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(02/05/03 4:43am)
After being banned from downtown streets, campus areas and many business parking lots, skateboarders are now closer than ever to having a place where they can legally practice their sport.\nThe proposal to build a skate park in Bloomington was introduced by local skateboarders over four years ago. Their demands were met two weeks ago when the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department announced it will begin the design phase of a 15,000 square foot skate park at Upper Cascades Park and Golf Course. The addition will feature courses for both street and transition skateboarding, and is expected to be completed this fall.\n"We wanted to wait for technology to mature before we could make our final decisions," John Turnbull, division director of sports at the Parks and Recreation department said. "We are positive that this sport (skateboarding) will have lasting power."\nHefty donations from John Mellencamp, Monroe County Bank and the City of Bloomington helped to move the project along. Local skateboarders also raised a large sum of money through benefit shows. Rick Olsen, owner of True Skateboards, has remained active in pursuing skate possibilities. Olsen said he is grateful the city is finally realizing the need for the park.\n"Bloomington has tons of basketball courts, soccer fields and baseball diamonds," he said. "It's long overdue that the city decided to devote their time and money to other mainstream projects."\nThe decision to build the park was originally put on hold because of strong opposition from the community. The skate park raised concerns about damage to the surrounding areas, as well as possible skateboarding accidents.\n"Skateboarders will not stop practicing the sport they love just because they might get in trouble," Olsen said. "Kids will continue to skate either way, and the skate park will at least guarantee them a legal area."\nLocal police officers have been more lenient on skateboarding violations since the issue of building a park was raised. However, by law, skating violations could lead to large fines, confiscation of skateboards or arrests.\n"We try to deal with community complaints when skateboarders are on private property, but skateboarding is not a major police concern," said Sgt. Faron Lake of the Bloomington Police Department.\nJon Edwards, a Bloomington resident who has been skateboarding for 15 years, is relieved he can finally skate without worrying about breaking the law.\n"I was arrested on campus last year for walking with my skateboard," Edwards said. "I had to pay a fine and go to court. It was a big hassle."\nOlsen said he is pleased with the community's response following the announcement to construct the skate park.\n"Everyone has shown a lot of interest and support regarding the skate park," Olsen said. "Bloomington is finally realizing that this has the potential to be a positive thing"
(02/04/03 5:01am)
The IU Alumni Association announced last month they have awarded an all-time high of $275,000 in scholarships to IU students and potential students. IUAA President Ken Beckley said the scholarship money increases each year and will only continue to rise.\n"The number of scholarships we offer grows every year," IUAA President Ken Beckley said. "I can guarantee that in the upcoming year, we will continue to see increases."\nThe association, which awarded the recent scholarships between July 2001 and June 2002, has given nearly $2 million throughout its century-long history. \nThe IUAA scholarship program has expanded to include 103 clubs in many Indiana towns, major cities throughout the United States and some foreign countries. This year the IUAA clubs accounted for $65,500 of the scholarship money.\nThe IUAA club in Indianapolis gives five $1,000 scholarships each year to students living in Marion, Hancock, Hendricks or Hamilton Counties who will be attending any IU campus. Indianapolis Club President Cathy Randall said their purpose is to contribute to the quality of IU by providing scholarships to the top students living in the area the club services. \n"We strive to help any student who might not be able to come to IU for financial reasons," Randall said. "Our goal is to encourage students to excel in their chosen professions." \nThe Southwest Indiana club also added largely to the scholarship total. Each year the club awards $5,000 worth of scholarships to current students. Over the past 12 years, the club, dedicated to building a legacy of future IU graduates and leaders in the southwest Indiana area, has given close to $50,000 in scholarships.\n"It's important to satisfy the needs of students wishing to further their education," said Club President Nancy Otte. "We work very closely with all of the clubs and associations to help ensure that the IUAA is successful."\nThe IUAA offers scholarships to current students and potential students based on the student's involvement, financial need and criteria set by the association.\nOther clubs and organizations that contributed to last year's total scholarships include the Hoosiers for Higher Education, IU Southeast Alumni Association, IUAA Scholars, the Whittenberger Society and the IU Kokomo Alumni Association. \nConstituent societies, organized under the IUAA to serve the needs of the graduates of the various schools and campuses of IU, also contributed to the scholarship total. There are 26 such groups throughout the University system. \n"Our association is honored to account for all of our clubs, constituent societies and affiliate groups," Beckley said. "Each one of those groups played a huge role in contributing to our large total."\nThe IUAA currently has more than 99,000 members and more than 440,000 living graduates. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the image of IU through various programs, communications and services. \n"Our philosophy is that alumni have an obligation to actively recruit the best and brightest students to IU," he said.\nStudents may apply for an IUAA scholarship at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center or online at the Web site www.indiana.edu/~alumni/devault.html.
(01/29/03 4:20am)
In the spirit of community collaboration to promote reading, Bloomington residents will come together for the second annual "One Book, One Bloomington" project. The chosen book will be "1984" by George Orwell.\nThe book was chosen among eight others as the top choice Saturday. Public votes were cast throughout the month from ballots in libraries, government buildings, the John Waldron Arts Center, bookstores and online. Sally Gaskill, executive director of the Bloomington Area Arts Council, is pleased with this year's selection.\n"'1984' is especially appropriate for the world in 2003," Gaskill said. "The interesting themes throughout the book provoke great discussion."\nThe book is set in London and describes a totalitarian society and the damaging effects it has on individuals.\nThe story is told from the point of view of Winston Smith, a man who lives in a world of fear in which actions, words or expressions contradictory to the government are punishable by death. "1984" is known for using terms such as "double-speak," "thought police" and "big brother," which are common in the vocabulary of many individuals today. \n"The novel is so chilling," Gaskill said. "In light of our country possibly going to war, the book is just as compelling today as it was when written."\nMichael Simmons, steering committee chairman, said that "1984" lends itself well to discussion of important issues such as the preservation of individual liberties.\n"The book has a great deal of social relevance," Simmons said. "We are hoping that '1984' will give the community a sense of insight into issues that could still apply in our country today."\nThe idea of a city-wide reading project was first implemented in Seattle with the intention of bringing an entire community together. Since then, many cities across the U.S. have created their own reading projects.\nMike McGee, assistant manager at Barnes & Noble, is honored to hold book discussions at his store. He said he believes that fiction gives readers insight to a different world.\n"Reading is so powerful," McGee said. "It is a way for everyone to experience different aspects of life while exploring so many different emotions."\nSimmons said that last year's book, A Lesson Before Dying, was extremely successful, but the reading period only lasted through March. To allow readers more of an opportunity for public discussion, this year's reading period will run through late May.\n"The extra months give community members a better chance to get to know and interact with the reading public," Simmons said.\nBeginning in the next few weeks, public events dealing with the book will be planned through May. During these events, the members of the public will have the opportunity to interact with each other, as well as with local scholars in the fields of literature, political science and law. Local bookstores and libraries have already reserved extra copies of "1984" because Gaskill said that last year's book flew off the shelves.\n"We stocked up on '1984' very early," McGee said. "We are always more than happy to help sponsor and promote anything book-related"
(01/27/03 5:42am)
A typical student breakfast: $5. An average student lunch: $10. A dinner off-campus: $15. The ability to use the campus access card for all three meals: priceless.\nIU's campus access program is becoming increasingly popular among students as more local restaurants are accepting the card as a method of payment.\n"We started taking the campus access card last summer," said Pat Elsett, manager of Chili's restaurant. "Since then, many restaurants around Bloomington have implemented (campus access cards) into their businesses."\nJames Johnson, owner of Jiffy Treat North, said he uses the campus access program in part to avoid bad checks and credit card problems.\n"So far, the card has been the solution to all of our troubles," Johnson said. "More students have been using their card in the store or through deliveries as they find out we are accepting it."\nBusinesses that participate in the campus access program have fewer cash transactions, resulting in a decrease in theft and cash-handling error. Studies by IU have shown students spend more money when they are using their campus access card than with credit cards or cash.\n"The number of college students who eat at Chili's has steadily increased," Elsett said. "The campus access card has had a positive impact on our overall business."\nBusinesses new to the campus access program seem enthusiastic to become a part of the University's collaboration to unite the campus more with Bloomington.\n"This off-campus dining option gives students an opportunity to discover a variety of restaurants in Bloomington," said Aaron Layton, manager of Crazy Horse. "We hope that the campus access card will bring in new customers." \nWithout having to carry cash or worry about sufficient funds, students using campus access can more easily keep a budget by knowing how much they have to spend ahead of time.\n"Each time I make a deposit on my campus access card, I can check my balance and add more money when I need it," sophomore Rob Miller said.\nParticipating businesses are pleased with the results of the campus access program as more students are eager to bring their business off-campus.\n"My friends and I go out to dinner more than we stay in," Miller said. "We usually only go out to the places that take the campus access card"
(01/17/03 5:51am)
First the Disney Store, then the Gap. Now, Lazarus has announced its doors will close in April. Gradually, College Mall's brand name stores are vanishing.\nThe decision to close the store, made by Ron Klein, chairman and chief executive officer of Lazarus, was announced Thursday to Lazarus employees at College Mall.\n"It's always a difficult decision to close a store because of the relationship we have with both our customers and our associates in each location," Klein said in a statement.\nThe closing is due to a number of financial factors and is part of a company plan to rid under-performing Lazarus stores and place them in areas with higher growth potential.\n"The retail business is a highly competitive and dynamic business," Klein said. "We are a business of change and this market has changed to the degree that is no longer financially feasible for us to operate profitably in this (Bloomington) location."\nLazarus will begin its liquidation process in early February with a number of clearance and sale items. As of now, employees are guaranteed jobs until at least March 20, with the closing set for mid-April. Employees who wish to transfer to another location will be given priority consideration over other applicants.\n"Lazarus is my livelihood, and I have a lot invested in it," Lavonne Staley, the cosmetics department manager said. "After we close, I'll be without income."\nThe closing will not only affect Lazarus employees, but it will also impact Bloomington residents and students, as frequent shoppers will be forced to take their business to L.S. Ayres and Sears, the mall's only remaining department stores.\n"Lazarus is convenient for me because they carry some items that are hard to find in other stores," sophomore Amanda Golden said. "I never had to wait in long lines when I needed to get something right away."\nShoppers are urged to take advantage of the store's final sales in the upcoming weeks. Each department will have their own markdown items, which should be a bargain for customers.\n"I'm definitely going to continue shopping at Lazarus until it closes," Golden said. "Their prices are usually low, and I'm sure the sale prices will be very affordable."\nLazarus currently operates in nine states around the Midwest and employs more than 16,500 people. Klein said Bloomington's Lazarus will not be the only store affected by the company's new plan. According to a statement, a Lazarus closing was announced in Memphis, Tenn., earlier this week. Although the closing is seen as a positive for the company, customers and employees will have a hard time saying goodbye to Lazarus.\n"It's very difficult to let go of something that has been so much a part of me," Staley said.\nMall directors have not yet decided if another store will replace Lazarus.
(12/05/02 4:25am)
Downtown Bloomington is bustling with holiday cheer as the biggest shopping season begins.\nSunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., local store owners invite shoppers to jingle all the way around the Courthouse Square and on Kirkwood Avenue. The event is intended to reduce the stress of holiday shopping by providing refreshments served by elves, continuous strolling music, complimentary gift wrapping and massages for tired shoppers.\n"There is a calm and relaxed atmosphere that makes holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable," said Talisha Coppock, executive director of the Downtown Bloomington Commission. \nMany downtown stores will display their discounted traditional and trendy holiday merchandise. The specialty shops will feature a variety of gift items ranging from clothing and candles to jewelry and homemade crafts.\n"I am looking forward to getting all of my shopping done early this year," sophomore Jill Delaney said. "It will be nice to find more personalized gifts for everyone on my list in the downtown boutiques."\nThe event is open to people of all ages, and entertainment will be provided for everyone. \nThe sounds of the holidays will also reverberate around town as the Bloomington Brass Band is scheduled to take the stage 2 p.m. at Peoples Park, on the corner of Dunn Street and Kirkwood Avenue. \nChildren can enjoy the special 3 p.m. matinee performance of Cinderella, presented by Music Works, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 11. \nOther perks for the day include photos with Santa and the first annual holiday arts and crafts fair at the Monroe County Historical Museum. The event will showcase unique handmade gifts by local craftsmen and artists from noon to 4 p.m. \nSunday is also the final day for their Festival of Wreaths Silent Auction, featuring wreaths donated by local designers and florists. \n"As a community, we value our downtown and everything it has to offer," Coppock said. "The street front retail is such an important aspect of Bloomington, and we especially want to recognize and support this part of our community during the holiday season."\nDee Stolberg, owner of deeAarons Boutique for women and children in the Fountain Square Mall, said she encourages shoppers to enjoy the various attractions around the square. Like many other stores, she said deeAarons will offer gift wrapping with a $1 donation to Toys for Tots, an organization that strives to "bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children." Customers can also sign up for special promotions and door prizes at deeAarons.\n"We are also going to serve a light brunch of fruit, bagels and juice for clients to enjoy while they browse through the shop," Stolberg said.\nWorn-out shoppers can also enjoy complimentary neck and arm massages at the Fountain Square Mall anytime during the day. \n"After this shopping experience, I'm going to become so spoiled," Delaney said. "I am never going to be able to go to a mall without craving free food and massages."\nStolberg said she hopes the event will bring many customers out to shop. \n"We have done such a wonderful renovation with our downtown, and we are so fortunate to be able to hold this event," Stolberg said. "It's something that everyone should see"
(11/18/02 4:55am)
Ski World guests will be tubing, camping and maybe even ice skating this winter, but for the first time in 14 years, they will not be skiing. The decision to close the slopes was made last week by owner Phyllis Riskey.\n"It took a lot of tears, but I did what had to be done," Riskey said.\nWhile the announcement to close the ski slopes came as a shock to many people, Riskey said the closing was due to a number of factors including low attendance during the recent winter seasons, steep insurance rates and other circumstances beyond their control.\n"It's gotten to be a business that sometimes isn't fun," Riskey said. "It wouldn't be fair to raise our prices as a result of tripling insurance rates."\nThe closing of the slopes will mean a dramatic downfall in business, as many people from all over the Midwest travel to Ski World, which is located in Nashville, Ind., each winter to experience the thrill of Petty's Plunge -- the steepest hill at 800 feet. Now, students, community members and groups like the IU ski club will have to relocate and drive further to ski. Some of the closest skiing areas include Paoli Peaks, 45 miles northwest of Louisville, Pines Peak in Valparaiso and Swiss Valley in Jones, Michigan.\n"My friends and I already planned out ski trips to Ski World for this winter," sophomore Jamie Nuccio said. "It will be hard to find a place to ski that's just as good as Ski World was."\nRiskey said the closing will also mean a decrease in employment opportunities at Ski World. Rather than hiring their usual winter staff of 120 to 125 employees, they will only employ 25 to 30.\n"It's a big disappointment," 5-year employee Alicia Wilson said. "I move here every winter to work and ski at Ski World."\nIn the next few weeks, Ski World will become known as Mahogany Lounge and Tubing Center, as they will try to expand and attract more patrons to the resort. Instead of just one tubing hill, there will be a total of three this winter. \n"Hopefully the changes will go over well," Wilson said. "Our ultimate goal is to offer more activities to those who will lose out on skiing."\nAlthough the ski slopes are closing, a variety of winter activities will still remain open. These include lounges, restaurants, tubing hills, camp grounds and theaters. Riskey said there is a possibility that they will build an expansion to include ice skating and an antique mall.\n"We are going to try our best to keep going," Riskey said.\nAlthough skiers like Nuccio will be forced to find another place to ski, some people said they will still remain loyal to the place once known as Ski World.\n"It's reassuring to know that we can still have fun there," Nuccio said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to boost their business."\nAt this point, Riskey is unsure when and if she will reopen the ski slopes. The reopening will depend on this winter's business, as well as insurance rates, she said.\n"Nothing is positive when you're closing something you love," Riskey said. "Hopefully we can develop new activities to keep guests happy"
(11/08/02 4:50am)
While coaching special Olympic basketball, Tyler Ferguson noticed that many athletes were struggling with the very fundamental basics of fitness, such as balance and foot work. Ferguson, Monroe County Parks and Recreation programmer, designed a Fitness, Agility and Speed Training class to help the athletes work on general conditioning skills during the off-season period.\n"I developed the F.A.S.T. program in order to present the athletes with new challenges and opportunities," Ferguson said. "The class adapts to each individual's skill level and helps them get a workout and stay in shape for basketball during the winter."\nThe F.A.S.T. program is held once a week for an hour, and is an opportunity for Special Olympic athletes of all ages and ability levels to develop and improve self-confidence, balance, posture, flexibility, strength and coordination through fun and challenging activities. \n"In addition to learning new skills, the athletes also develop a sense of accomplishment by cheering each other on and supporting one another," Ferguson said.\nVolunteers from the community also attend the F.A.S.T classes to provide the athletes with one on one interaction. Each volunteer works with one athlete for the duration of the general conditioning program, and helps coach them on their skills and motivate them for each activity. Many volunteers are students who hope to earn community service hours, develop new leadership skills in a variety of areas and expand their resumes. \n"All of the athletes are wonderful sports and are very pleasant to work with," senior Valerie Schaefer said. "They seem to benefit from the special attention that we give them."\nMany of the class activities are designed to help the athletes train by focusing on more than one area. After learning new stretches, a popular activity for the athletes to complete is ladders. Volunteers support the participants by holding their hands or by giving them motivation to keep trying to succeed. Ladders helps the athletes master basic balance and foot work skills by encouraging them to quickly trot through boxes on the balls of their feet, putting only one foot in each square. After they successfully complete this technique, the difficulty level becomes more intense as they then must perform these actions backwards, or in a two-footed hop with a delicate landing.\n"It is an unbelievable feeling to know that you are helping these athletes achieve the goals they never thought they could accomplish," Schaefer said.\nJustin Brown, a 22-year-old athlete for the Special Olympic basketball team said he participates in the F.A.S.T. program because it is a good way to practice certain skills with his coach and fellow teammates. Brown plays defense for the team and has some difficulty with balance.\n"My favorite thing to do at the F.A.S.T. program is to run back and fourth on the ladders and learn to balance by holding one leg up in the air," Brown said.\nThroughout the program, Ferguson will develop new activities that challenge the athletes in different ways. She said hopes to expose athletes like Brown to new concepts such as raising body awareness and promoting fitness and health as a way of life.\n"I am going to try to focus and keep my balance, so that I will not lose it during basketball season," Brown said. \nFerguson said she is pleased with this years F.A.S.T program turnout, and she is looking forward to a successful basketball season in which these athletes can show off their new and improved skills.\n"It's so rewarding to work with these athletes who have so much potential," Ferguson said.
(10/28/02 4:22am)
Once upon a time, witches, fairies, ghosts and pumpkins went on a trick-or-treating adventure over the fairy tale trails of Winslow Woods Park in Bloomington.\nIn the dark forest, they were greeted with candy by characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Cinderella and The Three Little Pigs. On their long expedition, they made unique arts and craft projects, ate snacks and visited the playground.\nOn Saturday, the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department hosted the fourth annual Trick or Treat Trail. \nThe event offered children the opportunity to trick-or-treat in the woods and meet their favorite fairy tale characters. They were also able to participate in the many arts and crafts booths that were set up around the park.\n"The event was originally designed to take trick-or-treat fears out of parents' minds," said Pamela Dunscombe, youth services specialist for the Parks and Recreation Department. "It's an alternative to trick-or-treating in the dark, and we offer a safe and smiling environment."\nThe arts and crafts tents remained popular throughout much of the day. Some of the activities included painting pumpkins, making witch tootsie pops, decorating Casper crowns and completing activity books filled with mazes and word searches.\n"I made pretty bracelets and monster coloring books," six-year-old Carrington Sills said. "I dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz."\nNearly 100 community members and students made the day possible by volunteering to hand out candy, assist with parking, facilitate arts and crafts, serve refreshments and decorate the park. Many of the student volunteers earned service hours for participation, or wanted the experience to work with children for their major.\n"I completed my 30 hours of community service, and I had so much fun helping youngsters make different crafts," sophomore Lauren Kay said. "It's a great way for the children to show off all of their costumes, get candy and do art projects."\nThe event also gave parents a chance to learn about the different activities and programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department and see what the city of Bloomington has to offer. \n"If they aren't familiar with the city, or they are new to the area, it was a good chance for the parents to see what goes on in some of our programs, while meeting and interacting with other parents," Dunscombe said.\nAfter visiting the arts and crafts stations, children and parents gathered to hear Halloween stories told by a magical woodcutter who lives in the woods. Trail Leaders took their groups through the paths, where fairy tale characters filled the children's Halloween sacks with candy.\nMany of the parents said they thought it would be a good experience for their children to meet and make friends with kids their own age. They said they enjoyed seeing their children mingle with movie and storybook characters they look up to.\n"It's also a good warm-up for Halloween on Thursday," said Mary Lynn Sills, Carrington's mother. \nThe event was very well received from everyone who attended. Many parents said they felt it was a much safer alternative to the usual haunted houses and trick-or-treating routines. \n"All of the kids who came to the event left with happy faces and seemed to have a wonderful time." Kay said. "They especially liked getting toothbrushes from the tooth fairy"
(10/10/02 5:44am)
The Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department has collaborated with Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington to host the VINE program, an outdoor education and adventure course for local children.\n"The VINE program offers kids the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities which include collecting and matching different types of leaves, arts and crafts projects and examining critters that they find in the dirt and grass," said Cathy Meyer, naturist at the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department. "It's a chance to appreciate nature, learn what it's like to be excited about the outdoors and become a good observer."\nThe VINE program began Tuesday and is held at three different sites for four weeks every Tuesday and Thursday for elementary school children. At each location, student volunteers supervise the children and lead group activities. Many of the volunteers are education, biology and HPER majors who hope to gain knowledge in their fields. \n"In addition to becoming active in the community, the experience also helps volunteers' transition from being a student to being an authority figure who children really admire," said Sarah Ward, unit director at the Boys and Girls Club.\nMeyer said although the children enjoy the games and activities, they value their time spent with volunteers the most. The volunteers often begin working for the children's community agencies after the VINE program ends.\n"I help the kids work as a team to complete fun and simple outdoor activities," VINE leader Nicole Ary said. "They really thrive on the one-on-one attention and I know that I will learn as much from them as they learn from me."\nOver the course of the program, the children will have an opportunity to participate in several different activities including the popular "plant hunts," which involve searching through the grass for different leaves and weeds, deciding which possess similar and different characteristics. \n"The "caterpillar race" is a lot of fun because everyone drops their animals on the ground and whoever's crosses the line first wins," said Robert Arthur, a 12-year-old member of the Boys and Girls Club. "Mine won because it was a Scorpion."\nOther educational games include "isotopes," "litter critters" and "rolly pollies." Leaders said the children are excited at keeping their magnifying glasses at the end of the four weeks, so they can continue the adventures in their own backyards.\n"The kids respond very well to the program," Meyer said. "They especially love playing the 'I spy' games and running around in the mud wearing little yellow ponchos when it rains."\nThe primary goals in the program are to encourage imagination, communication and small group activities among the children. Each activity serves an educational purpose and helps children apply the concepts to their own lives.\n"Kids learn interesting facts about the things they take for granted everyday," Ward said. "It's an adventure for them to discover mysteries and observe the neat things that are going on outdoors."\nMeyer said that in the past four years, the program has been a huge success for both the children and volunteers. She said she hopes to incorporate new games and ideas into future VINE programs to benefit participants such as Arthur.\n"I can't wait until it starts again because we will do a lot of fun things like look at flowers and all different kinds of bugs," Arthur said.\nVolunteers interested in participating in the spring VINE program must be reliable individuals who enjoy the outdoors and working with children.\n"I learned so many things about nature and the outdoors," Ary said. "I also had the wonderful opportunity to work with such amazing children."\nThose interested in volunteering for the spring VINE program should contact Cathy Meyer by calling 349-2805 or via e-mail at cmeyer@co.monroe.in.us.
(09/19/02 5:39am)
Volunteers from all over the Hoosier state will gather on Sept. 21 to help improve existing trails and build more for hikers to enjoy at Brown County State Park.\nTrail Day, headed by the Hoosier Hikers Council, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers participating in the project will work to repair eroded trails that have become damaged by rainfall. In addition, they will do overall maintenance to clean up the area, cover old ditches and redesign major portions of the trails.\n"When built long ago, people didn't understand the principle of design and safety to prevent erosion," Suzanne Mittenthal, executive director of the Hoosier Hikers Council, said. "Over the years, we have gained knowledge and experience to make the trails safer and better."\nThe HHC was officially established in 1995 as a trails improvement organization to correct hiking trail conditions in Indiana. Since then, the organization has contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer labor improving and designing Indiana foot trails. As a result of HHC's efforts, hikers are able to navigate more easily at Morgan-Monroe State Forest and have gained 20 more miles of trail at Yellowwood State Forest. \nBrown County State Park, the largest Indiana state park at 15,696 acres, offers many unique hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. The popular trails overlook beautiful scenery and range from easy to rugged.\nThe HHC said it hopes to replace the steep eroding trail sections and build new footpaths of well-drained trails that are pleasant to walk on. Doug Baird, property manager of Brown County State Park, said he believes the renovations made to the trails will draw many hikers to the park.\n"The tremendous volunteer efforts will impact visitors in a positive way," Baird said. "They will appreciate the improvements, and there is sure to be an increase of hikers in the park."\nThe HHC said these modifications are necessary in order for visitors to enjoy their time spent at the park. Because of their recent project successes, they said they feel it will be beneficial to give hikers a more gradual route on the trails.\n"Hiking on a decent trail makes a world of difference," HHC member Adam McFarren said. "Seeing changes and knowing the trails are better overall is satisfaction." \nBaird encourages residents to grab a bottled water, a sack lunch and take part in this effort to improve the trails. He said he believes their active participation in this project will leave them feeling proud they made a difference in their community.\n"People get a sense of satisfaction being in Mother Nature, doing something for others to enjoy," Baird said.\nThe HHC usually averages between 10 and 25 volunteers for this type of project, and Mittenthal said anyone who wants to make a difference is welcome to come out and help. \n"Although it will be a workout, the feeling of knowing that you actively participated in a volunteer project like this is incredible," McFarren said.\nVolunteers who participate in Trail Day are required to meet at 9 a.m. at the west gate entrance of Brown County State Park. They will first walk the trails and discuss in small groups the work that needs to be completed. The trail repair will start around 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., depending on weather conditions. Tools are provided, and workers are reminded to wear outdoor apparel.\n"Everybody feels so good about helping and doing something for Indiana," Mittenthal said. "When it's done, people are gratified to know they helped build trails that will last people many years."\nThose interested in participating in Trail Day should contact the Hoosier Hikers Commission by calling 765-349-0204, or visiting their Web site at www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org.
