Author: Richard A. Stevenson - Wayne Township Trustee

As I write this the temperature outside is 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s another cold day in a long, hard winter. But I’m smiling because, by the time you read this, spring will be in the air. I can hardly wait, though along with the sunny . . . 

If you stop by our office this coming month you will see on the wall in our lobby a big colorful poster saying, “Love Where You Live.” Step up closer to it and you will see in smaller print,  . . . 

Last month I wrote about the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter that we and other Township Trustees are here to help with. In that column I described how we help hungry folks in need of food. This week I want to talk about our Wayne Township . . . 

Every morning I walk through our front lobby and talk with our clients. I like getting to know people, and I hear about the many different circumstances that bring folks through our doors. It never fails to touch my heart. One of the hardest things . . . 

Last week we celebrated the coming in of the New Year—2015, a holiday for remembering the past and for looking forward with hope for brighter and more peaceful days ahead. This week we are celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Since 1986 the third . . . 

During this time of year we shed many tears of joy at the Wayne Township Trustee Office. Our Investigators refer clients to the Allen County Christmas Bureau for assistance; then the Christmas Bureau matches clients with businesses, churches, individuals, . . . 

You can describe “team” as a group of people or other animals linked in a common purpose. Usually when you hear of someone’s success, you hear of some type of team work being involved.

Do you remember watching Dale Evans and Roy Rogers . . . 

In 2012, we hosted our first holiday skating party at the Roller Dome South. All of our workers were amazed at the turnout, and great time we had. People were lined up outside 30 minutes before the event was scheduled to begin, and this was during . . . 

It is that time of year again when you can see the seasons turning right before your eyes, and you feel the days becoming colder. Winter will be here soon. Winter weather brings winter bills, and that is the unfortunate focus of many families around . . . 

When I was growing up, my family taught me the importance of hard work, as well as the importance of getting an education. I learned from my family a strong work ethic which I still follow today. In my position as Wayne Township Trustee, I make every . . . 

I have always prided myself in being open and accessible to our clients and the residents of Wayne Township. Almost every morning, I greet all of the persons in our lobby with a handshake and smile of encouragement. Many times, as I make my way around . . . 

I really enjoyed visiting with Waynedale residents at the 82nd anniversary celebration of The Waynedale News on Friday, September 12. I had a chance to visit with some really special people, both readers and writers. The food was great! Hopefully there . . . 

When I was a child, I associated the Labor Day Holiday with the start of the Fall school session, because it always began the Wednesday after Labor Day. Now the return begins before Labor Day for most schools. When heading to work in the early morning . . . 

Think about plants. They all have certain requirements for optimal growing conditions. For good plant growth, you need good growing conditions such as sufficient water, oxygen and minerals; proper temperature; adequate light; control of pests. Inappropriate . . . 

I’m always looking for enjoyable family events for our clients to take part in. Gardening can be an inexpensive hobby for a family to share in. They can spend time together, share thoughts and ideas, and reap the benefits of providing food for . . . 

I love a parade! When I attend the Three Rivers Festival, and especially the parade, I feel like I’m celebrating with friends. It’s as though the City is throwing a huge party, and everyone is welcome. Parades seem to be a celebration of . . . 

I’d like to express well wishes to a friend of mine, Mary Morris. Mary recently retired from the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. I met Mary in 1972 when we both worked for the City of Fort Wayne in the Minimum Housing Department. We learned so . . . 

We have recently had a large number of clients coming in with utility bills that have service scheduled for disconnect. It is very important for clients to request assistance in a timely manner, before the utilities are disconnected or scheduled for . . . 

Most of us have seen recent articles in the local newspapers and broadcasts on the local news stations about ordinances to end collective bargaining for all City workers except police and firefighters. I believe it is important for citizens to attend . . . 

Each week we conduct Orientation Class for new Wayne Township Assistance clients. During class there are presentations by representatives of several departments of our office.The speakers outline the role of their departments including Employment, . . . 

I feel strongly that obtaining education is a large factor in reducing poverty. At the Wayne Township Trustee Office we wish to help empower our clientele, therefore we have partnered with the Fort Wayne Urban League and The Boys and Girls Club to . . . 

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Some of our clients have very little income, and do a good job of managing it. Some have more income, and may not manage it well. Monitoring financial activity can result in improved financial prospects. Most financial accounts can be monitored on-line . . . 

I find it alarming when I am advised of the death of a friend, family member, or co-worker. This is especially true when the person is someone I shared my thoughts and laughter with. It doesn’t matter what their position in life was; whether . . . 

The cold temperatures that we’ve been experiencing will result in higher heating bills for many of us. Here are some tips that will help maintain a lower heating bill. Turn down the thermostat. Turn down the temperature on your water heater. . . . 

When I was a small child, the mention of Billy the Kid caused my playmates and I to become excited, and we would pretend to shoot at one another. Often there would be a long drawn out shooting contest with one or more of us falling down to the ground . . . 

When I graduated from high school, you could very easily find work at one of the businesses in or around Fort Wayne. Some of the wages allowed you to have many of the things you desired such as a nice home, a nice car, a retirement plan, and vacations. . . . 

On January 2, 2014, our new Chief of Police Garry Hamilton was sworn in. Garry is someone I know personally, and I have high hopes for him in his new position. Some of our citizens hope that Chief Hamilton will be able to bring about a decrease in . . . 

I enjoyed all of the 2013 holidays tremendously. As the year comes to an end, I must say that this last holiday season of the year has topped them all. During this time of year, most families practice traditions which result in sharing joy and love . . .