Author Archive for Kris

I’m Ready

Although it may not look like it, I have been doing behind the scenes work on the site, Ya, they’ll believe that. They won’t know the difference. Actually, I have been doing a lot. It just takes time to get things ironed out into a workable plan. It’s also been tough because I’ve been helping my husband mow about 800 yards a day. Well, not that many but my back would swear it was and if not my back, my mouth sure swears a lot somedays – like when I’m ready to set fire to people’s lawns rather than mow them again. Working with your spouse has its moments too. Ahem.

It sure is good motivation to put all I have into this site to make it work. I want an air conditioned job again, with occasional trips out and about meeting and learning about interesting things and people.

I guess I’ll just have to admit that it will probably be Fall before I can devote a full 8+ hours a day to the site. Believe me, I’m looking forward to that time! Until then, I’ll keep rolling out new features and articles. I’m more than ready.

 

 

 

Grow Decatur Meeting, May 15

Just wanted to pass this information along for anyone interested:

On Tuesday, Grow Decatur is having a reception for anyone who would like to see how they might help move the community forward.

Decatur Public Library, Madden Room, Tuesday, May 15 at 4:30pm.

We would like you to join us, and also ask you to pass this invitation to anyone else you think might be interested in being a part of Decatur’s continued development. Family, friends, people in your neighborhood or co-workers, etc. Everyone is welcome.

Items to be discussed include an overview of Grow Decatur, explanation of current activities that could use volunteers, and opportunities for service that we see in the future.

Thanks!
Grow Decatur
Bruce Nims

Central Park Plans for 2013

I had a chance to briefly stop by the Transfer House yesterday and view conceptual drawings of the redevelopment plan for Central Park and Franklin Street in downtown Decatur.  The construction will begin in 2013.    In the plan, Central Park will have new stages, a large sunken grassy lawn for audiences, a new splash play area near the fountain for kids (and I bet a lot of us adults), new sidewalks, landscaping, benches, trash cans, etc.

One question I have is regarding the Civil War statue, which is currently prominently displayed in the park.  It isn’t on the drawing. I’ll have to shoot off an email and find out where it is to be located or relocated to.

Yesterday was also the first time I’ve ever been inside the Transfer House.  It looks much better on the outside.  I was surprised to see the condition of the ceiling.  Hopefully a new use for the building will be included in the plan.

Central Park, Decatur, Illinois

2013 changes for Central Park, Click on image for larger view.

The traffic direction around Central Park will be reversed from what it is currently.  Franklin Street will have new sidewalks and landscaping, much like the new sidewalks and landscaping being installed this year in other parts of downtown.  And if memory serves me right, a larger viewing area for parades will be located in front of the Transfer House facing Franklin Street.

More Images:

New landscaping around the Transfer House.

Central Park Drawing

Central Park, showing the traffic and parking changes.

Frankling Street, Decatur, IL

A portion of Franklin Street, S. Park and Prairie Street.

New stage for Central Park.

Transfer House

My son pointing to where we were. Hard to miss that building!

 

Phase III Franklin Street and Central Park Open House Set

The City of Decatur will hold a public open house for Phase III of the Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project from 3-5 pm, Thursday, May 3, at the Transfer House in Central Park.

Residents can receive information and provide input on the proposal for changes to Franklin Street and Central Park during the open house.  Phases I and II are currently underway on the three-phased project to bring new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, recreational opportunities and other amenities to the downtown area.

The Open House will be structured as an informal informational gathering where attendees can see conceptual renderings and provide feedback on the final phase of the project.

Contact Billy Tyus at 424-2727 or Stephanie Ashe Brown at 424-2725 for more information.

How To Help Recent Tornado Victims

The American Red Cross is responding across the Midwest where dozens of tornadoes ripped through communities last weekend,destroying buildings and downing power lines. Red Cross workers are already operating shelters and providing meals,and more help is on the way.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these tornadoes,” said Carl Baker,Mid Illinois Chapter Executive Director. “Local Red Cross chapters are already offering victims food and a safe place to stay and more workers and equipment are being sent it to help people who were in the path of these storms.”

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center reported at least 97 tornadoes blew across Kansas,Iowa,Nebraska and Oklahoma. Particularly hard hit were the towns of Woodward and Norman in Oklahoma,the towns of Creston and Thurman in Iowa and areas in and around Wichita,Kansas. Currently, hundreds of relief supplies are being moved to the affected areas. These supplies include comfort kits,tarps,coolers,rakes and other cleanup supplies. The Red Cross is also sending in additional staff and disaster equipment.

SAFE AND WELL The Red Cross encourages people to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are safe by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). From a smart phone,visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for Friends and Family” link.

People in the affected areas can let loved ones know their status on the Safe and Well site. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address. Safe and Well also enables disaster survivors to update their Facebook and Twitter status through the website.

HOW TO HELP People can help those affected by disasters like these tornadoes,as well as countless crises at home and around the world,by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org,calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter,food,emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.