Thursday, July 29, 2010

COMING TO A PARK NEAR YOU: FREE AUGUST CONCERTS AND MOVIES

Each year, Indy Parks and Recreation produces a full season of music, movies and more for you and your family. Featuring a wide variety of artistic styles - classical and popular, fun and romantic, hot and smooth - we bring it all to a comfortable outdoor setting near you. From folk music at Eagle Creek Park to jazz and blues at Watkins Park, there is a colorful selection of concerts and artists for all. Most events are free, and all feature gifted local and regional artists that you're sure to enjoy.

Eagle Creek Park's free and alternating series of concerts continues in August on Wednesday evenings at the Marina. A park favorite, Blueberry Jam, plays August 4 as part of the In Concert with Nature series and on August 11 Pharez Whitted, a celebrated Jazz Trumpeter, is featured at the Jazz on the Point series. In Concert with Nature's final presentation features the Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters August 18 and Frank Glover rounds out the Jazz on the Point series August 25. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. $5 gate fee still applies.

Holliday Park's last free concert features the high energy Motown/R&B band Living Proof on August 5.

Broad Ripple Jazz Concerts begin in August to warm-up Friday evenings with a stunning and eclectic group of artists:

* Kate Lamont and her band of players and singers on August 6
* Kenny Phelps and energetic, electrifying band Hananeel on August 13
* The dynamic vocalist Cynthia Layne on August 20
* Gary Walters and Friends on August 27




Also free in August:

Jazz in the Park continues August 1 at Bethel Park featuring The Sounds of Essence and returns to Watkins Park with Blues on August 8 with On Cue. Finnell Factor will be the feature ensemble for Jazz on August 29 at Watkins Park. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m.

The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra will be the featured artist at the beautiful and historic Sunken Garden in Garfield Park on August 14 at 6:00 p.m.

On August 21, the Friends of Irving Circle Park Concert Series features Audio Diner at 7:00 p.m.

On August 28, the Irvington Artist Series at Ellenberger Park brings Epic Fail at 6:30 p.m.

Catch the last summer Movie in the Park at Thatcher Park on August 7. Showtime is at dusk. Call 327-PARK for movie titles.

Come celebrate the performing arts with Indy Parks this August! Visit concert.indyparks.org for more information.

NEW POOL OPENS TODAY AT BETHEL PARK

Bethel Park Pool is open and ready for swimming. Indy Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Indianapolis Parks Foundation (IPF), funded through a grant by Lilly Endowment, Inc., will open the new $2 million aquatic center at Bethel Park today, Wednesday, July 28 at 1 p.m. Bethel Pool was closed summer 2009 due to decaying infrastructure and massive leaks. A "Community Celebration and Dedication" is scheduled for August 7 at 1 p.m.

"Our city pools provide an outlet of fun, fitness and sense of community to our youth and we are excited to be able to showcase the many improvements that have been made to Bethel Pool," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "The investment we've made will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the city and this neighborhood for years to come."

Bethel Pool is a 25 yard, six-lane lap pool that features a three story speed slide - the only slide of its kind in Indianapolis, two basketball goals and zero-depth beach entry interactive spray ground, plus new deck furniture, picnic tables and shade structures. Bethel Pool also installed new "green" technologies such as a filtration and pump system that will be more cost-effective to operate, use less water and save energy.

Built in 1971, Bethel Pool leaked nearly eight million gallons of water during the 2008 season or 105,000 gallons a day. Because of mounting maintenance issues, Indy Parks was forced to close the facility before the 2009 summer season. Construction partners, Sheil Sexton broke ground for the new pool in April with a four-month construction schedule.

"We are ecstatic about the quick turnaround. It was very important to open Bethel Pool this summer to give the neighborhood a place to recreate and beat the summer heat," said Elaine Dillahunt, Indy Parks Senior Manager, Aquatics Division. "Our new Bethel Pool is a great addition to Indy Parks' world-class park system that creates engaging and sustainable opportunities for individuals, neighborhoods and communities."

The Indianapolis Parks Foundation secured funding for this project through the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Inc. as part of a $7.3 million grant for two aquatic projects, tennis court renovations and restroom facility installation system-wide.

Bethel Pool will remain open until Labor Day, September 6. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 1-7 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. and cost is $2 for children under 18 and $3 for adults.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Join the 2010 Art Parade!

Who doesn't love a parade? The Fountain Square Arts Council invites you to participate in an all-ages event with neighborhood residents, artists, musicians and more!

The Fountain Square Arts Council is proud to present the 2010 Art Parade, a unique community event where everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

The parade is a one-of-a-kind platform for presenting artwork in the public sphere, and anybody welcome to join in. We encourage groups and organizations, family and friends, and any other creative minds out there to sign up for this unique event. Our event will showcase contemporary artworks of all sizes and shapes with an emphasis on parades, street pageantry, and community celebration.

This year's parade occurs in conjunction with the Fountain Square Merchants Association Art Fair and Masterpiece in a Day.

What: The Fountain Square Arts Council 2010 Art Parade
When: Saturday, September 18 - 4pm
Where: The beautiful Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis, IN

How Do I Get Involved?
Submit your float proposal to the Fountain Square Arts council at FSACouncil@yahoo.com or use the registation page at http://www.fsartscouncil.org/artparadecallforparticipation.html. All entries will be notified by September 10th with detailed parade information.

“Ragtime the Musical” concludes Summer Stock Stage’s 2010 summer season

Broadway musical helps sixty high school students
teach community about relevant social issues

Summer Stock Stage is excited to conclude its 2010 summer season with “Ragtime the Musical.” Taking place at the turn of the century, “Ragtime” tells the story of three families discovering what it means to live in America at this point in history. They are faced with questions relevant to today about wealth, poverty, freedom, prejudice, hope, and despair.
The cast for this show is comprised of students from 22 different high schools and middle schools in the Indianapolis area.

Called by Time Magazine "A triumph for the stage," and by the International Herald Tribune "the best musical in twenty years," this acclaimed musical won 1998 Tony Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations, and won both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and Best Score. The revival was recently produced on Broadway.

“Ragtime the Musical” will be performed four times in the Frederic M. Ayres, Jr. Auditorium on the campus of Park Tudor School. The show opens July 22 and runs through July 25. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. July 22-24, and 2 p.m. July 25. The box office will open one hour before the show.

Tickets for the show cost $15. Reserved seating is available and seats will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. For information, call Summer Stock Stage at (317) 415-2910. To purchase tickets, visit www.tix.com and search for Summer Stock Stage or come the night of the performance to the box office. We do not accept ticket reservations over the phone, through voicemail, or without payment. Pre-sale ticket forms can be found online at www.summerstockstage.com.

“Ragtime the Musical” is directed by Emily Ristine Holloway of Indianapolis, IN, musically directed by Jeanne Bowling, and choreographed by Kelly Smith.

WHAT: “Ragtime the Musical”

WHEN: July 22-24, 7:30 p.m. and July 25, 2 p.m.

WHERE: Park Tudor School
Frederic M. Ayres Jr. Auditorium
7200 N. College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46240

COST: $15 reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased an hour before the show begins at the box office or online at www.tix.com.

About Summer Stock Stage
Summer Stock Stage Inc. exists to provide theater experiences for teenage students in central Indiana. Since the inception in 2003, the season has consisted of two shows, a cabaret show and a main production. Annually, the cabaret show and main production are performed 6 times over 1800 audience members.
Summer Stock Stage is an annual summer event held in June and July and is on the campus of Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN. Summer Stock Stage was established to provide educational opportunities to central Indiana students, free of charge. Students from over 39 different schools have been involved in this program. Summer Stock Stage strives to bring the highest production value possible. Students receive musical, theatrical and dance instruction as well as the opportunity to participate in a variety of productions. The students rehearse in the evenings and on weekends for 7-8 weeks.

Shop and Eat in Fountain Square to help Southeast Community Services

Are you hungry to help improve the Indianapolis community and contribute to a good cause? Or, are looking for a reason to eat at your favorite Fountain Square restaurant? Do you love to shop? Have you been eager to try out one of the many new establishments in Southeast Indy?


Come join us on Tuesday, July 27, for the Shop and Spend for Southeast fundraiser in Fountain Square. Present the event flyer at any participating merchant and 10% of your purchase will help benefit Southeast Community Services (SECS).


Participating merchants include: Pure Eatery, Joe’s Cycles, Square Rootz Deli, Indy Swank, Red Lion Grog House, Venus and Mars Fashion Exchange, Santorini Greek Kitchen, Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, Naisa Pan-Asian CafĂ©, Smokehouse on Shelby, The Brass Ring Lounge, New Day Meadery, Day’s Gone By Antiques, and Fountain Foliage (plant products only). *Free transportation will be available by Indy Pedicabs!*


Visit http://bit.ly/bz5T0C to print the event flyer. Customers must present the flyer for the donation to be made.

Southeast Community Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the people of Southeast Indianapolis. SECS’ mission is to work together to serve, strengthen and support our neighbors in southeast Indianapolis. To fulfill this mission, SECS’ offers educational and career opportunities, health services, and public computer facilities to Southeast residents. As a United Way affiliate, SECS is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Southeast residents.

Visit the Southeast Community Services website at www.southeastcommunityservices.org for more information.

VINTAGE MOVIE NIGHT TAKES YOU OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Indy Parks and Recreation's Garfield Park Arts Center will present a unique evening of entertainment during the July Vintage Movie Night event. Enjoy "base ball" themed vintage films, accompanied by a live score. Before the films, watch the Vintage Base Ball Association play and listen to a brief account of history by players from the Indianapolis Hoosiers Vintage Base Ball team.

Starting out the night, "One Run Elmer" (1935) stars Buster Keaton as a gas station owner whose business, girlfriend and pride are threatened when a rival gas station opens across the street. The rivalry can only be decided by a thrilling baseball game in the end.

Next, experience a silent vintage film at its finest - with a live musical score! "The Three Ages" (1923), was Keaton's first independently produced feature film. Keaton explores love and romance through three historical ages: the Stone Age, the Roman Age, and the Modern Age. The score will be written and performed by Indianapolis band, Tonos Triad.

Vintage Move Nights is an ongoing monthly film series brought to you by the Garfield Park Arts Center and presented by Eric Grayson, vintage film historian, and his associates. There is a suggested donation of $2 for each event.

What: Vintage Movie Night featuring "One Run Elmer" (1935) and "The Three Ages" (1935) with a live musical score by Tonos Triad.
Where: Garfield Park Arts Center
2432 Conservatory Drive
When: July 24, 2010
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
(Indianapolis Hoosiers vs. Gas City starts at 5 p.m.)
Indianapolis Hoosiers Vintage Base Ball Games - Take a trip back to the 1880s while watching the Indianapolis Hoosiers Base Ball team vs. Gas City. With the help of the Indiana Historical Society, the Hoosiers will play on the field between Garfield Park Arts Center and the Pagoda. For more information visit www.indianapolishoosiers.com.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Upcoming Classes at BOI

Next week's classes:

Establishing Your Brand Identity
Get tips on how to establish a powerful brand identity for your business through the selection of your name, logo, imagery and promotional products. Understand your options from do-it-yourself to working with a graphic designer. Cost: $10
Monday, Jul. 26, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructors: Ravyn Stadick and Susi Fryer, Wolf Run Marketing


Market Research Resources
In this hands-on class, practice using some key online resources to help you find quantifiable data about your industry, customers and competition. Cost: $10
Friday, Jul. 30, 10 a.m. -- noon
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI


Upcoming classes:

Choosing the Right Type of Business for You
Consider alternative paths to self-employment other than building your own business from scratch by learning about opportunities to buy a business, become a franchise owner or build your own practice with Prudential's Financial Services Associate Program. Cost: Free
Monday, Aug. 2, 6 -- 7 p.m.
Instructors: Sharon O'Donoghue, BOI; Scott Underwood, The Entrepreneur's Source; Matt Kemmerer, Prudential


Taxes for Small Businesses
Review the various tax responsibilities of the small business owner, understand what you need to do to comply with the law and review basic rules regarding business tax deductions. Cost: $10
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 6 -- 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jon Pryweller, CPA, Whitewater Group


Business Web Site Basics
Learn how to go about creating a new Web site for your business, including registering the domain name, finding a host, planning your site content and options for creating the site. Cost: $10
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructors: Will Hardison and Nicole Stultz, Mediaplug


Networking for Success
Acclaimed 10-hour workshop for business owners to become masters at networking and build a network of referral sources to grow their business. Cost: $60
Thursdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 6 -- 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Hazel Walker, BNI and Referral Institute


Lease Negotiations
Understand the language of commercial leases, common provisions and what to look for when searching for commercial property and reviewing a lease agreement. Cost: $10
Thursday, Aug. 5, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructor: Hannah Joseph, Esq., Joseph & Turow, P.C. and John Fox, Prime Site Brokers


Business Planning 1
Plan for business success by researching your market opportunity, planning your finances, identifying your value proposition and writing your business plan. Cost: Variable based on income. Preregistration and prepayment are required for this series.
Tuesdays, Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 6 -- 9 p.m.
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI


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, Aug. 11 and 12, 6 -- 8 p.m.

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.

See our Web site for the full calendar of upcoming classes.

Friday, July 16, 2010

The buzz about Mosquitoes

Here are some tips provided by the Marion County Health Department:

* Take a walk around where you live, play and work. Look for any container capable of holding water. Empty it, cover it, clean it, place it indoors. Mosquito larvae can survive in two teaspoons of water inside a Styrofoam coffee cup.
* Clogged gutters, unused tires, ornamental garden ponds and small splash pools are areas mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.
* Mosquitoes do not fly far from where they hatched. If you are being bitten, something in the vicinity is likely to blame.
* When going out an hour before dusk, the time of heightened mosquito activity, wear long sleeves, long pants and/or use a repellent with the ingredient DEET.

If you need to have your neighborhood fogged for mosquitoes, please call: 221-7440 to schedule that with the Health Department.

EMS in Marion County to Unify in Key Component of Good Government

Top Priorities for Merged Entity are to Continue High Quality Emergency Care and Drive Efficiencies; New EMS Chief will Report to Director of Public Safety

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced his plan to unify Marion County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) currently provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) and Wishard Health Services under a new EMS division that will report to the Department of Public Safety beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

The City of Indianapolis will partner with Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) to provide EMS services. Wishard Memorial Hospital will serve as the sponsoring hospital. Through its strong and longstanding relationship with HHC, the Indiana University School of Medicine will provide medical leadership for the new division in the areas of quality, education, training and research.

Mayor Ballard directed the Department of Public Safety to study the overlapping EMS services of IFD and Wishard Health Services and determine opportunities to enhance quality and efficiencies. The first element in the unification plan involves the merger of EMS services provided by IFD and Wishard Health Services.

“Many health industry experts and community leaders have long advocated for EMS reform and consolidation of EMS services throughout Marion County, and today Indianapolis is taking a major step in that direction,” said Mayor Ballard. “Creating efficiencies like this is something we all recognize as a key component of good government. We will improve the quality of key services and reduce costs at the same time.”

Mayor Ballard and the Department of Public Safety are actively seeking input from the community, including leaders from Marion County hospitals, to prepare for a 2011 implementation.

“EMS services are a core piece of our community’s public safety strategy,” said City of Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub, Ph.D. “Mayor Ballard’s initiative to streamline fire- and hospital-based EMS into one service to work in close partnership with the other divisions of Public Safety will help deliver an even higher quality of patient care for our residents, standardize training to our EMTs, and reduce costs.”

Marion County neighborhoods affected by this unification are the areas currently served by the IFD (Warren and Washington townships) and Wishard EMS (inside the historic city limits, Franklin Township and the Town of Speedway).

“As a proponent of government efficiency and effectiveness, I praise the Mayor and county officials for streamlining our area EMS services,” said State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis). “Not only is this good government, but it will help local officials live within property tax revenues that are far more affordable to taxpayers. I will continue to work at the state level to provide local governments more opportunities to streamline operations and reduce fiscal burdens on hard working Hoosiers.”

An EMS chief with equal stature with the Indianapolis fire and police chiefs will report to the director of Public Safety. The EMS chief will be a physician within the IU School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine. HHC will encumber the operational costs, liabilities and all organizational responsibilities for the unified service. A medical advisory committee representing area hospitals will remain in place for clinical oversight.

For more information or to provide input on the plan, visit www.indy.gov.

Join the 2010 Art Parade!

Who doesn't love a parade? The Fountain Square Arts Council invites you to participate in an all-ages event with neighborhood residents, artists, musicians and more!

The Fountain Square Arts Council is proud to present the 2010 Art Parade, a unique community event where everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

The parade is a one-of-a-kind platform for presenting artwork in the public sphere, and anybody welcome to join in. We encourage groups and organizations, family and friends, and any other creative minds out there to sign up for this unique event. Our event will showcase contemporary artworks of all sizes and shapes with an emphasis on parades, street pageantry, and community celebration.

This year's parade occurs in conjunction with the Fountain Square Merchants Association Art Fair and Masterpiece in a Day.

What: The Fountain Square Arts Council 2010 Art Parade
When: Saturday, September 18 - 4pm
Where: The beautiful Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis, IN

How Do I Get Involved?
Submit your float proposal to the Fountain Square Arts council at FSACouncil@yahoo.com or use the registation page at http://www.fsartscouncil.org/artparadecallforparticipation.html. All entries will be notified by September 10th with detailed parade information.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Mayor, Lt. Governor, IT Firm Announce Company’s Plans To Grow Its Indianapolis Headquarters

Mayor Greg Ballard, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and executives of Smart IT Staffing Inc., an information technology firm, today announced the company’s plans to expand its Indianapolis headquarters, creating up to 80 new jobs by 2014.

The company, which provides contract staffing and full-time placement services for companies needing information technology workers, will invest more than $480,000 to lease and equip additional space at its current Downtown Indianapolis headquarters.

“The continued growth of Smart IT and its commitment of high-skill, high-wage jobs for hardworking Hoosiers is great news for our local economy,” said Mayor Ballard. “These are exactly the types of jobs we want in Indianapolis and are excited about the future of this outstanding company and its investment in our community.”

Smart IT, which currently employs nearly 100 associates in Indianapolis, plans to begin hiring additional information technology professionals this year and will make investments in infrastructure and equipment to support their growth.

“We’re excited for the growth that Smart IT is experiencing and we know they can reach and surpass their goals by leveraging the talent emerging from Indiana’s universities,” said Lt. Governor Skillman. “This company had other options for this expansion, but they chose to invest in Indiana and further enhance the Central Indiana economy. We’ll work hard to show them they have made a wise investment.

Founded in 2005, Smart IT operates a second office in Cincinnati. The company has been named among the fastest-growing private companies and among the largest information technology staffing firms in Indianapolis by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Customers served by Smart IT, a minority- and woman-owned business enterprise, include Sallie Mae, Simon Property Group and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

"Our growth and success is a testament from our customers about the service, quality, execution and overall value we bring to clients. We are proud to grow in our hometown of Indianapolis and will continue to serve our clients, both in-state and out-of-state, with the highest level of service," said Karen Cooper, president of Smart IT Staffing. "We give our gratitude to the City of Indianapolis and State of Indiana for their support of our project."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Smart IT Staffing Inc. up to $1 million in performance-based tax credits based on the company’s job-creation plans. The City of Indianapolis will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of Develop Indy.

Smart IT’s announced expansion comes just three weeks after IT consulting firm Fusion Alliance announced it would invest more than $2.2 million to lease and equip additional space at its Northwest Indianapolis headquarters, creating up to 107 new jobs by 2014.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Capital Improvement Board, Pacers Sports & Entertainment reach bridge agreement

The Capital Improvement Board (CIB) of Managers of Marion County and Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) reached a 3-year agreement on Monday to keep the Pacers in Indianapolis for the near future.

The agreement will go before the CIB for a vote on July 16. If approved, the agreement will exist in conjunction with the current lease agreement, and the CIB will provide $10 million to PS&E for operating expenses for each of the next three seasons. PS&E will maintain operations of the Fieldhouse.

?After tough and deliberative negotiations, we have reached an agreement to preserve the viability of our downtown economic engine, keep the Pacers as the Conseco Fieldhouse prime tenant, preserve the thousands of jobs impacted by Fieldhouse activity, and maintain the millions of dollars in tax revenue generated by this same activity,? said Indianapolis Mayor Gregory Ballard. ?Our charge was to preserve the city?s downtown economic vitality while protecting taxpayers across Indianapolis. The agreement we?ve reached achieves this and, very importantly, involves no additional tax increase.?

Complete terms of the agreement show a scaled repayment plan in which the obligation of PS&E to repay the $30 million will be reduced for each season the Pacers continue to play at Conseco Fieldhouse, concluding with a zero balance in 2019.

The funds will come from the CIB budget, which continues to improve in both holding the line on expenses and revenue growth ? the additional 1 percent hotel tax was increased in 2009, the additional Professional Sports Development Authority (PSDA) tax passed by the General Assembly in 2009, and the availability of State Loans of $9 million per year in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

?We achieved our major goals in keeping the Pacers? huge economic impact here in downtown Indianapolis, avoiding the entire expense of operating Conseco Fieldhouse without a marquee tenant, avoiding the devastating blow to the economic development and convention business that losing the team would have created, and crafting an agreement that is within the CIB?s budget,? said Ann Lathrop, president of the CIB.

The short-term agreement will allow time for the impacts of a planned new National Basketball Association collective bargaining agreement and expanded CIB financial picture, including an expanded Convention Center and other factors, to take shape in advance of a long-term agreement.

In May, the CIB released a report produced by Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP), a well-known real estate development advisory practice specializing in destination assets, which showed a Pacers net contribution to the city of $55 million in economic activity each year and 909 permanent, full-time equivalent jobs. If the Pacers were to leave Indianapolis, it is anticipated that Indianapolis? governmental bodies would be directly impacted by roughly $18 million.

The CIB is the public agency that manages several downtown facilities including Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, Conseco Fieldhouse and Victory Field, among others. For more information on the CIB, please visit their website at www.capitalimprovementboard.org

July Third Thursday Open House showcases Downtown Indianapolis living

WHAT:
Third Thursday Open Houses take place Downtown each month through September, showcasing more than 25 homes for sale and apartments for rent. The open houses run from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., followed by a free “Meet Your Neighbors” reception at 6:30 p.m. at a Downtown restaurant. Downtown residents will be on hand to talk to interested buyers and renters and share why they love living in the heart of the city.

WHEN:
Thursday, July 15 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (reception 6:30 – 8 p.m.)

WHERE:
Homes and apartments participating in Third Thursday Open Houses can be found on www.indydt.com/thirdthursday.cfm. Properties include new condos for sale such as 429 on the Park, Landmark at Lockerbie, Lockerbie Park, Meridian Arch and Villaggio at Page Point. Resale condos and homes in Downtown’s historic neighborhoods include 906 Greer St., 923 N. California St., 450 E. Ohio St., unit 102, 902 North Park Ave. and others. Apartments such as Cosmopolitan, Harness Factory Lofts, Real Silk, Riley Towers and the Waverly are also available.

The reception July 15 at 6:30 p.m. is at the Rathskeller Biergarten, 401 E. Michigan St.


WHO:
Third Thursday Open Houses are a joint project between Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. and participating developers, Realtors and apartment owners.

BONUS:
An incentive is offered to Downtown buyers and renters. Those that buy or rent one of the participating properties from May – September will receive a free Downtown Amenity Package. The package will include gift certificates, memberships and other valuable items.

DETAILS: www.indydt.com/thirdthursday.cfm

FACEBOOK: New fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indianapolis-Downtown-Third-Thursday-Open-Houses/128021710550640

CRAIGSLIST: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/eve/1820923732.html

Monday, July 12, 2010

Central Library Read-In

Save Our Libraries!
Help Keep Our Neighborhood Libraries Open
By Participating in the Following Events

City Wide READ-IN
Wednesday, July 14th
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
American Legion Mall south of Library

Bring a lawn chair and a good book.
We hope to fill the mall south of the Library with people reading books and publicizing the continued crisis with our libraries.

Library Board Meeting

Thursday, July 15th
6:30 p.m.
Clewes Auditorium
Central Library

Come and speak out in support of the new proposal to keep all libraries open in 2011. Make certain the Board knows that we will not accept their original proposal to close six libraries.

If you have to choose to participate in one of these events, please attend the READ-IN. Clewes Auditorium will have limited seating for the Board meeting.

Friday, July 9, 2010

CITY AWARDED $4.9 MILLION FOR HOMELESS HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Department of Metropolitan Development will use a $4.9 million grant to provide housing support for area homeless. The grant, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is through a program called the Continuum of Care.

"This funding is a welcomed addition to our continued fight against homelessness in Indianapolis," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "That, in cooperation with our local supporting organizations, will allow us to better reach individuals in need of assistance and provide much needed resources to those facing homelessness."

A total of $2.8 million of that award will be used in partnership with three area organizations to provide 69 new housing beds throughout the City. These organizations (listed below) work in partnership with various service providers to offer assistance to area homeless. The additional $2.1 million will allow for the renewal of 15 currently operating supportive housing projects.

"These funds are crucial to helping some of our most vulnerable Hoosiers," said Congressman André Carson. "I am pleased to see these organizations were awarded this funding to aid them in their daily struggle to help house the homeless in our city."

In 2009, an application was submitted for $4,965,665 in grants, and was fully funded. $2,195,705 was renewal applications that had been previously funded, $2,769,960 of that is for the 4 new projects. Following is a breakdown of the funding that shows how and where the money will be spent:

Dove House Transitional Housing $315,000.00
Dove House's residential program is designed specifically for homeless women in recovery from substance abuse, who may or may not have a coexisting mental illness. The main component of Dove House's Transitional Housing Program is to provide safe and affordable transitional housing. All of the women served by Dove House have no other alternatives for safe housing. Most have damaged their positive personal and familial relationships, and are working hard to cut ties with the people who have been a negative and unhealthy influence. Dove House provides them with a safe secure environment in which they can recover without becoming a crime or abuse victim. This project will create 10 beds of transitional housing.

Midtown Community Mental Health Center Intecare Shelter Plus Care $1,143,000.00
Midtown Community Mental Health Center (Midtown) will work in collaboration with InteCare Housing II, Inc. (InteCare), Adult and Child Mental Health Center, BehaviorCorp Mental Health Center, Gallahue Mental Health Center, and the Damien Center to create a 30 unit Shelter Plus Care project encompassing the "Housing First, Low Demand" model of housing, in which individuals will be housed based on need versus readiness to change. Program participants to be served are those who are chronically homeless, mentally ill, chronically addicted, and/or living with HIV/AIDS. Many of these participants are unable to obtain adequate housing due to financial challenges, inability to navigate the housing process, and lack of transportation. This new construction site will be available in the 2011 calendar year. Project site is in a "Smart Growth" region and will be reconsidered in the new round of urban planning facilitated by Ball State University. Building will be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) energy conservation standards.

Partners in Housing Development Corporation Orleans I $452,400.00
Partners in Housing Development Corporation Orleans II $859,560.00
This Partners in Housing Development Corporation project is an exciting opportunity to address a critical housing need in accordance with Indianapolis' "Blueprint to End Homelessness" and to offer the potential of a complete housing continuum on a single site. Partners In Housing Development Corporation is in the process of acquiring an existing apartment complex located at 310 North Shortridge Street on Indianapolis' east side. The Orleans Apartments consists of 121 two-bedroom units spread across 11 buildings on 13.5 acres. In partnership with the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside and Craine House, these two Shelter Plus Care projects for a total of 29 two bedroom units will be dedicated to homeless families with disabilities and will house a minimum of 29 adults and 29 children.

901 Farmer's Market

Sunday July 11, 2010



Noon-3pm



Southeast Community Services

910 Shelby Street

Indianapolis, IN 46203



Fresh, locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, arts and crafts, eggs will be available. Admission is free. Vendors are welcome. Space is $10 each. Tables are for rent at $5 each. Call 317.607.3235 or 317.283.8748 for more details.

Next Indianapolis Cultural Trail public meeting notice

The next public meeting on the Southeast Corridor of the ICT will be held on Tuesday, August 24, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fountain Square Theater Building. (Thanks to Linton Calvert for donating the meeting room.)

At this meeting ICT officials will share updates on the latest plans for the Southeast Corridor (extending through Fletcher Place to Fountain Square). Also, to continue communication and dialogue between the neighborhoods and the Trail organizers as we approach final plans. As always, this meeting promises to include some new, interesting information, so plan on attending. All friends, neighbors, residents and business leaders are welcome. Questions are always encouraged.

Please e-mail me with any questions. We hope to see many of our friends and neighbors there.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Mayor’s Office Now Accepting Applications for Mayor’s Youth Council

The Office of Mayor Greg Ballard is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Mayor’s Youth Council.

The Council consists of students from across Marion County who serve as a voice for Indianapolis Youth in City government. Qualified candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills, participate in school activities, and be active in his or her community. Candidates may be nominated by their school principal, guidance counselor, school superintendent, teacher, faith leader or community leader.

“The Mayor’s Youth Council serves as a platform to encourage youth to get involved, to volunteer, and to give back to the community,” said Mayor Ballard. “This group is a shining example of what youth have to offer, and I encourage all area youth to take full advantage of this opportunity to leave their mark.”

The Mayor’s Youth Council is an extraordinary opportunity that allows students to engage in a variety of community service projects. It also gives them the opportunity to familiarize and interact with local city leaders. In many ways this council helps instill responsibility and establish life goals for each candidate.

“I am excited to have been afforded the opportunity to work with the Mayor’s Youth Council,” said Executive Director of Neighborhood Programs, Mitzi Hurst. “I am extremely proud of those on the Council who have taken advantage of this unique opportunity to give back and create a better community within their neighborhoods.”

The Mayor’s Youth Council has been involved in a variety of community service projects. Projects from this past year include the 2010 Great Indy Cleanup with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, delivering Christmas bags to needy individuals and families and feeding the homeless at the Compassion Center. If you are interested or would like to nominate a youth for the Mayor’s Youth Council, please visit: http://www.indy.gov/Mayor/MYC.

The application deadline is Friday July 30, 2010.

What to do with your old plastic trash can

If you recently received your 96-gallon trash cart and don’t know what to do with your old trash can, here is one opportunity. Take it to Rock-Tenn at 1775 S. West Street. Effective immediately, Rock-Tenn will provide, free of charge, a container to accept and recycle plastic trash cans. They only ask that you remove the metal bar that runs between the wheels with those cans that have them.

The dumpster will be labeled Plastic Trash Containers Only and will be located at the front of the property along with the usual containers for cardboard, phone books, and co-mingle.

If you don’t have a need to reuse your old trash can (yard waste, or whatever), consider recycling it!

(P.S. DPW says you can also put it out for heavy trash as one of your items, but you must leave a big enough note on it for the driver to know that is why it is there.)

Upcoming Classes at BOI

Next week's classes:

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
Monday, Jul. 12, 1 -- 4 p.m.
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI


Business Planning 1
Plan for business success by researching your market opportunity, planning your finances, identifying your value proposition and writing your business plan. Cost: Variable based on income. Preregistration and prepayment are required for this series.
Tuesdays, Jul. 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3, 6 -- 9 p.m.
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI


Marketing and Sales Strategies for 2010 and Beyond
Learn the secrets to successfully finding new customers for your business and keeping your current customers coming back for more with real-world sales and marketing solutions for small businesses. Cost: $20
Tuesday and Wednesday, Jul. 13 and 14, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructors: Jeff Bowe, Chief Sales Strategist, ACTUM Group and Kim Brand, President, Computer Experts


Social Media 101
In this introduction to the world of social media, identify the most popular social media tools, see examples of how they can be used for marketing small businesses and get tips on how to start using social media for your own business. Cost: $10
Thursday, Jul. 15, 3 -- 5 p.m.
Instructors: Greg Cross, Cross Creative and Rocky Walls, twelvestars Media Productions


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 loans. Cost: Variable based on income.
Preregistration and prepayment are required for this series.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jul. 20, 22, 27 and 29, 6 -- 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Sharetha Marshall, BOI


Intellectual Property
Understand the principles of trademarks, copyrights and patents, and how to protect your intellectual property assets. Cost: $10
Wednesday, Jul. 21, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructor: Patty Hughel, Brannon & Associates PC


Choosing the Right Type of Business for You
Consider alternative paths to self-employment other than building your own business from scratch by learning about opportunities to buy a business, become a franchise owner or build your own practice with Prudential’s Financial Services Associate Program. Cost: Free
Wednesday, Jul. 21, 6 -- 7 p.m.
Instructors: Scott Underwood, The Entrepreneur’s Source; Matt Kemmerer, Prudential


Establishing Your Brand Identity
Get tips on how to establish a powerful brand identity for your business through the selection of your name, logo, imagery and promotional products. Understand your options from do-it-yourself to working with a graphic designer. Cost: $10
Monday, Jul. 26, 6 -- 8 p.m.
Instructors: Susi Fryer and Ravyn Stadick, Wolf Run Marketing


Market Research Resources
In this hands-on class, practice using some key online resources to help you find quantifiable data about your industry, customers and competition. Cost: $10
Friday, Jul. 30, 10 a.m. -- noon
Instructor: Tricia Mohl, BOI


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.

See our Web site for the full calendar of upcoming classes.

Mayor's Bike Ride for Kids Encourages Youth to Stay Active

1.7 mile route showcases Garfield Park

Grab your helmet and bike and join Mayor Greg Ballard at Mayor Ballard's Bike Ride for Kids on July 10 at 10 a.m. The 1.7 mile route will wind through Garfield Park. The Bike Ride for Kids supports Get Fit Indy! Mayor Ballard's Kids Fitness Challenge, which encourages youth to be active 60 minutes a day and eat healthy foods. Please Note: Helmets are required to participate in this event.

WHO:
MAYOR GREG BALLARD AND INDIANAPOLIS YOUTH

WHAT:
MAYOR BALLARD'S BIKE RIDE FOR KIDS

WHERE:
GARFIELD PARK, 2432 CONSERVATORY DRIVE
PARTICIPANTS MEET AT MACALLISTER AMPHITHEATER

WHEN:
10 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010

Tomorrow is a Knozone Air Quality Action Day

Take action to protect your health!

The air quality forecast indicates that air pollution levels may be high tomorrow. The region’s air quality may become unhealthy for individuals who are sensitive to air pollutants, including:

o Children

o Senior citizens

o People with breathing-related illnesses, such as asthma

o Those who are active outdoors

The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability encourages sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors on Knozone Air Quality Action Days.

People who have any concerns about how air pollution affects their health should seek the advice of a physician.

Everyone has a role in improving Indianapolis’ air quality, not only on Knozone Air Quality Action Days, but all year. Learn how you can help at www.knozone.com or call (317) 327-4AIR.

Yard Sale

Community
Yard Sale
At


SEND

1030 Orange St

Saturday,
July 10th, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.



Sponsored By:
Friends and Fact
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Southeast Community Services