Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council

 

 

 

City Kidz Ice Cream Café opened on July 1^st to great fanfare. This is the first business to open in the new 3^rd & Main building. In addition to ice cream, they serve sandwiches, smoothies, espresso and coffee, kosher baked goods and gourmet juices. Visit them on the web www.citykidzicecream.com/mainstreet and join their mailing list to receive discounts and special offers. The website also contains menu information. Their hours are Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 8PM; Fri.-Sat. 8AM to 10PM; Sun. noon to 7PM. Call ahead at 598-5515 to place your order for quick pick up. SPAR members get a 10% discount with membership card.

 

SPAR Council has nominated Chris Farley for a Bank of America Local Hero Award. We are blessed by Chris’ boundless enthusiasm for Springfield’s history and by her diligent research. Chris is a master story teller who brings history alive when she gives talks in Springfield and for organizations all over town. She weaves tales of Springfield’s glorious past and invites people to come see how that glory is being restored in present day Springfield. This champion of Springfield also shares beautiful flyers and pamphlets that she has created and printed at her own expense. Chris serves as Springfield’s archivist as she collects and preserves records that have enduring value as reliable memories of the past. From former street names to old headstones, the neighborhood looks to Chris when there is a history mystery to solve.

 

Beautiful Gardens in Springfield—Thank you to Nicole Lopez for sending in a list of some of Springfield’s most beautiful gardens. Please take time to enjoy them as you are traveling around the neighborhood. They are: 124 E. 4^th; 1927 Liberty; 1126 Liberty; 1517 Market; 1420 Market

 

Thank you to those who have donated to SPAR’s Adopt-a-Pot program for the beautification of the area between 5^th and 8^th on Main, and two block east and west of Main on 8^th Street. If you have not yet given, why not make a donation today in honor of your favorite business?

 

The City is planting trees on the east side of Main Street from 1^st to 12^th Streets going at least to Liberty Street and perhaps further. Money for the project comes from the Tree Mitigation Fund. The contractor will provide water for the new trees on a minimal schedule. However, the City would greatly appreciate any help with watering that the residents can provide. This will go a long way to ensure the survival of the newly planted trees in our summer heat. If a tree dies, it will take some time to replace it. So let’s all give a regular drink of water to any new tree that our hoses can reach.

 

First Friday, July 3^rd, 210 W. 7^th St. 7-11 PM—Pete & Kristi Helow will host the July First Friday at the Woman’s Club.  Come dressed as a rock star or a mental patient. See Pete’s Facebook page for details.

 

Afterwards, why not head over to the Pearl (1^st & Main)? Karaoke outside on the back deck, and inside: a variety of dance music from the 80s, 90s, and present.

 

The Springfield Woman's Club is hosting one of their yummy breakfasts this Saturday, July 4th, beginning at 9:00 am at the Club to kick off the Independence Day festivities. They are located at 210 W. 7th Street, at the corner of 7th and Silver. After you have partied at First Friday (or even if you haven't) why not let the Woman's Club cook you a big, hearty breakfast? There's no admission fee; they will be accepting donations. :-)

 

Independence Day Activities, July 4^th, Klutho Park Ball Field area

Root for your favorite team as the Eastside Reds and the Westside Giants battle for bragging rights at the Throwback Baseball game in Klutho Park at 4 PM. Enjoy a meal at the SACARC Dogs for Dogs stand. Hot dogs, burgers and drinks will be available for purchase. SPAR is providing Port-O-Lets for your comfort. Come back to the park in the evening to enjoy a picnic supper and the fireworks over downtown Jacksonville. Be sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellant!

Mommies Group activities—All children are invited to participate

3:00PM—Craft Time.  We will decorate an Independence Day sign for the kids to hold as they make their annual parade around the baseball diamond.

3:30PM—Parade around the bases.  Kids should come dressed in their patriotic finery and decorate their bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers for the parade. A picture will be taken at home plate.

4:00 PM and throughout the ball game—Waterslide.  Kids should bring bathing suits and towels to enjoy the inflatable waterslide during the Throwback Baseball game.

 

Mark your calendars for the Mason’s Independence Day Celebration, 10:00 AM until ??? in Confederate Park. Free hotdogs and hamburgers for active duty military. Pony rides, moon bounce, face painting, Patrick Henry and Ben Franklin impersonators, flag retirement ceremony, free child I.D., City of Jax fireworks, carriage rides, patriotic singing and more. Food tickets are $8.00 and include ½ chicken BBQ plate. Call 904-629-2779 for more information.

 

Join us as we give neighborhood crime and drugs a going away party. SPAR Council will host National Night Out in Springfield on Tuesday, August 4^th at 7 PM on 3^rd and Main Streets. Turn your porch lights on—lights on means lights out for crime. The Sheriff or a Sheriff’s representative will attend.

 

Thank you for your support!

SPAR office