BPNA meeting tonight, Tues. 11/30

Our rescheduled monthly meeting will be tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 30. As usual,
we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church on the corner of Grimes and
S. Lincoln.

AGENDA

Bring a can of food tonight!
To express our gratitude to the Free Methodist Church for providing our meeting
space, please bring a can of food to add to the church's food drive.

Neighborhood Improvement Grant
Update on grant our proposal. We delivered the grant application on Nov. 5, and
will do a presentation for the grant committee next week. The grant will be for
several improvements in Bryan Park: a bridge across the creek where a rocky path
is currently used, and a kiosk near the playground for park announcement and
neighborhood news.

T-shirts and Chef's Aprons
I'll bring several of the items we had printed for BPNA this summer, if you'd
like to purchase one for yourself or as an early Christmas gift! T-shirts and
aprons are $15 each.

Conservation District Update
The Historic Commission plans to vote on the recent survey that was done for the
Bryan Park neighborhood. The vote will be on Dec. 9, at 4pm in the Showers
building. You are welcome to attend the meeting.

Cat Bells
Tonia Matthews has cat bells for anyone who would like one. The bells are free
for the asking. This is in response to a previous item about cats going after
birds in our neighborhood.

Proposal to open Google email list
Any comments on the new email list policy?

Incident Report
Regular monthly report from Dick and Mary Lou Mitchell, our Neighborhood Watch
representatives.

ONGOING PROJECTS
Stormwater Runoff
Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bpna-stormwater-working-group to join or
follow the discussion.

Conservation District
Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bpna-conservation-district-working-group to
join or follow the discussion.

Please email me at mpm_mil...@yahoo.com if you'd like to add anything to the
agenda.

Winter Farmers' Market Starts this Saturday at Harmony School

For the first time in recent history, Bloomington residents will have
year-round access to food grown by local farmers and sold at a weekly
farmers' market. The Local Growers Guild is kicking off its annual
Bloomington Winter Farmers Market, this Saturday, from 9 am to noon.

Please help us spread the word about the extended season! Located at
Harmony School near the intersection of 2nd and Woodlawn, the market
will offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy products along with prepared
foods, special events, and live music.

This is a great opportunity to kick off your holiday shopping and
support local, ecological businesses at the same time. Gift items
include fair trade, organic coffee, herbal teas, a wide range of
soaps, salves and lip butters, holiday jars of soda bread mix, candle
arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces, fresh flower bouquets,
ornaments, gift baskets of strawberry and blackberry jam, holiday
roasts, blooming bulbs, holiday cookie gift bags, Christmas stollen
and alpaca yarns.
In addition, consider giving a gift that will keep on giving all year.
There will be CSA gift subscriptions and/or gift certificates
available from Heartland Family Farms, Muddy Fork Farm and Bakery and
Schacht Farm. Gift memberships to the Local Growers Guild will also
be available.

Available produce will include salad greens, kale, squash, mushrooms,
herbs, potatoes and sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, chard, carrots,
spinach, apples, and more. Farmers will offer locally raised beef,
pork, chicken, and turkey, along with milk, yogurt, eggs, tofu,
cheese, and breads.

In addition to fresh foods, shoppers can purchase frozen vegetables,
relishes, local grains, fresh flowers, fair trade coffee, seeds,
organic soil amendments, and potted plants. There will also be a wide
range of other farm products and holiday gifts, such as dried herbs,
jam, kombucha, herbed vinegars, herbal teas, soaps and salves, fiber,
wool, and wreaths.

Visit www.localgrowers.org for more information about the Bloomington
Winter Farmers Market, including schedule and parking information, a
full list of products and vendors, and recipes showcasing seasonal
ingredients.

Robert Fischman

Bells for cats

For those of you at the last meeting, you'll remember that we talked about encouraging people to bell their cats if they go outdoors. There will be something in the newsletter but I wanted the neighborhood to know that there are free bells on the front porch table of 1307 S. Grant for people to take -- sold to us at cost by T&T -- support your local businesses!

Tonia Matthew

BPNA Meeting Minutes, September 2010 meeting

September 28, 2010
Minutes

The Bryan Park Neighborhood Association met at the Free Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, on September 28, 2010. Mary Miller, BPNA president, presided over the meeting.

1. Block Party. Mary Miller reported that the block party was held on August 20th. She said the new location on Palmer Street was a success and the party had big attendance again. Nick’s English Hut provided the hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, and Craig Brenner’s band provided the entertainment. A new feature of the block party was an appearance by BPNA member Joe Lee as his clown alter-ego, Jolee’ the Magnificent. He delighted and entertained the children, as well as the young at heart. Mary also reported that BPNA shirts, aprons and neighborhood history books were sold and many new BPNA memberships were filled out. As a result, the BPNA treasury currently has $1100-$1300. Mary thanked all of the volunteers who worked at the party and thanked the neighbors on Palmer Street for hosting.

2. Proposal to open BPNA Google group. Mary Miller reported that she would like to open the Google group so that any BPNA member can post a message. Under the current format, posts to the Google group can only be made by Mary or Jon Lawrence. Mary said that she will set up instructions on how to make posts and suggested trying it for a month to see how it goes. The topic will be discussed again at the October meeting.

3. Neighborhood Improvement Grant. Mary Miller reported that last week was the deadline for a letter of intent to submit a neighborhood improvement grant. BPNA filed a letter of intent for bridges across the creek in Bryan Park and a kiosk in the park. The grant application will be due in early November.

4. MCCSC referendum on ballot in November. Nancy Lumbley attended the meeting on behalf of a group advocating for the school referendum. She explained that the school system is having a serious funding issue because schools are now funded through sales taxes rather than property taxes. The school board cut $5.7 million from the budget last year and will have to make more cuts without additional funding. She said that the board asked for the referendum, which could add up to 14¢ per $100 of assessed value on a property’s tax rate. If the referendum passes, the additional tax would be effective for 6 years. Ms. Lumbley distributed handouts that showed the impact on property taxes and asked neighborhood members for their support of the referendum.

5. Stormwater Runoff. Mary Miller reported that she, Jack Horton, Peter and Isabel Piedmont-Smith met with Mayor Kruzan and several department heads to discuss the problem with stormwater runoff in the neighborhood. She said the meeting was very good and that the group will meet again on October 7th to see plans from the utility department.

6. Food vending in Bryan Park. Angela Lexmond reported that the issue of food vending in the Bryan Park parking lots has been tabled by the Bloomington Parks Board. She said that Jan Sorby wrote a nice letter to the editor on the issue and that another good letter written by Deborah Myerson appeared in the paper on September 27th. Angela also said that the Herald-Times has been very critical of Bryan Park and Elm Heights residents on this issue.

7. Incident Report. Dick Mitchell reported that a house on Washington Street had a window broken by vandals and that a con man has been asking people for money.

8. Next meeting. The next BPNA meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2010.

BPNA Meeting Tues. October 26, 2010

Our monthly meeting will be this Tuesday, October 26. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church on the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

NEW BUSINESS

Update from Isabel Piedmont-Smith, our city council representative.

Neighborhood Improvement Grant

Update on grant our proposal. We will deliver the grant application on Nov. 5. The grant will be for several improvements in Bryan Park: a bridge across the creek where a rocky path is currently used, a boardwalk across the muddy (when it rains) area that runs into the creek, and a kiosk near the playground for park announcement and neighborhood news.

T-shirts and Chef's Aprons

I'll bring several of the items we had printed for BPNA this summer, if you'd like to purchase one for yourself or as an early Christmas gift! T-shirts and aprons are $15 each.

2010 WFIU Fund Drive

Thanks to Joanne Henriot for organizing a Bryan Park team for the WTIU fund drive. The time slot is Sunday, Nov. 14 from 9:30am to noon. Be sure to listen during that time, and make your pledge in support of our local NPR station.

OLD BUSINESS

Proposal to open Google email list

Any comments on the new email list policy?

MCCSC Referendum on Nov. Ballot

Any further discussion on the referendum?

Incident Report

Regular monthly report from Dick and Mary Lou Mitchell, our Neighborhood Watch representatives.

Stormwater Runoff

Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bpna-stormwater-working-group to join or follow the discussion.

Conservation District

Go to http://groups.google.com/group/bpna-conservation-district-working-group to join or follow the discussion.

Please email me at mpm_miller@yahoo.com if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

BPNA email list is open to members

The email address is bryanpark@googlegroups.com.

We discussed this at our meeting last week and decided to try it for a month. We've changed the setting on our group email list, so that any member can email the list. Until now, it's been restricted to a small group of BPNA officers and interested members, and everything has been posted through the blog at http://www.bryanpark.blogspot.com/. We'll continue to post items through the blog, and these will arrive as usual.

You have to be a member of BPNA to email the list. Messages posted directly to the list will not appear on the blog. We'll continue to add members directly, as we do now, so we shouldn't be exposed to junk mail from this.

Rather than set up policies ahead of time, we agreed to open it up and see how it goes. In general, please keep your emails related to topics of neighborhood interest. If you have a neighborhood business or service, feel free to email the group to let people know about it.

Be aware that you can reply to either the sender or the whole group. If you feel like you are getting too many messages from the group, you can elect to have them compiled and sent as one message per day. If we start to get that many, though, we may want to talk about stronger guidelines.

We'll talk about this at the next meeting. Let's see how it goes!

Isabel's constituent meeting this Saturday

Dear all,
I am once again hosting my monthly constituent meeting this Saturday. Details are below. I hope to see some of you there!

***

All Bloomington residents are welcome to attend the monthly constituent meeting hosted by District 5 City Council member and City Council President Isabel Piedmont-Smith. The meeting will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 25 at Rachael’s Café, 300 E. Third St . Piedmont-Smith will offer free coffee, and residents are invited to share their ideas and concerns related to city government.

The meeting will start with an overview of issues the City Council has been working on during the past month, including the city budget for 2011 and a resolution in support of the public school funding referendum. The second half of the meeting will be devoted to hearing from constituents."I find during my monthly meetings, I usually learn as much as the residents who attend," said Piedmont-Smith. “If I don’t know the answer to your questions at the meeting, I will get back to you.”

Rachael’s Café serves breakfast and lunch, for those who want to combine a meal with the meeting. Piedmont-Smith holds a constituent meeting on the last Saturday of each month at the same location.
* * *

Sincerely,

Isabel Piedmont-Smith
City Council - District 5

Possible con artist going door-to-door

From Jan Sorby:

About 3 Sundays ago this happened to me on Grimes (just off of Henderson).
The guy said his car broke down by Templeton and when he went to call for
help the police had towed his car without first asking him and he had no
money to get his car.

Elm Heights residents respond:

Yes, he came by our house (University between Park and Fess) on Sunday
morning. Similar story, raising similar skepticism.

> A similar guy came to my place (near Park and 1st) on Sunday afternoon.
> He too asked for directions to High St., needed to get to the ECC
> church, had a car problem, said he had a job at XYZ (I forget the
> actual initials for what is a company in town) Electronics. At a
> certain point it did seem improbable---too much detail, which made it
> seem less probably and rehearsed.

2010 Officers

President	Mary Miller
Vice President	Jan Sorby
Treasurer	Mary Lou Mitchell
Secretary	Jenny Bauer

BPNA News - Aug. 2010

We won't be meeting this month, our usual hiatus after the neighborhood block party. Thanks to everyone who made it such a big success!

If you didn't get a chance to join or renew your membership at the party, please download the form and mail it in to Mary Lou Mitchell. The suggested membership fee is $5/year, but payment is not required for membership.

Isabel Piedmont-Smith, our City Council Representative, will hold her monthly constituent meeting, Saturday, August 28, 11 am to 12 noon at Rachael's Cafe, 300 E. 3rd St.

Become a Member!

Please add my name to the BPNA membership list. I want to join my neighbors in helping make Bryan Park a better place to live. Voluntary annual dues: $5.00 per household.

Download membership form

Bryan Park Neighborhood Block Party, Friday, Aug. 20

BLOCK PARTY

Our annual block party is this Friday, Aug. 20, from 6-9 p.m., in the 1000 block of S. Palmer (between Davis and Allen). Join new and old neighbors in a new location to celebrate the end of summer.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Enjoy the sounds of local band Craig Brenner & Friends (www.craigbrenner.com). They will play blues, jazz and boogie woogie for dancing in the street. Also, our neighbor Joe Lee will perform his Cirque du Jolais clown performance for the kids.

Nick's English Hut is graciously providing Nick's Burgers, their new Black Bean Burgers and hotdogs for the grill. BPNA will supply drinks, condiments, plates and plasticware. Neighborhood history books, as well as t-shirts and chef's aprons will be for sale.

Bring a favorite side dish to share. If you are able, please bring your $5 yearly membership dues. Pass the word to your neighbors!

Funding provided in part through the City of Bloomington's Housing and Neighborhood Improvement Grant program.

Special thanks to Nick's English Hut!

Nick’s English Hut would be proud to be known as your core neighborhood restaurant/bar. We established ourselves in 1927 and have been growing to meet the needs of our customers ever since.

Lots of our customers know us for our large selection of local foods, great salads, homemade soups, strombolis and pizza. Others come for our fresh salmon baked to perfection in our cast iron skillet or our famous Nick’s Burgers. Then there is the after 10 pm crowd who come in to play ‘Sink the Biz’ or enjoy our libations.

Look for managing owner and dedicated chef Gregg Rago and his wife Susan Bright walking their dogs in the Bryan Park neighborhood, or look for them at Nick’s where they spend their time making ‘the Hut’ a better place to patronize.

We look forward sharing our Nick’s Burgers and recently created Black Bean Burgers at the picnic on August 20. If you can’t make the picnic be sure to walk or ride your bike to your neighborhood place to eat and drink! We are located at 423 E. Kirkwood Ave. You can reach us at 332-4040.

Backyard Habitat Class this Sat.

From Ria Collee:

Vicky Getty, a Bloomington Wildlife Habitat Board member, will be offering a presentation "Backyard Habitat, Yes you Can!" at Bloomington Valley Nursery, 5230 South Old State Road 37 this Sat. Aug. 7, from 10am to 11:30am. Participants will receive a wildflower plant and hand-outs. Cost is $10. More information on the attached flyer.

Home security tip from Mary Lou Mitchell, BPNA Neighborhood Watch

Here's a simple no cost way to increase your home security. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. 
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:




It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it.

It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar won't stick around.

After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

This would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

City Council Member Piedmont-Smith to Host Constituent Meeting

Dear all,

Once again I will hold my monthly constituent meeting: This Saturday, July 31, 11 am to 12 noon at Rachael's Cafe. I hope to see some of you there!

Best wishes,

Isabel

Isabel Piedmont-Smith

City Council Representative, District 5

City Council Member Piedmont-Smith to Host Constituent Meeting

This Saturday, Bloomington City Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith will once again hold her monthly constituent meeting, 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at Rachael’s Café, 300 E. 3rd St . The District 5 representative and current council president holds these informal monthly meetings to provide an update on city issues and a forum for constituent concerns. Rachael’s Café is a locally owned business, located at the corner of 3rd St. and Lincoln St .

“During my July meeting, I will review recent issues before the Council, including the annual budget presentations by city departments,” said Piedmont-Smith. “As always, I will open up the meeting for attendees to discuss topics related to city government that are on their minds.”

Piedmont-Smith encourages all Bloomington residents, not just those in District 5, to join her for this Saturday meeting. Free coffee will be available, and Rachael’s Café serves breakfast and lunch for those interested in combining a meal with the meeting.

Piedmont hosts constituent meetings at Rachael’s Café on the last Saturday of every month at 11 am. More information about Councilmember Piedmont-Smith is available on her website, www.PiedmontForCouncil.org.

BPNA Meeting Tues. July 27, 2010

Our July meeting will be this Tuesday, July 27. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

AGENDA

Stormwater Runoff

Continue our discussion of the stormwater issue. Report on new Google group for stormwater ideas and concerns.

Conservation District

To further our understanding of the conservation district issue, we'll begin with a discussion about current city zoning policies, and talk about how a conservation district works. We need people to get involved in a subcommittee to study the question of applying for a conservation district for the neighborhood. Please let Mary know if you are interested in serving on this committee.

Neighborhood Improvement Grant

The city's Neighborhood Improvement Grant process is about to begin. We need ideas for projects that will improve the Bryan Park neighborhood. We'll need to apply by 9/24 in order to be considered for one of the grants. You can see past neighborhood grant projects on the city's Web site.

Neighborhood Block Party

Update on plans for the annual block party.

Food vending in Bryan Park

A brief discussion about food vending in Bryan Park.

Atwater and Henderson intersection

According to the Herald-Times, city officials have announced that improvements to this intersection have been pushed back a year.

Incident Report

Regular monthly report from Dick and Mary Lou Mitchell, our Neighborhood Watch representatives. One item of note is a report of a theft at the Bryan Park pool. An Eastside Neighborhood Association member reported that her bag was stolen while she was in the pool. She recommends that pool users check items of value in the the mesh bags available for this purpose inside the bathhouse.

Please let me know if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

DON’T TRASH IT…DONATE IT!

We will be in your area so you can easily donate your usable stuff to help our neighbors in need and keep it out of the landfill.

You can drop off your usable donations the next 2 Sundays from 2 pm - 5 pm:

Sunday, July 25th

S. Washington, between 1st & 2nd Streets

Look for the St. Vincent de Paul & Jeanne Walters trucks.

Sunday, August 1st

Fippinger Residence

1022 E. Wylie Street

Between Woodlawn Ave. and Hawthorne Dr.

One block south of 1st Street

We can find a home for almost everything:

Food (non-perishable), clothes, bedding, pillows, blankets, kitchenware, laundry detergent (even if partially used), toiletries, books, school supplies, back packs, appliances, furniture, building materials, etc.

Your donations will help:

Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Shalom Community Center, Teachers Warehouse, St. Vincent de Paul, Backstreet Missions, Interfaith Winter Shelter, Goodwill, Boxcar Books, Bloomington Area Birth Services, etc.

*********

Or, donate it yourself:

Furniture & Appliances in good condition

Contact St. Vincent de Paul for drop off or pick up: (812) 961-1510 or pickup@bloomingtonsvdp.org

Schedule at least 3 days ahead of time.

Furniture, Appliances, Building Material, Hardware

Habitat ReStore: 300 W. 11th

Call for free pick up: 331-2660

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Wed: noon – 5: 30; Sat: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Check for appropriate donations:

www.monroecountyhabitat.org/restore

Goodwill (east side): 840 S. Auto Mall Rd.

Between mall & theater, across from Pier 1 Imports

Mon – Sat: 9 am - 9 pm; Sunday: noon – 6 pm


Goodwill (west side): 1284 Liberty Drive

Between W. 2nd and 3rd Streets, across from Menards

Mon – Sat: 9 am - 9 pm; Sunday: noon – 6 pm

Thrift Store: 1911 S. Walnut (just south of Miller Dr.)

Mon – Sat: 10 am – 8 pm

Sponsored by the nonprofit 501(c)3, community group:

Volunteers for Change

Contact: volunteersforchangeemail@gmail.com

Farm and produce vending in Bryan Park

From Rob Fischman, Elm Heights Neighborhood Association:

Anne Kibbler and I have been talking about the recent removal of the informal Friday morning farm vendors from the northwest parking lot of Bryan Park. If we want to revive the vending or develop something along the lines of a local/satellite weekly informal market, the Elm Heights and Bryan Park neighborhoods will need to join efforts and work with the city parks board.

From Anne to city:

For the past two years, I have been buying eggs and meat from Rhodes Family Farm in the upper Henderson parking lot of Bryan Park on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Recently, the farmer was asked to move his business elsewhere. Some of us in the Bryan Park neighborhood who are customers of Rhodes have since discussed the desirability of having a local vendor sell goods within walking and biking distance of our homes -- a situation that would seem to support the city's goals of sustainable living. In the last few weeks Luke Rhodes was at Bryan Park, another vendor selling produce set up shop next to him, making the location even more attractive to local customers. The parking lot was never even close to full -- in fact, there were rarely more than a half-dozen cars there at any given time, so it did not appear to me that customers were hindering park patrons.

It is my understanding that food vendors with Monroe County Health Department permits may ask permission from the Parks and Recreation Department to do business on park property. Could you please clarify for me what Rhodes and other local vendors would have to do if they wished to return to Bryan Park?

Reply from Mick Renneisen (City of Bloomington):

Thanks for your email regarding vending at Bryan Park. Current Parks policy requires anyone selling a good or service to obtain a permit from our Department. As you stated, if that product is a food/beverage, it is also regulated by Monroe County Health. Vendors who sell products on City property are also required to get an Itinerant Merchant's License from the City. These processes are used to help protect the health/safety of our citizens and to regulate use of a park, or other City property, in order to protect against an activity that might interrupt or inhibit the basic functions and use of a park, or other City property, by other citizens. Having said that, we are receptive to a discussion regarding the possibility of a vending arrangement on a limited, and possibly, trial basis.

In order to pursue this matter further, we would have to discuss this with our Board of Parks Commissioners. We are scheduling a retreat with them in mid-September. This would be an appropriate item to add to that agenda. If you could put together your neighborhood's ideas prior to September and submit them to me, I would be happy to add this item to our agenda.

We'll discuss this at our next regular BPNA meeting on July 27.

Neighborhood Sadness

From Ginny Mcnellen:

Our neighbor, Jim May died on Friday, July 9th. Many I'm sure knew and bantered with Jim during his daily walks, many times accompanied by Diane. They also attended neighborhood meetings prior to Jim's health problems. Jim was a profoundly interesting, knowledgeable and caring person. He will be very missed.

Historic Commission Meeting, Rain Barrel Workshop, June 2010 Newsletter

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

The Bryan Park Survey is again on the agenda at this Thursday's meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. The meeting is at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 8, in the McCloskey Room in the Showers (City Hall) Building. This is a continuation of the discussion from last month's meeting, and involves our possible decision to apply for Conservation District status. All are welcome to attend.

From Ria Collee:

Rain Barrel Workshop is this Sat. at Karst Farm Park. Some people in the neighborhood were interested in getting a rainbarrel. These are really cheap since we got them from the Coca-Cola Co. The charge is for the pieces and parts to retrofit them from food grade barrels to rainbarrels and some for the time spent putting them together. Here is the flyer for the event.

June 2010 Newsletter

Thanks to everyone who did such a great job on this month's newsletter. Special thanks to Anne Hedin, Jan Sorby, and Mary Lou Mitchell. Thanks also to the volunteers who deliver the newsletter throughout the neighborhood.

BRYAN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MINUTES

The monthly meeting was held on June 22 at the Free Methodist Church.

Jacqui Bauer, the city's new sustainability coordinator, shared initiatives and answered questions.
This took up the majority of the meeting.

The group voted to retain the current officers for the next year.
President - Mary Miller
Vice President - Jan Sorby
Secretary - Jennie Bauer
Treasurer - Mary Lou Mitchell

Ann Hedin will have the newspaper ready for distribution soon.

BPNA Meeting Tues. June 22, 2010

Our June meeting will be this Tuesday, June 22. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

AGENDA

Jaqui Bauer

Jaqui Bauer is our special guest this month. Recently hired as Bloomington's first sustainability coordinator, she will share upcoming initiatives involving neighborhoods and take questions, ideas and concerns.

BPNA Elections

We will hold a voice vote for BPNA President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for 2010-2011. Mary Miller, Jan Sorby, Jenny Bauer and Mary Lou Mitchell are all willing to continue in their positions. No other candidates have come forward, so these four will continue if a majority of those present at Tuesday's meetings vote in their favor. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the meeting.

Stormwater Runoff

Continue our discussion of the stormwater issue. Report on new Google group for stormwater ideas and concerns.

Conservation District

The 2010 BPNA historic survey has just been completed and submitted to the city. The map and documents are available for anyone to see at the HAND office in city hall. We need people to get involved in a subcommittee to study the question of applying for a Conservation District for the neighborhood. Please let Mary know if you are interested in serving on this committee.

Incident Report

Regular monthly report from Dick and Mary Lou Mitchell, our Neighborhood Watch representatives.

On a happy note, both dogs listed as lost through the BPNA blog last week have been found and reunited with their owners!

Please let me know if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

Lost Dog

From Michael Lee:

Albert, a very small, black Min-Pin, is missing since around 9am this morning (Monday).

He lives on the 1000 block of S. Palmer Ave.

If found, please contact Joseph at 812.929.7702.

Lost daschund

From Ann Schertz:

There is a 10 lb. long hair blond male daschund named Oliver missing in our neighborhood. He is timid and has been missing since about 1pm today. He lives at 702 South Lincoln Street. If found, please contact Abby at 765.354.8257

Historic Survey Presentation, Neighborhood Leadership Series, Historic Windows Info

Bryan Park Survey Presentation, June 10, 4pm

BRI (Bloomington Restorations, Inc.) has submitted a completed historic survey for Bryan Park and Steve Wyatt will be presenting the information to the Historic Commission on Thursday, June 10th, at 4:00 PM in the McCloskey Room at city hall. The findings are of interest to the neighborhood, in that this is the base map from which we might work towards a conservation district sometime in the future. The boundaries of that district would be determined with input from the neighborhood. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Neighborhood Leadership Series, June 10, 7pm-9pm

"Round Table Discussion with Proven Neighborhood Leaders in the Area of Land Use." Round table with proven leaders on how neighborhoods deal with planning issues. Explores how to be "smart about it" in addressing land use in your neighborhood. Jan Sorby is one of the speakers. Class will be held in the City Council Chambers from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 10.

Historic Windows Information

Jan Sorby wants to share this information with the neighborhood. Check out the article on the city Web site.

Your Historic Windows-Repair or Replace?

http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=4942

Saturday, June 5 celebration and picnic

Two events on Saturday, June 5, 2010:

Blooming Neighborhood Awards/Celebration

9 a.m. to noon

Farmers’ Market at City Hall

BPNA is hosting a table to represent our neighborhood at the Blooming Neighborhood Celebration. This time gives neighborhood residents the opportunity to meet, learn and share their insights and activities with each other. Stop by and say hello!

Bryan Park "Pick-Up and Picnic!"

WHAT: "Pick-Up and Picnic!" The Pinestone Neighborhood Association will be meeting up with employees of the Parks and Rec. Dept. for a volunteer cleanup of Bryan Park. We will be providing the beverages, but you can also bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy after the cleanup is over. We hope that folks from the Bryan Park and Elm Heights Neighborhood Associations will join us. Let's get to know our neighbors while supporting the park that so many of us cherish!

WHERE: The sand volleyball courts of Bryan Park, near the intersection of Allen and Henderson

WHEN: Saturday, June 5, starting at 12:00 noon and going until........the food and drink are gone!!

WHAT TO WEAR: The Parks Department recommends long pants and gloves

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Sam Allison, the Pinestone Neighborhood Association Treasurer, at 369-1662 or at Sam4Council@gmail.com

BPNA Stormwater Working Group (and found kittens)

BPNA Stormwater Working Group

As a first step in continuing our discussion of stormwater issues in the Bryan Park neighborhood, I've created a new Google group. This will be an opt-in group, so you'll need to join in order to participate. Unlike our BPNA blog, this group is open for members to add content directly. Once we get the group going, we can decide where to go with it.

To join, go to http://groups.google.com/group/bpna-stormwater-working-group and follow the directions. Let me know if you have any problems with it.

You can email the group at bpna-stormwater-working-group@googlegroups.com

From alyn soo (alynsoo@yahoo.com):

Two kittens were found at the corner of Dodds Street and Palmer. The kittens are small, about 6 to 8 weeks old. Animal Control has been notified. If they belong to someone or someone would like to adopt please call: 219 229-0038. Thanks, Mary

Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting

Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting

Increasing Bloomington’s water rates and transferring ownership of the John Waldron Arts Center are just two of the topics city councilwoman Isabel Piedmont-Smith will discuss at her monthly constituent meeting.

The meeting will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, at Rachael’s Cafe. Free coffee will be offered. All city residents are welcome to attend.

Free plants

From Liz Brown:

Would you let our neighbors know that I am giving away perennial plants. My yard is full and plants need to be separated. It's a great opportunity for fellow gardeners to get healthy free plants.

I have a table in front of our house at 413 E Davis St. where anyone can take what they would like that I have already dug up. If you see me working in the yard and you have a shovel, I will be happy to share whatever anyone can dig and take home for their yards.

Happy spring planting!

BPNA April 2010 Meeting Minutes

Bryan Park Neighborhood Association

April 27, 2010

Minutes

The Bryan Park Neighborhood Association met at the Free Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, on April 27, 2010. Mary Miller, BPNA president, presided over the meeting.

Old Business

1. Conservation District. Mary Miller reported that the survey of the houses in the Bryan Park neighborhood is on-going and there are no further developments on this issue.

2. Neighborhood Leadership Series. Mary Miller reported that the City’s most recent session of the Leadership Series was held on April 8^th. Mary attended the session, which was titled “The ABC’s of Land Use.” On the issue of zoning, Mary received an update from City Planning Director Tom Micuda regarding Dee’s Daycare. According to Mr. Micuda, the property owner has reduced the number of children receiving daycare services to the levels required by the BZA in 2007. The City verified the compliance through the granting of State licenses. In another 18 months, per the BZA decision, the daycare center operations on these properties will have to cease.

3. Blog Statement. Mary Miller presented a statement for addition to the BPNA blog regarding postings to the blog. The language proposed by Mary is as follows: “The BPNA blog is meant for issues with direct connection to the Bryan Park Neighborhood. We honor requests as best we can, but reserve the option to not post a requested item. Please contact Mary or Jan if you want to discuss an item for posting.

4. Block Captains. Mary Miller reported that several neighbors have volunteered to be block captains.

5. Annual Block Party. Jon Lawrence reported that volunteers for the block party must complete a “volunteer commitment” form to turn into the City’s HAND department.

New Business

1. Presentation from Pinestone Neighborhood Association. Sam Allison, treasurer of the Pinestone Neighborhood Association, announced that PNA is hosting an event at Bryan Park on June 5^th. The event will include a clean-up and a picnic. PNA is inviting BPNA residents and Elm Heights residents to participate. He distributed an information sheet and stated that the event will begin at Noon at the park. Mary Miller will add the info regarding the event to the BPNA blog.

2. Transitions Bloomington. Dave Parsons and Shodo Spring appeared on behalf of Transitions Bloomington. They explained that Transitions is an international movement to prepare communities for “peak oil” and work on lessening the impact with more local economy. They also discussed the ideas of rebuilding community resilience and self-reliance.

3. Davis Street Gardens. Ria Collee reported that there are 25 plots in the Davis Street Gardens, each 10’x10’. She stated that the garden plots are free and the only requirement is that the “owner” maintains the plot. She also stated that the soil condition is greatly improved because of the mulch that was added from previous neighborhood clean-ups. Ten of the plots are currently available.

4. Stop Light at Henderson and Atwater. Jan Sorby reported that she attended a meeting with City Planning officials regarding plans for a stoplight at the intersection of Henderson and Atwater Streets. Representatives from the Elm Heights Neighborhood Association also attended the meeting. Jan will show maps of the plan for the intersection at the next BPNA meeting.

Next meeting. The next BPNA meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2010.

“Make a Splash” at the Library This Summer

Summer fun for children starts Tuesday, June 1, at Monroe County Public Library. That’s the first day to pick up summer reading guides to play the “Make a Splash” Summer Reading Game and win prizes. You can visit www.mcpl.info/childrens for reading activities and a list of all the library’s summer programs (or call 349-3100). It’s all free of charge. Last year 4,000 children participated in the Summer Reading Program, which has been shown to reduce or even eliminate the summer reading loss that can erode as much as 20% of a child’s reading ability.

Thank you for helping MCPL get the word out to your friends and neighbors with children to join the fun. The Summer Reading Program is completely funded by The Friends of the Library. There is more about the Friends at www.mcpl.info/friends.

BPNA Meeting Tues. May 25, 2010

Our May meeting will be this Tuesday, May 25. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

AGENDA

Bryan Park Neighborhood Stormwater Issues

Many neighbors have commented on the recent HT article reporting on sewage overflows after storms, which identified a manhole near the Walnut/Davis St. intersection as the most common overflow location. The storm water that causes these overflows drains through our own yards and streets. Guest speakers from the City of Bloomington Utilities will address issues of storm water management at the meeting on Tuesday. Our City Council Representative Isabel Piedmont-Smith will also attend. Come learn about what the city has done to date as well as options for future remediation.

Blooming Neighborhoods Sign-up

Again this year, we'll have a table for Bryan Park at the June 5 BloomingNeighborhoods event at the Farmer's Market. The city will provide a table, map and sign, and we'll bring our canopy. We need volunteers to sit at the table and chat about BPNA to people who stop by. Please sign up for a time on the sign-up sheet, or contact Mary to sign up.

Davis St. Garden

Ria Collee has offered to walk the Davis St. garden after the meeting. Lots of activity and hard work have gone into the garden this year, and Ria will point out some of the special things growing--as well as work that still needs to be done.

Neighborhood Leadership Series

The next session in the series will be held on Thursday, June 10. It will take place in the City Council chambers from 7-9pm. This session is called a "Round Table Discussion with Proven Neighborhood Leaders in the Area of Land Use." One of the speakers will be our own Jan Sorby. Mark your calendars!

Incident Report

Regular monthly report from Dick and Mary Lou Mitchell, our Neighborhood Watch representatives.

Please let me know if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

Bryan Park Neighborhood Plant/Seed Exchange Postponed

Bryan Park Neighborhood Plant/Seed Exchange Postponed

The annual Bryan Park Neighborhood Plant/Seed Exchange scheduled for today, Sunday, April 25th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of Ria Collee, has been postponed due to rain. It will be held next Sunday, May 2 at the same time, 2:00-4:00 p.m. For more information about this event contact Ria, at 336-2512 or mcollee@indiana.edu.

Plant Exchange, Davis St. Gardens Update, and Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting

Annual Bryan Park Neighborhood Plant/Seed Exchange

The annual Bryan Park Neighborhood Plant/Seed Exchange will take place on Sunday, April 25th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of Ria Collee. The address is 932 S. Henderson St. (on the North corner of Allen and Henderson). Please bring any garden plants that you want to share, or seedlings (flowers, vegetables, etc.) that need a home. Tables will be set up on the Allen Street side to place the plants on. Ria has a Backyard Wildlife Habitat garden and is a Habitat Stewart. If anyone is interested in making their yard/garden more wildlife friendly and starting a Backyard Wildlife garden, she can help you. She will have native wildflower plants to give away, such as echinaceas, penstemons, lance-leaved coreopsis, false blue sienna, blue vervain, sundrops, goosenecks and black-eyed susans as well as vegetable seedlings. If you don’t have anything to give away, come anyway and give some plants a home or take away some seeds to start a garden. This event is a great way to meet the other gardeners in your neighborhood and it has always been a great deal of fun. For more information about this event contact Ria, at 336-2512 or mcollee@indiana.edu.

Davis Street Gardens Update - April 2010

The Davis Street community garden is located on the north side of Davis Street, and located between Grant and Palmer. The garden consists of 24 plots of land, each 10 feet square. Residents of the Bryan Park Neighborhood can sign up for a free plot, or more, by contacting the Garden Coordinator Ria Collee. E-mail mcollee@indiana.edu, or by phone 336-2512. The lots are numbered with the numbers painted on a stone that marks each lot. All of the plots have some sun, but the lots on the west side are sunnier than the lots towards the east, which have semi-shade at different times of the day. Currently, lots 4, 6-9, 13, 18-19 and 21 are available. The soil is in pretty good shape, plants and flowers have been doing well. There is mulch available on the east end of the gardens by the creek’s culvert. It came mostly from pine trees but has now aged for a year and should no longer be too acidic. The full guidelines for the garden are available at: http://bryanpark.blogspot.com/search/label/Gardening. Please join us to make the gardens more beautiful than ever by adopting a plot this year.

District 5 Constituent Meeting with Isabel Piedmont-Smith

Isabel Piedmont-Smith's monthly District 5 constituent meeting will be this Saturday, April 24, from 11:00am-noon at Rachael's Cafe, 300 E. 3rd St. (corner of 3rd and Lincoln). Get involved in your community, enjoy free coffee, and meet interesting people! Isabel will provide a summary of city council activities. As well as serving as Bloomington's City Council President, Isabel has been busy working on behalf of Disctict 5. You can see her lastest report on City Council activities on her Web site: http://www.piedmontforcouncil.org/UP%20Mar27-10.htm.

BPNA News and Annoucements

Neighborhood Leadership Series, April 8, 7pm-9pm

"The ABC's of Land Use"-Tom Micuda, director of the Planning Department, will provide an overview of the Planning Department's role in protecting neighborhoods. During this presentation, Mr. Micuda will address the following topics: the City's Growth Policies Plan, the Unified Development Ordinance, zoning code enforcement, neighborhood involvement in the land development process, and neighborhood action plans. Mr. Micuda will also discuss some strategies neighborhoods can use to get issues resolved by different City departments. Class will be held in the City Council Chambers from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8.

Atwater/Henderson Traffic Light Presentation-April 9th at 4pm

From Jenny Southern:

For those of us wondering, whatever happened to that plan to put in a light? I can now tell you it really is happening and construction should be starting this year. The funding is in place and Engineering is ready. I have arranged with Justin Wycoff to show us the City's most recent plan down at City Hall on April 9th at 4pm in the Mclosky room. I have included a link below that you can take a look at but it really will take a City Engineer to answer your questions and comments. Looks like the separate (non-stopping) lane for turning on to Atwater from Henderson has been removed and some other aspects have been scaled back.

Most recent plan that I can find on-line for the intersection:

http://bloomington.in.gov/media/media/application/pdf/5842.pdf

IU Electronic Waste Collection-April 10, 9am-2pm

IU Electronic Waste Collection Day, a free electronic waste recycling drive hosted by Indiana University Bloomington, will be open to the general public on Saturday, April 10, , from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The collection will take place in the Purple parking lot to the north of Memorial Stadium. The event location is sponsored by IU Athletics. Staff will be on hand to unload e-waste from vehicles. Complete information, including maps, hours and a list of accepted items, is available at ewaste.indiana.edu.

Church on S. Washington

From Jane Walter:

Skip, who did a lot of renovation including the new front and interior shell, is in the process of selling it to a couple from Ellettsville, who will use it as a residence.

BPNA Meeting Tues. March 23, 2010

Our March meeting will be this Tuesday, March 23. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

New items on the agenda this month:

Our annual block party:

We need volunteers to start planning this year's block party. The neighbors who live along the 1000 block of South Dunn St. have been very gracious about sharing their street for the party over the past few years. We'd like to honor several requests that we find a new location for this year and will need suggestions and help in finding a new location. Also, Jon and Jan would like some help in writing the grant for the party as well as with planning and setup.

One possibility is holding the party in one of the shelters at Bryan Park. This would have the advantage of restrooms, play areas for kids, and perhaps volleyball or other activities. We'd have to petition the city for a permit for live music, and there is some concern that people might not be as likely to attend if the party was not as centrally located.

Opinions? Let us know what you think, and if you can help. The grant is due April 19, so we need to get started!

Annual elections:

Start thinking now about whether you want to run for one of BPNA's elected positions. Our annual elections will be held at the June meeting.

Blog Use:

Recently, we've had more requests for posting notices to the blog. Do you have an opinion about the best use of the blog? Should we open up posting authority to a bigger group? Do you mind getting notices about activities and events not directly related to BPNA?

Please let me know if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

Vote for Bloomington's Community Orchard

From Susan Bright:

Help spread the word about the Communities Take Root promotion, sponsored by Edy's Fruit Bars. Winners will receive a grant to start a community orchard. Thanks, Susan

"Communities across the United States are ripe for renewal, ready to receive a complete fruit orchard provided by the Edy's Fruit Bars brand and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Cast your vote for one of our Communities Take Root participants and help them reap the rewards of their own fresh fruit supply."

Cast your vote at: http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/

As of Saturday 3/20, Bloomington is in 2nd place, with 3421 votes!

Lost Cat (Rusty has been found!!)

Thanks for all the calls and e-mails about Rusty! He was found and is now home safe.
***********************

Dimitri Poppeliers and family, who live at 1201 S. Henderson, have lost thier cat Rusty. If you have any information about Rusty's whereabouts, please contact Dimitri at the following:

812-339-2416 (home)

812-361-0560 (mobile)

dpoppeli@indiana.edu

Rusty's info
Sex: male (neutered)
Weight: about 15 lbs
Color: orange/white
Age: four years
Other: no claws on all four feet, meows a lot
Lost since about 3-4-10

Protect interity of organics

Dear Friends,
I just submitted my comments to the USDA telling them to protect the integrity of organics by not approving the use of genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa. The USDA has alarmingly and mistakenly announced that they do not believe that consumers care whether or not GMOs are a part of our food supply and our agricultural production. Approving GMO alfalfa would significantly harm the integrity of and access to organic food, as well as the livelihoods of organic farmers. We need to show them that we do indeed care!

Please take a moment to submit your comments to the USDA by following this link from Food Democracy Now! Then please pass this on.

http://fdn.actionkit.com/cms/sign/make_a_stand_for_organics/
Every voice counts!
Thanks,
Susie Buzan

BPNA Meeting Tues. Feb. 23, 2010

Our first meeting of 2010 will be this Tuesday, Feb. 23. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln. This month we are planning to have a social hour without a formal agenda--a good chance to get together with neighbors and visit. Mary Lou Mitchell is baking home-made cookies, and I'm bringing cider.

We can talk about what we'd like BPNA to focus on this year, or we can just enjoy a sociable hour together. Feel free to bring any agenda items to discuss informally, and anything you might like to see on next month's agenda.

Hope to see you there!

The Great Unleashing and Local Transportation Planning

The Great Unleashing (from Ria Collee):

THE GREAT UNLEASHING will be a one-day town meeting, celebration and extravaganza that will motivate, excite, educate and engage our community in coming together to envision a vibrant, resilient, and dramatically less energy-dependent Bloomington. Please join us on April 24th, 2010, 9AM-5PM, at Bloomington's City Hall Council Chambers for a day of focused co-creation and visioning.

You are also invited to attend a series of film screenings at Monroe County Public Library.

Thurs March 11, 7-9 In Transition 1.0

Wed March 17, 7-9 The End of Suburbia

Tues April 6, 7-9 A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash

Thurs April 15, 7-9 In Transition 1.0 (Repeat)

For more information: http://transitionbloomingtonind.ning.com/

Invitation to get involved in local transportation planning (From Raymond Hess, City of Bloomington Planning Department/Bloomington Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization):

This is an invitation to get involved in local transportation planning. Please note that the next meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee will be held Wednesday, February 24th at 6:30pm in the McCloskey Room (#135) of Bloomington's City Hall.

Invitation from Jack Baker, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committe (PDF)

Citizen's Guide to Transportation Planning (PDF)

Meeting Schedule 2010

Trashion/ ReFashion Show

BPNA neighbor Jeanne Leimkuhler is the organizer of this upcoming event:

The Trashion/ ReFashion Show is an all-ages, interactive fashion show and fundraiser for the Center of Sustainable Living, featuring Trashion designs made from trash and recyclable materials not normally used as clothing and ReFashion designs made from previously used clothing that has been reworked into a new style.

The show will take place at the Bloomington Convention Center on February 20th at 7:00pm and will feature two 20-minute fashion shows, with ample time to allow guests a chance to peruse the Trashion and Refashioned accessories up for silent auction, purchase drinks, and express their own creativity on one of our community “Trashion” pieces.

Tickets are on sale now at the BCT Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
$15-Adults, $10-Under 18 yrs. and $20 at the door.
Visit our website: www.bloomingtontrashion.org

B-Aware Web site and City Leadership Series

In light of the recent break-in attempts nearby, Mary Lou Mitchell asked me to post a link to the B-Aware Bloomington Web site (http://bloomington.b-aware.us/tag/burglary/). Mary Lou has found it very informative. The aim of the Web site is to provide information about criminal activity in Bloomington neighborhoods, and to provide information about how to stay safe.

Also, the City of Bloomington is sponsoring a "Neighborhood Leadership Series." This is a series of four free classes over the next few months. Session one is tomorrow night, Feb. 11, 2010. The title is "Leadership: Understanding Yourself and Others." Call Vickie Provine at HAND if you'd like to attend, (812) 349-3505.

The second class is April 8, on "The ABC's of Land Use." The third class is June 10, with a "Round Table Discussion with Proven Neighborhood Leaders in the Area of Land Use." Our own Jan Sorby will be one of the speakers at this event. Finally, on Nov. 4, the topic will be "The Law of the Land: Land Use Policy, the City Council and You."

Remember , the classes are free. They will be held in the City Council Chambers from 7-9pm.

Break-ins and attempts in Elm Heights and Bryan Park

Hello all:

I'm copying texts of four messages to the Elm Heights Neighborhood listserv today, about break-ins and attempts:

Kevin Atkins


******************************************************************
----- Original Message -----
To:
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:22 PM
Subject: House Break-in at 1323 E First Street


We were robbed while away over the weekend. We came home and the garage door
was open -which we had closed. Someone went through the house, opening
drawers, cabinets etc. The items missing are:
Two laptops (2008 SONY Viao and a 2002 IBM T60)
a 22 caliber rifle (Remington)
a box of 22 ammunition,
a Fuji digital camera, some petty cash
an envelope of keys
two 6-gig IPODS.

Not much else was taken from what we can see. The Bloomington Police
(officer Luce) came right away and spent about an hour at our house. She
said that the evidence technician would come by but they have not as of this
writing.

If you find any of this please let us know. Or if you know anything please
contact us or Officer Luce 349-3854 X1491

Thank you.

******************************************************************
Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:32 AM

All,
My husband woke up late last night to what sounded like someone trying to
kick in an outside side door. Our dog started barking, and the noises
stopped. There is evidence on the outside of the door today where it looks
like someone did indeed try to kick in the door. We are notifying the
police, but there is probably not much they can do, especially since they
were (thankfully) not successful. Please keep a watchful eye at night.

Rebecca Dilger
1014 E 1st St.

******************************************************************
Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:37 AM

Hello! I just saw this email & thought I should respond.

My name is Cynthia Brown & I live at 818 E Maxwell Lane (corner of
Maxwell & Park St). I am technically in both Bryan Park and Elm Heights
neighborhoods.

I just called Dick Mitchell, the man in charge of BryanPark
Neighborhood Association's Neighborhood Watch, last week to notify him that
my neighbor 2 doors west of me came home at night & someone was breaking
into the back door of his house (the guy ran off into Bryan Park once the
homeowner arrived).

Now, I am sorry that I didn't notify Elm Height Neighborhood
Association as well. Maybe I would have helped to know sooner about this
earlier attempt at breaking and entering.

It seems to me that both neighborhood associations should keep their
residents abreast of these criminal incidents. Hopefully those neighbors
who are not involved in the neighborhood association will then be informed
by their neighbors & friends.

I will do my best to inform my block of this incident. Thank you very
much for reporting this in a way where your neighbors can be cognizant of
it.


******************************************************************
Tuesday, February 09, 2010 12:25 PM

There was also a burglary two weekends ago next door to us on the corner of
Maxwell and Stull, while the owner was away. The burglar forced open the
front door. The only things stolen were medications.

Anne Kibbler
710 E. Maxwell

Bloomington Winter Farmers' Market, Sat., Feb 6, 9-noon

Bloomington Winter Farmers Market continues its sixth great season at Harmony School, this Saturday morning 9-12. The first two markets have broken all previous attendance records, so come on down and join in the enthusiasm for local food!

Ample free parking is available at Harmony School (902 E. Second Street), on surrounding streets, and at the nearby Atwater parking garage.

Local farmers will be offering early crops including broccoli, cauliflower, butternut squash, turnips, carrots, potatoes, and many types of greens. Also available will be dried soup beans, farm fresh eggs, a wide array of cheeses, and alpaca yarns & rovings.

Popular new products include Phoenix Farms’ locally made tofu, a full line of garden seeds from Red Rosa Farm, and scrumptious breads baked by our new young farmers Eric & Katie of Muddy Fork Farm.

Music will be provided all morning by Wayne County Historical Society (9-10:30), and then by Matt Romy Jazz (10:30-12), all thanks to generous support from the Bloomington Community Arts Commission and the City of Bloomington; Bloom Magazine; and Friends of the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market.

Gazebo for Sale

From Corrine Carpenter:

I am selling this 12' gazebo. It is two years old, I paid $1300 and am selling it for $600. It is wonderful to live in during the spring, summer and fall- NO BUGS! I have enjoyed it very much but am moving and cannot accommodate it at my condo. The gazebo can be stored as panels until warmer weather. It needs to be moved to a new home as soon as possible. If you are interested (or know anyone who might be) please call me, Corrine Carpenter, at 323-0095.

Snow Angels and Welcome Bags

Snow Angels Needed
In the upcoming January newsletter, Jan Sorby has put out a call for volunteer "Snow Angels" to help elderly and ill neighbors clear their walks after winter storms. We have a neighbor in the 600 block of S. Lincoln who needs help with this. Please contact Jan Sorby (334-2075) or Mary Miller (339-2628) if you can help.

Welcome Bag Coordinator
Aviva Orenstein has volunteered to take care of welcome bags for new neighbors. Contact her if you know of anyone new to the neighborhood, and she'll be glad to deliver a welcome bag to them. Thanks Aviva!

aorenste@indiana.edu (email)
812-855-8736 (phone)

January 2008 Newsletter

Here's a link to the January 2008 Newsletter.

BPNA By-Laws

Click the link to see the BPNA By-Laws.

BPNA Meeting Tues. Jan. 26, 2010

Our first meeting of 2010 will be this Tuesday, Jan. 26. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln. This will be a good chance to get back in touch and look forward to the new year.

What would you like to see BPNA accomplish in 2010? Bring your plans and ideas to the meeting, so we can get started on another great year. There have been suggestions to start advertising neighborhood businesses in the blog, and a suggestion that we start an emergency preparedness project. What do you think?

We can also continue the discussion about Nancy Hiestand's presentation in November.

Anybody willing to step up and become a block captain? The main duty of block captains is to help deliver BPNA newsletters to a section of the neighborhood. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors!

How about taking over the welcome bags that Corinne Carpenter put together last fall? Corinne has moved out of the neighborhood, and we need a volunteer to take this on.

Please let me know (mpm_miller@yahoo.com) if you'd like to add anything to the agenda. See you at the meeting!