Community News Archives for 2019-11

Black Friday concert deals

Old National Centre is offering special deals on all-in tickets (tickets with fees included in the price) for Black Friday!

 

Tickets to 20 upcoming shows are available for $15 and $25.

 

To take advantage of the deal, use the passcode BLACK.

 

The deal runs from Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m. and until Monday, Dec. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

 

Tickets available for $25 include:

 

- Steel Panther, Nov. 29

- Straight No Chaser, Dec. 8

- Nick Jr. Live!, Jan. 4 and 5

- Yacht Rock Revue, Jan 10 and 11

- Sublime with Rome, Jan. 18

- Alter Bridge, Feb. 9

- Little Big Town, Feb. 22

- Opeth, Feb. 25

- One Night of Queen, March 31

- Scooby-Doo! Live, May 9 and 10

- Whose Live Anyway?, May 17

 

Tickets for $15 include the following shows:

 

- Led Zeppelin 2, Jan. 17

- Ultimate '80s Party ft. Tiffany, Feb. 1

- The Motels, Bow Wow Wow & More, Feb. 14

 

For a full list of shows and more information, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/ll8g4c .

Shelbyville High Apartments launches long awaited major historic restoration and renovation - and changes its name too

Purple Vetch Properties, LLC, the long term owner and developer of Shelbyville High Apartments – now re-christened as “Old Shelby High Apartments” - announces the recent consummation of a partnership with lender Sterling Bank, based in St. Louis and Cherry Tree Group, LLC a tax Credit advisory Firm from Boston that is infusing equity into the project from the purchase and sale of low income housing and historic tax credits. The 49 unit apartment complex offering one, two and three bedroom apartments will now be rent and income restricted for individuals and families who earn between 50 and 60 percent of the area median income, and thereby qualify under low income housing tax credit requirements. Over the course of the next 8+ months, the project will continue to be renovated through the proceeds of the sale of Low Income Housing and Federal Historic tax Credits and Tax Exempt Bonds which all of which will help to preserve the property as affordable housing for up to 40 years. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) awarded the bonds and low-income housing tax credits to the ownership team along with additional resources through its Housing Development Fund.

 

“We are very excited about this long-awaited and negotiated financing package that has now enabled us to recapitalize and begin to renovate this historic asset and provide decent, safe and affordable housing for a long time in Shelbyville. Our immediate neighborhood and the entire city of Shelbyville will benefit greatly from an upgraded 'Old Shelby High." Stated Mitch Genser, principal of Santa Rosa, CA based Purple Vetch Properties, LLC.

 

 

Due to to the early onset of winter, most of the early renovation attention will be on the interior of the building, including apartment unit modernization to kitchen and bathrooms, with new plumbing fixtures and lighting, cabinetry, counter tops, new stainless steel appliances, along with the installation of enhanced heating and cooling systems, all designed for the comfort of our residents and the long term viability of this community. Institutional hallways will be warmly and creatively painted, modern artwork and historical photographs will be displayed, living plants will take advantage of a great deal of natural light of the immense hallways, and even historic Holophane light fixtures reminiscent of the early 1900's will replace inefficient, outdated and unattractive fluorescent light fixtures. An elaborate CCTV camera system has already been installed for the benefit of the residents of the apartment community and installation has begun on an enhanced fire alarm system with state-of-the-art modern fire equipment.

 

 

The exterior of the building will benefit from extensive masonry and stonework restoration work, and new gutters and downspouts will be a component of the outside renovations as well. In the springtime, virtually all the windows in the entire building will be replaced with glorious off white historically sensitive windows, exquisite in both form and function. At that time, all exterior doors will be replaced with heavy duty stock, and access control key FOB features will be added to all entrances and egresses to the building. The parking lot will be re-paved, a new dumpster enclosure built and modest, yet tasteful landscaping will be added to the mix.

"This restoration and renovation project of Old Shelby High is going to go a long way towards re-capturing the magnificence of Shelbyville High School that was built in 1911, and remind us all why preserving history is so important and how our modern needs can be embedded in such an iconic historic cornerstone in our community." Stated Mitch Genser, President of Santa Rosa, CA based Purple Vetch Properties, LLC.

 

The construction management company overseeing the renovation process is Rasner Enterprises, Inc., a company with over 30 years’ experience in residential housing and a particular commitment to this building, having previously owned Old Shelby High immediately prior to Purple Vetch Properties, LLC. “I am excited to be involved in this renovation having had aspirations of bringing this facility back to its once glorious stature, and now, through my business, Rasnser Enterprises, LLC, I get to participate in this process. I’ve worked with the Mitch Genser for almost 8 years, and it’s my honor to work with such a dedicated owner and developer and I am certain that the ultimate outcome will reflect our strong relationship and collaboration.” Stated Bill Rasner, President, Rasner Enterprises, Inc.

 

 

 

The building is now managed by Moynahan Williams, Inc. (MWI), a property management company based in Indianapolis with vast experience in Section 42 low income housing communities and has employed two very talented long time Shelbyville residents who serve as onsite property manager and maintenance person.

 

There will be a grand 're-opening' public event later in 2020 when the bulk of the renovations are complete, but in the meantime, Old Shelby High is very much open for business.

Shelby County Players to convert former bowling alley to theatre home

Shelby County Players, Inc. has purchased the former 44 Bowl Bowling Alley located at 1416 Miller Ave to become SCP’s “forever home.” 

 

The adaptive reuse of the building will create anintimate auditorium with seating for 144 and a full-sized stage with wing space and dressing rooms.  Included in the build-out andrenovation will be a lobby, box office,set construction & painting area, props storage, costume storage, an office as well as a green room.

 

Shelby County Players, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit, has been providing live theatre experiences in Shelby County for more than 30 years.  In 1988, SCP performed their first production on the 2nd floor of Fiddler’s Three.  In 1992, they occupied the Shelbyville Community Theatre on South Tompkins Street which they called home for 18 years.

 

In 2010, SCP moved their performances to the Strand Theatre and utilized a myriad of spaces around town for set construction, rehearsal, storage and office space.  For the past six years, SCP has been leasing the former 44 Bowl as their primary rehearsal, office and storage space. 

 

Acquisition and completion of this project will help SCP expand their educational programming and artistic collaborations.   

 

President David Fisher: “We see this project as a catalyst to help re-vitalize Shelbyville’s west corridor.  The facility will be a one-of-a-kind and something the community will be proud of.  The Strand Theatre has been a good partner for our performances and SCP will continue to hold performances at the Strand until additional funding is secured and renovations are completed.”

Researcher: Holiday spending should continue climbing as economy expands

Americans consumers will continue to spend at unprecedented levels during the holiday shopping season because the economy continues to expand, says Ball State University economist Steve Horwitz.

 

How much of a climb may also depend on economic and political factors now in play, he added.

 

Horwitz, the Distinguished Professor of Free Enterprise, points out that the National Retail Federation (NRF) recently released its prediction for retail sales for the 2019 holiday season. Excluding car dealerships, gas stations, and restaurants, NRF foresee a 3.8 to 4.2 percent increase in spending compared to the 2018 season. This exceeds the roughly 3.7 percent average annual increase over the last five years, he said.

 

“The consistent growth in holiday retail sales is a reflection of both the long-term growth in the U.S. economy and its relatively strong performance over the last few years,” Horwitz said. “Americans have more disposable income to spend on holiday gifts, decorations, and parties. This indicates that we have become increasingly able to meet our basic wants for food, shelter, and clothing and can afford to spend on gifts, entertainment, and fun, whether for the winter holidays or everything from Valentine’s Day to Halloween.

 

“Our larger indulgences in these celebrations is a sign of progress and prosperity.”

 

The economist also believes that, in the short-term, wage growth and low unemployment are likely to encourage consumer spending this season, despite increasing economic uncertainty due to everything from tariffs to political instability.

 

“Increased consumer spending does not necessarily mean that people are better off if that spending is due to higher prices caused by tariffs,” Horwitz said.

 

“If some of the increase in retail sales is a result of the tariffs, it reflects losses to households who are getting fewer goods and services for the amount they are spending.

 

“Finally, the effects of uncertainty created by the impeachment process are hard to account for. If households become increasingly concerned about political instability, it may reduce their willingness to spend and cause retail sales to fall short of the NRF estimate.”

Blue River Community Foundation scholarship apps available

The application for 2020 Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) scholarship opportunities is available on the BRCF website: www.blueriverfoundation.com.

 

The deadline to submit an application is January 15, 2020.

 

High school graduating seniors planning to pursue vocational or undergraduate studies, current college students, graduate students, and adults pursuing or finishing a college degree are eligible to apply. One unique feature to BRCF’s application process is that applicants complete one application to qualify for all scholarship opportunities for which they are eligible. Specific criteria, requirements, and instructions for applying, as well as a list of scholarships available through the application process, are listed in the BRCF Scholarship Resource Guide for Students located on the Foundation’s website under the Scholarshipstab.

 

Since 1994, BRCF has invested over $5.4 million in students pursuing post-secondary education. This amount represents $2 million which has been awarded to Shelby County’s 38 Lilly Endowment

Community Scholarship recipients and is made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., as well as, $3.4 million awarded to students from BRCF Scholarship Funds. In fact, last spring alone 126 students claimed 163 scholarships totaling $297,650 in awards from 76 scholarship funds administered by BRCF. These scholarship funds are made possible through the generosity of our donors who recognize the tremendous need for assistance in meeting the costs of higher education.

 

For more information on BRCF’s scholarship application process, please contact Julie Alvis

at 317.392.7955 ext. 102 or by email at jalvis@blueriverfoundation.com.

 

Harvest time safety

With the heavy rain Indiana received late this spring and early summer, crop harvest is running late this year.

 

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists that harvest time is in full swing and it’s time to watch out for farm equipment on our roadways.  

 

The Indiana State Police offers the below safety tip reminders.

 

Tips for farmers:

  • Have all lighting and placards on your equipment as required by law.
  • When parking equipment along the road while in the field, make certain it’s visible especially at night.
  • Avoid traveling on state and U.S. highways during rush hour traffic.
  • Wear reflective or Hi-Viz clothing when working in low light conditions, so as to be seen by motorists and farm workers.
  • Indiana Code 9-21-5-7, Motor vehicles driven at a slow speed impeding or blocking traffic, requires operators of vehicles being driven on a roadway of not more than one lane in each direction, at a speed below the posted limit, to move over to the right at their first opportunity if three or more vehicles are following, to allow those vehicles to safely pass.

Tips for motorists:

  • Be patient when traveling behind farm equipment; farmers have the same rights as automobile drivers to operate their equipment on the roads.
  • When approaching farm equipment from the opposite direction, pull to the right of the traveled portion of the road and allow the equipment to pass.
  • Always be cautious when approaching farm equipment parked on the side of the road. Someone may be getting into or out of the equipment or performing maintenance.
  • Be especially vigilant in watching for farm equipment on two lane roads and around dusk when conditions can make the equipment harder to see.

Shelbyville's Santa Protectors presented with donation

Centra Credit Union is donating $2,500 to Shelbyville's Santa Protectors.

 

This donation is one of 41 grants of $2,500 each to non-profits within the communities Centra serves, totaling more than $100,000 in donations throughout Central and Southern Indiana.

 

Centra Team Members were asked to nominate the non-profits they feel passionate about
supporting, and one non-profit was selected for each branch and department within Centra.

 

The team from the Shelbyville branch nominated Santa Protectors, a group that raises
money to take underprivileged children Christmas shopping.

 

“Centra Team Members love being able to support the causes they care about through this
program, and we are proud to be able to support the communities we serve with these
donations,” said Centra Community Involvement Officer Jenni Carr. “We chose to support
many local non-profits, along with a few national organizations like the American Red Cross
and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”


Selected organizations are currently being notified of the donations with the funds being
delivered to the selected non-profits by the end of November.


“These wonderful organizations support a similar mission and serve the local communities
where Centra has a presence. Credit Unions were built on the premise of People Helping
People, and we are excited to provide support to these causes,” Centra President and CEO
Rick Silvers said.

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