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.