Garfield Park Photography Exhibit

Friday, March 7th

7 to 9pm

Indiana Photographic Society presents:

"Through the Lens---INDIANA"

A collection of 70 photographs of Indiana

FREE

"First Friday" March 7th marks the second annual "Through the Lens" exhibition featuring fine-art photography by the Indiana Photographic Society. Images of Indiana will be the theme for this year's exhibition. In it's second year in residence at the Garfield Park Arts Center, the Indiana Photographic Society promotes arts education and collaboration with Indiana's community of photographic artists, through weekly meetings, workshops and presentations. This year's exhibit will feature a very special program for Indiana history buffs. Photographic Society President Jay Allen will make a presentation on the history of Mock's Ferry Road--Indiana's Mother Road....the story of the "Forgotten Road" that was built into the wilderness, with the purpose of building a new capital "Indianapolis". The exhibit opens at 7:00pm, with the presentation of Mock's Ferry Road at 8pm. "Through the Lens: INDIANA" will be on exhibit through April 30th, during regular public hours: Tuesday though Friday, 1-5pm, Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Garfield Park Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

2006 American Community Survey

KIDS COUNT Data Center

The KIDS COUNT Data Center has been updated to include more information on poverty, employment and income, and education levels of U.S. children and families. The following are among the indicators that have been updated with 2006 data from the American Community Survey for states and the 50 largest cities:

Children living in families with incomes below 250% of poverty
Children in low-income working families
Children enrolled in preschool or kindergarten
Children in households where household head is a high school dropout

The Data Center contains more than 100 measures of child well-being, including the most recent data available on education, employment and income, poverty, health, and youth risk factors for the United States as a whole, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as the 50 largest cities in the United States. Visit the Data Center to create your own maps, charts, and graphs by topic or geographic area.

4.7 million children living with cohabiting partners

Children are less likely to live in married-couple households today than 30 years ago, but those children who are not living in married-couple households are not necessarily living with one parent only. In 2006, 4.7 million children lived with cohabiting domestic partners. This represents 6% of all children in the U.S. The rate varies by state from a high of 11% in Maine to a low of 4% in Alabama and Utah. This is among the newest data from the American Community Survey now available online in the KIDS COUNT Data Center.

View a map of all states showing the percent of children living with cohabiting domestic partners
See how the rate varies across the 50 largest U.S. cities.

Garfield Park

Upcoming Garfield Park Programs

African Violet Show - Mar. 8th - Saturday - 10:00am-5:00pm - Conservatory - Free - Annual show of the Indy African Violet Society.

Seed Starting Workshop - Mar. 8th Saturday - 1:00pm-2:00pm - Conservatory - Ages 18+ - Free - Pre-register- Get a jump start on the growing season learning techniques to start flower and vegetable gardens.

Jungle Tales - Mar. 11th - Tuesday - 10:00am-11:00am Conservatory -Ages 2-5 -Cost $2 -preschool program focusing on nature-related topics. Pre register.

For more information on any Garfield Program call 327-7275 General Parks info., 327-7220 Family Center, or 327-7184 the Conservatory

Police Academy for Citizens

IMPD Citizen’s Academy Announced

The 2008 Indianapolis Marion County Police Department Citizen’s Academy will run from April 1st to June 16th on Tuesdays from 6:30 –10:30p.m. at the IMPD Training Academy at 901 N. Post Road. This academy is free and allows citizens to take a crash course in law enforcement. Topics will include the use of force, communications, criminal law, and several special unit presentations. Citizens will also participate in ride-alongs with officers. Applicants must be 18 years of Age and live or work in Marion County. They will also be subject to a background check. Applications are available at Southeast District Headquarters at 1150 S. Shelby.

Free Musical Carnival

F.I.L.M.

Free Musical Carnival

Sign up TODAY to be part of FILM!

Do you enjoy: …Reading? …Watching movies? …Helping youth in the community?

Then bring yourself, your family, friends and other young people in your lives to the following free event related to Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies (FILM).

What is FILM?

FILM helps create positive movie-related experiences for youth.Through FILM, youth are engaged to watch a movie, read a book and complete a service project that relates to the themes from the book and movie.

For more information and to register for these events, please call toll free 1-888-284-4604 or e-mail FILM@crowechizek.com

F.I.L.M. Free Musical Carnival

Children Grades 4-8

March 15, 2008

2:00-7:00 PM

Lilly Boys & Girls Club

Corner of State and Fletcher

Habitat for Humanity

Homeownership Program Orientation
for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis

Thursday, March 13 @ 6 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
4625 N Kenwood Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Wednesday, March 19 @ 6 p.m.
Southeast Community Services
901 Shelby Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Orientations start exactly at 6 p.m. If you arrive after 6:15 you will not be allowed into the meeting.
You are invited if you fit the following criteria:

NEED: Have lived in substandard, overcrowded or unsafe housing, paying excessive rent, not accessible to people with disabilities, or government subsidized housing. Do not own their own home and will be a first time homebuyer.

RENTAL HISTORY: At least 18 months to 2 years of good rental history and needs to be a resident of Marion County

INCOME: Steady employment earning a limited income for 2 years and/or verifiable Social Security or SSI income for 2 years that will meet our income requirements.

CREDIT: Must not have any judgments and any bankruptcies must have filing dates of discharges greater than 2 years.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER: To complete the 300 hours of work-equity in homeownership education classes & home construction.

This is the only way you can receive an application for our program. Partner with us in working towards owning your own home!

Colts

Tony Dungy and Colts DVD

No charge Colts DVD: Free copies of a DVD featuring head coach Tony Dungy and several players discussing how their faith impacts their football careers. Available to churches and non-profit organizations. To order.

Pet Day

Community Pet Day!

$10 Microchips (includes registration) -a microchip is the safest way to ensure that your lost pet will find his way home!

$10 Vaccinations (5-in-one, bordetella) -give your dog or cat a healthy start to 2008!

~~Dog trainers will be on hand to teach you and your dog the joys of treat-training
~~Sign-up for low-cost or no-cost pet spay/neuter surgeries
~~All breeds of dogs and cats are welcome

Microchips are FREE for pit bulls and pit bull mixes!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

10am-2pm

Lilly Boys & Girls Club

801 S. State Ave.

Corner of Lexington and State (east of Fountain Square)

-Cash and Checks Accepted-

IPS School Uniform Exchange

IPS School Uniform Exchange

***

The Good Life Center has organized an exchange program for students who have outgrown their school uniforms. Simply bring in the outgrown uniforms and pick up a larger size. If you do not have uniforms to exchange, there will be a $2 charge for each piece of clothing.

*

The Exchange will usually be open on the following schedule. For more information or to check on schedule, contact Carol Roberts, Coordinator, at 317-822-8178.

5:30-7 PM 1st and 3rd Thursdays

10-11:30 AM 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

10-11:30 AM 2nd and 4th Saturdays

*

The Good Life Center is at 1932 Woodlawn Avenue, next to Victory Memorial Church

The Post Office is Hiring

IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED, HAVE THEM CALL 1-866-999-8777. FOLLOW THE PROMPTS AND AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT TO THEM. THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE MAY 31, 2008. THEY ARE HIRING FOR FULL TIME POSITIONS at $17.00 PER HOUR. OR YOU CAN APPLY ON-LINE AT:

http://www.usps.com/employment/

Indiana Sustainability Alliance

Announcing the Indiana Sustainability Alliance

The INdiana Sustainability Alliance (“INSA”) promotes the growth of the sustainable development, green building, renewable energy, water management, and clean technology industries in Indiana. INSA brings together members of these industries by initially offering educational and networking events.

INSA serves as a meeting place for these stakeholders to:

• Align common goals and objectives;
• Advance new technologies;
• Share resources, information, and assets;
• Recognize and support Indiana businesses in these fields;
• Promote clean energy and sustainable strategies; and
• Attract new investment in Indiana.

Please join us on March 19, 2008 for our initial event at the Ball State College of Architecture Planning Indianapolis Center (50 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana)

Presentation begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by networking and food until 7:00p.m.

Featuring Dr. Michael Walsh, Executive Vice President of the Chicago Climate Exchange

For further information and to register for the event, visit us on the web at www.indianasustainability.org

Very Truly Yours,

INSA Steering Committee

Alex D. Forman

alex.forman@indianasustainability.org

Paul M. Jones, Jr.

paul.jones@indianasustainability.org

Low Carbon Diet Workshop

A “Low Carbon Diet” Workshop

is Coming to Fountain Square!

A “Low Carbon Diet” workshop will be offered at the Fountain Square Branch Library starting Wednesday, February 27, 2008. This free*, five-session “Low Carbon Diet” workshop series provides a fun and supportive environment to discuss and apply dozens of home improvement strategies to save energy and money while reducing your carbon dioxide (CO₂) “footprint”.

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all five sessions, as each session builds on the last, and time between sessions allows you to work on the energy-saving strategies you’ve chosen from the Low Carbon Diet workbook provided at the start of the first session.

Location, Dates and Times:

Fountain Square Branch Library

1066 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Wednesday, Feb. 27 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Mar. 5 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Mar. 12 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Mar. 26 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Apr. 2 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Reduce your CO₂ footprint, save money, & help solve global warming!

Register online today at: www.cacefindiana.org

or sign up by calling (317) 205-3535

The Low Carbon Diet workshop is brought to you by the Central Indiana Environmental Education Program, a program of the Citizens Action Coalition Education Fund (CACEF).

* A suggested donation of $15.00 covers the cost of the workbook and other materials.

Free give-a-ways (energy efficiency kits, compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats) will be provided, to the extent available, courtesy of Indianapolis Power & Light and Citizens Gas & Coke Utility.

Funding is made possible through a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Crime Watch

New Crime Watch/Prevention Web site

http://www.indygov.org/eGov/IMPD/Involved/Watch/home.htm

Please review the above web page. This is the new Crime Watch/Prevention web site for IMPD. We welcome news/announcements from our communities. There will also be postings on crime alerts for you neighbors. If you have items of interest to be posted please submit them to me. We look forward to your comments.

Catherine Moore

Crime Watch Specialist - North District

317-327-6168

317-327-6190 Fax

Community Building Institute

Indianapolis Community Building Institute (ICBI)

ICBI is a series of interactive program tracks for emerging and experienced community leaders. Presented through a series of hands-on workshops and discussions, the program develops leadership qualities in individuals so that they can be more effective in helping their communities achieve goals.

ICBI applies the principles of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as defined by John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann, stressing efforts to build community upon the strengths of a neighborhood. Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center's community building constitutes an approach to comprehensive neighborhood development where residents and other stakeholders bond together with collective determination to create and strengthen institutions, relationships, and processes that builds a healthy, viable and sustainable community which promotes personal growth and civic responsibility.

ICBI is available in a series of three six-week interactive sessions, ALSO they are willing to come to the SE District on two Saturdays per track, allowing completion of the course quickly and easily. Please let me know if you would like to be included in the class or in additional information about the program.

Here are some people who would be happy to share their experiences in the Indianapolis Community Building Institute:

ICBI Graduates: Jennifer Rice Southeast Neighborhood Development; Marvin Martin, Eagledale Neighborhood Association; Beverly Combs, Devington Communities Association; Jane Mullikin, Churchman Avenue Block Club; Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell; Richard Cornell, West Indianapolis Neighborhood Congress; Ryan Poor, INRC Board President. Not pictured: ICBI graduate Alma Trawick, Keystone-Millersville Neighborhood Association.

Contact Josh Bowling at INRC for more information: http://www.inrc.org/

GINI grant opportunities

Got a good idea?

GINI has funds for neighborhood projects

First deadline is February 27, 2008

Media Contact:
Anne-Marie Predovich
(317) 920-0330 x101
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, February 5, 2008) – Got an idea about how to make your neighborhood come together and grow? The folks at the Great Indy Neighborhood Initiative (GINI) have money to award, and they're ready to invest it in your idea to enhance your neighborhood.

"Last year, GINI helped fund 11, highly imaginative projects that got people excited about being involved in building up their neighborhoods," said Anne-Marie Predovich, executive director of the Indiana Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC), a GINI partner. "We're starting earlier in 2008, with more money to invest. We just can't wait to see what ideas will come our way."

The funding is in the form of IMAGINE grants, which range from $500 to $5,000. Launched in May 2007, IMAGINE funds support projects conceived by neighborhood-based organizations that work with individuals and other groups to bring about positive change in communities across the city. GINI awarded nearly $45,000 in IMAGINE grants last year.

Those interested in applying may obtain forms at 2008 IMAGINE Application package by visiting http://www.greatindyneighborhoods.org/ or http://www.inrc.org/, emailing imaginehelp@inrc.org or by calling (317) 920-0330. Application deadlines are by 5 p.m. on February 27, May 28, August 27 and December 3.

IMAGINE grant recipients must offer a dollar-for-dollar match, but may count volunteer labor, donated materials, supplies, services or cash as part of that match.

To help neighborhoods meet eligibility guidelines, INRC will offer eight technical assistance sessions throughout the year. Sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the INRC offices on 1802 N. Illinois Street, on:

* February 11 and 18
* April 21
* May 12
* July 21
* August 18
* October 20
* November 17

GINI (http://www.greatindyneighborhoods.org/) is a 3-year program promotes comprehensive community development to strengthen and improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Comprehensive community development focuses on collaboratively improving all aspects of neighborhoods that impact residents' quality of life.

Nita McCormick

Membership Services Coordinator

Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center

1802 N. Illinois Street

Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.920.0330 x 100

317.920.0556 Fax

namccormick@inrc.org

http://www.inrc.org/

Strengthening, Developing and Empowering Neighborhoods