A note from Dennis Papenmeier

To all,

Many of you may have already heard, but starting at the beginning of the new year, I have accepted a new position within Mayor Ballard’s administration. I was asked to move to DPW and serve as the Executive Assistant to the Director. I will be serving primarily as the liaison to City-County Council, but will also be assisting Director Sherman with various policy issues and other special projects that may arise.

Let me assure each of you that it has been a privilege working with all of you over the past year and a half. As many of you know, I served in a very similar position under Mayor Goldsmith, so community service and working with vested neighborhood leaders are passions of mine. I believe these passions and experiences are reasons I was asked to serve in DPW and take a spirit of neighborhoods there.

One of the prerequisites I had for making the move to DPW was to make sure that I could continue to work in your areas until a replacement is found. I will bring that person to one of your upcoming meetings and introduce you to him or her. I will not let the transition be anything less than as smooth as possible. Even beyond that, I will never be more than a phone call away from the person that replaces me, anytime they might seek my thoughts on how to assist any of you.

So, this is not good-bye at all. Rather, it is the opportunity for me to ensure that “neighborhoods” become a bit more considered in how DPW plans projects and conducts business.

In the conversations that I have already had with some of you, you have told me that I was successful in one of the things I set out to accomplish. Many of you know that there is someone on the other end of the line that cares and that is willing to take the time to explain “City Hall” to any and all of you who wanted to find out how to make things happen for yourselves. City government is as local as government gets, so we ought to be fundamentally responsive to you all. I have tried to do that and, I hope, I have been at least somewhat successful in that effort. I hope that, in my new role, I will be able to continue to do that, as well.

I hope all of you have a great start to 2010…!

IndyGo Operating on Sunday Schedule on New Year’s Day

Indianapolis–IndyGo bus service will operate on a Sunday/ Holiday schedule on New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1). If a route does not offer Sunday service, then no service will be available on this days.



Specifically, IndyGo’s schedule for New Year’s Day is as follows:

• Fixed Route: Sunday Schedule

• Red Line Circulator: No service

• Open Door Paratransit: Sunday Schedule

• ICE Fishers, Carmel: No service

• Green Line will run a regular schedule.



The IndyGo Customer Service Call Center will close at 7:00 pm on New Year's Eve and will be closed on New Year's Day. The City Market Sales Kiosk will close at 4:00 pm on New Year's Eve and will be closed on January 1 and 2. All routes, the Call Center and Administrative offices will resume regular schedules and operations on Saturday, Jan 2. The City Market Sales Kiosk will resume normal hours on Mon, January 4.

Second Story--2009 was awesome! we're ready for 2010

Happy Holidays

Second Story enjoyed a great 2009. And we appreciate your support in helping us continue to succeed. This year, with many excellent volunteers joining our team, we've helped lots of kids in Indianapolis find joy in writing and improve their literacy skills.

We did this with:

· Summer programs on East 10th Street (in partnership with Y-Press) on the Near Eastside (see the videos here) and in Garfield Park (in partnership with Indy Parks).

· In-school programs at IPS School 15 (4th graders) and IPS School 2 (7th graders in partnership with Butler University and Central Library).

· Weekly after-school programs at the Wheeler Arts Community in Fountain Square, Kaleidoscope Youth Center and MLK Center.

· Entertaining and successful Corporate Rock Off, Zippers of Zoomerville and Harrison Center Underground fundraiser events.

Now, we're looking forward to 2010 with plans to continue our after-school efforts while also working with high school kids for the first time as we team up with University of Indianapolis to help students at Manual High School bring back their yearbook and newspaper publications.

In late 2008 and in 2009, we received some great support from the Indianapolis Foundation, State Farm and from individuals like you. But times are tight and finding foundation and corporate support is a challenge - especially for younger nonprofit organizations like ours.

So we need your help. The more funds we can raise, the more we can expand our programs to reach more children in 2010. It's easy to make a tax-deductible donation online through the Donate/Paypal button on our website or by sending us a check to 1014 Prospect St. Indianapolis, IN 46203.

We'd also love your help as a volunteer in 2010. Please email me if you have any questions, suggestions or just want to say hello.

All Best,

Jim Walker
Managing Director

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE
Another big accomplishment in 2009 was finishing Second Story's website. While it is still developing, we're really proud of the site and expect to make it even more useful for kids, parents and teachers in 2010. Thanks to the site's designers, Indiana-based Medium Large, for their support on this project.

Dear Fringe Fans,

IndyFringe prides itself on returning 100% of the box office to our performers. However, this means none of the proceeds from the festival can be used to support the costs associated with putting on the festival including: renting all five theatres, paid theatre technical staff, and our incredible staff of the Fringe - Pauline Moffat, Justin Brady, and part-time staff we hire during festival month as funds allow.

Please support IndyFringe in 2010 by giving a tax-deductible donation in 2009.
Make a secure online donation today.

Sincerely,

Jill Ditmire, President - IndyFringe Board

P.S. I hope to see you in January 2010 at the IndyFringe Theatre for Emerging Artists Month!

POST HOLIDAY RECYCLING EVENT GIVES RESIDENTS OPPORTUNITY TO RECYCLE HOLIDAY MATERIALS

The Office of Sustainability, in conjunction with Indy
Parks, the Department of Public Works and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful,
will host the fourth annual Post-Holiday Recycling Event on Saturday,
January 9, 2010

WHAT: This one-day event is designed to offer residents an
environmentally safe way to dispose of unwanted electronics and to
provide a reuse and recycling option for Christmas trees. Through this
event, residents are able to do their part as we make Indianapolis a
cleaner, more sustainable city.

Accepted items include:
* Christmas trees (remove all ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic
bags, and other decorations)
* Cardboard boxes
* Gift boxes (no wrapping paper)
* Styrofoam (white foam, clean with no glue)
* Electronics (examples include: computer equipment, cell phones, TV's
no larger than 27 inches, VCRs, DVD players and stereos)
Volunteers will be on hand to help unload recyclables.

WHERE: Broad Ripple Park - 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue
Ellenberger Park - 5301 E. St. Clair Street
Garfield Park - 2354 Pagoda Drive
Krannert Park - 605 S. High School Road

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010

TAX PREP INITIATIVE GETS BOOST FROM IRS GRANT LOCAL VITA PROGRAM HELPS LOW, MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has awarded a $90,000 grant to members of the Indianapolis Asset Building Coalition to boost the IABC’s citywide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in 2010.

Locally, the VITA program occurs through a collaboration of IABC members, including the City of Indianapolis, United Way of Central Indiana, Central Indiana Community Foundation, local banks and financial institutions and various not-for-profit organizations focused on asset building and financial fitness. The grant application was submitted through the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, a public-private partnership that is also a member of the IABC. By contributing $20,000 to the project, the Indianapolis Foundation, which is affiliated with CICF, contributed a significant portion of the matching funds needed to receive the IRS grant.

VITA partners are organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing to low and moderate income individuals. For tax year 2009, individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of $49,000 or lower are eligible for assistance.

In Indianapolis, eight neighborhood community centers serve as VITA sites, helping to recruit volunteers and providing staff support during a variety of hours. They include John H. Boner Community Center, Christamore House, Concord Neighborhood Center, Hawthorne Community Center, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Oasis Christian CDC, Shepherd Community Center and Southeast Community Services. There will also be one-day VITA sites at Goodwill Industries and other locations to be announced in early 2010.

The VITA program, known for several years as “Save, Earn and Learn,” works in partnership with “Indy’s Campaign for Financial Fitness,” which is chaired by First Lady Winnie Ballard.

“I am passionate about promoting financial fitness throughout Indianapolis, because I believe improving financial health is one of the best ways we can improve the quality of life for all citizens,” said First Lady Winnie Ballard. “Through Indy’s Campaign for Financial Fitness, we are helping connect individuals with tools and resources to help them live within their means and make their hard-earned dollars stretch further.”

Under the national VITA Grant Program, the IRS awarded nearly $8 million in matching grants to 147 organizations that will offer free tax preparation services during the 2010 filing season. There was a strong response to the 2010 VITA grant solicitation, with 360 organizations submitting applications that, combined, requested more than $30 million in matching funds.

“We're proud to support the VITA program and their volunteer tax preparers who provide an invaluable service to millions of taxpayers,” said Richard Byrd, Jr., IRS Wage and Investment Operating Division Commissioner.

The funds will be used to:

•Enable VITA programs to extend services to underserved populations and hardest to reach areas, both urban and non-urban

•Increase the capacity to file returns electronically

•Heighten quality control and improve the accuracy of returns prepared by the VITA sites

•Enhance training of volunteers

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

SAVE THE DATE: POST HOLIDAY RECYCLING EVENT GIVES RESIDENTS OPPORTUNITY TO RECYCLE HOLIDAY MATERIALS

The Office of Sustainability, in conjunction with Indy
Parks, the Department of Public Works and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful,
will host the fourth annual Post-Holiday Recycling Event on Saturday,
January 9, 2010

WHAT: This one-day event is designed to offer residents an
environmentally safe way to dispose of unwanted electronics and to
provide a reuse and recycling option for Christmas trees. Through this
event, residents are able to do their part as we make Indianapolis a
cleaner, more sustainable city.

Accepted items include:
* Christmas trees (remove all ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic
bags, and other decorations)
* Cardboard boxes
* Gift boxes (no wrapping paper)
* Styrofoam (white foam, clean with no glue)
* Electronics (examples include: computer equipment, cell phones, TV's
no larger than 27 inches, VCRs, DVD players and stereos)

Volunteers will be on hand to help unload recyclables.

WHERE: Broad Ripple Park - 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue
Ellenberger Park - 5301 E. St. Clair Street
Garfield Park - 2354 Pagoda Drive
Krannert Park - 605 S. High School Road

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010

OFFICE OF CITY PROSECUTOR SECURES JAIL TIME FOR DEFENDANTS WITH REPEATED ANIMAL VIOLATIONS

The Office of City Prosecutor today announced the recent
win to secure jail time for repeat offenders for animal violations. The
case comes after the city charged two residents with repeat offenses
dating back to 2006.

"Targeting repeat offenders has been a focus of the Office of City
Prosecutor," explained Samantha Karn, Corporation Counsel for the City
of Indianapolis. "Aggressively targeting these individuals reinforces
Mayor Ballard's commitment to a cleaner, safer city."

Since 2006, Timothy and Telisa Pierce, of the 3400 block of West Murray,
have repeatedly been ordered to keep their dogs confined to their
property.

On three separate occasions, the court found that Timothy Pierce failed
to keep his dog from roaming unaccompanied through his neighborhood,
resulting in the Court ordering him on October 26, 2009, to never own or
keep a dog in Marion County again. Additionally, on three separate
occasions, the court found that Telisa Pierce, who resides in the same
house as Timothy, failed to keep her dog from roaming unaccompanied
through her neighborhood, and the Court ordered her on November 6, 2009
to never own or keep a dog in Marion County again.

On November 8, 2009, Animal Care and Control (ACC) was dispatched to
investigate an animal attack in the 3400 block of West Murray. When the
officer arrived at the location, she was directed to the Pierce home as
the location where the attacking dog was confined. The defendants were
unavailable at that time, and an officer returned to the home three days
later. At that time, the officer found six dogs confined in the Pierce's
garage, with no food or water.

At that time, the Office of City Prosecutor filed a motion with the
Court against the Pierce's for contempt of court. On December 16, 2009
the Court ordered both defendants to serve five days in jail and ordered
each individual a $1,000 fine for violating a total of six Court orders
against them.

The Office of City Prosecutor is a division of the Office of Corporation
Counsel. In 2008, the City Prosecutor eliminated a backlog of more than
800 cases from 2007. Today, the City Prosecutor promptly prosecutes
violations referred to it from ACC and the Office of Code Enforcement.

MAYOR BALLARD NAMES NEW PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced the appointment of Dr. Frank Straub as Public Safety Director for the City of Indianapolis.

"Dr. Straub is a proven, results-oriented crime fighter, and he has the experience and determination to lead our Public Safety Department in Indianapolis," said Mayor Ballard. "He will work constructively with our public safety professionals, our community, and our neighborhoods to make Indianapolis the most livable big city in America."

Straub comes to Indianapolis from White Plains, New York where he served as Police Commissioner. In the seven years he served as commissioner, he and his force effected a 40 percent drop in serious crimes by employing community policing techniques and the effective analysis trends and crime data.

With over 25 years of experience in criminal justice, Straub earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York and his professional experience includes time spent in the Naval Investigative Service and the Diplomatic Security branch of the State Department. He served as Executive Deputy Inspector General for the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Justice as a special agent.

Prior to serving as Commissioner in White Plains, Straub was Deputy Commissioner of Training for the New York Police Department, serving before and after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the team here in Indianapolis," said Straub. "Mayor Ballard's record of emphasizing public safety and the dedication of his entire team definitely influenced my decision. We have a great responsibility to keep our community safe and I'm eager to get started."

Straub was recommended by the city's Public Safety Director Search Committee, led by former Public Safety Director Scott Newman.

"Frank is the right choice to lead our public safety department into the future," said Newman. "He has an impressive track record in criminal justice and we certainly look forward to his leadership as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe and criminals off our streets."

2010 Commercial Facade Grant Application Available

If you are thinking of renovating the facade of your commercial building in Indianapolis, this grant might help you get the work done. Building owners and tenants (with owner approval) may apply for the 50% match.

Application is here

Southeast Community Services offering extended hours and classes on Saturday

Southeast Community Services at 901 Shelby in the Fountain Square neighborhood is offering new extended hours in their computer resource center on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Currently the center operates from 8am to 8pm Monday and Thursday and 8am to 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. With the new addition of part time staff they have extended those hours to Saturday starting December 12th. Starting immediately on this date will be a Beginning Computer Basics class from 12 noon until 1pm, and starting early January 2010 there will be a Word 2007 class offered from 9:45am to 11:45am.

The Southeast Community Resource Center houses the computer classroom and the public computer lab, offering classes in Microsoft Word 2007 and Excel 2007, resume writing, typing, computer basics, internet/email and English/Spanish courses.
For more information please contact Ondina Schrunder or Brian Kern at 317-236-7400 extension 247.

Southeast Community Services offers Microsoft Excel 2007 classes

Southeast Community Services on 901 Shelby in the Fountain Square neighborhood is now offering Microsoft Excel 2007 classes in their Resource Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

The Excel class being offered is currently scheduled as a 2-hour session 2 times a week. We offer an introductory week of classes after the Christmas holiday on December 29th and 30th from 4 to 6 pm.

General topics covered in the class series are: navigation of the Excel spreadsheet, learning the basics of creating math and function formulas, specifically the SUM function, common Excel errors and how to fix them, how to design/format an Excel document, moving data within a spreadsheet as well as other topics. The December sessions are designed to be a one-time introduction to using the Excel 2007 program.
The Excel classes will continue into the coming months, currently following the same schedule outlined above on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4-6pm, or possibly 5-7pm depending on classroom availability, with the entire series taking place over the course of six weeks.

The Southeast Community Services Resource Center houses the computer classrooms and the public computer lab, and currently offers classes in Microsoft Word 2007, resume writing, typing, computer basics, internet/email and English/Spanish courses.

For more information please contact Ondina Schrunder or Brian Kern at 317-236-7400 extension 247.

GET YOUR HOLIDAY CHEER ON TRACK WITH CHRISTMAS AT GARFIELD

Santa invites you to get your holiday cheer on track at Christmas at Garfield during the park-wide celebration at Garfield Park! Santa, Mrs. Clause and the elves all will be on hand at the park’s three facilities this Saturday to share some holiday cheer with families and friends.


Oh what fun it is to visit the Conservatory to see Conservatory Crossing, the holiday train and poin­settia show. Meet Santa and get your picture taken with him for only $3! Try your hand at this year’s holiday scavenger hunt and see if you can find all of the hidden items among trains, villages, ornaments and trees.


Then, jingle all the way to the Arts Center to make real wooden toys with Santa’s elves! Children will use glue, hammers, markers and teamwork to assemble colorful vehicles. Once the toys are finished, kids can take them home for free! Dash through the snow to the Burrello Family Center to see Mrs. Claus, and pick up some yummy treats. You’ll be laughing all the way! Plus, make colorful, festive holiday cards to send to soldiers overseas.


For more information, please call (317) 327-7066.


WHAT: Christmas at Garfield Park
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009

WHERE: Garfield Park, 2505 Conservatory Drive

COST: Events at the Conservatory & Sunken Gardens, Arts Center and Burrello Family Center at FREE.

Pictures with Santa are $3.



Bike Indy. Swim Indy. Run Indy.

PLAY INDY!

LILLY ENDOWMENT AWARDS $7.3. MILLION TO INDIANAPOLIS PARKS FOUNDATION

The Indianapolis Parks Foundation (IPF) announced today that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded the foundation a grant of $7.3 million, the largest single donation in IPF’s 20-year history. The funds will be used for critically needed capital projects in parks that serve primarily low-income residents.

On the “to do” list is a new pool at Bethel Park to replace the one built in 1971 that leaks 8 million gallons of water a season. Also included are improvements to Riverside Park Aquatic Center, enhancements of restroom facilities at 12 park sites that serve low- and moderate-income youth, and rehabilitation of tennis courts at 11 park sites used by the National Junior Tennis League for its summer programs.

“Parks are essential community assets. They unify and connect neighbors and neighborhoods across Indianapolis,” said Lilly Endowment President N. Clay Robbins. “This grant is a continuation of Lilly Endowment’s history of providing from time to time significant support for strategic capital projects in Indianapolis’ parks.”

“For the City of Indianapolis, this contribution provides an opportunity to improve many park facilities that are important to children and families in our community. We appreciate the support from Lilly Endowment and are fortunate to have an organization such as the Indianapolis Parks Foundation dedicated to providing the resources that will help make such projects a success,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

“Since 1991, through the generosity of private funders, IPF has provided more than $12 million to Indy Parks for capital improvement projects, land acquisition and program support, and we’ve done so relatively quietly,” said IPF Executive Director Cindy Porteous. “The gift from Lilly Endowment provides an unprecedented opportunity for this organization to become an even stronger advocate for parks and green space in Indianapolis and stay focused on our mission of building parks for life for children and families in this community.”

Included in the grant is $500,000 for a maintenance fund to provide ongoing upkeep on the funded projects.

SARA SNOW TO EMCEE INDIANAPOLIS SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

Mayor Greg Ballard and the Office of Sustainability announced today that Sara Snow will emcee the Indianapolis Sustainability Awards luncheon to be held Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010.

"Sara Snow's success in educating and motivating people throughout the country to live in harmony with the environment is inspiring," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "It's fitting that she will present awards to deserving individuals and businesses who also are working to inspire others to adopt the concept of sustainability. I'm thrilled she's agreed to be a part of the first-ever Indianapolis Sustainability Awards."

A graduate of Butler University, Snow worked at WXIN-TV as a morning news reporter before landing two subsequent natural living television series on the Discovery Networks, "Living Fresh" and "Get Fresh with Sara Snow." In addition to providing green commentary and tips in newspapers and magazines such as The New York Times and Better Homes and Gardens, Snow recently authored a book called "Sara Snow's Fresh Living" and travels the country speaking to groups on the small changes they can make to live greener, healthier lives.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this incredibly important moment in Hoosier history," says Snow. "Not only do I love applauding people who are working to make green and natural living more accessible for their neighbors and those around the globe, but I'm absolutely thrilled to be doing that right here in Indianapolis."

The Indianapolis Sustainability Awards are designed to inspire innovation, showcase impact, reward leadership and promote education around the principles of sustainability. Five awards will be given to honor excellence in each of the following categories:
* Land
* Air
* Energy
* Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Applications are available at www.sustainindy.org/awards. Projects must have been completed in Marion County between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2009.

A Salute to World War II Veterans Saturday, Dec 12

Mayor Ballard’s salute to World War II Veterans will be held this Saturday, December 12, 2009, at the American Legion Post, 601 S Holt Road, 1pm – 3pm.


To honor our WW II vets, and surviving family members, please join Mayor Ballard and local WW II Veteran guest speakers for the city salutes to “the Greatest Generation.”


* Ben Davis High School Jazz Band will be performing musical selections from the Big Band era.
* Presentation of Colors by the Indiana Army National Guard.
* Veterans will receive a special, one-of-kind, memorial challenge coin.
* Surviving family members of those who served in WW II will also be recognized; a pendant will be presented to those family members.
* Refreshments served

Are You Savvy?

SAVI Introduction
Central Library (Central) Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.
Tue., Dec 15, 2009
9:15 am - 11:45 am

also

Tue., Feb 16, 2010
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Please call 275-4119 to register for this event.
Age Level: Adults
Category: Computers & Technology

Registration Required
Adults are invited for a PowerPoint overview of the power and usefulness of SAVI-Interactive. SAVI (Social Assets and Vulnerabilities Indicators - www.savi.org) is a dynamic community information system that helps you map, compare and store data about Central Indiana communities from over 30 sources.
This program will be held in the Computer Training Lab on the 1st floor.

Pack the Pantries with Mayor Ballard on Friday, December 11th

On Friday December 11th, Mayor Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts, 40,000 Pounds of Giving, 97.1 HANK FM, RUAN and Wheeler Ministries ask that you bring non perishable food items and canned goods to Monument Circle between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to help “Pack the Pantries” for those in need. The Indianapolis Colts will be on hand with tickets for the upcoming Colts vs. Broncos game on December 13th. All proceeds will be donated to Wheeler Mission and the Marion County Food Banks.



For those unable to attend, donations may also be dropped off at any one of Indianapolis’ 38 Fire Stations from now until December 17. For a listing of IFD Stations accepting donations please visit: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPS/IFD/Stations/Stations/Pages/IFD%20Stations.aspx

OFFICE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP TEAM WILL HOLD PUBLIC MEETING FOR LATINO COMMUNITY

The Office of Code Enforcement (OCE) will present a Spanish version of the KNOW THE CODE! And Get to Know Your Office of Code Enforcement Leadership Team for the City of Indianapolis series to the Latino community on Thursday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Office of Code Enforcement, 1200 Madison Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. Members of the Latino community are invited to meet OCE’s Leadership Team and learn about its mission, becoming a new city department, and the services that have been consolidated under the new code enforcement office.

Earlier this year, Mayor Greg Ballard created the Office of Code Enforcement to streamline the city’s licensing, permitting, and inspection functions under one department to improve efficiency, service, and accessibility.

“We have worked diligently over the past ten months to move critical quality of life functions under one entity to take a more strategic approach in keeping our city clean, safe, and vibrant, while also creating a one-stop shop for services that is convenient and accessible to both residents and business owners,” said OCE Director Rick Powers. “Meeting with the Latino community is an important step in being inclusive and ensuring that Latinos have access to public information and city services.”

The OCE Leadership Team will be available for a question and answer session following a brief presentation offered in Spanish. Residents are encouraged to come out and offer input regarding city services and quality of life issues, including:

· Licenses - business and contractor licenses

· Permits - building, infrastructure, sign, and special event permits

· Inspections - building, infrastructure, and zoning inspections

“The City of Indianapolis is becoming a diverse cultural center, and Latinos are a vital part of our neighborhoods and business communities,” said Carolin Requiz-Smith, Director of the Mayor’s Office of International & Cultural Affairs. “Part of our Latino Affairs initiative is to encourage Indianapolis’ Latinos to become more involved in their local government and serve as active partners in disseminating information to the city’s Spanish-speaking population and provide feedback on how the city can better serve the Latino community.”

BOI Winter Workshop Schedule Now Available

SIGN-UP NOW - 2010 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AVAILABLE

BOI is pleased to announce our workshop schedule for January through March 2010 is now available. Click here to view or download the schedule and class descriptions. As always, contact us at (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 or information@businessownership.org to register.

New Business Beginnings Material and Format!
You will notice that we're making some changes in 2010 to better assist you in starting and growing your business. We will be using the new Core Four® curriculum in our business planning courses, which presents business planning concepts in four major areas: success planning, market planning, cash flow planning and operations planning. This engaging and interactive curriculum will inspire and motivate you to have the confidence to build and grow your own small business. With this new curriculum, we have created two separate programs: Business Planning 1 and Business Planning 2. New entrepreneurs will take the first steps in planning for business success with Business Planning 1, then with that foundation in place, Business Planning 2 will assist the entrepreneur in the process of completing the business plan.

Get $mart-er!
We are also adding a 10-hour workshop series called Get Smart with Your Money to ensure emerging or existing business owners understand and practice good financial decision-making. To do so will improve business success rate and “bankability” when seeking small business loans.

Additional Programs
We will continue to schedule our core business growth workshops in the areas of sales and marketing, financial management, and legal issues, but are also looking at ways to be more flexible and responsive to your needs by adding new programs as needs are identified. Watch for future announcements of new offerings such as small-group working sessions as follow-ups to our core classes, business owner peer group meetings covering topics of interest, and open computer lab hours.
We are committed to helping you realize your dream. In addition to reviewing the scheduled classes, schedule a business counseling appointment so we can connect you to programs, resources and opportunities!

INDY PARKS DESIGNATES EIGHT COLLECTION SITES FOR CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING

Indy Parks & Recreation will offer eight drop-off locations in Marion County for residents to recycle their Christmas trees from Dec. 26, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010.

Indy Parks’ tree recycling program diverts waste from the landfill and adds mulch to our parks and street trees. Last year, Indy Parks recycled more than 15,000 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. Saint Clair St., west of pool in main parking lot.
* Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive, Burrello Family Center parking lot.
* Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road, north parking lot.
* Northwestway Park, 5253 W. 62nd St., 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.

CHRISTMAS SALE

December 11 AND 12

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
10:00 AM TILL 2:00 PM

901 Shelby Street

SENIOR CENTER 2ND FLOOR

EVERY ITEM IS NEW

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Sponsored SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY SERVICES

CITY ISSUES REPORT ON HIGH WEEDS AND GRASS PROGRAM

City Making the Cut – Cutting More Properties in Half the Time

As the high weeds and grass season comes to a close, the City releases its report on achieving greater efficiencies and improved service for cutting down high weeds and grass.


In its first year of operating the high weeds and grass program, the Office of Code Enforcement has mowed more than 9,000 properties over the past six months – four times the number of properties than the previous year. The Office of Code Enforcement was created by Mayor Greg Ballard to focus on quality of life functions that can significantly impact the health and safety of citizens.


“Each summer high weeds and grass is the top call to the Mayor’s Action Center, and the City must be prepared to tackle these property maintenance issues before they become a public nuisance,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “The Office of Code Enforcement has quickly proven its effectiveness by achieving a record amount of mowing while simultaneously decreasing response time.”


To prepare for the mowing season, the Office of Code Enforcement utilized Six Sigma expertise to develop a data measurement plan to identify ways to improve efficiency and measurably decrease the call-to-cut time for mowing high weeds and grass – the time period between a citizen reporting a problem property to the Mayor’s Action Center and the date it receives its first mow. As a result, the Office of Code Enforcement effectively decreased the call-to-cut time by more than half despite the increase in number of problem properties. The high weeds and grass report includes:



· Call-to-Cut Time: 17 days (42 in 2008)

· 14,112 Investigations

· 10,921 High Weeds & Grass Cases (5,431 in 2008)

· 9,101 Properties mowed (2,144 in 2008)

· 2,742 Property re-mows (337 in 2008)

(2009 numbers as of 12/2/09; 2008 numbers per Six Sigma Project)



Changes in the 2009 high weeds and grass program included the dedication of a full-time inspection staff to inspect properties within one business day of being reported; reducing the number of days from 10 to 5 for a citizen to abate a violation and requiring only one notice of violation per year; using mowing vendors as city agents to re-inspect properties in violation to either report voluntary compliance or proceed in cutting the property while onsite to reduce additional wait time; and scheduled problem properties to be mowed every 28 days until the property owner takes responsibility for cutting the property.



“Measuring programs we administer is essential in tracking the progress of City operations, identifying ways to deliver a more effective service, and remaining accountable to citizens through true data measurement,” said Rick Powers, Director of the Office of Code Enforcement. “Although we believe we had a successful mowing season, we will review the high weeds and grass program in its entirety to identify any additional improvements that could be made for the 2010 season.”

Breakfast with Santa is next Saturday.

If you have children or grandchildren, mark you calendars for December 12 from 830 -1030am at the Shepherd Community Center, 4107 East Washington Street. This free event will give kids an opportunity to interact with our officers, meet Santa (with a photograph), and enjoy a nutritious breakfast. We expect hundreds of kids!!! Parents are welcome for breakfast also.

Community Building Coordinator Wanted at SEND

As a continuation of the GINI program – SEND will be hiring a full-time Community Building Coordinator. The program will start January 1, 2010.


For a job description please contact Mark Stewart, SEND President, at mark@sendcdc.org Interested persons must submit a cover letter and resume by December 15, 2009.



Position Description: Community Building Coordinator



Oversee implementation of Southeast Quality of Life Plan

● Convene and support Quality of Life Plan neighborhood meetings

● Work with neighborhood partners to develop projects and move them to implementation

● Gather neighborhood input and make recommendations regarding Plan amendments

● Assess and document progress of Plan, share with constituent stakeholders

● Coordinate Annual Neighborhood Gathering

● Build and manage relationships locally and city wide to leverage resources for plan implementation




Coordinate Building Blocks model block program

● Work with Block Clubs within target areas to increase involvement of residents

● Work with Block Clubs to create and implement their Action Plans

● Connect Block Clubs with available resources

● Share best practices from Block Club to Block Club

● Assist in selection of additional Block Clubs to participate

CITY TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING ON 2010 CENSUS

The Mayor’s Office of International and Cultural Affairs will host a town hall meeting Friday, December 4th to discuss the importance of Latino participation in the upcoming 2010 Census.


2010 Census questionnaires will be mailed out in early 2010 and will pose a total of ten questions for residents to answer and mail back to the United States Census Bureau. The data collected from the census will assist in determining federal funding for various programs.


For more information on the 2010 Census visit www.2010census.gov.




WHO: CO-CHAIRS OF INDIANAPOLIS’ COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE, AMOS BROWN AND STEPHEN SMITH



WHAT: LATINO TOWN HALL MEETING ON 2010 CENSUS



WHERE: GARFIELD PARK ARTS CENTER

2432 CONSERVATORY DRIVE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN



WHEN: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009

4:00P.M.—5:30 P.M.

Discover the many 4-H educational opportunities!

Helping Youth to Succeed:
Opportunities and Resources to Improve your Youth Program from Purdue University Extension Services


December 8th

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Southeast Community Services
901 Shelby Street

If you are thinking in becoming a volunteer or are currently working with youth, you are invited.
Parents are welcome!

RSVP Rodney Benifield
Southeast Community Services
317- 236-7400
rodney@southeastindy.org

Pleasant Run Grocer First Membership Meeting

A Community Owned Grocery Store


Pleasant Run Grocer is a member owned community based grocery store dedicated to serving the needs of local producers and consumers by providing goods and services, education and reasonably priced healthy foods.


Please Join us for our First Membership Meeting to hear about the progress our steering committee has made over the past year. We are nearing a business plan, incorporation and are getting ready for the hard push for membership, finances and a location.



7:00 PM, Dec 10th


Emmanuel Baptist Church
920 Laurel Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203