Construction has really ramped up this summer at the Water Pollution Control Facility. Below are a few brief notes about what has been going on.
Water Pollution Control Facility Improvements – Division 1
At the Dewey Street site the Contractor has started to put together the piping that will leave the new lift station. This piping connects to existing infrastructure and gives us flexibility in how we treat our wastewater. The electrical building foundation has been constructed this month. One of biggest undertakings for this project also started in July. The contractor has started excavating for the new influent screen. The screen structure is going to be built around our largest combined sewer.
At Gene Gustin Way the administration building is taking form. The concrete work is complete and the Contractor has started placing the structural steel. The contractor is also preparing to change some of the underground piping to serve the facility better.
Park Road Force Main and White River Interceptor Project – Phase I
The Park Road Force Main project that will move wastewater from the Flagship area directly to the WPC treatment facility is moving toward completion. The Contractor has started to work on the last leg of the force main along 8th Street. This project should be complete in early September after all of the pressure testing is completed. The White River Interceptor Project has seen 1831 linear feet of 72 inch pipe installed. They have now begun the process of installing the siphon pipe under the river. This interceptor project will provide additional wet weather capacity and provide storage reducing the raw sewage that currently makes it way to the White River.
Overflow Tower
The overflow tower that will be at the termination point of the Park Road force main was complete this month. The contractor completed the last two segments of the 30 foot tall tower. By constructing this tower, odors that would have discharged in the collection system will discharge at the treatment plant where they can be better addressed.
Today, a special American Liberty Elm put down roots in General Pulaski Park as a starting ‘seedling’ for a proposed Kid’s Arboretum in Anderson. This is much more than a tree, It is a Liberty Tree Memorial, a living growing tribute to our country's freedom and founding. Just as Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, the Father of the American Cavalry, was a great force in our country’s winning independence from England, the Liberty Elm was an independent force of its own, in being a location for citizens to rally and exclaim their hopes for freedom from tyranny.
Anderson’s Liberty Tree Memorial was made possible by Elm Research Institute, a non-profit organization in Keene, New Hampshire. A grant was awarded to the city which included receiving a 10 ft. tall ceremonial, disease-resistant, American Liberty Elm, and a Liberty Tree Memorial plaque with an inscription that recounts the history of Boston's Liberty Tree, an American elm that was the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty in the American Revolution.
Inspired by these Patriots whose efforts were immortalized by the original Liberty Tree, Elm Research Institute, developed the Liberty Tree Memorial to commemorate the day this famous tree was chopped down by angry Red Coats.
In order to bring this first symbol of Freedom to Americans everywhere, the Institute has established the Liberty Tree Society with a four-fold mission: First, to fulfill the goal of Massachusetts Governor Peabody who first declared August 14th as Liberty Tree Day in his state. The Society would like to see all 50 states recognize this day; Second, to dedicate Liberty Tree Memorials in 1000 communities; Third, to tell the exciting story of the Liberty Tree in classrooms across the land; and Fourth, to continue the “Re-Elming” of America by planting disease-resistant American Liberty Elms in public spaces nationwide.
For more than 10 years, Elm Research Institute has been establishing Liberty Tree Memorials in communities across the country to commemorate the birth of freedom and help restore the American elm. The City of Anderson is the site of one of 425 Liberty Tree Memorials in the country. Mayor Ockomon is one of the first in the country to sign a national Liberty Tree Day proclamation.
Elm Research Institute (ERI) was established in 1967 with the purpose of saving the American Elm from extinction. ERI sponsored genetic research that resulted in the American Liberty Elm, a purebred descendant of disease-resistant American elms. It is the only elm with a Lifetime Warranty against Dutch elm disease. Over 300,000 have been planted since 1984.
For information about the American Liberty Elm or the Liberty Tree Memorial program, phone Elm Research Institute at 1-800-367-3567, visit online at www.elmresearch.org or write to Elm Research Institute, 11 Kit Street, Keene, NH 03431.
Contact: Tamera Doty-Davis, Landscape Architect for the City of Anderson, 765-648-6853 for more information.
UPDATE 8/18/10:
Additional paving projects have been completed. The list linked below now reflects this.
The 2010 paving project list was presented before the Anderson City Council at the June meeting, and features nearly $3 million in projects, including those funded through local funds, state projects, and federal stimulus awards. The project list is subject to change based on the accuracy of estimated bids that are still outstanding, and the accuracy of revenue projections on which the projects are based.
To see the complete list, click
here.
The Born Learning Connection, City of Anderson Community Development, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation, and United Way of Madison County dedicated Madison County’s fourth outdoor learning trail at Shadyside Park on Saturday, August 14. The trail is located near the Shadyside shelter house and play area off of Broadway Street in Anderson. Born Learning Coordinators were on hand to distribute books, balloons and refreshments to children ages 0-5.
The Born Learning Trail is a series of nine learning activities that any adult can play with young children, including activities such as hopscotch and “Watch! Stop! Learn! Play!” The activities encourage adults to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence. “The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games- important components of early learning,” said Nancy Vaughan, United Way of Madison County President. “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they even enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matters- for success in life and for school readiness. We want to help parents, grandparents and caregivers use everyday outings- including trips to the Jackson Park Trail- to support that learning.” she stated.
The trail is funded with Community Development Block funds set aside in 2008 by the City of Anderson Community Development Department. The trail includes signs in both Hispanic and English in low-mod income parks in Anderson. Beth McKenzie, City of Anderson Community Development Department representative said, “The department obligated $10,000 in 2008 CDBG funding for this project which was used to construct Born Learning Trails in areas occupied by large numbers of families living with low incomes. Since that time, two trails have been constructed and the department continues to partner with United Way on this project through volunteer efforts as well as working on other anti-poverty strategies. Anderson Rotary Club also provided funds to purchase books for kids 0-5. Anderson Rotary has also donated funds for a trail at Pulaski Park that will be dedicated Tuesday, August 31 as part of the United Way’s community campaign kick-off event.
The City of Anderson Parks and Recreation provided space and the labor to install the trail. Joanne Hadley, Born Learning Connection Coordinator said, “The success of the installation and dedication of the Shadyside Park Born Learning Trail was made possible by the extraordinary cooperation and support from the Anderson Parks Board, staff and Community Development Department staff and volunteers.”
Today, in Madison County 66 percent of our children enter kindergarten behind the national average in early reading abilities. This year a projected 900 + students will not have the necessary pre literacy skills as they enter kindergarten to be proficient readers by third grade.
Our youngest children lack adequate exposure to the written and spoken word. Born Learning will work with our parents, giving them the tools and confidence they need to teach and nurture their children everyday through teachable moments.
The goal of the Born Learning Connection is to ensure all Madison County children enter school with the skills to be successful learners. Born Learning Connection made up of representatives from schools, agencies, and community partners identifies and recommends strategies to increase parental involvement in early childhood development of young children in Madison County. Strategies include: Blast Off to Kindergarten, Family Literacy Parties, Play-n-Learn Groups, Pre and Post Natal Outreach, Books for Babies and the Born Learning Trails. Born Learning Connection is a service of United Way of Madison County.
United Way of Madison County supports human services throughout Madison County, Indiana and is governed by a 24 member volunteer board of directors. The organization has been a member in good standing of United Way of America since 1973. For more information, contact 765-643-7493 or visit www.unitedwaymadisonco.org.
From the Indianapolis Business Journal, 8/18/2010
by Anthony Schoettle
The Indianapolis Colts have brought in a record crowd at this year’s training camp—by a wide margin.
As camp wrapped up Wednesday morning, Anderson University officials said 85,300 fans turned out at the 18-day camp. That’s almost four times as many as attended last year’s camp in Terre Haute, Colts officials said.
“I think that shows the number of fans along the I-69 corridor,” said James L. Edwards, Anderson University president. “We’re a lot closer to Indianapolis than people think, and with our proximity to Hamilton County, I think it was a big draw.”
Recently enhanced facilities, including improvements to parking, walking corridors, autograph areas and stadium seating, also helped drive up attendance, Edwards said.
“Add to that, the Colts players were incredibly accessible to fans,” he said. “There wasn’t a day that went by without a handful of Colts standing along the fence line signing autographs and talking with fans after practice ended.”
Tom Zupancic, Colts vice president of sales and marketing, said the team brought its mobile museum, Colts City activity center, numerous bands and other acts to Anderson in an attempt to ratchet up interest this year. Colts owner Jim Irsay also made several appearances, talking to and even handing out prizes to fans.
A night practice Tuesday drew 9,500. That far exceeded the 4,800 seating capacity of Anderson University's Macholtz Stadium.
Not even Anderson University officials expected the spectator numbers they saw at this year’s Colts camp.
“We thought coming in we could do better than the Colts did at Terre Haute,” Edwards said. “Maybe 40,000. But this turnout has just been incredible.”
The improvements the university made since it last hosted the camp in 1998 were only part of the reason for the attendance increase.
“This team has a lot of star power, and they’re just coming off of a Super Bowl run,” said Dave Moroknek, president of locally based MainGate Inc., which handles merchandise sales for the Colts and six other NFL teams. “Of all the training camps we’ve been to, the Colts and [Minnesota] Vikings have had the highest attendance by far. It’s off the charts.”
Moroknek reported that merchandise sales were up a “strong double-digit percentage,” during the 2009-10 season over the previous year. As good as last season was, this preseason, so far is up another double-digit percentage.
“A lot of that has to do with the change in the team’s training camp venue and the excitement that has brought,” Moroknek said.
Moroknek said while Peyton Manning jerseys are still a top seller, he said he is seeing big increases among other players this year as well, including Jeff Saturday, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez and Bob Sanders. Wrist bands called Silly Bandz and women’s apparel also are among top-selling items.
Anderson University has a one-year deal to host the Colts' preseason camp, but Edwards hopes to start discussions to extend the deal soon. Edwards said the threat of a work stoppage next season as NFL owners and players work out a new collective bargaining agreement is one factor that complicates matters.
“The Colts have been really happy here this year, so that makes us happy,” Edwards said. “That’s the bottom line.”
Speaking of the bottom line, Edwards added that the Colts’ camp is not profitable for the school. Fan admission was free, but parking cost $10, which was needed to offset security and operational expenses for the school, Edwards said.
“We are just hoping to break even,” Edwards said.
But, he added, the publicity the school has gained from this year’s training camp has been priceless.
“I can’t tell you how many young people attending the camp have told me, ‘I can see myself going to school here,’” Edwards said. “You can’t see yourself in a place if you’ve never been to a place. We have a lot to offer students here, and we have for a long time. But this camp has allowed us to open some people’s eyes on a regional and national level.”
By Abbey Doyle for The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON, Ind. — It has been years since Anderson has seen money from General Motors, but a Tuesday announcement of a partnership between the motor company and Anderson’s Bright Automotive means the automaker is once again investing in the community.
Newly formed General Motors Ventures will invest $5 million in Bright and will own a minor stake in the company, said Jon Lauckner, president of GM Venture. This is the first company GM Ventures has invested in, and it will help accelerate Bright’s production of the IDEA, a plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle.
The $5 million is an initial investment, GM spokeswoman Sherrie Arb said, as the purpose of GM Ventures is to provide seed money to start-up companies with innovative technology ideas. Future funding is possible, she said.
The strategic relationship between the two could mean an additional 6,000 jobs, although it is still unclear if those jobs will be here in Anderson — 1,000 would be direct production jobs and 5,000 in the way of suppliers and to support infrastructure.
“Indiana has been a wonderful partner, and we really appreciate coming of age there, and we are doing all that we can to match the best (site) selection with those communities we are really close to,” said Reuben Munger, Bright Automotive Chairman and CEO. “Anderson is at the front of that list.”
And Anderson’s Flagship Enterprise Center — where Bright is currently located — can accommodate an expansion by Bright if the company decides to remain here for production, Flagship President and CEO Charles Staley said.
Bright is currently expanding its laboratory for Bright eSoultions with a 3,500-square-foot facility, and an 80,000-square-foot building is being built near the Flagship Center that could act as an interim step-up for Bright to go from its present space to some elevated prototyping and light manufacturing, he said.
Staley said they have been working with Bright to look at spaces in the area to accommodate a much larger expansion and production but stressed that the Flagship and Anderson would have to compete with other cities and states to earn it.
“We have an advantage,” he said. “We know the company. We have supported the company. We have walked this path with Bright and leveraged every resource we could for them. We have been in the trenches with them supporting them through the dark days. They know that.
“Do we have a lock on this though? No, we don’t. They are going to go out and look at other sites. That is due diligence on their part. But we do think we can compete. Indiana is a great place to do this sort of thing. The legacy here is in electrical engineering and hybrid platforms. This is the electrical engineering capital. They know that Anderson has supported them.
“I think we have the advantage, but we have to go back to the drawing board and put together a program and platform to seal the deal so they will do the manufacturing here.”
Lauckner said the partnership is one that will benefit both companies well. He wouldn’t elaborate about the share they now hold in Bright, only saying it was a minority one. He said the investment will advance GM’s position to develop energy-efficient powertrains and advance hybrid technology.
“We’re basically delighted to be in a partnership, a strategic relationship with Ruben (Munger) and the Bright team,” Lauckner said. “We hope as an early investor that we not only support Bright in development of production with technology we have with engines and transmissions, but we also hope to act as a catalyst to grow the capital base of the company and ultimately lead to the successful development of the Bright IDEA van.”
Bright and GM have been in talks since last fall about a potential partnership. Bright approached several original equipment manufacturers and GM emerged as the best, overall strategic fit, according to Bright officials.
Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon said the partnership with GM is a “huge step” in the right direction.
“We’ve been awaiting this announcement,” he said. “This is going to spurn excitement and motion from the Department of Energy. Now we have to go to work and make sure this stays right here in Anderson.”
Bright has applied for a $450 million low-interest loan through the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program to begin mass production of the IDEA by 2012. The company was previously denied DOE grants of $17 million and $18 million.
With delays in funding and a recession economy, Bright was forced to reduce staff and halt some efforts, pushing the release date for mass production closer to 2014, Munger said.
Rob Sparks, executive director for Anderson’s Corporation for Economic Development, said Ockomon and his team, including Sparks, have been working “very hard” and continue to do everything they can to bolster Anderson’s position to support Bright.
“Only time will tell how all of that will pay off,” he said.
The city is “fully supportive” in helping entice Bright to stay, though, Sparks said.
“We have been pretty aggressive doing what we can as a community,” he said. “There are some things out of our control, but everything within our reach we’ve done to try to help them. We have looked at about every scenario to try to assist them in order to land their manufacturing here. But we still have to climb a hill.”
Anderson Economic Development Director Linda Dawson said they have had many conversations with Bright to discuss possible future incentives and look forward to continuing those conversations.
“GM is an old, respected name in Anderson and served Anderson quite well for years,” she said. “Bright is the new name in Anderson. We hope with the partnership being formed that GM would once again have a presence in Anderson with Bright. There is obviously a qualified labor force well skilled in alternative energy technology.
“We feel like this would be a benefit to not only both companies and Anderson but also a benefit to the world in general by putting new renewable energy in a common transportation van.”
Contact Abbey Doyle, 640-4840, abbey.doyle@heraldbulletin.com.
Are you looking for an end-of-summer adventure for your 6-12 year old? The Anderson Parks & Recreation Department will have two week-long Day Camps.
This year's Day Camp themes deal with science and how FUN and EXCITING it can be!!! Have your kids come join us at the Geater Center for either one or two weeks of fun (with a little bit of learning tucked inside). The cost is $75 per week but we also have secured funds for scholarships, if applicable. Fun is just around the corner.
Science K.I.D.S. Camp will run from July 26 through August 6 under the direction of Head Counselor Sheryl Myers. For more information or to register, call the Parks office at 648-6858 or visit in person at the Geater Center, 1611 Chase Street.
By Dave Stafford for The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON, Ind. — Eleven people from around the state are spending most of this week at Shadyside Park, sharpening their skills as tree experts and learning about some of the latest safety gear and procedures.
Certified arborists from as far away as Bloomington and Decatur are participating in the ArborMaster program that began Monday and continues through today.
“They learn how to properly do climbing, ropes and saddles ... and they are going to be doing some chain saw work,” said Tammy Doty-Davis, landscape architect for the city. “The perk for us is they are going to be working on taking out dead wood and taking out dead trees.”
Certified arborists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to retain that accreditation. And while some were brushing up after decades in the field, others were just starting out.
Samuel Burns, 20, and Dustin Bruce, 22, have worked for Fowler Tree Service of Bloomington for just a few months. They both described themselves as “adrenaline junkies” who love climbing trees as part of their work. They leaped at the opportunity to learn tricks of the trade and safety when their boss, Douglas Fowler, offered.
“It’s not everyone that gets a chance to go to a seminar,” Bruce said. “I had to jump onto it with great excitement.”
“It’s a very intense lifestyle,” Burns said, “Being in a dangerous field, it keeps me interested.”
Rip Tompkins, co-owner of ArborMaster, is training the participants who come from tree services, utilities and parks departments.
“Basically thanks to grant money we’re doing a training program that focuses on safe climbing techniques — we finished that up these first two days,” Tompkins said. “Today we’re doing some precision tree felling.”
Normally the training would cost each person close to $1,000, but a grant from the U.S. Forest Service through the Indiana Urban Forestry Council reduced the cost to just over $300 per person.
“He’s got all the candy in the candy store,” Mike Papai, owner of the local Papai’s Tree Service, quipped about Tompkins’ outfitting.
Dwight Pierce, directory of forestry for the Decatur-Adams County Parks & Recreation Department, said the program is one of the best he’s attended because there is more hands-on participation and demonstration.
“The Anderson Park Department has been great,” Pierce said. “They do a really good job.”
Pam Louks, urban forestry specialist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said those who are taking the training are being asked to provide some free service in their communities as a condition of the grant. “Many of the communities have maintenance needs they cannot afford,” Louks said.
Doty-Davis said the Department of Natural Resources approached the city and asked if the training could take place at Shadyside. It had everything needed — tall trees, some of which needed removed, and shelter.
“To me it’s a big advantage for us for the DNR to think of us and offer it,” Doty-Davis said. “With our limited budget, we can get some needed work done.”
The month of June has seen ongoing progress on our projects here at WPC. Below are a few brief notes about what has been going on.
Water Pollution Control Facility Improvements – Division 1
At the Dewey Street site we had the need to use the newly constructed large 30- inch temporary bypass line at Dewey Street. We brought in portable pumps due to a failure of one of the old 48 year old pumps. You will see below photos of the bypass pumps that we now have on site that we can use until the new pump station is on line. Leak testing was performed this month on the wet well of the new influent lift station that will hold the new pumps and it passed just fine.
Two of the concrete pads that will hold the stand-by power generators are now complete. They now await the new generators and duct banks for use in the event of a power failure. This project is the $8.5 million dollar project for which we have received federal stimulus funding, 60% in principal forgiveness loans (i.e. grants).
Park Road Force Main and White River Interceptor Project – Phase I
The Park Road Force Main project that will move wastewater from the Flagship area directly to the WPC treatment facility is swiftly moving along. New valves have been installed on plant grounds that will allow us to direct the flow properly. They have begun installation of the pipes at Athletic Park for the White River Interceptor project – Phase I. This CSO Long Term Control Plan project will provide additional wet weather capacity and provide storage, reducing the raw sewage that currently makes it way to the White River.
Overflow Tower and Emergency Clarifier Repairs
Work has begun on the overflow tower that will be at the termination of the Park Road Force Main sewer on wastewater treatment plant grounds. This tower will redirect odors away from streets to the plant where we can properly deal with them as needed. One of our 1930’s era clarifiers needed emergency rehabilitation as due to pending failure of the equipment. Contractors provided us quotes for this emergency work, and M.K. Betts, a local contractor, got the job. One of them has now been rebuilt and put back into service and the other has begun.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nara Manor, Superintendent
Anderson Water Pollution Control Utility
(Anderson, Indiana)— Mayor Kris Ockomon and the City of Anderson’s Economic Development Department have responded to calls from existing businesses requesting more incentives tailored to their needs with the creation of the new Collaborative Business Grant program. The Collaborative Business Grant will allocate a total of $100,000 for joint business projects that assist in the success, growth, and retention of Anderson businesses through beautification, marketing, skill building, or sales growth.
Mayor Ockomon challenged the City’s economic development staff upon taking office in 2008 to create an Existing Business Initiative that would identify and serve the needs of Anderson’s longstanding employers, often overlooked in the field of economic development, even though 75% of new jobs created in a community are the result of expansions in existing companies rather than the attraction of new companies. Some results of the existing business initiative have been business crime watch groups and collaborative marketing efforts.
Mayor Kris Ockomon, commending a key part of the Existing Business Initiative, said, “Neighborhood based business groups have really taken off. We’re seeing so much cooperation between businesses who are now working together to bring attention not just to themselves, but their entire business district. As these cooperative efforts grow, the City will now be poised to offer financial support to their worthy efforts.”
The Collaborative Business Grant will:
· Provide $100,000 to fund grants to businesses working together to achieve certain economic development goals; grants of up to $10,000 are available
· Promote cooperation among businesses
· Require dollar for dollar matching funds
Applications are now available and will be accepted by the Economic Development Department beginning August 1. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of the City’s Economic Development Director, Controller, and Chairman of the Board of Public Works on the second Tuesday of each month through 2010 until allocated funds are fully distributed.
The complete application is available online at www.CityofAnderson.com. For more information on the Collaborative Business Grant, contact Economic Development Specialist Karen Pettigrew at 648-6116.
###
AIMS invites you to join us at the 2010 Downtown Anderson’s CULTURAL FESTIVAL in Downtown Anderson Town Center
Anderson, IN: Saturday, June 19, 2010, AIMS and Anderson International will host the 2010 Downtown Anderson’s CULTURAL FESTIAL in Downtown Anderson. The day will begin at 11am with a preview of the entertainment that will be performed throughout the day. A variety of cultures will be featured. Entertainers have native backgrounds from: Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil etc. There will also be a DJ and MC’s to make announcements for all of the exciting activities and entertainment. Children’s activities will include: games, art & craft projects, cultural interactive displays, and ‘Anderson’s Got Talent’ Show. Always included are plenty of fun, foods, and free tours at the Paramount Theatre. Sponsors for this event are the AIMS, Anderson Mounds Mall and the Anderson/Madison County Visitors Bureau.
Entertainment Schedule:
ü 11:00 am Announcements & welcome featuring entertainers throughout the day and activities; Alan Wasonga & MC’s will begin;
ü 11:05 am Zumba w/ Lindsey Lewis
ü Noon Sensei Davenport’s Dojo, Karate Demonstration
ü 12:45pm SHEHANAI BORAD "Kehna Hi Kya" from Indian film "Bombay"
ü 1:00 pm Minyo Dancers, Japanese Dancers perform
ü 2:00-2:30pm Indiana FALUN DAFA Association
ü 2:30-3:00 pm Kidz take the Stage performance
ü 3:00 -4:00pm Folklorico Dancers, Hispanic Dancers and entertainment
ü 5:00 pm “Anderson’s Got Talent” Show Finals
Anderson’s Got Talent: NEW this year- There will be 4 groups: children from 0-12, teens from 13-18, adults over 19, and Bands. Entertainment can consist of singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, etc. There will be 3 -1
st place $100 cash prizes; 3 -2
nd place $50 cash prizes and 3 -3rd place Gift Certificates. Tryout date:
Thursday, June 17, 6pm, City of Anderson Auditorium, 120 E. 8
th Street. Call Deb King at 648-6097 or email at
Dking@cityofanderson.com for more information.
FREE Children’s Activities:
ü Children’s Arts & Crafts sponsored by the ANDERSON Center for the Arts;
ü Interactive Cultural booths with food samples, ethnic dress, cultural items, etc.;
General Info:
ü Enjoy sights, sounds & tastes of Cultural activities, vendors and food throughout the day;
ü Relax in the Paramount’s Beer Garden area;
ü FREE Admission to ALL of the Town Center Entertainment & Paramount entertainment;
ü Rain or Shine event
WHAT: 2010 Downtown Anderson AIMS Cultural Festival & Anderson’s Got Talent Finals
WHEN: 11am to 7pm, Saturday, June 19, 2010
WHERE: Anderson Town Center, Downtown Anderson, Indiana,
(12th & Meridian Streets)
AIMS is a Not-for-Profit entity and all proceeds benefit Downtown Anderson
###
In order to give everyone a chance to purchase a Shadyside brick to honor a 
Madison County Veteran, the City of Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation is having 2010’s second round of sales. The bricks will be availablenow through September 24. Approximately 60 more spaces for bricks in the original brick areas at the Veterans’ Commons at Shadyside Memorial Park have been made available. The bricks will be installed in late Fall with a dedication ceremony anticipated shortly before Veteran’s Day.
The bricks will cost $125 eachand may be purchased through the Parks Department Office located at the Geater Community Center (1611 Chase St). Bricks will be inscribed with the Veteran’s name, branch of service, and dates of active service, all facts which must be verified with discharge papers (Form DD 214). If discharge papers are not available, check with the Parks Office regarding other sources to check for verification.
For more information about honoring a veteran with the purchase and installation of a brick in Shadyside Memorial Park’s Veterans’ Commons, call the Parks Department office at 648-6858 or stop by the Parks and Recreation Department office Monday through Friday between 9:30am and 4:00 pm
By Dave Stafford
For The Herald Bulletin
Michelle and Vincent Turner are living the dream and helping others in the process.
“This has been a longtime dream for Nathan and I — 25 years in fact,” Michelle said last week as she spoke at an open house at the Anderson Business Incubator in the National City Bank building at 931 Meridian Plaza. “This is a dream come true for us.”
The proprietors of GG Enterprizes set up shop just months ago, along with a handful of other businesses and organizations that rent space at reduced rates to get their companies off the ground. The Turners’ business specializes in floor and carpet cleaning, janitorial services and maintenance for residential and commercial clients.
“Imagewise, it validates us. It says we are serious about what we are doing,” Michelle said of having an office and access to the expert business advice that comes with being an incubator client.
“I was a little hesitant, a little scared, because I didn’t think we were ready for an office,” she said. But she noted that Flagship Enterprise Park/Anderson Business Incubator Director DeWayne Landwehr convinced her. “He said, I really need you.”
“This has become the missing link,” Nathan Turner said of the business coaching and expert help that their mom-and-pop business has received. “This program is just a Godsend.”
Landwehr said the incubator will allow businesses to grow a their own pace, with a goal of having many of them reach a point of paying commercial rates for space and growing into bigger contributors to the local economy. The can even find space elsewhere in the National City building.
“Now, clients will ‘graduate’ when they move from being subsidized clients to being full-pay clients, without ever having to deal with the expense and hassle of moving business locations,” Landwehr said.
Down the hall from the Turners, in a corner suite with views of the Paramount Theater and other downtown landmarks, is the headquarters of another novel startup.
Before Connie Combs was The Mobile Seamstress, offering Custom Sewing and Alterations and optional pickup and delivery, she was something else.
“I was terrified, trying to set that up,” Combs said. But a couple of years ago, she opened shop in the prior incubator location at the former Anderson Police Department. She moved over when the incubator relocated.
“I love it here,” she said. “Business is good.”
She said she pays $280 per month to rent her corner suite, and that includes Internet and phone.
During the open house, Combs said the support she has received since starting her business in September 2008 has given her encouragement and the help she needed to get going.
“I don’t know if I would have a business if it wasn’t for the ABI,” she said. “It’s a good way to get your name out there. ... I think now is a good time to start a business.”
Combs showed off a color flier that lists her services, prices and contact information that was done for her by Michael Parker, an Anderson University student who expects to graduate and become a certified public accountant.
Parker is an intern at the incubator and is involved in AU’s Students in Free Enterprise, a nonprofit group that offers educational services to aspiring businesses.
“I really enjoy it because there is a certain kind of dynamic when people don’t want help and assistance,” Parker said. “Everybody here is open to help. ... Everyone is so willing to work together.
“I have a lot of fun up here because you can tell everyone is so driven.”
Parker helps businesspeople with tasks from getting their financials in order to getting their message out. It’s also given him real-world experience dealing with entrepreneurs.
For the Turners, the help that the incubator has provided them has had bottom-line results.
Michelle Turner said that when she and her husband operated their business as a part-time, home-based enterprise, the most that they ever earned annually was $24,000 to $26,000. Through May, they have earned $38,000, she said. They have hired four full-time workers and one part-time worker.
“Our vision is to see us with our own building three-stories high,” Michelle said as she talked to the open house crowd on the third story offices at the incubator.
Through their affiliated nonprofit agency Greater Grace Ministries, the Turners are providing opportunities for people, with a particular missions to help people who need a job when they re-enter society after serving time in prison. Nathan Turner says his full-time employees are paid more than $10 per hour and he’s assembled a good crew.
“A lot of young people come through that system,” Nathan Turner said. “Lack of opportunity is the main thing people are facing today. ... We’re all about change.
“We get a guy on a job, he gets out and learns how to lay tile or put in a sink, he can take pride,” he said. “We’re trying to help them to gain in life.”
State Sen. and Anderson City Attorney Tim Lanane said the city believes the incubator is something to be excited about.
“The word needs to get out in the community,” he said. “Let’s get these businesses going.”
He said the program also has the benefit of bringing new vitality to one of the city’s landmark downtown buildings. “This building has so much history to it, we cannot let this building fail and we will not let this building fail.”
Landwehr said the incubator concept is one that doesn’t rely solely on location. He said another effort will be to find other local property owners with an interest in using sites to help other startup businesses get up and running.
Anderson Business Incubator
Who: The incubator is a joint effort between the city of Anderson and Flagship Enterprise Center. The city provides $25,000 in rent subsidies and Flagship provides staffing and in-kind services.
What: A program that helps startup businesses by providing office space at below-market rent rates and free business guidance. Businesses that open in the incubator get the help they need to become established and viable and potentially generate jobs.
Where: The Anderson Business Incubator is located on the third floor of the National City Bank Building, 931 Meridian Plaza. It relocated two months ago from its prior location at the former Anderson Police Station.
Who's in the incubator
GG Enterprizes LLC: Michelle and Vincent Turner and staff offer professional carpet cleaning, vinyl tile, floor refinishing, janitorial, lawn care, minor maintenance and environmental services for commercial and residential clients. 620-8505.
The Mobile Seamstress: Connie Combs does custom sewing and alterations and offers pickup and delivery service. 635-4776.
Anderson Black Expo: Michelle Paige maintains offices for the community organization. 620-9493.
Character and Self-Esteem Institute: Shauntel Peak-Jiminez is a motivational speaker who also conducts seminars. sypeak@aol.com.
Madison County Firefighters Association: Skip Ockomon maintains offices that oversee county’s fire rescue house and other efforts. 425-1936.
Incubator FAQs
How much does it cost to rent office space?
About 50 cents per square foot per month. For most clients, that works out to about $200 to $300 per month, including phone and high-speed Internet access.
If I had an idea for a business at the incubator, what kind of support would I get?
Probably as much as you ask for. The incubator offers access to business experts through staff provided by the Flagship and through connections with Anderson University students and business organizations such as SCORE and the Small Business Administration.
How much space does the incubator have?
Currently, about 8,000 square feet on the third floor of the National City Bank Building, according to Kenneth Petruska, senior vice president of building manager and leasing agent Olympia Partners.
How much space has been rented?
About 25 percent, Petruska said, noting that progress in the first two months has gone faster than expected. He said incubator officials hope to have about half the space leased in the coming months.
How can I learn more?
Contact Flagship/Anderson Business Incubator Director DeWayne Landwehr, 622-0800, or e-mail dewayne@flagship.org.
Anderson's Southside Pool will be open this season, thanks to a partnership with the City of Anderson and Saint John's Health System and St.Vincent Health. A donation from Saint John's and St.Vincent Health is funding the pool operations for six weeks from June 16 through July 20.
Due to state legislated property tax caps, the City of Anderson has had a 20% reduction in revenues, amounting to approximately $10 million for 2010. As a result, the City was forced to consider eliminating some services provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation so budget funds could support other priority services.
"Support of our community is a priority at Saint John’s,” said Tom VanOsdol, Saint John’s president, “and we are we are proud to partner with the City of Anderson in this important initiative that promotes community wellness. Saint John's and St.Vincent Health are pleased to provide this funding so families will be able to enjoy activities at the pool this summer" VanOsdol added. "The Southside pool provides healthy, low cost fun to families in our community. We will be providing a variety of activities at the pool to encourage participation and educate individuals about their health."
Mayor Kris Ockomon commended the pool sponsors, saying, "Our sponsors have made it possible not just to open the pool for the summer of 2010, but to add value to the programming at the pool. The planned activities hosted by Saint John's Health System service providers will serve as fun and educational health outreach to youth, families, and seniors. The sponsorship agreement exemplifies the mutual benefit possibilities of public/private partnership.”
Some of the planned activities include exercise classes for children, therapeutic swim sessions, cardiovascular lap swimming with information about heart health, and skin cancer prevention.
Additional information about specific programs and their schedules will be published in the Herald Bulletin and posted on the community calendar at www.CityofAnderson.com.
By Dave Stafford for
The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON, Ind. — Mayor Kris Ockomon on Thursday presented City Councilman Art Pepelea with a key to the city in honor of his efforts to persuade the Indianapolis Colts to return to Anderson for training camp.
“We knew Art over the past five or six years has been really tenacious about pursuing their return,” Ockomon said after presenting the key to Pepelea at the start of Thursday’s City Council meeting. “I just wanted to applaud him for his efforts.”
The Colts announced last month that the team will conduct training camp on the campus of Anderson University from Aug. 1-Aug. 18, and even Colts President Bill Polian singled out Pepelea as a big reason for the team’s decision to return after a dozen years. The team had been conducting training camp in Terre Haute.
“I’m really humbled to hear people say that,” Pepelea said, “but what we did was a team effort.” He credited Sena Landey, vice president for finance and treasurer of Anderson University, and the involvement of city and community leaders who over the years built a case for the Colts’ return.
Pepelea, who described himself as a fan of the Colts since the team was in Baltimore, said he first started working on getting the team to return in 2004.
“I had heard through the grapevine that they weren’t happy at Terre Haute,” he said. There were meetings to determine what the conditions were that caused the Colts to leave Anderson in the first place, and what could be done to ensure their return.
As well-wishers approached Pepelea after Thursday’s council meeting, he became misty-eyed as he looked at the plaque with the key to the city. But he said he couldn’t have done it alone.
“The city has always been positive — go for it, you’ve got to do whatever you’ve got to do to get it done,” he said.
The Indianapolis Colts will return to their summer home of 15 years when they open 2010 training camp at Anderson University on Sunday, August 1. A press conference will be conducted tomorrow morning, Thursday, June 3, at 10 a.m. (E.D.T.) with officials of the Indianapolis Colts, Anderson University and the City of Anderson. The press conference will be conducted in the Ruth Lilly Pavilion of the Kardatzke Wellness Center. Officials making remarks will include Bill Polian, president of the Indianapolis Colts; Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University; Kris Okomon, Mayor of the City of Anderson; and Art Pepelea, Councilman for the City of Anderson.
The Colts selected Anderson as their summer home in 1984, the club’s inaugural season in Indianapolis. The club trained in Anderson through the 1998 preseason. The full squad reports to Anderson University on August 1, and camp runs through August 18. The Colts then establish operations at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center back in Indianapolis.
“We are pleased to announce a return to Anderson University for the 2010 training camp. The university and the city of Anderson always have held a passion for the Colts, and we are happy to return to the area,” said Colts President Bill Polian. “We know this has been a successful summer home for our organization for many years, and we are excited to return. We know people are aware that training camp provides the best possible chance to get close proximity to a team, and we want people to use that opportunity.”
“We are very excited to welcome the Indianapolis Colts back to the campus,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “We look forward to providing our AU hospitality and that of our entire community to the premier NFL franchise. Our sincere thanks to many persons in Anderson who worked to bring about this day.”
The 2010 training camp will be located around the Kardatzke Wellness Center/Macholtz Stadium complex located in the northeast section of the university campus. The camp can be accessed by the public via University Boulevard and 5th Street. Campus signage will direct the public to available parking during the duration of the training camp at AU. The club will announce its training camp practice schedule later this spring. Entire practices will be open to the public free of charge. Anderson University will charge a parking fee for camp visitors.
“Anderson is ecstatic to again serve as the host community of the Indianapolis Colts training camp,” said Kris Ockomon, Mayor of the City of Anderson. “We are proud to showcase Anderson University and its facilities to the Colts and their extensive following. Having these old friends and some new ones call Anderson home for several weeks this summer will be an exciting time for our entire community. Welcome back to Anderson!”
Indianapolis returns to Anderson owning the longest current NFL playoff streak, eight seasons. The Colts will be under the field leadership of Head Coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell directed the club to a 16-3 record last season, one of the most noteworthy first-year performances ever by an NFL head coach.
“All of us look forward to getting camp underway in Anderson later this summer,” said Caldwell. “Training camp is such a pivotal time for any club as you try to put some finishing touches on your team. It is a time of building, bonding and honing, and we know the university and the city leaders will provide us with the best possible atmosphere to succeed.”
The club’s playing roster features only one player who trained with the club in Anderson, QB-Peyton Manning. Manning’s 1998 rookie season was the final year for the Colts at Anderson University. Manning, a four-time Associated Press Most Valuable Player, has gone on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He will be joined by numerous teammates who helped the club win an NFL-record 115 regular-season games in the 2000-09 decade, and the club set another league mark in 2008-09 by winning 23 consecutive regular-season games.
Since the last Colts training camp at Anderson University in 1998, the university has made significant improvements to the campus. In 2002, the university dedicated the Kardatzke Wellness Center. The 132,000 square-foot facility connects the O.C. Lewis Gymnasium and Bennett Natatorium at the northeast end of the campus.
In addition to the Kardatzke Wellness Center, the university has upgraded and enhanced residential facilities on the campus; constructed York Seminary Village on the east side of Walnut Street, between 6th and 7th streets, in Anderson; and remodeled Fifth Street directly in front of Reardon Auditorium.
Improvements to the athletic complex have included new baseball dugouts at Don Brandon Field; and all-weather synthetic field turf and outdoor lights at Macholtz Stadium in the summer of 2008. Master planning around the athletic complex is currently underway with refinements to the practice fields and upgrades to the lockers rooms on the northeast corner of the Kardatzke Wellness Center.
Along with Anderson University and the City of Anderson, the improvements and refinements to the school’s athletic facilities have been made possible by the following local partners: Tire Barn—Chris Jones, President; Cooper Tire—Rob Wildman, Territory Manager; Jim Brown, General Manager of Hoosier Park; Terry and Joy Smith; Ivy Tech Community College; Texas Roadhouse; Rowland Title—Kim Builta, President; and Connecticut Electric—Joe Brandon, President.
Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.