August Highlights
The amazing sunshine and hot weather did not materialise in August. Hear we highlight some of The Good and The Bad news making our headlines.
The Good Stuff
Links to further information can be found in August's Bite sized News.
Extra Delivery
The donation of over 30 school packs of pens, pencils, folders and more for 3 age ranges of School was received by delighted children today. Donated by ICHH they formed part of the food hamper deliveries to local families in need distributed by Johnstown Tidy Towns.
Not only are families struggling to put food on the table but returning to school adds extra financial pressure they can ill afford.
We praise the work of local people who donate and groups like Johnstown Tidy Towns, ICHH and Athboy's People Who Share Care Group who help our community.
Cycle Map
We're delighted to see that Navan Cycling Initiative have produced a Cycle Route Guide to encourage Students returning to School to ditch the car.
Most local residents live within a 15 minute, or less, cycle of Navan's Market Square which means you'll likely beat the peak time traffic congestion. By using the routes the car can't take you can save even more time.
We've included the map in our Cycle Lanes & Routes Guide
Preparation for School Walkers
Johnstown Tidy Towns tackled the litter hotspots Sunday morning in an attempt to give those walking to school a chance to do it safely.
Focussing on the routes leading to the Johnstown Campus of St Stephens NS and Colaiste Na Mi Secondary School they collected 4 full bags. Also reported that a further 2 full bags had been removed from the Maple Estate by residents earlier in the week.
Concern is rising about the amount of broken glass from bottles and facemasks being irresponsible littered on paths and lawns.
Athlumney Hall Verge
At the request of local Cllr Alan Lawes the Council are transforming the dirt verge along Metges Road. It's hoped that they will replicate the wildflower planting stretches which appeared in Navan this year.
Parking Meters Changed
New car parking ticket meters have been introduced in Navan with the added option for contactless payments.
They still produce the traditional printed display ticket and we wonder if the paper is recyclable ?
Flowering
Johnstown Tidy Towns's Sunflower feature along the wall of Athlumney Hall on Metges Road are starting to bloom. They planted 2 varieties so we'll have to wait a little longer to see if we can spot the differences.
Ice Cool
New Track For Navan at Claremont Stadium recently revealed some lanes on their new cool blue track.
They need to continue their fundraising to pay for it and if you can donate visit their GoFundMe Page.
Water Too Cold to Swim
A sixteen year old Navan resident is being praised for rescuing 2 children (11 and 12yr) from the River Boyne close to Swynnerton Lodge. The local swimmers who got into difficulty were brought to Drogheda hospital for observation.
The advice is not to swim in the river where there are hazards beneath surface and the cold water will not only produce a shock but that it will also lower your core temperature creating muscle fatigue.
Sensory Shopping
Smith's SuperValu now host Sensory Friendly shopping experiences every Tuesday evening 7pm to 9pm.
Enjoy the calmer experience.
Paint Pot Clear Out
From today Navan Recycling Centre accept household paint pots.
€2 entry fee
€1 per pot, maximum 10 pots per visit.
Conkers
A generous resident has donated 25 Horse Chestnut Tree Saplings to Johnstown Tidy Towns and they've plans to plant in the coming months. We'll tell you more in the forthcoming magazine edition.
Finally Flat
True to their promise Smiths SuperValu removed the craters from the Johnstown Shopping Centre even though it wasn't their problem to fix.
The Low Points
Links to further information can be found in August's Bite sized News.
Serious Assault
Meath Crime Prevention posted a request for information following a serious assault on in Johnstown 29th August.
'Gardai in Navan are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault which occurred in Johnstown between 9pm and 9.15pm last night. One man was removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda with serious injuries. It is believed four persons were involved in an altercation which occurred on Bothar Sion.
Anybody who witnessed the incident should contact Navan Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111. '
Park Sensibly
Parents angered by inconsiderate parking in the Johnstown School Campus took to Social Media after only 2 days of schools reopening.
Consideration and respect for all children's safety should be paramount especially during these unsettled times.
Scorched Earth
Only a week after the Council Sprayed weed killer throughout Johnstown and the unpleasant signs of chemical warfare are starting to appear.
There must be a better way to do this since the bare earth will simply encourage weeds to return in place of grass.
Why exactly do fences, lamp posts and street signs need such severe support?
Microchip Your Pets
In light of recent media reports of dogs being stolen coupled with today's media report that 10 dogs have been recovered by Drug Enforcement Officers in County Limerick we strongly advise you to properly register your dog and have them microchipped.
September 2020 Articles
Maths Help
Mathematics is everywhere so we asked Joe McCormack for some Maths advice for parents.
Cycle Route Guide
Great work by Navan Cycling Initiative to create a Cycle Lane and Route Map for the Navan Area. It's come just in time for Students to avoid the school peak time traffic.
What Colour is Johnstown?
Spring is not the only season to be busy planting and we have suggestions to colour Johnstown.
Wildflower Calendar
We were attempting to record the local seasonal wildflowers in the Johnstown area but it's clear that others know far more about the subject.
See our guide page where we'll add more resource links.