Info from Karen Goldner

On Monday at the 2nd District Community Meeting, someone asked me to send out the TinCaps website, where you can buy tickets to see our team play at Parkview Field. The site is http://tincaps.com/, and if you haven't been to a game you should go check it out.

Many people ask me about the impact of federal stimulus money in Fort Wayne. I will summarize by saying that the amount we are getting is, in a word, underwhelming. However, you can get more specific information at the next Community Services Council (CSC) Special Public Forum which will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Room 126/128 of the City County Building, One Main Street). Speakers will include representatives from various city departments including Public Works, Community Development, City Utilities, Energy and Public Safety. In addition to direct funding to the City of Fort Wayne, there will be information presented on funding for Citilink, schools and non-profit organizations.

RSVP is not required, but if you'd like additional information on the meeting you can contact Denise Porter-Ross, denise.porter-ross@cityoffortwayne.org.

High Speed Rail in Fort Wayne?

If you attended the annual meeting, you heard our 2nd District Councilperson, Karen Goldner, advocate for the return of passenger rail service to Fort Wayne. According to the Downtown Improvement District's counts, more than 800 people attended the recent "Rally for Rail", held at the Baker Street Station.

A group has formed to help advance this important cause. The Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association (NIPRA), is part of the Invent Tomorrow Initiative. They are the folks responsible for the Rally for Rail. They have a web site, http://nipra2rail.wordpress.com, where you can find updated information, and links to e-mail addresses and contact info for the Governor and our legislators.

It's especially important that we take a moment and contact the Governor. President Obama has put money aside in the stimulus bill for the expansion of high-speed rail. We need to make sure that Fort Wayne is part of that plan.

2nd District News

Our next 2nd District Community Meeting will be Monday, April 27, 7 p.m., at Shoaff Park Riverlodge (straight west off of St. Joe Road, past the golf course). Our speaker will be Mayor Tom Henry, so please come for this opportunity to talk with our mayor.

Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m., will be the first episode of a new show on "City TV" (Comcast 58/FIOS 28) called "Constructive Thinking." This will focus on the many and varied things that our Public Works and City Utilities departments do, hosted by yours truly. The 30-minute show will air on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., alternating with "Council Call-in." The first show is "Water, Water Everywhere" and includes discussion of the recent flood, flood control projects, repairing sewers and fixing potholes (which are caused by water if you think about it). In addition to some in-studio interviews we have filmed some interviews in the field so I hope it is interesting to watch. The April show will feature a rain garden theme and will include some how-to advice. We are trying to see whether we can get this podcasted so that people without Comcast or FIOS service can watch, because we know that this is going to be THE show of the season (just kidding on that last part.)

ABC’s EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION SEARCHING FOR HEROIC FAMILIES
From ABC:

Do you know someone whose home deserves an Extreme Makeover? If so, the producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from you! Ty Pennington and his crew have been all across the map and they are ready to drive that famous bus into the Fort Wayne Indiana area!

What does it take to be picked for an Extreme Makeover?
We are in search of true Heroes - people who have amazing strength of character and who put their own needs aside to help others. Whether it’s a mom, a soldier, a teacher, or a fireman, we think a hero is anyone who inspires those around them. In addition, the producers are looking for families whose houses need major alterations or repair- homes that present serious problems for the family and affect the family's quality of life.

To be eligible: A family must own their own single family home and be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives.

Interested families or those who wish to nominate another family should e-mail a short description of their family story to
castindiana@gmail.com

Nominations/submissions must include:
1. The names and ages of each member of the household
2. A description of the major challenges within the home.
3. Explanation of why this family is deserving, Heroic, or a positive role model in their community.
4. Photos of the family and a photo of the home
5. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number.

The deadline: for nominations is (April 2nd). BUT Don’t Delay! Please send story submissions as soon as possible!

For more information on how to apply please visit our website at: http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=apply

Upcoming 2nd District Events

The holidays are over and we're now all working on a schedule again. In that spirit, here is the schedule for our 2nd District Community Meetings for 2009. Please join your neighbors for these meetings, to learn more about what is going on in our community and to have an opportunity to share your ideas and concerns.

All meetings are at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18, Psi Ote Barn Lower Level (Northside Park, enter off Parnell and go just past the tennis courts)
Monday, April 27, River Lodge (Shoaff Park - enter the park and go straight back, past the golf course)
Wednesday, September 2, River Lodge
Monday, November 2, Psi Ote Barn Lower

The February 18 program will be a (short) State of the Second District speech, and then time for any questions, ideas or concerns you want to share.

The other programs are being finalized but I wanted to get the dates out. Stay tuned for more information.

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.

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!

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

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

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.