Jay Cousins snapped some photos of the annual neighborhood picnic and potluck that took place on Wednesday, August 14. There was a great turnout — so great, in fact, that the free hot dogs and burgers ran out before we could blink.

John Vlahovich talks to Corbin Center rep Laura Schlangen

Neighbors gather in Corbin Park

In the line for burgers and hot dogs

Stan the Grillin’ Man

An informal neighborhood council meeting as the sun sets

Kids chow down on burgers

Families arriving, dish in hand

An informal neighborhood council meeting as the sun sets

EGNC secretary Stan Burke lays out the hamburgers and hot dogs

Neighbors waiting in line for food

Jackie Caro speaks about upcoming traffic-calming projects.

An informal Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council meeting took place following the food. Some of the highlights of that included:

• As a result of our requests, two traffic circles (aka roundabouts) are being installed on W Montgomery between Monroe and Maple. The city is actively soliciting feedback from residents as to what that completed project will look like. For instance: Will the circles be landscaped? Will there be additional curb bump-outs? We encourage you to get in touch to offer your input.
• The neighborhood council will be allocating more than $57,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds this autumn. This money will go to sidewalks, home rehabilitation, capital projects, and more.
• The Neighborhood Planning group is on a roll and will be meeting frequently in anticipation of the neighborhood-wide workshops on October 10 and November 14.
• The Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market is going strong, and people are encouraged to stop by as well as spread the word to ensure its continued success.
• The first-ever Concert in the Park was a huge success. There is already $300 in the pot for next year’s more ambitious series.
• Candace Mumm gave a brief talk about her District 3 candidacy and made herself available for questions about neighborhood councils, planning, and more.
• Mayor David Condon will be hosting a city-wide budget presentation and Q&A at our September 11 neighborhood council meeting. As such, the “business” portion of the meeting will be abbreviated, and we’re to expect a turnout far beyond regular neighborhood council members.