A Healthy Community Committed To Living Well!
fit city YOUR
Community Character Mind Body
Valpo Gets Growing
April 2013 eNewsletter
Calling All Green Thumbs!
Boxes & Barrels are Back
T
he Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting “April and May will be warmer and drier than normal, with an especially warm first half of April. Summer temperatures and rainfall will be near normal, on average, despite a tropical rainstorm threat in mid-June.” Yay! So, whether you’re gardening in your own yard, in the Community Garden at Foundation Meadows Park, or you’re purchasing your veggies from others, the growing season promises plenty. Here’s a look at what’s growing in Valparaiso: Community Garden “This is the third year for the Community Garden and it keeps getting bigger and better,” said Dan McGuire, Recreation Superintendent for Parks. The Community Garden is located at Foundation Meadows Park next to the Parks office at 3210 N. Campbell Street (same location as Butterfly Meadow playground). “There is so much excitement about the garden that the 40 ground-level plots sold out early,” said McGuire. “We’re eager for planting to begin.” Wheelchair-friendly plots Thanks to the efforts of Parks Horticulturist Steve Martinson, this year’s garden features two raised bed plots for use by those with disabilities. “A local contractor is donating the materials and labor to install a path from the parking lot to the garden to make the gardens more accessible for gardeners and more
Rain Barrels, Planting Boxes and Veggies Boxes will be back for the second year. Take advantage of these green opportunities:
wheelchair-friendly,” said Martinson. Anyone interested in reserving these may call the Valpo Parks office at 219-462-5144. The Fit City Plot Fit City will have its own garden plot with all the produce going to the food pantry at Housing Opportunities. Any gardener may volunteer at this plot. Gardeners are also invited to share extra produce with the pantry, and a box will be set out to collect it for transport to Housing Opportunities. Free Garden Preparation Sessions Master Gardener Linda Mapes will offer two free information sessions for Fit City members. Learn how to plant and prepare for your garden, including weeding, fertilizing and using garden tools. Attend either of two sessions at the Welter Room, Forest Park Golf Course Clubhouse: : Sat. April 27, 9 to 10 am or Thurs. May 2, 6:30 to 7:30 pm To register or volunteer Call 219-462-5144 for details and registration. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with the Fit City plot and to help other gardeners.
Rain Barrels The city is offering 55-gallon rain barrels at the reduced rate of just $20 per barrel to the first 400 participants who live within Valparaiso city limits; $51 for an additional barrel or to those outside the service territory. Order by May 16 for pick up on May 23. Order at www.UpCycle-Products.com and click on the Valparaiso link. Planting Boxes You can purchase these sturdy, raised beds for your own yard. You choose the location and the box is installed on your property by Grow NWI, complete with soil and plants for $250. Contact grow@grownwi.com to get your planting box. Veggie Boxes Grow NWI is expanding on this popular weekly program, delivering your own box of assortment locally grown produce, harvested in season. Cost is $25 per week and deliveries begin the week of June 10 and run for 16 weeks. To register, contact grow@grownwi.com.
Join your fit city S
ince Mayor Costas first introduced the Fit City initiative in 2005, more than 5,000 of us have participated in programming to make us healthier and more active. To receive an e-newsletter of Fit City events and ideas to stay fit and healthy, e-mail Christy Graf at cgraf@valpo.us.
How do you STAY FIT? Asked at Cumberland Crossing in Valparaiso
fit cityEVENTS
YOUR
American Heart Association’s National Walking Day
“I run and also swim for Valparaiso High School (200 and 100 freestyle!)”
Elizabeth Schlichting
April 3 • Lunchtime All 3 Porter-Starke Services locations (Valpo, Portage, and Knox) In support of the American Heart Association, Porter-Starke Services’ Wellness Team is organizing a brief, lunchtime walk at each of its three locations. The community and businesses are invited to join in. Call Porter-Starke for more information at 219-531-3500
Ringing In Spring
“I try to run outside on the sunny days and I’m training for the Indy Mini.” Ahlam Wolf
April 6 • 9 am race start, walk begins a few minutes later Kick off the running season with the region’s largest race and walk of the spring - the 19th year! 5K run/walk + a new 10K course. Begin at the Valparaiso YMCA, 1201 Cumberland Crossing. Refreshments and T-shirts to registered participants. Register at www.ringinginspring.com.
Eat the Mediterranean Way
April 10 • 6 pm • Portage Hospital Bistro Learn the Mediterranean style of eating using fresh vegetables and cooking styles. Family Medicine Physician Dr. Zeba Ali will share tips on food choices for better health. Free. Register by calling 1-800-541-1861. “I do hot yoga three days a week, run with a group and walk with my dog, Birdie.” Jen Kerr and Birdie
FIT CITY c/o Valpo Parks 3210 N. Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385 219.462.5144
www.valpoparks.org
Nutrition 101 April 17 • 6 pm • Porter Regional Hospital, Community Room Join Family Medicine Physician Dr. Natalie Opanasets to learn the role vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates play in a well-balanced diet. Free. Register by calling 1-800-541-1861. When Joint Replacement is the Best Option April 30 • 6 pm • Blue Chip, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City Join Orthopedic Surgeons Drs. Michael Leland and Bruce Thoma to learn more about chronic joint pain to help you learn if you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery. Register by calling 1-800-541-1861. Got Hemorrhoids? May 15 • 6 pm • Porter Regional Hospital, Community Room Join General Surgeons Drs. Adam Conn and Roland Thomas to learn more about a new, minimally invasive outpatient procedure to treat hemorrhoids that helps you quickly return to your normal activities. Free. Register by calling 1-800-541-1861.