Saturday, October 10, 2009

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN INDY PARKS FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT

taste & see what Indy parks has to offer this Sunday at post road park

Looking for a great place to host your next event? Indy Parks offers a variety of affordable, fun entertaining spots across Marion County. Visit Post Road Community Park & Banquet Center this Sunday and learn more about hosting your next event with Indy Parks.

Sunday’s free Taste & See at Post Road Community Park & Banquet Center, 1313 S. Post Road, will provide potential party planners with food samples from Indy Parks preferred caterers, a variety of local florists options, information from cake making companies, portfolios from photographers, and DJ options and choices. Get your party started with Indy Parks!



WHAT: Post Road Community Park & Banquet Center Taste & See

WHEN: 1 – 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11

WHERE: Post Road Community Park & Banquet Center, 1313 S. Post Road

COST: Free





Bike Indy. Swim Indy. Run Indy.

PLAY INDY!

CITY EXTENDING APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR MAYOR’S CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY AWARDS

The City of Indianapolis will be extending the application period for the Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards to run through the end of next week. The new deadline for nominating a business is October 16, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Ballard’s Celebration of Diversity Awards will be held January 22, 2010.

“We continue to work towards ‘diversifying diversity’,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “Minority and Women Business Development are very important to my administration, and this event recognizes those who excel at creating a diverse workforce.”

Recognition for the Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards is based on stellar performance in all or one of the following areas: Workforce Diversity, Development, Community Relations, and Leadership.

“These awards are for businesses of all sizes in Indianapolis. We certainly appreciate our larger organizations getting involved, and we also encourage small and medium sized businesses to participate.” said Greg Wilson the Director of Minority and Women Business Development for the City of Indianapolis.

Organizations will also be considered for the prestigious Sam H. Jones Award, which is awarded to the business that shows exemplary performance in all four of the aforementioned categories. This special award is named in honor of the first President of the Indianapolis Urban League, a tireless advocate for peace, justice and the understanding of equality in the Indianapolis community.

Notes: To download an application or to nominate a business you think would qualify for the Mayor’s Diversity Awards Ceremony please see attached document or visit:



http://www.indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/Diversity/Diversity_Award/Pages/home.aspx



Completed packet must be submitted by 4:00 P.M., Friday, October 16, 2009 to:



Linda Cofer, Project Manager

200 E. Washington Street, Suite 1501

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Thursday, October 8, 2009

It's raining! From Dennis P.

Please review this info from DPW regarding what looks like it will be a fairly significant rain event. The second part of the information from DPW outlines property owner responsibilities regarding storm inlets and such. Please take a moment and check any inlets near your house to make sure they are free of debris. If you do this and still have high water, then please let me know.



Thanks and keep dry!

Dennis Papenmeier



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





The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing for heavy rain and potential flooding as forecasted.



* Our crews will be out on "Rain Routes.” Each crew will have a designated area to inspect for storm inlet plugging, ditch or creek flow problems and drainage issues in general.



* Plugged inlets around the city which flood streets will be cleared off and monitored for proper water flow.



* We are monitoring local river, creek and stream levels, and we will deal with any problems to the extent that we can. We usually have to return once the water levels go down to remove any obstructions to enable the proper flow of water.



* We will be checking known problem areas around the city.



* Sandbags are available at 1725 S. West Street if needed.



* As public safety is our top concern, we are urging residents to exercise caution when approaching high water areas. DO NOT drive through areas where high water signs are posted.



Property owners are responsible for making sure drainage ditches, driveway pipes and drainage easements are free and clear of debris, leaves, weeds, high grass and other objects that will obstruct the flow of water. As a result, residents should:



* Keep storm inlet grates clear of debris, trash and leaves.



* Maintain swales and ditches, including roadside ditches by mowing to eight inches or less and keeping them free of fill and debris.



* Work with neighbors to clear brush, debris and other blockages from neighborhood creeks and ditches.



* Make sure driveway culverts are free of debris, in good repair and set to proper elevation so that water doesn’t back up.



* Call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4MAC (4622) to report illegal dumping in waterways.



Of the city’s 10,000 miles of drainage facilities, about 6,000 exist on private property. Ponding water most often occurs on private property and may be the result of one or more factors. The city will address ponding water on private property if it’s a result of failed city infrastructure. To report a problem, please call the Mayor's Action Center (MAC) at 327-4622.

Gini Challenge Grant

The GINI challenge grant for the Southeast is still available. The grant can be up to $25,000 and is available for a project that contributes to the SE Quality of Life plan implementation and leverages additional funding, showing a 1-2 match.

The Southeast Community Building Committee is responsible for reviewing eligible grant applications from the neighborhood and voting on which to submit. Grant applications should be submitted to Jennifer Von Deylen by noon on October 15th; in order to be reviewed by the committee. Applications can be emailed to her: jennifer@sendcdc.org or dropped off at SEND, 1030 Orange Street.

Application form is available here.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

MAYOR RELEASES FIRST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT, CALLS FOR ENTRIES FOR CITY’S FIRST SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

Mayor Greg Ballard released today the first City of Indianapolis Sustainability Report detailing the impact of the Office of Sustainability in its first year.

The report, available at www.sustainindy.org, provides an overview of changes that have taken place in Indianapolis to create a more sustainable city, including green infrastructure projects, on-street bike lanes and initiatives to encourage private-sector green development.

“One year after creating the Office of Sustainability, our intense focus on being good stewards of both taxpayer dollars and the environment is paying off in tangible ways throughout Marion County,” said Mayor Ballard. “The Indianapolis Sustainability Report provides a snapshot of where we are now, but the final picture of a sustainable Indianapolis is far from complete. We continue to work diligently to develop strategic public-private partnerships and to lead by example by making our city-owned buildings and operations more energy efficient."

Highlights from the previous year include:

Water and Land

Construction of Fall Creek Pilot Separation Project


Solid Waste and Recycling

17 new pedestrian recycling bins installed


Energy and Emissions

89 hybrid vehicles added to city fleet


Green Building and Development

6 LEED certified buildings in Indianapolis


Quality of Life

14 miles of on-street bike lanes added


In addition to releasing the City’s first Sustainability Report, the Mayor also announced the first Sustainability Awards to be held in January 2010 to recognize partners in the City’s efforts. The call for entries begins today. Applications are available at www.sustainindy.org.

“Public-private partnerships have been the key to many of our early sustainability initiatives, and it's important that we recognize the innovative, green concepts and projects being developed throughout our community," said Mayor Ballard.

It's Still Not Too Late to Register For Neighbor Power!

Register for your workshops today!
Deadline is Monday, October 12

On October 17, join more than 300 people to talk about ways you can team up to make our city an even better place to live, work, and play. This free conference is for everyone interested in making Indianapolis a more vibrant and successful city.

The gathering will include former NBA star and community advocate Kevin Johnson - now mayor of Sacramento. You'll also enjoy twelve customized workshops brought to you by local folks who will share lessons learned and invite you to join in the discussion on topics such as abandoned homes, youth engagement, green food and more. You'll be part of the agenda!

To see a full listing of workshops and for more information on Neighbor Power! check out our website.

To register now click here

P.S. And don't forget to become a Neighbor Power! fan on Facebook.

Norwood Annual Fall Festival

The community of Norwood will be hosting their 2nd Annual Fall Festival on Oct 31, 2009. In order to provide a safe environment for the children in the community, we need your HELP! On Oct 20, 2009 a candy and prize drive will be held at the community center. We are asking for neighbors and local businesses to help with this great cause.

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When: Oct 20, 2009

Where: Pride Family Center (in front) 1129 S. Vandeman St.

Time: 6pm-7pm

Why: To obtain candy and prize donations for our annual fall festival.

If you have any questions please contact Tiffany Parker at 317-748-0963 or email tparker@indy.gov

Cash donations will be accepted if you do not want to go buy the candy yourself. Make all checks payable to: Norwood Neighborhood Association