City of Indianapolis Newsletter

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City of Indianapolis Newsletter

Christmas Tree Recycling

Indy Parks Announces
Collection Sites for
Christmas Tree Recycling

Program helps Indy Parks meet need for mulch for city parks, trails and playgrounds. Indy Parks & Recreation will offer seven drop-off locations in Marion County for residents to recycle their Christmas trees from Dec. 29, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009.

Indy Parks’ tree recycling program diverts waste from the landfill and adds mulch to our parks and street trees. Last year, Indy Parks recycled nearly 25,000 Christmas trees. Residents are encouraged to help make Indianapolis a more sustainable city and take advantage of this easy, environmentally friendly way to dispose of their trees.

Residents are asked to remove all ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, nails and other decorations before drop-off. No artificial trees or materials will be accepted. Trees will be accepted at the following locations during normal park hours (dawn to dusk), seven days a week. Follow signs within each park to the specific drop-off locations.

* Broad Ripple Park, 1610 Broad Ripple Ave., south lot.
* Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St., west of pool in main parking lot.
* Garfield Park, 2450 S. Shelby St., McAllister Center parking lot.
* Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road, north parking lot.
* Riverside Park, 2420 N. Riverside Drive, tennis court parking lot.
* Perry Park, 451 E. Stop 11 Road, soccer field parking lot.
* Sahm Park, 6801 E. 91st St., soccer field parking lot.

For more information, visit www.indyparks.org or call 327-PARK.

Sunday Breakfast

Sunday Breakfast at The Church Within
1125 Spruce St

Sunday, January 11, 9:00 AM. All are welcome at The Church Within for breakfast. Stay for service at 10:00. Homemade soup and fellowship follows at 11:15.

Property Tax Credit for Seniors Deadline

OVER 65 Circuit Breaker

The December 31, 2008 deadline is nearing for Indiana's seniors to sign up for a new property tax credit included in the tax overhaul state lawmakers approved last spring. Sign up at the Auditor's office.

The exemption covering homeowners ages 65 and older limits how much their tax bills can increase from one year to the next. Eligible homeowners must be at least 65 on or before Dec. 31 - the filing deadline - and have a gross adjusted income of less than $40,000 for a joint filing or $30,000 for a single filing. The gross assessed value on the homestead cannot exceed $160,000.

The application is available online at www.indy.gov/eGov/County/Auditor/Services/Online/Pages/home.aspx

The Auditor's Office encourages you to complete the application online, but you may also complete it in person or by mail. The Auditor's Real Estate office is located in the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Suite 841. The office is open from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. You can reach a customer service representative by calling (317) 327-4646.

IndyGo Christmas Schedule

IndyGo Christmas Schedule

On Thursday, December 25, IndyGo will observe the Christmas Day holiday. Regular routes will follow the Sunday/Holiday schedule.

The remaining routes and services will adhere to the following schedules:

> No service for the Red Line Circulator
> Open Door Paratransit Service: Sunday/Holiday Schedule
> Green Line Downtown/Airport Express: Regular hours
> No service for Fishers and Carmel Express Routes (regular service on Dec. 24 and 26)
> No service for Dial-A-Rides (last day of service on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m.)
> No service for Late Night Flex (last day of service on Dec. 31 at 6 a.m.)
> Administrative Offices: Closed on Dec. 25 and 26
> Customer Service Center: Open until 1 p.m. on Dec. 24, and Closed on Dec. 25

All routes will resume their regular weekday schedules on Friday, December 26.

During this holiday season, IndyGo encourages customers to keep in mind how hazardous weather could affect their bus rides.
For a smooth and pleasant bus trip, IndyGo advises customers to:

> Stay tuned to local forecasts. Pay attention to IndyGo’s service updates.
> Be patient and allow ample time to and from your destination.
> Plan for delays with icy streets, heavy snowfall and lower than average temperatures. Dress warmly for long periods of time outdoors.
> Contact the IndyGo Customer Service Center for route updates – (317) 635-3344 or visit the center in the Indianapolis City Market.
> Check IndyGo’s web site for route detours and updates – www.IndyGo.net

Town Hall on Health Care Reform

To all who are interested in community health care discussions, you might want to send a person or two from your association to attend this meeting. Details are below.

If you are not able to make this meeting but are interested in hearing more, please let me know and I will make contact with them and see if they can have someone meet with your group after the first of the year.

Take care and have a great day,

Dennis Papenmeier

**************************

A Town Hall on
Health Care Reform

Please join Community Health Network as we host a town hall on health care reform Tuesday, December 30, 3 to 5 p.m. at Community Hospital East. This event answers the call for community health care discussions by the Obama-Biden Transition Team that can help shape America’s health policies

Community Health Network’s panel invites you to join the conversation and discuss concerns about the current health care system and ideas for how to improve or fix the system. Community Health Network leaders participating in the event include: Bill Corley, president and CEO; Anita Harden, president emeritus of Community Hospital East; Dan Hodgkins, vice president of health promotion and community redevelopment; Dr. Clif Knight, vice president of medical affairs for Community hospitals East and North; and Jan Bingle, chief nursing officer for Community Health Network.

Join Community as we take part in the nationwide call by the Obama-Biden Transition Team for a meaningful community discussion on health care policy over the holidays, in an attempt to reach out to the American people and involve them in shaping future policies. The Health Care Community Discussions will be organized through the Transition’s Web page, change.gov. Community Health Network’s leadership will share their vision for the future of health care during the town hall meeting, which will be video streamed live at eCommunity.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Shirey at 317-355-8703 or e-mail at KShirey@eCommunity.com.

Karen Shirey
Community Benefit Coordinator
Community Health Network
1500 N. Ritter Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219
(317) 355-8703

Creating the Life You Want

“Creating the Life You Want”- Workshop
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
11:00am- 2:00pm
The Church Within (behind KFC)

Workshop presented by Andrea Moore. Light lunch included. Donations to help offset cost of lunch gratefully accepted but not required. For more information, call Rhonda Shipley at 506-2241.

Community Meal & Game Night

Community Meal & Game Night
Friday, January 16th, 2009
5:30-9:00pm
The Church Within (behind KFC)

Join us to prepare a community meal at 5:30 and/or to eat together at 6:15. Games appropriate for all ages begin about 7:15.

Holiday Trash Schedule

Holiday Trash Schedule

Good morning everyone, this is your friendly reminder that there will be NO Residential or Heavy Trash collection or Curbside Recycling collection next Thursday, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas holiday. There will also be NO Residential or Heavy Trash collection or Curbside Recycling collection on Thursday, January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day. All Thursday routes for both weeks will be picked up on Friday (12/26 and 01/02), with Friday routes being picked up on Saturdays (12/27 and 01/03) for the next two weeks. Trash schedules will return to normal on Monday, January 5. Any assistance you can offer in getting this word out to the public is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Shawn

Shawn Brock
Assistant Administrator
Solid Waste Contracts
City of Indianapolis
317.327.2779
smbrock@indygov.org

Cultural Trail Dividends

Cultural Trail Dividends Anticipated

Check out our recent Web site updates including new photos on every page and the new Indianapolis Cultural Trail blog to provide more information on what's shaping this project and to get your feedback faster.

In the latest post, Brian Payne shares what he learned at the recent CEO's for Cities conference in Chicago, IL. Based on the "City Dividends" study reported at the meeting, he thinks the Cultural Trail will pay off big time.

Let us know what you think and what you'd like us to blog about. Contact Gail Payne, 317.713.3333 or e-mail Gail@IndyCulturalTrail.org.

Green Congregations Workshop

Green Congregations Workshop

January 31, 2009
Registration and Information Fair 12:30-1:00
Program Begins at 1:00
Second Presbyterian Church
7700 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN

RSVP To:

Brady Hansel
Hoosier Environmental Counsel
bhansel@hecweb.org

Dead Line for Registration is January 24, 2009

Trusted Mentors to be featured on WFYI

Trusted Mentors Inc

New Name……Same Mission


Updated website: www.trustedmentors.org

Our efforts to prevent homelessness will be featured on “Across Indiana” on WFYI, Channel 20, on Monday, December 22, at 7:30PM

Please consider an end of the year donation to Trusted Mentors to guarantee that mentors will be provided to adults at risk of homelessness or coming off the streets. Mentors make a difference!

Learn about Study Circles

Get Involved with Study Circles in 2009!

Since 2000, over 1,600 residents from neighborhoods across Indianapolis have participated in Study Circles. Study Circles are neighborhood-based, small group discussions aimed at connecting people and community resources to develop innovative strategies to strengthen neighborhoods. From their participation in Study Circles, neighbors and other stakeholders work together to create lasting change in their communities.

Study Circles engage residents in discussing and developing their own solutions for their neighborhood concerns. Participants discuss ideas for strengthening their neighborhoods and then develop and implement small-scale action plans.

Examples of action items implemented by neighborhood groups include:

> the development of a reading and tutoring room at IPS #43 in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood;
> a near eastside neighborhood worked with IndyGo to install community information boards in bus shelters in order to display their neighborhood's newsletter and increase engagement in the neighborhood association; and,
> a near Westside community created an annual, "Hootenanny Fiesta", designed to bring together and celebrate and honor the community's Appalachian past and welcome the growing Latino population.

The Study Circles program is open to neighborhood associations in Marion County, as well as other community-based organizations, including faith-based institutions, not-for-profit groups, and youth-serving agencies.

In collaboration with Making Connections, INRC will host a Study Circles information session on Tuesday, March 10, from at 6:30-8:00pm at INRC. Attendees will learn more about the goals and impact of Study Circles in Indianapolis, the responsibilities of hosting a Study Circle, and resources available to support neighborhood Study Circles.

To learn more about Study Circles and to RSVP for the information session, contact Amy Tompkins at INRC, (317) 920-0330 ext. 106 or atompkins@inrc.org.

Kick off 2009 by Enrolling in ICBI!

Kick off 2009 by Enrolling in ICBI!

INRC is pleased to announce the next round of our Indianapolis Community Building Institute (ICBI). Enroll today! ICBI is an intensive, experiential program that explores ideas and develops practical skills necessary for effective neighborhood leaders.

Track One of ICBI will be offered in 2 Saturday sessions in January 2009: January 10 and January 17, 9am to 4pm

Track Two of ICBI will be offered in 2 Saturday sessions in March 2009: March 7 and March 21, 9am to 4pm

Track Three of ICBI will be offered in 2 Saturday sessions in April and May 2009: April 18 and May 2, 9am to 4pm

*In order to graduate, participants must attend all courses.

INRC will provide breakfast and lunch to all participants. To learn more about ICBI, please visit our website (www.inrc.org) or contact your INRC Neighborhood Development Specialist at 317-920-0330.

Who's Your Hoosier Hero? Scholarships

$2,000 Scholarships Applications Available

for Indiana High School Juniors and Seniors

Who's Your Hoosier Hero? Indiana high school juniors and seniors may nominate a living Hoosier (a current or former resident of Indiana) who inspires them. Each student winner will receive a $2,000 postsecondary scholarship and their hero will receive a $2,000 scholarship to award to the Indiana high school of his or her choice. Sponsored by Hoosier Heroes and Indiana Dollars for Scholars, the scholarship deadline is January 31, 2009.

For more information visit www.HoosierHeroes.org or call toll-free 866-877-1172.

IMAGINE Grants for 2009

2009 IMAGINE Important Dates

The Indianapolis Matching Awards for Great Indy neighborhoods Engagement (IMAGINE) are matching grants that support projects led by neighborhood-based organizations that focus on enhancing connections in neighborhoods. IMAGINE funds support projects conceived by neighborhood-based organizations that work with individuals and other groups to affect positive change in communities across the city.

All neighborhoods are eligible to apply for and receive IMAGINE funding, provided those organizations meet all other IMAGINE eligibility criteria.

All interested IMAGINE applicants are required to attend a TA session before submitting an IMAGINE application. The first Technical Assistance (TA) sessions for 2009 will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on January 12 and February 9. Both sessions will be at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center's offices at 1802 N. Illinois Street.

Applications for the first round in 2009 must be submitted to INRC by 5:00pm on February 25, 2009. More IMAGINE deadline dates will be available soon. For more information, visit www.inrc.org or www.greatindyneighborhoods.org, email imaginehelp@inrc.org, or call (317) 920-0330.

Holiday Recycling

3rd Annual Post Holiday Recycling Event

Saturday, January 10th, 2009, from 10am to 2pm you can recycle your holiday tree, gift boxes and old electronics at the 3rd annual Post Holiday Recycling Event, sponsored by the City of Indianapolis, Indy Parks and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Old cell phones will also be collected, and benefit KIB programs.

KIB volunteers will be on hand to help residents unload materials at four Indy Parks:

*Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue
*Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive (near the intersection of Shelby and Raymond)
*Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road
*Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair Street

Contact Tammy Stevens, KIB Recycling Coordinator with any questions at tstevens@kibi.org.

Our misson is to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster pride in the community. Visit us on the web at www.kibi.org

Supper with a Friend

Free Community Meal-Free Community Meal-Free Community Meal

Supper with a Friend
(Free community meal)

Wednesday, December 31
5:00 - 7:00
Immanuel United Church of Christ
402 Prospect Street

BOI - January Workshops

January Workshops at Business Ownership Initiatives

Kick off 2009 by taking the next steps toward achieving your dream with our great January workshops!

* If you’re just getting started, consider our workshops on How to Start a Business and Analyzing Your Business Idea on Jan. 7 and 14.
* If you’re ready to write your business plan, consider our Business Beginnings class starting Jan. 13.
* If your New Year’s Resolution includes getting a better handle on your finances, consider our Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs series starting Jan. 15.
* If you’re thinking about starting a caregiver business, consider our Exploring Child-Care Business Ownership class on Jan. 6 or Exploring Personal-Care Business Ownership on Jan. 20.
* If it’s time to get more focused on you, consider our Life-Skills program. The first module, Self-Awareness, starts Jan. 6.
* If you’re ready to take your existing business to the next level by networking and building referral relationships, consider our Building Your Business by Word of Mouth series, which starts Jan. 28.
* And if you’re looking for something new, check out our new and revised workshops: Accounting with QuickBooks® on Jan. 21, Marketing 101 on Jan. 26, and Minimizing Small-Business Risks on Jan. 31.

Choose the classes that are right for you, then call us at (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 or e-mail information@businessownership.org to register for workshops and make an appointment to see one of our business counselors.

Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana and
its Central Indiana Women's Business Center Program
4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Indianapolis, IN 46205

FringeFriday: FestiveFolly!

FringeFriday: FestiveFolly!

December 19, 2008
TheFringeBuilding
719 East Saint Clair Street
Mix and Mingle: 5:30 - 6:15
Free hors d'oeuvres/cash bar
Program: 6:15 - 7:30 PM

Celeberate the holidays with music from A Very Randy Christmas by Randy Strand and festive holiday comedy from IndyProv. Enjoy a New Years preview of upcoming productions of Edges and Freeing the Snow Lion. And our gift to you...Winter Solstice an original vignette by Amy Petinella, playwrite and co-star of Stripped.

Holiday Food Drive: Donate canned good or non-perishable food items and receive one free drink. All donations will go to Gleaners Food Bank. The box is half full - help us top it off!

Buy your stocking stuffers: Fringe t-shirts on sale for only $5!

IndyFringe is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged.

Cats Haven Open House

The kitties of Cats Haven invite you to

a very special Open House event

The kitties of Cats Haven invite you to a very special Open House event at the shelter on Sunday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate the holidays, and look forward to the new year. We will have beverages and snacks, and of course lots of kitties for you to hug. The elusive Gypsy Cat herself will offer up a selection of Gypsy Cat handmade beaded jewelry with a percentage of each sale going to the shelter.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, we ask that everyone who attends our Open House bring a canned or boxed food product that we can donate to Gleaner's Food Bank. We will also be collecting non-perishable foods until December 21st, so if you can't make it to the Open House, feel free to drop your donation off anytime during that week. For more information, contact The Other Sue at 317-329-8219.

Simple Living Event

12/22/08 Potluck with Indy Food Coop, bluegrass music, you & Simple Living Group of Indianapolis

You are invited to a potluck put on by Simple Living Group of Indianapolis at the Wheeler Art Center’s Theatre (Fountain Square - 1035 Sanders Street, Indianapolis) at 6:30 p.m. (setting up at 6 PM) on Monday December 22, 2008.

A representative of Indy Food Coop will share news of its founding a community-owned grocery store in the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. All attendees will have the chance to share their tips, questions and opportunities on simple living. Guests are invited to speak up to one minute on their ideas about vegetable gardening, edible landscaping, waste avoidance, communities,reduction of ecological footprint (carbon footprint is an aspect),book titles, organizations, events, and visions for environmental sustainability.

Schedule:
6:00 PM Set up tables, chairs, tableware, food, and information materials.
6:30 PM Musical performance. Set up tableware, food and info. materials.
6:50 PM Convocation. Dining as musicians perform
(please consider donating to the band).
7:20 PM Representative from Indy Food Coop speaks.
7:30 PM Attendees share their tips, questions and opportunities on simple living.
8:00 PM Improvisation. Examples of options: share raps, poems, and songs; informal small group discussions; departures, and clean up.
8:30 PM After clean up, do we continue discussions or other activities? If so, negotiate a location or locations.

Items sought for the pitch-in meal:
bread, vegan refried beans (if necessary, bring a can opener), peanut butter, vegetables, salad, paper plates, napkins, other food – particularly locally grown, silverware, cups, beverages, real tableware.

Please give us a heads up on what you will supply. Please try to bring your own reusable tableware (even though most will be supplied) to minimize waste. Posting of ingredients, where they came from and name of cook is appreciated.


Information on involved organizations:

Legal Grass [blue grass band]
Performers Craig Stinson and Mark Conway
http://www.myspace.com/legalgrass

Indy Food Coop
Kyle Hendrix
President of the Board of Directors
631-2220
indyfoodcoop@yahoo.com
www.indyfoodcoop.blogspot.com

Simple Living Group of Indianapolis
Greg Buck
917-1638
ecothink@yahoo.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Simple_Living_Indianapolis/
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?id=729105908&gv=12#/group.php?gid=6446804530

Boca Loca Beads Casting Call

Casting Call

Boca Loca Beads will be and featured on a program spotlighting the Best of Indianapolis. We are proud to be considered to be on that list. They are shooting video at the store this Friday, Dec 12th at 9am. We will be holding a lampworking class just for the taping (a fictional class, that is) and are looking for a few smiling faces to be part of the class. Please let us know if you can come 317-423-2323. We would love to have a thriving atmosphere for the taping and it should be fun. Please come!!!

Boca Loca Beads Inc.
1311 Prospect St.
317-423-2323

Neighborhood Stabilization Plan

City submits Neighborhood Stabilization Plan to HUD
Plan shows how $29 million will be spent

The City of Indianapolis submitted the final draft of its Neighborhood Stabilization Plan (NSP) to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The plan details how the city will use $29 million in HUD funding to help deal with foreclosure and abandoned housing.

The plan includes public comments the city received on or before November 26th. There will be further opportunities for public comment in late January and early February. Further information will be posted on the city's website. The NSP can be viewed at Neighborhood Stabilization Plan

John Bartholomew
Public Information Officer
Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development
200 East Washington Street, Suite 2010
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Office: (317) 327-6709

Indy's New Sister City -- Hangzhou, China

Mayor Ballard Announces Hangzhou, China, as New Indianapolis Sister City

Mayor Greg Ballard joined Hangzhou Mayor Cai Qi today to sign an agreement to make Hangzhou the newest Sister City and the first one in Mainland China for Indianapolis. The Zhejiang Province capital is a Chinese cultural and commercial hub, and its position as a manufacturing center makes it the region's primary economic engine.

Food Co-op Steering Committee Meeting - 12/2/08

Food Co-op Steering Committee Update
from December 2, 2008 Meeting

Click on "Notes from Co-op Meetings"

and you will find:

>Notes from 12/2 meeting

>Josh Bowling's Feasibility Study

KIB is Pack the Pantries Donation Site

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is participating as a donation site in support of Mayor Ballard's city-wide food drive "Pack the Pantries!"

From now through December 19th you can drop off non-perishable food items to the KIB office. We will accept donations Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. We are located at 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46203.

Priority items needed: canned meats like tuna and chicken; canned fruits and 100% fruit juices; canned vegetables and tomato products; heat and serve meals such as soups and pasta; baby formula; cereal; peanut butter and jelly; applesauce cups; healthy snacks; rice and beans and macaroni.

To ensure food safety, we cannot use: rusty or unlabeled cans; perishable items; homemade items; noncommercial canned items; noncommercial packaged items; alcoholic beverages and mixes; open or used items.

For more information, please contact Tammy Stevens at 264-7555 x116.

Our misson is to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster pride in the community. Visit us on the web at www.kibi.org

Sen. Lugar's Food Drive

Senator Lugar's 4th Annual Food Drive

Helping to feed the hungry is a top priority for Senator Richard Lugar, and he demonstrates this every year by hosting a food drive to benefit Gleaners Food Bank, presented with WTHR-13 and WFMS.

This year, participants are asked to bring their food items to Gleaners Food Bank on Friday, December 12th at 4:30 pm to take part in a reception with Senator Lugar! Please bring $35 per family, $25 per adult, $10 per student, OR 10 canned goods person, 20 canned goods per family. Other monetary gifts, non-perishable food items and personal care items will also be accepted, but no glass please. Gleaners Food Bank is located at 1102 E. 16th St., in Indianapolis.

Volunteers will also collect donations on Monument Circle, in front of the Indianapolis Power & Light Company, from December 8th - December 12th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

For more information, please contact Senator Lugar's office at 226-5555 or gail_lowry@lugar.senate.gov.

Our misson is to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster pride in the community.
Visit us on the web at www.kibi.org

Outback Benefit -- IMPD "Clothe a Child"

Have Lunch @ Outback to Benefit IMPD "Clothe a Child"

7525 US 31 South (Greenwood just South of Walmart)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
from 11 AM to 1 PM

for just $15, you get steak or chicken, mashed potatoes, appetizers, salad, drink and dessert
and
a child gets warm clothes and some toys

Tote Bags to Benefit KIB

Half Price Books Reusable Tote Bags
to Benefit KIB

For those that have not visited Half Price Books, its a great place to find all of your favorite titles for HALF of the cost! And, the company has an environmental ethic they are bringing to life.

Now when you shop at a Half Price Books store, you can purchase a reusable tote bag for $0.98. And what is ever BETTER is that $0.10 of every tote bag purchase will go to KIB! Half Price Books will be providing KIB with a check on Earth Day 2009 to celebrate all of the shoppers who made the switch.

So, think about getting your best friend a little something from Half Price Books this year, and get a tote bag while you are at it!

Learn more about Half Price Books and their environmental ethic at www.halfpricebooks.com/recycle.html

Our misson is to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster pride in the community.
Visit us on the web at www.kibi.org

Drive-by Prayer Vigils -- December 6

Drive-by Prayer Vigils scheduled Saturday, December 6, 2008

Dilardo E. Smartt Jr. (32)
W. 32nd St. & Graceland
12:45pm

Donald George (19)
3800 E. Michigan St.
2:00pm

Ronald Perry (20)
W. 21st St. & Sugar Grove
3:00pm

Gregory Kemp (52)
2225 Groff Ave.
4:00pm

Buy Gifts from Avon and Support KIB

Buy Gifts from Avon and Support KIB

Now you can purchase your favorite Avon Products AND support Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.! You probably know Avon for their cosmetics, fragrance and skincare, but they also carry lines of jewelry, apparel, accessories and gifts 'n gadgets. Their products are for the whole family.

Here's how it works:

>- Go to the Avon fundraising website: http://beautyfundraising.com
>- Select the "Register a Fundraiser Customer" link toward the upper right of the page.
>- Fill out the form with all of your information. Enter "630014" (without the quotes) in the "fundraiser code" field.
>- Complete the registration and then browse through the rest of the website. You can shop by brand, category or brochure
>- When checking out, select your "DIRECT DELIVERY" method, enter the coupon code "FSANY" for free shipping and enter your payment information.

Your Avon products will be shipped directly to your door and 15% of the total cost of merchandise will be donated to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. If ever you have any questions or problems, you can contact Donna Broniak at donnab63@ameritech.net or use the "Contact Me" link at the website.

Our misson is to unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment and foster pride in the community. Visit us on the web at www.kibi.org

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"

A dramatic one-act stage adaptation by Bob Rini of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", is produced by the Stage Actors' Workshop and is being performed at The Freemason Hall Theater, 525 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Performances are December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees begin at 2 pm.

The play will be followed by a Holiday Variety Show performed by the cast and including opportunities for audience participation. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, and veterans, and $4 for children 12 years-old and younger. The show will be directed by Bob Rini.

Call the Workshop at 201-3436 for information and directions. Reservations are not needed. Casual dress.

Citrus Fruit Sale

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Inspirational Praise Choir Presents Its

Annual Citrus Fruit Sale

Ruby Red
Grapefruit
Small Box (2/5 Carton)
18 – 20 lbs $23.00
Large Box (4/5 Carton)
38 – 40 lbs $39.00

Hamlin Oranges
Juicy, Sweet, thin skinned
Small Box (2/5 Carton)
18 – 20 lbs. $23.00
Large Box (4/5 Carton)
38 – 40 lbs $39.00

Navel Oranges, Usually Seedless
Small Box (2/5 Carton)
18 – 20 lbs $25.00
Large Box (4/5 Carton)
38 – 40 lbs. $42.00

Orders are due by December 14, 2008
To place an Order please contact:

Teresa Robinson @ 702-2461

First Friday @AV Framing--A Bigger, Brighter Place

"A Bigger, Brighter Place"

new works by
Casey Roberts


AV Framing Gallery
1139 Shelby St., Fountain Square
Showing December 5, 2008 -- January 24, 2009
Free Public Parking lot across Shelby Street

Artist Reception on the IDADA First Friday, Dec. 5, 5-9pm!

Join us at AV Framing Gallery in Fountain Square for an exciting exhibition in brilliant blue landscapes of the strange and familiar...brand new works by Casey Roberts.

“My work illustrates a fantastic landscape. It represents nature's subtle way of dealing with the peculiar aspects in the relationship with mankind. A giant glow-in-the-dark heart, or a pile of precious gems tells us that we are loved, just as blood squirting from an oak tree trunk says, all is not well. I am inspired by my conversation with the landscape, I imagine long monologues when pine forests make me laugh and mountains test my patience.”

What happens the day after nature has won back the world from man? Come see for yourself
at AV Framing Gallery in Historic Fountain Square

For further information go to www.avframinggallery.com or call Sarah Adams at 317.356.3776.

Pack the Pantries

Pack the Pantries with Food

The Mayor called on all of Indianapolis to help out and Pack the Pantries with food. Your response has been tremendous. As a result we are extending the date until Friday, December 19, 2008.

Our Metropolitan Police and Fire Department have announced that members of the community can bring food for the drive to any firehouse and/or police station before December 19.

The Parks Department has also offered the public 15 park office locations as drop off points for the food drive. Please make sure that you coordinate with us to pick up the donated food by contacting:

Douglas Hairston, Director
Mayor’s Office of the Front Porch Alliance
Phone: 327-4336
Email: DHairsto@indygov.org

The list of drop off points in the 15 parks includes:

Bethel Park, 2850 Bethel Ave

Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Ave

Brookside Park, 3500 Brooside Parkway

Christian Park, 4200 English Av

Douglass Park, 1616 E 25th St

Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive

JTV Hill Park, 1806 N Columbia

Krannert Park, 605 S High School Road

Municipal Gardens Park, 1831 Lafayette Road

Rhodius Park, 1720 W Wilins St

Riverside Park, 2420 N Riverside East Drive

Thatcher Park, 4649 W Vermont St

Washington Park, 3130 E 30th St

Watkins Park, 2360 Dr Martin Luther King J St

Winsdor Village, 2501 Kenyon Ave.

Food Co-op Update

Food Co-op Steering Committee Update

The notes from the Food Co-op Steering Committee's forming meeting are now available on South East Works in the Food Co-op Group

The next meeting of the Food Co-op Steering Committee will be December 2, 2008 at The Church Within @ 5:30 PM. The meeting, under the guidance of Mark Stewart, will be facilitated by Jerry Keys and notes will be recorded by Portia Haugen.

Current members of the Steering Committee include Mark Stewart, Nancy Buffenbarger, Rosemary Eads, Shirley Dardy, Angie Calvert, David Moffatt, Yvonne Brandenburg, Emily Vanest, with Josh Bowling as an advisor.

IMPD Signs of a Drug House

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police

South East Narcotics Unit
Signs of a Drug House

1. High traffic foot or pedestrian. Persons stop for brief period usually 5 minutes or less. Traffic is usually in patterns, increasing on weekends or late at night. May increase around pay days or when people receive government checks.

2. Visitors appear to be strangers or acquaintances rather than friends.

3. People may bring valuables into home, such as TV’s, Bikes, VCR’s, DVD Players, Camera’s, etc. and they leave empty handed.

4. Visitors may sit in car for a while after leaving the residence or may leaved one person in the car while the other visits.

5. “Lookouts” frequently younger people, tend to hang around usually during heavy traffic periods.

6. Various obvious things, people exchanging small packets for cash, people using drugs while sitting in cars, paraphernalia lying about.

Suspect Persons

Name________________________ White/Black/Hispanic Male/Female Age/DOB_______________

Name________________________ White/Black/Hispanic Male/Female Age/DOB_______________

Name________________________ White/Black/Hispanic Male/Female Age/DOB_______________


Suspect Clients Arrival/Entry

White/Black/Hispanic Male/Female Age_____Vehicular/Foot/Bicycle Front/Rear/Side Doors


Time

Morning (6am-12pm) Afternoon (12pm-6pm) Evening (6pm-12am) Late Night (12am-6am)


Days

Monday___ Tuesday___Wednesday___Thursday___ Friday___Weekends____

To Report Drug Activity

At South East Narcotics, complaints are based on a first come first served basis. However if a complaint has extenuating circumstances, such as: Kids, Guns or solid verifiable information, then the complaint will become a priority. If you suspect a drug house then please call 327-6341. Leave a message giving as much information about the complaint as possible.

Example: Complaint Phone Call


I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT POSSIBLE DRUG ACTIVITY AT _________________ ADDRESS. IN THE “SIGNS OF A DRUG HOUSE” NUMBERS 1, 2, 3,4,5,6 APPLY. THE SUSPECT IS A W/B/H—M/F WHO GOES BY THE NAME OF _______________ OR NICKNAME____________. I HAVE SEEN VEHICULAR/FOOT/BICYCLE TRAFFIC ON THESE___________ DAYS OF THE WEEK AT THESE ________TIMES. TRAFFIC TENDS TO BE HEAVIER ON THESE _________ DAYS AND AT THESE ________ TIMES. CUSTOMERS TEND TO BE W/B/H---M/F. THEY ENTER THE RESIDENCE THROUGH THE FRONT/REAR/SIDE DOOR AND CARS PARK ON THE STREET/ALLEY IN FRONT/BEHIND RESIDENCE. I BELIEVE THEY ARE SELLING/USING/MANUFACTURING—MARIJUANA, CRACK, COCAINE, PILLS, HEROIN, METHAMPHETAMINE/UNKNOWN.

*****ALSO INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO LET US SIT IN YOUR HOUSE OR DRIVEWAY TO WATCH TARGET RESIDENCE.

Teen Volunteers @ the Zoo

Zoo Teen Program

Have you ever wanted to work in a zoo? Would you like something "wild" to do next year? The Indianapolis Zoo's Zoo Teen Program is an exciting way for students, ages 14 to 18 years, to explore career opportunities, meet new friends, gain customer service skills, and much more.

Click on the attachments for more information and an application. Contact the Indianapolis Zoo's Office of Volunteer Services at (317)630-2041 or send an email to volunteer@indyzoo.com if you have any questions.

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2008.

Thanks!

The Volunteer Center
United Way of Central Indiana

News Residents Can Use

Mayor's December Newsletter is Now Online

The Mayor's December Newsletter features events and activities of interest to the residents of Indianapolis. There's even a picture of Terri Garcia, Southeast Community Services:

Mayor's Newsletter

Public Meetings on Sewer Rates

DPW to Hold Public Meetings on Sewer Rates

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold three public meetings to inform the public about proposed sanitary sewer rate increases for 2009 through 2013. The increases would fund the city’s Clean Streams-Healthy Neighborhoods program and allow the city to remain in compliance with its consent decree with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Indianapolis citizens are encouraged to attend one of these public meetings to learn about and provide input on the proposed and long-term rate increases needed to fund state and federally mandated sewer projects, as well as other wastewater infrastructure needs.

All meetings will begin with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m. followed by an open house from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 4, 2008 - Brookside Park, 3500 Brookside Pkwy S. Dr., Family/Recreation Center, Auditorium
Dec. 9, 2008 - Julia M. Carson Government Center, 300 E. Fall Creek Pkwy, Room A
Dec. 11, 2008 - Garfield Park, Garfield Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Multipurpose Room

More information can be found at www.indycleanstreams.org.

First Friday @Alchemy--The Suspenders

The Suspenders

"The Suspenders" paintings by Robert Aurel Meko and Deanna Hensley
Opening Reception Friday 12.05.08
7p-midnight
work on display thru December 27th

Herron School of Art and Design painters, Deanna Hensley and Robert Meko, are individually working on a thesis series dealing with suspended, singular objects, ambiguous space, and mass. Though a common thread, the way these issues are approached is what sets them apart.

Meko's paintings are large and figurative wherein the objects, the figures, are suspended by their own volition. Whether they are jumping, falling, or floating is neither clear nor important. The objects in Hensley's paintings appear deliberately hung, be it in reality or just appearance, by string or otherwise to liken them to ornaments. The space in her paintings is undefined, putting an emphasis on the objects themselves. The space is more ambiguous in Meko's paintings. Moving in, out, and over the figure, he interlaces deep and shallow space. The mass in his paintings mostly pertains to size, whereas the mass in Hensley's works concerns quantity.

--
ALCHEMY art + aesthetics
1043 Virginia Ave No. 3
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Ph. 317.634.9700
Fx. 317.634.9701
Em. alchemygallery@gmail.com
W3. myspace.com/alchemygallery

Gallery + Salon

Crime Prevention Tips

Crime Prevention Tips

The Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association has a page on their website dedicated to crime prevention tips. We can expand upon this and place it on the SE Blog spot if desired. It is found at:

www.fletcherplace.org/?p=crimeprevention

Crime Watch Guide

Crime Watch Guide

Thanks to Jeff Miller, chairperson of the SEND Public Space Committee, we now have a guide to setting up a crime watch group available online:

SEND Neighborhood Resource Guide/crimewatch group

Groceries at the Library

Groceries at the Library

All locations of the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library will participate in a Gleaners Food Drive through Saturday, December 20. Please bring your non-perishable items to the Library.

Check with your closest branch of the library for additional information.

Parents & Kids Christmas Party

Come Join The Gathering
for the Parents & Kids Christmas Party

Free food, Special gifts, Christmas Carols
Picture with SANTA

Norwood Place’ Pride Center
1129 S.Vandeman Street
December 13th
3:00pm -6:00pm

“First 10 families get to make a Gingerbread House”

Tuesdays at PLC Series

Peace Learning Center
TUESDAYS AT PLC SERIES

Cultivating Healthy Organizational Practices

As a part of its Corporate & Community Programs focused on cultivating healthy organizational practices, Peace Learning Center (PLC) offers its Tuesdays at PLC series every second Tuesday of the month (Sept-May) from 8:30-10:00am. These sessions are a great networking and learning resource for those interested in cultivating healthy organizational practices within the workplace and community. Sessions are held at Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park. Please register here or contact Nancy Ruschman, 317-327-7144 or nruschman@peacelearningcenter.org prior to the session to receive a park pass.

There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of refreshments. You must pre-register to attend.

Topic for Tuesday, December 9: "Addressing Conflict in Healthy Ways"

Session Description: This session focuses on the concepts and tools of effective communication strategies. Participants will learn and practice techniques such as asking for and expressing oneself with clarity, setting healthy boundaries and learn how body language and tone of voice help or hinder communication with others. These skills are easily learned and immediately applicable to real life situations.

The Presenter: Tahnea Jafari is a facilitator and consultant who specializes in the personal and professional development of individuals. With 10 years of experience, Tahnea works in depth with clients to address and resolve deep challenges that may be holding back the growth of the individual or organization.

Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Location: Peace Learning Center, 6040 DeLong Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46254
Contact: Nancy Larner Ruschman
Email: nruschman@peacelearningcenter.org
Phone: 317-327-7144

Dec 9 Addressing Conflict in Healthy Ways
Jan 13 Creating High Quality Organizations through Strategic Planning
Feb 10 Working Through Difficult Conversations
Mar 10 Changing Organizational Culture: What Works, What Doesn't Work
Apr 14 Creating Environments that Promote Healthy Dialogue

Peace Learning Center
6040 DeLong Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46254
www.PeaceLearningCenter.org
317-327-7144

Homeless Persons' Memorial Service

Homeless Persons' Memorial Service
12/19/2008
11am-12pm
Cost: Free
Location: Christ Church Cathedral, Monument Circle, Indianapolis

For over a decade, Indianapolis has participated in the nationally observed Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service on the winter solstice– the shortest day and longest night of the year. This service honors the homeless neighbors who have passed away and draws attention to their plight.

Please join us this year to honor the homeless neighbors who have passed away in 2008. Please contact CHIP at 317-630-0853 or chip@chipindy.org with questions.

City Realizes $500,000 in savings

City Realizes $500,000 in savings

The City of Indianapolis announced the realization of approximately $500,000 in savings as the Indianapolis Bond Bank priced $126.2 million in tax anticipation notes at a rate lower than projected for the 2009 budget.

The notes for the City, County and the Marion County Public Library were priced at a 1.15 percent annual yield, well below what the City Controller assumed in the 2009 budget projection. The lower-than-expected interest costs presents savings across program areas.

First Friday @Alchemy--REACT

ALCHEMY art + aesthetics presents
+ + R E A C T + +

ART AUCTION
12.05.08
7p - midnight

support your local art scene AND get a great deal on art!

BIDS start at

80% off*
BUY-IT-NOW is
20% off*

*artist's list price

Proceeds from the sale of donated art support our gallery! Special thanks to the local artists that contributed to this event!

--

ALCHEMY art + aesthetics
1043 Virginia Ave No. 3
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Ph. 317.634.9700
Fx. 317.634.9701
Em. alchemygallery@gmail.com
W3. myspace.com/alchemygallery

Gallery + Salon

Department of Metropolitan Development 2009 action plan

DMD releases 2009 action plan for federal funds

The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) has announced how it will allocate $14 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to local programs in 2009. The plan was approved last week by the City-County Council. The Action Plan includes funding from four major HUD programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

The full 2009 action plan

IMPD, IFD food drive

IMPD, IFD plan holiday food drive

More than 30 fire stations and six police district stations will be accepting non-perishable food items for distribution to needy families, according to an IMPD news release.

Following is a list of IFD and IMPD collection sites:

IMPD collection sites:

>> North District: 3120 E. 30th Street
>> East District: 3229 N. Shadeland Avenue
>> Northwest District: 3821 Industrial Boulevard
>> Southeast District: 1150 S. Shelby Avenue
>> Southwest District: 551 N. King Avenue
>> Downtown District: 25 W. 9th Street

IFD collection sites:

>> Station 1: 1903 W. 10 St
>> Station 2: 4120 Mitthoefer Road
>> Station 3: 1136 Prospect Street
>> Station 4: 8404 Ditch Road
>> Station 5: 155 W. 16th Street
>> Station 6: 1599 E. 86th Street
>> Station 7: 555 N. New Jersey Street
>> Station 8: 4045 E. 56th Street
>> Station 10: 2970 N. Sherman Drive
>> Station 11: 1715 E. Washington Street
>> Station 12: 2151 Kessler Blvd. W. Drive
>> Station 13: 429 W. Ohio Street
>> Station 14: 2960 N. Kenwood Avenue
>> Station 15: 3502 Prospect Street
>> Station 16: 5555 N. Illinois Street
>> Station 18: 42 N. Warman Avenue
>> Station 19: 1003 S. White River Pkwy W
>> Station 20: 1452 N. Emerson Avenue
>> Station 21: 2508 E. 71st Street
>> Station 22: 3019 Dr. Andrew J. Brown
>> Station 23: 975 Burdsell Parkway
>> Station 24: 5520 E. 38th Street
>> Station 25: 17 S. Sherman Drive
>> Station 26: 1080 E. Hanna Avenue
>> Station 27: 2918 E. 10th Street
>> Station 29: 602 E. Pleasant Run
>> Station 30: 2440 N. Tibbs Avenue
>> Station 31: 4155 N. College Avenue
>> Station 32: 6330 Guilford Avenue
>> Station 33: 3430 Moeller Road
>> Station 41: 10750 E. 10th Street
>> Station 42: 1302 S. Franklin Road
>> Station 43: 7604 E. 10th Street
>> Station 44: 7345 E. 30th Street
>> Station 45: 10601 E. 30th Street

Faith Based Community Initiatives

Website for US Faith Based Community Initiatives

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fbci

Featured Programs

Discretionary Grants
> Community-Based Abstinence Education Program
> Adoption Opportunities
> Assets for Independence Demonstration (IDA)
> Community Food and Nutrition
> Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration
> Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-Building
> Head Start
> Mentoring Children of Prisoners
> Runaway and Homeless Youth
> Urban and Rural Community Economic Development (CED)
Mandatory Grants
> Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
> Child Support and Enforcement Grant
> Child Welfare Grant
> Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
> State Abstinence Education Program
> Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

For more information: www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci

IMA Tobias Theater

Visit "The Toby"

Friends:

You are invited to the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s newly renovated Tobias Theater.

This space used to be the site of Civic Theater performances. You may not recognize it after its handsome makeover. Much effort has been spent (by myself and others) to try to make it a fresh new space for film, speakers and out-of-the-box performances. We imagine it as “Indy’s living room.” Browsing the schedule , I hope you’ll find programs that interest you.

When you visit, you will experience a cozy space, designed using eco-friendly materials, complete with huge red bean bags (when films are shown), a balcony to escape to, and big fat brownies for sale—what could be better.

I hope to see you sometime soon at “The Toby”!

Fondly,



Anne Laker
Assistant Director of Education for Public Programs
Indianapolis Museum of Art
4000 N Michigan Rd
Indianapolis IN 46208
317-923-1331 x 296
alaker@imamuseum.org
www.imamuseum.org

Campaign for Financial Fitness

Save - Earn - Learn: Indy's Campaign for Financial Fitness

Indy's Campaign for Financial Fitness Receives Funding Boost

"Save - Earn - Learn: Indy's Campaign for Financial Fitness" will receive a $105,000 boost in funding through a grant provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of the agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The campaign, announced in October, 2008 and scheduled to launch in January, 2009, is a collaboration among community stakeholders to provide free tax preparation to those who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), financial fitness coaching during tax season, and continued financial fitness education throughout 2009.

VITA grants were awarded to organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing for low to moderate income individuals. For tax year 2008, individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of $42,000 are eligible for assistance.

"This grant is significant, because it will increase the impact of contributions received to-date, and because it will ease the financial burden on our community centers that provide much-needed financial fitness education in our city," said Indianapolis First Lady Winnie Ballard.

"The John H. Boner Community Center is excited about the upcoming tax season. With the increased support from Mrs. Ballard along with United Way of Central Indiana's commitment to expand the Save - Earn - Learn initiative, we are confident that more Marion County residents will take advantage of the various financial education services," said Katie Pfeffer, Executive Director of the John H. Boner Center.

Guidelines for the grant provide that funds may be used to enable VITA programs to extend services to under-served populations and hardest to reach areas -- both urban and non-urban, to increase the capacity to file returns electronically, to heighten quality control of free tax prep programs, to enhance volunteer training, and to improve the accuracy of returns prepared at VITA sites.

Other organizations that have contributed to the Save - Earn - Learn initiative include the Indianapolis Foundation, United Way of Central Indiana, local financial institutions, and community centers.

Individuals interested in volunteering to assist community centers with tax prep and other financial fitness services may visit www.uwci.org/volunteer to register.

Community Meal & Game Night

We Prepare Together & Game Night

December 19, 2008
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
The Church Within
(behind KFC)

Join us to prepare a community meal at 5:30 and/or to eat together at 6:15. Games appropriate for all ages begin about 7:15.

Second Sunday Breakfast

Second Sunday Breakfast
The Church Within
1125 Spruce St
December 14, 2008
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join us for breakfast, open to all in the community. Church service following for those who wish to participate.

BOI - Introduction to Microsoft Excel ®

Introduction to Microsoft Excel®

Discover the power of Excel for organizing data, performing calculations and creating financial spreadsheets for your business. $10

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Tricia Guagliardo, BOI

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

Thanksgiving Week Trash Collection

Thanksgiving Week Trash Collection

Good morning everyone, this is your friendly reminder that there will be NO Residential or Heavy Trash collection or Curbside Recycling collection next Thursday, November 27, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. All Thursday routes will be picked up on Friday 11/28, with Friday routes being picked up on Saturday 11/29. Trash schedules will return to normal on Monday, December 1.Any assistance you can offer in getting this word out to the public is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

Shawn Brock
Assistant Administrator
Solid Waste Contracts
City of Indianapolis
317.327.2779
smbrock@indygov.org

Weekly Police Report

Weekly Police Report

Jerry's in Spain, so this week's police report will not be uploaded. The good news is that there were few incidents to report.

Stay Safe

Holiday Shopping Safety

IMPD Holiday Shopping Safety List

If You Are Shopping

* Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
* Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
* Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
* Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Protect Your Vehicle

Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they're in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car.

Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view – from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases – may tempt a thief.

Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store – even if for only a minute or two.

Note from Major Myers - Kirby Prayer Vigil

Kirby Prayer Vigil

Please keep the Kirby family in your prayers. Their young son was killed yesterday morning as he was traversing Troy Avenue just east of Keystone. The Church of Acts, Pastor Bill Jenkins, 3740 S. Dearborn, is hosting a prayer vigil for the Kirby's at 8:00pm tomorrow evening, 11/21, at the church.

From the Police Report:

"This morning, November 19th, at approximately 5:45 a.m., IMPD officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of E Troy Avenue on the report of a person struck. They arrived to find a 15 year old male lying in the street after having been struck by a white Chevy S-10 pick up truck which had been east bound. From the preliminary investigation, it appears the young man, a student at Indiana Math and Science Academy at W 38th and Lafayette Road, was walking on the shoulder of the road east bound.

It is believed he started to cross the street in the middle of the block, stepping into the path of the eastbound truck."

Drive-by Prayer Vigils

Drive-by Prayer Vigils
Saturday, November 22, 2008

Milton Lindgren (70)
Eric Hendricks (73)
Middlebury Way & Centenary Dr.
12:45pm

Barbara Meadows (62)
3400 DeQuincy Ave.
2:15pm

Richard Miller (27)
2700 Bluffwood Drive
3:15pm

Regina Rasdall (42)
Corner Eagle Bay W. Dr. & Eagle Bay S. Dr.
4:15pm

Three Suicide Victims
Warren Central High School
9500 E. 16th Street
5:30pm
Antonio Rivera (16) - student
Unnamed female - student
Matthew Oskay (30) - teacher

Breakfast with Santa

IMPD Southeast District
along with Shepherd Community
& SECO invite you to

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 13, 2008
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
at
The Shepherd Community Center
4109 E. Washington Street

Meals from Second Helpings

Free Community Meal
from Second Helpings

Monday-Wednesday-Friday
5 - 6 PM
Bethel Park Family Center
2850 Bethel Ave.
(317) 327-7480

Derrick Miller, park manager

Drinks are not always furnished

Help with Heat and Light Bills

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis
Energy Assistance Programs
2441 N. Meridian
Indianapolis, IN 46208
1-866-565-0197

Clients will be seen by appointment only
Senior Citizens walk in only

Please have the following original documents ready when you come for your appointment.
1. Your most current electric and gas bills.
2. Verification of income for the last twelve months for everyone in the household 18 years and over.
2a. You will need a Wage Statement from the unemployment office if: you had no income or a partial income.
3. Please bring Social Security cards or a printout of Social Security numbers and birthdates from the Social Security Administration for everyone in the household.
4. Picture ID
5. Copy of Lease if at least one of your utilities is included in your rent, or you are responsible for paying only one utitily.

No application will be taken without all the above mentioned original documentation.

FringeFriday - Greater Tuna

Greater Tuna
November 21 and 22
Newkey Productions
At the Fringe Building
719 E. St. Clair Street (just off Mass Ave.)
8 p.m.

Come join us on tour in Tuna Texas, third smallest town...where the Lions club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. In this hit Tony Award winner show! Join two actors as the play the whole town of Tuna Texas in one night! In this crazy comedy that takes a look at "The other side of the tracks!" "This is OKKK RADIO TUNA TEXAS...SIGNING ON!"

Tickets $12 - 2 for the price of one on Friday night if you attend the Hispanic FringeFriday!

Animal-Related Grants

Animal-Related, Education, Health, Public Safety

Maximum Grant Amount $65,000
Deadline December 31, 2008

JGA Foundation provides funding for: animal welfare; disasters, fire prevention/control; education; health organizations; and hospitals (general).

Giving is on a national basis. The foundation does not make grants to individuals. An application form is not required. Applicants should submit a copy of the IRS Determination Letter with a letter of inquiry. There is no application deadline. The foundation does not have a website at this time.

JGA Foundation
Center Square W.
1500 Market Street 38th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2100

Southeast Community Building meeting

The Southeast Community Building meeting
Thursday, November 20th
Southeast Community Services
901 So. Shelby St.
The meeting starts at 5:30 pm

The Southeast Community Building meeting is this Thursday November 20th at Southeast Community Services, 901 Shelby. The meeting starts at 5:30 pm and is open for any Southeast resident or stake holder to attend. The agenda for this meeting will focus on the Youth Programming & Crime/Safety goals from the Quality of Life plan. Please RSVP to Jennifer Von Deylen by phone at 634-5079 x107 or by email: Jennifer@sendcdc.org.

Jennifer Rice VonDeylen
Southeast Plan Coordinator
Southeast Neighborhood Development
Tel 634-5079 ext. 107
jennifer@sendcdc.org

PolicyMap Shows HUD Eligibility

PolicyMap Shows HUD Eligibility in Indianapolis

Here is a map, courtesy of Jeff Rechler, Braithwaite Communications, which shows areas the city has made eligible for HUD funds, policymap.com

"PolicyMap gives local and officials better access to data on vacant homes, mortgage originations, home prices, etc. for a comprehensive look at neighborhoods and the people who live there. PolicyMap also includes data on education, crime, demographics, health, and more.

It can help stakeholders identify neighborhoods that meet NSP guidelines and determine allocation of NSP funds. Take a look and share with local officials."

Jeff

•••
Jeff Rechler
Braithwaite Communications • The Wanamaker Building • 100 Penn Square East • Philadelphia, PA 19107 • 215.564.3200 x118 • www.gobraithwaite.com

Children's Policy Series

Children's Coalition of Indiana's
Children's Policy Series
United Way of Central Indiana building
November 21st from noon to 2pm

Learn more about racial disparities and overrepresentation in state services at the Children's Coalition of Indiana's Children's Policy Series event on November 21st from noon to 2pm at the United Way of Central Indiana building. Bring your brown bag lunch, dessert and drinks will be provided! RSVP: Kristen LaEace, 921-1264.

Indiana Latino Institute Education Fair

The Indiana Latino Institute Education Fair

Careers for the Future
Education Fair
November 20th at 6pm
Arsenal Technical High School

The Indiana Latino Institute invites young people and organizations interested in sharing their work to the Careers for the Future - Education Fair on November 20th at 6pm at Arsenal Technical High School. Contact Gina Platten, 472-1055, for more information.

Great Science for Girls Initiative

Great Science for Girls Initiative

We're looking for new partners!

MCCOY's Great Science for Girls project - a program that encourages young people to see that science is for everyone - is expanding. And that means your organization gets a great opportunity to offer high-quality, research-based science programming in your afterschool programs. Read more and contact us today to get started!

Last year, more than 10 local organizations implemented GSFG using the nationally recognized Wonderwise curricula. Wonderwise is a hands-on, minds-on approach that gives your young people an incredible array of options to learn science. MCCOY provides this curricula for you at no charge. What else do you get? We'll provide all the program materials, orientation, and technical assistance you need throughout your implementation. One of the best parts of GSFG is that you can make this program fit the needs of your organization. Want to do a Saturday science club? No problem. Need an enriching summer science experience? Sounds great!

With an emphasis on gender equity and inquiry-based science projects, we want you to join the rest of the GSFG team starting this winter or next spring. Please contact Chris Collins, christopher.collins@mccoyouth.org for an application and any questions you might have about how the initiative can fit with your specific goals. More information can be found on this Great Science for Girls overview, and here's a link to the 4-H Wonderwise curriculu

BOI - Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs

Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs

Part 2: Budgets, Goals and Action Plans
Learn how to set and reach your financial goals with strategies for changing bad money habits, managing a budget and reducing

household expenses. (Follows Part 1: Attitudes, Values and Spending Habits on Dec. 2) $10
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Sharetha Marshall, BOI

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

BOI - Exploring Business Ownership

Exploring Business Ownership

Learn what it takes to be a successful business owner and begin to analyze the viability of your business idea. Free

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Tricia Guagliardo, BOI

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

Youth Provider Council

Youth Provider Council
Nov 19 from 8:30 to 10am
United Way Building

Connect with other youth development professionals at the MCCOY Provider Council meeting on Nov 19 from 8:30 to 10am at the United Way Building. At the meeting, we'll discover new programs, opportunities and events for youth and their allies. Featured program: Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana & their YP Ambassadors program. Come to share your own news and meet up with your colleagues! Refreshments served at 8:15 am.

RSVP: kirsten.eamon-shine@mccoyouth.org.

Welcome for Consular Corp of Indianapolis

Mayor Ballard to Welcome Consular Corp of Indianapolis

MARIAN COLLEGE
ALLISON MANSION
3200 COLD SPRING RD.
5:30 P.M., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008

Mayor Greg Ballard will host the Consular Corp of Indianapolis and dignitaries from 13 countries at a reception at Marian College Tuesday evening. The reception will be held to illustrate the ongoing relationships between Indianapolis and the Consulars respective countries and to demonstrate ways Indianapolis is becoming a greater international presence around the globe.

Mayor Ballard will give the keynote address following a recognition ceremony of each of the Consulars in attendance.

Southeast Square News Online

Southeast Square News is Online!!

No more waiting to pick up a print copy of the SESN, www.sesquarenews.blogspot.com has the latest edition, November/December of 2008, online. Check it out!

(It will also be linked in the navigation bar on the right side of our page from now on.)

INRC Holiday Open House

INRC Holiday Open House/ICBI Graduation

INRC cordially invites you to our Holiday Open House/Indianapolis Community Building Institute (ICBI) Graduation!

Join us at INRC on Thursday, December 11,
5:30-8:00 p.m. with a program beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Join in our celebration with great food, holiday cheer, good company, and more! We will also celebrate the graduation of resident leaders from the Indianapolis Community Building Institute (ICBI). Our current graduates will offer remarks about ICBI, their community involvement, and share stories about how they are building their neighborhoods.

For more information about INRC or ICBI, visit www.inrc.org or call 920-0330, ext. 100.

City-wide Food Initiative

Pack the Pantries

As many of you know, last Friday Mayor Ballard launched the City-wide Food Initiative “Pack the Pantries.”

According to Mayor Ballard, “This year it’s different. Our city, like the rest of the nation, is facing the challenges of an economic downturn. Our community food banks are beginning to see a drop in food donations at the point when many of our neighbors are most in need.” Mayor Ballard is calling on every business, every school, every church, every charitable organization, every agency of government, and every individual citizen in Indianapolis to pack the pantries at a local food bank of their choosing.

From now until December 12th, Mayor Ballard is encouraging all city/county employees to participate in the City-wide Food Initiative. Food donated by city/county employees will be collected and donated to Gleaners Food Bank. Please donate NON-PERISHABLE items. Items needed are:

· Canned meats like tuna and chicken

· Heat and serve meals, such as soups & ravioli

· 100% fruit juices

· Canned fruits and vegetables

· Peanut butter and jelly

· Other kid friendly foods like macaroni, cereal, applesauce cups & healthy snacks

As Coordinator of the City-wide Food Initiative, I am asking that you designate a lead person in your department to head up the effort to collect non-perishables. I will need the name and contact information of this person ASAP. Each department lead will need to make sure that the food is in a dry location.

Instructions will be given to the lead person in your department regarding storage and pick up of items.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Douglas Hairston
Director
Mayor’s Office of the Front Porch Alliance
327-4336
Email: DHairsto@indygov.org

This gives a bit more insight in starting a food drive for your neighborhood…please direct it to a local food pantry in your area…here is a list of area food pantries Dennis Papenmeier

BOI - Record Keeping for Your Small Business

Record Keeping for Your Small Business

Learn how to create an easy-to-use system for managing paperwork and documenting transactions to create the reports you need to better manage your business. $10

Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Tracia Roberts, Virtue Business Consulting

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

Library Holiday Party

Holiday Party

East Washington Branch Library
2822 East Washington Street
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Age Level: All ages
No Registration; Free Event

Celebrate Christmas and Las Posadas at the East Washington Library Annual Holiday Party. From 2 – 3 p.m. Children can have a free photo taken with Santa and decorate a frame for their picture. From 2 -4 p.m. there will be stories, refreshments, crafts, door prizes and entertainment.

Check out the East Washington MySpace page, and visit the blog to learn about upcoming programs.

East Washington My Space Page at: www.myspace.com/ewalibrary

for an afternoon of gift making fun

"FROM ME TO YOU"

Gifts and More
Join us
Saturday, December 6th from 3:00pm – 6:00pm
for an afternoon of gift making fun

This special time will offer parents time to work side-by-side helping their children make gifts to share for the holidays. After an afternoon full of gift making, wrapping and other activities, we’ll continue the holiday festivities with a nice sit-down meal. Parents must participate with children.

The afternoon is our gift to your family during this wonderful season – a season when we are reminded that we have all been blessed with the greatest gift of all – Jesus.


Immanuel United Church of Christ
1035 S New Jersey Street
Corner of Prospect and East Streets
Indianapolis, IN 46225
631-2427

Special thanks to Making Connections Indianapolis for their help with this program.

Santa on the Square

Santa on the Square

Santa on the Square
(Fountain Square, that is)
Saturday, December 6th
beginning at 10:00 a.m.

BOI - Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs

Personal Money Management for Entrepreneurs

Part 1: Attitudes, Values and Spending Habits
Examine how your values and attitudes about money affect your money management plan and learn ways to monitor your spending. (Followed by Part 2: Budgets, Goals and Action Plans on Dec. 9, and Part 3: The Cost of Credit, The Power of Saving on Dec. 16) $10

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Sharetha Marshall, BOI

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

BOI - Child Care Business Operations

Child Care Business Operations

Learn how to create a business plan and parent handbook for your child-care business. Free
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: BOI, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Crystal Coleman, Child Care Answers

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

BOI - Taxes for the Small Business Owner

Taxes for the Small Business Owner

Learn about your tax responsibilities as a small-business owner and the basics of filing your income, self-employment and payroll taxes. $10
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Business Ownership Initiatives, 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314
Instructor: Jon Pryweller, CPA, Whitewater Group

Preregistration required for all classes.
Call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 for more information or to register.

Santa’s Workshop needs Artistic Elves

News Bulletin

From Santa’s Workshop

Artistic Elves needed:
No previous experience required.

Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply…
…their creative talents and ingenuity while helping
South East School of Excellence
with Props, costumes and scenery for their
Christmas Program

BE A DOLL and help to dress
Raggedy Anne & Andy; create a box for Jack
and help the snowmen come to life
in time to take the stage on December 16th and 18th.!!

Certainly you know of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and that wild one, Vixen.
Yet, maybe it is time to get to know: Stacie, and Liz, and art teacher William;

who are the real dears teaching our youth in the South east community of Fountain Square.

Anyone with resources that can be used for costumes, set decoration, and overall program development is encouraged to donate.

Anyone with time to sew, paint, create and become a part of the stage production is asked to come out to play with our teachers and young students while they create and practice for their Holiday Program.

To apply for your Holiday Elf experience...

Please contact:
EHarmon@senseindy.org SCrama@senseindy.org

************

Areas City has Made Eligible for HUD Funds

Areas Eligible to Receive HUD Funds

The areas of greatest need lay in neighborhoods in the middle section of the city, south of 56th St. and north of Hanna Ave.

Mayor Greg Ballard and Congressman André Carson joined today to announce which areas of Indianapolis are eligible to receive HUD funds awarded to the city through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

The announcement marked the beginning of a public comment period as well as the next step in determining how $29 million in federal funds will be allocated to help alleviate the effects of home foreclosures and abandoned housing.

"Indianapolis is not immune to the growing national foreclosure and abandoned housing problem," said Mayor Ballard. "These funds are coming to our city at a time when we need them the most, and will be used where they can have the greatest impact."

“Abandoned homes and vacant properties blemish our neighborhoods and frequently serve as epicenters for illegal activity that induce high crime rates and make our streets less safe. By using these federal dollars to convert abandoned homes into affordable rental units, we are making a noteworthy investment in our community and safeguarding Indianapolis residents from the perils associated with vacant structures,” said Congressman Carson.

A team of community stakeholders has determined 11 areas that meet the NSP guidelines. The determination was made using HUD and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department GIS data to layer several measures over low, moderate, and middle-income target areas. These measures included foreclosure risk, vacancy rates, and density of foreclosures.

The areas of greatest need lay in neighborhoods in the middle section of the city, south of 56th St. and north of Hanna Ave.

The HUD NSP is designed to allow local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that could turn into blighted areas. Communities receiving the funds are required to use 25 percent of the funds to house individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the area’s median income. Activities funded by the NSP must benefit low and moderate income persons whose incomes do not exceed 120 percent of the area’s median income.

The funding can be used to purchase and rehabilitate abandoned and foreclosed homes to be sold or rented, to demolish blighted structures, or to counsel those who would benefit from using NSP funds.

There are 15 days to receive public comment on this plan. It will be submitted to HUD on December 1, 2008.

Those wishing to comment may send an email to JFults@indygov.org or write to:

NSP Comment
Department of Metropolitan Development
200 East Washington St.
Suite 2042
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Beginning December 1, 2008, a committee comprising members from business, nonprofit and government entities will meet to develop a comprehensive allocation plan by January 31, 2009. From that point, the city will have 18 months to spend the funds.