2012 CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE

Folkie's Feature

Welcome to the first issue of the Downtown Digest of the New Year! This year is full of new opputunities and is sure to be a great year! Main Street Marion is excited about all 2012 has in store! Happy New Year!

Feature Story: Marion Police Chief Celebrates his 25th Year!
by: Brianna James-Logan

I had the pleasure of interviewing Marion Police Chief David Gilbert On January 12, 2012. That day marked the twenty-fifth anniversary as a police officer for Police Chief David Gilbert. For twenty-five years he has served and protected our community. On his Facebook page he received an outpouring of love and gratitude from family and friends alike. There is no doubt that Police Chief David Gilbert has touched so many lives in his twenty-five years of service and he has done so while leading by example.

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I am the youngest of four kids of Owen E. Gilbert, Jr. and Sandra (Lyons) Gilbert, both natives of Marion. I spent the first part of my childhood living on Air Force bases around the country before my parents returned to their hometown after my father’s retirement from the USAF after 22 years of service.

2. How long have you been a Marion resident?
Since 1974.

3. Have you always wanted to be in this line of work and if not what made you want to be a police officer?
As a kid I always believed I would follow in my father’s footsteps and join the military. However, my dad always stressed to his kids that attending college ought to be a priority. Once I went to college I became interested in law enforcement as a way to serve and pursued that career path instead.

4. How many years have you been a police officer?
Today is my 25th anniversary as a member of MPD.

5. What year did you become the Chief of Police?
I was appointed by Mayor Seybold to serve as chief on January 1, 2004.

6. Describe what a typical day is like for you on the job.
There is no such thing as a typical day-isn’t that great?! My time is often spent talking with citizens-our customers-about how we are providing services. I try to spend some time each day talking with some of our officers, dispatchers and civilian staff to keep in touch with our most valuable resource, even if only for a few minutes. As a 24/7 operation, it proves difficult to see and speak to all of our people regularly but my deputy chiefs and I do our best. As you would expect, there are briefings and meetings about serious cases or projects we are implementing and I try to get out of the office and “onto the street” from time to time to remember that I’m still a police officer who shouldn’t be chained to a desk!

7. Describe the positive changes that have taken place since you’ve become the Chief of Police.
Within the department, I am pleased that we have committed to finding and hiring the very best candidates available to serve as officers. The number of officers with college degrees has increased significantly in my time as chief. I believe that I am the first MPD chief to serve after having earned a bachelor’s degree and for the first time in our history the chief and both deputy chiefs have college degrees. More importantly, the commitment, character and work ethic of the department as a whole is as positive as I’ve seen it in 25 years. Good people work here and the citizens are well-served.
In terms of service, I am very proud that we have been able to implement assertive strategies to realize a consistent downward trend inquality services to the good, law-abiding citizens who pay our salaries. Programs like our MPD Youth Academy and our Community Initiatives Resource Team (CIRT) are examples. And, we take pride in our friendships with organizations in our community that include partnering on projects like Judge Spitzer’s Drug Court, the MHS School Resource Officer program, Shop with a Cop and the Marion Giant Baseball Pink Shirt Cancer Awareness Game. All this helps us strike that critical balance between the tough business of arresting career criminals and paying attention to the good citizens who we work for.That means people are safer in Marion generally and that is our main priority. Our officers have stood up to chronic criminals and shown them that Marion isn’t the place for them. At the same time, we have provided crime rates.

8. What is the most gratifying thing you have ever experienced as an officer?
On a personal level, it has been a privilege to serve as the leader of the finest group of police officers in Indiana for longer than any chief in the history of the department. More importantly, in terms of having an impact directly in helping others, the years I spent earlier in my career as a detective working child abuse cases was the most rewarding. To have had the opportunity to help kids at a time when someone in their lives was victimizing them is the highest calling.

9. Tell me a little bit about what the Marion Police Department does to be involved in the community.
Some of the things MPD does to be involved in the community include the Marion Police Department Police Athletic League, or PAL Club, our Citizens Police Academy, regular visits to elementary schools to hang out and eat lunch with kids, police bicycle patrols, Cop Talk (a daily radio show on WBAT 1400-AM), a full-time Victim’s Advocate, our DARE program (one of the few remaining in our area), courses for citizens like our Personal Safety for Women Seminar, a consistent investment in the Leadership Grant County program, visits by Johnny Law, the 9′ Policeman, to community events throughout the year and the MPD Facebook page (with over 5,700 FB ‘friends’ on board!)

10. What do you like best about Marion Indiana?
The people. I have had the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country and the world and am always reminded of the kindness and courtesy that we generally show one another in Marion.

11. What is one of your favorite memories about growing up in Marion?
I don’t know that I have a particular favorite memory of growing up in Marion. Rather, I have fond memories generally of good friends, playing sports, time at McCulloch Middle School & Marion High School, cruising in my first car, and many other experiences that others probably share. I would have to say that my favorite memory is a collective recollection of a wonderful experience as a kid growing up in a wonderful hometown.

12. Tell me what changes you would like to see happen in the future to our downtown area.
I have listened to stories from my elders about how downtown used to be the focal point of the community. I would like to see more of a sense of that return. Remember, the police department is downtown so I am fortunate to spend time here. Walking to the Community School of the Arts, to the Riverwalk, or simply strolling across the street to Mi Pueblo for lunch with partners are highlights for me.

Why does Main Street have all those committees?

Main Street Marion Indiana Inc. was organized to stimulate the downtown economy, and we do so through a four point approach system that consists of design, organization, promotions, and economic restructuring, also known as, the downtown toolbox. For our first newsletter of 2012, we would like to tell you more about how the four point approach system works for our organization. Please see each of our committee descriptions for a brief summary.

For more information or to join a committee, please email operations@mainstreetmarion.com or call 765-662-1820.

You may also check our website www.mainstreetmarion.com for a calendar of all meetings.

4-Point Approach

The first point we will mention is a new one for us in 2012 – the Downtown Toolbox. The Downtown Toolbox used to be known as the Economic Restructuring committee. This group works to strengthen the downtown’s existing economic base,
identify opportunities for growth, recruit new business, develop financial incentives, and monitor economic performance. The Downtown Toolbox encourages anyone interested in the downtown economic structure to sign-up for this committee.

A chairperson for the Downtown Toolbox will be elected from our Board at-large on January 18th. The committee will begin monthly meeting in February 2012. More information about this committee and more will be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mainstmarion

Our last three points some of you may be familiar with Design, Organization, and Promotions.

Design:
The purpose of the Design committee is to enhance the physical appearance of our downtown district by encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, providing design advice and guiding future growth and long term planning. The Design committee manages projects such as, Hog Wild Art, Downtown Clean-up, and downtown property development.

The chairperson of our Design committee is Joe Musser. Joe is a graduate of Indiana University School of Law and is an attorney at a regional law firm, Spitzer Herriman Stephenson Holderead Musser & Conner, LLP, 122 E 4th St, Marion.

The Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Marion Public Library, 600 S. Washington St, Marion at 4:30 p.m. The Committee is accepting new members with a passion for the downtown Marion area.

Promotions:
The Promotions committee markets downtown Marion to supporters, event sponsors, business and property owners, and local citizens. Campaigns, fundraisers, retail promotions, and special events are all coordinated through the Promotions committee. The Promotions committee is recruiting members with strong interest in promoting downtown Marion.

We will elect a Chairperson of the Promotions committee from our Board at-large on January 18th. The committee will begin monthly meetings in February 2012. More information will be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mainstmarion.

Organization:
The Organization committee serves to build consensus amount the individuals and groups that participate in the downtown revitalization process, raise money for projects and administration, manage staff and volunteers, and monitor finances of the Main StreetMarion program. You might say the Organization committee is the backbone of the Board at-large.

The chairperson of our Organization committee is Maria Stefanovic. Maria studied at the University of Central Florida, and moved to Marion approximately seven years ago to operate the Hotel Marion, 501 E 4th St, Marion.

The Organization Committee meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at noon. The location of committee meetings changes monthly amount different downtown businesses such as, Aunt Sue’s Tea Room, Pucci’s Café, and Folkie’s.

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We hope that you’re enjoying this time of year and making the best of your time with friends and loved ones. The Holidays are here and soon they will pass as quick as they came. Tis’ the season to make memories, start a tradition and remember what holidays are truly about. Main Street Marion wishes you a Happy Holidays!!!!!!

Feature Article: Centrum Mall
Where is the Centrum Mall, and what is in it?
The Centrum Mall is located at 428 South Washington Street in downtown Marion, Indiana. Inside this uniquely designed building are many services and products that every individual will need at some point in their lifetime.

Let us begin with the Grant County Visitor Bureau (GCVB). Karen Niverson, Director, helped the GCVB move in the Centrum Mall in March of 2007. The organization’s mission is to promote Grant County and enhance visitor experiences in order to maximize visitor spending in the local economy. Inside the hearts of local organizations, community members, and tourist, there are fond memories backed by the GCVB. Nearly every Grant County festival and Garfield trail was in part paved by this organization. For information, please visit www.showmegrantcounty.com or stop by the office and say hello!

Next up, I would like to present to you Gilead Ministries. Gilead Ministries has been in the Centrum Mall for approximately eight years. Director Bill Sparks said as the organization has grown they have occupied three different suites during their eight years in the mall. Gilead Ministries provides spiritual, emotional, and practical support for cancer patients and families dealing with pain. The organization hosts several annual events including, a car show in May, golf scramble in August, and annual banquet in October. Gilead Ministries also manages Project 20/20, where they ask every volunteer to create twenty gift bags to give twenty cancer patients. The organization sends out approximately 800 to 1,000 handmade holiday cards every holiday!! For information on support or volunteer opportunities, visit www.gileadministries.com, email inform@gileadminitries.com, or call 765-664-3734.

It’s also my pleasure to introduce the Center Township Trustees Office. This is the biggest Township Trustees office in the county! The office moved in the Centrum Mall in July of 2003. Bryce Coryea (Trustee), Laura Dessing (Chief Deputy), and Mona Aguilar (Case Worker) work to provide the basic necessities of life for those with needs. The Center Township Trustees Office is tax supported and has required state guidelines to follow. Laura Dessing said the objective is to begin shifting their client’s priorities by holding them accountable. The Trustee’s office works with a network of other social services such as, United Way, Affordable Housing, and Work One. For more information, call 765-662-9140 or visit their office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Marion Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is also located in the Centrum Mall! That’s right! MPO has been in the Centrum for approximately seven years. Alexander Platt is the MPO’s Music Director and Conductor and Mary Kirby is the organization’s Executive Director, Personnel Director, and Music Librarian. To get more information about the 2011-2012 Season “How European” performances and tickets or to become a Concert Sponsor, call the MPO office at 765-662-0012 or visit the organization’s website at www.marionphil.org.

Additionally, the Pregnancy Help Center moved into the Centrum Mall in October of 2008. Director Indya Morten said the organization has been in Marion for about twenty years, and happy to be located in the Centrum Mall. The Pregnancy Help Center is a Christian ministry that affirms the Biblical view of life, sex, marriage, and family by providing life-affirming education, support, and referrals to women and families of Grant County. The organization has several sources for more information. For donors, visit www.initforlife.org. For clients, go to www.mypregnancyhelpcenter.org. Men may be directed to www.thejourneyahead.org. The Pregnancy Help Center hosts an Annual Life Walk every year in June. The next walk will be on June 9th, 2012. All interested patrons can call 765-664-4467 for more information.

The Central Indiana Community Action Association (IN-CAA or ACTION) enhances the community by providing quality services in a courteous and consistent manner while effectively using available resources. Vincent Smith is the Director of the IN-CAA. This is a statewide not-for-profit membership corporation, incorporated in the State of Indiana in 1970. There are 23 Community Action Agencies that serve 92 counties. Each CAA is distinct because its programs reflect the needs of their local communities. To receive more information about IN-CAA, call 765-664-7798.

The Centrum Mall is also the home of some local entrepreneurs such as, Simon Hix, the owner of Compute. Compute opened in the Centrum approximately three years ago. Simon can do all things computer!! Compute is in the business of computer systems and repair, but they also provide services for data recovery. You can even purchase more hardware and software, or a new PC by visiting retail shop between noon and 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday. However, if you can’t come to the shop, Simon will come to you. To contact Compute, call 765-662-8342 or visit the retail shop on the main floor of the Centrum Mall.

In June of this year, business owner Greg Stanley also decided to open his business, Stanley Protective Financial Solutions (PFS), at the Centrum. Stanley PFS helps individuals with their needs in financial planning and insurance. The business clients range from young adults to retired seniors. Greg Stanley assists young adult get started on the right path for their long-term financial goals, and offers retirement planning and consultation to people of all ages. Stanley PFS will begin free educational seminars with no obligations in the 2012 year. To learn more about this nifty business, visit www.stanleypfs.com, call 765-212-3363, or email greg.stanley@stanleypfs.com.

Another group of entrepreneurs in the Centrum Mall are the KMR LandStar agents. Agent Kimberly Kraemer said the group decided to open their office at the Centrum in September 2011. They provide freight transportation services in all modes! They even train new agents in freight transportation! For more information about this fine group, visit www.kimberlykraemeragency.landstaragent.com, email Kimberly.kraemer@att.net, or call 765-674-3017.

Lastly, yours truly, Main Street Marion has been in the Centrum Mall for nearly four years. Main Street Marion’s mission is to promote and stimulate downtown economic development through our Design, Promotions, Economic Restructuring, and Organization Committees. Downtown events hosted by Main Street Marion include, Cancer Awareness First Friday Festival (May), Civic Pride First Friday Festival (June), Red, White, and Zoom First Friday Festival (July), World Festival (August First Friday), and Hog Daze Festival (September). Main Street Marion also organizes and manages the downtown clean-up. For more information about Main Street Marion, including volunteer and internship opportunities, contact operations@mainstreetmarion.com or call 765-667-1192.
Are you thinking about opening or moving a business to the Centrum Mall? Contact Emeka Oniah at 765-661-8193 for details and pricing on available space.

Does your group need a place to host a meeting? Contact the Gilead Ministries office for information on their conference room in the Centrum Mall. $30 for one hour or $50 for two hours and all proceeds will go towards helping patients and their families.

Annual Luncheon: A New Date!

As you know, the Organization Committee postponed the Annual Luncheon until after the Holiday season.

Organization:
Main Street Marion Annual Luncheon: A Downtown Report Card

Date: January 27, 2012
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Place: Hotel Marion, ball room

R.S.V.P.

by mail:
Main Street Marion
428 S Washington St, suite 221
Marion, IN 46953

by email:
operations@mainstreetmarion.com

by calling:
765-667-1820

Thank you.

Promotions: Hometown Collection
Main Street Marion is proud to present:

The Grant County Hometown Collection for $60 for the set or $25 each. Each building is approximately 8″x6″x6″ and includes a lighted cord.

Seven Gables
(James Dean Birthplace)

James Byron Dean was born at the “Seven Gables” apartment house on the corner of 4th and McClure Streets in Marion Indiana ten miles north of Fairmount, on February 8, 1931. He was the only child of Winton Dean, a dental technician, and Mildred Wilson Dean. The family moved to Fairmount shortly after the birth of James. He started school at Fairmount West Ward and in 1945 went to Fairmount High School.

His most famous movies include “Rebel Without a Cause,” “East of Eden,” and “Giant.” All three films were made within 16 months. He was only 24 years old at the time of his death. Unfortunately, this building was demolished more than 20 years ago.

Grant County Courthouse
(Pre-1949 Design)

The first Grant County courthouse was a two-story, twelve foot by twenty foot frame building, erected in 1833 for $684. The second courthouse, built in 1838 for $5,000, was made of bricks fired in the courthouse yard. The clay was used from a large mound believed to be Indian burial grounds at the building site. The mound, one of many in the area, was six feet high and sixty feet in diameter. It held charcoal, bits of pottery, and bones.

In 1880, County commissioners voted to build a larger, more convenient courthouse to replace the second one which had long been outgrown. Later they hired architect E. E. Myers of Detroit, Michigan for the sum of $6,700.

Indiana Theatre
(1901-1978)

The Indiana Theatre at 5th and Adams was built in 1901 for legitimate theatre and joined several other theatres in the city of Marion, including The Crystal Theatre in the IOOF Building, and the Bradford on North Washington Street.

In 1919, the Indiana Theatre was rebuilt for movies and was reopened joining the Luna Lite and the Royal Grand as theatres featuring movies in Marion. The second, re-built Indiana Theatre featured a glittering marquee and a Moroccan-styled interior.

Dean’s most popular film, Rebel Without a Cause, premiered at this local theater.

To purchase and arrange pickup or delivery, please contact Main Street Marion at 765.662.1192 or visit www.mainstreetmarion.com.

This unique lighted historical collection makes a great holiday gift or office display!!

Closing:
We hope you have enjoyed our third edition of the Downtown Digest! We look forward to all 2012 has in store for Main Street Marion!

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Main Street Collectible Christmas Village Buildings for Sale!
Makes a very special holiday gift! Each building is approximately 8″x6″x6″ and includes a cord and light. Contact the Main Street Marion office to arrange pickup and payment, or purchase on our website!

Feature Story: Swayzee Love House
by Loretta Walker
Marion, IN, once known as Queen City of the Gas Belt, still has several crowning jewels. The Swayzee-Love Mansion is one of them. The house
is an incredible structure and an example of Greek Revival Architecture in Marion. Several of Marion’s famous have owned this home, and it has undergone a few changes with each transfer in ownership. Aaron Swayzee constructed the home in the 1850s. It was put on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Indiana State Preservation list by the Love family. You too, could be the lucky resident of one of these properties, as many are presently on the market!
It was a pleasure to meet the Sherbondis, present owners of the Swayzee-Love Mansion and especially to speak with Mrs. Sherbondy about the history of the house.

Loretta: When did you purchase the house?
Mrs. Sherbondy: 1997

Loretta: What is attracts you most to the house?
Mrs. Sherbondy: The history and the architecture

Loretta: How much time do you spend on general weekly maintenance in this house?
Mrs. Sherbondy: Yard work is about four hours a week. Plus, a few hours of normal house work. The challenges of maintaining are not that different from any other home. Being continuous in maintenance is the key.

Loretta: What are your feelings about the neighborhood?
Mrs. Sherbondy: It has gone down some. Families have moved out, and it is mostly rentals now.

Loretta: What do you see for this area in the future?
Mrs. Sherbondy: I think it is dependent on the city plans.

Loretta: What is the future of this house?
Mrs. Sherbondy: We want someone that appreciates the architecture and history to purchase it. We do not want to see it broken up into pieces, but we have little to do with the selling of the home. Allen Johnson from Tucker Realty is our realtor.

Loretta: Do you welcome the opportunity to give tours of the home?
Mrs. Sherbondy: Insurance is different for homeowners and giving tours. We do not want to go in the business of giving tours. We do not give regular tours of the home, but we have given a few tours over the years. We had an Antique Study Group meet here, and I did a walk through with them. Most recently, Main Street Marion meet here, and we were pleased to walk through the house with them after the meeting.

Loretta: Let’s talk about the history. Walk us through from the first owner to you.
Mrs. Sherbondy: The Swayzee’s owned the home first in 1855. They lived there. Their daughter inherited it after her parents passed. Her Husband was a Senator George Steele. He brought the U.S. Veterans Affairs to Marion, IN and co-founded the First National Bank. He lived in Washington D.C., but kept permanent residence here at the Swayzee house.
In 1902, the house was sold by Steele’s. Mr. Horace M. Miller, Boston Store mastermind, purchased the home next. He went to Europe and purchased the stained glass windows, leather wallpaper, and numerous renovations. Mr. Miller is responsible for most of the beautiful design you see inside the home.
In 1920, Mr. Miller sold the home to Mr. Erlewine. Henry L. and Anna Louise Erlewine closed off the gazebo structure on the roof. Prior to that, they did have parties up there. The Erlewines lived there until 1960, but the caregiver remained in the house until Mr. Love bought it in 1965.
Edwin and Barbara Love worked hard to refurbish the home. Mrs. Love did the research on the property and placed it on the National Historic and State Register’s.
Then, my husband and I purchased from her in 1997.

Loretta: How much property was there in the beginning?
Mrs. Sherbondy: Mr. Swayzee started with close to forty acres with the house standing in center. Then, he had over 100 acres when he died. There are now four different additions that are considered the Swayzee additions.

Loretta: Were you aware of the house’s rich history before purchasing the home?
Mrs. Sherbondy: Some, but most of my research was done after purchasing the home.

Loretta: Why are you selling?
Mrs. Sherbondy: We are selling because my husband is not well. They prefer to stay in the country area.

For more information, on the Swayzee-Love Mansion visit – http://www.mainstreetmarion.com/index.php/properties/

You can also learn more about the history of the house by visiting – http://wikimarion.org/Swayzee-Love_House

Thank you.

Organization Committee: Holiday Traditions
Possibly the greatest gift you can give anyone is your time. Make a new tradition of any of the following downtown activities with family and friends:

Lineup along Washington Street, between the YMCA and Highland Bridge to watch the lighted Christmas Night Parade on Saturday, November 19th at 7:00 PM. Drop the kids off at home and attend the Season Kickoff party featuring the band Classic Voice at Folkie’s after the parade.

Take your hot chocolate to go and take the family through the Walkway of Lights. Open 6:00 to 10 p.m. seven days a week November 19th through December 31st, 2011. A season ticket is just $5 per car and good the entire season!

Take your 1st through 6th graders to Crafts with Mrs. Clare at the Marion Public Library every other Wednesday and Saturday.

Instead of the pullout couch, make reservations for visiting family and friends at the Burke Place B&B located near downtown at 722 W 4th Street. More info: 765-664-7228.

Volunteer your time at the Grant County Rescue Mission this holiday season. Volunteers are needed 7 days a week to serve meals at 7:00am, 12:00pm and 4:00pm. More info: (765) 662-0988 or dbrballard@yahoo.com.

Visit with old friends or make new ones while learning to knit, Thursdays at the Marion Public Library. More info: 668-2900 x145.

See real life cowboys in the Bull Riding Series at the heated Meijer Pavilion at the 4H Fairgrounds on Friday nights. $8 for ages 13 and older, $5 for 6-12, and free for 5 and under.

Check out our new calendar at www.mainstreetmarion.com for more happenings downtown this holiday season. Contact operations@mainstreetmarion.com to find out how to add your downtown event or promotion to the calendar!

Aletha Dunston
President, Main Street Marion

Promotions Committee: Hometown Holiday
Even though it still feels like Fall outside, Christmas is just around the corner! Before you travel out of town to do your shopping, why not save your gas and support your local downtown retailers at the same time?

Gift Ideas:
Browse for gifts, drink fresh roasted coffee and listen to live music at the Art Market on Saturday, November 19th from 9am to 5pm in the Centrum Mall on the 400 block of South Washington Street.

Get your tickets now for I Hate Christmas, a big-hearted comedy about saving Christmas, showing at the Civic Theater December 2-4th and 9-11th. Extra tickets make a great gift!

Browse for unique gifts at the Antique Mall on the 2nd floor of Shoe City at 501 S. Washington.

Give the gift of music with an instrument or gift certificate from Marion Music and Sound, located on the Courthouse Square.

Get creative! Give a personalized engraved gift from 2B Personalized on the Square.

Buy classic holiday gifts and ornaments from your downtown Hallmark store. Don’t forget the wrapping paper and cards!
Have a photo professionally framed at our downtown framing shops – Clique Creative Services (422 E 4th Street) and Lighthouse Custom Framing (204 S Nebraska Street).

Stop in to the Hostess House for lunch and check out the new Christmas season inventory in the upstairs gift shop – open 11am-2pm M-F. Try the lemon poppy seed cake!

Attend the many downtown church arts and craft shows throughout the season for interesting gift ideas.

Gifts that are always appreciated: gift cards from your downtown CVS, gas stations, tanning salon, dance studios, hair salons and barbershops.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of gift ideas. There are many more opportunities to get your holiday shopping done while exploring downtown Marion.

Design Committee: Hogs Residing!
The Home of Hog, Marion, has found a dwelling place for the eight new resident Hogs. To see how the talented artists painted their favorite swine in person, please stop by these locations:

Salin Bank, Ready to Ride by Adam Lorenz

Marion Public Library and Museum, History in the Bacon by Sharon Kirkwood, Bend of the River Neighborhood Association

Marion High School, Andy Warhog by Greg Sheward and Katrina Swan, National Art Honor Society of Marion High School

Grant County Visitor’s Bureau, Maid of Marion by Anne Maddox

Community School of Arts, Boar-n to be Wild by Mike and Randall Gunyon

Marion General Hospital, Pigcasso by Karen Welsh and Sara Pohlman, Grant County Art Association

City Hall foyer, Sow in Grant County by Angelina Lindahl, Grant County Economic Growth Council

2B Personalized, Me-Oink by Sharon Kirkwood, Laser Treasures

Thank you for supporting Hog Wild in the Home of the Hog!

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You are reading the first edition of The Downtown Digest brought to you by Main Street Marion. This Newsletter will be published the fifteenth of every month. It will include information from each committee plus one feature story.

Design: projects regarding public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, and window displays.
Organization: volunteer opportunities, new board member introductions and opportunities, sponsorship and supporter campaign information, and merchandising.
Promotions: information pertaining to advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns.
Feature Story: Public Opinion and Interviews with established or New business owners.

Feature Story: Thru the looking glass of my 7 year old.
by: Maria Stefanovic

Its 6:05 p.m. and my daughter, Vada and I are hitting up our favorite Mexican joint Mi Pueblos for some scrumptious dinner.

We have a busy evening planned, but all is put aside for these few moments of casual and loving conversation over a burrito dinner. Topic tonight Downtown Marion. It’s hard to believe, but the innocence of a child makes for some interesting conversations. Sometimes I need a refresher, a looking glass, a less complicated thought process of why we do things, and why is it worth fixing.

Instead of taking the complicated approach and trying to explain to her what Main Street Marion is and what we stand for, I choose the simple route – “What do you want in Downtown?”

We all have a wish list for downtown, but what does our future think. What I got was a logical, straightforward, and innocent answer. So, here goes the breakdown.

Vada: Mom, where is Downtwon Marion?
Mom: Honey, its where we live.

Vada: Ohhhhhhh. Then I want a Zoo.
Mom: Is that all?

Vada: No. I wish it was cleaner. People are always throwing their trash everywhere. And, I want a garden like the one by our house, and some trees, and flowers. Ohhhh! And a ice cream spot that we could ride our bikes too, and really cool animals!
Mom: Ok. Do you like the old buildings or new ones?

Vada: I like the old ones.
Mom: Why?

Vada: Cause they are funner to look at. I wish there was a cool park like matter park. Mom, what do you think about flowers remember in those big pots? (Smile)

Vada: Ask me more.
Mom: What kind of store would you like to walk to in downtown?

Vada: Hmmmm, I think a pet store would be awesome for our dog (wink) and a toy store like one that sells trains or rocking horses you know what kind I’m talking about, but mom, why are you asking me these questions? Why is it important?
Mom: Downtown is the center of all of Marion, like the center of a ball. And, it needs its middle so the rest of the ball can bounce. Do you understand?

Vada: Like a basketball. A harder ball bounces farther and a flat one goes nowhere. Right mom?
Mom: Exactly. Now lets eat!

Why is our downtown important? Downtown is a reflection of how a community sees itself. Its the heart of our community. Unfortunately, economic downturns and outside economics and politics affects our communities as much as a natural disaster would. However, even in these woes of flatness there are possibilities. The secret of downtown is that this is not the first time it has seen strife. The hole can be patched. Its bones are solid and It is resilient with a strong partnership, so yes, it will survive. The time is now, for us as a Downtown community to find its possibilities and think for our future. Our future is why we are on our mission to preserve….so that they too will remember! Downtown preservation
instills community pride, and small business entrepreneurship which in turn reflects a positive image to all the outsiders who visit our basketball court throughout the year. Keep in mind that many visit for personal reasons, but others visit for the sole purpose of investment.

So this is my future’s wish list – for Downtown Marion to come together as a community and preserve not only our history but also our future!

Promotion: Hog Daze Wins State Award!

Main Street Marion is proud to announce that we have recieved the Best Downtown Special Event the states from Indiana Main Street for the Hog Daze motorcycle rally held in September. This award is presented to the organization that has displayed the most creativity in planning and producing a festival, sales promotion or other special event.

The award will be presented by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman at the state Main Street Confrence on Thursday, October 20th in Arcadia, Indiana.

The legend of the Home of the Hog is definitely spreading. This year’s attendance more than doubled to nearly 3,000 and we saw riders and visitors in Downtown Marion from over 80 Indiana communities, and 36 additional cities in 13 states and Canada!

We are grateful to the groups and individuals who helped with gates, sales, set up and tear down, trash,
registration for the Chasing Tail Ride or the other miscellaneous tasks that necessary over the weekend. We’re proud to report the proceeds of Saturday’s Chasing Tail Ride benefiting the Indiana Patriot Guard will be used to support our troops overseas.

Hog Daze would not have happened without the support from our business partners and sponsors. A special thank you is owed to Verizon Wireless, American Electric Power and the Chronicle Tribune for going above and beyond their support of the event.

Design: Hog Wild

Thank you to all of the artists that participated in the Hog Wild art contest. The finished hogs were a big hit at Hog Daze and will soon be popping up all over town during the winter. We look forward to installing the finished hogs downtown around the Courthouse Square in the Spring.

Main Street Marion is proud to bring an element of art to downtown Marion. We hope the variety of painted, decoupaged and welded hogs will stir the imagination and get people out of their cars and onto our downtown sidewalks!

Congratulations to the artists of the winning hogs:

People’s Choice- Ready to Ride- Adam Lorenz
1st Place- History in the Bacon- Sharon Kirkwood, Bend of the River Neighborhood Association
2nd Place- Pigcasso- Sarah Pohlman and Karen Welsh, Grant County Art Association
3rd Place- Maid Marion- Anne Maddox
You may have the opportunity to win a hog to display at your business. More information to come!

Organization: You’re Invited!! Main Street Marion Annual Luncheon

The Main Street Marion Annual Luncheon commences December 2 at 11:30 p.m. at the Hotel Marion.

The cost is $20 per person. Each guest will receive a delicious entree and sides, dessert, and beverage.

We will also be raffling off awesome prizes from downtown Marion this year! Please email us to make a reservation today! You may also call the office at 765-662-1192.

Thank you for an awesome 2011. We have so much to be thankful for!

Closing:
As a new event to our downtown calendar, we feel Hog Daze has a lot of potential for the event to grow and for the downtown business to benefit. We hope to see downtown promotions tied into the event that brings these new visitors into our shops and establishments.

We had a great response from our attendees and hope to bring you a bigger event next year. Spread the word to family and friends, and mark your calendar for Hog Daze September 21-23, 2002.

For more information and photos from the event, check back with HomeoftheHog.com and join us on Facebook.

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County:Grant
Township: Center
School Dist: Marion-Ne
Apx Age: 161
Rooms: 11
Bedrms: 5
Baths: 1
Half Baths: 2

Complete Listing:
http://www.cirmlsonline.com/cir/maildoc/4exMK28172.html

Contact Information: Allen Johnson, F C Tucker Real Estate

Contact Phone: 765-517-1344

More Downtown Property Information:
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Property Information: 110 West 4th Street, Marion, 46952

Description: Retail or office space for lease located on the square. Approximately 1,000 square feet, great display windows and unique decor. Very high vehicle traffic. Free rent with a signed lease.

Asking Price: $450

Contact Information: Denny Smith, 326 South Washington St, Marion, IN 46952

Contact Phone: (765) 517-0888

Contact Email: denny@2bpersonalized.com

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