any questions, visit the Census site.

We all have to return our Census forms by April 1st. I hope to look at the interactive map and see that every neighborhood in Rockville is at a 100% participation rate. Census workers will come to your door if you don’t return it. Save everyone the time and money and do it today!

It’s Only Going To Take 10 Minutes (Or Less Really)

My >2010 Census arrived yesterday and I’m sure if you haven’t received your form, you will any minute now. The questionnaire went out to 120 million mailboxes this week.

When households don’t return the form, census takers must go to the homes to get the answers to the questionnaires, costing us all more money. If everyone mailed back their form, we would save about $1.5 billion. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimates that for every 1% increase in the mail back response, we will save approximately $85 million.

From the Census Bureau announcement:

“I’d like nothing more than to return money to the taxpayers following this census because they mailed back the census forms at a record rate,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “In the end, the American public’s willingness to participate in the 2010 Census will determine its success and how much money we’re able to return to Congress.”

Check here for an interactive map which shows the response rate. You can see which areas are doing the best. Type in your zip code to see if your neighbors have returned their forms. Let’s go Rockville!

Remember, all census responses are confidential. Answers are protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone. The Census Bureau takes extreme measures to protect the identity of individuals and businesses.

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The information will be used to decide congressional seats, distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds, and make decisions about what community services to provide.

The form is one of the shortest in history! 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. So just do it! You have until April 1st.

Don't Fall For A Census Scam

Today the> 2010 Census will mail letters alerting you to the fact that you will soon be receiving your 2010 Census questionnaire in the mail. Believe it or not, many more people return their Census questionnaire if they receive the advance letter.

Since activity around the 2010 Census is starting, I thought it would be helpful to review how the Census Bureau contacts people. There are always lots of criminals who will take advantage of any opportunity to rip you off. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how you will be contacted. Don’t fall for a scam!

The Census Bureau:
Does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet.
Does NOT send emails about participating in the Census.

The Census Bureau:
NEVER asks for your full social security number
NEVER Asks for money or donations
NEVER Sends requests on behalf of a political party
NEVER requests PIN codes, passwords or similar information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

If you think someone is scamming you the Census Bureau has advice and asks for your help.

In Person Scam
Check for a valid Census ID badge.
Ask for a second form of ID.
Census workers should NEVER ask to enter your home.
Call your regional office to verify you are in the survey.

Email Scams
If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on links!
Do not open attachments.
Forward the email or web url to [email protected]
After forwarding, delete the message.

Mail scams
Contact the US Postal Inspection Service.

Every community has been challenged to improve their mail-in participation rates over those from 2000. If you don’t mail in the Census, a worker will come to your door. We here in Rockville all want to do our part to be counted, but we don’t want criminals to ruin the process.

Your 2010 Census Survey Will Arrive In One Month

If you are like me, the mail piles up and you try to take out the important pieces. Keep an eye out for >the 2010 Census which will arrive mid-March. You have to fill it out and return it by April 1, 2010.

You will receive a short questionnaire that is simple to complete and return with questions such as:

• Name
• Sex
• Age
• Date of birth
• Origin
• Race
• Household relationship
• If you own or rent

The census DOES NOT ask about the legal status of respondents or Social Security numbers.

Once you get your form in the mail, fill it in and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.
Any request for census information from the Census Bureau will be clearly identified as coming from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States. It is a federal offense for anyone to pretend they represent the Census Bureau.

College students living away from home should not be counted on their parents’ questionnaires. If someone lives away at school, their Census form will arrive in April or May. People should be counted where they live and sleep most of the year, so students living in on-campus housing need to answer their questionnaires themselves at school.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including federal, state, and local agencies. Your information will be kept completely confidential.

If for some reason you don’t return your questionnaire, a Census worker will come to your home. Before your household receives a visit from the Census Bureau, you will be given a few days notice with a letter from the Census Bureau Director.

10 Questions in 10 Minutes for 10 Years

The 2010 Census And Jobs In Rockville

On March 17, 2010 approximately 350,000 Census forms will be mailed to Montgomery County households in an effort to count almost one million people. Everyone needs to mail them back for April 1st. You cannot respond online.The >ten simple questions should take less than 10 minutes to answer and we’ll all live with the results for 10 years. This is one of the shortest census forms in history and everyone is getting the exact same form. You will be asked number of people, type of residence, telephone number, names, sex, birth date, and race of residents, and whether anyone sometimes stays elsewhere. That’s it! Short and simple.

All U.S. Census Bureau employees are sworn to confidentiality and cannot share the information with any other agencies. This month the Montgomery County Census office opened in Rockville. Beyond the reception area, the office is restricted to guarantee privacy.

How to Get a Census Job:

The 2010 Census is hiring for temporary positions out of the Rockville office. The positions pay between $14 and $20 per hour. People are needed to work from Spring through Fall 2010. For the most part, Census workers need to count the households which did not return a Census form. The hours are flexible up to 40 per week and mileage is reimbursed for field jobs.

The first step is calling 1-866-861-2010. You’ll be asked for your zip code and directed to the Rockville office phone bank. You’ll then be scheduled for a nearby information session. Applicants then take a basic skills test with simple math and logic questions to prove they will be able to understand addresses. After passing the basic field test, applicants can also apply for supervisor and office positions.

The Rockville office is looking for bi-lingual census workers in many languages. The test is in English so applicants must be able to successfully complete the test in English. There is a Spanish version but applicants must also take an English proficiency exam.

If you know someone fluent in another language, please let them know about the jobs. We need to reach everyone in Montgomery County to have an accurate count. The 2010 Census has done an amazing job of reaching out to leaders and organizations serving every ethnic group in Montgomery County from the Islamic Society to the CASA but the follow up to those who don’t respond is imperative.

Montgomery County has seen a tremendous surge in growth and diversity. The 2010 Census will insure we are not underserved if we can reduce the undercount.

2010 Census Kickoff: Why Are We Doing This Now?

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Photo by Sharan London

This past Wednesday, October 21, 2009, Montgomery County kicked off the 2010 Census at a big rally in Rockville Town Square. Although I couldn’t go, Sharan London, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and one of more than 150 members of the County’s Complete Count Committee, did attend. She was kind enough to snap some pictures for me. A highlight of the rally was the Beall Elementary School Chorus singing God Bless America for the crowd of elected officials, civic, business and community representatives.

Beall Chorus photo by Sharan London

Some of you might be wondering why so many people are making a fuss about the census when all we have to do is answer a survey on April 1, 2010. As we know, people are busy and might overlook the questionaire. Others may be afraid to answer the survey because they think the information will be shared with other government agencies. However, the census information is confidential and required by law. The Census Bureau cannot share responses with anyone including welfare, law enforcement, and immigration agencies. Montgomery County cares about the survey because the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to communities based in large part on its results. They need every single household to expect delivery of the survey and answer it in order to get an accurate count of residents. They also want to be sure to count all populations, including those experiencing homelessness. So they’ve kicked off the campaign now.

County Executive Ike Leggett said:

If we fail to count all of our residents, we could lose millions of dollars in funding for important County programs and services. Those least likely to respond may have the most to lose.

Take a moment to visit the brand new 2010 Census website. An interactive picture answers questions. It’s not your usual government website. I started to follow the 2010 Census on Twitter! As we know, I signed Rockville Central up as a Census Media Partner, so you’ll be hearing much more in the coming months.

If you need a job, they are starting to accept applications NOW for temporary census taker positions. These positions pay fairly well and could be perfect for someone wanting to do something different and earn a salary.

The 2010 Census Is Coming

Census Day is April 1, 2010. Because we want to do our part to make sure everyone residing in Rockville is counted, >Rockville Central has volunteered to be a Media Partner with the 2010 Census. This means I’ll be bringing you updates on the process, job opportunities, and interesting demographic information.

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The state population counts from the census are used to determine representation in the House of Representatives and the boundaries of legislative districts. Every year the federal government awards more than $300 billion to states and communities based in part on census data. Census results are used to make decisions about schools, roads, hospitals, job training, child-care and senior programs.

We need the count to be as accurate as possible, so everyone needs to fill out the questionnaire. In the past, different length questionnaires have been used but this time there is one short version for everyone. I have a copy and it’s simple. The 10 questions should take 10 minutes to complete. You will receive your copy in March. Don’t worry, the Census Bureau cannot share your information with anyone, including other federal agencies or law enforcement.

Approximately 140,000 census workers have already canvassed most neighborhoods across the country to identify each residential address. For the first time, workers used hand-held technology. The process will result in the most comprehensive U.S. address list in existence, which will be available at the end of the month.

The City of Rockville is also looking for teams of community leaders to serve on Complete Count Committees (CCC) and create local awareness campaigns. If you know the ways to reach people who reside in your area, think about starting or joining a CCC. If you would like to help make a difference, contact Shannon Loomis at 240-314-8117 or [email protected].