Around the Neighborhood - September 2002

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

From the Desk of Tammara Tracy
[Township Administrator -- Pike Township]

Hello again neighbors!

On the topic of trees, here's two FREE TREE WORKSHOPS! Remember, trees are very important –they save energy costs, help run-off, and raise your property values among other things. So help contribute to a healthy tree environment, learn, plant and maintain!

Thursday, September 19th "Trees 101: Tree identification, Function and growth, Proper maintenance"

Participants will learn:
**How to use taxonomic keys, tree guides, and identify common trees in Indianapolis; **Basic tree biology, how trees react to wounds, how trees grow, and even the "seedy" world of tree sex;
**How to identify tree maintenance needs, hazardous tree recognition, how to perform tree maintenance, how to hire a qualified Arborist.

Thursday, September 26th "Tree measurement and Inventory"

Participants will learn:
**How to measure height, diameter, and crown of trees;
**How to access the City's GIS system;
**How to view street tree inventory;
**How to print a map of your neighborhood or home;
**How to perform a tree inventory;
**How to get your inventory on the City's GIS system;

Indy Parks Forestry offers both Workshops FREE. Workshops will be held at Holliday Park Nature Center (6363 Spring Mill Rd). Workshops will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

For additional information, contact Jason Kissel, Urban Forestry Manager at (317) 327 – 7094 or jkissel@indygov.org

Hope to see you there!

Indianapolis Etc. Etc. Etc.........

Of course, this month is the first anniversary of the attack on the New York World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and America. Indianapolis is observing the day with a week-long celebration of Democracy and a Tribute to those who died. Log on to www.indygov.org/mayor/indyremembers to view the extensive list of events throughout the Central Indiana area. >>>>> A couple of things remain true of September as they did of August: The City County Council is now hip-deep in the budget process. Public Safety and the supply of inmate beds continue at center stage with Mayor Peterson the Republican controlled Council appearing to have moved away from opposite poles and now considering various plans. The final budget vote is scheduled for September 16. >>>>> West Nile virus continues to affect Indiana. Again, the Marion County Health Department reminds residents to be proactive and dump any standing water around their homes (such as might collect in old tires or planter boxes. >>>>> Another reminder to be sure the ones you love have the Homestead Credit and Deduction. Only the bravest few of us should venture into reassessment next year without it. You can go the County Auditor’s website for the forms you need to fill out. Ms. Womacks offers forms for 9 deductions that you can apply for online.