Help Make Our City a Brighter and Safer Place to Live, Work and Play!
Now through April 16, sign up for the Every Litter Bit Helps
program at www.GreatIndyCleanup.com .
Participants receive a trash bag and gloves they may pick up at any Marion County Public Library, YMCA or National City Bank branch.
Fill a bag with litter from your community and dispose of it with your weekly trash pickup.“We as a city should be very proud that the EPA is recognizing Indianapolis as a leader in Energy Star buildings,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “This recognition underscores the commitment of building owners and operators to become more energy-efficient in how they manage buildings as well as their commitment to reducing their energy consumption and improving our local environment.”
Buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Indianapolis counts 39 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings within its greater metropolitan area. By strategically managing energy use and by making cost-effective improvements to their buildings, the organizations that own and operate these buildings have prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use from 6,113 households for a year, or a savings of $4.9 million. A list of Indianapolis Energy Star buildings is available online at www.sustainindy.org/
EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores 75 or higher on EPA’s 1-100 scale is eligible for the ENERGY STAR. Commercial buildings that may earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, and warehouses.
EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government.
Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.
For more on Mayor Ballard’s vision of making Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest, visit www.sustainindy.org. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings.
“Reading Makes $ense”
Your 3rd – 5th graders are invited to the Fountain Square Branch Library to learn about money management with Captain Cash and First Mate Penny.
During the program students will learn through inter-active activities how to budget, save and spend money wisely.
When: IPS Spring Break - March 29th – April 2nd at 10am – 11am
Where: Fountain Square Branch Library, 1066 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203
For additional information contact Tammy Coolman at
317-275-4390.
Purdue Extension and the Fountain Square Branch Library Presents
“Reading Makes $ense”
Your 3rd – 5th graders are invited to the Fountain Square Branch Library to learn about money management with Captain Cash and First Mate Penny.
During the program students will learn through inter-active activities how to budget, save and spend money wisely.
When: IPS Spring Break - March 29th – April 2nd at 10am – 11am
Where: Fountain Square Branch Library, 1066 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203
For additional information contact Tammy Coolman at
317-275-4390.
Mayor Greg Ballard announced a public meeting schedule today to garner feedback from Indianapolis residents concerning the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to transfer the City of Indianapolis’ (City) water and wastewater utilities to Citizens Energy Group (Citizens).
“Public involvement and accountability are imperative to the success of this transfer. This process began more than one year ago with the formation of the Infrastructure Advisory Commission and will continue with transparent study and public deliberation,” Mayor Ballard said. “As we move forward with due diligence and explore how to invest the $425 million earned through the transfer, we want to hear from residents, who live in the neighborhoods with crumbling streets, curbs and sidewalks, about their infrastructure investment priorities.”
The public meeting schedule includes:
March 23, 6:30-8 p.m.: George Washington High School Cafeteria, 2215
W. Washington St.
March 29, 6:30-8 p.m.: Aldersgate Free Methodist Church, 9035 E 21st St.
April 13, 6:30-8 p.m.: Nu Corinthian Church’s Family Life Center, 5935 W.56th St.
April 20, 5-6:30 p.m.: Divine Savior Lutheran Church, 7315 E. 75th St.
Representatives from Mayor Ballard’s administration, Carey Lykins, Citizens CEO, and other key Citizens staff will be on hand to answer questions from residents and ratepayers regarding the transfer of the water and wastewater utilities.
“At Citizens we are looking forward to answering questions and providing information about the advantages of the utility transfer. We want to hear from our owners – the citizens of our community – about the most efficient and effective ways to run their utilities,” said Lykins.
On March 10, 2010, Mayor Ballard and Lykins signed the MOU to transfer the water and wastewater utilities to Citizens. Pending negotiation of final agreement and Board of Waterworks, Board of Public Works, City-Council Council and IURC approval, the City will receive more than $425 million that will be directly invested in the City’s crumbling infrastructure. In addition, Citizens agrees to assume approximately $1.5 billion of City debt (combined debt of waterworks and wastewater).
Citizens estimates that by the year 2025 combined water and wastewater rates will be 25 percent lower under its ownership compared to other options available to the City. Lower water and wastewater rates will be achieved through an estimated $40 million in annual savings available by combining operations of the water utilities with Citizens’ gas, steam and chilled water systems.
The Mayor intends to file legislation for the utility transfers with the Indianapolis City-County Council on April 16. In addition to approval by the City-County Council, the utility transfer must be approved by the Board of Water Works, the Board of Public Works and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Full approval would likely take place in late 2010.
For more information about the utility transfers and the schedule for public meetings, visit www.indy.gov/utilities or call 317-327-4MAC.
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INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard will kick off the fifth annual Indy Homeless Connect with a pep rally for more than 600 volunteers who are expected to serve the needs of nearly 1,000 homeless individuals at the one-day event. Presented by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, Indy Homeless Connect brings together dozens of services for the homeless, including medical care, food, mental health counseling, vision care, legal advice and housing services. Additional services such as haircuts, massages, free phone calls and free books also are provided.
Mayor Ballard, First Lady of Indianapolis Winnie Ballard, and Indiana Pacers Head Coach Jim O’Brien and his wife Sharon serve as the honorary co-chairs for the fifth annual event. Major sponsors for this year’s event include Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, George Fern, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Indiana Office of Technology, The Michael Group, and The Samerian Foundation.
For more information, visit www.chipindy.org or call (317) 472-7640.
| Help Us Reach Our Goal of $5,000 By March 31!
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Give Today. Help Young Women Like Megan!
Megan & Caroline were matched in September 2009. Megan was a resident of Craine House, a work release program for women with pre-school age children. Megan's son was one, born in prison. Caroline helped Megan succeed at Craine House, where she received help finding employment, working towards a GED, improving parenting skills, and gaining self-esteem. Megan successfully completed her time at Craine House, found a job, and has moved out into her own place. She's devoted to her son and very determined to overcome a difficult childhood and past mistakes to build a responsible life. Her mentor has provided her with encouragement and life skills needed to successfully transition into an independent, positive life.
Introduction to Business Ownership
In this introductory session, learn what it takes to start a business, assess your readiness, set your goals, plan your path towards business ownership and learn how BOI's programs can help you each step along the way. Cost: Free
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 9 a.m. noon
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI
Read more
ABCs of Certification
In this panel discussion with representatives of certifying agencies, understand how certification as a woman- or minority-owned business can give you an advantage in obtaining contracts with government agencies and learn about the process of becoming certified. Cost: Free
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 6 8 p.m.
Read more
Upcoming classes:
Get Smart with Your Money
Learn how your personal finances affect the success of your business and how to improve your personal financial and credit position in order to increase your "bankability" when seeking small-business financing. Cost: Variable based on income.
Tuesdays, Apr. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Sharetha Marshall, BOI
Read more
Using Microsoft Word® for Business
Learn hands-on how to use intermediate features of Word to create business documents. Topics include tables, headers and footers, graphics and templates. Cost: $10
Thursday, Apr.8, 9 a.m. noon.
Instructor: Barb Krall, Computer Trainer
Read more
Starting a Salon, Spa or Barber Shop
In this two-part workshop, find out what it takes to own and operate your own business in this largely recession-proof industry. Learns the ins and outs of making your dream a reality with tips and insights from an experienced salon owner with over 30 years in the industry. Cost: $30
Mondays, Apr. 12 and 19, 10 a.m. noon
Instructor: Brenda Petty, Changes Total Salon and Day Spa
Read more
3-2-1-Launch!
In this two-part panel-discussion format, learn how to create a legitimate business, ensure you comply with laws and regulations and protect yourself from liability by registering your business, getting your tax ID numbers, selecting the right insurance and establishing a banking relationship. Cost: $20
Wednesday and Thursday, Apr. 14 and 15, 6 8 p.m.
Read more
Intellectual Property
Understand the principles of trademarks, copyrights and patents, and how to protect your intellectual property assets. Cost: $10
Thursday, Apr. 15, 6 8 p.m.
Instructor: Patty Hughel, Brannon & Associates PC
Read more
All classes are held at BOI's office at 4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 314 unless otherwise noted. Call BOI at (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 to register.
Last month, Congressman Andre Carson (see photo), Mayor Gregory Ballard and CICF President Brian Payne announced a $20.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The funding came from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
With $1.5 billion to invest across the U.S., it sought projects that fit the following criteria:
Primary Selection Criteria:
• State of Good Repair -- projects that will have a significant impact for the nation, a metro area, or region... and improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems.
• Economic Competitiveness -- projects that contribute to U.S. economic competitiveness.
• Livability -- projects that improve the quality of living and working environments and the experience for people in communities across the U.S.
• Sustainability -- projects that improve energy efficiency, reducing dependence on oil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and benefiting the environment.
• Safety -- projects that improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and systems.
• Job Creation & Economic Stimulus -- projects that quickly create and preserve jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity.
Secondary Selection Criteria:
• Innovation -- projects that use innovative strategies to pursue the long-term outcomes.
• Partnership -- projects that demonstrate strong collaboration among a broad range of participants and/or integration of transportation with other public service efforts.
USDOT reported receiving 1,400 applications totaling $57 billion.
Read the full release on our Web site.
See all TIGER projects awarded. The Cultural Trail is under the Central section, slide 13, "Indianapolis Bicycle and Pedestrian Network."
View the video submitted with the grant application. (Thanks to WFYI.)
There isn't enough room to thank all the people who have made and continue to make this project possible. We especially thank Congressman Carson and his staff; Mayor Ballard and his Office of Sustainability and Department for Public Works; our team at R.W. Armstrong, Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Art Strategies and The Goods.
Thank you to ALL donors who believe in this project. Your investment showed the federal government how committed Indy is to the Cultural Trail and to these types of projects.
To our future donors: We still need you. Maintaining this beautiful trail will take significant investment. Thanks to this grant, your gifts can support the trail's long term maintenance. We also still plan to commit $1 million to a bike and shuttle bus program that will provide additional alternatives for getting to and from the Cultural Districts.
Local Inventor and Entrepreneur Scott Jones, First Lady of Indianapolis,
Indy Parks & Recreation and Central Indiana Corporate Volunteer Council
Will Launch Project that Teaches Kids How to Be Successful in Life
Join local inventor and entrepreneur Scott A. Jones, First Lady of Indianapolis Winnie Ballard, Indy Parks & Recreation Director Stuart Lowry and partnering organizations for the launch of Lemonade Day Indianapolis! A project of the Think Forward Foundation, Lemonade Day Indianapolis is a free, citywide initiative designed to teach kids how to start, own and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. On the morning of March 16 at Riverside Park, more than 100 volunteers from the Central Indiana Corporate Volunteer Council will pack 7,500 backpacks with the information needed for participating children to build their own lemonade stands and open for business on May 2. Indianapolis is one of 16 cities around the country participating in Lemonade Day! For more information, visit www.lemonadeday.org and click on Indianapolis.
WHO: ChaCha Founder and Entrepreneur Scott A. Jones, First Lady
of Indianapolis Winnie Ballard, Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowry, Partnering Organizations and Volunteers
WHAT: Official Launch of Lemonade Day Indianapolis
WHERE: Riverside Park Family Center Upper Gymnasium
2420 N. Riverside East Drive
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010
We had a great turnout, with more than 100 of our neighborhood residents, business owners, project partners, and friends. And we had great coverage from the media. Here are some links to print and television stories:
Fountain Square Dedicates New Fountain on wthr.com
Lady Spray Takes Spot As Neighborhood Namesake on theindychannel.com
Fountain Square Dedicates Lady Spray on Indystar.com
Seeking...
· Energetic and dependable individuals.
· Outgoing personality with ability to communicate & interact with children, parents, co-workers and supervisors.
· Out-of-this world customer service skills.
Have you been complimented for respectful manners, following directions, taking initiative and providing great service? We want you to apply!
Come to one of our Job Fairs!
· Talk to Park Managers & current lifeguard staff
· Learn about job requirements and trainings
Monday, March 22nd @ Broad Ripple Community Center, 4pm-7pm
1550 Broad Ripple Avenue • 327-7161
Tuesday, March 23rd @ Krannert Park Community Center, 4pm-7pm*
605 S. High School Road • 327-7375
Wednesday, March 24th @ Riverside Community Center, 4pm-7pm
2420 E. Riverside Drive • Enter at the south side turn-around • 327-7171
Thursday, March 25th @ Brookside Community Center, 4pm-7pm
3500 Brookside Pkwy. S. Drive • 327-7179
Saturday, March 27th @ Washington Community Pool, Noon-4pm*
2215 W. Washington St. • Door 6 on the northeast side of building • 327-5918
*The indoor pools at these two locations will be open during these job fairs for a practice swim.
Please contact Rich Irish at 317-327-1470 with additional questions.
Coordinated by Indianapolis-based author and artist Lylanne Musselman, the exhibition features a creative writing project sponsored by Second Story, a nonprofit writing project serving kids, schools and community organizations in Indianapolis. The free opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. March 13 will feature poets performing live readings of the works featured in the main gallery exhibit as well as interactive writing and art activities. Stay for Vintage Movie Night featuring the film Laddie (1940), based on the book by Indiana author/poet Gene Stratton-Porter.
“It’s exciting to see how some of Indianapolis’ best artists are inspired by their peers to reach incredible levels of creativity,” said Garfield Park Arts Center Manager Tom Weidenbach. “The exhibition also reveals the highly subjective nature of art. Visitors will be surprised at the qualities of themes that resonated with artists and served as the impetus for new work.”
The Poetry in Paint Exhibition will be on display from March 13 through May 2. Hours are 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
WHAT: Poetry in Paint Opening Reception and Exhibit, Vintage Movie Night: Laddie (1940)
COST:
Vintage Movie Night: $2 suggested donation
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010
WHERE: Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
Flushing unused medicine down the toilet or pouring it down the drain is a prescription for disaster: most of the chemicals end up in our lakes and streams. Throwing it away in garbage bags is no safer, since pets and children can accidentally ingest the stuff. Before you work yourself into a tizzy about what to do with all of your expired or unwanted OTC and prescription meds, take a chill pill: there's an easy, safe solution.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Marsh Pharmacies are teaming up next weekend to host Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day once again. Bring your unwanted pharmaceuticals to any Central Indiana Marsh Pharmacy from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, and they will be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.
The following items will be accepted if brought in their original containers. (Leave the name of the medication visible on the label, but mark out personal information.)
"With this agreement, I am rejecting private ownership of our water and wastewater system while embracing the benefits that come from private sector efficiency and expertise, and putting water and wastewater utilities under a public trust," Mayor Ballard said. "We look forward to working with the City-County Council and the IURC to complete the transfer and realize benefits for utility customers throughout Central Indiana."
Pending negotiation of final agreement and Board of Waterworks, Board of Public Works, City-Council Council and IURC approval, the City will receive more than $425 million in connection with the transfer of the utilities to Citizens. Upon receipt of necessary approvals and negotiation of final agreements, the City will receive a $262.6 million payment from Citizens ($170.6 paid at closing and $92 million paid on October 1, 2011), plus up to an additional $50 million from the wastewater general fund that will remain with the City upon the transfer of the wastewater system.
Folks, the snow is gone for a little bit, and our city street crews are out patching potholes every day.
Please make sure that you continue to either call them into the MAC at 327-4622, or enter them yourselves at the Pothole Portal:
http://www.indy.gov/eGov/
Let’s get these called in and taken care of!
Lisa Laflin
Mayor's Neighborhood Liaison
South Center Township
Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services
2160 City-County Building
200 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
317-327-5595
llaflin@indy.govWhat: Fountain Square Fountain Dedication
When: Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 a.m., rain or shine
Where: Gather on the sidewalk in front of the Fountain Square Theatre Building, 1105 Shelby Street.
· Opening remarks from Mark Stewart, President, Southeast Neighborhood Development
· Remarks from Brian Payne, President, The Indianapolis Foundation, CICF and leader of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail effort
· Remarks from Reverend Glenn L. O'Connor, Irish Citizen of the Year, and Blessing of the Fountain
· Turning on of the fountain by Elaine Cates, Fountain Square native and President Emeritus of Friends & FACT
· Greening of the fountain by Michael McCrackin, Indianapolis Leprechaun
We are IUPUI graduate students conducting research for the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the City of Indianapolis.
We want to know your perspective on living in the Greater Indianapolis area. Your opinion will inform our recommendations for neighborhood marketing strategies. It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete the survey.
Your responses will be kept anonymous, and all answers will be analyzed in aggregate. Please follow all directions and answer all questions to the best of your ability.
Your input is critical. Thank you for your time and interest.
Neighborhood Change You Can See and Measure using RBA
Saturday, March 20, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. – 12: 00 noon (Light breakfast provided)
Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center / 1802 N. Illinois Street
How does your community get “residents with good jobs” become “a safe and clean neighborhood,” or “a place where neighbors know each other?” This course provides resident leaders with a tool on how to effectively achieve the results that they want to see in their neighborhood. Results-based Accountability (RBA) is the approach that course participants will learn.
RBA is a way of thinking and taking action quickly that communities can use to improve the lives of children, families and the community as a whole. It uses plain language and common sense methods that everyone can understand. This 3-hour course is interactive and fun.
Course Objectives
· To be familiar with terms and language used in RBA
· To learn effective questions that will get results and lead to action.
· To practice the model used in RBA.
· To provide participants with one well developed community outcome that can be measured.
Space is limited; please reserve your seat by Tuesday, March 16, 2010, with Claudia Taylor at claudia@mcindy.org or 632-4599. Once we receive your interest, we will send out the course application to you to complete and return.
Interest-based Negotiation Training
Thursday, March 25, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Dinner provided) and*
Saturday, March 27, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (Breakfast provided)
Southeast Community Services /901 Shelby Street, 3rd Floor
Interest-based negotiation is an approach to developing agreement that focuses on mutual interests and options. This course provides a foundation in something we do from birth.......engage others in acquiring our needs. The skills identified and practiced in this workshop will assist community leaders in having additional tools at their disposal in deliberations within and outside their communities. This course is also designed to provide community leaders with skills in negotiating with those seeking to position themselves as partners in community ventures.
*Both days are required
Participant size is limited to twelve (12), please reserve your seat by Friday, March 19, 2010 with Claudia Taylor at claudia@mcindy.org or 632-4599. Once we receive your interest, we will send out the course application to you to complete and return.
International Explorer’s Playtime: Preschoolers and their families or caregiver are invited to travel the globe and learn how to say "hi" in other languages during a program presented by Oogles 'n Googles. March 10, 11:00 a.m. Ages: Preschool 3 – 5
Call 275-4360 ext 4 to register.
Need a Job? Computer Basics: Adults and teens are invited to learn computer tools needed to point, click and surf their way to job opportunities during a workshop presented by Lisa McDonald of Career Polish. March 11, 11:00 a.m. Call 275-4360 ext 4 to register. Limited registration
Journey Through Asia: Shodo – Japanese Calligraphy: As part of a series that celebrates the diversity of Asian cultures, languages and people, individuals of all ages are invited to learn the ancient art form of Japanese calligraphy and use the brush to write Japanese characters. Artists from the Indianapolis Art Center will lead the program. This program is made possible with support from the IMCPL Foundation. March 30, 6:00 p.m. No Age Restrictions. Registration appreciated but not required – 275-4360 ext 4.
Every IHC participant will receive a Care Kit including hygiene supplies and a 1-day bus pass for follow-up referrals.
You can make a difference! Your contribution can provide the following:
Contributions can be made securely online at www.chipindy.org through the "Donate Now" button (designate "IHC"). For more information and volunteer opportunities contact Emily Hervey at ehervey@chipindy.org or by phone at (317) 472-7640.
Next week's classes:
Internet Marketing
Learn how to improve the chances of your Web site being found through search engines like Google and identify other ways to increase your Web presence. Cost: $10
Monday, Mar. 8, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructor: Ken Zweigel, DRIVE
Read more
Starting a Nonprofit Organization
Learn about the structural and legal differences between nonprofit and for-profit businesses and understand what it takes to start a new nonprofit organization to determine if it's right for you. Cost: $10
Thursday, Mar. 11, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructor: Kim Huizinga, Esq., Community Development Law Center
Read more
Upcoming classes:
Record Keeping for Small Businesses
Examine the essentials of record keeping for your business so that you are prepared for tax time and have the information you need to effectively manage your business. Learn what documentation is required and how to put together a simple transaction ledger. Cost: $10
Thursday, Mar. 18, 6:30 -- 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Gail Barnes, CPA, Barnes Financial Services
Read more
Get Smart with Your Money
Learn how your personal finances affect the success of your business and how to improve your personal financial and credit position in order to increase your "bankability" when seeking small-business financing. Cost: Variable based on income.
Saturdays, Mar. 20 and 27, 9 a.m. -- 3 p.m.
Instructor: Sharetha Marshall, BOI
Read more
Introduction to Business Ownership
In this introductory session, learn what it takes to start a business, assess your readiness, set your goals, plan your path towards business ownership and learn how BOI's programs can help you each step along the way. Cost: Free
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 9 a.m. -- noon
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI
Read more
ABCs of Certification
In this panel discussion with representatives of certifying agencies, understand how certification as a woman- or minority-owned business can give you an advantage in obtaining contracts with government agencies and learn about the process of becoming certified. Cost: Free
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Read more
All classes are held at BOI s office at 4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 314 unless otherwise noted. Call BOI at (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 to register.
