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(10/15/10 2:43am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Like many IU students, faculty and Bloomington residents who use Monroe Bank are going to see some changes.On Oct. 6 Monroe Bancorp announced its merger with Old National Bancorp, the largest banking network in Indiana.Monroe Bank is headquartered in Bloomington and was established in 1892. With 15 banking centers in central Indiana, Monroe Bank is the largest bank to originate from Bloomington. Old National Bank is now 176 years old and was founded in Evansville. The company currently oversees 165 branches across Indiana, western Kentucky and southern Illinois.Monroe Bank and Old National Bank decided upon the merger after considering several options, Mark Bradford, Monroe Bancorp/Monroe Bank president and CEO, said in an e-mail.Bradford commented that a number of criteria went into the decision to merge with Old National. The amount of value a partner would provide to current shareholders of Monroe Bank was a large factor, as was the potential partner’s financial strength and stability, he said.Once the merger transaction is completed, which could be at the end of this year or within the first quarter of 2011, Bradford said all Monroe Bank locations will be known as Old National branches.Bob Jones, president and CEO of Old National Bancorp, commented in a press release that Monroe Bancorp has a similar culture and vision to Old National Bancorp.“This is an exciting day and a tremendous partnership opportunity for Old National,” Jones said.Bradford added that informational letters have already been sent to Monroe Bank clients notifying them of what to expect in coming months as a result of the merger. No comment was given as to what banking operations changes will be implemented under the merger. For now, it’s banking as usual at Monroe Bank.“We are still in the early stages of implementing the merger, and we look forward to being able to draw attention to the many benefits to our clients as they unfold over the coming months,” Bradford said.
(10/14/10 3:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>He was once a husband and skilled laborman. Now, Karl Addison, 46, is homeless and working to get his life back on track.“I’m not the type of person who likes to sit idle,” he said while he twiddled his thumbs.Addison has been staying at the Upper Room Men’s Shelter of Backstreet Missions, Inc, a local nonprofit and nondenominational mission, since Aug. 31.Addison grew up in a small town in southern Illinois. His father was an alcoholic, and his mother quit drinking to support his family when he was young.“I started drinking at a young age,” he said. “Then I got into marijuana, but I didn’t like it as much, the buzz you get off it.”Addison’s life went haywire because of his continued drinking, and all three of his marriages were ruined by the addiction, he said.“I blamed it on everyone else, saying ‘They did it, they did it,’” Addison said, laughing reluctantly. “I moved here because I didn’t have a job or a place to live.”In 2008, Addison moved to Bloomington. He learned about Backstreet Missions from an ex-boss, and at first he was somewhat apprehensive, he said.“I came in with just the clothes I had, no money in my pockets,” Addison said. “I did have reservations. I thought there was a different style of people that come in and out. I was actually judging people before I got to know them.”Addison’s progress has been supplemented by the mission’s spiritual guidance more than anything, he said.“Me and one of the chaplains prayed about it, and I just lost my craving for alcohol,” Addison said.Addison has three children and said he hopes he can one day regain contact with two of them who won’t speak to him because of his past drinking habits. Since he has been at the mission, he has remained sober.“My daughter wants me to come back home,” he said. “But I want to make sure that this issue’s over. I don’t want my grandchildren growing up with a drunk grandfather.”Backstreet Missions was founded by Linda Kelley and her late husband Gene in 1995. It began after Gene’s personal struggle with alcohol and drug addiction.The passing of Gene’s grandfather and the loss of his father to cancer in 1972, along with the murder of his brother 18 months later, prompted Gene to turn to drugs and alcohol.In 1979, Gene lost his job because of his addiction and began driving semi-trucks across the country to provide for his family. While in San Diego, Gene realized his calling in life was to help others who were less fortunate and without basic human needs.Linda and Gene established their first shelter, Crites House, in Spencer, Ind. in 1995. The shelter was only able to house eight men at a time. But even with this small amount of space, the mission gave food, clothing and shelter to about 250 men from 1995 to 1998, Linda said.After moving Crites House to a temporary location on North Smith Pike in Bloomington, the Upper Room Men’s Shelter was built. The Men’s Shelter currently has 28 beds and is now located on Westplex Avenue. It is approved to house up to 50 men at one time.“We have 20 men per night now,” Linda said. “They can stay seven consecutive days every 30 days, or they can go into a 90-day program that will help them find a job. We also have an extra 60-day program for them to be able to save money for a place to live on their own.”The main goal of the mission is to make people feel like they are at home, where other people care about them, she said.Linda listed drug and alcohol addiction, domestic abuse, job loss, medical issues and single-parent or single-person incomes as some of the many reasons for homelessness.“I think Bloomington is ahead of other cities in terms of recognition of homelessness and poverty,” Linda said. “I think citizens really want to help people. They are compassionate and concerned.”Despite his current conditions, Addison has a positive outlook. “I see people come in and complain about having to stay here and all kinds of stuff,” he said. “But I look at them and say, ‘Hey, look at where you could be right now.’”
(10/12/10 3:02am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For the Bloomington Playwrights Project, fostering the green movement and other prominent social issues motivated a series of plays known collectively as AwareFest.AwareFest, which began Oct. 1 and will run through Oct. 16 at the Bloomington Playwrights Project, was the creation of the BPP’s producing artistic director Chad Rabinovitz.Rabinovitz said the idea for a socially conscious play compilation came to him more than a year ago and was designed to raise awareness about subjects of public importance.This year’s theme, “A Green World,” focuses on carbon footprints, water conservation, sustainable development and other green living topics.“This is solely to bring awareness to social issues,” Rabinovitz said. “We aren’t here to say, ‘This is what you should do with your life.’ We’re not trying to preach.”Rabinovitz said his ultimate goal was to bring together local organizations that are as passionate about current social issues as he is.“We are promoting buying local,” he said. “And we have the Humane Society coming in soon. We’re giving them a space to promote their items and businesses.”AwareFest features a series of eight original 10-minute plays by local and renowned playwrights. The plays will be performed weekly from 8 to 9:30 p.m.“Each one of the playwrights wrote a play specifically for us,” Rabinovitz said. “I did readings, directed some plays, dealt with agents and made connections to get people excited about this.”“Everyone Knows,” a play about the horrors of chicken farming, was written by Craig Wright, producer of the television show “Lost” and an Emmy nominee for his work on HBO’s “Six Feet Under.”Israel Horovitz, a well-known off-Broadway playwright, also contributed an original work titled “Dream House,” a play about a family wrestling with the idea of selling their sustainable home.“Dream House” actress Shannon Walsh said she heard about AwareFest from Rabinovitz and couldn’t refuse to be a part of it.“I love the aspect of completely original works,” she said. “There’s something about being the first to perform something.”Walsh added that the project opened her eyes to her own environmental footprint.“I’m crazy about turning lights off now,” she said.Walsh said she didn’t know very much about green living before she began work on the project, adding that some people are intimidated by the unknown.Actor Thomas Thompson said he has done a lot of shows with social impact in the past, such as “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Cadillac.” He will be performing in “The Rocks” by Erdin Schultz-Bever and “Six Lights” by Joseph S. Walker during AwareFest.“I try to make the audience identify with me, and hopefully then they can take something away from the experience,” he said.Thompson said AwareFest incorporates more multimedia and technology into its performances, but he feels these things enhance the overall message of actively protecting the environment.“We as actors already do many of these things that we present in the show,” Thompson said. “But the project brings even more awareness to the idea of green living.”Rabinovitz said he is already planning his second AwareFest project, which will likely take place this time next year.“We’ve been talking about a War and Peace theme,” he said. “We want to try to partner with the themesters of IU somehow. We will try to change the topic of social importance every year.”
(10/06/10 3:35am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A shortage of affordable housing in Monroe County has compelled local community organizations to inform landlords about Section 8 housing options. There have been 344 new families provided with Section 8 housing this year, but with 100 families on a wait list, there is a need for more housing availability.Tuesday evening’s informational session titled “There’s No Place Like Home: Information and Opportunities for Rental Property Owners/Managers” brought together Section 8 tenants, landlords and authorities to discuss and dispel myths attached to Section 8 housing.One of the main misconceptions identified by the Bloomington Housing Authority was that Section 8 tenants are lazy and unwilling to work for a better life, BHA supervisor Janet Tyree said. Tyree said about 57 percent of Section 8 tenants are elderly or disabled, but of that 57 percent, almost 20 percent are employed and have an adequate income to pay rental expenses.“During the last year, out of 1,339 households, only six families were evicted,” Tyree said. “That’s less than 1 percent.“Section 8 tenant Tracey Hodge has been receiving Section 8 assistance for seven and a half years and feels that her quality of life has greatly improved because of the availability of Section 8 housing.“It provides stability for my son and myself,” Hodge said. “We are not a family that needs to bounce around anymore or live with family members when struggling with our income.”However, Hodge added the availability of Section 8 housing is not what it used to be in Monroe County.“Even if you have a voucher, it is hard to find a place with an acceptable rent value,” she said. “There have been many options for Section 8 that have gone away.”With many potential Section 8 landlords in attendance, the meeting highlighted the personal experience of single family property owner Dave Thompson, who leases some of his properties to Section 8 families. He encouraged landlords to participate in the program.Thompson emphasized that there is also a large number of families participating in Section 8 who are willing to rent from participating landlords.“In reality, there are 1,200-plus tenants renewing and looking for a place to live each year,” Thompson said. “And it may be your house.”One problem with providing Section 8 housing was brought up by Nikki Jenkins, property manager for Canterbury House.“We are not always given a rent raise each year,” Jenkins said. “So currently we can only take vouchers for three-bedroom apartments.”Thompson assured prospective landlords that Section 8 tenants are generally on time with their co-payments of rent because they are grateful to have Section 8 housing.“You don’t want to lose what has been a blessing to you,” he said. “It’s a real joy to see families get themselves off of the program and better themselves.”
(10/01/10 3:36am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In early May 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck the remote delta region of Myanmar. At least 138,000 fatalities were reported. Two years later, Myanmar still lacks adequate funding for local schools, clean water and food supplies.The Pourhouse Cafe, a local nonprofit coffee shop, is currently raising funds for the Asian Children’s Mission, a movement that provides educational and nutritional funding for Myanmar children.It opened in February 2008 with the goal of being a place where people could come for rest, comfort and warmth. Pourhouse manager Pam Voorhies said the cafe’s name was inspired by the historical poorhouses of the Depression Era, which provided food and shelter for poor families and individuals.“We opened because we wanted to be a presence in Bloomington,” she said. “The objective wasn’t to make money.”The cafe was built and furnished with supplies using only donations for funds.With a staff of volunteer and paid employees, the cafe cuts down on payroll expenses, which means more money is donated to their quarterly cause.“Every three to four months, we raise money for a particular cause,” Voorhies said. “We try to choose global, relevant, high-demand things.”The cafe has raised about $20,000 for the ACM so far and will continue to donate tip money and sales profits to the cause through the end of October, Voorhies said.“I think it’s a popular thing to do right now,” Tim Felton, Pourhouse shift manager, said. “People seem likely to tip more or buy something they are on the bubble about if they know the money is for a good cause.”The Pourhouse Cafe offers Fair Trade items as well, which increases their opportunity to raise money for their causes.Voorhies said while Fair Trade is more of a label that many companies tout, Pourhouse goes a step above the usual Fair Trade initiative.“The companies we get our coffees from own their estates directly while implementing health, nutrition and school programs with money from sales to us,” she said.The cafe has live music each month, which Pourhouse barista Alena Degrado said gives customers a chance to sing and dance in an environment that is usually utilized for quiet study or conversation.“It’s a community more than a coffee shop,” Degrado said. “You can always expect to see someone you know. I feel like that’s this place for me.”
(09/29/10 4:18am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Of the 69,000 residents living within the city of Bloomington, there are 1,300 low-income families seeking Section 8 housing. Because of a lack of housing that will accept Section 8 vouchers, 400 of these families are on a waitlist.Section 8 housing is part of the Housing Choice Voucher program and is funded by the federal government to help low-income families pay rental expenses.The issue with Section 8 housing in Bloomington is the unwillingness of various landlords and property owners to participate in the plan, said Hans Huffman chairman of the Community and Family Resources Commission.The hesitancy of local landlords might stem from the fear that low-income tenants might damage the properties they rent, Bonnie Vesely, Monroe County Circles Initiative coordinator and community organizer for South Central Community Action Program, said.But because the consequences of damaging a rental while in Section 8 housing can mean homelessness or eviction, she said Section 8 tenants have a powerful incentive to repair any damages within a designated time frame.For this reason, The City of Bloomington CFR, the Bloomington Housing Authority, the South Central Community Action Program and the Monroe County Circles Initiative are partnering to provide an informational session titled “There’s No Place Like Home: Affordable Housing — Information and Opportunities for Rental Property Owners/Managers” on Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. This information session will provide land and property owners with vital information about Section 8 housing, as well as first-hand accounts from Section 8 tenants and leasers.Vesely said the meeting is a step toward improving the availability of Section 8 housing, adding that the availability right now is dire.Huffman said the sponsoring committees want to present information on Section 8 benefits in the hopes that some landlords in Bloomington might be swayed to consider it.“We have a situation in Bloomington where, as a student, you can get together with a few other people and rent a house for a thousand dollars, but if you have a family with one income, it’s more difficult,” Vesely said. “The landlords tend to play to the student population. Why charge $500 when you can get $1,000?”
(09/27/10 3:32am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Stepping into the colorful basement of Kirkwood Manor is like walking into a different world. Even on a rainy Sunday morning, Soma Coffee House is warm, inviting and brimming with customers. The shop is filled with worn-in, bright orange velvet armchairs and non-uniform, second-hand coffee mugs. Paper lanterns and multi-colored Christmas lights frame the ceilings, and vintage board games or newspapers line the refurbished wood tables of the seating area across from the bar. Seated at a yellow, linoleum vintage kitchen table is Maggie Arthur, a Soma barista. Casually dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, drinking coffee, she talks about what makes Soma such a distinct place to work. ***IDS: What do you think makes Soma such a great spot for locals and students in Bloomington?Arthur: Well, we brew really high quality coffees here, and all the employees are trained on the ins and outs of all our coffee. And we take pride in our coffee being Fair Trade and organic.IDS: Do you like working here?Arthur: I love it actually, I worked at Starbucks in high school, and I’ve always had barista jobs. But this one takes the cake.IDS What types of things does Soma offer for customers? I know you have vegetarian and vegan-friendly items, but what else do you have here like that?Arthur: Well, we have soy creamer for coffee. It’s sort of a rare, frilly thing. And we have gluten-free pastries. Our chai [tea] is vegan. There are a lot of things that aren’t vegetarian or vegan, but we try to get things that are. We kind of go out of our way to provide them.IDS: And what about the decor and the vintage furniture here? Where did you guys find all of this stuff?Arthur: Most of it is donated by customers, actually. I mean, the big things come mainly from employees, though. We have gotten some gems, definitely. A lot of the people that work here are total thrifting monsters. I found a picture of The Coreys, those ’80s movie stars, and absolutely loved it, so I brought it in.IDS: I’ve heard the bathroom is really interesting. What is in there as far as decor? Does it change from time to time?Arthur: We have a huge mosaic on the wall, so we really can’t change that, and the rest has been the same for a long time. There’s a chalkboard on one wall, so a lot of people provide their own decorations. Also, if you look closely at the jukebox in there, you’ll see that the names of certain songs have been changed to names of people that work here.(A quick look at the jukebox in the bathroom reveals the secretly altered song names, such as “Mmm Bob” by Hanson and “Wake Me Up Before You Jo-Jo” by Wham!)IDS: How would you describe the atmosphere of Soma?Arthur: In a word, quirky. Just because of the decor, the colors, and everyone has a pretty eclectic taste that works here. We play our own music, too. It’s funny because students will bring their parents in to see the place because they say the people here are so different and cool. But the regulars are mostly ordinary folks.IDS: I see you have business cards and flyers laid out on your bar area. Are those for local bands, events, artists?Arthur: Well, people kind of just come in and drop stuff off. We leave all of it out until the event is over, or if it’s just been sitting there for an eternity.IDS: And just a closing question, what is your favorite coffee or tea?Arthur: I’d have to say “The Nug” — like Ted Nugent. It’s two shots of espresso over ice. It’s one of those inside jokes taken way too far, and now it’s a drink.Soma, which is located at 322 E. Kirkwood Ave., is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
(09/23/10 3:42am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Housed in a basement amid a multitude of shops and restaurants on Indiana Avenue is John Edward Salon. However, in a few weeks, the salon is moving to a building on the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Washington Street as well as changing its name. Co-owner Donna Disque and her recently wed daughter Margarete Nowak opened sister salons, John Edward Salon and Les Champs Elysees Day Spa and Salon on College Avenue to provide AVEDA product hair care to Bloomington residents craving a modern and upscale experience.“We opened Les Champs Elysees six years ago in October,” she said. “John Edward has been open for four years now, but it’s been kind of tucked away, being in the basement.”When the prospect of a new location fell into their laps, she and her daughter grabbed the opportunity. The existing John Edward Salon site will be closed.“The new location will give us so much visibility and help us grow our clientele,” Disque said. “Because the first place visitors go in Bloomington is Kirkwood.”The name Mardon Salon, an AVEDA Concept Salon, is the product of the combination of Disque and Nowak’s first names.“Margarete and I kind of thought it up one day and said, ‘Wow that sounds so chic!’” Disque said.Chelsea Langley, manager of the new Mardon Salon, along with seven other Les Champs Elysees employees and four John Edward Salon employees, will comprise the 12-person staff at Mardon Salon.Disque believes that many people in Bloomington really enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy salon, but there are those wanting to relax and have quiet time to unwind in an intimate setting. This multidimensional quality is what makes their salons different, she said.“Our new salon will be modern and edgy without being over the top,” she said. “Now people are experimenting with fashion, but we will be able to give them trendy without it looking tacky.”Among other things the salon will also add fusion extensions to its list of services, which cannot be found at any other salon in Bloomington, Disque said.Housing four spa treatment rooms along with its main hair salon, Mardon Salon will maintain the standards of excellence that its related salons uphold.Disque said she is excited for Mardon Salon to take the next step by opening the week of Oct. 11 at 124 Kirkwood Ave.“People in Bloomington really expect a higher quality of service, especially if they are here from a big city,” Langley said. “We want people to know that just because we are in a small town that we still are Aveda-trained specialists, and we can guarantee the same high standards found in any big city like New York or Indianapolis.”
(09/20/10 1:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The leader of Team Geno held a sign Saturday, showing a picture of his late son, high above the crowd. Gene Brewer, father of Eugene “Geno” Brewer, joined more than 5,000 participants and 300 volunteers Saturday at IU’s Memorial Stadium for the 11th annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event.Hoosiers Outrun Cancer is a 5K, family walk and run fundraiser that benefits the Bloomington Hospital Olcott Center for Cancer Education. During the past nine years, the 5K race has raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research. Gene Brewer said he participates because each year the event brings him closer to his late son, “Geno,” who passed away from a brain tumor in 2005.Geno was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at IU and attended Bloomington High School South. Geno was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain tumor that accounts for about 60 percent of annually diagnosed tumors in the United States.“Geno was diagnosed with a brain tumor and survived for five years with it,” Brewer said. “We walk and run to honor his memory, and it’s also really part of the effort to support cancer research.”Brewer has been participating in cancer research fundraising events for the past 10 years, beginning when Geno was diagnosed.With more than 100 members on Team Geno, including family members, friends and many of Geno’s fraternity brothers, Brewer said he hopes to keep Geno’s memory alive and help support other victims of the disease.As Team Geno cheered along with other groups, Mark Moore, president and CEO of Bloomington Hospital, spoke at the opening ceremony along with Joan Olcott, founder of the Olcott Center.IU women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack said the support for the event was tremendous.“Give it your best, give it your all,” Legette-Jack said to the crowd. “Do what you do, people.”IU President Michael McRobbie and his wife Laurie attended the event as well, emphasizing the importance of funding for cancer research and praising the donations people made. “We really appreciate all of the people who come together here with the goal of erasing and eradicating cancer,” McRobbie said.Cancer survivor and Bloomington High School South senior Danielle Stanton took the stage to rally the crowd with her words of encouragement and hope.Stanton was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of blood cancer, and spoke about the devastating effects of the disease on her body. But her message was one of optimism for the future.“With the help of Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and Riley Children’s Hospital of Indianapolis, we come closer to finding a cure every year,” Stanton said. The event began at the intersection of Dunn and 17th streets and took a scenic route through Bloomington and the IU campus. The races ended at 11 a.m., and awards were given to the winners of each event.Kyle Brehan, 19, of Bloomington, was this year’s 5K run winner with a time of 17:26.For families and friends of cancer patients, this year’s event was as crucial to cancer research and education as ever before.“This is how we continue to honor Geno’s memory,” Brewer said. “But we’re also here for cancer awareness and support for all victims of the disease.”
(09/17/10 2:38am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Bicycling is serious business. Movements must be precise and eyes must be lightning sharp. An acute sense of awareness is key to each bicyclist’s repertoire. Of course, there are other aspects of bicycling that are less serious and more carefree. Some bike owners in Bloomington seem to all have the same passion: to enjoy and participate in things using their bikes. Fred Rose, manager of Bicycle Garage, Inc., said bikes can be used for many different purposes that all somehow congregate and fit into a person’s daily life.“There are so many things to indulge yourself in with cycling,” Rose said. “You can ride them for health, competition, commuting or as a pastime.”Rose has been bicycling for 25 years, and said that like any other vehicle, there is a certain amount of danger that comes with cycling.“You have to be aware,” he said. “Cycling is no different than driving a car or walking. But you’re not in an armored cocoon — you have to be proactive.”Rose added that potholes, steep hills and gravel, which are lesser worries for cars and pedestrians, are huge concerns for bikers and if unnoticed, can seriously injure a biker.“I’ve had an actual accident with another biker from just going too fast, not paying attention,” said Bicycle Garage, Inc. employee Chris Beck. “My friend got into a bike accident too, and the other biker broke their arm.”Brien Fields, a salesperson for Revolution Bike and Bean, said in order to prevent accidents his shop takes special precautions to make sure that each bike sold fits the rider, and not the other way around.“We have consultations that take anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours so that we can make sure the bike is right for the rider,” he said. “This helps reduce injury to the biker as well as increase the rider’s efficiency.”Don Galligher, owner of Revolution Bike and Bean, is a specialized certified bike fitter and geometric fit specialist. He studies the different ways in which bikes can fit a human body so that his customers get a personalized feel, not just a bike.Along with providing custom-fit bicycles, Revolution Bike and Bean includes a coffee bar for customers, something that adds to the shop’s belief that biking should be an enjoyable experience.“Biking is such a good way to get outside and see the scenery,” Fields said. “You get to see natural settings that you won’t be able to see in a car.”In addition to being a fulfilling pastime, biking is seen as a way to benefit the environment, personal economy and health.Fields said he started mountain biking to improve his knees’ joint health after 20 years of playing competitive basketball.Zach Edwards, mechanic for Revolution Bike and Bean, said he rides to improve the environment and to save money on gas.Beck said he rides his bike to avoid traffic and get to places faster.“I try to avoid 10th Street because it is always full of traffic,” Beck said. “But many of the best routes to take are on campus because there is minimal traffic besides the buses.”Whatever the reason for riding a bike, one thing is common among bikers: they still remember their first bike.Beck said he received his first bike when he was six, and it was hot pink — a result of his growing up in the late ’80s.“I got this sweet Ninja Turtle bike when I was six years old,” Edwards said. “For a first bike, it was pretty cool.”
(09/16/10 3:25am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A giant white peace sign floated above traffic Wednesday at the intersection of Walnut Street and Kirkwood Avenue. The Bloomington Peace Action Coalition protested the war in Iraq and urged the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. They demonstrate on that same corner from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month.“God bless you for continuing to speak out,” a passing Bloomington woman said.The BPAC’s peaceful demonstrations oppose the current war, and ask for help in bringing the American troops home from the Middle East. The group distributes flyers, displays anti-war signs and provides petitions to be signed and presented to the local government.Formed in September 2001, soon after Sept. 11, the group organized a Peace Camp in Dunn Meadow from October 2001 to June 2002, and organized an anti-war petition of 1,396 signatures on July 14, 2003, which was presented to Congressman Baron Hill.Member Timothy Baer said the group consisted mainly of students when it first formed in 2001, but has now grown to include residents of Bloomington and individuals who reside outside city limits. “We are here to protest the war in Iraq,” Baer said. “We are here to remind people that there is still a military force in Iraq and Afghanistan that should be sent home.”In addition to peaceful petitions and the bi-monthly “End the War” demonstrations, the group hopes to bring the economic effects of war to the forefront. Another group member, David Keppel, said he thinks the war effects more than just soldiers and their families.“Here we are, in a severe recession, and our social services are being cut as well as our education,” Keppel said. “A few months ago Congressman Baron Hill voted in favor of funding the war, but against unemployment benefits. You can’t be a deficit hog and a foreign policy hog at the same time.”Keppel said the support has been tremendous for BPAC’s cause, with new members and supporters joining almost every day.“We work not only for a sense of urgency, but for a sense of hope,” he said. “I come here because I want people to know we are not alone and that we are a community.”Keppel said the group’s message is not to find an immediate cure for the war, but to complete the steps necessary to create a global effort to end the war, even if it is a long-term process.“The idea that war gets the job done is just an illusion,” Keppel said. “I worried that this tragedy of crime would turn into a reason for war, and now we need global cooperation to fight those crimes that were committed nine years ago.”
(09/14/10 3:04am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Nag Champa incense burns and the sound of Robert Thompson’s rock album
resonates through the record store. A juxtaposition of IU gear and vinyl
records line the walls of the now 22-year-old store, aptly named
Tracks.
Tracks, located at 415 E. Kirkwood Ave., has seen a significant change
in the past year. This difference is evident as customers walk through
the glass doors — T-shirts and hoodies, as well as pajamas and shorts
donning IU colors, are now sold at the store which previously only
housed vinyl records, CDs, and audio equipment.
The changes have been a great improvement for the store’s sales, owner Andy Walter said.
“The T-shirts have really expanded our customer base, and we see a lot
of new people coming in here buying records, as well,” he said. “Every
business has to diversify somehow, and this was our way of doing that.”
Tracks was opened by Walter in 1972 at Purdue University and University
of Notre Dame, but the only location that was a financial success was
Bloomington, which opened in 1988.
“When I was in my 30’s I couldn’t find a job, so I got a job at a record
store,” Walters said. “Then I moved to wholesale, and when I had enough
money to open a store, I did it.”
The store’s clothing inventory, which came from excess Steve and Barry’s
merchandise after its closing, brings a new aspect to the college
experience for customers, store employee Haleigh Howe said.
“We still have over 20,000 CDs and 40,000 LPs,” Howe said. “But the
majority of our sales comes from the fact that our clothing is so much
cheaper than any other store in Bloomington.”
With the advent of increasing vinyl record sales, Tracks hasn’t lost
much of its previous clientele from the transition. Customers can still
browse for their favorite heavy metal album or purchase electronics and
candy at the store.
“There has been an uptake in vinyl in the past three or four years,”
said IU graduate student and employee Mike Lang. “We still have the best
selection of music in Bloomington, and I believe we have the best metal
selection in the Midwest.”
Walters commented on the fact that Tracks has something for everyone,
saying that when IU students come in with their parents to buy college
clothing, the parents are taken back to their younger years seeing the
music selection.
“We have a lot of space still, and that’s great,” he said. “The addition
of the clothing kind of turned off a few of our customers before, but I
think it’s been a great change.”
The atmosphere of Tracks is still the same, and if anybody is a music
hobbyist, Walters said they could never get bored at Tracks.
Lang said the store can be approached on many different levels. It takes
the characteristics of a record store, clothing store or possibly a
hybrid of the two.
“I like this place,” Walters said. “Actually, I love this place; it’s totally awesome man,” Walters said.
(09/08/10 3:27am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The sound of classic rock resonates through the restaurant. The smell of hops is in the air. Local art hang on the walls, bringing a laid-back feel to Upland Brewing Company.Upland Brewing Company, located on West 11th Street, is seeing its business grow with its array of specialty brews and a large Indiana following.“All microbrewed beers are different from your regular Bud Light or Miller Light,” bartender Fred Risinger said. “And beer on tap just tastes better.”Risinger was a School of Education professor and administrator for 31 years before retiring and now works at Upland. Risinger has been bartending since he was 14 years old, and works Mondays and Tuesdays to give the weekend shifts to the college workers who need the money, he said.Since the business started in 1998, the brewery has expanded its sales from Indiana into Louisville, Ky. and Madison, Wis.Upland’s patio area will soon expand into the current gravel parking lot to accommodate a greater number of diners.The brewery now has room for 80 diners inside and 80 seats on the patio, but the expansion will almost double seating space for customers.“I think the brewery is so popular because people are just interested in beer,” server and bartender Kelly Hogan said. Upland is the largest brewery in Indiana, providing seven year-round brews, 18 seasonal beers and four sour ales or lambics, Risinger said.“Our Wheat Ale is about 60 percent of our sales and is available year-round,” Risinger said. “Our Cream Ale was brewed with corn, inspired by the recent corn festival here, and it is a seasonal flavor.”Another facet of Upland Brewery is its ability to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays for home consumption. Due to an Indiana law that went into effect in July, a brewery is able to sell alcohol for home consumption on Sundays when liquor stores and bars are not, Risinger said.“Sunday sales have been huge,” Risinger said. “Last Sunday, I came in and it was so noisy and so loud. It was too much for me, and I work here.”Upland brought in about $1,000 from six-pack sales Sunday, as well as $2000 from growlers, or half-gallon glass jugs of beer.In addition to being a brewery, Upland has lunch and dinner menus as well as live entertainment.“The food is good, the beer is good, and we have a relaxed feel without being sloppy,” Hogan said.
(09/07/10 3:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In the past, IU has been admired as one of the five most beautiful campuses in the nation by author Thomas Gaines. Bloomington has been ranked one of the top ten college towns by the New York Times and number eight in the nation for retirement by Rand McNally. But the city is now making efforts to garner the title of a “greener” community.The City of Bloomington partnered with Gengee, LLC — an energy & sustainable building design, consulting and commissioning firm — in August to enhance its green initiatives, starting with city operations efficiency and its Green Building Ordinance.The goal of the contract with Gengee, LLC is to improve the city’s sustainability efforts by implementing small changes that will ultimately bring reductions in energy spending. “We’ve already saved about one-third of what we would spend on energy bills before just by making these small changes,” said Jacqueline Bauer, sustainability coordinator for the City of Bloomington.The partnership will also foster the movement to ensure new construction is in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and that existing buildings receive LEED Silver ratings.“The list of things we want to do is not finished yet,” said Ted Mendoza, owner of Gengee, LLC. “We ask ourselves ‘How do we walk down the road to LEED certification?’”Before partnering with Gengee, LLC., the Green Building Ordinance — set in motion in 2009 — provided for the city’s first completely green-built neighborhood, EverGreen Village Affordable Housing Subdivision, as well as the formation of Bloomington’s Sustainable City initiative. Bloomington also acquired 150 acres of green space.“Sustainability doesn’t have an end point,” Bauer said. “Bloomington is doing really well, but it still has a long way to go.”Because of this, City Hall has been taking even more strides to become greener. New moisture sensors were placed on its irrigation system so that it operates only when soil is dry enough. A timer was installed for boilers that heat the City Hall building. These timers regulate the amount of time the boilers spend using electricity, which cuts down on the city’s expenses dramatically. Mendoza said he wants to try incorporating rainwater back into the City Hall building somehow, either using it to flush toilets or power machinery, as well as planting more indigenous vegetation around the city.Other measures being taken by City Hall staff are the purchase of earth-conscious cleaning products and installation of light-emitting diode light bulbs — when the city’s budget allows — which use a mere 10 percent of the energy a usual fluorescent light bulb would.“Technology is very cutting edge now,” Mendoza said. “So it’s amazing that we are able to do these things already.”
(09/01/10 4:46am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Indiana countryside is active with wildlife, large expanses of sky and lush farmlands. But in Monroe County, some of that land could soon be paved, replacing the grass with concrete and making moonlight into streetlight. For years, the Indiana Department of Transportation and Monroe County residents have butted heads about the issue of I-69’s new route. Now that the proposed highway sections 4, 5 and 6 threaten to disrupt their quality of life, residents are speaking out against INDOT as it attempts to dispel their anxiety.Will Wingfield, public information officer for INDOT. said residents could see the highway as a benefit instead of a detriment to Monroe County inhabitants’ quality of life.Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the highway will set higher safety standards for visitors and students of IU as well as travelers coming to Monroe County, Wingfield said. The department also presented the construction as an opportunity to create jobs.“The I-69 corridor could have a major benefit for all the counties it runs through,” Wingfield said. “But it’s important the local communities influence the way they want to see this interstate provide for future economic growth and business.”What most Monroe County residents said they want isn’t more economic development, but for INDOT to listen and take to heart what they feel could be major impacts of the highway.“I have a friend who lives five miles away from I-69, north of Indianapolis, and at night he can hear those big semi-trailers barreling down the road, and I don’t want that to affect my quality of life,” Monroe County resident Scott Wells said. “It just doesn’t seem fair that INDOT won’t listen to us.” At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting Friday, Indian Creek Resident Donna Ferree said the idea of a major highway going through her community is devastating. Ferree attended another public hearing sponsored by INDOT Thursday in Greene County. “I went to the meeting Thursday night, and I saw those maps around the room,” she said. “Completely circled around like snakes, and I looked, and I saw everyone I knew. I saw homes. I saw places. And I could not believe that our community was not standing against this in a different way.”County Commissioner Mark Stoops said the County’s Resolution 2010-34, which passed Aug. 27, is the commissioners’ counter-argument to the Federal Highway Association and INDOT.“I don’t think anybody can understand how the state can invest the amount of money they need to get this built when they have so many other needs for those funds,” Stoops said. “Just to fix or maintain the roads we have it would cost close to $5 billion, so all INDOT’s justifications for safety and economic benefit are not comparable to the cost of the new roads and just don’t make sense.”Stoops also commented that Monroe County has researched alternative routes to identify areas that it would like to protect, as well as areas of possible traffic interruption. The county took those things into consideration while drawing up Resolution 2010-34. “Any change to the construction is going to require a lot of work on behalf of the local government and the public along the route,” he said. “And this resolution is just another small aspect of trying to get the state to fully realize the impact that the interstate can have on the county.”
(08/30/10 4:24am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Named the Interstate 69 Project, the state-wide construction plan would expand I-69 to connect Evansville and Indianapolis, a project that has left many Bloomington residents uneasy.Section 4 of the I-69 development was planned to intersect parts of SR 37, as well as impede some roads in Bloomington and Ellettsville during its construction. The new section would ultimately provide a route linking Bloomington to Evansville.The resolution stated the low cost of the construction would mean lower safety standards and longer commute times for the citizens of Monroe County.One by one, residents of Monroe County shared their fears of a major highway obstructing their homes and lives at the County Commission meeting Friday.Clark Sorensen started the group Against I-69 to gather nonsupporters of the project.“I formed it to get people angry and to get them to do something. It’s not too late to stop I-69 from coming to Monroe County,” said Clark Sorensen.Eager to express their opposition, some residents commented before the announcement of a resolution regarding the construction.As Commissioner Mark Stoops announced Resolution 2010-34, the tense feeling in the room began to subside.The resolution positioned the Monroe County Board of Commissioners against Section 4 of the proposed I-69 construction.The board said many local roads could be closed, disrupting traffic patterns in the southern part of the county. Residents of many communities, including Indian Creek Township, Stanford and Bloomington expressed their support of the board’s decision to oppose Section 4 with stories about effects they had foreseen within their communities.Rolling Glen resident Jody Madeira stood behind the podium facing the commissioners, vehemently opposing the construction of the interstate. It would have a negative effect on the community’s air quality, natural environment and children, Madeira said. There are also no policies in place to resolve the issue of noise reduction for those whose homes will be bordered by the proposed section of the interstate, Madeira said. Other residents of Monroe County applauded the commissioners’ decision but also begged more be done to show the state of Indiana the large amount of opposition within Monroe County.Local communities have not felt empowered in the struggle against the I-69 construction, Stanford, Ind. resident Brian Garvey said.“It’s not just about the people in the path, it’s about the whole community,” Garvey said.
(08/30/10 3:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Welcome Week is designed for incoming freshmen to help stave off the pressures of meeting new friends and navigating IU’s large campus. Dorm residents participated in various activities sponsored by the Residence Hall Association and Residential Programs and Services on Friday and Saturday, including midnight shopping sprees, treasure hunts and races around campus — all to help the new students become better-oriented with IU traditions and history.Amazing RaceFoster Quad residents competed in a race through university grounds Saturday to familiarize themselves with famous IU landmarks and well-known campus buildings.The Amazing Race, created a year ago by Foster Resident Assistant Leo Martinez, is a fairly new event. But last year, the race had already garnered the title of “Social Program of the Year” in 2009 by the National Residence Hall Honorary. The honorary was created in 1964 to recognize leaders in residence halls across the country.Martinez said he hopes students get a sense of IU’s tradition and history, as well as how to get to-and-from popular spots on campus such as the Herman B Wells Memorial Sculpture and the Indiana Memorial Union.“We had about 200 kids sign up last year and we anticipate more this year,” Martinez said before the event. “We divide each floor into teams, and each team competes to be the first one to finish. We try to make the clues around campus simple, but not too simple.”Midnight MadnessSponsored by RHA, Midnight Madness is designed to help students find and buy supplies and furnishings to complete their college to-do lists. Bloomington’s local Walmart opened its doors to students for this one-night shopping event. Midnight Madness has taken place for years as part of Welcome Week.Traditions and Spirit of IUThe Office of First Year Experience Programs, IU Athletics and RPS partnered to present Traditions and Spirit of IU, another recurring event.The event welcomed students to show their IU pride while receiving prizes given out before and during the event Friday. Students also learned the IU fight song, “Indiana, Our Indiana.”Other campus events also took place, including the Race for Treasure on Saturday at Collins Living-Learning Center and a barbecue at McNutt Quad on Saturday.
(08/27/10 2:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled about 550 million eggs across the U.S. last week because of a salmonella outbreak, Bloomington grocery stores have not been affected. Hillandale Farms of Iowa, Inc. distributes eggs to 14 states throughout the nation, including Indiana. Last week, Hillandale Farms recalled 170 million eggs, marking the third egg recall in two weeks for the U.S.. But Bloomington residents might have little to worry about.Indiana has not yet had a significant number of salmonella cases reported, and no cases have been reported in Bloomington, Amanda Roach, Bloomington Hospital spokesperson said. The recent recalls have not had any effect on Sahara Mart’s egg stock, a local grocery store with two locations on East Second Street and East Third Street, manager Ali Noori said,“We only get our eggs from local suppliers,” Noori said. “Our eggs come from two farms. One is about 40 miles south of Bloomington, and the other is just 50 miles north of here.”Marsh Supermarket has not seen any effects of the recent recalls as well, with their supply of eggs originating from farms in nearby Warsaw, Ind., a Marsh employee said.For most other states, recently reported salmonella cases occurred in June and July. California’s outbreaks were centralized in Santa Clara, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Arizona was greatly impacted, with salmonella reports doubling in June and 51 cases this year. Minnesota, Colorado and Nevada showed effects of the tainted egg supplies as well.Symptoms of salmonella poisoning can be mild and range from diarrhea to vomiting and fever, which occur 12 to 72 hours after ingestion. Often overlooked are products which contain uncooked eggs, such as Caesar salad dressings, hollandaise sauces, mayonnaise and some ice creams or cake batters.If any symptoms occur, the FDA advises consumers go to a local physician to check for salmonella bacteria.WHAT TO WATCH FOR Eggs affected by this latest recall are distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms and Sunny Meadow in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg packages and 5-dozen-egg cases. Loose eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Wholesome Farms and West Creek in 15- and 30-dozen tray packs. The loose eggs may also be repackaged by customers.
(08/25/10 4:44am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Six years ago when owner Matt Frey and his wife, Rachel, came to Bloomington, they knew this was where they wanted to build their third business. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream, located behind Smallwood Plaza, is a place where the food speaks for itself.“The food seemed very simple on the menu, so I didn’t expect it to be as delicious as it was,” senior Rebecca Kharsa said. “The staff was really personable and friendly, too, so it was a nice experience to have in Bloomington. I’ll definitely be coming back here.” Home to the “Big Ugly” burger, weighing in at 22 ounces precooked, Bub’s has become a new food-eating contest hot spot. Adam Richman of the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food visited the original Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream in Carmel, Ind., for a chance to finish off four Big Uglies in one sitting. Richman was defeated by the challenge, finishing only two and a quarter Big Ugly burgers.Before Richman, there had been more than 50 people to finish two burgers, and only three people to finish three Big Uglies in one sitting. The hardest part about the challenge is that the diner must eat everything on the plate, including the sides of lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles in order to be named a winner and get their picture on the wall of fame, Frey said.“We’ve had people come from as far away as Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis to eat the Big Ugly here in Bloomington just because they saw us on Man vs. Food and thought, ‘Hey, let’s drive hours and hours to eat a Big Ugly today,’” Frey said. “The response has really been a blessing.”More than 6,000 photos adorn the walls each year at the Bub’s location in Carmel. Frey said he hopes to develop that kind of popularity here in Bloomington.Since the Man vs. Food episode aired Aug. 18, he said business has been booming. More than 190 Big Ugly burgers are sold per week and more than 600 were sold last week at all locations.“I was in the back forming burger patties with my hands,” Frey said. “We had so many orders. It really took me back to when I first started and we couldn’t cook fast enough.”Waitress Aleesha Rhoadas remembers being amazed when she saw a child finish the burger.“The boy was 8 years old, and he said, ‘I wanna do the Big Ugly!’” Rhoadas said. “I thought there was no way this kid could do it, but he nailed it. So, if any of these college guys think they can’t do it, I’ll always remind them that if an 8-year-old kid can finish it, they can, too.”The restaurant also features lean elk burgers, as well as portabella mushroom and mahi-mahi sandwiches for vegetarians.Frey, a Ball State grad, said that coming to IU was a great opportunity to extend his business to the college audience and bring a family feel to the town as well.“It’s a delicate roll of the dice to be a new restaurant, especially in a college town, so you want to do well and make money,” Frey said. “But it’s not about greed, it’s about creating a great atmosphere and even better food.”
(08/25/10 4:43am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The hustle and bustle of campus has finally begun to pick up as students make their way back IU. Today, sounds of eager freshmen will fill the residence halls as the official move-in day for campus gets underway. Although Residential Programs and Services provides a residence hall move-in guide to help the transition to college, it could be the information the guide doesn’t provide that will be most valuable and memorable for new students.Dennis Perkins, residential coordinator for Foster Quad, said there are many unknown facts about each dorm, including Foster. The dorm has the most freshman athletes, he said, which creates a welcoming environment for those students specifically.“We really want new parents and freshmen to know that we not only have students who play basketball, soccer and water sports, but also students who play tennis, compete in diving and volleyball, to name a few,” Perkins said. “So, other student athletes can come to our dorm and feel really welcomed here.”Many memories have been made at residence halls in the past duringWelcome Week for resident assistants and incoming freshmen alike, the stresses of move-in day can also bring laughter to the sometimes bittersweet moment of parting from their parents.“One morning a few years back we actually had a deer in the courtyard,” John Summerlot, residence manager of McNutt Quad, said. “It was banging its head on the windows and doors trying to get into the dorm, and parents and students that don’t know we are so close to the woodsy area of campus were screaming with laughter. It took IUPD and some of our RA’s with large sheets to get the deer away from the courtyard that day, but it was a really quirky and strange sight for people to see.” Summerlot said over time, McNutt has changed into more of a unified community, and he hopes freshmen will form strong, healthy friendships because of this.In addition to making move-in a more enjoyable experience for parents and students, residence hall managers are re-configuring their approach to move-in day. Traffic on roads such as Woodlawn Avenue, Sunrise Drive and Ninth Street will be redirected specifically to expedite the move-in process and cut down traffic jams.Perkins said this year’s move-in will go a lot smoother than in previous years simply because of better RA training and work hours.“We have our staff working during early move-in and on Wednesday for regular move-in,” Perkins said. “We’ve scheduled changes for early move-in and Wednesday that have already been really successful. We’ve gotten accolades from a lot of parents about how smoothly it’s going.”Leigh Davis, student services assistant of Collins Living-Learning Center, also emphasized the importance of Collins’ planned events during Welcome Week, which are put on for the students’ benefit. IU President Michael McRobbie, University Chancellor Ken Gros Louis and Dean of Students Pete Goldsmith will also make appearances around campus via golf cart during move-in.“Everything seems to be going really smoothly,” Davis said. “Everybody is excited. We have some really interesting events, and all of our RA’s are very happy to help and welcome the new students to campus.”For many students, the move-in process can be overwhelming, but with the help of residence assistants, roommates and campus events, new students can breathe a sigh of relief.