OWWN Summer 2023

Mission Statement

Educate. Advocate. Collaborate.

We will provide superior, reliable municipal services for the benefit of our citizens. We aim to be good stewards of both public resources and our natural environment as we embrace our heritage and yet recognize and act on opportunities to enhance the future quality of life in our community.

Vision Statement

We aspire to be a customer-centered organization through innovation and sustainability.

Staff

Amber Janes Investigator

Kristin White Director of Education

Terri Wolf Office Manager

Suzanna Hobson - Manager of Public Outreach

Park Advisory Council

Martin Kirkwood | Dave Mueller

Jim Peyton | Danielle Carey Tolan

Township Advisory Board

Jim Ake | Erica Strahm | Danyele Easterhaus

LETTER from the TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

Dear Residents of Westfield Washington Township, Happy Spring! As Hamilton County celebrates its Bicentennial commemorating the history of the county, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase some Westfield Washington Township history, specifically the history of our parks and recreation and MacGregor Park.

In 1997, the Township’s Parks and Recreation Department was officially established, which was very exciting for our community. Shortly after, in 1999, Sheila MacGregor Beals donated some of her familys acres to the Township for a minimally developed park used only for passive nature activities and protected by a conservation easement. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and provide valuable habitat in an area of the county experiencing massive growth and development.

The history behind this Township park goes back much further than 1999. The Beals parcels were historic wetlands – part of the Great Dismal Swamp dating back to 1848. Eventually, the Dismal Swamp was drained for use as cropland. Sheila MacGregor came here from Scotland and married her husband, Thomas Beals, right after WWII. Ms. MacGregor Beals was an advid gardner and loved animals, so this land became her world. The main loop follows her daily walks along the perimeter of the property.

Today, MacGregor Park has become an enormous community asset. The 96 acre passive nature park has over three miles of aggregate trails. It features wildflower and native tree prairies, streams, a rain garden, a pollinator garden, and coming soon, an interior wetland.

Please see the more detailed timeline featured on page 10 of this edition of OWWN. It’s sure to peak your interest. Finally, if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit MacGregor Park, I

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

WTO Lower Lower Level: Take ramp towards back of building.

WTO Main Main Level: Enter through front entrance.

Farms • 453 Greyhound Pass • Carmel 46032

MacGregor Park 21105 MacGregor Park Road • Westfield 46074

WWPL 333 West Hoover Street • Westfield 46074

Athena House 444 Ash Drive, Carmel 46032

About the cover: 1934 Centennial dedication at the NW corner of Main Street and Union (center), Sheila MacGregor Beals and the MacGregor house (below).

KIDS CAFE

Ages 3-5. PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY ALLERGIES! Does your child want to learn to cook? If so, this is the place for them. Simple recipes with few ingredients will open your child's eyes to their role in the kitchen. Children will bring home their very own recipe book, apron and chef hat. Instructor: Kristy White. **MUST BE POTTY TRAINED TO ATTEND CAMP** Min 10/Max 16

$110

WILD AND WACKY SUMMER FUN

Ages 3-5. Join us for 4 fun filled days of summer camp. Arts and crafts, water activities, games and outdoor activities, just to name a little of the fun. Dress for the occasion and be prepared to get dirty and have a great time. Instructor: Kristy White **MUST BE POTTY TRAINED TO ATTEND CAMP** Min 10/Max 16

*PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ONE SESSION ONLY IN ORDER FOR ALL INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS TO REGISTER!

$95 4

YOUNG CHEFS

Lower

ASTRONOMY

Ages 6-17. Develop an understanding of our place in the Universe through learning more about the other components of Space and our interaction with them. There will be a different focus which is reinforced through activities, visual aids and crafts. Instructor: Beth Ann Broadhurst.  Min 3/Max 10

$100 2 days MacGregor Park Shelters

GEOLOGY

Ages 6-17. We will be exploring the topics of rock types, formations, glacial impact in our state, erosion and conservation of our planet’s resources. Dress for the outdoors and hiking as part of each day’s activities.  Instructor: Beth Ann Broadhurst. Min 3/Max 10

days MacGregor Park Shelters

ENTOMOLOGY

Ages 6-17. Explore MacGregor Park from an insect's perspective. We will be identifying and cataloging the good bugs as well as the bad. Instructor: Beth Ann Broadhurst. Min 3/Max 10

Ages 6-8. PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY ALLERGIES! Movin' on up, graduates out of Kid's Café and join Young Chefs! (you do not have to have attended Kid's Café in the past to attend) Engage your young chef in an interactive class of culinary creations! Young Chefs use expert instruction and child-led design to whip up some delicious recipes. Whether your child wants to master snacks, appetizers or desserts, they will be sure to "relish" in the fun of this class! Instructor: Kristy White. Min 10/Max 16

CREATIVE COOKS

Ages 8-11. PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY ALLERGIES! This session is designed for the kids that want to do more extensive cooking. Your child will learn how to prepare and cook simple recipes they could make for your family. They will plan menus and create their own cookbook. They will be mixing and measuring some experiments and coming up with non-edible items, too. This promises to be a delicious time *New this year we will be preparing and eating a healthy lunch here during camp. Instructor: Kristy White. Min 10/Max 16

$120 3 days WWT Lower

28

STEAM

Ages 6-10. You don't just learn Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. You make it. You create it. You build it. Our campers will explore, imagine, innovate and become lifelong learners.  STEAM CAMP is a great opportunity for your child to collaborate with each other to explore and solve problems using creativity and ingenuity.  Let’s get outside and have FUN!! Bring a refillable water bottle each day

Instructor: Karen Semler (Mrs. STEMler). Min 10/Max 16

$130 4 days MacGregor Park Shelters  M - Th 9 a.m - 12 p.m.. Jun 12 - 15

BIRD BEHAVIOR BASICS

Ages 6-17. Learn the basics of bird habitats and create ways to help bring birds to your yard. We will start our Bird Journal to record our observations and begin to track species at MacGregor Park. Instructor: Beth Ann Broadhurst. Min 3/Max 10

Preschool Enrichment Class Requirements

Ages 3-5. Children MUST be potty trained and be able to follow directions and participate in small group setting without a parent. Doors will be open 10 minutes prior to class. No make-up for canceled classes or missed classes. Kids will receive a snack and drink. Min 6/Max 12

$12

1 Class WTO Lower

A DAY AT THE BEACH

Come enjoy a hot summer day at the beach. We will play beach volleyball and other games, too. We will explore different kinds of shells and make something with them. And we will finish the hot day off with a cool snack.

M 12:30 - 2 p.m. Aug 7

PAJAMA PARTY

Don’t get your child dressed today… Wear your favorite PJ’s to the Westfield Washington Township Parks for a “sleepover party”. Your child will play friendship games and make a nighttime craft. Enjoy popcorn and juice and lots of fun stories.

Th 9 - 10:30 a.m.

ISPY

10

Can your child join us for an I Spy adventure?  They will need their detective skills to search for hidden things. Enjoy a mystery snack, games and a craft. There will be plenty of I Spy books to search through while you’re here.

Tu 9 - 10:30 a.m Aug 15

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

What would you like to be when you grow up? Maybe a fireman, policeman or a dentist?  Come and explore the different people that help us each and everyday. You can decide what you want to be when you grow up.

F 9 - 10:30 a.m. Aug 25

BACK TO SCHOOL

It is back to school time. We will read stories about getting ready for school. Your child will make new friends just like at school. We will have a fun craft to make and a snack to finish off the morning. Join us for the fun!

W 12:30 - 2 p.m. Aug 30

WEE PLAY OUTDOORS

Ages 1-5 with Adult. Toddlers love to play!  They love social interaction with other children and they love to explore new surroundings. Wee Play allows you and your little ones to meet new friends.  Each toddler hour has a new theme for your child to learn and explore about a new topic.  Grab a Starbucks and bring a friend, you’ll be glad you did. PARENT WITH CHILD   Min 5/Max 22

FREE 1 class Simon Moon Park

W 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Aug 23

MOST

STORYWALK® BOOK REVEAL

All Ages. MacGregor Park is home to a StoryWalk® where visitors can enjoy reading a children's book while walking the park trails. This project is a partnership between Westfield Washington Township and the Westfield Washington Public Library. The story will remain up for several months so stop by anytime the park is open from sunrise to sunset. The book will be ideal for ages 7 and under and can be found on the small trail behind the park shelters. “StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and was developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library.”

FREE 1 session MacGregor Park

Th 1:00 p.m. Jul 6

ICE CREAM WE SCREAM PARTY (2nd annual)

Ages 3-10. Join the Westfield Washington Township Parks Department for an end of the summer bash. We had so much fun with you last year we are back to celebrate our summer fun with you! There will be crafts and games and of course ICE CREAM. Min 5/Max 24

$10 1 class WWT Lower

W 2 - 4 p.m. Aug 2 6233.301

CPR/AED (ADULT AND PEDIATRIC)

Ages 16+. This American Red Cross, Instructor-Led by Deborah Miller, course incorporates the latest science and teaches students how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED valid for 2 years. Min 3/Max 9

$67 1 class WWT Lower

3 - 6:30 p.m.

3 - 6:30 p.m.

8

10

FIRST AID, CRP/AED (ADULT AND PEDIATRIC)

Ages 16+. This American Red Cross, instructor-led by Deborah Miller, course incorporates the latest science and teaches students how to respond in times of crisis. This course includes basic first aid practices as well as how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies of any age. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate for Adult & Pediatric CRP/AED valid for 2 years. Min 3/Max 9

1 class WWT Lower

MEDICARE MADE CLEAR

Ages 55+. Approximately 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old every day and become eligible to enroll in Medicare. But choosing Medicare coverage can sometimes seem difficult. This workshop will explain the basics of Medicare and the options for coverage available to Medicare beneficiaries. The class is open to anyone eligible or soon to be eligible for Medicare, or anyone with an interest in learning more about how Medicare works. Min 1/Max 13

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Ages 55+. If you are a person who is pre-Social Security age or currently receiving your Social Security benefits, please plan on attending this free educational seminar about them and the impact they can have on your retirement years. Discussion topics will include how and when to apply for benefits, when is the best age to access your benefits, understanding your Social Security Benefit Statement, how to access beneficiary benefits, what impact will inflation have on your benefits and how your Social Security Benefits are affected by other retirement income and other benefits supplied by the Social Security Administration. Min 4/Max 12

UNDER 65 HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

Ages 18+.Which healthcare options are available to those under 65? What are the pros and cons of each option? How do you know which option is right for you? If you don't have insurance, can you still get coverage? Are there any government funded healthcare programs available to those under 65? You have options for health insurance. Min 3/Max 20

TOP TEN MISTAKES SMART PEOPLE MAKE WHEN SELLING THEIR HOUSE

Ages 18+. Learn the most common mistakes sellers make when selling their house and how to avoid them, which will result in a faster sale and putting more money in your pocket. This workshop also includes a comprehensive market update so you know what to expect when you go on the market. This is an interactive workshop so bring all your questions! This workshop is held on ZOOM. Email Steve@Welcome2Indy.com for the link to the workshop.

WHAT'S IN YOUR PET'S BOWL?

Ages 55+. Being  a pet owner I am doing my best to feed my dogs and cats the best diet I can offer them. Trying to do less kibble and more choices. Human doctors are saying to eat less carbfohydrates and dog/ cat doctors are telling you to feed more kibble.  Do you know how many carbohydrates are in your bag of kibble? What simple steps can you take to feed your pet better.INSTRUCTOR NOTE: I am a pet owner - not an expert - but willing to share what I have done for my pet’s future. Min 1/Max 20

SPROUTS/MICROGREENS FOR PETS

Ages 18+. Sprouting seeds and microgreens are quick and easy methods to feed pets while getting the most nutrients for them. In this workshop, you will learn simple ways you can increase nutrients for your pets. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: I am a pet owner - not an expert - but willing to share what I have done for my pet’s future. Min 3/Max 10

FORAGING FOR PETS

Families. Contra Freeloading is a term that states your pets would rather work for their food than eat out of a bowl. We will discuss different ideas on how you can make your pet work for their food. Your pet will take longer to eat their meals and enjoy their food because they will have to work for it. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: I am a pet owner - not an expert - but willing to share what I have done for my pet’s future. Min 1/Max 20

PET’S LIFE AFTER YOU

Ages 55+. If you live with pets - do you have plans for your pets if you do not make it back home? You owe it to your pets to have a plan for their future if you are not able to take care of them. Let's talk about some of your options to help you put some plans into place.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: I am a pet owner - not an expert - but willing to share what I have done for my pet’s future. Min 1/Max 10

ANIMAL WELFARE VS ANIMAL RIGHTS

Ages 55+. Animal Welfare vs Animal Rights what is the difference? Have you seen the commercials with the dogs chained outside in the snow?  Let’s discuss these commercials and who are behind them. Animal Rights people are on the television, magazines, and social media showing you the dogs sitting in the rain to get you to send them donations. Let’s discuss what they are actually doing to your rights to own animals. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: I am a pet owner - not an expertbut willing to share what I have done for my pet’s future. Min 1/Max 20

FITNESS & MOVEMENT

CORE AND MORE

Ages 18+. Fitness expert Rich Ford leads you in a resistance training class that targets the core, back, lower body and MORE! You never know what the MORE will be, but it will burn calories and leave you with a better frame! Learn more about training, nutrition, and have fun doing it! All fitness levels welcome. Min 8/Max 15

Ages 16+. Tone your muscles and calm your mind with Yoga! Designed for both the beginner and the more experienced student, the class takes you through a gentle sequence of postures that will allow you to discover your body’s own wisdom. Not only will your body feel better, but your mind will too. “Move your muscles, change your life”. Bring your yoga mat to class. Min 5/Max 20 Penny

WOMEN’S WALKING GROUP

Ages 18+. Continue your fitness routine…Join us at MacGregor Park for a walking program that focuses on strength and toning. No registration required.

LANGUAGE

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH

Ages 18+. For students who already know present, preterite, and imperfect tenses, as well as irregular verbs. More tenses and reading and writing exercises will be given by Dr.Wilma Sukapdjo. Min 2/Max 6

$92 8 weeks WWT Main

Th 6 - 7 p.m. Jun 8- Jul 27 2233.301

BEGINNING GERMAN

Ages 18+.Learn how many German words you already know, because our basic household words are from German. Learn present and past tense of 25 common verbs and how to construct small sentences. Learn weekdays, seasons, months, numbers and cutlural references with Frau Dr. Sukapdjo. Min 1/Max 6

$92 8 weeks WWT Main

Th 7 - 8 p.m. Jun 8- Jul 27

BEGINNING PORTUGUESE

2233.302

Ages 18+. Oi! Learn a brief history of Brazil, the difference between Brazillian Portuguese and that of Portugal. Also learn about food and cultural differences. Compreendemos o portugues! Min 1/Max 7

$92 8 weeks WWT Main*DENOTES NO CLASS

Th 8 - 9 p.m. Jun 8- Jul 27

2233.303

Beginner Yoga - Melissa Hinshaw

ZUMBA

Ages 18+. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international music/dance themes that create an exciting dynamic of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. It is based on the principle that a workout should be “fun and easy to do”. Min

ADULTS

BEGINNING FRENCH

Ages 18+. Learn with Dr. Supkapdio the language of French dating back to 1066, that brings words to us like “royal, corduroy, Leroy’. It is the language of nuances, double entendres, and is used worldwide as a second and third language for communication. Learn how to pronounce the names of Frenchmen such as; Guy de Maupassant, Louis Braille, Conte de la Rochefoucauld. You will learn greetings, numbers, and common expressions such as ‘savoir faire’. Learn the difference between Quebecois, Cajun, Haitian, and Parisian French. Vive le francais! Min 3/Max 10

$92 8 weeks WWT Main

W 6 - 7 p.m. Jun 7 - Jul 26

BEGINNING SPANISH

2233.304

Ages 18+. Dr. Sukapdjo teaches pronunciation and spelling, nouns and adjectives, agreement and present tense verbs. One never having had Spanish should come to get a good foundation for "el idioma". Hasta luego. Min 1/Max 6

$92 8 weeks WWT Main

W 7 - 8 p.m. Jun 7 - Jul 26

2233.305

Please visit our website: wwpl.lib.in.us or the Events Calendar: wwpl.librarycalendar.com for a complete calendar of all events or to register for a program.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Register for the Summer Reading Program at wwpl.beanstack.org or through the Beanstack app.

Jun 1 - Jul 31 Read with us this summer! All ages are invited to sign up and participate in the WWPL Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” The library will be hosting special programs and events throughout the summer, and also offering sign-up prizes, completion prizes, and a grand prize drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Westfield Library! If you are between the ages of 11-18 and would like to volunteer to help with our Summer Reading Program, please stop by our Children’s Desk and complete an application, or contact us at 317-896-9391 for more information.

WWPL Summer Reading Program Prize Drawing

Celebration (All ages)

Aug 1 at 1 p.m. Check our website’s Events Calendar wwpl.librarycalendar.com for more details.

SPECIAL SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer Author Series:

Bryan Furuness (Teens)

This is program #1 in the 3-part Summer Author Series, sponsored by Apex Benefits. Registration required. Prepare to be captivated by Indiana Young Adult Author Bryan Furuness as he hosts a Teen Writing Workshop and discusses his books. Bryan is the author of The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson and Do Not Go On, and the co-author (with Sarah Layden) of the forthcoming book, Invisible Art: A Field Guide to Literary Editing. He is the editor of several anthologies, including My Name was Never Frankenstein: And Other Classic Adventure Tales Remixed.

Jun 8 from 1 - 3 p.m.

John David Anderson (School Age Children, ages 5 to 12)

This is program #2 in the 3-part Summer Author Series, sponsored by Apex Benefits. Registration required. Join us as John David Anderson provides an interactive presentation on writing for Grades 3-8. John David Anderson is the author of several critically-acclaimed novels for young people. He lives with his patient wife and brilliant twins in Indianapolis, Indiana, right next to a State park and a Walmart. He enjoys talking with students about reading, writing, superheroes, annoying pets, Albert Einstein, and other topics.He will be selling his books on a CASH ONLY basis.

Jul 18 from 1 - 3 p.m.

Addie Gundry (Adults)

This is program #3 in the 3-part Summer Author Series, sponsored by Apex Benefits. Registration required. Addie Gundry received her master’s degree in culinary arts at Auguste Escoffier. She has worked for chefs including Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, and Martha Stewart. In 2015, she won Cutthroat Kitchen, and just this past year, she competed on The Food Network Star! Addie has written 8 cookbooks. She lives in Lake Forest with her husband, Alex, their son Cooper, and dog Paisley.

Aug 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at West Fork Whiskey Co. located at 10 E. 191st St., Westfield, IN 46074.

Wonderlab Design, Test, Build! (School Age Children)

Registration required. Attend this program to see the WonderLab Science Technicians show us how to identify a scientific problem and solve it! Think like an engineer, learn about physics, systems, structure-behavior function, emergent properties and more!

Jun 2 at 1 p.m.

Wonderlab Hair Raising Science (School Age Children)

Registration required. Attend this program and learn about electricity

and how it impacts our lives. Together we will perform electrifying experiments, and this program is sure to spark interest in science!

Jul 10 at 1 p.m.

Pretty Funny Balloons (Children)

Registration preferred. Join us for an entertaining and creative balloon program, presented by Indiana’s premier balloon entertainers!

Jun 5 at 1 p.m.

All Together Now: Line Dancing! (All Ages)

Registration preferred. Bring your dancing boots to Boogie on Down, Shiver, or learn the Electric Slide with Tracy Martin as she teaches us how to Line Dance! All ages are invited to have a Fireball of a good time! This program will be presented twice.

Jun 5 at 6 p.m. and Jul 10 at 6 p.m.

Homeschool Meet the Teacher Night (All Ages)

Registration preferred. Drop in to this open-house style event to meet most of the teachers of WWPL's homeschool classes for the upcoming school year, and learn more about what they will be offering!

Jun 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Yoga at the Park (All Ages*)

Registration recommended. Mid-Day Yoga Break: Join us at Asa Bales Park, 205 West Hoover Street, for Yoga in the park! We will meet behind the shelter off of West Hoover Street. All ages and abilities are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat or a beach towel. Light refreshments provided. Registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. *All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of rain, Yoga at the Park will be canceled.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays in June + July at 12:30 p.m. (Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19)

How to Host an Exchange Student: Presented by Jill Woerner of AFS-USA (All Ages Welcome)

Registration preferred. Travel the World with Stories from AFS-USA! Join us as AFS-USA exchange students share their meaningful and delightful experiences. Explore new countries and cultures around the world through the stories of AFS exchange students, host families, and volunteers.

Jun 14 at 3 p.m.

Craft Corner for Teens and Adults

Registration required. Stop by the adult area tables and make a craft! Check our Events Calendar for details on the crafts.

3rd Wednesday of the month from 5 – 7 p.m.

Jun 21: Summer Candles, Jul 19: Sizzling Summer Stained Glass Art, Aug 16: Cool Down with Popsicles!

Teen Drop-in Crafts (while supplies last)

Drop into the teen room and make a craft!

Jun 15 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Tape Resist Art Canvas

Jul 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Peace Yarn Dreamcatcher

Aug 4 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. – Handmade Heart Pocket Hugs

Make It & Take It: Father’s Day (School Age Children)

Jun 16 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Drop in and make a gift for the father-figure in your life. Kids will leave with an item suitable for giving, complete with gift wrap. Suggested donation is $1/item.

Cool Creek Nature Park: Turtles of Indiana (Children)

Registration preferred. Join us at Cool Creek Nature Park at Shelter D, by the fire ring, to learn about turtles of Indiana.

Jun 26 from 1 - 2 p.m.

Cool Creek Nature Park: Owls of the Midwest (Children)

Registration preferred. Join us at Cool Creek Nature Park at Shelter D, by the fire ring, to learn about owls of the Midwest.

Jul 21 from 11 a.m. -12 p.m.

To register for WWPL programs, visit wwpl.librarycalendar.com or call 317-896-9391.

Stickerpalooza (Children)

Registration required. Register for one of the two sessions. Come explore our large sticker collection and take some home for yourself! We’ll provide a small blank journal for each person to store their collection in. Registration is required as supplies are limited.

Jun 28 at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Foam Happy Party! (Children)

Registration required. Register for one of three 40-minute sessions. Join us for a unique, fun summer experience at our foam party! There will be music, dancing, games, and the ground will be covered in fun foam! This is an outdoor program. Visit our Events Calendar for more details about registration and what to bring and wear.

Jun 29 at 11:30 a.m., 12:10 p.m. or 12:50 p.m.

Puzzle Competition (Ages 12+ and Adults)

Join us at the adult tables as teams compete to complete a 300 piece puzzle. Prizes are awarded and light snacks provided. Registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. Appropriate for ages 12+. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Jul 5 from 4 - 6 p.m.

YMCA Safety Around Water (Children)

Registration required. Join us to learn valuable information about how to stay safe around the water.

Jul 7 at 1 p.m.

Kid’s Concert Series at Grand Junction Plaza Wetlands Amphitheater by the Creek (Children)

Registration requested. Join us for a special outdoor program at the Wetlands Amphitheater at Grand Junction Plaza!

Jul 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Checkmate Chess Camp (Grades K – 9)

Registration required. Details and payment information available on our Events Calendar.

Jul 17 through Jul 21 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Chess Strategy Camp (Grades K - 9)

Registration required. Details and payment information available on our Events Calendar.

Jul 17 through Jul 21 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Water Day at Westfield Fire Station #82 (Children)

Registration preferred. Join us at Station #82, located at 1920 E 151st St, Carmel, IN, for Water Day! Bring a towel and sunscreen, and wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet! Learn about fire safety, play on the hill, and get sprayed with water from the ladder truck. Extinguish a pretend fire and splash around in a pop-up pool! You will not want to miss this fun event!

Jul 26 at 1 p.m.

Silly Safaris with Amazon John (All Ages)

Registration required. Join Amazon John from Silly Safaris as he entertains us with a live animal show! The same show will be presented at two different sessions.

Aug 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. (two shows)

RECURRING PRESCHOOL and CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Story Times (18 Months and up, with caregiver)

Registration required. Enjoy stories, songs, finger-plays, rhymes and puppets. Strengthen early literacy skills and encourage the joy of learning. Each program ends with a fun craft or an activity.

Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 5, 12, 19, 26; Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug 7, 14, 21, 28)

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 13, 20, 27; Jul *11, 18, 25; Aug 8, 15, 22, 29)

Spanish Story Time at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 6)

*July 11: Meet us at Grand Junction Plaza Wetlands Amphitheater by the Creek at 10:30 a.m.

Story Time Puppet Show (Preschool with caregiver)

Registration Required. Register on our website’s Events Calendar wwpl. librarycalendar.com.

Aug 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Baby Love Story Time (Birth to 18 Months)

Registration required. Stories, songs, rhymes, finger-plays, and playtime for babies accompanied by a caregiver. Siblings welcome.

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 8, 15, 22, 290; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)

Friday Funday (Preschool with caregiver)

Registration Required for take & make kits only. Drop in or pre-reserve a take & make kit of digital book recommendations, songs or rhymes, educational activities, crafts and coloring pages all based around a central theme. Designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Adult supervision required.

2nd Friday of the month. Register and drop-in between 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. (Jun 9; Jul 14; Aug 11)

Preschool Music & Movement (Preschool with caregiver)

Registration required. Library staff lead children in a wide range of activities supporting early literacy, including chanting, singing, dancing, action songs & stories, rhythm practice, creative movement & role playing. Children will practice both large and small motor skills.

Usually the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16)

Paws to Read (School Age Children)

Registration required. Practice reading to a friendly dog who is a very good listener!

2nd Saturday of the month, 15-minute sessions beginning at 10:30 a.m. (Jun 10; Jul 8; Aug 12)

4th Thursday of the month, 15 minute sessions beginning at 1 p.m. (Jun 22; Jul 27)

RECURRING ADULT PROGRAMS–AGES 18+

Visit our Events Calendar wwpl.librarycalendar.com for a complete listing of recurring adult programs including WWPL Book Group, Mystery Book Group, Bingo Brunch, Westfield Writers Group, American Mahjong, Euchre, Needle & Thread Group, and craft programs.

RECURRING TEEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

Visit our Events Calendar wwpl.librarycalendar.com for a complete listing of summer and after-school teen programs, including Trivia Tuesday, Gaming Corner, Friday Flick, and Drop-in Craft programs. After-school programs will begin the week of August 15, 2023.

RECURRING TEEN/ADULT PROGRAMS

Visit our Events Calendar wwpl.librarycalendar.com for a complete listing of recurring teen/adult programs including Tabletop Games, Ukulele Circle, and Coloring, Crosswords and Coffee.

RECURRING SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS

Visit our Events Calendar wwpl.librarycalendar.com for a complete listing of recurring school age programs including Tween Book Club, Story Castle Cinema, and Family Bingo Night.

Homeschool Classes at the WWPL

The library offers a wide variety of homeschool classes and clubs for elementary through high school-aged students. Contact the WWPL Children’s Department at 317-896-9391 for more information or to register.

MACGREGOR PARK TIMELINE

1997 Trustee Isaac Jones established Township Parks & Recreation Department

1999 Sheila MacGregor Beals donated 40 acres

2004 Township Parks Advisory Committee established

2004 Received a Federal Land and Water Fund Grant

2004 Construction began on original 1.8-mile loop, mirroring the path Sheila took to walk her dogs

2004 Built trailhead, restrooms, rain garden and 16 parking spaces

2005 Awarded Urban Forestry Grant used to purchase 600 diverse trees on nine acres along US 31

2005 Park programs are offered and staff created the “Flutter”, the quarterly program guide

2006 The original 1.8 miles of trail was completed

2007 Purchased 19 acres from Lindley Ditch to State Road 38

2008 MacGregor Park logo was designed by Sheila Connett, Ms. Beals’ goddaughter

2009 Park officially opened in May

2010 Adopted 5-year Comprehensive Plan

2010 State constructed park entrance off State Road 38

2010 Maintenance building was constructed near the trailhead

2010 Road paved from bridge to the restrooms and 16 parking spots were added

2011 Received Urban Forestry Grant used to plant additional 270 trees

2011 Picnic shelters built

2012 Awarded Bicentennial Nature Trust Grant and received donation from the Beals’ Trust to purchase land

2012 Purchased additional 40 acres of interior park land

2012 Eagle Scouts built bulletin board, mile markers, entrance sign near bridge and 12 benches

2013 Received a Federal Land and Water Fund Grant

2013 Upper Watershed Alliance Grant received for pervious pavers in the plaza area

2013 Development and construction completed for interior of the park

2013 Entrance sign installed

2013 Ribbon-cutting for park interior in October

2016 Adopted 2016-2020 Parks & Open Space Master Plan

2016 11-acre wetland mitigation and planted 5,000 trees

2017 Board approved acquisition of additional park land near MacGregor Park

2018 Board approved bond for purchase of park land

2019 Will celebrate the 10th anniversary of MacGregor Park in May

Celebrated the 10th anniversary of MacGregor Park in May

What started as a generous donation of 40 acres of land led to the purchase of additional land to help MacGregor Park become what it is today – a 96-acre passive nature park on the north side of Westfield Washington Township.

Total amount of Township tax dollars invested to develop MacGregor Park =$2,402,192

Total amount in grants received for MacGregor Park=$819,500