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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:
[email protected]. 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
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‘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:[email protected]
As a senior citizen, I would like to see action on the
following service, convenience, facility or other:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Name: (optional): ______________________________________
Phone/Email:__________________________________________
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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
[email protected].
DID YOU KNOW?
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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:
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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—
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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.
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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 [email protected]
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:
[email protected] 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