It is easy being green

It is easy being green


By: Jeff Miller

With all due respect to Kermit, being green is not only becoming the popular thing to do, it is also becoming easier by the day. When I was a young boy, I read the 1972 children’s book “Who Wants A Pop Can Park”, which used creative ways to explain the reasons we should throw our pop cans in the trash rather than litter. It left an impression on me that we need to take care of our world because it is our responsibility. I have now realized over the following years that it may be more than a responsibility, but instead a necessity.

There are several fantastic resources on the internet that help give ideas on how we can make a difference:
The 20-minute internet movie “The Story of Stuff” is a fast paced, often humorous film that examines the social, environmental and global costs of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. From the limited life cycle of personal computers to changes in footwear fashion, the story demonstrates that products are either designed to be regularly replaced or to convince consumers that their stuff needs to be upgraded. This notion of planned and perceived obsolescence drives the machine of American consumerism year round. This excellent video can be viewed at www.storyofstuff.com.
There are several tips for taking action after seeing “The Story of Stuff.” One takeaway is to realize that recycling doesn’t get to the core of the problem. Why? Because it can take 70 bags of garbage to produce what we see at the store. Thus, it isn’t enough for us to simply recycle what we use. It is important to be sure, but reducing and reusing are even more important. More tips can be found at www.storyofstuff.com/pdfs/annie_leonard_taking_action.pdf.
To get a good idea of our personal impact on the world, take the Ecological Footprint Quiz http://www.myfootprint.org/ and discover ways to live toward sustainability.
Examine the benefits of taking up or enhancing simple living. Since 1996 The Simple Living Network has been providing resources, tools, examples and contacts for conscious, simple, healthy and restorative living. The websites are www.simpleliving.net and www.simpleliving.org
Visit Keep Indy Beautiful’s excellent website and learn about recycling options, waste reduction and tree planting at www.kibi.org.
Consider constructing a Rain Barrel to capture and reuse this great natural resource. The internet has many great websites for how to build a rain barrel.

As a final reminder of our responsibility, even Disney Pixar is getting in the game. I am quite happy that my 2 1/2 year-old son's favorite movie right now is Wall-E, which has a fantastic message about the importance of protecting our environment. The DVD even comes in an environmentally friendly package. The take away is that we all have a responsibility to care for our world. Even small steps make a difference. As I learned as a young boy, if everyone thinks that tossing their one pop can on the ground doesn't really hurt anything, then before long we are all living in a pop can park.

COMMUNITY ARTsSIGHT

COMMUNITY ARTsSIGHT
By: D. DelReverda-Jennings

KUABA GALLERY: 876 Massachusetts Ave. Friday Dec. 5, 2008 from 5-10pm. Kuaba presents "Hope Inspired", new works by artist Christine Drummond and paintings created by orphaned and vulnerable children of Zimbabwe. The paintings by the orphans are a result of an inspirational art project 'Ray Of Hope' facilitated by Drummond. Also showing new large and medium sized sculptures by various Shona sculptors. Exhibition runs through Jan. '09. Free! INFO: 317-955-8405, 317-332-9357.

HOP DEAN JOHNSON: Annual Holiday Show! 646 Mass. Ave. Opening Artists Reception, Friday, December 5, 2008 from 5-9pm. Participating Artists include: Kate Oberreich, Jerry Points, Cindy Wingo, Andrea Eberbachart, Kevin Smola, Susan Mauck, Yasha Persson, Julie Ball, Amy Falstrom, Casey Jo Crist Ailes, Jim Kemp, JC Brooks, Amy Cannady, PT Sinclair, Jacobina Trump, Jerry Points, Teri Barnett, Doug Arnholter, John Domont, Kevin Smola, Carol Jourdan, Amy Kindred, Marco Zehrung, Mint Evans, Bruce Dean, Scott Johnson, D. DelReverda-Jennings. Runs through Jan. Free! INFO: 317-634-8020

IMPACT 100: Greater Indianapolis Grants: This charitable women’s giving circle awards grant of $100,000 for a specific project or program that is 1-2 years in length and has potential to make significant impact in the greater Indianapolis area. Arts and Culture is one of the eligible award areas. Nonprofit’s seat of operation must be in greater Indianapolis area (Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, or Boone County) or must be a recognized local chapter of a state or national nonprofit serving this region. Deadline: Jan. 20, 2009 (Letter Of Inquiry). INFO: grants@impact100indy.org , www.impact100indy.org

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Call for Entries: Through My Eyes—Perspectives of Autism: A Juried Exhibition for Artists with Autism during the month of April 2009. Exhibition sponsored in partnership by Riley Hospital for Children Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center (CSATC) and VSA arts of Indiana in honor of National Autism Awareness Month and in conjunction with CSATC’s Autism Awareness Fair. Open to any artist with an autism spectrum disorder, age 8 and above, is eligible to submit artwork for consideration. Artwork in this exhibit will NOT be for sale. Deadline:Jan. 16, '09. INFO: Emily Compton; ecompton@vsai.org , 317-974-4123, 1-800-484-8055 (pin 1605) toll free, http://vsai.org/call4art.pdf

CREATIVE RENEWAL ARTS FELLOWSHIP: The Arts Council of Indianapolis believes that a continued investment in our artists and arts administrators benefits central Indiana's overall cultural climate. Applicants must be either professional artists or arts administrators, employed by non-profit organizations; resided at least three years of consecutive residence in one of the following Indiana counties: Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby; have at least 10 years of experience in the arts and at least three years in which the applicant's primary source of income was employment in the arts; applicant's primary source of income over the past three years was work in dance, theatre, media arts, music, literature, visual arts, or multidisciplinary art forms. The fellowship funds may be used for research, instruction, apprenticeships, travel, conferences, or other experiences that will assist the recipient in their exploration of artistry or creative journey. Deadline: February 13, 2009. INFO: http://www.artscouncilofindianapolis.org/

ARTISTS SEEKING MONEY? The Indiana Arts Commission is looking for individual artists living and working in Indiana to apply for up to $2,000 from the Individual Artist Project Grant. The grants are intended to assist Indiana artists with specific project-related costs that will help them further their career and provide significant public benefit through the completed project. Applicants must be 18+, live in Indiana for one year preceding the application date. The program cycle runs from July 1 to June 30 and offers flexibility to respond to artists' needs and goals. Applicants must plan a project, or phase of a project, which can be realized within the requested budget and completed within the proposed timeline. Artists must submit application for IAP grants online. Deadline:February 2, 2009. INFO: http://www.IN.gov/arts/2540.htm

INDIANA ARTISAN PROGRAM:The Indiana Artisan Development program is a joint venture of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture which will support and promote Hoosier artisans and handmade products. The IADP is a wonderful opportunity for Indiana local artists, artisans and food producers. Individuals selected will be given a logo for branding their product as a “made in Indiana item,” receive business development support and funding, have an Internet presence on the IADP website, become part of artisan-related tourism trails, and have their product(s) showcased in artisan outreach programs including trade shows and retail outlets. Individuals must undergo a jurying process to be selected for the program. Guidelines and the online application are available for the 2009 adjudication jury sessions which will begin in May and October 2009. Details and grant guidelines will be available on the IAC website in January 2009; check for program updates and announcements.
INFO: http://www.in.gov/indianaartisan/index.html , http://www.indianaartisan.com/

GALLERY SEVEN ARTIST CALL: Gallery Seven operated by the Pike Performing Arts Center is a unique exhibition space offering an opportunity to community visual artists to be showcased during regular operational hours and during ticketed Pike Performing Arts Center programs or by appointment. Artist contracts run for one month. Free. INFO: Jared Duymovic, Community Outreach Coordinator; 317-216-5450, ppac@pike.k12.in.us , http://www.pikepac.org

CALL FOR SELECT ARTISTS: Regional: Specific: Escanaba, MI: William Bonifas Fine Arts Center: The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is accepting entries for a juried exhibit entitled "Fires Around the Lakes: Ten Years After,"open to glassworkers living or working in the states bordering the Great Lakes (MI, WI, MN, IN, IL, OH, PA, NY and Ontario, Canada). This exhibit will take place June 25 to July 30, 2009 and is open to all glass media including blown, fused, cast, stained, painted, lampworked and mosaic artwork of original design created in the last two years. Entry Deadline is April 25, 2009. INFO: Beth Cox at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center; 906-786-3833 ext. 16, bc@bonifasarts.org

2009 BLUECAT SCREENPLAY CONTEST: Regional: IL: Call For Entries: The 2009 BlueCat ScreenPlay Contest is now open for submission of feature length screenplays! The winner receives $10,000. Four finalists receive $1500. Every writer who submits to BlueCat receives a written script analysis of their screenplay. Entry Fee - $50. Early Bird Script Analysis: Early Bird Deadline: December 1, 2008. Screenplays submitted by Dec 1, 2008 will receive their analysis by Jan 5, 2009. Regular Deadline: March 2, 2009. Late Deadline: April 1, 2009 ($60 Entry Fee.) Submit You ScreenPlay. INFO:
http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/submissions/call_for_entries.php , http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/ , www.myspace.com/bluecatscreenplay

Comments, Questions or INFO: E:Mail >>>> CommArtsD@aol.com

FSAC Children’s Art Contest

By: Susan Beauchamp

The Fountain Square Arts Council sponsored a Children’s Art contest during Santa In The Square again this year. Fifty-four Children managed to complete drawings about the holidays while they waited to visit with Santa, in spite of cold and snow. The winners were Shampaingn Barton with a picture of a Christmas elf; Madison Darr with a decorated tree; and Jaquan Hankston with a snowman. They received art supplies or a gift certificate from the Fountain Block Building. All of the children’s drawings were displayed in the windows of the Fountain Square Branch of the IMCP Library. The Fountain Square Arts Council plans to sponsor children’s art classes in January or February. For more information, contact fsacouncil@yahoo.com.

Falling for Fletcher Place

Falling for Fletcher Place

By: Kristen Meyer

As a Social Work major at the University of Indianapolis, one of the classes I was required to take was Social Problems. In the course, students had the option of taking a service learning lab. Being the “hands on” kind of person I am, I eagerly accepted. By signing up for this lab, I was committed to twenty-four hours of volunteer service. I spent some time in researching where I wanted to spend my time, and after having done some looking, I realized Fletcher Place was just where I needed to be.

I started volunteering in early September and immediately fell in love with the place. One of the first areas I became involved in was helping tutor for the GED program. This was something I have thoroughly enjoyed doing. I came in on Tuesdays and Thursdays to work with people in the area to help them practice for the GED exam. I became particularly close with a specific student. It was great to see him improve and progress through his studies. I loved how excited the students would get when they finally started understanding the concepts they spent so much time working on. It's such a great feeling to know that people are truly grateful for the help we volunteers put forth.

As much as I loved tutoring, I feel that what really drew me in was serving a free breakfast on Friday mornings. Instead of going out with friends on Thursday nights, I stayed in to wake up early and volunteer. I normally arrived around 8:30 a.m., a few minutes before we started serving. There was a church that served the meal, so before every meal we would all bow our heads to pray. I passed out the tickets to each individual that came through to eat. I became familiar with many of the faces that came through. Often I would go talk to them when I had a few minutes to spare. The Friday before Thanksgiving, Panera Bread had donated a bountiful amount of bread in different forms such as loaves and bagels. The bread was bagged up, so I was able to give a helping to everyone on their way out the door. All of the people were so appreciative to be receiving this. It's hard to describe just how amazing it feels to know that doing something as little as this can help a person out so much.

My experience at Fletcher Place will always be something to remember. This has helped shape me into the person I am today. I plan to continue volunteering even though I have well over the required hours for the course. Giving my time at Fletcher Place has helped me realize that Social Work is where I want to be. I couldn't have imagined a more fulfilling experience.

2008 Mayor’s Community Service (MCS) Awards

2008 Mayor’s Community Service (MCS) Awards

By: Jane Mullikin

Karen Mitchell, a resident of Grandville Co-operative and a recent graduate of Making Connections Indianapolis Resident Leadership Facilitation training was honored by Mayor Greg Ballard and Deputy Chief Mayor Olgen Williams with one of the 2008 Community Service Awards on December 16, 2008. Following is the essay nominating Karen for the award:

When Karen Mitchell says, “We’ve come a long way, but I’m not finished yet”, she means it--and the more she says it, the harder she works.

Karen worked as a Corrections Officer while raising a family of six, eventually becoming disabled after back surgeries. Not the kind of person who gives up or gives in, Karen became concerned about the dilapidated condition of the Grandville Co-operative on the near Southeast side of Indianapolis. Through the grapevine she learned the Co-op, a low income housing project, was close to bankruptcy created by a lack of oversight of the management company and was possibly on HUD’s closing list. Karen ran for the Board.

After gaining a seat on the Board of Directors in 2003, Karen began a vigorous campaign to revitalize the condition of the buildings and the grounds, to put in place proper oversight of the management company and to insure Grandville would be able to pass all audits and inspections. In her spare time, she went back to college.

Once the set of goals described above had been reached, Karen began her campaign to enrich and transform the lives of the community. She started with HOPE team and provided permanent housing for a group of Katrina families, Prenatal Housing Program from HIP, and has now added Making Connections Indianapolis’ Play and Learn for the preschoolers, Youth Leadership Facilitation training for the teens, a Junior Leadership Committee, and a Study Circle from Making Connections. Subsequently, with the raising of community awareness she was able to instigate a Grandville Planning Committee. She plans and oversees community social activities on a year round basis.

The Board Treasurer estimates Karen’s volunteer hours per month at about 167. Board meetings, hearings, orientations consume about 32 hours; administrative duties (there is no paid staff) at about 35 hours per month; direct services/security will consume around 100 hours. Karen is actually on duty 24/7 and makes every effort to be available whenever a community member needs guidance, comforting, and a ready shoulder upon which to cry.

As the Southeast Organizer for Youth Initiatives with Making Connections Indianapolis, I have been working closely with Karen for some time now. I am a part of a world where many wonderful community members pour themselves into community service, and I still stand in awe of all that Karen Mitchell is accomplishing in the Grandville Co-operative. She stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

SEND Promotes Beaubien To Serve As Vice President: Former Housing Program Manager Will Help Further Non-profit’s Mission

SEND Promotes Beaubien To Serve As Vice President
Former Housing Program Manager Will Help Further Non-profit’s Mission

Contact: Mark Stewart
(317) 634-5079 ext. 104

INDIANAPOLIS (December 10, 2008) – Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND), a non-profit organization serving the city’s near southeast side, has promoted Julie Beaubien to vice president. Beaubien has worked as SEND’s housing program manager since 2004.

In her new position, Beaubien will assist SEND president Mark Stewart in managing the organization’s day-to day operations, including real estate development, personnel management and fundraising efforts. She’ll continue handling the housing program manager’s duties such as counseling homebuyers for homeownership and maintaining the softer issues of housing such as landlord-tenant relations, foreclosure education and pre- and post-homeowner education. She’ll also help implement SEND’s strategic plan as it works to continue supporting and revitalizing the neighborhoods just southeast of Downtown.

“We’re very pleased to have Julie as our vice president. Her hard work and dedication to community development have helped us accomplish important things,” Stewart said. “She’s an important asset for SEND and for the southeast community.”

Before coming to SEND, Beaubien worked at the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development and also served in other planning and community development positions in Florida and Lafayette, Ind.

SEND is a non-profit community development corporation created by residents to revitalize the near southeast side of Indianapolis and to enhance the quality of life of its diverse spectrum of residents. Since 1991, SEND has invested more than $35 million dollars in affordable housing, commercial renovation, youth development, and greenspace improvements.

Fletcher Place