Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 November 2004 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2004

AVENUE

► Continued from Page 1 The rich cultural heritage comes marketing tools for the district, to life on stage, in public art, “We feel very good about the museums, nearby art galleries, plan," said Julia Watson, pronightlife and in the church." gram manager for the Cultural Indiana Avenue was origi- Districts Program at Indianaponally a part of the Canal and Hs Downtown Inc. “We’re enWhite River State Park District, couraged for many reasons. Evbut became a stand-alone in rec- eryone came together in the ognition of its rich history and neighborhood to get this done, heritage. It is the most histori- We’re pumped up with this cally rich commercial district for group.” Indianapolis’African-American While the Avenue represents community. some of the state’s most signifiThe purpose of this plan, and cant African-American accomeventual district identity, is to plishments, it is not cohesively rehabilitate the district and in- packaged and presented to visicrease tourism, which will ad- tors in a compelling consumer vance economic development, experience. Its roots in earlyjazz The identity will provide busi- and blues are a foundation for nesses and the city with unique the district’s rich heritage and

collection of landmark commercial and residential sites as well as some festivals, events, theater and museum programming today. “The development process has re-energized and invigbrated many stakeholders and partners of Indiana Avenue,” said Dorothy Jones, president of BOS Community Development Corp. and spokesperson for the district. “I am thrilled with what this plan has been able to capture. It represents the many significant contributions made and to be made by African Americans to the quality of life and economic vitality in the district."

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This kind of district redevelopment is a proven concept. In 1997, Kansas City redeveloped Eighteenth and Vine, a legendary address in that city with a history similar to Indiana Avenue. That area is now the featured district in Kansas City. Indianapolis hopes to achieve the same results with the Avenue. “We are hoping to have a district that is attractive to people, especially those coming from out of town, but also residents of the city,” said Jones. “We want it to become a destination where they can enjoy the cultural offerings. If you look at our vision, we want to add retail stores and restaurants so people can shop and eat there also.” Although stakeholders and city officials are invigorated about the plan, it cannot be completed without funding. The district has received the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s Quality of Place Initiative grant for $63,750, which will fund the blueprint for the district’s plan. “We have a comprehensive plan, now the question is what is the land use and the people use of the neighborhood?” said Watson. “The blueprint will outline that. It’s like the difference between saying, ‘I want a house’ and having an actual blueprint to build the house. We’re working on the blueprint." Although the working plan is complete, there’s still much to be done. The Cultural Development Commission has six key strategies that need to be worked on, including developing the district identity, developing the commercial and residential base, organizing two to four annual festivals and increasing traffic through the district. .. ' ' ' ■ ' 'V, For more information on the plan, visit www.culturalindy.com.

INDYGO

► Continued from Pag* 1 around for people to pick me up and I don’t want to wait around for someone to pick me up. I’d rather just get in my car and go.” ’ Marla Joseph, 42, says she doesn’t mind carpooling if it will help her save money. “I don’t think it’s such a bad idea,” she said. “I think it’s very cost efficient especially in a time where people are trying to save every dime.” IndyGo leaders have already

persuaded employers includingthe state government, the city of Indianapolis and Marion County to take part in the program. Employers will be able to offer the workers transit subsidies or pretax employees savings accounts. Residents and employers in Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, and Boone counties can call the CICS office at (317) 327-RIDE toenroll in the program.

Volunteers needed [or Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving dinner

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Once again, the Mozel Sanders Foundation Inc. (MSF) will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner Nov. 25.0ver30yearsago, Rev. Mozel Sanders’ concern for the less fortunate led him to begin a Thanksgiving Day dinner feast for the needy at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as pastor. For several years the dinners were prepared at Arsenal Technical ‘High School. Since 2000, MSF has operated the dinner on the campus of Butler University to help accommodate its growing needs. The food is prepared and delivered to 31 satellite locations as well as to the homebound. MSF serves over 25,000 dinners each year. In order to keep up with the growing demands, MSF seeks corporate support in the form of donations as well as volunteers to help prepare the needed dinners. MSF continued its outreach via its radiothon that helps raise money for the dinner, an essay contest which supports and encourages the education of our youth, and a banquet which recognizes civic and religious organizations and individuals for their dedicated service to the community. Over $32,000 was raised during the radiothon last week, but donations are still welcome and encouraged. “We can surely use more,” said Pastor Roosevelt Sanders, of the Mt. Vernon church. “If we don’t use all the money for this year, we would like to have a start up fond for next year.” In addition, the foundation continues to expand Mozel Sanders’ vision of reaching out to others by partnering with Gleaners Food Bank to host a mobile pantry every month at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. The first mobile pantry effort began this past August and about 15 tons of food was distributed to people in the community. The mobile pantry will now be held monthly, except for the month of November. All are invited to help again this year, assistance is needed on Wednesday Nov.24 and Thursday Nov. 25. If you’re interested in volunteering, or individuals and families that want to place their orders now may call (317) 636-7985. Deliveries will be made up until 2 p.m. Volunteers are asked to come to Atherton Hall, located at 704 W. Hampton Drive on Butler University’s campus.

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