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.