St. Joe River Drive closed on Tuesday 12/29

From The News-Sentinel, December 28, 2008 edition:

St. Joe River Drive will be closed to all traffic between Anthony Boulevard and Crescent Avenue, the city announced today.
The closure will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The closure will allow the Water Maintenance Department to make emergency repairs to the water main that is leaking on St. Joe River Drive.

The Water Maintenance Department will be responsible for placement and maintenance of all warning signs and barricades.

For further information or for problems that may develop contact the Traffic Engineering Department at 427-1172

Tree Clean-up Update from the City of Fort Wayne

CITY PRIORITIZING CLEARING LIMBS IN STREETS, HARDEST HIT NEIGHBORHOODS
Drop-off sites and roll-off containers available for residents

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne has made clearing the remaining tree limbs from streets the first priority in the ongoing tree limb clean-up. The Parks and Recreation Department has three crews out currently cutting limbs and chipping branches that remain in the street.

Crews from Public Works and City Utilities are in each quadrant of the city, working to clear limbs from some of the hardest hit neighborhoods.

“The number of downed limbs and fallen tree branches is unprecedented in recent history,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This clean-up isn’t going to happen in a week. We are working hard to pick up the branches, but it’s a labor-intensive process that takes time, probably a matter of months. Cooperation and patience from Fort Wayne residents is necessary as we work through the aftermath of this storm.”

Residents can place branches and limbs in the parkstrip or right of way –where they would place leaves for pick up – for City crews to pick up in the future or for more immediate removal, they can take them to the tree-branch drop-off sites or National Serv-All roll-off containers placed in some neighborhoods.

City residents can drop off tree limbs to:
• City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., with hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. It will be closed Thursday. The fees for tree branch drop-off are being waived.
• Shoaff Park Christmas tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
• Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
• Foster Park West at Winchester and Bluffton entrance during park hours
• Foellinger Theatre parking lot during park hours
• McMillen Park’s pool parking lot during park hours

The City has also placed National Serv-All roll-off containers at the following locations for branches:

Springbrook Road at the dead end by the park
Cranbrook Drive at the dead end
2814 Fleetwood
2400 block of Edsall
3400 block of Harvester
Heritage at Yorkshire
Jimru Street between Graham and Wayside
6100 block of Salge Drive
Concordia Gardens at the park off of Woodbrook
Congress Avenue, west of Willmette Avenue
4400 block of Marquette Ave.
Norma Court cul-de-sac
8700 block of Rummel Avenue
2400 block of Miner Street

The City is working on additional locations for branch containers and will release an updated list later this week. The roll-off containers are for brush and branches only, no other trash or debris, so the material can be chipped into mulch instead of going to the landfill.

“The City is offering a number of options for tree brush removal,” Henry said. “Some people may prefer to remove the branches themselves, or they can wait for us to get there. If able, you may also want to consider helping out an elderly or disabled neighbor who might have difficulty bringing the branches to the street.”

City ordinance prohibits burning the branches and debris.

The clean-up is ongoing following a harsh ice storm that hit Fort Wayne Dec. 19.

News release from the city of Fort Wayne, via Karen Goldner

I do hope you are reading this from your own home, meaning that you have electricity. If you know of older people or folks with special needs, please check on them during this bitter cold weather.

And I am told that the Christmas Eve luminaries on Forest Park Boulevard are still "a go" - a beautiful Christmas tradition. Drive down the boulevard and enjoy the glow.

From the Mayor's Office:

For release: Monday, December 22, 2008

CITY RESIDENTS TO REPORT TREE LIMBS IN PARK STRIP TO 311 FOR PICK-UP
311 open until 8 tonight, shelters remain open for those without heat

Fort Wayne, Ind. The City of Fort Wayne has already started picking up downed tree limbs and needs the public's help to prioritize the areas of greatest need and to ensure a thorough clean-up effort.

Mayor Tom Henry asks Fort Wayne residents to call 311 if they have tree branches in the parkstrip or if branches are still in the street.

To facilitate an orderly and faster tree limb pick-up, we need your help to know where the problem areas are. Please call 311 if you have tree branches in the park strip, Mayor Henry said. I've instructed our employees that we are going to need to work some overtime to help get our city back in order. The City of Fort Wayne is working hard to clean-up the large quantity of branches that fell over the past four days but it's going to take some time.

If possible, Mayor Henry asks residents to clear the branches from sidewalks too. Some of these limbs are far too large to move, but if you can clear off the sidewalks, it will be appreciated, he said.

The crews are prioritizing safety, clearing major roadways first and then neighborhood clean-up.

The Parks Department and the Street Department are working together to clear branches from roadways and pick-up the debris. Parks has four crews out today and will work throughout Tuesday and Friday and on an emergency basis Wednesday and Thursday.

Starting tomorrow, the Street Department and Water Pollution Control will have crews, consisting of a back-hoe, two to three large dump trucks and a couple of laborers, in southeast Fort Wayne, Waynedale and near Lakeside Park, to assist with clean-up efforts. Cooperative weather will help speed clean-up efforts.

311 call center extends hours tonight

The City's 311 Call Center will be open until 8 p.m. today. 311 is taking non-emergency calls for things such as tree limbs obstructing streets. It will have regular hours tomorrow, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

911 should be used for emergencies only including downed power lines. Do not touch any downed utility wire.

Shelter information

The Red Cross has set up shelters at The War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., and South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun St., with cots and sleeping space, and free meals.

Those heading to a shelter should bring bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, games or toys for their children, and if needed, medications and baby formula.

The Coliseum site is also serving as an animal shelter for dogs and cats. Any dog or cat owners sheltering pets at the Coliseum will need to stay at the Red Cross’s Coliseum shelter too to provide intermittent care. Animal Care & Control employees and volunteers are staffing the temporary shelter that will be open through 10 p.m. Tuesday.

People with pets registering at the Coliseum should leave the animal in the car and register first at the expo center. They should let the Red Cross staff know they have a pet, and they will be directed to the appropriate entrance to drop off the dog or cat.

Pet owners should bring the following items for their animal:

Crate or kennel
Food and medications
Secure collar and leash
Blanket for sleeping or to cover the crate
Favorite toy

Mayor Henry encourages residents who have been without power and heat for days to go to the local shelters, which are offering their services for free.

These locations are set up for the safety and well-being of people who are heading into their fourth day without electricity and likely heat. Don't take risks with overusing space heaters or fireplaces. Come to the Coliseum or South Side High School,” Henry said.

If residents needs help in arranging for transportation to the Red Cross shelters, they can call 311.

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has opened the Central Branch, the Parkview Family YMCA, the Jorgensen Family YMCA and the Old Fort YMCA to the public for showering purposes until power is restored.

Water pipes

If a resident finds a frozen pipe in their house has burst, they need to call 311. If it’s after hours, follow the prompts for Water Maintenance and Service. The Water Maintenance dispatcher will send a crew to the house to turn off the water at the location.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to call a plumber to fix the pipe. Once the plumbing is fixed, the resident or homeowner needs to call 311 again to have Water Maintenance turn the water on again.

For frozen pipes, the homeowner needs to call a plumber or use hot water or UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer to thaw the pipe. City Utilities does not need to be involved. Do not use an open flame like a blow torch to thaw a pipe.

If a house or building has no heat, occupants should turn on the faucets with a stream the diameter of a pencil to help minimize chances of the pipes freezing. If the hot water heater is working, the water should be lukewarm running through the faucets.

Leave any cabinet doors open to help circulate air around the pipes too. The air in the house is likely to be warmer than the air outside.

Some garbage and recycling pick-up from Monday delayed

Some residents who have garbage and curbside recycling pick-up on Monday may be delayed until Tuesday or Wednesday of this week due to the adverse weather conditions.

National Serv-All crews will be working extra shifts the next two days. If a Monday customer did not have pick-up today, they should leave their cart or bins out until collected.

Monday's customers do not need to call 311 about the missed pick-up. National Serv-All is keeping track of the streets not picked up.

Safety tips from Fort Wayne Fire Department

The Fire Department has seen problems with people operating decorative fireplaces too long, with too much wood or too hot, which can create fire safety hazards and resulted in some house fires over the weekend.

The Fire Department is also concerned about carbon monoxide levels in homes where kerosene space heaters are not being used with proper ventilation. Use all space heaters according to manufacturer's instructions.

The Fire Department offers the following tips to residents who are without heat to stay safe:

Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building.

Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire.

If trying to thaw a frozen pipe, do not use a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer.

Only use a space heater when it is monitored at all times. Do not leave a space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers' guidelines especially in using the recommended fuel for that space heater. Be sure to refuel the space heater outside, away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot.

Power outages and traffic signals

Twenty-two traffic signals are out from the widespread power outages, down from a high of 65. The City has placed temporary stop signs at the affected intersections, but Mayor Henry reminds drivers that when a signal is not working, it becomes a four-way stop unless otherwise marked with stop signs.

Mayor Henry recommends anyone still without power to contact their electric company to report the outage.

Indiana Michigan Power customers need to call (800) 311-4634 and follow the automated prompts. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.

With the help of additional crews, Indiana Michigan Power is working to restore power to customers with crews coming from out of state to help the efforts. For I&M service updates, visit http://www.indianamichiganpower.com/news/outages/viewstorm.asp?stormName=December%202008%20Ice%20Storm.

Because of the power outage, Weisser Park Youth Center will be closed today.

Tree branches drop-off sites

The City expanded the number of sites for tree branch drop-off and lengthening the hours for the Biosolids facility.

City residents can drop off tree limbs to:

City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., with hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. It will be closed Thursday. The fees for tree branch drop-off are being waived.

Shoaff Park Christmas tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours

Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours

Foster Park West at Winchester and Bluffton entrance

Foellinger Theatre parking lot during park hours

McMillen Park’s pool parking lot during park hours

For trees in the parkstrip, City crews will pick up limbs. For tree branches from the yard, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to remove them.

For a nominal fee, residents can also take limbs and debris to the National Serv-All compost site, 6231 MacBeth Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Animal Care & Control's request for donations

In this animal emergency, Belinda Lewis, Animal Care & Control director, is asking for the public’s help with some items of need. The shelter, 3020 Hillegas Road, will be open until midnight to accept the following donations:

Temporary donations of crates and airline kennels; the items will be clearly marked with the owner’s name and returned after the emergency

Paper towels
Buckets
Plastic grocery bags to be used as pooper-scooper bags

The remaining space at the Animal Care & Control shelter is reserved for public safety or animal emergencies.

Be diligent about safety.

A resident e-mailed recently to share an incident that happened close by. An elderly woman was robbed in her home last Saturday night. She lives in the Rolston/Glenwood area. Apparently several masked men with long trench coats, gloves and guns broke in her door at 12:30 a.m. Sunday and told her they wouldn’t harm her if she cooperated.

Please remember to be diligent about keeping yourselves safe. Lock your homes and cars, keep outside lights on, and don't leave purchases in your car. And, if you notice any suspicious activity, don't hesitate to call our FWPD Neighborhood Liaison, Officer Matthew Cline at 427-5400 x4519, or call the FWPD Desk Sergeant at 427-1222.

Items of Interest

Safety first: The City of Fort Wayne reports that skating ponds at our city parks, including Lakeside, are NOT safe for ice skating due to current weather conditions. Snow and rain tend to insulate the ponds from the effects of cold, preventing them from freezing enough to be safe for humans. The best ice is created when we experience a series of cold days (below 20 degrees) without snow or rain. And given how quickly it got cold in November, it seems likely that we're going to hit such weather this year. Red lights/flags are posted at each pond to let you know when it's safe, or you can contact Parks & Recreation at 427-6000, www.fortwayneparks.org.

But not to worry, you can ice skate at Headwaters rink downtown or at McMillen Park ice arena. And if you are looking for free ice skating, come to the McMillen Park holiday ice skating party on Saturday, December 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free but you are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Community Harvest Food Bank. For each item you bring, you'll be entered to win a prize. I am told that a certain jolly elf will be making a stop that afternoon as he plans out his December 24 travels.

And taxes second: And if you or someone you know is over 65, you will want to be aware of a new property tax exemption FOR WHICH YOU MUST FILE BY DECEMBER 31. It is called the OVER 65 CIRCUIT BREAKER and has different rules than the previous exemption, so it's worth checking out. The exemption limits how much your property taxes can be increased each year. Click here for more information or you can call 449-7241. Remember, the deadline is fast approaching.

More Holiday events from Karen Goldner

Here are a couple of upcoming events with ties to 2nd District residents. They both look like a lot of fun:

1. QUILTING OPEN HOUSE: Born Again Quilts is having a Christmas Open House at 122 West Wayne Street from 10 - 4 featuring vintage quilts, quilting materials, dolls, and more (10% of sale proceeds benefit the Macedonian Museum). And right across the street the Bead and Candle Shoppe will be open as well.

2. CHRISTMAS ON THE CORRIDOR: Check out this event, sponsored by the Wells Street Area Merchants (WAM), along Wells Street south of State, and also on the historic Wells Street Bridge (at the southern end of the street).
Saturday, December 6, 2008
10:00 a.m. ‘til 2:00 p.m.
over 15 participating Wells area merchants
Free trolley rides along the corridor
2;00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Carolers, hot cocoa and cookies on the historic Wells St. Bridge with a visit from good 'ol St. Nick!

Coming Events

We’re approaching the holidays, and there is no shortage of fun events for people of all ages.

Friday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Headwaters Park ice skating rink opens with an Ice Skating Extravaganza presented by the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club. Are you afraid of ice skating because you never had the chance to learn how to do it? (Important safety tip: if you see me coming toward you look out because I never learned how to stop without running into something or someone.) Headwaters Park offers lessons for the young and old beginning on November 29. Don't forget, kids under 14 skate for free on Fridays, so bring the whole family down to Headwaters Park and enjoy this holiday season on the ice!

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 6:15 p.m., HOLIDAY FEST kicks off with one of Fort Wayne’s most enduring holiday traditions, the HolidayFest Lighting Ceremony beginning with Santa and his reindeer at Main & Calhoun. But that’s just the beginning. In addition to the lighting of Santa at the National City Bank on Main Street, you’ll also see the lighting of the Wells Fargo Holiday Tree at the Wells Fargo building on the corner of Wayne and Calhoun streets, and the lighting of the Indiana Michigan Power Christmas Wreath at One Summit Square. This is a FREE event and if you’re new to Fort Wayne it’s absolutely a don’t miss for the young and the young at heart.

Busy the night before Thanksgiving? Not to worry, the Embassy Theatre, Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, History Center, Headwaters Park, Grand Wayne Center and Science Central are participating in HolidayFest 2008 with a range of fun-filled holiday activities throughout the season. Check out details at http://www.downtownholidayfest.com/index.php. The only hard part will be figuring out how to get to everything that you want to see.

Make a day of it by attending several events, or better yet, stretch it into the early evening so you can stop to see Santa and his reindeer and gnosh on a couple of hotdogs at the Coney Island on Main Street. And then add a little magic to the holiday season with a visit to the 14th Annual Fantasy of Lights (which also opens Nov. 26). Take your time as you enjoy a 1½-mile drive through Franke Park on Sherman Boulevard. Listen to your favorite holiday music in the warmth of your car while gazing upon over 75 larger than life, brilliantly lighted holiday displays. This is the perfect holiday event for all ages! Proceeds ($5 per car) from Fantasy of Lights benefit programs and therapies for children and adults with disabilities.

2nd District Meeting coming up.

From Karen Goldner:

Just a reminder that next Wednesday, NOVEMBER 19, 7 p.m., we'll have the final 2nd District Community Meeting for 2008. The location is Psi Ote Barn (upper level) in North Side Park. Enter off of Parnell and go just past the tennis courts.

Our program should be especially interesting for people throughout the district: representatives of Parkview Hospital will be speaking about their plans for both the Randallia hospital and the new regional facility at the North Campus.

As always, there will be opportunity for discussion about whatever other local issues are on your mind.

Hope you can make it.

Karen

So very taxing...

It is tax time again. The fall installment for Allen County property taxes is due on November 17, 2008. Please return the Fall Treasurer’s Copy B with your payment to:

Allen County Treasurer
PO Box 2540
Fort Wayne IN 46801-2540

Other payment options:

Pay at local banks. You must have your tax statement when paying at a bank. The local banks that are accepting payments are:

Chase, Farmers and Merchants, Fifth Third, Flagstar, Grabill, Huntington , Lake City, Markle, National City, Star Financial, The State Bank, Tower and Wells Fargo.

Drop Box is available at any Star Financial night depository.

Check the Treasurer’s web site, www.co.allen.in.us/treasurer, for information about paying by credit card or single electronic payment.

Have a great day,
Sue Orth
Treasurer Elect Allen County

Let your voice be heard.

Confused about where to vote?

This election day, November 4, all Kirkwood Park residents vote at the Abundant Life Tabernacle, 3301 East Coliseum Boulevard.

Directions from Kirkwood Park:
East on Coliseum Blvd. to Hobson Rd. Turn left on Hobson and then turn right into old Charkey’s entrance. Follow road to Abundant Life Tabernacle parking lot.

The polls will be open from 6:00 am- 6:00 pm. Voter turnout is expected to be very high, so be sure to arrive early. Or, avoid election day crowds by voting early. Early voting is available at the City-County Building in downtown Fort Wayne. The hours are Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; and Monday, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Photo ID required.

We'll second that...

The final 2nd District Community Meeting for 2008 will be WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 7 p.m. at PSI OTE BARN (upper level) in NORTH SIDE PARK. Enter off of Parnell and Psi Ote Barn is just past the tennis courts.

We will have speakers from Parkview Health talking about the future of the two Parkview Hospitals that frame the 2nd District: Parkview Randallia and Parkview North.

Please join us for this special meeting, and let your friends and neighbors know. (Everyone is welcome, not just people from the 2nd District.)

Meet the candidates

The Northside Neighborhood Association is having a meeting for anyone to come meet the candidates. All local candidates have been invited & national candidates will have representatives at Northside H.S., this Wed, the 15, at 6:30 p.m. The press is to be there. Please use Pleasant Ave. entrance. Call Joe Foy at 484-6116 for more information.

October Notes from Karen Goldner

1. CPR TRAINING: So many lives have been saved because someone was lucky enough to be nearby a CPR-trained person when they had a heart attack. We all think it will never happen to us, but sometimes we are wrong. The City of Fort Wayne, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana and many other community organizations and businesses have teamed up for a special offer to those participating in Don’t Miss a Beat, the communitywide hands-only (no breaths) CPR training offered throughout the day on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing (in Southtown Centre). Registration is available online (http://3rcpr.org/), at any Fort Wayne fire station, or at any Scott's or Kroger's store. There will be a blood drive at the same time and the Fort Wayne Police Department will be demonstrating some of their equipment. (Please note that the CPR training is for people ages 16 and over.)

2. LEAF PICK-UP STARTS OCTOBER 27: This year the City is doing two rounds of loose leaf pick-up rather than three which will save us about $200,000 and also let the Street Department get their trucks prepared for snow removal earlier. (This was a suggestion by a number of people in some of the budget meetings over the past year including Audrey Stevenson from Northside Neighborhood Association. See? Sometimes we listen.) Attached is a map with the schedule.

HINTS FOR LEAF DISPOSAL:

A: Don't rake, mulch. If you have a mulching lawnmower and not a huge number of trees, you'll save time and landfill space plus turf experts from Purdue and Michigan State have found this to be an effective practice for providing extra nutrients to your soil.

B: Save the mess and bag 'em. If you place your leaves into biodegradeable bags and call 311 (or 427-8311 if your phone system doesn't allow a 3-digit call) starting October 27, the City will come out within 2 business days to remove them. This is especially handy if the leaves in your yard are like mine and wait until the weekend after the first pick-up week to fall. No more blowing around your street for 3 weeks!

C: Same procedure as before. If you want your leaves removed by the loose leaf pick-up, please have them raked to the park strip by Sunday night of your pick-up week. If you don't have a grass strip between the sidewalk and the street, rake them as close to the sidewalk as you can on your lawn. Please do not put leaves out with your normal garbage collection. Burning leaves is illegal and is also very unhealthy for people in your neighborhood with asthma or other breathing disorders.

3. Remember the WALK FOR ANIMALS, on Sunday, October 12, 12:30 p.m. at Franke Park. This is a fundraiser for humane education and community outreach. Bring your dog! You can register at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/animal_control/Events/AnimalWalk_08brochure.pdf/.

4. Other environmental events:

Tire Amnesty Day
Saturday, October 4th from 9a-12pm.
Location: Citilink, 801 Leesburg Road
For more information, visit: http://www.acwastewatcher.org/

Free CFL Giveaway every Friday during October
In celebration of October being Energy Awareness Month, the City of Fort Wayne is giving away energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs every Friday from 11am to 1pm.
Oct. 3rd at City/County Building Lobby
Oct. 10th at Pontiac Library
Oct. 17th at Little Turtle Library
Oct. 24th at Dupont Library
Oct. 31st at Aboite Library
For more information, visit: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy

The Good Life Show (Green Expo)
October 24-26th
The Good Life Home Show has over 200 exhibits featuring green and eco-friendly products. Discover how sustainable resources and little lifestyle changes can save you money, increase your comfort, help conserve natural resources and make your life more green. This event is free to attend (besides parking).
For more information, visit: http://www.goodlifehomeshow.com

The Great Tree Canopy Comeback - Tree Planting
Saturday, November 1st starting at 10am
McCulloch, Moody, Rockhill, Study, and Swinney Parks in Fort Wayne
Havenhurst Park in New Haven, and Fox Island in Allen County
For more information, visit: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy

Creating great communities through great kids.

A note from Judge Charles F. Pratt:

Summer is winding to a close and schools are preparing to open their doors to welcome in students. Often, teachers assign students a "what did you do with your summer" essay. Perhaps we as parents could write one as well. In it, I hope that we include asset-building moments with our children.

Building assets isn't about expensive family vacations, buying the next greatest toy, or even the cost of gas. Asset building is about relationships, which start with the time we spend with youth. Asset building is free, and asset building is easy. You don't have to be a professional with a degree in child psychology to build assets. Caring about children makes you an asset builder.

This fall, Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES will host the 19th Annual Conference on Youth. This year's theme is "Asset Builders: The REAL Change Makers." Youth and family serving professionals from all over Allen County and beyond will attend this full day conference, and attend workshops that encompass this very theme: that ANYONE can be an asset builder, and that building assets makes a lasting impact on the lives of youth. We don't have to wait until the conference is over however, to build assets in our kids. What could YOU do to build assets in the lives of children around you?

For more information visit www.greatkidsallencounty.org/

Chat with Mayor Henry

NEXT MAYOR’S NIGHT IN OCT. 22
Meetings with Henry on 9th floor of City-County Building

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will hold the next Mayor’s Night In from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the City-County Building.

The public is invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss any concerns about City government or services.

“Residents of Fort Wayne take their local government seriously, which is why it’s so important that I make time to meet with them. I’ve been impressed with the research and information these residents have provided at the earlier Mayor’s Nights In, and my administration is committed to following through on their concerns,” Mayor Henry said. “If you have something to bring to my attention about City government, this is the perfect opportunity.”

Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor’s Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff. Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Mayor Henry hosted Mayor’s Nights In in March and July and a Mayor’s Night Out in May. The Mayor’s final neighborhood walk will be in the northwest quadrant Oct. 9.

Scram, scammers!

From the University of Saint Friancis:

Over the past several days we have received several phone calls from various individuals who lives in various parts of the greater Fort Wayne area to let us know that scammers are going door to door claiming to be USF students (which they are not) and stating that they are raising funds for the USF debate team (we do not currently have such a team). In some instances, the scammers have asked for outright donations; in other instances, they have asked individuals to order items online so that the proceeds from the online sales can go to the non-existent debate team.

Last year a similar group of scammers went door to door claiming to be either USF students or Huntington University students (which they were not) and stating that they were raising money for a non-existent school-sponsored trip abroad.

The authorities tell us that these groups of scammers tend to travel from city to city and use the names of local schools. As with any door-to-door scams, residents should immediately alert the police that the scammers are in that particular neighborhood. Also, please let your neighbors and others know that this is a scam and that these people have no affiliation with USF.

Thank you.

Miss Vicki L. Jacobs
Administration Liaison - Office of the President
University of Saint Francis, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
ph: 260-434-3297 / fax: 260-434-3246 / e-mail: vjacobs@sf.edu

Barbara J. Loomis
Office of Campus Ministry
Bishop Dwenger High School
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
260-496-4736

The Fall Picnic is this weekend!

Just a reminder that the Fall Picnic is set for this Sunday, September 14 at Lions Park Pavilion. At 3:30 p.m. guest speaker Kiera Blackton from Waste Management will educate us in the process of recycling. At 5:00 p.m. the potluck dinner will commence. Coffee and soda will be provided. Bring a dish and join the fun!

Items of note -- from Karen Goldner

Although the weather still says "summer," the kids are back in school and calendars are starting to get busy so we can tell that fall is here!

1. The 2nd District Community Meeting will be Monday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m., at the Conklin Pavillion in Shoaff Park (as you enter the park, take a left). Representatives of City Utilities will be there to discuss the city's plan to clean up our three rivers and the resulting impact on sewer rates. There will also be plenty of time for open discussion on whatever issues you want. Please come!

2. Healthcare Summit - Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the downtown library. Speakers will include Dr. Jon Walker, FW/AC Board of Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan, speakers on the future of the VA Medical Center, Indiana State Health Commissioner Julia Vaughn, and representatives of the Obama and McCain campaigns. It's free and will also be broadcast live on Public Access television. Sponsored by Public1 (a local community advocacy group), Parkview Hospital, the St. Joe Health Foundation, University of St. Francis, and other community organizations.

3. Grab your leash, dog, and tennis shoes and let your feet help beat animal cruelty and neglect through education. Walk for Animals is a 2-mile non-competitive fund-raising walk on Sunday, October 12th to benefit Animal Care & Control, so registration and a minimum pledge of $25 is required of all participants to walk, win a shirt and sample great vendor products. Registration begins at Franke Park Pavilion #1 at 12:30 p.m. Prizes are awarded for top-fund-raisers. Dog Pack Teams and Family Registrations are available. Get forms online at www.fwacc.org, at local veterinary clinics, at Animal Care & Control, or by calling 427-5508.

A wood chip off the ol' block.

FREE WOOD CHIPS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC

Fort Wayne, IN: Beginning this weekend, wood chips will be available at no cost to the public from the Parks and Recreation Department.

The free chips will be on a first-come, first-served basis at Franke Park. Signs directing people to the Day Camp parking lot are posted. Visitors should bring shovels, as the chips are not bagged.

The wood comes from street and park trees that have been chipped by the Department. It’s great for gardeners who want to protect their plants during the winter months with a warm blanket of chips!

Shoaff Park: Only minutes away!

This just in from our 2nd District City Councilperson, Karen Goldner:

The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend, so do take some time to enjoy Shoaff Park, located on St. Joe Road in our own 2nd Council District. If you haven't been there in a while, you don't know what you're missing:

+New splashpad (mini-water park) for kids
+New playground
+Improved bike/walking path

There have been significant infrastructure improvements to the golf course as well, which reminds me to plug:

THIS WEEKEND ONLY (August 8-10), the Shoaff Park Golf Course is celebrating its 50th anniversary with many specials:

+Green frees and carts will cost golfers just 50 cents per hole ($9 for a round)
+Every 50th customer will play free of charge
+"Play Through the Ages" Day on August 9 - golf clubs from each of the decades that the course has been open (1950's - 2000's) will be available at various holes so you can try your skill with older equipment, and if you golf dressed in late-50's/early 60's golf attire, you can receive a special prize. Dig out those poodle skirts, ladies, and don't forget to bring the cameras.

Don't be put off by the construction at St. Joe Road & St. Joe Center....there are marked detours and the sewer work north of St. Joe Center should be done in the next few days.

As the summer draws to a close, make a point to find a few hours to relax and enjoy!

Karen

Mayor's Night Out, and some other news.

From 2nd District Councilperson, Karen Goldner:

First of all, congratulations to Sally McFadden, secretary of the Frances Slocum Neighborhood, whose nephew, David Boudia, will be representing the United States in next month's Olympics! David is a diver who set a US record on his way to qualifying for the Olympics. David lives in Noblesville and trains at the Natatorium in Indianapolis. All of us aunts and uncles will know Sally's pride in the accomplishments of her nephew. Go, David!

Second, remember that Monday, September 15 will be the next 2nd District Community Meeting. This one will be at Shoaff Park (Conklin Pavillion), 7 p.m. The speaker will be from City Utilities about our Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan (short story: we need to clean up the rivers and it will cost us more in sewer rates over the next 18 years), but as always the point of the meeting is for you to come and share any thoughts or concerns you have. We'll be in the middle of budgeting by then so we'll have a better idea of what types of budget cuts will be happening for 2009.

And last but not least.....
NEXT MAYOR’S NIGHT IN JULY 30
Meetings with Henry on 9th floor of City-County Building

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will hold the second Mayor’s Night In of his administration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the City-County Building.

The public is invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss any concerns about City government or services.

“Openness and accessibility to City leadership is a hallmark of my administration,” Mayor Henry said. “I enjoy talking to our citizens and listening directly to their concerns. Hosting Mayor’s Night In is an opportunity for Fort Wayne residents to talk directly to the mayor of the second largest city in Indiana.”

Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor’s Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff. Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor.

Mayor Henry hosted a Mayor’s Night In in March and Mayor’s Night Out in May. The Mayor is also continuing with his series of 20 neighborhood walks in each quadrant. The remaining walks are southwest July 23, southeast Aug. 7 and northwest Sept. 25.

July area events.

Local events for July, courtesy 2nd District Councilperson, Karen Goldner:

This Friday evening and Saturday, July 11-12, the Northside Neighborhood will have its second annual Home and Garden Tour. This is a really lovely event featuring a dozen historic homes and gardens, an art fair, and horse and carriage rides. Tickets are $8 day of tour at Lakeside Park Pavilion (1401 Lake Avenue). Times are Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday is 12-5 p.m.

Of course you know that the Three Rivers Festival parade is this Saturday, July 12, starting at 10 a.m.

But did you know that the Barr Street Market will open for the season this Saturday? Stop down (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) at Barr & Wayne downtown. In addition to fresh produce, prepared food and fresh flowers, there is live music so it is a lot of fun. The market will be open every Saturday through the end of September.

And on Tuesday, July 15, don't miss "Family Fun Day" at the Botanical Conservatory. Activities range from playing carnival games to watching balloon artists— even to having your caricature drawn. This year, the event also includes a giant slide, moonwalk and inflatable pond with hand-paddled boats. You can pause for lunch or a snack in the Food Court with 50 cent hot dogs and other food items. Explore the gardens indoors and out, including the new “Under the Sea” showcase. Admission is discounted with a 3 Rivers Festival button.

And lastly, Wednesday, July 9, is the last day this season for setting off fireworks inside the City limits. Violations may be reported to the Fort Wayne Police Desk Sergeant at 427-1222.

Back by popular demand.

Many folks suggested that we bring back a favorite event for our residents, and so, an old staple is returning. The Fall Picnic is set for Sunday, September 14 at 3:30 p.m. In addition to the pot luck dinner, guest speaker Kiera Blackton will educate us in the process of recycling (including what items actually CAN BE recycled). Further details to come.

Also, the Board would like to thank the Frater family for hosting the Park's 4th of July celebration. It was a beautiful day with lots of great food and conversation. Events like these are a wonderful way to get to become better acquainted with your neighbors — even ones that you've lived next to for years. Make sure to put the Fall Picnic on your calendar and join us for the festivities.

Barricades for Fireworks

The Board is working with the FWPD and utilizing orange barricades in an effort to redirect traffic away from the north entrance of Kirkwood Park. Barricades will be placed at the north entrance, at Crescent Avenue and at the small island on Kirkwood Drive and Merivale Street, effectively closing Kirkwood Drive, north of the island, to all vehicles. Traffic will be redirected east to Kirkland Ave. or Merivale, or south on Kirkwood Drive. Please advise any visitors, and enjoy your holiday weekend!

4th of July Festivities

The Frater family have graciously offered to host a pot luck celebration on the 4th of July. The festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m., and those who plan to attend are asked to please bring a covered dish to share and chairs for each attendee. The Board will provide hot dogs, condiments and tableware. Contact President Joni Weber with questions.

Things to do.

Summer events, courtesy of Karen Goldner:

City Utilities will host a series of introductory public meetings to inform and educate City Utilities customers about the City’s long term control plan to significantly reduce combined sewer overflow into Fort Wayne’s waterways. This 18-year plan will invest nearly $240 million in clean-water infrastructure that will eliminate up to 90% of the untreated sewage now flowing into our rivers and streams from sewers that carry both raw and storm sewage. All meetings start at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12, Northeast Area Partnership, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave.
Monday, June 16, Shawnee Branch Library
Thursday, June 19, Northwest Area Partnership, North Ridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Road
Monday, June 23, Little Turtle Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.
Tuesday, June 24, Georgetown Library
Thursday, June 26, Pontiac Library
Monday, July 7, Dupont Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.

Interested in learning more about how you can help the environment? Grassroots Green, a local non-profit, is holding its first "Need to go Green" conference at IN Tech on Saturday, June 21. The day event is 9:30-4:30 and the dinner is 6-9, featuring local foods and Dick Lugar speaking on "Energy and National Security." Citizens can get more information for registration at www.grassrootsgreen.us.

The Foellinger Theater has kicked off another great season of free and low-cost movies and concerts. Every summer I see the schedule and think "let's not miss this" but nearly every year the summer ends and I haven't made it to a single show. This year I am going to resolve......we'll see. Anyway, don't be like me: check out the schedule at http://fortwayneparks.org/

Lifetime Sports Academy, a FREE day camp for kids that teaches golf, tennis and swimming, kicks off June 9 at McMillen Park. It is structured to be highly flexible for your schedule. More details at http://fortwayneparks.org/.

What's the 311?

The public now can dial 311 to get quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. The call center is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and the online forms are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Or visit the "311 - One Call to City Hall" page at the web site for the City of Fort Wayne. Here you can access links to e-forms where you can report things such as street lights outages, potholes, missed garbage collection and much more.

The City's web site has a great deal of information. Also look in the side bar of this blog for other important links.

City Utilities update

Here is the letter we all should have received from City Utilities, concerning new storm sewers. Please plan on attending the public meeting to discuss the details on Wednesday, June 4 at Forest Park United Methodist Church. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Fort Wayne City Utilities
Planning and Design Services
One E. Main Street, Room 480
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
May 8, 2008

Dear Kirkwood Park Area Resident:

Fort Wayne City Utilities is beginning design for the construction of new storm sewers in your neighborhood to help reduce the discharge of combined sewage into the St. Joseph River. This letter is your invitation to attend a public meeting to discuss the proposed projects. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4 beginning at 7:00 PM at the Forest Park United Methodist Church at 2100 Kentucky Avenue.

Most of Kirkwood Park is served by combined sewers. These are sewers that carry sanitary sewage to the Water Pollution Control Plant (sewage treatment plant) in dry weather. However, when it rains or snow melts, these sewers carry a combination of sanitary sewage and storm water runoff. Many times the sewage treatment plant cannot treat all of the “wet weather” flow, so sewage is released to the St. Joe River.

As part of the City’s agreement with the Federal government to reduce the amount of sewage going to our rivers every year, we have agreed to build new storm sewers in many neighborhoods – especially those in the St. Joe River basin. Your neighborhood is one where new storm sewers are proposed on several streets to collect stormwater that goes into street inlets. The majority of the work will take place in public rights-of-way. No work on private property is anticipated, and the projects WILL NOT include any private plumbing modifications.

Please join City Utilities for this important meeting. Information that you may have about street drainage concerns or other issues in your neighborhood is vital to the success of this project, and we hope that you will attend the meeting to share information with us. The meeting will consist of a short presentation about the proposed storm sewer construction. Then staff members from the city will be available to discuss any concerns you may have about the project.

We hope to see you at:
Forest Park United Methodist Church
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Questions about the meeting may be directed to Wendy Reust in Planning and Design Services at 427-1367.

Sincerely,

Mary Jane Slaton, Program Manager

More local events

Upcoming Area Partnership meetings, courtesy Karen Goldner:

2nd District Community Meeting, Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m., Shoaff Park Riverlodge. Hope to see you there!

Mother’s Day Plant Sale, May 9-11: Buy mom’s gift at the Foellinger Theatre, Sherman Blvd. Thursday and Friday hours are 4-7pm, Saturday hours are 9am-5pm and Sunday is noon-4pm. The proceeds from the flower sale will benefit the Botanical Conservatory.

Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration, May 9-10, 10am-5pm. Discover the rich and diverse medium of fiber art – basket weaving, knitting, spinning, even sheep shearing and there will be purchasing opportunities to shop for supplies – yarns, quilting needs, products and more! The Fiber Arts Celebration is co-sponsored by the Flax and Fleecers Spinning Guild of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. Call Renee Baines at 427-6005 for more information. Due to the nature of this event, pets are not allowed. Come celebrate at Salomon Farm, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Shoaff Park Spring Spectacular, May 10, 10am-3pm. The Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park is the place for family fun with face painting, balloon animals, messy games, arts and crafts, pottery demonstrations, watercolor, clogging, line dancing, bocce, fencing, geo-cashing, and more! This event is co-sponsored by Star 88.3.

Mother’s Day in the Garden, May 11: Treat your mom to a walk through the new spring showcase, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” This year, in honor of Foellinger Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, the whole family’s admission is FREE May 11, noon-4pm at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Upcoming events.

These come to us via our City Council representative, Karen Goldner:

City Council will spend Tuesday, April 29, discussing Tax Abatement Policy. The meeting is 5:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the City-County Building. There will be several speakers, lots of discussion, and an opportunity for public input. You can also watch the meeting on Comcast 58/Verizon 28 (both live and recorded later) or streaming video from the City's website (see "Links of Interest" in right-hand column).

Sol Fest is coming up at Fox Island the first weekend in May (May 3 and 4, noon-8 p.m.). There should be lots of fun events and it's a great kick-off to summer.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 6. Lots on the ballot at all levels, national, state and local (Allen County). Please remember to exercise your right to vote!

The next 2nd District Community Meeting will be Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. at the Shoaff Park Riverlodge.

Shideler update

Many have wondered how the Shideler family is doing. Dean, Ellie and Pug have relocated to a home here in Kirkwood Park, and continue on in the process of cleaning up the debris left by the fire. It is a very difficult and exhausting process for them and there is still much to be done.

Dean and Ellie would like to thank the residents of Kirkwood Park and the Kirkwood Park Association for the help and support they've received. They don't know what they would have done without it.

IPFW Student Housing Incident

For those of you that may have been concerned about the incident at IPFW's Student Housing on Friday. I received this e-mail notification from the Vice Chancellor:

April 19, 2008 - 9:00pm

The Fort Wayne City Police have notified us that Tina Morris, the individual earlier identified as a "person of interest", has been charged with murder and auto theft in connection with the death of Liette Nicole Martinez in the IPFW Student Housing on Friday April 18. The police have assured us that this crime was an isolated incident and have suggested that we can return to our normal levels of vigilance as we go about our daily business on campus.

Walter J. Branson
Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs

It's time for the Association Annual Meeting

The Kirkwood Park Association Annual Meeting will be held in the cafeteria at Concordia High School on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. We'd love to see our residents there. Come join your neighbors for dinner, fellowship and this important meeting.

Clean up, America!

The Great America Clean up is Sat., May 17, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., to clean up public areas of Fort Wayne. At our last board meeting several persons expressed interest in cleaning the perimeter of Kirkwood on Crescent & Coliseum. The City will provide garbage bags, gloves, gloves, T-shirts & flower seeds. The post-cleanup party is at Freiman Square from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There might be a conflict of interest for some of you if you are having a garage sale that day.

Please respond ASAP to Joni Weber with your shirt size & the number from your family participating. There are male & female work gloves and small, medium, large, & extra large shirts.

Please invite your neighbors that do not have Email.

Spring must be here — it's garage sale time.

The annual Kirkwood Park Association Garage Sale date is set for Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Want to have a great sale? Gather a few of your immediate neighbors and plan a block-type sale. If  you know a neighbor who only has a few items, invite them to join you. The more the merrier! It'll be a great way to clear your homes of unwanted items.

Overwhelming support.

The Shidelers are in their new home and are going about the business of rebuilding their lives. Thanks go out to the many, many people who have donated their goods, services, time, talents and financial aid.

It's difficult to imagine what this must feel like to the Shidelers — to come to grips with the fact that everything they've worked for — every piece of furniture, every scrapbook, every piece of art, a favorite shirt or pair of pants — all of it is gone. It's quite a bit to absorb, I'm sure.

That is why we've removed our call for donated items. At the moment, their basic needs have been met. They have a home, a bed, food, and the love and support of their friends and neighbors. We need to let them settle in a bit and determine what it is that they still need. We may repost the items at some future time.

They will, however, still need financial support. They will be faced with the expense of demolishing their home and the clean up, which will be very expensive. That's why we're continuing to encourage you to donate to the "Shideler Family Benefit Fund." Contributions can be made through any branch of First Source Bank. The Fort Wayne offices are listed in the side bar. If you are from out of the area, feel free to mail your contribution to any branch. Gift cards to stores such as Wal-Mart, Meijer, Target and Kroger are always welcome, as well as gasoline cards.

Contact me at bheironimus@verizon.net if you have any questions, and on behalf of Dean and Ellie and the Kirkwood Park Neighborhood Association, I thank you.

Grrr-ateful.

It may have been dreary out today, but the sun was shining on a certain Boston Terrier. Pug made it through the weekend and has been discharged. He is now happily at home with the Shidelers. Many thanks to Dr. Daniel Rodgers, DVM at the Aboite Animal Hospital. Without his perseverance and faithfulness, Pug would have been another loss the Shidelers would have had to bear.

The list of items in the side bar has grown, but many important items have also been donated. Thanks to all who have helped. I'd like to remind everyone that it's not too late to contribute to the "Shideler Family Benefit Fund." Contributions may be made through any branch of First Source Bank. Their Fort Wayne offices are listed in the side bar under the list of items needed. If you are from out of the area, feel free to mail your contribution to any branch.

Living next door to the Shideler's, I see the charred remains of their life's work every day, and am awed by how quickly things can change. The only certainty in life seems to be that nothing is to be taken for granted. I am blessed to live among such caring people as the residents of Kirkwood Park.

If you have questions, comments, concerns, e-mail them to me at bheironimus@verizon.net

Pup-date.

Pug, the Shideler's Boston Terrier so famously rescued by the FWFD, is not doing well. On Friday he started experiencing seizures. He spent the weekend under the care of Dr. Daniel Rodgers, DVM of the Aboite Animal Hospital. Dr. Rodgers kept vigil over Pug, consulted with Purdue University and, at one point when Pug's heart stopped beating, brought him back to life. Our thanks to Dr. Rodgers for his extraordinary efforts, and our thoughts and prayers to Pug and the Shidelers.

A friend in need.

On Tuesday, March 11, the home of Dean and Eleanor Shideler was destroyed by a fire. It was Laura Stronczek who noticed the smoke and alerted the fire department, and Ben Franke who pulled them through a window to safety. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Thank goodness the Shidelers survived — It’s truly a miracle. But Dean, Ellie and their little Boston Terrier, Pug, have a long way to go. Almost everything they own was lost to the fire.

There are many ways in which to help them. There has been a fund established in the name of “The Shideler Family Benefit Fund.” Contributions may be through any branch of First Source Bank. See the side bar for First Source Bank Locations in Fort Wayne.

They have a place to stay and will need furnishings and other household goods. A bed has graciously been donated by Klopfenstein Furniture as well as two cell phones by Centennial Wireless. The contribution of gift cards to stores such as Wal-Mart and Meijer is encouraged. See the lists on this page for items they need and contact us at bheironimus@verizon.net if you can help.