tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71678782008-07-12T19:52:18.362-04:00Historic Meridian Park NeighborhoodNews from the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-36328450036083342492008-07-12T19:42:00.004-04:002008-07-12T19:51:46.330-04:00Assistance Needed for Broad Ripple Home TourThe Broad Ripple Village Association will be holding its 4th Annual Historic Home Tour on Saturday, September 27. They are actively seeking both friends (sponsors) and volunteers to assist on the tour. Please see the <a href="http://www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com/userctl.cfm?PageContentTypeID=11&PageContentID=107">Broad Ripple Village Association Home Tour</a> page for details. The association's deadline for volunteers is August 15.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-19345664282975097252008-07-12T19:29:00.000-04:002008-07-12T19:30:05.863-04:00Pet Responsibility to Highlight August MeetingPets are our best friends, but what responsibilities do we have legally? At our August meeting, representatives from Indianapolis Animal Care & Control and Indy PitCrew will be on hand to speak about pet laws and answer questions. Whether you are a pet owner or a concerned neighbor, everyone is invited to join us on Monday, August 18 in the Trinity Fortune Room at 7:15 p.m. to learn more about this important topic.<br /><br />About our featured guests:<br /><ul><li>Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (<a href="http://www.indygov.org/accd">www.indygov.org/accd</a>) works in partnership with the community to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the people and pets in Indianapolis. IACC strives for a community free of the public health and safety issues caused by irresponsible pet ownership, where no animals suffer due to human abuse, neglect or ignorance and where every pet born will be assured a good home and care for all its natural life.</li><li>Through education and community outreach, Indy Pit Crew (<a href="http://www.indypitcrew.org/">www.indypitcrew.org</a>) combats dog fighting, strives to eliminate pit bull over-population, and encourages responsible ownership while inspiring a better understanding and appreciation for the American Pit Bull Terrier and all Bully Breed dogs.</li></ul>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-61369697739798025972008-07-12T19:28:00.001-04:002008-07-12T19:28:47.842-04:00Mark Your Calendar: Annual Fall Festival to be Held in SeptemberHistoric Meridian Park’s sixth annual Fall Festival will be held Sunday, September 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the home of Greg and Gretchen Turner in the 3200 block of N. Pennsylvania St. The Fall Festival, which includes the annual chili cook-off and cornbread competition, has become one of HMP’s most popular events!<br /><br />Residents are invited to bring their favorite dishes and HMPNA will provide beverages and table service. The Fall Festival is one of two summer social events held in lieu of our regularly scheduled neighborhood association meetings. The Fall Festival replaces our September meeting, while the Summer BBQ & Pitch-in replaced our July meeting.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-40088365239938292842008-07-12T19:23:00.003-04:002008-07-12T19:37:02.329-04:00Mapleton-Fall Creek Unity Forums Have Built Enduring Connections<a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_1-764984.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_1-764931.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Historic Meridian Park neighbor Brenda Truedell Bell joins Watson-McCord resident Morgan Tilleman and Haywood Park residents Karen and Max McAleavey in the dinner line at the third and final Unity Forum on Youth held at The Children's Museum on May 12.<br /><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_2-792971.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_2-792880.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A group of Mapleton-Fall Creek neighbors and representatives from organizations that provide activities for youth engage in a conversation at the MFC Unity Forum on Youth.<br /><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_3-718650.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/hmpna_200808_3-718528.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A member of the Hip Hop Congress gets down at the MFC Unity Forum on Youth.<br /><br />The third and last neighborhood-wide Mapleton-Fall Creek (MFC) Unity Forum was held on May 12 at The Children’s Museum (TCM). The 40-plus attendees focused on a spectrum of youth issues ranging from education/schools, leadership development/mentoring, summer programs/recreation, parenting/childcare, and health. Several youth service providers also attended, including TCM, Horizons, Kaleidoscope Youth, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) and the Marion County Health Dept--Lead Division. Other features of this free forum were a delicious dinner by Neil Brown of Haywood Park and owner of L’Explorateur with desert by Simply Hazel’s on 30th Street, entertainment by local Indy dance troupe “Hip Hop Congress,” and childcare by Kyla Gray from Broadway United Methodist Church.<br /><br />In total, 175 residents came out and participated in the three MFC Unity Forums held at Tabernacle Church in March, at Broadway United Methodist Church in April and at TCM in May. Each forum focused on a distinct facet of life within MFC: “Arts, Roots & History,” “Going Green” and “All About Youth.” Many new connections were made and friendships developed during both the forums and the planning process.<br /><br />Avis White, MFC Unity member and cook for the first and second forums, said “Through the Unity Forums I met many great people I never would have otherwise and I even landed a few employment opportunities! I appreciated being a part of this neighborhood initiative.”<br /><br />“We were able to connect an artist who attended our Youth Forum with a local church to offer summer art classes for youth,” reported Marc McAleavey, evaluation and documentation manager at Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center.<br /><br />“We also got together a neighborhood-wide bike ride,” added Historic Meridian Park President Doug Day who coordinated the ride with Dave Scott and Nancy Stimson, founding director of the Freewheelin’ Community Bikes in MFC.<br /><br />According to Jackie Nytes, executive director of Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, “Based on discussions of neighborhood needs we heard during the Going Green Forum, the MFCDC is considering designating some of its land for a community garden.”<br /><br />“We’d discovered through the process that the city does not have a website or webpage dedicated to the array of going green initiatives taking place in our city,” said Sarah Blandina, one of several neighbors involved in the Unity effort. “We’d like to start that page so residents will have access to these valuable resources taking place in Indianapolis.” Sarah volunteered to collect content for this webpage which will be linked to the mfcunity.org website. Another Unity member, Sarah Wiehe, is building content for a low-cost gardening tips and sustainability webpage which people in MFC and beyond could use.<br /><br />“We have been blessed with many wonderful neighbors from diverse backgrounds. These forums allowed us to find connections among us other than just where we happen to live,” said Lorraine Phillips Vavul.“Many of us are now linked by the activities and interests we’re passionate about, including our love for Mapleton-Fall Creek.”<br /><br />Scott van Kirk added, “The Unity Group has created a strong alliance of neighbors and leaders who are deeply committed to making this area prosper over the next decade.”<br /><br />These forums were made possible through an IMAGINE grant from the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative (GINI) and were hosted by Mapleton-Fall Creek Unity, which consists of an informal group of neighbors from all parts of Mapleton-Fall Creek, including Historic Meridian Park. The group will meet quarterly to plan additional activities in the MFC area including regular bike rides and possibly a plant exchange.The website <a href="http://www.mfcunity.org/">http://www.mfcunity.org/</a> provides additional information about the Mapleton-Fall Creek Unity and its planned activities. Comments, suggestions and questions can be directed to <a href="mailto:mfcunity@gmail.com">mfcunity@gmail.com</a>.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-44033947475604694932008-07-12T19:14:00.000-04:002008-07-12T19:15:23.473-04:00Congratulations to Former ResidentCongratulations to neighbor and basketball standout George Hill who became the first IUPUI Jaguars basketball player ever drafted by the NBA when he was picked in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. George, who grew up in our Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood, played basketball in TAB’s youth program before going on to play at Broad Ripple High School. Our thanks to Avis White, close friends with the family and Mr. Hill, for bringing this information to our attention.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-74203867409965146882008-07-12T19:01:00.002-04:002008-07-12T19:12:58.223-04:00Summer BBQ and Pitch-in set for Sunday, July 20Historic Meridian Park’s Summer BBQ & Pitch-in will be held at Christy Krieg’s home in the 3300 block of N. Washington Blvd. from 4 to 7 p.m. The neighborhood association will provide hamburgers and hotdogs while residents are invited to bring their favorite dishes to the popular annual event. A magician will join us to entertain the children (and adults too!). Back-up arrangements have been made to have the event at a Doug Day's home in the 200 block of E. 33rd St. if there is rain. <br /><br />The Summer BBQ & Pitch-in is one of two summer social events held in lieu of our regularly scheduled neighborhood association meetings. The BBQ replaces our July meeting while the sixth annual Fall Festival will replace our September meeting. The Fall Festival, which features the annual chili cook-off and cornbread competition, will be held Sunday, September 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the home of Greg and Gretchen Turner in the 32oo block of N. Pennsylvania St.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-39731942962914736562008-07-12T18:57:00.001-04:002008-07-12T18:59:41.319-04:00Tab Recreation Field to Get Major FaceliftThanks to the generosity of Republic Services, former Indianapolis Colt Tarik Glenn’s D.R.E.A.M. Alive, and other donors, Evans Field—Tabernacle Presbyterian Church’s recreation field—is undergoing a major renovation. Construction began in June and is expected to run through the summer. Major renovations to Tab’s recreation field, located on the northeast corner of 34th and Washington Boulevard, include:<br /><ul><li>A new playing surface</li><li>Improved lighting</li><li>Addition of a running track</li><li>New bleacher seating</li><li>New and expanded concession stand</li><li>New entryway</li><li>Expanded storage area</li><li>New team meeting rooms and classrooms. </li></ul>For decades, boys and girls from all over Indianapolis have played football, soccer, baseball and softball on Evans Field. Local schools and groups have also benefited from the friendly confines provided by Tab Recreation. The 1920s and ‘30s saw the formation of Tab’s recreation department, starting with 12 boys playing basketball in the church’s coal bin.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-57837971895174082932008-07-12T18:44:00.002-04:002008-07-12T18:50:06.534-04:00They're Back! HMP SignsWant to show pride in your neighborhood? Historic Meridian Park signs, such as those seen adorning many homes throughout HMP and the web site, are available for purchase. Signs can include personalized information, such as the year the home was built, the date it was restored, the name of the house, or the name(s) of original, notable, and/or current owners.<br /><br />Personalization is located in the bottom line of text. Prices for signs are: $45 personalized, $40 without personalization, and $25 for senior citizens (with or without personalization). For more information, or to order a sign, contact <a href="mailto:cbkreig@sbcglobal.net">Christy Krieg</a> or using the <a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/docs/sign_order.pdf">order form</a>.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-4680256891450485052008-07-12T18:42:00.000-04:002008-07-12T18:43:30.235-04:00Did You Know?The name of our neighborhood, Historic Meridian Park, has its roots in the subdivision and sale of the Osgood Estate Lands in 1905, which up to that time had been devoted to agriculture. Osgood’s Meridian Park is one of several original subdivisions that is represented within the boundaries of what we today call Historic Meridian Park.<br /><br />In 1911, an Indianapolis Sunday Star ad promoting the sale of lots in Osgood’s Forest Park Fifth Section (at 38th and Fall Creek Parkway) made reference to earlier successful Osgood developments, including those that comprise our neighborhood:<br /><br />“These lands extended from Twenty-eighth Street northward to Thirty-fourth Street and from Meridian Street eastward to Fall Creek. From them have been carved, from time to time, Osgood’s North Park, Osgood’s Central Avenue, Osgood’s Washington Boulevard, Osgood’s Second Washington Boulevard, Osgood’s Meridian Park, Osgood’s Second Central Avenue, Qsgood’s Second Meridian Park, Osgood’s Third Central Avenue, Osgood’s Forest Park, Osgood’s Second Forest Park, Osgood’s Third Forest Park and Osgood’s Fourth Forest Park. In each case a discerning public has quickly absorbed the addition offered and with commendable progressiveness purchasers have improved their lots until the Osgood district today presents the best large example of high-class residential development the city affords. Many of the lots have sold at two, three and four times the initial sale price, and lot buyers have found nowhere else in the city such satisfactory returns from their investments.<br /><br />“Much of this success has been due to topographical and geological merit—much to the progressive spirit of the purchasers who have welcomed municipal improvements and themselves have built in generous fashion; however, it has been due principally to the fact that the Osgood Additions, one and all, have been located at the outter rim of real urban development. They have been in fact, as well as name, “Additions to Indianapolis.” Here there has been none of the monotony of isolated suburbanism. Residents of the Osgood Additions have been in closest touch with every phase of the city’s business, social and church life. Within quick reach of offices, schools, churches, fraternity halls, theaters, etc., and with needed public services at hand a residence here has called for no sacrifice of comfort, pleasure or associations. Here, too, has been absolutely new development; free from the depreciating influences of antiquated improvements.”Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-14922825811737696222008-07-12T16:51:00.000-04:002008-07-12T18:42:00.493-04:00Renew Your Membership or Join Today – Online Payments Now Accepted!If you haven’t done so already, please pay your association dues for 2008. Minimum dues are set at $10 per year so every household can afford to participate.<br /><br /><strong><em>2008 HMP Dues Levels</em></strong><br />$10 – Craftsman<br />$25 – Colonial Mission<br />$50 – Tudor Revival<br />$100+ - American Four-Square<br /><br />Funds collected by the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association are used to offset annual operational expenses like the rental of a packer truck for alley clean-ups, obtaining gardening supplies for the medians and tree planting activities, signage, social events, Web site maintenance and more. To the extent possible, it is the board’s intention to use monies raised from special events such as the home tour to fund larger beautification initiatives.<br /><br />Dues can be paid at the association’s monthly general meeting or by sending a check (payable to Historic Meridian Park) to Treasurer John Carmer, 3015 N Pennsylvania St., Apt. 12, Indianapolis, IN 46205. Please give at the level of your comfort. Dues can also now be paid online at <a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/dues.htm">Support HMPNA Online Via PayPal</a>.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-49952390936105883002008-06-06T19:11:00.004-04:002008-06-06T19:16:17.514-04:00June Association Meeting: Legislative Update<a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/porter-731874.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/porter-731872.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Representative Gregory Porter will provide a legislative update at our next meeting to be held June 16 at Trinity Episcopal Church. Meet him personally in the Fortune Room, starting at 7:15 pm. Mr. Porter has been the Indiana House Representative of our district, the 96th, since 1992.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-62785974167576058172008-06-06T18:28:00.003-04:002008-06-06T19:10:44.397-04:00Talking Trash<div><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008alleyB-713036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008alleyB-713029.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Don Watson, Eric Baiz, Rob Lomax, Dick Luchtman and Shawn from DPW.</div><br /><br /><div>For the first time, Historic Meridian Park teamed with its neighbors to the south, Haywood Park, in a joint Alley Cleanup on April 26. With a turnout of around 35 participants, which included volunteers from the youth group at Trinity Church, the work went smoothly and finished early. <br /><br />Dick Luchtman, cleanup manager and official HMP ‘Titan of Trash,’ assigned teams to various alleys with rakes, bags, shovels and brooms—all provided at no-cost by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. According to Dick, “I think trash, talk trash, and twice a year, I am one with trash.”<br /><br />Once each team was finished, a packer truck picked up the collected trash and large items. Afterwards, everyone gathered for lunch at Redeemer Church. Doug Day, president of the HMP Neighborhood Association, said “This is the kind of neighbor to neighbor cooperation that makes this job fun.”<br /><br />The joint effort between HMP and Haywood Park was part of the Mapleton Fall Creek cleanup this year, organized by Kevin Warren. Because of Kevin’s efforts, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful provided the packer truck for free. <br /><br />Marc McAleavey of Haywood Park said “The real success of the day, from my perspective, was the new connections we all made. A smashing-trashy hit, if I do say so myself…with an extra special thanks to our Meridian Park pals for really putting it together and inviting us to the action!”</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008alleyA-773438.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008alleyA-773433.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Bob Bronson, Amy Rubin and Christy Krieg. “I was so proud to work behind and RIDE the packer truck. What a thrill!”, Krieg said.</div>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-73089994923893634312008-06-06T18:25:00.002-04:002008-06-06T18:28:22.376-04:00Obama Rally<a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/obamarallyB-761015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/obamarallyB-761010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />On May 3, several neighbors including Hope Tribble, Deborah Riley, Anne and Chris Gautier, Tom and Collin Hargraves, and Dwayne Engram, organized a rally on 32nd St. between Delaware St. and Washington Blvd. to support US Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. The rally featured short speeches, music, food and games for children.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/obamarallyA-726648.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/obamarallyA-726643.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-14317266486743051992008-06-06T18:02:00.004-04:002008-06-06T18:24:39.313-04:00Cajun Brunch and New Neighbors Reception<div>“Dee-licious” was the word of the day at the April 20 Cajun Brunch and New Neighbors Reception. Close to 50 neighbors gathered for the fifth annual brunch and pitch-in, held at the home of Drs. Jeanette Holloway and Stephen Towns. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunA-712466.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunA-712461.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brigitte Mills and hosts Drs. Jeanette Holloway and Stephen Towns.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunB-737502.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunB-737496.jpg" border="0" /></a>HMPNA Board Member Ora Triplet speaks with new neighbor Ben Nicol. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunC-703066.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/2008cajunC-703060.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Goldsmith, new neighbor baby Ella and mom Anna Tyzskiewicz, and HMPNA President Doug Day.</div>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-6303478069437176672008-06-06T17:53:00.003-04:002008-06-06T18:01:46.821-04:00Pennsylvania Street Homes Featured in SRS ProductionOn April 18 and 19, St. Richard’s middle school students produced and preformed the musical Godspell. SRS teacher Chantal Diedrich painted the play’s background scenery which incorporated several of HMP’s Pennsylvania Street homes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/godspell-726242.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/godspell-726214.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.historicmeridianpark.org/uploaded_images/godspell-773988.jpg"></a>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-12572657673276161222008-06-06T17:52:00.001-04:002008-06-06T17:52:52.150-04:00Wanted: Social Committee VolunteersIf you’d like to serve on the Social Committee for their any of the neighborhood’s four social activities, please contact Lorraine Phillips Vavul. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet other HMP neighbors.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-22499695388669387472008-05-18T17:05:00.000-04:002008-05-18T19:59:22.952-04:00Getting the Lead Out: May’s Meeting Focuses on Lead Poisoning PreventionAre you and your children being silently poisoned by lead? Lead is a heavy metal which can slow growth in children and cause nerve damage in adults. The topic of May’s neighborhood meeting, to be held May 19 at 7:15 pm at the Fortune Room of Trinity Episcopal Church, will be “Getting the Lead Out.”<br /><br />Most people know that lead is a heavy metal found in the paints used in homes prior to 1978 (that includes most homes in Historic Meridian Park!). But few know lead is also found in toys, jewelry, soil, cosmetics, and tableware. Daniel Fries from the Marion County Health Department will talk about the risks of lead, prevention, and signs of lead poisoning. Feel free to bring household items, such as toys and jewelry, for testing during the meeting.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-79398734969567292722008-04-13T17:18:00.002-04:002008-04-13T17:23:52.396-04:00MFC Unity: Going Green, Saving GreenJoin neighbors for a FREE MFC Unity event on Monday, April 14 at Broadway United Methodist at 29th St. and Broadway (on Fall Creek Parkway)at 6:30 p.m.<br /><br />Connect with neighbors<br />Learn about all things GREEN*<br />FREE dinner and PRIZES<br />FREE child care<br /><p>*Green topics include:</p><ul><li>Green and Clean</li><li>All Things Green</li><li>Greenspace & Parks</li><li>Composting</li><li>Pay Less, Garden More</li><li>Trees</li><li>Kitchen Gardens</li><li>"Going Green" and Saving Green!</li></ul>Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Conversation starts at 6:30 p.m.<br /><br />For more information, see the MFC Unity website at <a href="http://www.mfcunity.org/">http://www.mfcunity.org</a>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-53963837181698607642008-04-13T17:15:00.000-04:002008-04-13T17:18:15.893-04:00Fifth Annual Cajun Brunch and New Neighbors Reception Set for April 20The Fifth Annual Cajun Brunch and New Neighbors Reception will be held on April 20 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the home of Drs. Jeanette Holloway and Stephen Towns of North Pennsylvania Street. At approximately 1:15 there will be a short program to recognize and welcome new neighbors who have moved into the neighborhood since last year's event. If you are a new neighbor or know someone who is, please contact Christy Krieg.<br /><br />Residents are asked to bring their favorite dishes to share: appetizers, salads, side dishes, or desserts. HMP will provide the drinks and table service.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-16217578283490664142008-04-13T17:00:00.002-04:002008-04-13T17:05:31.938-04:00Shared Interests Connect Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighbors<strong>Final Mapleton-Fall Creek Unity Forum Set for May 12 from 6-8pm</strong><br /><br />Residents of the Mapleton-Fall Creek area are finding that they have more in common with each other than the usual issues of living in an urban neighborhood. Through a series of three community-wide forums, they are discovering the richness of interests, gifts, and talents they share. In the process of conversations about what they love – their passions, pastimes and pursuits – they are finding unexpected ways in which to connect with each other. The result is a growing sense of community.<br /><br />“That’s exactly what we hoped for when we dreamed up this initiative,” says Marc McAleavey, one of a small group of neighbors who applied for and received a grant to fund this series of conversations to develop and support neighborhood connections. “Building community cohesiveness is the sole purpose of our work and that’s why we call our group MFC Unity.”<br /><br />More than 85 neighbors attended the first forum on March 10. The organizing theme was arts and roots; conversations centered on neighbors’ passion for interests such as story telling, painting and sculpture, performing arts, cooking, and neighborhood history. Held at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, the meeting also featured a free dinner prepared by MFC resident and chef Avis White as well as childcare and very high energy. “We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our first effort,” says Lorraine Phillips Vavul, a member of MFC Unity. “People who probably wouldn’t have gotten to know each other otherwise have made new friendships and at least a dozen of them will meet again on their own.”<br /><br />According to Doug Day, current president of the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association as well as a member of MFC Unity, “The energy in the room was so high that I would be surprised if the many connections made that night didn’t lead to enduring relationships.” “The beauty of all this is that we don’t know what these relationships will become – perhaps new neighborhood initiatives to improve the quality of life here, maybe a writer’s group or theater club. We just help the process begin,” said De’Amon Harges, an artist, community organizer, and another member of the MFC Unity group.<br /><br />The process of connecting neighbors through their interests and strengths rather than focusing on their needs and deficits isn’t new,” says Scott VanKirk, president of Watson-McCord Neighborhood Association as well as MFC Unity member. “It’s based on a concept which has been shown to work well in neighborhoods like ours, but it hasn’t been tried here much before.”<br /><br />“The more typical way,” explains Sarah Wiehe, another MFC Unity member, “is for neighborhood leaders to bring people together to do something, usually to protect the area against some kind of threat from the outside or to remonstrate for improvements in city services.” David Scott, also part of the group, agrees. “Because groups that are organized along the lines of negatives tend to fall apart when their goal is achieved, this asset-based theme makes more sense. I think people stay connected when their relationship is based on something personal that they share.”<br /><br />“It’s true,” says Scott Semester, director of development at Broadway United Methodist Church. “Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) has a very good track record where it’s been tried in other parts of the country and the world.” Sarah Blandina, secretary of the Mid-North Church Council and member of the MFC Unity group, adds, “People are more likely to build enduring relationships when the focus is on strength, and the whole thing is much more positive and fun.”<br /><br />One final forum is planned for May 12 at The Children’s Museum beginning at 6 p.m. The organizing theme is “All About Youth.” Conversations will center on topics encompassing the full spectrum of youth from education, intergenerational connections, leadership, and summer camps among other topics. A free dinner will be served and childcare will be provided. The website <a href="http://www.mfcunity.org/">www.mfcunity.org</a> provides details as they develop.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-23161104160547586752008-04-13T16:56:00.002-04:002008-04-13T17:00:21.932-04:00Warm Weather and Increases in CrimeIt’s a fact: When the weather becomes warmer, incidences of crime increases. Historic Meridian Park, like other neighborhoods in Indianapolis, is not immune from this unfortunate fact. Although there is no sure-proof way to prevent crime, the following crime prevention tips—prepared by HMP’s Safe Neighborhood Awareness Program (SNAP)—may be helpful:<br /><ul><li>Install deadbolt locks on all doors and quality locks on all windows and USE THEM!</li><li>Turn your outside lights on ALL night long EVERY NIGHT!</li><li>Keep your bushes and trees trimmed around your windows and doors.</li><li>Contact your block captain or a trusted neighbor when you will be away for long periods of time and leave them a key and emergency contact information</li><li>Don’t hide spare keys outside your house or let people know your house will be empty. Have your neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper (or put it on hold) and keep your grass mowed.</li><li>Do not advertise your possessions with open curtains.</li><li>Do not give your information out to strangers that call your home or knock on your door inquiring about your home or your neighbors.</li><li>Consider getting a dog – or at least a “Dog on Premises” sign.</li><li>Install a burglar alarm. The most effective home security systems are those that are highly visible (like a metal box on the front of the house), emit a loud noise when activated, and transmit an immediate signal to a security service. Most services give you a yard sign and window stickers that warn burglars that your house is well protected. Use them!</li><li>Install flood lights around your property.</li><li>Inventory your property and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.</li><li>Mark your property, especially electronics, lawn equipment, bicycles, etc. Marked property is harder for thieves to resell. Consider using an engraving pen or an ultraviolet marker.</li><li>If you have just moved into your residence, re-key the locks.</li><li>Clearly display the number on your house so police and emergency personnel can find your address quickly.</li><li>If you have a garage, park your car in it at night.</li><li>Never leave valuables in your car in plain view. Carry your insurance card and registration with you or hide them in an inconspicuous place (NOT in the glove compartment). Don’t leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle. Always roll up your windows and lock your doors. Consider installing a mechanical device. Never leave your car with the engine still running.</li><li>If you have a cell phone – put an “ICE” (in case of emergency) phone number in your address book.</li><li>Never purchase items such as personal property, plants, etc., from strangers or give money to strangers knocking on your door. Offer to call the police or 2-1-1 – social services hotline.</li></ul>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-1111967324494039332008-04-13T16:54:00.000-04:002008-04-13T16:55:31.472-04:00Nice Neighbor Tip: Dog and Cat Curbing RequirementsNot only is the failure curb pets not neighborly, it is also in violation of Indianapolis’ city code. The following is from Sec. 531-203 of the Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County of Indianapolis/Marion, Indiana:<br /><br /><em>“No person knowingly shall allow a dog or cat which is kept by that person to defecate or urinate on a public street, byway, municipally owned or public land or building, or upon private property, in the city without the prior permission of the owner of such property; however, if an animal defecates on property described in this subsection, the animal's owner or keeper promptly shall remove any feces to a waste container, or otherwise dispose of such material in a manner inoffensive to reasonable public sensibilities.”</em>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-79740443233772595312008-03-03T08:16:00.002-05:002008-03-03T08:23:08.572-05:00Mapleton Fall Creek UNITY: Arts & Roots<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mfcunity.org/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Mapleton Fall Creek UNITY</span></strong></a></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ARTS & ROOTS</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Monday, March 10</div><div align="center">Tabernacle Presbyterian Church</div><div align="center">34th Street and Central Avenue</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Free Dinner at 6 PM</div><div align="center">Conversation Starts at 6:30 PM</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Free Childcare</div><div align="center">Prizes</div><br />Discussions on:<br /><ul><li>Performing Arts</li><li>Gardening</li><li>Cooking</li><li>Sports & Games</li><li>Local History</li><li>Words</li><li>Crafts & Sewing</li><li>Visual Arts</li></ul><p>Contact at <a href="mailto:mfcunity@gmail.com">mfcunity@gmail.com</a> or website at <a href="http://www.mfcunity.org/">www.mfcunity.org</a>.</p><p>Stay tuned for additional forums on GOING GREEN on April 14 at Broadway United Methodist Church and YOUTH on May 12 at the Children's Museum</p>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-78190306347237455852008-03-02T09:45:00.002-05:002008-03-03T08:28:05.731-05:00Meridian Song Project TONIGHT<p>The Meridian Song Project presents "Brits & Blarney: Silly and Sublime," a St. Patrick's-Day-Themed performance starring HMP neighbor and Meridian Song Project Resident Artist, Steven Stolen, and Catherine Bringerud on piano. They will perform Henry Purcell's stylish Orpheus Britannicaus, folksong settings by Benjamin Britten, and a big dose of St. Patrick Day favorites.</p><p>It will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 33rd and Meridian in the sanctuary. </p><p>Admission is free. Childcare is available.</p>Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167878.post-52159772823856483682008-02-26T10:02:00.000-05:002008-02-26T10:03:04.805-05:00March 17th General MeetingThe next neighborhood association meeting will be held in the Fortune Room of Trinity Episcopal Church on March 17. Plan to arrive at 7:15 to visit with neighbors. <br /><br />At 7:30 pm, an Indianapolis Police Department Neighborhood Resource Officer will update neighbors about crime trends in the Meridian Park area. Many neighbors are concerned about panhandling at homes and on streets—special attention will be given to this matter in our discussions. <br /><br />At the meeting, residents are invited to drop off non-perishable food items in support of HMP’s Senior Advocate Program. SAP supports Historic Meridian Park residents over the age of 62 who need a little assistance with such things as applying with the city for winter assistance, grocery shopping, lawn mowing or light cleaning.Meridian Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07423035555884377592noreply@blogger.com