Hello Neighbors!
It’s another grand day in the ol’ West End Neighborhood.
As I’m writing this month’s edition, the weather outside is amazingly beautiful! I’m sure I say this every year, but spring certainly took its time getting here, but if today is any indication of where we’re at, it was worth the wait!! Hope you can get outside and enjoy it.
Porch Parties
Speaking of outside events, the Friday Porch Parties are back in swing. Thanks to Mike and Jo for hosting the very first one of 2026 – I was out of town so unable to make it, but heard it was another good one.
These are really nice events to meet your neighbors in a very casual atmosphere so I encourage you to both host and attend. To get on the email list, contact Jo at wcporches@gmail.com.
Recycling
West Central is part of the Southwest Area Partnership (SWAP) where we attend monthly meetings to get reports from various City departments and elected representatives. Our own Bethany Pruitt attending this month’s and files the following on recycling efforts. Fort Wayne recycled over 10,000 tons of material last year, which provided about $900,000 in revenue (yes we get paid for our recycled materials!). In April, our area (the southwest quadrant) made up 31% of the total material recycled in the city. Way to go Southwest!
Now the bad news. Our quadrant averages 28% contamination of our recycling, while the city as a whole only averages 17%. We can do better.
Here’s how you can help make sure everything you put in your bin gets recycled:
- Put all items directly in the bin — do not put anything in plastic or trash bags.
- Avoid any items that are not recyclable or that contaminate other truly recyclable items. Specifically don’t include: garden hoses, grass clippings, plastic toys, lithium batteries, styrofoam, lids smaller than a golf ball, and shredded paper.
Together, we bring our contamination rate down, which ultimately leads to lower recycling costs and a healthier city.
Block Party
The next big West Central event is the annual Block Party at Moody Park. This year’s event will feature a Fort Wayne classic: catering by Powers Hamburgers! They’ll serve hotdogs and hamburgers, plus all your favorite picnic accoutrements like chips and drinks. Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 25 from 11am to 2pm. Volunteers still needed so please sign up here – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445ACA729A1FEC52-64170233-west#/.
Neighborhood Yard Sales
Coming up very soon are the West Central Yard & Porch Sales, June 5 and 6. You make your own hours and West Central will promote the event through our usual channels. Here’s hoping for great weather for both of these summer events.
Hope to see you on the front porch real soon!
Joel Sauer, President
(260) 433-3672
2026 Board Officers
- Membership: Anita Kuker membership@westcentralneighborhood.org
- President: Joel Sauer president@westcentralneighborhood.org
- Secretary: Bethany Pruitt secretary@westcentralneighborhood.org
- Treasurer: Chris Todd treasurer@westcentralneighborhood.org
- Vice President: Kelly Benton VP@westcentralneighborhood.org