Anderson Indiana News & Madison County

Breakfast With Santa Tradition Continues for Highland High School Music Fundraising

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:39:31 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Highland High School Choral Boosters and Choir members are seeking community support for the 3rd annual "Breakfast with Santa" event to be held on Saturday December 6th, 2008 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. As last year, the event will be held at Madison Park Church of God, 67th and Columbus Ave.

The event is a fundraiser for the choirs, with a community service emphasis that provides an affordable Christmas celebration for both children and adults. Those in charge of Breakfast With Santa 2008 at HHS are seeking individual, business, and corporate sponsorships and donations to offset costs and to allow several under-privileged children and parents to attend this year.

A family discount package is being offered for $25.00 which includes;

one picture with Santa, craft projects,
breakfast for up to five people,
sing-a-long and story-time, face-painting,
and caroling by HHS Choir members.

Inclusive single parent/child packages are $15.00. Additional child packages (for the same picture), pictures, or breakfast may be purchased for $5.00. They are accepting eligible sponsor recipient referrals from local churches and organizations.

Please contact Rhonda Cantrell, (765) 425-7638 or Laudron5@aol.com to participate in this event or plan on attending what's sure to be another festive way to celebrate the Holidays in Anderson.

First of 2 New Dunkin' Donuts in Anderson to Open this Week

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:46:38 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - The first of two new Dunkin' Donuts coming to Anderson before the end of the year is scheduled to open at 5 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2008.

The newly opening Dunkin' Donuts is located at 14th and Jackson in downtown Anderson. The second restaurant at 4431 S. Scatterfield Rd. is scheduled to open mid-December.

Both donut shops are owned by the HSG Restaurant Group, LLC of Indianapolis, which is rapidly expanding throughout Central Indiana. They currently own seven Dunkin' Donuts after opening their first restaurant in downtown Indianapolis in June of this year.

The group plans to open 40 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Central Indiana, creating about 2,000 new jobs over the next five years. HSG is led by Dennis Gramm, who served in leadership positions within Dunkin' Brands for more than 10 years.

Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon will help celebrate the opening of the downtown Anderson Dunkin' Donuts at an 8 a.m. ceremony. A $1,000 cash ribbon will be cut and presented to the Anderson Indiana Main Street (AIMS) program. AIMS is known locally for stimulating and enhancing downtown Anderson. The donation from Dunkin' Donuts will help support downtown programs, including upcoming concerts and festivals.

The LJ Mechem Band will perform at the restaurant from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the Dunkin' Donuts sampling crew will be on hand to pass out free food and beverage samples from Dunkin' Donuts' breakfast and all-day menus. In addition, WQME-FM 98.7 will be at the store on November 24, 2008 to raffle off two flat screen televisions.

Both Anderson Dunkin' Donuts will be open seven days a week and will feature a drive-thru window. The Anderson locations will also feature the brand's recently updated store design and its new DDSmart healthy options menu along with its traditional world famous coffee and baked goods.

Dunkin' Donuts has been serving freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee and bakery items for more than 58 years. The company sells more donuts and bagels than any other quick service restaurant in America. They're also the number one retailer of hot and iced coffee, selling more than one billion cups of coffee every year throughout the country.

Veterans' Commons Bricks Again Available

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:07:51 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - In honor of Veterans Day, the City of Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation is again opening the Shadyside Park Veterans’ Commons area for brick sales. Around 850 inscribed bricks, sold in 1998 and 1999, now fill the Veterans’ Commons. Approximately 100 more spaces for bricks have been made available; bricks will be offered for sale by between Veterans Day and December 31. The bricks will cost $125 each and may be purchased through the Parks Department.

Bricks may be inscribed with the name, branch of service, and dates of service, all facts which must be verified with discharge papers (Form DD214).

As President Eisenhower proclaimed, Veterans Day is our chance to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

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 648-6850 or stop by in person at the Park Department office (101 E. Oak Street) Monday through Friday between 9am and 4pm.

Source: City of Anderson

Children and Teens needed to perform in Best Christmas Pageant Ever

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:05:43 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Kidz Take the Stage (KTS) Performing Arts Studio is in need of children and teens to fill parts in their upcoming production "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

A few boy character roles are still available for boys between the ages of 5 and 18. Cost for these character parts is $90.

Also needed are boys and girls ages 5 to 12 to be in the angel choir. Angel choir members will practice on Thursdays (except Thanksgiving) from 6-8pm from now until the performance on December 18th and 19th. Cost to be in the angel choir is $30.

Interested children/teens can email kidzstage@aol.com by Monday, November 17th or go to the KTS Performing Arts Studio at 1125 Main St. in Anderson (behind Paramount Theatre) on Monday through Thursday nights between 6-8pm.

Noble receives National Endowment for Humanities grant

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:12:44 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Associate professor of English, Zola Noble recently received a grant from National Endowment for the Humanities to study at Ferrum College’s institute’s "Regional Study and the Liberal Arts: Appalachia Up-Close."

The institute seeks scholars who are interested in how regional perspectives comment on wider national and global issues, and how regional material can enhance the undergraduate curriculum.

Through the grant from the National Endowment for Humanities, Noble will be researching the life of Heinrich Adam Herrmann, a German immigrant known in historical documents as Adam Harman, one of the earliest settlers to southwestern Virginia.

“I have a passion for this area of the country, and to be able to spend four weeks studying the culture, history, literature, and religion of the region is very exciting for me,” said Noble.

Noble is one of 25 professors selected to participate in the institute. Participants come from a variety of disciplines from across the nation. The Institute will examine Appalachian issues that link regional study to the liberal arts.

“An emphasis of the summer institute is to consider ways that regional studies impact the liberal arts,” said Noble. “I hope to bring back to AU a better understanding of how this might be done in the liberal arts classes I teach.”

Anderson University is a private, four-year, Christian liberal arts institution of approximately 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Madison County Prosecutor Broderick Presents Women’s Self Defense Class

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:53:31 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - October is the month for Domestic Violence Awareness, and on Tuesday, October 28, Thomas Broderick, Jr., Prosecutor of Madison County, sponsored a free women’s self-defense class, for the residents of Madison County to help promote awareness about domestic violence and to provide practical information to assist in crime prevention.

The class had over 80 participants in varying age ranges. One participant was over 80 years of age and 10 participants were over 70 years of age. Several mothers brought their daughters with the youngest participant being 11 years of age.

Broderick stated, “This program promotes awareness about domestic violence and other programs that are available to the community as well as the proper procedures for handling such situations as it pertains to the law.”

The goals of this class were to raise safety awareness and provide participants with various self-defense techniques such as escapes along with strikes and kicks. These techniques were basic and low-impact; however, these tools will be useful for nearly every situation in which a woman could be attacked or threatened with violence.

Participants were also given information about crime prevention programs and the Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program and other community programs that provide assistance to those who may have been the subject of abuse.

Prosecutor Broderick who has hosted previous self-defense programs, will be offering additional programs after the first of the year. Broderick stated programs will be provided in both Elwood and Pendleton next year.

Source: Madison County Prosecutor's Office

Anderson University to Young Alums: "U Matter"

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:41:46 -0700

By David Hynds

AU recently launched its young alumni initiative, titled U Matter, as an integral part of the "Dreams. Discovery. Direction." campaign.

U Matter engages young alumni by encouraging them to relive their college experiences and recognize the effect those experiences have had on their lives.

“We are excited by what this initiative can do for the university, its students and its relationship with alumni,” said Patricia Bailey, AU trustee and chair of the alumni campaign division.

Vice President for Advancement, Bob Coffman said, “When a student becomes part of the AU family, a relationship forms that lasts a lifetime. When that student becomes an alum, they simply move to a new branch of the family—a branch whose opinions, needs and wants are vitally important to us and which continues to shape the character of Anderson University. That is what our U Matter campaign is all about.”

Bailey said, “To those inside the Anderson University family, giving is a way to connect with Anderson University, its students and the structure that supports the mission: structures like the new University Center which is in final development, and structures like endowments which help students and faculty.”

The emphasis is on participation, not amount. The U Matter campaign initiates with young alumni and invites them to become a part of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign, while also being understanding of their current stage of life. For those alumni trying to start a career or a family, big capital campaigns often seem out of reach. U Matter brings the campaign to a manageable scale, offering a realistic option to young alumni.

Bailey explained, “To those outside of Anderson University and our alumni family, our commitment to each other and to Anderson University is evaluated by the percentage who give, regardless of the number of actual dollars given.”

“Giving is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to those who have given to support us when we were students,” said Bailey. “Because yesterday’s student, like today’s student, did not pay the entire cost of our education as gifted funds subsidized our tuition and related costs,” said Bailey.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort and has raised $86 million to date toward the goal. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support. For more information about the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign, visit the web site.

David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

Anderson Trick or Treat Hours Set

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:05:39 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Little ghouls and boys will soon be knocking at your door with the expectation of tasty Halloween treats. Anderson Police Chief Darron Sparks has set Trick or Treat hours for the City of Anderson for Friday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m.

Motorists should be especially vigilant on Halloween, and parents should plan to review trick or treat safety rules with their children before the big night, keeping in mind that an illuminated porch light is the owner’s signal that trick or treaters are welcome at that home!

The National Safety Council has issued a useful Halloween Safety fact sheet, available at http://www.nsc.org/resources/Factsheets/hl/halloween.aspx

Brian McLaren visits AU during Spiritual Emphasis Week

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:25:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson University will welcome Brian McLaren to the campus for Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW), October 21-23. McLaren is an author, speaker, pastor, and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists. He is a frequent guest on television, radio, and news media programs. The Anderson University office of Spiritual Life and Counseling Services sponsors SEW once each year to offer students and the community an opportunity for worship and study with an off-campus speaker.

McLaren has appeared on many broadcasts including Larry King Live, Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, and Nightline. His work has also been covered in Time (where he was listed as one of American's 25 most influential evangelicals), Christianity Today, Christian Century, the Washington Post, and many other print media.

He graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, summa cum laude, 1978, and MA, in 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

From 1978 to 1986, McLaren taught college English, and in 1982, he helped form Cedar Ridge Community Church, an innovative, nondenominational church in the Baltimore-Washington region (crcc.org). He left higher education in 1986 to serve as the church's founding pastor and served in that capacity until 2006. During that time, Cedar Ridge earned a reputation as a leader among emerging missional congregations.

Brian has been active in networking and mentoring church planters and pastors since the mid 1980's, and has assisted in the development of several new churches. He is a popular conference speaker and a frequent guest lecturer at seminaries and denominational gatherings, nationally and internationally. His public speaking covers a broad range of topics including postmodern thought and culture, Biblical studies, evangelism, leadership, global mission, spiritual formation, worship, pastoral survival and burnout, inter-religious dialogue, ecology, and social justice.

McLaren's most recent book, "The Secret Message of Jesus" (W, April 2006), explores the theme of the kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus. "This book was written for a broad audience," he explains, "from the spiritual-but-not-religiousto Christian pastors and leaders. Everything I've written to this point has been a preparation for this book."

He is on the international steering team and board of directors for emergent, a growing generative friendship among missional Christian leaders (www.emergentvillage.com,www.emergent.info). He is also active in global networking among emerging leaders (amahoro.info).

He serves as a board chair for Sojourners/Call to Renewal (sojo.net), and is a founding member of Red Letter Christians, a group of communicators seeking to broaden and deepen the dialogue about faith and public life. He is also a board member for "Orientacion Cristiana," and formerly served on the boards of International Teams (www.iteams.org) in Chicago, Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle (mhgs.edu), and Off The Map (off-the-map.org). He has taught or lectured at several seminaries in the U.S. and abroad.

Brian is married to Grace, and they have four young adult children. He has traveled extensively in Europe, Latin America, and Africa, and his personal interests include ecology, fishing, hiking, music, art, and literature.

All services will be conducted October 21-23 on the Anderson University campus. Morning services will be conducted during chapel/convocation at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday in Reardon Auditorium. Evening services will also be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium. The services are free and open to the public.

For more information about Spiritual Emphasis Week, contact the Anderson University office of Spiritual Life and Counseling at 765-641-4203 or cisnyder@anderson.edu.

Source: Anderson University

Fall Clean Up This Saturday, Downtown Cleanup Wednesday

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:58:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The month of October brings cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and two Fall Clean-Up Days in the City of Anderson.

The first, co-sponsored by the City of Anderson and Best Way Disposal, is a communitywide residential clean-up taking place on Saturday October 18 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. As with past cleanups, Athletic Park will be the main collection site for Anderson residents to drop off their large refuse items such as furniture, appliances, and tires.

Tires will be accepted with a $1 per tire fee, necessary to offset the cost of removal. Limb, leaf, and yard waste can be disposed of at the City's Yard and Garden Recycling Center (the former Emge Plant) at 2000 W. 8th St. For pick up of large items, please contact the Street Department at 648-6445 by Friday, October 17.

Businesses will do their part to clean up the City and prepare for winter on Wednesday, October 22, when the City of Anderson and Chamber of Commerce for Anderson & Madison County co-sponsor a Downtown Clean Up from 8:30am-12:30pm. Orientation will be at the Town Center stage.

Chamber members are encouraged to clean up around their own downtown locations as well as assist with the total downtown effort. Volunteers are asked to bring rakes, shovels, brooms, and other items they may wish to use. Refreshments, gloves, and trash bags will be provided.

Source: City of Anderson

Reske Challenges Candidates to Second Public Forum

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:00:50 -0700

Reske also comments on the released tapes

ANDERSON, IN - Today State Representative Scott Reske (D-Pendleton) is asking both of his opponents for State Representative District 37 to join him in a second public forum.

“To direct the focus of this race to real issues, I challenge Kelly Gaskill and Robert Jozwiak to a second public forum where we can discuss the true issues at stake in this election -- jobs, property taxes, high gas prices, and illegal immigration,” said Reske. “I believe that a dignified public forum is what people really want from candidates.”

The Anderson Police Department released tape recordings today that Mike Gaskill used to file an unfounded complaint against Reske.

“The recording clearly shows that the complaint filed against me by the Gaskills is completely without merit and a political stunt,” said Reske. “The Gaskill campaign squandered valuable public resources by needlessly tying up the time of two police agencies for their own political gain.

“The tape demonstrates my honest effort to protect the community from a negative campaign and to ask the Gaskills to a mutual agreement to stay positive. I believe the people of Madison County are short-changed by dishonest campaign stunts such as Gaskills’. I take personal responsibility for all aspects of my campaign, and I encourage Gaskill to do the same.

“It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Madison County and I will always do my best to conduct myself accordingly. I understand the importance of conducting myself with integrity, and I again encourage the Gaskills to do the same.”

Source: Press Release

Anderson Speedway: Night of Thrills

Palehorse — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:53:13 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Speedway delivered on it's self entitled "Night of Thrills" Saturday night, with a pulse raising set of events that left many folks on the edge of their shakey wooden bleacher seating for a large course of the evening.

Events like the Outlaw figure 8's, corkscrew, and school bus figure 8's for both men and women, served to thrill the packed house.

Then we had the trailer figure 8 that was nothing short of dramatic; trucks and cars pulling trailers in a figure 8 with the object being to knock the trailer from the vehicle. The resulting chaos was enthralling and a real crowd pleaser! This event was followed by the rollover; vehicles were intentionally driven onto a ramp designed to roll the vehicle over, with points assigned for the number of rolls. Three attempts each.

The evening's events culminated with the demolition derby; a massive field of carnage not unlike navigating the Dan Ryan expressway in Chicago!

Here are a couple of pics. I apologize for the poor quality, but the venue's lighting negatively impacted my equipment. Combined with the low shutter settings necessary to get these pictures, the shaking bleachers served to mess things up a bit:

Character Counts Celebrates 10 Years in Madison County with Parade, Block Party

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:24:16 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - As part of 'Character Counts Week' in Anderson, Crime Watch put together a large block party for after the annual Character Counts parade. At the festivities, Don Peslis, director of the Center for Character Development at Anderson University, was named a Distinguished Hoosier.

The honor, bestowed by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, was presented to Peslis by Senator Tim Lanane and Representative Terri Austin.

"We live in a community that is built on a foundation of strong values and will continue to build on that foundation well into the future," Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon said in a press release. "Anderson has been a Character Counts! community for 10 years and awareness of the six pillars of character has spread throughout schools, government, and private businesses."

For more information about the Center for Character Development at Anderson University, call (765) 641-3861, or go to www.character-development.org .

Blue Bridge Given Name at Ribbon Cutting

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:10:26 -0700

Joe Royer and Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon cut the ribbon at the Kennedy Crossing dedication and ribbon cutting at the 10th annual Character Counts celebration.

ANDERSON, IN - At a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon gave the 'blue bridge' a name - the John F. Kennedy Bridge of Character or, more commonly, "Kennedy Crossing."

Thousands of people turned out for the 10th Annual Character Counts celebration. A parade crossed the 8th street bridge and made their way to the new pedestrian bridge connecting to Edgewater Park.

After the march and ribbon cutting, Anderson Crime Watch had free food and entertainment at Edgewater Park.

Animal Shelter Closed for Cleaning Next Monday

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 12:26:39 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The Anderson Animal Care and Control Facility will be closed to the public on Monday, October 13 for intensive cleaning.

During that time, no animals will be able to be received or picked up. Normal operating hours will resume on Tuesday morning.

Manager of Anderson Airport Steps Down

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:09:52 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Steve Darlington, Manager of the Anderson Municipal Airport, will step down from his responsibilities beginning Monday, October 6. Two unpaid volunteers will assume the day to day responsibilities of Airport management while a search for a new manager is conducted.

Darlington, who will remain employed at the airport as Maintenance Person, said, “Stepping back from the day to day management of the airport will allow me to enjoy more time with my family and friends. The airport is open all the time, which means this has been a seven day a week job for the last several years”. The Darlington family was the original fixed based operator and partner of the City of Anderson in the creation of the Anderson Municipal Airport in 1960. In 2001, the Board of Aviation Commissioners voted for airport staff to become personnel of the City of Anderson.

Mayor Ockomon stated that the change in leadership would accompany increased interest in development at the airport, “Anderson Municipal Airport is entering an era of real growth and development. The seeds for future development of Aero Park and the Anderson Airport were planted by the Darlington family. Anderson owes this family a debt of gratitude”. Mark Bennett, President of the Board of Aviation Commissioners thanked Mr. Darlington for his many years of service to the Anderson Municipal Airport, adding, “The airport has a bright future and it was started with the Darlington family, and most recently, Steve Darlington”.

Anderson Airport Support Group members and aviators Dave Keller and Ron Smith will share responsibilities of the vacant position on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named. The Board of Aviation Commissioners will conduct an initial search commencing immediately and will present a variety of potential candidates to Mayor Ockomon. Ockomon will later make his recommendation to the Board for their approval. The Board of Aviation Commissioners meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at 4:30 pm in the airport’s board room.

Source: City of Anderson

Lowering the U.S. Flag in Observance of Fallen Firefighters / Fire Prevention Week Oct 5th - 11th

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 17:25:18 -0700

Did you know that the law requires the U.S. flag be lowered in tribute on only a few days each year? Quite appropriately, one of these days is the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the U.S. flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Let your local media know that U.S. flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 5, 2008. This includes the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as buildings in your local community.

Remember to lower the U.S. flags at your home, fire department, and business. Encourage your local community to follow the Federal Government's example. When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and man made emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.

You may also want to ask your state and local officials to include lowering the flag in a proclamation recognizing the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This event starts off Fire Prevention Week where Local Fire Depts all over the country visit schools and pass out information on fire safety. Please help by taking some time during one evening this week and go over a fire escape plan with your families.

You can find information at the National Fire Protection Assn. website at http://www.nfpa.org/ . You can also contact your local fire dept for information. Public fire departments responded to 1,557,500 fires in the U.S. in 2007.

Using the tips and tools from the NFPA will help reduce your chance of being one of the 2008 statistics.

Character Counts celebrates 10 years in Madison County

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 11:27:00 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The Character Counts! (CC!) program will celebrate its 10-year anniversary through a series of special events, October 9 -19. The City of Anderson adopted the Character Counts! (CC!) program in 1998. Scheduled activities will spotlight the growth of Anderson as a CC! community.

“We live in a community that is built on a foundation of strong values and will continue to build on that foundation well into the future,” said Kris Ockomon, mayor of the City of Anderson. “Anderson has been a Character Counts! community for ten years and awareness of the six pillars of character has spread throughout schools, government, and private businesses.”

“What began in one classroom 10 years ago now reaches classrooms throughout Madison County,” said Don Peslis, director of the Center for Character Development at Anderson University. “This celebration is setting the stage for the continuation of this important program for our community and building a foundation for good solid moral character into the future.”

Highlighted among the events are a Block Party that that will dedicate the new Edgewater Park Bridge as well as the “Sandi & Friends, A Celebration of Character” concert hosted by Anderson University at Reardon Auditorium. The week-long celebration schedule includes:

City of Anderson City Ordinance 2008:

Mayor Kris Ockomon will present a city ordinance before the Anderson City Council October 9, 2008, in honor of Character Counts! and character Education in Madison County, the ordinance will recognize 10 years of Anderson as a CC! Community. This council meeting is open to the public. Call Tammy Bowman, City of Anderson, for more information, (765) 648-6009 or tabowman@cityofanderson.com.

CC! 10 Year Celebration, Block Party & City of Anderson Bridge Dedication:
Anderson Community Schools and the City of Anderson will "Cross the Bridge" during a city-wide parade on October 11 that will include a dedication of the new Edgewater Park Bridge. The event will occur from 12 noon - 2 p.m. and involve county school districts, firemen, police officers, sheriff departments and emergency personnel.

City of Anderson CC! Town Hall Meeting:

Anderson Community Schools, the Center for Character Development, and Character Counts of Madison County will join the City of Anderson for a "Town Hall Meeting" featuring comedian/character educator Dr. Mike Thomson on Thursday October 16 at 12 noon in the City Hall Auditorium. This event is free to the public and a reception will precede the event. Call Tammy Bowman, City of Anderson, for more information at (765) 648-6009 or tabowman@cityofanderson.com

CCD Homecoming Concert:

Sandi & Friends, A Celebration of Character!
Gospel music legend Sandi Patty and special guest Patrick Henry Hughes, recently featured on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” will perform with other artists during “Sandi and Friends: A Benefit Celebrating Character” on Sunday, October 19, at 7 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium. Also featured during the concert will be renowned Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen, comedienne Anita Renfroe, and popular speaker/author Patsy Clairmont. All net proceeds from the concert will benefit the Center for Character Development at Anderson University. Tickets are $25 for artist circle, $20 for main floor seating and $17 for balcony. Group purchases of 10 or more tickets are $15. Student tickets (with an ID) are $10. Contact the Reardon Auditorium box office (765-641-4140) or Ticketmaster (service fees apply) atwww.ticketmaster.com.

Founded in 1993 by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, the purpose of the CC! Coalition is to fortify the lives of America’s young people with consensus ethical values called the “Six Pillars of Character.” These values, which transcend divisions of race, creed, politics, gender and wealth, are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Formed in 2000, the mission of The Center for Character Development at Anderson University is to recognize, enhance, teach and sustain positive qualities in the lives of persons in order to promote civility through character development. The intent of this initiative, now a part of the School of Education at AU, is to foster greater understanding and cooperation among individuals and organizations and help develop a positive environment to address issues that will shape the future. For more information about the Center for Character Development at Anderson University call 765-641-3861 or online at www.character-development.org.

Pendleton License Opens in New Downtown Location

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:25:13 -0700

Renovated retail space on Pendleton Street home to new branch

PENDLETON, IN - Ron Stiver, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), today officially opened the new Pendleton License Branch at 129 South Pendleton Avenue in the historic downtown area. The branch has relocated from 753 East Water Street.

The new branch offers a customer-friendly design and layout and includes a public restroom. Before cutting the ribbon with the assistance of branch employees, Stiver commented, "Governor Daniels issued a clear mandate to improve customer service at the BMV. A critical component in doing so has been improving our in-branch service. To-date in 2008, the average customer visit time statewide is eight minutes and 30 seconds, down from 28 minutes just two years ago. Likewise, customer satisfaction in 2008 is at 97 percent, up from 78 percent two years ago. With our new Pendleton branch, and a committed team, I expect service to improve even further for our Madison County customers."

He added, "I am also pleased that through the re-use of this vacated retail space we can be part of the continuing redevelopment of downtown Pendleton."

Stiver also noted that the BMV has implemented a number of new ways for customers to do business with the BMV without visiting a license branch, including improved online services and partnerships with auto dealers, AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Old National Bank. 1.2 million Hoosiers have renewed their registrations online so far in 2008, and more than 100,000 have completed BMV business at a partner dealership.

Source: Indiana BMV

Lilly Endowment gives $375,000 to Anderson University

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:20:16 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson University will receive $375,000 from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc., for a sustaining proposal to provide students more opportunities and incentives to keep them in Indiana upon graduation. The Anderson University sustaining grant proposal approved by the Endowment is entitled, INvision AU. The grant comes from the Endowment’s “Initiative to Promote Opportunity through Educational Collaborations.”

“We have seen the enormous benefits of collaboration with businesses, social service and governmental agencies when we place our students in internships in these settings,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Through this continuing support from Lilly Endowment, we will enhance and extend these efforts and give our students one more reason to begin their careers of distinction right here in Indiana. We are deeply grateful for the trust of another very valuable grant from Lilly Endowment.”

The sustaining grant will bolster $750,000 the university received from the Endowment in 2003 that created the INvision AU program at Anderson University. The activities and initiatives of INvision AU are intended to strengthen and extend programs and relationships that enable AU graduates to find highly desirable jobs in Indiana.

“The Career Development Center and INvision AU provide integral services to students as they consider their transition from education to post graduation employment,” said Dr. Brent Baker, vice president for Student Life. “This grant from Lilly Endowment for the ongoing work of INvision AU truly strengthens our opportunity to do this well and encourages our graduates to find employment in Indiana.”

According to the proposal approved by the Endowment, the following initiatives will be actively pursued by Anderson University:

Create 40 annual internship opportunities with Indiana organizations for AU students.
Develop strong relationships with 25 targeted Indiana organizations through which internship and job opportunities could be available to AU students.
Demonstrate that one start-up or developing organization in a neighboring community will flourish as a consequence of interaction with the INvision AU program.
Create two formal alumni networking events annually on the AU campus where students can network with AU alumni and learn about job opportunities.
Develop a partnership with five Indiana organizations from various industries where AU students will be able to network and learn about job opportunities within the industry.
Offer at least three annual on-campus job fairs in varying industries to AU students.
Demonstrate that at graduation, 75 percent of students involved in INvision AU activities will secure their position of choice in the State of Indiana.

INvision AU is an education-based collaboration among Anderson University and job-creating entities, contributing directly to Indiana's innovation capacity and the creation of "knowledge jobs." For more information visit www.anderson.edu/invision .

Source: Anderson University Press Release

Anderson Airport to Host Rocket Test

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:43:08 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The Anderson Municipal Airport will be the site of a live, static rocket engine test on Saturday, October 11, as the University of Dayton Advanced Rocket Team (UDART) completes static testing of its kerosene-liquid oxygen systems. Anderson based AirBuoyant is the corporate sponsor of the creation of the UDART Rocket.

The UDART Rocket will reach an altitude of 30,000 feet and will carry high altitude measuring equipment when launched. Rick Wills, UDART Team Leader, said the tests completed on October 11 would allow the team to be able to safely ascertain the stability of the thrust of the engines, as well as the pressures of the fuel system during thrust testing. Testing will be fueled by a new fuel mix, a partial bio-fuel, which will also be tested for consistency. The engine for the UDART rocket is a donated Vernier engine from an Atlas rocket.

Pete Bitar of AirBuoyant said, "though the rocket will not actually fly during this test, we are making a big step forward with UDART's systems tests. The Anderson Municipal Airport is now dipping its toes into the pool that is aerospace and this may lead to building inter-state project development experience which will help attract cutting-edge, new technology companies to Anderson and also open up the community's horizons to our possible economic future".

Bitar became involved with the UDART rocket project through another scientific connection with UDART team leader Rick Willis. The two are team members of Team LunaTrex, now competing for the Google Lunar X Prize- a reward of $30 million to the first team to complete a mission to land a rover on the moon, travel on the lunar surface, and transmit HD video to Earth.

Mayor Kris Ockomon said of the UDART testing, "This project is tailor made for Anderson, as it exemplifies the commonalities between advanced manufacturing, engineering, and business incubation offered here, and showcases Anderson's welcoming environment for these projects at Aero Park and the Anderson Municipal Airport".

Source: City of Anderson

Delays Possible at Anderson City Utilities

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:51:35 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - If you're headed toward City Hall to pay your utility bill, you may want to schedule a little extra time. Due to new software, things are running a little slower than normal.

Also, if you've received a bill saying the balance was due on the same day you got the bill, you may want to read the rest of the bill. It says you have an extra 10 days to pay due to a mailing error.

If you're heading downtown to pay, bring along a little extra time and some patience. Remember that the staff is doing as much as they can to deal with the transition.

Run 4 Jesus Coming to Anderson

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:05:54 -0700

By Kate Habegger

College students spend countless hours doing homework and studying for exams to make their dreams come true someday but for one 21-year-old, her dream is becoming a reality this upcoming month.

Erica Tausch, a senior at Anderson University, will put on a 5K run/walk race called "Run 4 Jesus" where a hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the street children of West Africa to build educational institutions and community living beginning at Athletic Park at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18.

The idea of the race started when Tausch traveled to Africa the summer of her high school senior year and was exposed to the impoverished conditions of the children.

"By meeting those people, I experienced a real situation where people are literally starving. Even though we see these situations on television, it's another thing to see it in person and this is where I saw where a change was necessary. You can't go to a country like Africa and leave unchanged, " Tausch said.

This experience challenged Tausch to think of a way to give back to those children but she also wanted to involve the community of Anderson to educate them about third world living conditions.

"People have been living next door to each other for years and don't know anything about one another. Through this race, people can work together to achieve a similar goal. Having a chance to meet your neighbors as well as change a child's life is a worthwhile event," Tausch said.

Getting the community involved isn't only important to Tausch but also from her mentor, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Business Mark Motluck.

"We, as Christians, have a responsibility to support those in need. We are our brothers keeper. I cannot think of a group that could use our help more than African orphans. Without our support and involvement, they have virtually no chance to survive," Motluck said.

The race will also give Anderson locals a chance to give back globally and to serve as a community to another.

"People are always saying they want to be involved but never know how or when to start. The time is now, and how you can make a difference is by participating in this race. A community can make a difference and this can happen by one person stepping up and being an agent of change," Tausch said.

Not only is participating in the race important but being educated on the issue is key.

"The race allows the community to come together for a great cause. It also allows us to educate the community, and especially the children of our community to the plight of the children of Africa. Perhaps it will ignite the spark in others to take on the cause of the needy children," Motluck said.

Registration for "Run 4 Jesus" is at 8 a.m. at Athletic Park off of 8th Street in downtown Anderson. For more information on this event and registration, go torun4jesus.net.

Local BMX Team Owner To Retire

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:13:29 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Wallace BMX Team Owner Steve Wallace will retire after his team members Jake Evans, Kalis Poskie and Sonny Poskie pick up their championship awards this Saturday September 27, for the 2008 outdoor season.

Wallace who has owned his own team since 2003 said his retirement was due to his physical condition with 'Dystonia,' a rare nerve disorder.

During his time as team owner his team has won local, regional, state, national and world championships. His Team Members have been in numerous BMX magazines and newspapers over the years for all their accomplishments in racing.

"I love racing and helping kids succeed in a sport I used to do in the early 80's," Wallace said in a press release. "This has been a very hard decision for me to make but a good one for me right now. BMX is a fun family sport that I hope everybody will try someday. It helped keep me out of trouble when I was younger. I will miss running my own team"

Source: Press Release

Fall Burning Season to Begin October 1st, end November 30

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:55:30 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The fall burning season for the City of Anderson, Indiana will begin on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 and will end on Sunday, November 30^th, 2008. Residents of the City of Anderson will be allowed to burn wood products and leaves on their personal property if the following guidelines are followed:

-Only clean dry wood or leaves may be burned.

-All burning is to be conducted in a non-combustible container with solid enclosed sides and ventilation near the bottom edges of the container, such as a metal 55-gallon drum with holes drilled near the bottom edge of the container.

-The fire must be attended at ALL times.

-A means to extinguish the fire must be readily available.

-All burning must be extinguished by 6 PM.

-If the burning creates a nuisance or hazard, it must be extinguished.

-Open burning on the ground is not permitted in the State of Indiana.

Violations of the city's open burning regulations can carry a civil penalty of up to $2,500.00 per violation.

If there are any questions regarding the open burning regulations, please contact the City of Anderson Air Management Division at (765) 648-6158.