here - City of Neenah
Transcription
here - City of Neenah
NeenahNotes otes The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 The City of Neenah Newsletter Vol.16 No.1 Spring 2015 Message from Mayor Dean Kaufert Dear Friends, SPRING ELECTION April 7, 2015 Polls are open 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Register Register to vote prior to the election in the Clerk’s Office, or register at the polls on Election Day. Polling places Contact the Clerk’s office to find your polling place at 920-8866100, visit the Clerk’s page on the City’s website, or contact the Library’s Information Desk at 920886-6315. Absentee voting To request an absentee ballot by mail, obtain an application at www.ci.neenah.wi.us and submit to the Clerk’s Office. The spring election includes offices for State Supreme Court; Aldermen for Districts 1, 2, and 3; Neenah Joint School District School Board; Town of Neenah Sanitary District No. 2 (portion of Neenah only); and Statewide Referendum. Questions? Contact the Clerk’s Office by phone at 920-886-6100. The Clerk’s Office is located at City Hall, 211 Walnut Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. Wisconsin, you gotta love it here. That’s why living in the wonderful winter wonderland we call Neenah makes the cold and snow bearable, I think! Even though we bundle up each day to go to work or play, the fact that our community has so many fun things to do to help us through the winter makes living here great. Our crews work hard to make sure the streets are plowed properly, the public sidewalk areas are passable, and the ice rinks and sledding hills are open. Now that spring is around the corner we can look forward to warmer weather. In this issue I’d like to tell you about my plans for better communication with you, the residents. City staff, council members, and former mayors have done a good job of keeping you informed and offering opportunities to communicate with them. I’d like to improve upon that and reinforce some of the ways you can stay involved and help us do our jobs representing you better. First, I have continued the open door policy at City Hall. Many folks have stopped in to talk about specific issues while others come in to say hello. I welcome your visits and appreciate your input. There may be times when an issue you want to discuss may need the expertise of City staff. At those times, it might be prudent to schedule the meeting in advance so I can have the right people present. I have an email that I check daily: dkaufert@ci.neenah.wi.us. I try to respond to each and every communication I receive as quickly as possible. Another option is to call me at City Hall at 920-886-6104. Diane, my staff person, may be able to assist you or she will ensure that I get your message. If I’m not available, feel free to leave a voicemail. My phone is usually forwarded to my personal cell phone so I do not miss your call. I do believe this job is 24/7, and I work hard to be available when you need assistance. In many ways I tend to be “old school.” However, our new and improved City website will be unveiled soon and will provide citizens easier access to information and additional social media channels. The website will have full search capabilities, a friendly navigation scheme, and the ability to easily access topics that are trending. The social media component will have a renewed emphasis on distributing information via various City Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. A new YouTube channel is being planned as well. These improvements will give you options for staying informed and will allow for easier communication with us. I also want you to know about volunteer opportunities to serve on boards, commissions, or committees. If you have an interest in serving on one of our committees, please visit the City website, look under “permits, forms, and appointments.” An application form is available and you can identify your interest areas. Return the completed form to the City Clerk. The time commitment is normally one meeting per month. I appreciate your participation. Continued on back page Spring election: Tuesday, April 7 - Polls open 7am-8pm —1— The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Contact us City Departments Mayor Dean Kaufert 920-886-6104 City Attorney Jim Godlewski 920-886-6106 City Clerk Patty Sturn 920-886-6100 Community Development & Assessment Director Chris Haese 920-886-6125 Finance Director Mike Easker 920-886-6140 Fire Chief Al Auxier 920-886-6200 County Health Department Neenah Office 920-727-2894 Human Resources & Safety Director Heather Barber 920-886-6102 Information Systems Director Joe Wenninger 920-886-6170 Library Director Gretchen Raab 920-886-6300 Parks & Recreation Director Eileen McCoy 920-886-6060 Police Chief Kevin Wilkinson 920-886-6000 Public Works Director Gerry Kaiser 920-886-6240 Water Department Director Kent Taylor 920-886-6180 _________________ City Council Members Aldermanic District 1 Cari Lendrum 920-727-4577 Bill Pollnow 920-720-5035 Shiloh Ramos 920-725-3323 Aldermanic District 2 Marge Bates, Pres. 920-729-5556 Christopher Kunz 920-969-9799 Tamara Erickson 920-729-9157 Aldermanic District 3 Tim Hamblin 920-722-4593 Lee Hillstrom 920-722-0774 Jane Lang 920-727-4783 _________________ ‘Lighthouse’ cover artwork courtesy of Henri Miles. Dial-a-Ride for seniors Do you or an older family member, friend, or neighbor need help with transportation? Many older adults would prefer not to drive in inclement weather, but they still need to get out for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and personal errands. Others may no longer drive or may have never driven. Some may not have a car or are unable to use the bus. The cities of Neenah and Menasha, as well as Winnebago County, United Way Fox Cities, State of Wisconsin, and Federal funds support the Dial-A-Ride transportation program to help meet these needs for residents aged 60 and over. The service provider, Fox Valley Cab, goes to destinations in the cities of Neenah, Menasha, and Appleton, along with the towns of Menasha and Grand Chute. A oneway trip costs $3.50. Certification and ride tickets are available at the Community Development Office, Room 313, City Hall. Further information is available by phone at 920-886-6125, as well as on the City’s website www.ci.neenah.wi.us/departments/ community-development/dial-aride.html. Information about transportation for persons with disabilities who need wheelchair accessible service is also available. Committee on Aging seeks input For many years, Neenah has had a Mayor’s Committee on Aging. Its purpose is to analyze the needs and desires of the City’s senior citizens. The committee relays potentially beneficial ideas to civic officials and/ or private sector leaders for possible action. To submit an idea you’d like to see considered, use the form below (clip or copy) and forward it to the Committee by March 31, 2015. An email form is also available on the City’s website. You may mail, email, or hand-deliver the form below to the Community Development Department at City Hall or to the Neenah Public Library. You may also share your feedback by phoning us at 920-886-6128. Mail to: Neenah Committee on Aging, Neenah City Hall, 211 Walnut Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956 or drop off at Neenah Public Library Phone: 920-886-6128 Email:communitydevelopment@ci.neenah.wi.us As a senior citizen, I would like to see action on the following service, convenience, facility or other: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Name: (optional): ______________________________________ Phone/Email:__________________________________________ —2— The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Water Department Finance Department TAX INSTALLMENT DUE DATES 2nd Installment: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3rd Installment: Sunday, May 31, 2015. We will accept payments on Monday, June 1, 2015. FIRE PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS When renewing your fire permit for 2015, please bring back your 2014 laminated fire permit. A sticker will be applied to the 2014 permit to update the expiration date. You are not required to complete a new application. New applicants must complete an application for 2015. A laminated fire permit will be issued for 2015 to new applicants. The cost of the 2015 fire permit is $15 (renewals & new permits). BOAT LAUNCH PERMITS Permits Valid: January 1—December 31, 2015 These permits are good for the launches at: Recreation Park, 600 S. Park Avenue, Neenah Doty Park, 701 Lincoln Street, Neenah Cost: Adults $18.00; Seniors (55+) $13.00 Purchase Permits at: Neenah City Hall Treasurer’s Office., 211 Walnut Street Neenah Police Department, 2111 Marathon Avenue Neenah Festival Foods, 647 S. Green Bay Road *Daily launch fees are accepted at the launch sites. $7.00 per day. PET LICENSES All dogs and cats over 5 months of age must be licensed in the City of Neenah. A valid, current rabies certificate is required to issue a license. Licenses can be purchased at the Treasurer’s Office. Pet license fees: $6.00 for altered pets $11.00 for unaltered pets A $5.00 late fee will be imposed if purchased after April 1, 2015. The Neenah Water Utility found elevated levels of lead in some homes and buildings in September 2014. A brochure was mailed to all Utility customers in November 2014 explaining the issue in detail. There is no lead in the finished water that leaves the Neenah water treatment plant. The source of the lead is the water service line from the water main to the house and/or the interior house plumbing. In 1994, the Utility had approximately 5000 lead water services. The Department has been replacing these services as water mains are replaced. There are approximately 2900 lead water service lines remaining on the City side, and another 5300 lead water service lines remaining on the owner side. Every year, the Utility removes and replaces approximately 100 lead water service lines from the water main to the terrace. Replacement of the service line from the terrace to the house and the interior plumbing is the responsibility of the homeowner. Houses built before 1960 may have lead plumbing. Also affected are houses with lead solder used with copper plumbing. Houses built after 1984 should not have a lead issue. When water sits in lead pipe for several hours, the lead can be dissolved into the water. To resolve the problem, allow water to run for approximately 30 seconds first thing in the morning and after periods of no use. This flushes out water that may have absorbed lead. Build your own rain barrel Save money, save water, and keep your plants and birds happy. Utilizing a rain barrel is one the easiest and most effective sustainability measures a homeowner can implement. The Utility is investigating some changes at the water treatment plant that will make it more difficult for lead to be absorbed by water, and the Utility is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to determine if the existing lead service line replacement program is sufficient or if it needs to be changed. The Sustainability Committee, in partnership with Wild Ones Natural Landscapes in Neenah, is offering a Rain Barrel Workshop. Barrel and fittings are supplied. Classes held mornings, April 18 and May 9; and afternoon, April 24. City residents who complete the class are eligible to receive a $20 rebate. Mark your calendars and watch for future announcements at www.WildOnes.org or at www.SustainableNeenah.org. Class sizes and rebates are limited. A “Lead Public Education” brochure is available at the City’s website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Water Utility at 920-886-6180. —3— The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Police Department Shopping for WHAT? With spring comes a rise in property crimes. A practice many thieves call “car shopping” begins as soon as it is warm enough to walk the streets at night. A “car shopper” walks through neighborhoods and tries car doors. If the thief finds a door that is unlocked, he/she will enter the car and take things of value. An open garage serves as an open invitation for the car shopper to spend a few minutes in the garage looking for property that is of value. How can this be prevented? Look at the “Crime Prevention Triangle.” Imagine a three-legged stool: We’ll call that Crime. The three legs are Desire, Ability, and Opportunity. We can do little to affect the Ability or the Desire of a criminal to commit a crime. What we can do is remove the Opportunity for a criminal to commit a crime. If you remove just one leg then the stool, Crime, collapses. Reduce the number of thefts by making sure car doors are locked and garage doors are closed. You will be surprised how much crime you can deter by just making it a little more difficult for the criminal. Neenah Police say goodbye, hello The Neenah Police Department brought in eight new employees in 2014: two officers, two commtechs, two community service officers, and two part-time clerical/ administrative staff members. The new hires filled positions left vacant through retirements and resignations. The next five years promise quite a number of sworn officer retirements, based on the tenure and age of our force. 2015 has started out with the retirements of Officer Dennis Gitter and Lieutenant Jeff Malcore. While it is sad to lose the expertise and knowledge of a 30+ year veteran of the department, it’s also exciting to see new hires and new opportunities for promotion taking place in the department. As your Recycling news police department constantly changes and adapts, we hope you will look for opportunities to thank the retirees for their decades of service and welcome the new employees to our community. Electronic waste recycling The following organizations will accept electronic waste for recycling: Victim Crisis Responders (VCR) The VCR program started back in the 1990’s at the Appleton Police Department. It’s grown steadily since then, providing valuable advocacy and support services to victims of crime and other significant incidents. The VCR volunteers work alongside police officers to provide service to citizens during difficult times. The program has been lauded by state officials as a model for other regions to emulate. The VCR program now serves 13 law enforcement agencies in Outagamie and Winnebago counties. The corps of volunteers has grown from just a handful to 48. Despite the growth, the program’s funding from the Wisconsin Office of Crime Victim Services has not increased. This creates challenges for the continued success of the program. If you’re interested in helping to support the VCR program through a donation or volunteerism, contact program coordinator Jenni Kundinger at 920-380-2989 or Jenni.Kundinger@GrandChute.net. DID YOU KNOW? April 1 starts the odd/even overnight parking restrictions. All pet dogs and cats in the city must be licensed each year. Neenah’s dangerous animal ordinance puts tight restrictions on pets that bite or attack unprovoked. Crossing guards faithfully watch out for kids every school day. The Neenah Police Benevolent Association is engaged in a fundraiser that will include a Bon Jovi tribute concert on March 21. You can see a map of crime activity in Neenah at www.raidsonline.com, or find the link on our department webpage. —4— Goodwill Industries, 907 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah. Goodwill accepts computers, computer accessories, laptops, tablets, DVD players, fax machines, monitors, printers, VCRs, and e-readers. They do not accept TVs. Contact Goodwill at 920-558-4507 for more information. Best Buy locations in Appleton and Oshkosh will accept TVs. Fees may apply. Contact Best Buy at 920-739-8319 (Appleton) or 920-424-8079 (Oshkosh) for more information. STEP Industries, located at 1010 Strohmeyer Drive, no longer accepts electronic waste. Plastics recycling—NEW! You can now recycle many more plastic items—and cartons, too. The Tri-County (Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago counties) Single Stream Recycling Facility, located in Appleton, has expanded its processing capabilities to add new materials. Here’s the list of newly recyclable items: Cartons (milk, juice, soup, wine) Dairy containers & lids (yogurt, sour cream, margarine, cottage cheese) Produce, bakery and deli containers & lids (donuts, potato salad, berries) Questions? Call the Winnebago County Recycling Specialist at 920727-2896, or visit the website for more information: www.WinnebagoCountySolidWaste. com. The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue visit us online at www.nmfire.org Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Questions & Answers Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue (NMFR) is a consolidated fire department providing services to the citizens of the cities of Neenah and Menasha. NMFR was formed in 2003 with the merger of the City of Neenah Fire Department and the City of Menasha Fire Department. Each City pays a portion of the Department’s annual budget. Below are answers to frequently asked questions. Why does a fire truck respond with an ambulance? Firefighters on the engines are also certified first responders and can render care before the ambulance arrives. There are situations where firefighters will continue to assist the ambulance personnel due to the extra personnel and/or amount of equipment that may be needed for the call. Some of these calls may include cardiac and respiratory emergencies, seizures, strokes, diabetic emergencies, overdose, allergic reactions, or traumatic injuries. In addition, the crew is kept together instead of sending a smaller vehicle with fewer people because other calls, including fires, can come in at any time. This helps get important resources to the call more quickly. What hours do the firefighters work? There are 21 firefighters staffing three different shifts, for a total of 63 line personnel. Firefighters work rotating 24-hour shifts, 56 hours per week. This allows them to provide services to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Who buys the food the firefighters eat while on duty? NMFR functions like a family and they eat meals together every day. The Department does not provide meals for firefighters when they are on duty. Firefighters on each shift will organize, purchase, and cook their own meals. Why are there so many people at a structure fire? The department follows industry standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). One standard establishes the minimum number of 14 firefighters needed to safely fight a fire. There are many jobs and functions that need to be completed at structure fires. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: One firefighter as the Incident Commander: Required as the person who is in charge of the incident. This is the person who is making strategic decisions. Minimum two firefighters on the main attack hoseline: The main attack “line” is the first line into a building to attempt to put water on the fire and extinguish it. Minimum two firefighters on the main backup hoseline: This is the second attack “line” that is there to provide support to the main, or first attack line. Minimum two firefighters to search a building: One of the primary goals is to ensure the house or building is clear of people or occupants. At least two firefighters are sent in to search the house under very dangerous conditions. Minimum two firefighters for ventilation: Ventilation is the process of removing smoke, heat, and fire gases from a building during and after a fire. Depending on the type of ventilation, size of the fire, etc., sometimes more firefighters are needed. Minimum one firefighter to establish a water supply. The main source of water comes from fire hydrants. One firefighter assigned to operate the fire pump on the apparatus at the scene. The pump cannot be operated without a driver standing by to make sure the water supply is maintained and things are working properly. Failure to maintain the pump can directly endanger crews working inside on attack lines. Minimum two firefighters assigned to the Rapid Intervention Team: This team is there to provide immediate rescue assistance to any firefighter who becomes trapped, lost inside a building, or any other issue that may come up at the scene. Minimum one firefighter assigned to disconnect the utilities. Additional firefighters may include: One to operate the aerial ladder, if —5— needed. Additional firefighters on attack lines as the fire grows. Additional firefighters needed for any reason due to the size of the fire. Why does an emergency vehicle respond with lights and sirens and then turn them off sometimes? On occasion, when responding to an emergency, the first arriving engine or dispatch may relay additional information that causes firefighters to downgrade the response to a non-emergency mode or even cancel the call. How many fire stations are there? NMFR staffs four fire stations. There are two in the City of Neenah and two in the City of Menasha. Do you have any additional questions for us? If so, please feel free to call us at 920-886-6200. Check out our website at www.nmfire.org or find us on Facebook. Backdraft Bike Tour 4th Annual Backdraft Bike Tour Sunday, June 7 Jefferson Park, Menasha Rain or shine—5 route options Help send burn-injured youth to burn camp. Registration begins March 1 on www.active.com. For more information, visit Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue website at www.nmfire.org. The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Library visit us online www.neenahlibrary.org PURPLE ANGEL TRAINING: A DEMENTIA-AWARENESS PROGRAM A growing number of organizations are training employees to offer hospitality and support to persons with memory loss, confusion, or other symptoms associated with dementia. Library staff recently learned how to better assist those individuals. The program, designed by Fox Valley Memory Project and presented by Valley VNA, brings awareness to the struggles of those with memory loss and tips on how to respectfully serve this growing population. Look for the purple angel decal on the front window identifying the Library as a dementia-friendly establishment. Pizza Tasting Contest—2nd Annual: March 24, 6:00 p.m. Join us for the battle for the crown of Neenah’s best pizza! You’re the judge. An Evening of Fire and Ice. A Game of Thrones Party: April 30, 6:30 p.m. Spring may be arriving outside, but inside Winter is coming. All ages. Sunday Concerts—held at 2:00 p.m. Druid’s Table: March 15 Premonition (rhythm & blues—Jazz with groove): April 12 Hiroya Tsukamoto (acoustic guitar): May 3 First Friday Concert Series—held at 2:00 p.m. Steve Paul Spears & Lawrence Univ. Conservatory of Music: March 6 Karaoke: April 3 Linda Sparks with Musical Theatre: May 1 Monday Matinees & Tuesday Night Movies Held on the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. and the first and third Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Call for titles, ratings, and run times—920-886-6315. Adult Afternoon Programs—Held on first Mondays at 2:00 p.m. This Superior Place with Dennis McCann: March 2 Trash to Treasure in the Garden with Gail Clearwater: April 6 Spring Wildflowers & Birds with Charlotte and Roy Lukes: May 4 Tech Talk Tuesdays Just the Ticket: How to navigate online travel sites, score a great deal, and book the perfect vacation! Tuesday, March 10, 1:30 p.m. Embracing Wellness A series on living a natural, whole, and balanced life. Essential Oils: Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. Herbs for Health & Nutrition: Monday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. Fitness Fridays—held 9:15—10:15 a.m. Fitness Fridays are held every first, third, and fifth Fridays of the month. Fifth Fridays are special—with giveaways, healthy treats, and special surprises! . History Programs (co-sponsored by Neenah Historical Society) The Civil War and Central Wisconsin: Thursday, March 19, 7:00 p.m. TBA: Thursday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. Suburban Homesteading Attracting Native Pollinators: Monday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. Raising Backyard Chickens in Neenah: Monday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. Straw Bale Gardening: Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. Tree Planting: Monday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. Basic Fermentation and Beyond: Monday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. Book clubs for adults Monday Morning Book Klatch (MMBK) is held one Monday a month at 10:00 a.m. Ask at the Adult Services desk for a copy of the selected title. Cookbook Book Club meets every second Thursday of the month from 6:30—7:30 p.m. Visit the Library’s website for information on the themes. Legal assistance clinics—second Tuesdays from 4—6 p.m. Free legal assistance with simple legal questions, forms, or referrals to attorneys who offer reduced-cost services. Memory Café: For those with early-stage dementia, mild memory loss, or cognitive impairment, and their family & friends. Activities, refreshments, and camaraderie! Third Mondays from 1:30—3:00 p.m. —6— FOX CITIES BOOK FESTIVAL April 20-26 Discover & engage with authors, poets, and performers at events throughout the week at various venues. Highlights include: Nickolas Butler, author of Shotgun Lovesongs. Jericho Brown, author and poet, Recipient of American Book Award for Please. Jessie Garcia, sportscaster and author of My Life with the Green & Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting. Ann Wertz Garvin, author of On Maggie’s Watch and The Dog Year. April Henry, author of several mystery thriller series. Al “Doc” Mehl, The Cowboy Poet Lorna Landvik, author, entertainer and comedian. Contact the Library for details or check the Festival website: www.foxcitiesbookfestival.org. FOX CITIES READS Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is the title selected for the 2015 Fox Cities Reads. The story of two girls: a young Irish immigrant who came to the Midwest in the late 1920s on an orphan train and a present-day teen who lives in a foster care in Maine. It’s is a powerful tale of resilience, second chances and unexpected friendship. Copies of the book are available for checkout. The author will speak at the Library on Monday, April 20, 6:30 pm. For other appearances and events in the Fox Cities check: www.foxcitiesreads.org/events. And a companion program: Winnebago County Foster Care Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent? Find out more about the process and the strong need for foster parents across the valley. Presented by the Winnebago County Dept. of Human Services. The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Library Children’s programs and events at the Library Story times through May 8 Baby Time (0-12 months, non-walkers): Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. Toddle Time (12-24 months, walkers): Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. Lapsit (2-year-olds and young threes): Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. Our Time (ages 3 to 5): Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. Twilight Time (ages 2 to 6): Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Special Program Pint-Sized Picassos (ages 2 to 3): Mondays in March, 10:00 a.m. Book Groups Page Turners (ages 8 to 11): Every other Thursday through May 14, 3:45 p.m. The Middle Shelf (ages 11 to 14): Every other Thursday through May 14, 4:15 p.m. Girlfriends Read (ages 8 and up): Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. March 5, April 16, May 7. Pooches and Pages (grades 1 to 5): Kids Reading to Therapy Dogs, 15-minute appointments between 10:00 -11:00 a.m., March 14, April 11, May 9. Family Programs “Pete the Cat” party: Saturday, April 18, 1:00 p.m. (That’s Pete, below.) Early Dismissal Movies Big Hero 6: March 20, 1:00 p.m. (PG) Into the Woods: May 22, 1:00 p.m. (PG) favorite magazines with their children. For example, if talking about the pictures and articles in a motorcycle magazine is fun for both you and your child, you can be sure that the pleasure of hearing your enthusiasm and looking at the magazine together will support your child's desire to learn to read later on! Don’t be afraid to use complex words with kids—it broadens their vocabulary, which will be important when they learn to read. Don't not read something because you think your child won't understand. Just hearing a wide variety of words spoken allowed will give them a head start once they go to school. For more information about early literacy, call the Library or visit us to check out all the wonderful programs we offer. Youth Department: 920-886-6335 Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah Thursday Night @ the Movies Dumb & Dumber To: March 12, 6:00 p.m. (PG-13) Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1: April 9, 6:00 p.m. (PG-13) Taken 3: May 14, 6:00 p.m. (PG-13) Parent Place—new! TBA: Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. Raising Money-Smart Kids: Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. Spring Break-It-Up A week of spring break fun! Movie, music, games, crafts, and creativity: March 23—March 27. Every day at 1:00 p.m. Open to all school-aged kids. All events are free! Spring crafts: Monday, March 23 Movie: Tuesday, March 24 Nature program: Wednesday, March 25 Junk Factory: Thursday, March 26 Family games: Friday, March 27 Legos at the Library (ages 5 and up) Last Sunday of every month, 1:30 p.m. Teach Your Children that Reading is Valuable & Fun When children associate reading with closeness and pleasure, they're more likely to want to learn to read themselves. Relax, talk, listen, and have fun as you read together. Children want to spend time with you. Try turning off the television and not answering the phone while you read together. To encourage your children to value reading, be sure that they read with you for a variety of reasons. For example, read to get information ("Where's the worm's head?"), to help meet your daily needs ("What time does the bus come?"), or for pure pleasure ("This book is my favorite!"). Some parents enjoy looking at —7— Pete the Cat—color me! And come to my party on Saturday, April 18, 1:00 p.m. The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Parks and Recreation visit us online at www.ci.neenah.wi.us National Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony Friday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. at Shattuck Park Join us as we plant a tree to honor former Mayor George Scherck (right), whose leadership was instrumental in the renovation and rebirth of Shattuck Park. Everyone is welcome to attend. Neenah Pool’s Early Bird Discount The discount on season passes, which saves you $3.00 on an individual pass or $5.00 on a family pass, will end Friday, May 8. Passes can be purchased at Parks & Recreation Office at City Hall. Parade of Lights Friday, July 3, 9:15 p.m. Riverside Park, Neenah, to downtown Menasha. You can be part of the Parade! March in the parade or make a float representing your organization, church group, neighborhood, business, or group of friends. All parade units MUST be lit; generators are provided free of charge if you register early. For information, contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 920-886-6060 or nmcommunityfest.org. 20th Anniversary of the Neenah Summer Fun Run Series Mayor Kaufert proclaims May 31, 2015 as Neenah Summer Fun Run Day! The Neenah Summer Fun Run Series (see photo of one of last year’s runs, below), which consists of a series of five Sunday evening events during the summer, held the inaugural event in 1996 with forty-four children participating in the first race. Participation has grown to several hundred at each race with over two thousand children involved during the summer. The goal of the series is to promote running as a healthy lifestyle. The runs are under the umbrella of the Neenah Parks and Recreation Department, but are organized and staffed entirely by volunteers. The races are held at Memorial Park, Neenah with the Appleblossom Shelter as the registration hub and starting line. The races are open to children ages 14 and under. Because of the generosity of area sponsors (26 sponsors in 2014), there is no cost to participants. Races will be run on May 31, June 14 & 28 and July 12 & 26. For more information please visit neenahfunrun.com. Advanced registration is recommended. Shattuck Park Turns 100! Watch for special events at Shattuck Park all summer to celebrate this centennial year. Trestles, Trails, What’s Next? The new trail at Arrowhead Park connects with a trail in Herb & Dolly Smith Park, the N. Lake Street trail, and the Friendship Trestle Trail in Fritse Park. It’s a great way to get to and from Downtown Neenah while enjoying the waterfront of Little Lake Butte des Morts. So what’s next? You tell us! The demolition of the steam plant opens up new possibilities for Arrowhead Park. Take a walk on the new trail and think about what would make the Park better. Send us an email at parkrec@ci.neenah.wi.us and watch for updates on our Facebook page and Twitter. Storywalk StoryWalk™ is an exciting initiative combining a children’s story with a popular walking route. Children’s books are selected, the pages separated, laminated, and placed along a walking path at regular intervals so readers can follow the story as they walk the route. StoryWalk™ is a way to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take young children on a short stroll that will be fun for all. StoryWalk™ helps build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for both adults and children. Storywalk runs May 8—May 25 at Riverside Park. The walk starts at the Rocket Playground. For all ages. —8— The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 Parks and Recreation visit us online at www.ci.neenah.wi.us tees included). Golf clubs may be reserved for a maximum of three days. Sticks for Kids Junior golf clubs were made possible through a partnership with the National Recreation & Parks Association and the Golf Course Builders Association of America. Picnic kits, volleyball sets & yard game kits 6th Annual Renew the Slough Clean-up Saturday, May 9 8:00 a.m. until noon Register to volunteer at www.neenahgov.org (Click on Department/Parks & Recreation/Volunteer opportunities) or call Parks & Recreation Dept. at 920-886-6060 59th Season of Riverside Players’ “Theatre in the Park” OPEN AUDITIONS: Saturday, April 11, 1:00—4:00 p.m. & Sunday, April 12, 5:00—8:00 p.m. at Horace Mann Middle School, 1021 Oak Street, Neenah (enter through the south music room door). This summer’s performances: The Dixie Swim Club: June 24— 28. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: July 23-26, July 29-Aug. 2. Take me fishing! Scripts for both shows available for perusal. Email request to: parkrec@ci.neenah.wi.us or stop in our office for a loaner copy. More details on the Parks & Recreation website. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Buy your tickets online at www.neenahgov.org, over the phone with a credit card at 920-886-6060, or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office at City Hall. Tickets may also be purchased the night of each performance at Riverside Park, if available. Neenah Parks & Recreation, through a grant from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, purchased fishing rods and reels and tackle boxes with tackle. These sets are available for daily or weekend checkout. No fee or deposit required. (If the rod, reel, or tackle box is lost, a replacement cost will be charged.) Junior Golf Club Loaner Program No golf clubs, no problem! NO FEE! It’s easy–Call, reserve & pick-up! Golf equipment is available at the Neenah Parks & Recreation Office to any youth wishing to play golf. 10 sets are available to junior golfers ages 5-14 (bags, balls & —9— Are you having a picnic, party or other gathering sometime this summer? (May through September) We have equipment to add some fun to your event! Picnic Kits—Free! Includes softball bat, throw down bases, softball, volleyball & net (no poles), soccer ball, playground ball, football, and Frisbee. Volleyball sets—$10.00 Includes volleyball net with telescoping aluminum poles, boundary cords, and volleyball. Yard game kits—$5.00 Includes Croquet, Bocce Ball, Washers, and Baggo (beanbag toss). To reserve a kit, call 920-886-6060. Pick up your kit at the Parks & Recreation Office. Park Treasure Hunt May 2—June 14 We are proud of our parks and want you to explore them with your family and friends. Go on a hunt to find letterboxes (special treasures) hidden throughout City of Neenah Parks. Each letterbox contains a specific stamp that you will use to record your “find” in your personal treasure hunt clue book. Beginning May 2, Park Treasure Hunt Clue Books can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.neenahgov.org. Clue books will also be available for pickup at Parks & Recreation Office at City Hall and Neenah Public Library. The City of Neenah Newsletter Spring 2015 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEENAH WI PERMIT NO. 2 City of Neenah 211 Walnut Street Neenah, WI 54956 Mayor’s message, from front page A look back . . . My “Working with the Staff” program had me recently doing Crossing Guard duties at two locations, digging up a water main break on Joseph Street on one of the coldest days of December, and spending a day as a Librarian, which was very enjoyable. Coming up are shifts with the Police and Fire departments. These are valuable learning experiences that provide me with information on ways to improve services. It also gives me insight into not only what employees do, but how well they do their jobs. I hope that you had fun this winter...spring is right around the corner! I look forward to working with you and continuing to move Neenah forward. Sincerely, Above: The opening of the original Oak Street Bridge in 1949. Theda Clark Hospital is in the background. The new Oak Street Bridge was opened in 2006. Photograph courtesy of the Neenah Public Library. More historical photos can be found at www.neenahlibrary.org. Get to know Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass Visit your Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass When was the last time you visited Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass? Was it on a third grade field trip or on a walk around the neighborhood years ago? Maybe you’ve never seen this gift to the community from the founding members of the Museum? We invite you to visit—it’s a great family destination for an afternoon of discovery and fun. And admission to the museum is free for everyone, always! What you can see The Museum is internationally known for its collection of fascinating glass paperweights. Temporary exhibitions include work from the rock stars of the contemporary glass world. What you can do Did you know you can take classes in glass making in our studio? There are workshops for youth, adults, and families offered throughout the year. You can bring groups in for a tour and a glass-making activity. One Saturday each month we offer drop-in glass art making for people of all ages. What we have just for you Come into The Museum Shop, mention this article, and we’ll enter — 10 — you in a drawing for a $100 Museum Shop gift card. For details on exhibitions, classes, and events, visit our website: bmmglass.com, or stop in: Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, 165 N. Park Avenue, Neenah (located across the street from The Rocket in Riverside Park). Phone: 920-751-4658