NeenahNotes otes The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 The City of Neenah Newsletter Vol.16 No.4 Winter 2016 Message from Mayor Dean Kaufert Dear Friends, VOTER PHOTO I.D. will be required to vote beginning in 2016 Upcoming elections: 2016 Spring Primary February 16, 2016 (if required) 2016 Spring Election— Presidential Preference Election April 5, 2016 Fall Primary August 9, 2016 General Election (Presidential) November 8, 2016 Do you have the right photo ID? Acceptable IDs include: Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin State ID, military ID issued by U.S. Uniformed Services, and U.S. passport. How to get a Voter Photo ID Be prepared in 2016 to show Voter Photo ID when you vote. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provides free State ID cards for voting, even if you do not have a birth certificate. That process can take time, especially for people born outside of Wisconsin, so start early. Information is available at bringit.wi.gov/ Questions? Call the City Clerk’s Office at 920-886-6100. The leaf pick-up truck went by my house this morning; that’s a sure sign that winter is just around the corner. After spending the last two weekends at the cottage raking pine needles and leaves, coming home to do it one more time isn’t much fun. Next week the snowmobiles and snow blower come out of storage, signaling that snow and frigid temperatures aren’t far behind. And, as my 7year-old grandson, Ashton, reminds me, Christmas is only eight weekends away! We had a fabulous summer and fall in Neenah. Some highlights from the past few months: CommunityFest events exceeded expectations with large crowds in Riverside Park during the day and again in the evening for fireworks. Riverside Players and the Community Band had great performances for all to enjoy. Baseball games, soccer games, Neenah Fun Runs, swimming at Neenah Pool, the “Drool in the Pool” event for dogs—all great programs through the Parks & Recreation Department. The Community First Fox Cities Marathon had a slightly different course through town this year; many runners enjoyed huge personal successes. This fall we also saw the Fox Valley Energy (FVE) building in Arrowhead Park come down. I receive many questions about this project and want to give you a quick explanation: The City and FVE agreed the building would be taken down and the property would revert back to the community’s control. FVE agreed to give up their 99year lease on this parcel, opening it up to future uses by the community. The process of demolition was particularly lengthy because of the building materials used. There was also an effort to recycle and recover as much of the metals and salvageable materials as possible. The firm believes the job will be done by the end of 2015. At that time, the city will assist financially, up to a predetermined dollar amount, and the firm will give up the lease. Only after the site is clean will the City release any funds. The dollar amount that taxpayers will be responsible for is estimated to be less than $32,000. I was able to secure private donations to help with the demise of this downtown eyesore. The next step will be to hear your Share your thoughts about thoughts Arrowhead Park on the new Arrowhead website: for potential Arrowhead.ci.neenah.wi.us uses of this area in Arrowhead Park. We have many opportunities for this property and will hold listening sessions to gather input. We also have some recent successes to share: Aldi’s has agreed to build a new store in Neenah on Green Bay Road after resolving some legal continued on page 2 Hazardous Waste and Recycling Guides inside —1— The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Contact us Snow removal City Departments Municipal code states that the owner/occupant of a lot abutting the sidewalk within the City of Neenah is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk, mid-block crosswalks, corner crosswalks, and ramps, within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. Blowing and plowing snow onto City streets is prohibited. 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 920-729-5556 Christopher Kunz 920-969-9799 Tamara Erickson 920-729-9157 Aldermanic District 3 Todd Stevenson 920-722-5440 Council President Lee Hillstrom 920-722-0774 Jane Lang 920-727-4783 ‘Lighthouse’ cover artwork courtesy of Henri Miles. Overnight parking—winter rules Unless specifically posted otherwise, parking is not permitted from 2:00— 5:00 a.m. for all City of Neenah streets and parking lots through March 31 for efficient city snow removal. Tullar drop-off site closed January & February The large item and metal drop-off site at the Tullar Road Garage will again be closed during January and February to reduce costs during low-use months. Service resumes on weekdays in March from 7:00 a.m.—5 :00 p.m. The drop-off site is for City of Neenah residents only; proof of residency is required. The site accepts yard waste, some large items, and used oil. Allow enough time to unload prior to closing. For information, contact the Public Works Department at 920-886-6240 or the City Garage at 920-886-6260. Message from the Mayor, continued from page 1 issues with neighboring businesses. Neenah Riverwalk Hotel will become a Hilton franchisee, DoubleTree Hotel, with extensive remodeling planned in the near future. A city-wide meeting regarding the coyote problem on the west side was held by the City, the Department of Natural Resources, and trappers. An action plan is being looked at for the future. American Grand Assisted Living Suites is in the process of building a 66-bed community home behind Applebee’s. The “Loop The Lake” Trestle project is proceeding with the State of Wisconsin Stewardship Funds approved, local fundraising dollars of over $600,000 as of this writing, and City participation dollars approved. This project is well-received in the community and your donations will make a huge difference—no matter the size. If interested, please visit the website to make your contribution http:// www.neenah.org/projects/ navigate-neenah/. With winter almost here, be sure to enjoy everything our area has to —2— offer: Attend the community Christmas event “A Very Neenah Christmas,” which includes the Kid’s Rudolph Run, held downtown the night of Dec. 4. For recreation, keep in mind the City’s three parks with warming shelters for ice skating and sledding. In addition, ice fishing, sturgeon spearing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are all close to our back door. I’ll be continuing with my “Working With the Staff” program working alongside City employees. I still have a few departments to go. The 2016 budget preparation and budget process have kept me close to the office. My goal is to provide citizens with quality City services while keeping in mind the taxpayers’ ability to pay. If you would like to speak with me, please call my office at 920-886-6104 or my cellphone at 920-450-3058. I look forward to seeing you around town or feel free to stop by City Hall to say hello; my door is always open. Sincerely, The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 ANNUAL TAX INFORMATION ARE YOU PAYING YOUR PROPERTY TAXES IN INSTALLMENTS? HERE ARE THE DATES YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW: 1st installment or in-full payment due date: January 31, 2016 2nd installment due date: March 31, 2016 3rd installment due date: May 31, 2016 4th installment due date: July 31, 2016 Make checks payable to: TAX COLLECTION SITES City Hall Treasurer’s Office, 211 Walnut Street, Neenah 920-886-6144 Hours: Monday—Thursday: 7:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m. The Treasurer’s Office will be closed December 24, 2015, December 25, 2015, and January 1, 2016 A payment drop box is available behind City Hall at the drive-up window location for after-hours convenience. Tax payments can also be made at the following financial institutions through January 31, 2016. Escrow check cash refunds will be given at these locations: Associated Bank 100 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Neenah (Neenah main location) 647 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah (Festival Foods location) First National Bank Fox Valley 550 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah BMO Harris Bank 643 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah Did you receive your LOTTERY & GAMING CREDIT? If you do not have a Lottery/ Gaming credit on your tax bill, you may still be eligible. City of Neenah P.O. Box 582 Neenah, WI 54957-0582 financial institutions listed will issue refunds immediately for payments over the full tax bill. Identification or depository account may be required. PAYMENTS Escrow Checks: If you are paying with an escrow check, make sure your check is properly endorsed. Checks with missing signatures will not be accepted. To qualify for the credit, your primary residence must be located in Wisconsin and be owner-occupied on January 1 of the tax year. This is a State of Wisconsin program that is facilitated by the City of Neenah. Forms are available in the Treasurer’s Office or online at www.revenue.wi.gov/forms/ lottery. PET LICENSES All dogs and cats over 5 months of age are required to be licensed in the City of Neenah. Licenses can be purchased at the Treasurer’s Office. A valid, current rabies certificate is required to issue a license. Fees: $6 for altered pets $11 for unaltered pets A $5 late fee will be imposed if the license is purchased after April 1, 2016. Credit card/e-check payments: For your convenience, you may pay your tax bill on-line at www.ci.neenah.wi.us or by calling 1-800272-9829. Use jurisdiction code 6712. Service fees will apply on these transactions. NSF checks: There is a $35 fee charged on all returned (insufficient funds) checks. Receipts: If you would like a receipt, please enclose a selfaddressed, stamped envelope with your payment. REFUND POLICY If your mortgage escrow check is larger than the amount of your tax bill, the full amount of your check will be applied to the tax bill and a refund check will be issued within 30 days. Cash refunds of $50.00 or less will be given at the Treasurer’s office. The Questions? Contact the Treasurer’s Office at 920-886-6144 —3— The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Police Department Emergency 911/Non-emergency 920-886-6000 Neenah to get a bit quieter When the motorcycles break out of their hibernation next spring, Neenah Police will be paying attention. Complaints about the noise of loud motorcycle mufflers have been increasing, and your police department is responding. No one should have to put up with rattling windows whenever a motorcycle drives past. We will be providing public education first, in an attempt to gain voluntary compliance. After that, we’ll issue repair notices and citations. Most patrol officers recently underwent training on identifying illegal and modified exhaust systems, so they are well prepared to investigate the violations. Foxes and Coyotes There have been more coyote and fox sightings in the City recently. Though these animals are typically more active at dusk and dawn, it is not unusual to see them during the day. They are acclimated to an urban setting and not as shy around people as animals in the wild. Because they seek easy outdoor food sources, we recommend you remove excess pet food, bird seed and garbage. Coyotes are territorial, and may therefore approach a domestic dog. Loud noises, shouting or banging pots and pans, or a jet of water from a hose will encourage them to move away. The police department recently euthanized three foxes that were severely affected by mange. Though it can be fatal to foxes and coyotes, the disease is not a threat to humans. If citizens see a wild animal that is obviously sick they should report the date, time, and location to the police department nonemergency number: 920-886-6000. For more information, go to www.dnr.wi.gov and search "Urban Wildlife." Did you know? Officer Zuehls from the Neenah Police Department Overnight parking reminds you to make sure those pets get licensed prohibition begins by March 31st every year. November 1. You should never drive alongside major cause of accidents. a semi in a roundabout. Teens are prohibited from using a All dogs and cats must be cell phone for any reason while licensed every year. driving, except to report an Texting while driving remains a emergency. Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Emergency 911/Non-emergency 920-886-6200 Heating Safety It’s a cold winter night. You decide to use a space heater, or perhaps light a fire in the fireplace, to save on the heating bill. Comfortable from its warmth as bedtime approaches you think, “What harm could it cause to leave it on overnight?” Think again. While these heating devices may help you feel cozy and warm, they can become extremely dangerous if not used properly. Home heating fires are largely preventable. Our goal is to reduce the number of home-heating fires in our community. But we need your help to do this. We urge you to use extra caution this winter when heating your home. The majority of fire deaths are caused by space heaters or by creosote build-up in the chimney. To help keep you and your family safe this winter, we recommend that you follow these simple guidelines: Keep all things that can burn at least 3 feet away from space heaters, such as paper, bedding, and furniture. Space heaters need space! Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room. Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord. Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. If a cord or plug is damaged, replace it before using it. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. —4— Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container. Never use an oven to heat your home. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test smoke alarms once a month. Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area. If you have any questions, please call Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue at 920-886-6200. Visit our website at http://nmfire.org/ and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NeenahMenashaFireRescue. The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Library Visit us online www.neenahlibrary.org or call 920-886-6315 FOR ADULTS, SENIORS, AND FAMILIES Neenah Public Library Concert Series, 2:00 p.m. First Friday December 4, 2015: Erin Krebs and Jeff Johnston, Vocal Jazz February 5, 2016: Randall Schwalbach, A Classical Education Sunday Concerts December 6, 2015: Mal-O-Dua: French pop, traditional Hawaiian music, Gypsy jazz, Kentucky finger picking, Western Swing, and Parisian waltz February 21, 2016: The North Westerns, Western swing, Classic country, and Vintage jazz Adult Afternoon Program, first Mondays, 2:00 p.m. December 7: When Life Gives You More Than Lemons with Ms. Wheelchair America 2015, Samantha Schroth January 4: A Settler’s Year with author, Kathleen Ernst February 1: Niagara Escarpment: The What, Where, Why, When with Dr. Joanne Kluessendorf, Director of the Weis Earth Science Museum Legal assistance clinics Second Tuesdays from 4:00—6:00 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 family & friends. Activities, refreshments, and camaraderie! Third Mondays of every month from 1:30—3:00 p.m. Embracing Wellness First Mondays of the month, 6:30 p.m. December 7: Awaken Your Inner Goddess January 4: New Year, New You! How to Make and Keep those New Year's Resolutions February 1: Practical Tools for Managing Chronic Health Conditions Using Bodywork, Nutrition, and Herbal Medicine Ageless Grace Nights A cutting-edge “brain fitness” program designed to improve cognitive function and physical well-being. Monday, December 21, 2015, 6:30pm Fitness Fridays First and third Fridays, 9:15—10:15 a.m. Tech Talk Tuesdays 2nd Tuesdays, October—March, 1:30 p.m. First Thursdays Technology Seminars December 3, January 7, February 4, March 3, 6:00—8:00 p.m. Presentations in partnership with Stellar Blue Technologies. Don’t miss our first workshop—December 3: How to Get the Most from Your Smartphone. Tuesday Night Movies Held on the first and third Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Call for titles, ratings, and run times. Free movie, free popcorn, free pop— Free family entertainment! Monday Matinees Held on second Mondays, 1:00 p.m. Book clubs for adults Monday Morning Book Klatch (MMBK). Held one Monday a month, 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, 6:30 p.m. Visit the Library’s website for information on the themes. FOR CHILDREN Story Times January 4—May 6 Baby Time (0-11 months, pre-walkers): Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. Toddle Time (12-23 months, walkers): Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. —5— Little Wigglers (0—23 months): Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. Lapsit (2-year-olds): 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. Messy Mondays: First Monday of every month, 10:00 a.m.—Dec. 7, Jan. 4, and Feb. 1. Create a messy masterpiece in this drop-in art program for ages 2—6 and their caregivers. Footloose Fridays: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 8 & Feb. 12. The whole family can burn off some energy this winter dancing to listen-and-follow songs, bells and shaker eggs, and good fun music. Winter Read-to-Me Challenge: During the month of February (birth—5-year-olds). Read 100 books in February to receive a free book. Pick up a reading log at the Youth Desk starting Feb. 1. Book Groups: Page Turners (ages 8—11) Every other Thursday, 3:45 p.m., Jan. 7— May 5. Afterschool book group for girls & boys, with classic and contemporary books kids will love. Girlfriends Read (8-year-olds and up)—Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Books featuring strong girl characters written by female authors. Come alone, with a friend, mother, or sister. Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11. Pooches & Pages: A special reading opportunity for kids in grades 1—5 to read aloud to registered therapy dogs. 15—min. appointments between 10—11 a.m., Dec. 12, Jan. 9, and Feb. 13. Legos in the Library (Ages 5 and up) Last Sunday of the month, 1:30 p.m. Build a Lego creation with our Legos & display at the Library. Break It Up December 26-31, SOMETHING TO DO EVERY DAY! 1:00 p.m. A week of Winter Break Fun—movie, games, crafts, and creativity. The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Library online at neenahlibrary.org or call 920-886-6315 FAMILY PROGRAMS DIY Wrapping Paper Dec. 5, 1:00 p.m. Make original wrapping paper for your holiday gift giving. All Aboard the Polar Express December 12, 1:00 p.m. Come in your pajamas & stay for holiday magic. Pick up your free ticket at the Youth Desk beginning Dec. 1. All donors will receive an early bird admission voucher to the March 19 swap event. At the swap, find your dress for this year’s Prom. Free! Early Dismissal Movies: January 15 and February 25, 1:00 p.m. “The fire of literacy is created by the emotional sparks between a child, a book and the person reading. It isn’t achieved by the book alone, or by the child alone, or by the adult who’s reading aloud—it’s the relationship winding between all three, bringing them together in easy harmony.” ~ Mem Fox Stuffed Animal Sleepover January 30, 1:00 p.m. A special storytime for you and your stuffed animal (caregivers too). Come back Sunday afternoon to see what your animal was up to overnight! Keepsake photo provided. Make & Take Valentines: February 6, 1:00 p.m. We supply materials, examples and instructions; you create a special Valentine to share. Library Campout February 19, 6:30 p.m. Get the library all to yourselves during this after-hours program for families. Make a fort to curl up under for some great reads and snacks. COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Sometimes our greatest community supporters are easy to spot; other times you have to look behind the scenes. Marge Schaefer is one of those “behind the scenes” supporters. Meet Me at the Library Study Night January 10 & 11, 4:00— 9:00 p.m. Teens, come find a quiet space to study for your upcoming tests. Free food, soda, & coffee available as well as Wi-Fi and computers. Marge retired after 26 years as a Counselor for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She knew that in retirement she wanted to volunteer, to keep busy, and to find fulfillment. The Library became that place. For the past 6 years, Marge has volunteered twice a week, sorting donations of books and AV and locating materials on the shelves to fill holds for patrons. Marge is passionate about her time at the Library: “I feel like I belong. Staff are welcoming and I feel appreciated and valued.” Love the Dress! Prom Dress Swap Donate clean, gently used prom dresses and accessories between January 1 and March 18. The public library has always played a large role in Marge’s life. As a young girl in Milwaukee, reading was highly encouraged and FOR OLDER KIDS & YOUNG ADULTS the local public library was a regular destination for her family. (As an added perk, the Finney Library in Milwaukee, now Washington Park Library, was located next door to a bakery and when Marge or one of her siblings had some change, they would stop at the bakery for donuts after their trip to the Library.) Marge is also a Library Trust Fund donor. She chose the Library for her donation because she participates in the programs and services offered and recognizes the importance of a strong public library. Marge is a long-term member of the Monday Morning Book Klatch, a Library-hosted monthly book club, she utilizes the reference services provided by the Adult Staff, and she uses Overdrive to download electronic books. She sees the Library as a vital community center for all ages. In addition to her time at the Library, Marge volunteers with Leaven Fox Cities, Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha, and is a Master Gardener through UW-Extension Outagamie County. In her free time she reads, crochets, quilts, and gardens. Marge has made a significant difference; her contributions directly impact the Library and Library patrons and help to enrich the lives of those in the community. Are you interested in volunteering at the Library? Or would you like to know more about making a donation to the Library’s Trust Fund? For information, contact the Neenah Public Library Director, Gretchen Raab at 920-886-6300. Neenah Historical Society Neenah High School Hall of Fame Inaugural Class: Thursday, January 21, 7:00 p.m., Neenah Public Library. An overview of the new Neenah High School Hall of Fame program with Jim Strick, Communications Manager for Neenah Joint School District. 2015 honorees and information on the nomination process for 2016 will be discussed. Beyond Scrapbooks & Shoe Boxes: Preserving the Papers of Your Family History: Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m., Neenah Public Library. Shoe boxes and scrapbooks may not be the best place to store your personal mementos. Wisconsin Historical Society archivist Emil Hoelter will share valuable information and tips on —6— safekeeping precious photographs and papers that are an important part of your history. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Advisory Board with support from the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. Neenah Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Questions? Call Neenah Historical Society at 920-729-0244. The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Parks and Recreation online at www.ci.neenah.wi.us or call 920-886-6060 ICE SKATING Supervised ice rinks with warming shelters are located at three sites around the City of Neenah. Shelter locations & hours: Green Park, 337 Columbian Ave. Friday: 4:00—8:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: Noon—4:00 p.m. Washington Park, 631 Winneconne Ave. Mon.—Fri.: 4:00—8:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: 10:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Memorial Park, enter from Appleblossom Drive Friday: 4:00—8:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: Noon—4:00 p.m. during all open shelter hours. Skaters with hockey sticks are allowed on the Washington west rink only. Green & Memorial Parks: Hockey not allowed when recreational skaters are present. Wear skates that fit comfortably & provide enough ankle support to keep you on your feet. Have the blades professionally sharpened at the beginning of each season. Skate only on specially prepared skating areas where you are sure the ice is strong enough to withstand your weight. Always check for cracks, holes or other debris in the ice. Wear warm clothing and rest when you become tired or cold. Opening dates for shelters will be posted on the City’s website: www.neenahgov.org or call the Parks & Recreation Department Office at 920-886-6060. HOCKEY Helmets are highly recommended. Hockey nets are available at all 3 rinks. Washington Park: Half of rink Memorial Park, off Appleblossom Washington Park, behind shelter Quarry Park, off Cedar Street Island Park, 1st & E.N. Water Street FUN (& CHEAP) OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES All shelters close when the combination of temperature & wind may be unsafe to skate, sled, and ski. SLEDDING Sled hills are located at four City parks: Holiday Break Warming Shelter Hours: (depending on weather) December 24: CLOSED December 25: CLOSED December 26—January 3: Memorial & Green: Noon—4 p.m. Washington: 10 a.m.—8 p.m. Ice skating is a fun winter activity and also great exercise! Here are some tips to help you & your family enjoy safe skating: are favorable) at Memorial, Southview, and Riverside Parks. Cross-country skiing is allowed in all City of Neenah parks. SNOWSHOEING Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed in all City parks. Other places to snowshoe and Xcountry ski (equipment rentals may also be available; call before you go): Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, 1305 Plank Rd., Menasha. Phone: 920720-9347. High Cliff State Park, N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood. Phone: 920989-1106 Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 Lynndale Dr., Appleton. Phone: 920-731-6041 Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Rd., Chilton. Phone: 920849-7094 Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rodgers Rd., New London. Phone: 920-779-6433 1000 Islands Environmental Center, 700 Dodge St., Kaukauna. Phone: 920-788-9024 X-COUNTRY SKIING Groomed cross-country ski trails are maintained (when snow conditions —7— Go ice skating, cross country skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing. Build a winter bonfire; make s’mores. Take your dog for a walk in the snow. Build a fort and have a snowball fight with your kids. Or buy a snow block maker and build an igloo. Take a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and sit outside on your front porch swing. Shovel paths in the snow. Feed the birds; go birdwatching. Make your own birdfeeders out of pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Go ice fishing. Go on a winter picnic. Take blankets, sandwiches, and hot soup in a thermos. Head out on a photo expedition to take pictures of the winter landscape. Have kids or dogs? Set up an obstacle course in the yard with jumps, tunnels, and other challenges. Make snow paint. Add food coloring to water, put in a spray bottle, then go out and paint your yard! The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Parks and Recreation online at www.ci.neenah.wi.us or call 920-886-6060 Adult Basketball Open Gym Mondays and Wednesdays. Shattuck Middle School, North Gym, 7:00—9:00 p.m. Cost is $2.50 per night; pay at the door. Details, including the complete schedule, can be found on www.neenahgov.org. Summer Adult Softball Leagues Team registration begins January 11, 2016. League play begins week of May 2. Co-ed and Men’s Leagues. Registration forms and league details at www.neenahgov.org. Part-Time Job Opportunities Applications: www.neenahgov.org Please complete & submit applications online. Applications for summer 2016 seasonal job positions will be available starting December 1, 2015. Deadline for summer applications is Feb. 5, 2016. Summer positions available in parks, cemetery, pools, softball umpires and scorers, and youth sports and playground assistants. Boat Stalls/Shattuck Park Season: May 1, 2016—November 1, 2016. Rental rates range from $315—$410. Priorities for applicants: February 1: Last year’s City of Neenah resident renters, for the stall occupied last season, or for a stall previously occupied by a nonresident. February 15: Any City of Neenah resident, for vacant stalls. February 19: Non-resident renters from last year for any stalls still available. Februrary 22: All other applicants. Boat stall applications are available at the Parks & Recreation Department Office in City Hall and on the City’s website beginning January 30, 2016. Call for more information at 920-886-6060. Your New Year’s resolutions—compliments of the Neenah Parks & Recreation Dept. One way to be successful with New Year’s resolutions is to PLAN AHEAD. NEENAH PARKS & RECREATION CAN BE THE SOLUTION TO KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to make your resolution. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives. Here are a few example resolutions and ideas to assist in your success. Details on enrolling in these classes/programs can be found on www.neenahgov.org or call 920-886-6060. Also, refer to your Leisure Connections guide on the city’s website. New Year’s Resolution #1: Lose Weight/Get in Shape! Go for a run, brisk walk, snowshoe, ice skate, or xcountry ski in any City of Neenah Park. In addition, here’s a list of fitness/active programs: ACTIVITY OPEN TO DATE Adult Yoga, Pilates, Belly Dance & Zumba® Adults 15 & up On-going Basketball Open Gym Adults M & W now through March Quickstart Tennis Ages 5—10 Begins February 1 & 2 Little Rockets Girls Basketball Girls grades 1-5 January 6, 13, & 20 Little Rockets Boys Basketball Boys grades K-4 January 27, February 3 & 10 New Year’s Resolution #2: Spend more time with Family and Friends! Neenah Parks & Recreation has six yearround park shelters for rent, which are perfect for celebrations and family gatherings. Three have gas fireplaces. All have conventional gas heat. Programs suitable for meeting your goal include: Half Day Hangout Ages 6—10 January 15, Feb. 25, March 18 Start Smart Sports Ages 3—5 with parent Classes begin Jan. 25 & Feb. 22 Family Open Gym Adult, Teen & Family Weds. nights through March 2016 Smocks & Jocks Ages 3—5 Fridays, February 5, 12, & 19 Colors, Shapes, & Numbers Ages 3—5 January 15 & 22 Alphabet Soup Ages 3—5 March 4, 11, & 18 Pint Size Picassos Ages 3—5 April 1, 8, & 15 New Year’s Resolution #3: Volunteer! Volunteer opportunities and sign up listed on this link: http:// www2.ci.neenah.wi.us/ParksVol.nsf/List%20of%20Current%20Events?OpenForm Renew the Neenah Slough Clean-up May 14, 8:00 a.m.—Noon Riverside Players “Theatre in the Park” Ushering Various dates Filthy Fun Kids Run July 16, 7:00 a.m.—Noon Adopt-a-Flower-Bed Seasonal at various City parks —8— The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 Parks and Recreation online at www.ci.neenah.wi.us or call 920-886-6060 RIVERSIDE PLAYERS The Riverside Players celebrate their 60th Anniversary Season of “Theatre in the Park.” 2016 open auditions will be held at Horace Mann Middle School on March 19, 1:00—4:00 p.m.; March 20, 5:00—8:00 p.m. This year’s play: Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Show dates: June 22—26, 2016. The script for “And Then There Were None” is available in a PDF format. Email your request to parkrec@ci.neenah.wi.us or pick up a loaner copy in the Parks & Recreation Department Office at City Hall, 211 Walnut Street, Neenah. Musical: “60 Years of Riverside, a musical highlight show”: Audition information for “60 Years of Riverside, a musical highlight show” can be obtained by joining the Riverside Players Theatre in the Park 60th Musical Revue FACEBOOK page. For more information about Riverside Players contact Neenah Parks & Recreation Department at 920-8866060. Sustainable Neenah Neenah High School students from the Arete Problem Based Learning Academy participated in the October 17, 2015 Farmer’s Market at Shattuck Park. The students staffed the Sustainable Neenah booth at the Market and provided information about the City and global water issues through displays and models. In addition, they created coloring pages filled with water science information and distributed them to the children who were “trick— or—treating” at the Farmer’s Market. Sustainable Neenah is a committee made up of citizens committed to a personal philosophy of stewardship and to leading the community in the implementation of sustainable practices and initiatives. For more information about the City’s Sustainable Neenah Committee, please contact Carol Kasimor at 920-886-6125. Sunday, December 6, 2015 2:00 p.m. UW Fox Valley—Perry Hall Free and open to all! —9— The City of Neenah Newsletter Winter 2016 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEENAH WI PERMIT NO. 2 City of Neenah 211 Walnut Street Neenah, WI 54956 A look back . . . Facing northwest near the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Commercial Street, this photograph shows two teams of horses hauling logs. A streetcar and the Herman Anspach Department Store are visible in the background. Circa early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the Neenah Public Library. For more photos, see www.neenahlibrary.org. PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION ON PAGE 3 — 10 —