During a recent government meeting, city officials expressed gratitude for the successful Sweet Corn Festival and acknowledged the contributions of various departments and community members. Mayor Mike highlighted the efforts of Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works, thanking them for their hard work over the weekend. He also recognized Emily Gay, the communications manager, for her role in the festival's organization.
The meeting included a heartfelt tribute to Tom Kirsch, the former chamber director, who resigned following a life-changing incident. Mayor Mike and other council members praised Kirsch's dedication during his brief tenure and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Councilwoman Chies commended the Fairborn Block Party, which provided clothing and shoes to students, and emphasized the importance of safety as schools reopen. She urged residents to be vigilant as children return to school, particularly around bus stops.
The council discussed the upcoming relaunch of the city newsletter, set to debut in January 2025, encouraging residents to sign up via the city’s website. Additionally, officials reminded the community about the approaching cold and flu season, urging handwashing as a preventive measure.
The Sweet Corn Festival was a focal point of the meeting, with multiple council members sharing positive feedback about the event, which featured a corn-eating contest that drew significant crowd participation. The mayor noted that the festival had more vendors this year than in previous years, making it a larger success.
Looking ahead, the council mentioned the upcoming Air Force Marathon and a car show scheduled for the day after the marathon, inviting community participation. They also provided updates on the Fairborn Memorial Park, where construction is set to begin soon, including the installation of a large bronze eagle atop the veterans' monument.
In a lighter moment, the mayor shared a humorous encounter with the Fairborn Peacock, which has become a local mascot, amusingly stopping traffic at a busy intersection.
The meeting concluded with an announcement of the next citizens forum, scheduled for August 26, where community members can learn about local initiatives, including a car seat program in collaboration with the police and fire departments.