New Officers Elected
Actually most of them are the same as last year!
President – Paul Oberg
Vice-President – David Franks (this one is new)
Recording Secretary – Katie Murdock
Treasurer – Lynn Wasinger
Director of Communications – Lori Lawrence
Check out David's phone number and email in the front page!
Animal Control
I just spoke with the lady at Wichita Animal Control to report some dogs that have been left on chains, some for an extended period of time as any of you who walk along the north side of 3rd Street and have "met" that poor black dog know, and she told me it is taking about 2 weeks to cite people for these violations. They are VERY busy with the new law and are going out to look at dogs everyday.
She also told me that they will be hiring 2 more officers in the next few weeks!!! Hooray!!! They should be able to respond more quickly to a problem or concern after these additional people are hired. Be sure to call them anytime you see an animal that is uncared for or chained up for long periods of time. Their number is 268-8473. This is also the number to call when you see dead animals on the street (we seem to have lots of squirrels and occasional opossums, cats and dogs here in Uptown). Please call to have these animals picked up. It's not safe for our kids or pets to have dead carcasses laying around in our streets.
Thanks! Lori
HARLAN BASCOMBE TO SPEAK AT NOV. MEETING
Harlan is the officer from central inspection who works our neighborhood. If there are any homes or apartments that have problems, he is the guy who will check them out. The Office of Central Inspection covers problems with the structure or workings of a house, not the conditions outside. Harlan will answer any questions you might have concerning properties in Uptown.
If you have a question about a specific house, please call Paul at 687-0949 or Lori at 688-1484, and let us know the address. We will get it to Harlan to give a report on it at the meeting. We need your addresses by Oct. 29th so he will have one week to work on this.
Hope to hear from any of you very soon!
WE COULD LEARN A LOT FROM CRAYONS
We could learn a lot from crayons: Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, Some have weird names, and All are different colors … But the All have to learn to live in the same box!
(Author Unknown)
Newsletter Delivery
We just added a new deliverer! Her name is Leslie Harvey and she is taking over the 100 block of Poplar, the west side of the 100 block of Green and the blocks of 1st Street between Green and Grove on the south side. If you see her out there putting them on doors, stop and thank her for her hard work and taking on this additional responsibility!
If you would like to know who is delivering the newsletter to your house, call Lori at 688-1484 and ask. She might be able to give you their phone number so you can call if you get missed.
The newsletters should be delivered by the Sunday night before the meeting on the first Thursday each month. Sometimes they are not able to get them out so early but if you are not getting yours by then, please call me and let me know.
-Lori
How to Set Up a Neighborhood Watch
One of the most effective ways you can help fight crime in your neighborhood is by starting a Neighborhood Watch. This Wichita Police Department program encourages neighbors to look out for one another and help make their neighborhoods uninviting to criminals.
Old Age
With the average cost for a Nursing Home per day reaching $188.00, there is a better way when we get old & feeble.
I have ascertained that I can get a nice room at the Holiday Inn for around $65.00...that leaves $123.00 a day for beer, food (room service), laundry, gratuities and special TV movies. They have a swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge, washer, dryer, etc. Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap.
Super 8 is somewhat more economical and they have a free breakfast, though you usually have to walk next door for lunch and dinner.
There may be a bit of a wait to get that first floor room, but that's OK, it takes months to get into decent nursing homes. There is the Senior Bus, the Handicap bus (if you fake a decent limp), a Church bus or van, cabs, and even a regular bus.
The Inn has security, and if someone sees you drop over, they will call an ambulance. And should you break a hip, the American Way is to sue. What more can you ask for?
As a bonus, they all have AARP and other Senior discounts.
So: When I reach the Golden age, help me keep my grin. Just check my old rickety body into the nearest Holiday Inn!!
Breakfast with Brewer
On Saturday, October 4th, the District One Coalition had their monthly breakfast meeting at Cisro's. Councilman Carl Brewer asked Deputy Chief Tom Stolz to speak about Drive – By Shootings in Wichita. Some statistics are the numbers of drive-bys for the last 5 years: 1999 – 36, 2000 – 42, 2001 – 46, 2002 – 28 and so far in 2003 – 37. The peak years for shootings was 1995 and 1996 when there were about 200 each year! The numbers are MUCH lower now.
Keep in mind that these numbers include shootings of paint ball, pellet and bb guns, not only handguns. DC Stolz also said that shootings of dogs by police officers is up this year. In 2003, the drive-bys were mostly NOT gang related. One is domestic violence, 11 are from fights, 12 are unknown and only 13 are from gangs. He also told us that gangs are race based so far in Wichita and the average age of gang members is 19 – 21, not teenagers! He said that once the gangs start to become more diverse, the city will be in for more trouble.
This winter when there are usually NO drive-by shootings, the WPD will put together a plan for dealing with drive-bys and will include neighborhood awareness in their plan. This plan must be ready by Feb. 1st in order to beat the start of drive-by season which is March to October.
Councilman Brewer also spoke about Escort Services that concern many in district 1 (that goodness not Uptown!). He said that the city cannot close them down but has increased their licensing fees to $500 for the business and $100 for each of the escorts plus a health screening. If they are caught without proper licensing they can be fined up to $1000.
The next date for the breakfast is Sat., Nov. 1st (always the first Sat. of each month). Anyone who lives in District One (and we all in Uptown do) is welcome to come and have a great breakfast. We meet at 8 a.m. and eat first then have the meeting. Please feel free to join us next month!
Minutes of the Meeting, Oct. 2, 2003
This meeting took place at College Hill United Methodist Church.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the meeting on September 4, 2003, were accepted.
Treasurer's Report: Uptown has a balance of $2264.07. The balance will increase when the cookie money is deposited. Lynn Wasinger reported that a book of checks has been missing for some time. Jim Dolenz, the former treasurer, couldn't locate the checks, and she was worried that since the Dolenz family has moved recently, the checks may have resurfaced and might be in danger of being found by an unscrupulous person. Lynn will look into stopping payment on the checks and what other recourse we might have. Lori Lawrence needs money for stamps, and Paul Oberg needs more clear sheet protectors.
Neighborhood Police Officer's Report: Officers Shirkey, Nixon, Brinkley, and Walter were present. Valerie Shirkey is the new Beat Coordinator for Beat 31, which includes the Uptown Neighborhood. The officers spoke about their duties on the beat and took questions from neighborhood members. Several problems were discussed, including street signs being pulled over or damaged along 2nd Street and people who have been running a noisy generator to provide power to their house. In response to a question from Mike Barushok, the officers said that a pair of shoes hanging near a house doesn't mean that it is a drug house unless there are other visible indications.
Old Business: The Old Grocery Store on David Winters' property was discussed. On September 23, Paul Oberg, David Franks, and Dale Wasinger joined David Winter for an inspection of the store. At the meeting Dale, an inspector for the county, gave a report on the condition of the structure. Though the foundation is sinking on the north side, it is basically sound. The attic and ceiling are sagging, due to heavy plaster, but the building was constructed with good wood and is, in his opinion, salvageable. The lath and plaster need to be removed, work needs to be done on the footing, and the walls need to be pulled into plumb. It was suggested that the Office of Central Inspection be contacted to see if there could be an exception to the current construction codes for the building. It was moved by Dale Wasinger that further study be undertaken to determine neighborhood uses for the building, possible support for the renovation (for example, The Yard), and the legal aspects of UNA ownership
The "No Left Turn on 1st Street off Grove" issue was discussed again. Mike Barushok is writing a letter to the City Planning Commission regarding the removal of the No Left Turn sign, which has been in place since 1971. He expects the letter to be done by Tuesday, October 7th, and it will be put in the UNA newsletter.
President: Paul Oberg
Vice President: David Franks
Treasurer: Lynn Wasinger
Recording Secretary: Katie Murdock
Director of Communications: Lori Lawrence
Mary Dewing announced a meeting at her home (350 N. Chautauqua) on October 19 at 6:00 pm to prepare for the UNA Halloween Party. The party will be on Friday, October 31, in Chautauqua Park.
Paul Oberg had come across the UNA Articles of Incorporation in the records Jim Dolenz left behind, and he brought up the issue of our "Not for Profit" status. Evidently we must pay an incorporation fee each year and file an annual report regarding our financial condition. Paul wondered if this had been done. Lynn Wasinger said that the state didn't send us a bill for last year. Paul will talk to David Pendergast, UNA's first president, to track down this information.
Lori Lawrence asked if anyone would like to contribute something to the WIN bake sale at the Delano Fair on October 12th. She also needs help for the UNA bake sale at the Halloween Party.
The next meeting is on November 6, 2003, at College Hill Methodist Church. Lori Lawrence has arranged for Harlan Bascomb from the Office of Central Inspection to be present. She is asking Uptown members to send her questions for him to answer.
SHARE DIVAS AT IT AGAIN!
Leslie Harvey and her friend Michelle are still volunteering with Heartland Share. Leslie lives at 146 N. Poplar and her number is 687-2082. Heartland Share is a food co-op and they help individuals and families get a great deal on fresh fruits and vegetables and well as some great meats and other items. If anyone is interested in signing up they just need to call Leslie at 687-2082 or Michelle at 943-1107 (Michelle speaks Spanish too!) If you are interested in this program can check out Heartland share at www.heartlandshare.com. To get into this great program for November you must sign up before Nov. 9th for only $17.50. Here's what everyone got in October: Farmland Deli Ham - 12 OZ. Smoked Sausage - 12 OZ. Braunsweiger - 11 OZ. Breaded Chicken Tenders - 1 LB. Chicken Thighs - 2.33 LBS. Pork Chops (bone - in) - 1 LB. Potatoes - 6 Yellow Onions - 2 LB. Bag Green Peppers - 2 Lettuce - 1 Head
Gala Apples - 4 Tangerines - 5 Red Pears - 4 Red Grapes - 1 Bag
French Toast Sticks - 1 LB. Bag October SPECIAL ............"Turkey Touchdown" ..... 4 LB. Boneless Turkey Breast, equivalent to an 11 – 12lb. bird. ONLY $12.00
Coming for November "Home for the Holidays III" Three (3) - 8 Oz. Cheeses (Mild Yellow Cheddar, Sharp White Cheddar, Pepper Jack Cheeses) Three (3) - 9 Oz. Summer Sausages (Beef Summer Sausage (2), Regular Summer Sausage) Gift packaged …. Ready to give Great Gift Item or for those Holiday Parties ONLY $16.00
La Leyenda de Tecomate Juan
¿Donde se van, las calabazas "jack-o-lanterns" despues de Halloween? Se las come, "Tecomate Juan." ¿No lo conoce? Pueda decir que el Juan sea el "Frankenstein" del reino vegetal. Si no lo vió el año pasado a horcajadas sobre la lápida en Parque Chautauqua por la noche de Halloween …¡hay que verlo este año! Juan tiene más de veinte pies de altura y le gusta comer las "jack-o-lanterns" viejas—entre más madura, mejor. Su cuerpo verde viene de Canada (un descompuestador fabricado de plástico indestructible que se llama, el "cono verde"), las piernas son de pino, los brazos de cedro rojo, con una cabeza contribuida por Westlake ACE Hardware. Durante el año, Tecomate Juan es tímido y furtivo—¡pero, no es así por la noche de Halloween! Poca gente lo ha visto escamoteando y engullendo a las calabazas anaranjadas de los pórticos por la vecindad Uptown. Escuchen para el sonido suave y chupado esta noche 31 de Octubre. ¡Es el Tecomate Juan!
Frank Davids was the first to correctly answer last month's UT. He identified Russell's as the furniture store at 2401 E Central which was torn down in 1983. But Frank has lived in Wichita only since 1993 or so! How did he ace the trivia? Remember the clues…YOU could've been the winner! So David Murdock tools away with the $5 Westlake Hardware certificate. Mike Barushok came in second place.
The subject matter of June's trivia is no longer there! The unique high wire log above First and Erie was removed sometime before the end of September. So what's the buzz it must've been cut. Did somebody report it to the city? Or did a city employee read about it here in UT? Please let me know!
*GRAND PRIZE A $5 gift certificate from FLOWERS BY HARRY CLIFTON at First and Hillside*
Where in Uptown is this sculpture located? You need not identify the boy in the picture, but you must give the exact address at which the sculpture is located. You know you've seen it! Be the first to call Leonard at 685-4850 and you'll come out smellin' like a rose!