Wednesday, December 17, 2008
9:30 am Tree Commission, Rose Hill Cemetery Office, 930 W. Fourth Street
2:00 pm Hearing Officer, Kelly
4:00 pm Martin Luther King Jr., Commission, McCloskey
5:30 pm Buskirk-Chumley Theater Grant Info Session, McCloskey
7:00 pm Council of Neighborhood Associations, Hooker Room
7:30 pm Common Council Regular Session, Council Chambers

Happy Holidays from Downtown Bloomington
For additional community activities go to www.downtownbloomington.com, www.visitbloomington.com and www.bloomingtonarts.info. Call Downtown Bloomington Inc. at 812-336-3681.
Friday, November 28 – Friday, January 2
Downtown Bloomington Holiday Activities throughout the Season are listed below. For more information go to www.downtownbloomington.com or call 812-336-3681.
Santa Claus
Photos with Santa
Fountain Square Mall
Lisa Walker Photography, Photos are $5 with $1 of this being donated to charity.
Santa and Photo Hours:
Saturdays 10 AM – 4 PM
Sundays 12 Noon – 4 PM
Santa will also be at Fountain Square from 1 PM – 5 PM on December 22, 23. 1 PM – 4 PM on Christmas Eve.
Gift Wrapping
Fountain Square Mall, Suite 125
Gift wrapping begins November 29 with drop off service available. $3.50 per package with proceeds donated to charity.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM; Sunday 12 Noon – 4 PM. Christmas Eve Hours 8 AM – 4 PM
Giant Gift Stocking Prize
Register to win a giant stocking filled with goodies. Registration slips are handed out during Santa hours. The drawing is held on Christmas Eve at 4 PM. Do not need to be present to win.
Letters to Santa
Fountain Square Mall Atrium
Drop off in North Pole Mailbox during regular mall hours.
Downtown Gift Certificates
Treat your special person with a downtown gift certificate available at Downtown Bloomington Inc. office located at the Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center at 302 South College Avenue. The certificates can be used at participating downtown stores. Certificates are available for purchase Monday thru Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Saturday, December 20
Science Soup: My Town
WonderLab
10 AM – 12 Noon (Drop- in format)
Support the development of your toddler or preschooler as your child enjoys activities such as stamping a holiday letter to take on a mail carrier “obstacle course,” sorting holiday packaging and other materials in our “recycling center,” and discovering the sparkling beauty and texture of geodes. www.wonderlab.org
Cost $3 per child, plus museum admission
Family Fun Open House
Monroe County History Center
1 PM – 4 PM
Free admission to the museum, exhibit scavenger hunts, wool spinning demonstrations, and the history of holiday traditions.
Thursday – Sunday, December 11 – December 21
Treasure Island
Presented by
Cardinal Stage
2 PM and 7 PM
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Premium
$25 Adult
$15 Student
$12 Children (12 and under)
Super Saver
$22 Adult
$13 Student
$12 Child (12 and under)
Yo Ho Ho Ho! A holiday adventure for the whole family! This swash-buckling coming of age story follows the adventures of the young cabin boy Jim Hawkins and the infamous pirate Long John Silver.
A riveting saga of buccaneers, treasure maps, and buried gold, Treasure Island sends Cardinal out to sea for another classic adventure this holiday season.
Tuesday – Wednesday, December 30 – 31 and Friday, January 2
WonderLab
11:30 AM – 3 PM (Drop-in format)
Wonder Workshop
Leave the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind! Work with real tools to construct a wood craft of your choice to take home. Kit choices range from a garden toolbox to a pirate ship. Children younger than 12 must have an adult partner. Cost: $2 per kit, plus museum admission. Sponsor: Gilbert Construction, Inc.

Bring your lunch to the Endwright Center December 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and enjoy a free Christmas ornament and decoration craft day. As space is limited it is requested that you pre-register by calling 935-2515, and ask for Sharol. The Endwright Center is located near the junior high school in Ellettsville.

Greene County FLC Takes Part in Oprah & Friends Pajama Program
Greene County Family Life Center wants to provide new pajamas for every child that doesn’t have them this holiday season. It’s that simple. So FLC is partnering with Oprah and Friends to support Genevieve Piturro’s Pajama Program, founded in 2001. Here’s how FLC has modified the program to benefit our kids.
You and your favorite people get together and have a party, a holiday gathering or just a cup of coffee and donuts together. All of your favorite people bring a new pair of children’s pajamas. You collect them all and drop them off at the Family Life Center.
It’s that simple. Oprah matches each pair of new pajamas you collect, doubling the number of children the Family Life Center can provide pajamas for.
This is a great way to warm hearts for the holiday season. Any group or club can sponsor a Pajama Party. Your kids can have a pajama party and each child can bring new pajamas for a child less fortunate. It’s that simple!
For more information contact Dianne Langer at 384-1639.

Musical Arts Youth Orchestra Jazz Combo Concert December 17
MAYO JAZZ, the jazz program of the Musical Arts Youth Orchestra, will present its Holiday concert on Wednesday December 17 at 7:00pm at Jazz at the Station, 825 N Walnut in Bloomington. MAYO Jazz participants will present well-known holiday tunes in arrangements written by MAYO Jazz Director Francisco Dean. There is no admission charge. Menu items will be available for purchase.
The MAYO Jazz Program offers intense training in combo-based improvisation. Participants attend weekly sessions where they work in individual groups with coaches from the Jazz Studies Program at the IU Jacobs School of Music.
Young musicians interested in joining any MAYO programs are welcome to apply for the second semester, which begins January 5. Orchestra auditions are Saturday January 10 by appointment. Jazz auditions are arranged through Jazz Director Francisco Dean. Email info@mayomusic.org to apply for any program or audition.
The Musical Arts Youth Orchestra, a regional youth music organization drawing young players from eleven Southern Indiana counties, offers programs in orchestra, jazz, and chamber music. For more information about MAYO programs, see our website at www.mayomusic.org, email info@mayomusic.org, or call 812.330.0890.

Shalom Community Center to Host Homeless Memorial Service
Bloomington – On Friday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m., the Shalom Community Center will hold a memorial service for members of our community who died homeless during 2008. The service will take place in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 219 East Fourth Street in Bloomington and will be led by Rev. Joe G. Emerson. Michael Schwartzkopf will be the guest soloist and Charles Webb will play the organ.
This will be the ninth consecutive year that the Shalom Center has participated in National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, held around the country on the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Its purpose is to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to honor those who have died during the past year.
Joel Rekas, executive director of the Shalom Center, said, “In this struggling economy and these frigid temperatures, homelessness and poverty become increasing concerns. We invite the community to join us in renewing our efforts to end homelessness in South Central Indiana.”
For more information, contact the Shalom Administrative Office at 334-5734.

Jake’s Nightclub Supports the American Red Cross
On Friday, December 19th the American Red Cross will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser at Jake’s Nightclub, 419 N. Walnut St. All proceeds from the door will be donated to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. The Disaster Relief Fund, depleted as a result of a record number of disasters this year, aims to raise $100 million by December 31 in order to continue to mobilize volunteers and to provide disaster relief, food, shelter, and counseling to people who need it, whenever and wherever disasters occur.

GIRLS INC. PRESENTS HOLIDAY HOOPLA
Are you ready to jingle, jangle and be merry? Girls Incorporated of Monroe County is hosting Holiday Hoopla at Fountain Square Mall Saturday, December 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is the third year holding the event on the Square and we hope that it will become an annual tradition for you and your family.
The $5 ticket price includes a hot pancake breakfast served in the Fountain Square Ballroom, made possible by the generous donations of IU Athletic Dining Services and CFC, Inc. Children will have the opportunity to do some holiday shopping in the Girls Inc. “Kids Only” gift boutique, featuring many handmade crafts donated by area artists and crafters at kid-friendly prices. Santa will be making a special appearance for photos, there will be LIVE festive music from favorite local artists, gingerbread bungalow decorating, story time, crafts, a raffle, and MUCH MUCH MORE. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at Girls Inc., located at 1108 W 8th Street. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Raffle tickets are also available for $5 each. The grand prize is the “Night on the Town” prize package which includes dinner at Malibu Grill, tickets to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Concert at the IU Auditorium, and an overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn that includes breakfast for two. Another prize package is a “Pamper Yourself” package that includes a trip to Elan Uptown Hair Salon, a one hour massage from Custom Massage Works, and a gift certificate to Merle Norman Cosmetics. Other items include IU men’s basketball tickets, IU volleyball tickets, gift certificates for Jazzercise and Wal-Mart, and savings bonds.
If you have hand made craft items that you wish to donate to the boutique, please call the center to arrange a drop off time. Sponsorship opportunities also exist. Table sponsorships are available for $150. You can also choose to sponsor a family who might not otherwise be able to attend the event; family sponsorships are $40. We hope to see you and your family at Girls Inc. Holiday Hoopla in downtown Bloomington on Saturday December 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Please call the center at 336-7313 with questions.
Girls Inc. has been in Bloomington for over 30 years inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

“Corral the Coats” Drive Collects Coats for Underprivileged Children
What: Texas Roadhouse is spreading warmth and holiday cheer this season by collecting coats for low-income children. Every guest who donates a children’s winter coat receives ten dollars worth of food certificates.
When: Now through December 21, 2008
Where: Texas Roadhouse
110 S. Franklin Street
Bloomington, IN
Why: Texas Roadhouse plays an integral role in the welfare of its communities by giving back in a variety of ways. In this case, all coats will be donated to several local non-profit organizations that help bring holiday cheer to struggling low-income families.

City of Bloomington Announces Schedule for Holiday Trash Pickup
Bloomington, IN — The City of Bloomington announced today its holiday trash pickup schedule. There will be no trash pickup on Thursday, December 25, 2008, and Thursday, January 1, 2009. Regular trash pickup will be delayed by one day following Christmas and New Years Day. The following schedule details the holiday trash pickup:
* Thursday, 12/25 trash will be picked up on Friday, 12/26
* Friday, 12/26 trash will be picked up on Saturday, 12/27
* Thursday, 1/1 trash will be picked up on Friday, 1/2
* Friday, 1/2 trash will be picked up on Saturday, 1/3
The change also applies to yard waste and recycling services.
For further information on the holiday trash collection schedule, call the Sanitation Department at 349-3443 between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday or visit its website at www.bloomington.in.gov/sanitation.

December 26th, 2008, 7:00pm, HART ROCK POETRY SERIES AND OPEN-MIC begins at Rachael’s Cafe with “World Voices” poetry in translation with Lee Harlin Bahan and Kadhim Shaban presenting poetry, and Elsa Marston Harik reading from “Christmas in Baghdad.
Lee Harlin Bahan received from Indiana University the masters of Fine Arts Degree, and for a number of years taught creative writing through the division of Continuing Studies there. Her poems have appeared in many magazines, including Kenyan Review, North American Review and Plowshares. A chapbook, Migraqtion Solo was published by the Writer’s Center of Indianapolis. Three of Lee’s poems were recently chosen to appear in a chapbook to benefit Indiana’s Mounds State Park, and a pair of Petrarch translations are forthcoming in the 2009 spring issue of Natural Bridge. Residencies at Dorset Colony House Vermont, and Mary Anderson Center for the Arts, Mt. St. Francis, IN, have furthered Lee’s work translating Petrarch’s sonnets.
Kadhim Shaaban was born in Bagdad, Iraq. He came to Indiana University in 1965 as a graduate student in English, linguistitcs, and anthropology. While at I.U. he taught Arabic at NELC before going to teach linguistics and cultural anthropology at Perdue. He is interested in poetry and related issues of metaphoric and rhetorical language.
Elsa Harik - With deep roots in New England, I have lived in Bloomington since 1964, almost long enough to be a Hoosier. I grew up in Massachusetts, attended Vassar College and have degrees from the University of Iowa (American Civilization), Harvard University (MA in international affairs), and Indiana University (MS in art education); I also studied Arab history as a Rotary Foundation fellow at the American University of Beirut. What did all this schooling prepare me for? To be a children’s author—and write about what interests me.
Much of my work focuses on the Middle East, ancient and modern, fiction and nonfiction. Some of my recent books are Figs and Fate: Stories About Growing Up in the Arab World Today; The Ugly Goddess (a novel set in ancient Egypt); Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change; and The Byzantine Empire. Totally different from anything else I’ve done is my latest book, Songs of Ancient Journeys: Animals in Rock Art. I will be reading from Christmas in Baghdad: Stories About Teens in the Arab World.
Rachael’s Cafe is located at 300 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN, (812)330-1882.
Following these presentations is an open-mic. Come and listen to these voices from our local world community, and to share your poems, short stories and poetic song during the open-mic.
Next program on January 23rd, 2009 is “Words of Peace, Words of Hope”.
Patricia Carolyn Coleman RMT of HART ROCK/Reiki Peace and Wellness Arts, http://www.hartrock.net; a sponsor of “Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities”, a member 5 Women Poets Writing Workshop, and the Indiana Holistic Health Network, http://www.indianaholistichealth.net, host and produces this series.
Readings are every fourth Friday, except in July and August, or otherwise announced. Poetry Series and open-mic calendar at Rachael’s will be on the web soon at http://www.hartrock.net/poetryseries2-1.htm.
Send questions about this series, or to ask for consideration as a presenter to poetry@hartrock.net

Prose for the New Year: a weekend writing workshop with Alexander Weinstein
January 10th and 11th 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Every writer has a meaningful story to tell. The art is to let the stories speak through one’s writing. This weekend workshop series will help writers of all genres utilize personal experiences and creativity to strengthen their prose and produce powerful work. Previous writing experience is welcomed but not required. Each class is self-contained. Take one class or take the series. Cost is $10 per session.
Saturday, January 10: Perspectives for the New Year: Exploring Point of View
Sunday, January 11: Deepening the Life of Prose: Setting and Description
Alexander Weinstein has worked as a creative writing teacher and freelance editor for the past ten years. He is a graduate of Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics in Boulder, Colorado and presently teaches creative writing at Indiana University.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site. To register or for more information please contact Christine Atkinson at catkinson@dnr.in.gov or (812) 677-2003.

City’s King Commission Sponsors Web Design Contest
Bloomington, IN — The City of Bloomington’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission announced today its annual Web Design Contest for students in elementary, middle and high schools. Students in both the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) and the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation (RBBCSC) are invited to participate.
“I encourage students to learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in the Web Design contest,” Mayor Mark Kruzan said. “This is a fun way to learn, and students are eligible for prizes. We welcome the participation again this year of our friends in the Richland-Bean Blossom Schools.”
Web Design Contest information is posted on both the MCCSC and RBBCSC Web sites. Instructions vary according to the grade levels of students. Students in the MCCSC can find details by visiting www.mccsc.edu/mlkjbcc.html and RBBCSC students can visit www.rbbcsc.k12.in.us/. The deadline for entries is Jan. 13, 2009.
Students can incorporate text, graphics, art, audio and video, as well as use any available web technologies such as MySpace or YouTube.
Diane Jung, who manages special events for Indiana University’s Office of the President, is leading a team of volunteer judges who will select winners. All participants are invited to attend a reception at the First United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at which time winning Web designs will be displayed and announced and prizes will be given.
Contest winners also will be recognized at the King Birthday Celebration beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E Kirkwood Ave.
Information about the Web Design Contest and other MLK events is available online at www.bloomington.in.gov/cfrd or by calling Craig Brenner, Special Projects Coordinator in the City’s Community and Family Resources Department, at 349-3471.

African American Arts Institute Spring Auditions
BLOOMINGTON– The African American Arts Institute will be holding auditions for the spring 2009 semester for The African American Dance Company, The African American Choral Ensemble and IU Soul Revue.
Audition details are as follows:
African American Dance Company
January 13, 2009, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Room A217 at 7:00 p.m.
The company’s repertoire consists of original choreography based on a fusion dance styles including modern, jazz, contemporary, African and Latin American dance forms.
Audition Description: A short warm-up followed by a dance combination given by the Director. Please do not bring prepared dance routines. Dance specialties will be evaluated at the end of the auditions. No dance experience is required. Audition dress must be dance attire: Leotards, tights, jazz shoes or bare feet. Men may wear sweat-pants. No Street wear, tight pants or shorts.
African American Choral Ensemble
January 14, 2009, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Room A219 at 7:00 p.m.
The ensemble’s repertoire includes spirituals, folk forms, traditional and contemporary gospel music and formally composed works of African American composers.
Audition Description: Vocalists are to bring one prepared piece with or without accompaniment.
IU Soul Revue
January 15, 2009, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Grand Hall at 7:00 p.m.
The ensemble delivers the sounds of timeless R&B, Soul, Funk, and contemporary urban black popular music.
Audition Description:
Vocalists
Prepare a one piece a cappella or bring a recording to accompany your solo. You will be asked to match pitches and harmonize.
AAAI Band
Instrumentalists - bring your instrument and be prepared to solo and accompany in a combo setting on an R&B, Soul, or Gospel piece. Drums and Amplifiers provided.
Contact Information:
Olivia Hairston
Assistant to the Performance Manager
African American Arts Institute
812.855.5427
olihairs@indiana.edu
www.indiana.edu/~aaai

City Commission on the Status of Women Seeks Nominations For Yearly Awards
Bloomington, IN — The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women is seeking nominees for the Woman of the Year, the Emerging Leader and Lifetime Contribution Awards. The deadline for submission of nominations is January 28, 2009, and the awards will be presented during Women’s History Month Luncheon on March 11, 2009, at the Monroe County Convention Center.
Each year, the Woman of the Year Award is presented to a woman who has improved the quality of life for other women through inspiration, community service or professional accomplishments above and beyond normal job responsibilities. The recipient should also be someone who serves as a positive role model for girls and women and has made outstanding contributions to the community.
The Lifetime Contribution Award recognizes a woman whose extensive work has significantly advanced the status of women through leadership and service, while the Emerging Leader Award acknowledges an up-and-coming community leader who has demonstrated a commitment to service.
Past recipients of the Woman of the Year award include Faye Abrell, Elizabeth Bridgewaters, Anne Lemon Brown, Jocelyn Cohen and Helaine Victoria Press, Dorothy Collins, Mary Alice Dunlap, Frances Gilliam, Girls, Inc., Donna Hogle, Sally Jones, Judith Klein, Liz Kirkland, Cindy Kvale, League of Women Voters, Barbara Light, Elizabeth Lion, Middle Way House, Inc., Regina Moore, Carrie Newcomer, Catherine Olmer, Elizabeth Radcliffe, Ginny Richey, Cathy Rogers, Mary Frances Roll, Eva Sanders, Vi Simpson, Veda Stanfield, Toby Strout, Viola Taliaferro, Phyllis Trinkle, Gracia Valliant, Kristin Willison, Barbara Wolf, Vicky Wyatt and Charlotte Zietlow.
Nomination forms are available in the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department, Suite 260, and online at www.bloomington.in.gov/cfrd/. Nomination forms also are available via e-mail by contacting owenss@bloomington.in.gov or phone at 349-3468.

Indiana Conservation Officers are encouraging the safe and responsible use of Off Road Vehicles (ORV) through a free on-line safety course. “Today’s ORV Rider” promotes safe and responsible riding through a friendly, self directed on-line course. The course is designed so that the student can work at his or her own pace and at a time they choose. “For a number of years we have seen a steady increase in our ORV accidents” said Colonel Michael Crider, Director for the DNR’S Law Enforcement Division. “We made a decision a number of months ago to address the problem by offering this course. With Christmas just around the corner, we find it a perfect time for families, who have just purchased a new ORV, to be aware that ORV riding is much more than just starting the machine and punching the throttle” Crider said.
The online safety course presents a wide variety of information including, basics for off road vehicles, how to operate an ORV safely, what responsibilities the ORV rider has to others and the environment, and general information on how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Those wishing to test their knowledge can opt for a $30 Indiana certification exam, or take 1 or more of the free practice tests. Either way, the student should have a better understanding of ORV safety and the responsibilities that go along with riding accident free.
To learn more about Indiana’s ORV safety course visit: www.offroad-ed.com/in/ or type into your search engine: Indiana ORV Safety Course.