By Aleasha Sandley, for The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON — As Anderson businessman Barry Sharp’s plane rumbled down the taxiway at Anderson Municipal Airport on Friday, the crowd gathered in the frigid air at the end of the taxiway watched as history was made. Sharp’s plane, which also carried Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon and two other passengers, was the first to use the airport’s relocated Taxiway A — an $8.9 million project consisting of four phases. The plane lifted off from the airport around 9:30 a.m. after a ribbon cutting signaling the opening of the taxiway. The event was precluded by aviation officials speaking on the importance of the airport to the community.
Federal Aviation Administration Chicago Office Manager Jim Keefer said general aviation airports, such as the one in Anderson, did not serve only wealthy people with private jets. “If airports were just for those folks, I wouldn’t be here in front of you, the federal government wouldn’t be involved in airports,” said Keefer, who oversees airport grants for Indiana and Illinois. “The main purpose of this type of airport is for business development. “This airport serves you all whether you know it or not, and it serves every person in this community whether they know it or not.”
Kevin Rector of the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation said Anderson would be handicapped in the area of economic development without its airport. “People don’t realize that airports are not renewable resources,” he said. “The closing of any airport really sends the message that this community is no longer open for business. Without this airport, these dollars would be spent in some other city’s economy.”
Bart Giesler of the Aviation Association of Indiana said that organization performs an economic impact study of the airport every two years. The study determines the direct impact, including the jobs and money made at the airport itself, and indirect impact, which involves money spent in the community by those who use the airport. Further, the study finds the induced impact of the airport, including jobs created throughout the community as a result of the money being spent by airport users. Finally, it shows the transportation cost savings, which includes the time and money saved by flying into the Anderson airport. Airport Manager Lori Curless said the airport had eight businesses on site, which employed 34 people, not including employees of the airport itself. According to the AAI’s study, the Anderson airport has $4.9 million in direct and indirect impact combined.
The airport has almost $3.1 million in induced impact, and $690,000 in transportation savings cost, according to the study. The relocated taxiway was a result of new federal standards that encouraged airports to move taxiways and other obstacles that were within the “runway safety area.” The total cost of the project was about $8.9 million, including $8.46 million from the FAA, $222,500 from INDOT and $222,500 from the city. For every $1 the city invested in the project, it received $39 in federal and state funds.
Local businesses received $5.9 million of the investment for doing the work on the project, which included new parallel alignment, LED taxiway lights, guidance signs, airfield vault work, lightning suppression network and drainage. Ockomon said some people in Anderson didn’t believe the airport would be successful. “We will be an airport that will thrive and survive,” he said.
From the newsletter of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Indiana:
It was the coldest day of the year Friday Dec 4th at Athletic Park in Anderson, but all the people involved with The Amazing Share had warm hearts and were glowing with concern and care for others. Over 60,000 pounds of food was distributed to 955 families in a special tailgate event for hungry residents of Madison County.
Each family received potatoes, apples, milk, bread, hominy and granola bars. Red Gold handed out tomatoe products.
Santa distributed stuffed animals to all the children, moving around the park in a fire truck. The hundreds of teddy bears and toys were transported to the park by Two Men and a Truck. Boy Scouts prepared informational packets.
Volunteers came from throughout the community including from The City of Anderson, Operation Love, Pay Less Supermarkets, Anderson University, St. John's Health Center and Emergency Management. Anderson Rentals also collaborated to make this an amazing event.
While families received much needed food assistance, another line called a reverse tailgate was in place for donations of food and cash. Nestle provided hot chocolate for all prepared at the Christian Center by Daniel Troup. On the Go Espresso at Community Hospital covered the coffee. WLBC, WERK, WHBU, WMDH and WQME braved the cold to warm hearts and provide live coverage of the event.
More than $2500 was raised to provide food for meals and many pounds of food was donated. Lead gifts were received from Kroger and The Madison County Fire Rescue House. A large food donation was delivered by BackYard Broadcasting. Our sincere thanks to all those mentioned above and to Mayor Kris Ockomon, Skip Ockomon, Tammy Bowman, Nita Weidner, Chris Martin, Coco Bill and Pay Less Supermarkets, Dick Wiley and Frank Dick of the City of Anderson for all their support during the event.
Seeing all this come together in such a special way touched our hearts but one story brought tears to everyone's eyes. A small boy rode his bike to Athletic Park and asked if he could take food home to surprise his mother. Although he was sure he could carry all that food on his little bike, he was loaded with his bike and his food onto the fire truck and "special delivered" to his home sitting beside Mayor Ockomon with fireman Skip at the wheel. His mother was shocked to see a shiny red fire engine pull up in front of their home. He said "am I in trouble"? Tears came to her eyes as she was told where her son had gone. She was thankful and felt blessed for the food and the special delivery.
We hear and see stories like this at every tailgate we do in every county we serve and feel thankful and blessed that we are able to operate the Tailgate Program with the help of our sponsors and donors.
Water Pollution Control employee Rose Adams Whitehead recently received the Water Environment Federation’s Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award at the 73rd Annual Conference of the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) held November 17-19, 2009 in Indianapolis. This award is presented to recognize an individual for outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis process. “Rose has worked tirelessly over the years, reaching out to facilities that need help and we appreciate her enthusiasm and dedication to the laboratory profession,” says WEF delegate and past IWEA president Lynn Brabec.
Whitehead recently celebrated her 30th year of employment with the City of Anderson.
City of Anderson Dedicates New Water Well
Project Will Provide Capacity to System, Ensure Future Development
ANDERSON, Ind. -- City leaders dedicated a new water well today on the grounds of the Madison County Equestrian Club. The well is expected to produce 2 million gallons of water per day, bringing excess capacity to 3.5 million gallons per day.
"It is true that everything that grows needs water, and that holds true not just for plants and animals, but for cities. Our city is poised for future development with the water utility capacity provided by this new well”, Mayor Kris Ockomon announced to those assembled; “by making an investment in our infrastructure, we are making an investment in our future.”
The well was named the Hanna Well, after 43 year water department veteran employee James Hanna, whose family attended the dedication ceremony and unveiled a plaque honoring Mr. Hanna for his dedication to public service.
The Hanna Well is a tubular type well, reaching 125 feet deep and measuring 24 inches in diameter. It has a full propane powered auxiliary generator, which eliminates the risk of groundwater contamination from traditional diesel fuel generators. The Hanna Well was designed by Robert E. Curry and Associates and constructed by M.K. Betts Engineering for a total bid price of $313,414.00
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Fallen leaves are accumulating on the lawns, sidewalks, and streets of the City. The proper way to dispose of those leaves is simple and good for the environment!
- Leaves are to be placed either in biodegradable paper bags or waste receptacles placed curbside with the lid left open.
- Leaves will be picked up the day after regular trash collection, beginning at 5am.
- Leaf pickup will continue until December 15.
- Citizens may dispose of leaves, grass clippings, weeds, bushes, and branches under 3” in diameter. Branches must be bundled and tied in lengths not over four feet long.
Please contact Best Way Disposal at 649-7272 with additional questions regarding Fall Leaf Pick Up.
…
Also consider using The City’s Yard & Garden Recycling Center, which accepts clean leaves and grass. Recycling woody debris, leaves and grass keeps these items out of landfills and out of our storm water system.
Limbs and brush can be dropped off at a fee of $15 per pickup truck load. Yard wastes must be loose, in biodegradable bags, or free of trash.
The Yard and Garden Recycling Center offers specials on high-quality mulch and compost. Leaf compost can be used as organic mulch on the soil surface in place of peat moss or straw to control weeds and keep soil moist and friable. Compost is produced by a natural decomposition of leaves brought in from homes in our community. Because we work with large piles, heat is generated during the decomposition which kills insects and weed seeds. We add nothing to enhance the product or hasten the process. The mulch is made from limbs and small trees dropped off at the center, then ground twice and screened. Prices are: Mulch $10.00/cubic yard; AAA leaf compost $ 10.00/cubic yard.
The City’s Yard and Garden Recycling Center is located at the former Emge site, located at 2000 West 8th Street, in Anderson. The center is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8am-2pm (closed for lunch from 11am-noon). Call 648-6399 with any questions about the Yard and Garden Recycling program.
At first glance, a crowded room full of more than fifty young adults eagerly trading pieces of candy might not seem like a lesson in business. At the kick-off meeting of the Madison County Young Professionals Group (MCYPG), however, that is exactly what it was. The exercise was used as a hands-on demonstration of networking and set the stage for an evening of entertaining and educational experiences.
The October 8th meeting was the first of a continued series of monthly forums, designed to create opportunities for young professionals in Anderson and Madison County to network in order to develop professionally and personally. In attendance were a diverse group of individuals from the community, including business owners, CEO’s, marketing directors, stylists, job seekers, students, and more. The MCYPG has no age cap, and welcomes all who “think young” and want to participate as mentors.
Featured as keynote speaker for the night was Falls School of Business professor Dr. Wendell Seaborne. Seaborne shared a lecture on networking tips and tricks. Troy Jones, an AU MBA student and Mid Indiana Associate Director for the American Cancer Society, says the experience was both unique and beneficial. “It was a great opportunity for young professionals in the area to get together to network and meet each other,” says Jones, “because on a daily basis we often do not get the chance to connect with people who are already next door. It was a just a great time to get to connect with people that we don’t get to on a daily basis.”
Sherri Fields, Anderson University MBA Recruiter and Public Relations Director, explains the potential she sees for the group. “Madison County is filled with opportunities for young professionals,” she says. “We can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond and have many opportunities open to us that are not possible in a larger market. We now have a group that we can use to share opportunities, continue our education and build solid professional relationships.”
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, nursing, education and theology. Falls School of Business is one of Anderson University’s largest academic departments offering eight undergraduate majors as well as MBA and DBA programs. The school is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is a member of the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA).
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 Saturday, October 31 from 5:30-8pm.
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!
Click
here for tips for safe Trick or Treating provided by the Anderson Police Department.
City of Anderson Breaks Ground on Wastewater Treatment Improvements
Project Will Protect White River, Improve Energy Efficiency
ANDERSON, Ind. -- City leaders broke ground today on the first phase of wastewater treatment plant improvements required to meet a federal order and comply with the Clean Water Act. State and federal grant and loan funds will help finance the $8.5 million project. "This project will protect the White River from pollution by replacing aging equipment and improving the plant’s performance, energy efficiency and reliability," Greg Graham, Chairman of the City’s Board of Public Works, said. "We are protecting the river for our children and grandchildren, while also meeting state and federal requirements."
The project is part of Anderson’s $161 million, 20-year plan to reduce raw sewage overflows to the White River. About 75 times a year, Anderson's sewers are overwhelmed by incoming rainwater or melting snow, causing untreated sewage to overflow into the White River. The frequency of overflows depends upon the weather, with more overflows occurring during wet, rainy years. Combined sewers were an accepted practice in their day, but they fall short of meeting today's clean water requirements.
This project will enable the treatment plant to accept more wet-weather flow in the coming years, as the City reduces raw sewage overflows and captures more wastewater. The project will be financed through a $5.1 million grant and $3.4 million low-interest loan from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Indiana State Revolving Fund.
Anderson owns two water pollution control facilities: one on Gene Gustin Way and another located on Dewey Street. The two plants work together to treat 16 million gallons of wastewater from homes and businesses in an average day, and up to 34 million gallons during wet weather. The city’s long-term plan requires increasing treatment capacity to 54 million gallons per day.
A federal consent decree requires Anderson to stop releasing raw sewage into the White River from the Dewey Street plant entrance. To meet federal requirements, the city must add a backup pump that can operate when a pump is out of service for maintenance or repairs. The two existing pumps, which were built in the 1970s, are not energy efficient and need to be replaced.
-building new screens and an energy-efficient pump station at the entrance of the Dewey Street plant to ensure there’s enough capacity to bring sewer flows into the plant during wet weather
-adding diesel stand-by electricity generators at both the Dewey Street and Gene Gustin Way plants so they can operate during power outages
-replacing switchgear and building a storage pad for grit and street sweeping debris
-building a new receiving station for septic tank waste
To meet space needs and federal requirements for access for the disabled, this project also includes a new administrative and laboratory building. Additional wastewater treatment plant improvements will be required in the future to meet all Clean Water Act requirements.
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Fall foliage will soon be at its peak in Anderson, and not long after, leaves will accumulate on the lawns, sidewalks, and streets of the City. Citizens can dispose of the leaves they rake through Best Way Disposal, as outlined below:
- Citizens may dispose of leaves, grass clippings, weeds, bushes, and branches under 3” in diameter. Branches must be bundled and tied in lengths not over four feet long.
- Leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags (available from local home improvement stores), in their own waste receptacle, or in the Best Way trash bins, placed curbside with the lid left open.
- Leaves will be picked up the day after regular trash collection, beginning at 5am.
- Leaf pickup will continue until December 15.
Please contact Best Way Disposal at 649-7272 with additional questions regarding Fall Leaf Pick Up.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009, Anderson Indiana Main Street (AIMS) will kick off a NEW POWER LUNCH SERIES! “Power Lunch” is a new series of informative monthly, lunch seminars held on a rotating basis throughout downtown restaurants or establishments. Each month, a speaker will enlighten and educate the downtown group on educational, business, safety or quality of life improvements for the betterment of downtown Anderson and/or businesses.
In an effort to encourage people to support downtown restaurants and gain valuable expertise on a variety of fields, AIMS will host the Power Lunch on the 2nd Thursday of each month. There will be a one hour presentation with a question and answer period afterwards. All presentations are FREE, while lunch, snacks or specials may be ordered from the menus at the participant’s cost. (RSVP’s are encouraged, due to limited seating at restaurants). Times, dates and places may change, see specific details each month.
Anderson Police Department’s, Stan Young, will discuss “Setting up a Crime Watch Program in Downtown Anderson” at the first Power Lunch session. Theft, vandalism, graffiti and other demeaning acts gone unchecked could turn steal the vibrance from our downtown. By forming a Downtown crime watch program, we can encourage downtown businesses to get involved, keep Anderson safe, attract more people to downtown and keep it looking great. This particular session will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp and be held at Bickel’s Café, 21 W. 8th Street, downtown Anderson.
The Power Luncheon series will continue throughout the remainder of 2009.
Andrew Heart, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, will discuss ways to “keep Anderson beautiful and obtain volunteers to do this” on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 1 p.m. (Place still to be determined). Don Smith, Star Financial, will discuss “keeping children and businesses safe on CYBER SPACE”.
For additional information or RSVP:
(Anderson, Indiana)— Ivy Tech Community College has identified a parcel of land adjacent to Interstate 69 in Anderson as the location for a new college campus. The 40 acre tract is located on the North side of I-69 just West of Exit 26. Ivy Tech is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution with more than 130,000 students enrolled annually. Anderson is located in Ivy Tech’s East Central Region, which has experienced a 23 percent increase in enrollment in the past five years; the current Anderson campus has enrollment of 2600 students, an increase of 15 percent from last fall.
Ivy Tech hopes to build a 85,000 square foot building on the selected parcel of land, which will better accommodate its current student body and have room to grow into future projections. Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon said, “Anderson’s Ivy Tech campus has grown so consistently that it has actually outgrown its existing campus as well as the additional space that has been secured for overflow classroom space. The new interstate location will draw even more students to Ivy Tech in Anderson, and Ivy Tech will be ready for them with a convenient location, ample classroom space, and a curriculum designed for emerging workforce needs.”
Ivy Tech’s East Central Region offers 38 associates degrees and technical certificates in more than 80 specialties in six schools: Business, Health Sciences, Public & Social Services, Education, Technology and Liberal Arts & Sciences. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. Ivy Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Ivy Tech has a direct impact of over $705 million in Indiana and provides over 9,900 jobs and $296.4 million in total salary and wages.
The selected site of the new Ivy Tech Anderson campus is owned by Paddy Jamerson. Jamerson has agreed to sell 40 acres to the Anderson Redevelopment Commission (ARC) at a cost well below market rate, to be paid over a five year period. The ARC would, in turn, donate the land to Ivy Tech to meet the statewide policy of a community investment in new campuses. The cost of the land would be paid through TIF funds. Ivy Tech Chancellor Gail Chesterfield praised the community effort that led to the agreement, saying, “The beneficiaries of this potential donation will be the citizens of Anderson and Madison County. We are pleased that the City of Anderson and the Anderson Redevelopment Commission are working with us to help address our need to accommodate our ever increasing student population with educational programs that will help educate and train a workforce for 21st century skills.”
Ivy Tech’s new Anderson campus would create $20 million in new investment, and provide Anderson and Madison County will an ongoing pool of educated and skilled workers for new and developing jobs. Full-time enrollment at the Anderson campus has increased 152 percent from 2005-2007 and is projected to grow to 3,400 by 2013. Ninety percent of its students currently have strong roots in the community and plan to continue to work and live in Madison County.
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Joe Nuce, of Anderson Municipal Light and Power, has been recognized by his professional colleagues as this year’s recipient of the “Bryan James Osbon Apprentice Lineman of the Year Award”, presented by the Indiana Municipal Electric Association (IMEA) last night at the IMEA Fall Conference Banquet.
Nuce completed the bookwork portion of has apprenticeship twelve months ahead of schedule while achieving a 93.4% average. In January of 2009, he went to Owensboro, Kentucky was 5 other employees of Anderson Municipal Light and Power to assist in the restoration process following a devastating ice storm. He worked 16 hour days doing an excellent job in extremely tough conditions and earning a great deal of experience in extreme conditions. He has shown himself to be a role model and teacher for younger apprentices and is viewed by his supervisors and peers as a great apprentice with a great future in the industry.
Congratulations, Joe Nuce. Your service to the City of Anderson and the customers of Anderson Municipal Light and Power benefit us all.
The Anderson Business Incubator (ABI) currently has limited space available for start-up businesses needing office or light manufacturing space. In addition to the square-footage, the ABI offers meeting rooms, networking opportunities, business counseling and mentoring resources, and a convenient downtown location.
If you are serious about getting your own business started, contact:
DeWayne Landwehr (765-622-0800 or dewayne@flagshipenterprise.org)
or
Pat McCune (765-648-6389, 765-622-0100 or pat@flagshipenterprise.org)
(Anderson, Indiana)— The community based committee for the City of Anderson Economic Development Quality of Life Fund, has announced the award of $190,095 to nineteen not for profit organizations throughout the City of Anderson. Mayor Kris Ockomon announced the dispersal of funds to not for profits through the establishment of the fun in January 2009. The appointed committee was convened, determined the fund guidelines, solicited applications, and scored the applications, all under the supervision of the Madison County Community Foundation. Mayor Kris Ockomon lauded the process as “fair, transparent, and caring.” The Quality of Life fund was established with $200,000 in funds derived from the local 1% Food and Beverage Tax. A committee of seven community members was appointed by the Mayor (3), City Council (2), Chamber of Commerce for Anderson & Madison County (1) and Anderson/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (1). Committee chairperson Rod Autrey announced the awards, which are as follow:
Anderson University and Flagship Enterprise Center $6000 Executive Spotlight Seminars
Sowers of Seeds Counseling $5000 Relapse Prevention Program
Alternatives $25000 Kid Connection
Paramount Heritage Foundation $10000 Arts Alive!
Honor our Children $4200 eCivis for 14 agencies
Anderson YMCA $25000 KidZone after school care
Court Appointed Special Advocates $1295 Parent/Caregiver education
Second Harvest Food Bank $17150 Backpack Program
Madison County Literacy Coalition $12000 3 Rs for Literacy
Anderson Center for the Arts $7500 Fresh! Refreshed
Urban League $10000 Educational Support
Salvation Army $15000 Crusader’s Sports
Central Indiana Powwow $4950 Andersontown Powwow
Black Expo $5000 Summer Festival
Anderson Symphony Orchestra $10000 Patriotic Concert
The Christian Center $11000 Client Tracking System
Students in Free Enterprise $5000 Second Chance
Healthy, Tobacco Free Madison County $10000 Tobacco Cessation
Character Counts! $6000 Partnering with Parents
Approximately 200 people attended the award luncheon at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The luncheon was hosted by Anderson First Lady Ann Ockomon and structured as a benefit to raise funds to be reinvested in the City’s Quality of Life fund. Nearly $2500 was raised for the fund through luncheon sponsorships and attendance. Earlier in the summer, Saint John’s Health System donated $10,000 to the fund. Ann Ockomon commented that her goal with the luncheon was to lend support to “a solution that could provide for an array of community needs.”
The Mission of the Quality of Life fund is to provide financial support to not for profit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of Anderson, Indiana.
The fund fulfills this mission by:
- Making philanthropic grants in response to community needs for economic development, arts and culture, health and human services.
- Convening a leadership committee for making grant recommendations that are inclusive and representative of community demographics
The National Day of Service and Remembrance, a result of the Serve Americ
a Bill written by Senators Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch and signed into law by President Barack Obama in April, was marked in Anderson today by Mayor Kris Ockomon, residents, and public safety personnel from throughout Madison County.
The mission and purpose of the Day of Service and Remembrance is “to honor the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by annually rekindling the spirit of service, tolerance, and compassion that unified America and the world in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.”
The group assembled at the Fire Rescue House, a structure being built with volunteer labor and generous private donations to extend the rescue of victims of fire throughout Madison County from the fire scene through the critical first few weeks after the fire. The land has been prepared, the foundation built, and the walls erected on the structure. Work is expected to be completed on September 29.
Mayor Ockomon encouraged all citizens to take time today to remember the impact on our country and on our emotions as our country was attacked eight years ago on this date. He asked citizens “not just to remember, to use those stirred passions to fuel our efforts to serve our fellow man through work on projects such as the Fire Rescue House or any other service project that touches your heart and heals your spirit.”
Deb Kemp, nominated by Russ Willis
Deb has worked for Payless Markets for 18 years and been Deli Department Manager for 15 years. She is friendly and always smiling and doesn't cringe when the Weights & Measures Inspector shows up to check scales and packages. She readily corrects any problems and follows up with any needed employee instruction. She does her job day after day, meets people with a helpful attitude. She is truly an asset to our City.
Rip Payne, posthumous, by Steve Priser
Rip Brought home and business security to citizens through his work at Sonitrol. He developed a working relationship with Police and Fire departments that helped secure both first responders and citizens in need.
Alfred ( Fritz) Behren, nominated by Tom Brewer
Fritz owned and operated a highly successful business ( Behrens Paint Spot) and is known by all as a contributing member of this community through his church, social functions and even a stint on the Board of Public Works.
Helen Poole, nominated by Floyd Edwards
Mrs. Helen Poole is Director of the Urban League's Head Start Program. She has the compassion and the drive to provided the special services that inspire the pre-school students and her staff. She quietly supports many local organizations and works to bring racial harmony through teaching diversity in the classrooms of Head Start. Her staff and volunteers respect her ability to lead with compassion.
Leonard Austin, nominated by Dick Wiley
Mr. Austin was a dedicated educator and Dean at Anderson Community Schools and took personal interest in students in need. He is personally responsible for guiding countless lives in the right direction.
Chaplain Connie Dailey, nominated by Pam Stafford
Chaplain Dailey of the Madison County Jail is my nominee. I have had the privilege of knowing Connie through attending the same church and working with the jail ministry. Connie has been instrumental in formation of the Sister 2 Sister ministry. They received a grant to get this program started and are already seeing great results in the lives of women being released who come to the program.
Rosetta Minnefield, nominated by Fred Reese
Rosetta Minnefield is a great community activist currently serving as the board chair of Madison County Community Health Center and also holds the office of first vice president of the Madison County branch of the NAACP.
Ed Rutter, nominated by John Connell
Ed is a World War ll veteran who landed in Europe,10 days after D-Day and marched across France participating in the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Metz, and the Battle St. Lo. Following the war he attended pharmacy school and has been a pharmacist since 1950, retiring at the age of 83 in 2007. He is a member of the Madison County Literacy Coalition, Noon Kiwanis, and the Huntsville Good Sheppard Church. Ed is also the President of the Charleston Commons Condominium Association.
John Johnson, nominated by Mike Spyers
Since the first river cleanup by the White River Watchers in 1997, John Johnson has been at the forefront of the organization’s activities, demonstrating a spirit of volunteerism, community service and environmental stewardship. He’s taken a leadership role with the White River Watchers and has done an outstanding job of helping the organization to achieve so much.
Cheryl Forman, nominated by Merle Jones
Cheryl does outstanding work at Southdale Towers Apartments. Cheryl donates her time and money to help the residents. Cheryl plays games, brings in food, and donates prizes. Cheryl cares deeply and is a friend to all the residents at Southdale Towers.
Gene Sample, otherwise known as K9RPZ, nominated by Frank Dick
Gene is a ham radio operator and “scratch” radio builder who has shared his love of this communication form with others and inspired youth and adults alike to achieve a remarkable technical literacy. His work has also helped secure citizens during emergency operations and severe weather events.
Debbie Condon, nominated by Dave Clendenen
Debbie is president of the Firefighters Lady Auxiliary, a group that provides aid and comfort to firefighters on the scene. She was on my first fire scene, and I can personally attest to the impact of having cold towels, hydration, and comfort on the scene after emerging from a blazing attic on a 90 degree day.
Dave Grimes, nominated by Nara Manor
Dave Grimes is with M.K. Betts. I have had occasion to call Dave at midnight on the weekend to get Betts employees here for problems at the plant. He never complains about the late night calls or the demands that are put upon him and the company. In addition to this when Betts with Dave in the lead get a large project with us that means smooth sailing! They are responsive to problems or concerns and always make their work right.
Mary Jamerson, nominated by Linda Dawson
Mary is the CEO of Myers Autoworld and a major cheerleader for Anderson. She serves on many boards and is extremely active in the community. She sponsors the annual Athena Recognition Program that acknowledges outstanding business women in the community. Mary not only gives of her time and efforts but financially supports worthy activities. Business people like Mary are a major component to successful economic development efforts.
Mark Bennett, nominated by Lori Brown
My nominee is Mark Bennett. He has served on the Airport Board of Aviation Commissioners since January 2008, and has a constant supporter for the airport and its staff. He has assisted above and beyond his term as Board President has required, and has aided with tenant negotiations, working to acquire charter service, and other airport operations. He is an asset to the airport and community alike.
Cliff Ritchey, nominated by Tammy Bowman
Cliff is one of Anderson’s very promising young artists. In addition to his skill as a professional photographer, he has an exciting vision for the community’s future and is passionate about working to achieve it. Essentially, Cliff is a storyteller. He is able to capture images that say more than words- and he is interested in using his talent to tell Anderson’s story.
Mary Lou Shepherd and Elizabeth Dolenski, nominated by Heather Ridenour and Maleah Stringer
Animal Care and Control would like to recognize two individuals from St. John’s Health System: Mary Lou Shepherd, Continuous Quality Improvement Analyst, and Elizabeth Dolenski, Mission Services Coordinator. These ladies have been instrumental in raising awareness for our shelter. During the month of May they organized a week long fund raising campaign at the hospital with events such as pet photo contest, daily meet and greets with animals from the shelter on the patio, and promoted fostering and volunteer programs for AACC. We have followed up by hosting monthly Doggy Ice Cream Social's on hospital grounds (for every cone sold $1 goes to AACC). They are currently doing small internal fund raisers to purchase the shelter a set of animal scales. In the up coming months they will be recognizing those employees who have personally committed to helping the homeless animals in our shelter by adopting or fostering. As of today our partnership has successfully saved 20 animals who may not have otherwise made it out. These two women have been so supportive of our efforts and raising awareness within the hospital. We are hoping to grow our relationships with other area businesses just as we have with St. John's. This relationship would not have been established or made possible without the efforts of these two women! They are continually looking for ways to help save more animals. In Oct they are also planning a food/supply drive for the shelter.
LPN Linda Springer and Linda Stohler, nominated by Darron Sparks
An individual had been stabbed and was bleeding profusely when he was noticed by Linda Stohler, busy doing yard work. In a situation where many people would panic or flee, she stopped the person and got the assistance of a nurse in the neighborhood, Linda Springer. They applied a tourniquet and stabilized the man until an ambulance arrived, certainly saving the young man’s life.
Cathy Boerner, nominated by Robin Allmann
Cathy has spent the last nine years volunteering for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra in a plethora of ways, the last four as the acting secretary. One particular set of events she has worked on are the "Summer Concerts in the Park". Along with her husband, children, and grandchildren, Boerner helps serve Thanksgiving meals to the underprivileged and donates pumpkins to the children at Alternatives Inc. In fact, her eldest granddaughter asks for donation to the humane society in lieu of birthday gifts. We are very lucky to have people like this in our community.
Willard Johnson, nominated by Michael Widing
The reason I have chosen Willard Johnson with Johnson's Lawn Service is due to the fact that all summer long he has gone above and beyond his duties as a weed contractor for the City of Anderson. There was one property that needed shrubs cut back from the right of way so that it was not obstructing vehicles’ view. Mr. Johnson cut the shrubs that day and then decided not to bill the city. He is always very professional and kind. I consider the City of Anderson to be lucky to have Mr. Johnson as on of our weed contractors.
Tony Canaday and Sherrill Allred, by Greg Graham
Canaday and Allred are closely involved in Man 4 Man Ministries, a group that does a valuable service to a population in need, in particular, the reentry population. Their work helps to ensure that people who reenter society after serving jail time have the capacity to function in society through literacy, job skills, and interpersonal relationships.
Marilynn Collier-Mathis, nominated by Tim Lanane
Marilynn is the owner/founder of Indigo Kids Day Care. As an unemployed single mother she was determined to share her own home as a safe place to play, learn, love and nurture. She now has five locations throughout our community, serving the families of over 100 kids and employing 13 persons and volunteers. She considers her business to be a ministry that offers a caring Christian environment. Among her various programs for kids is after school mentoring, which has helped improve grades for many school age kids. Marilynn is an entrepreneur, whose hard work and persistence has built a successful business and provides our city with a very special commodity: quality, caring and trustworthy child care. Marilynn may not make the papers daily, but she daily is doing something special for our city.
Jo E. Bagley, nominated by Sharon Walters
Jo, with J&J Printing, provides accurate, timely, friendly service at a moment’s notice, which ultimately helps the City function in a more accurate, timely, and friendly way.
Jim Steele, nominated by Karen Carpenter
Jim is a former City Controller of the City of Anderson, the City of Indianapolis, and has been the President of the Indianapolis Water Company. I had the privilege of working for Jim prior to becoming the Anderson City Controller, and can say that I learned the job from the best. You can trust Jim and his financial wisdom; wisdom he has generously used for the public good.
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 a fourth round of sales. The bricks will be available now through September 30, 2009. Approximately 70 more spaces for bricks in the original brick areas at the Veterans’ Commons at Shadyside Memorial Park have been made available. The bricks will cost $125 each and may be purchased through the Parks Department at 101 East Oak Street. Bricks will be inscribed with the Veteran’s name, branch of service, and dates of active service, all facts can 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 (101 E. Oak Street) Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
With the Mayor’s support, the City of Anderson Community Development Department and Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking at 1915 and 1921 Hendricks Street. This ground breaking represent the fourteenth and fifteenth housing units constructed by Habitat for Humanity in Madison County and a second partnership between the City and Habitat.
The units will include three bedrooms, detached garages and energy star certification upon completion. This project strives to meet the Mayor's goal for an improved quality of life for all citizens as well as the Community Development department’s goal of providing safe, decent and sanitary housing.
Grant awards from the City of Anderson's Economic Development Quality of Life fund, established earlier this year, are set to be awarded at a luncheon to take place at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino on September 23. First Lady Ann Ockomon will host the luncheon. Proceeds from the event will be reinvested into the fund for future awards. The public is welcome to attend. Advance sale tickets and sponsorships are available. Please see details, below:
Dear Friend of Anderson:
I would like to invite you to attend an upcoming luncheon to benefit the newly established “Economic Development Quality of Life fund” that has been set up to provide program funds to Anderson not for profit organizations which have submitted winning grant proposals.
The first round of awards will be announced at the luncheon, and all proceeds from the event, including the $15 ticket price, will be reinvested into the fund for future awards. Event sponsorships are also available.
Your attendance and your tax-deductible gifts will help grow the fund and result in enhanced Quality of Life for all Anderson citizens.
Reserve your spot today by calling
648-6007.
For the good of all,
Ann Ockomon