2008 Southeast Neighborhood Leaders

2008 Southeast Neighborhood Leaders

By: SEND Staff

On September 25th, at the Southeast Neighborhood Gathering, residents were asked to nominate the unsung heroes and organizations of the Southeast neighborhoods. In this article and a follow-up in March, we want to celebrate the people who make the Southeast such a great place to live and work. Some you’ve met, and others work more quietly. Together, they are transforming our city.

Becky Besser is a Neighborhood Partner. This means Becky attends many neighborhood meetings, collects and distributes information, and knocks on resident’s doors. She has a reputation for being a good listener and for pitching in wherever necessary. Becky is the member of the Friends and FACT neighborhood.

Rodney Benefield is a resident of Fountain Square and employed at SECS. Rodney helps residents by providing training for financial management and computer use. Rodney has further developed his leadership skills by completing the Making Connections Resident Led Facilitation (RLF) training.

Katie Burke was a resident of the Wheeler and member of the Fountain Square Arts Council (FSAC). She is recognized for enhancing arts awareness in our community. Katie is not afraid to take on new challenges, proven by her participation as a volunteer designer in Fab For Less 2008.

Elaine Cates is a long time resident and serves her neighborhood in many roles. She was president of FACT for ten years and remains active in Friends & FACT. Elaine is a member of the SEND board and the Fountain Square Merchants Association (FSMA). Elaine is often the first to volunteer for neighborhood projects and has had a tremendous impact on the Southeast. Through her day job as Employment Specialist at Southeast Community Services (SECS) she improves the lives of her neighbors by helping them find jobs.

Chris Dockery is one of our emerging leaders. Chris has led efforts in the Bates Hendricks neighborhood to plant over 100 trees and improves green space. Chris is one of the hardy souls who shows up and works on neighborhood clean-up days. Chris also has rehabbed two homes in the neighborhood.

Mary Fuller is a Southeast neighborhood resident known for being a happy person who is always ready with a friendly smile. Mary is appreciated for being someone who you can take at her word and an asset to her community.

Allen Janke has altered the landscape of his neighborhood – literally. Allen designed the landscape plan for the New Jersey Street esplanade. Allen, an architect and Bates Hendricks neighbor, also helped plant the trees and lay the paver circles, often coming straight from work to grab a shovel.

Jerry Keys is a neighborhood resident and active member of Friends & FACT. Jerry is also a member of the SEND board. In addition to his volunteer work, Jerry is an Organizer for Making Connections in the Southeast. In this role, Jerry has brought innovative ways of connecting and informing residents through the use of technology.

Bob Kruse, who passed away in September, was a long time resident and active leader. He served as the Treasurer for Southeast Neighborhood Development and Southeast Umbrella Organization. He was Vice President of the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association. He was a supporter of the Community Courts program. Bob is and will continue to be missed!

Marti LaMar is President of Indianapolis Churchman Avenue Neighbors (ICANN) and incoming President of the Southeast Learning Partnership (SELP). Marti’s strong leadership skills and work ethic are helping to transform Churchman Avenue. Marti is very active in SEND and was the artist who created the popular horse sculpture featured in Fab For Less 2008.

Jeff Miller is a member of both the Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association (FPNA) and Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) boards. He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his many volunteer projects, including serving as chairperson for SEND’s public space committee.

Jim Mulholland is the President of the Bates Hendricks Association who works tirelessly on improving his neighborhood. In addition to his work in Bates Hendricks, Jim serves on many committees that are having a positive impact on the entire Southeast. Jim is making a difference in the lives of many people through his community service.

Jane Mullikin is a resident of Churchman Avenue where the combination of her warmth and persistence helped form the Indianapolis Churchman Avenue Neighbors (ICANN). Jane is active in SEND and a member of that board. She is well thought of as a leader through her volunteer work and valued in her position as an Organizer for Making Connections.

Major Cliff Myers has been the leader of IMPD’s Southeast District for only a year, but he has already made a terrific impact. Many say he reminds them of Tim Martin – a fine compliment. Cliff is personable, responsive, and serious about working with neighbors to make our city safer. According to the Wright Street Block Club, he is popular in a dunk tank.

Karl Mueller is a resident of the North Square neighborhood and an invaluable asset. He contributes to neighborhood improvement by picking up trash and mowing public areas.

Mark Stewart, though he doesn’t live in the neighborhood, probably spends more hours in the Southeast than at home. As President of Southeast Neighborhood Development, Mark is involved in many neighborhood meetings as well as serving on the boards of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and the Abandoned Housing Task Force.

Foster Pilcher and Rob Uppencamp have almost single handedly organized their neighbors on New Street. They petitioned to include their block in the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association and have helped lead a Study Circle. Rob is now on the board of the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association.