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

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