NUVO Announces 2013 Cultural Vision Award Winners

Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Jim Poyser, Editor
NUVO Newsweekly
http://www.nuvo.net/

NUVO announces this year’s CVA winners.

Now in its 15th year, NUVO’s Cultural Vision Awards were created to celebrate individuals and organizations that are pathfinders — folks bringing new perspectives and innovative ideas to Indianapolis’ understanding of itself. NUVO defines cultural vision in its most inclusive sense. We look for people and programs whose creativity enlarges our city’s self-image and enhances our quality of life. Every year that the NUVO editorial team combs through nominations that come to us through readers, community contacts and past honorees, we are reminded of the many compelling ways people in Indianapolis havåe found to make life better.

We will celebrate the winners on Friday, June 7 at Indiana Landmarks Center (1201 Central Ave). Join us between 6 and 7 p.m. for a reception including drinks, light appetizers, conversation and a performance from previous CVA winners, Time for Three. The ceremony will begin at 7:15 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Augustino’s Italian Restaurant will be providing complimentary appetizers and desserts along with wine for sale. Sun King will be on tap with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Indiana Landmarks.

This year’s winners:

Eskenazi Health

This hospital, also called the New Wishard, will open in December of 2013, but we’re already excited to honor what may be the boldest hospital in the entire country. The new hospital will not only be LEED certified for its green design features, it will also feature a sky farm: a 5,000-square-foot rooftop garden, where fresh produce will help feed patients and staff. Specially commissioned works of art will create a significant new public space throughout the hospital, and the Eskenazi Commons, out front the building, will be a public place where human connections and relationships are encouraged and nurtured.

Joyful Noise Recordings

This independent record label celebrates ten years of unconventional formats and fascinating local and national artists this year. And there’s plenty of achievements to celebrate in 2012 alone: new acquisition Kishi Bashi was named NPR’s best new artist of the year. The label achieved worldwide distribution and released a celebrated flexi-disc series featuring artists like The Melvins and Sufjan Stevens. But most exciting for Indy residents is the permanent show space-cum-office-cum-record store in Fountain Square’s Murphy Arts Center. Joyful Noise has received acclaim for their dedication to analog formats and high-quality, extremely limited releases. Their support of talented local artists (including Sleeping Bag, Marmoset and Memory Map, among others) is just the cherry on top.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick
Years in the making, this visionary, eight-mile path through Indianapolis (see photo above) highlights various icons and landmarks, while giving users a good reason to explore the city. It’s an urban bike and pedestrian path that connects Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, the Canal and White River State Park and the Wholesale District, while providing links to the entire Central Indiana greenway system. Led by Central Indiana Community Foundation, among others, the Cultural Trail is a true collaboration, highlighting health, along with appreciation for our ever-growing Downtown. Their May grand opening will invite users to “get down on it,” and will elevate the already-known Cultural Trail to legendary status.

Indy Reads Books

Indy Reads is a laudable, long-standing nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the problem of adult illiteracy in Central Indiana. Indy Reads trains volunteers to tutor adults who come forward to improve their literacy skills. Over the years, Indy Reads has produced a number of programs, from spelling bees to scavenger hunts, in an effort to help people better understand the dimensions of adult illiteracy and to raise the funds needed to address the issue. But they took it up a notch or two with an ambitious venture that literally places Indy Reads on the city’s map: a bookstore called Indy Reads Books. Not only is it a constant, on-going fundraiser for Indy Reads, it’s also the city’s only Downtown bookstore, and a destination for all things written and spoken word.

Indy Urban Acres

The locally grown food movement in Indianapolis continues to flourish, and Indy Urban Acres is an exemplary addition. This eight-acre organic farm donates 100 percent of its harvest to families in need. In 2012, over 35,000 lbs. of fresh organic produce was grown; each one of those pounds represents a main course or a side dish, but also security in a food-insecure world. In addition, over 1,000 kids visited Indy Urban Acres in 2012, seeing for themselves how food is grown — and how to grow their own. Add in the 500 or more volunteers and you can see how this establishment is a true community effort to provide nourishment to those who might not otherwise have access.

People for Urban Progress

Indy’s ultimate re-purposers, PUP’s work can be seen throughout the city. On a grand scale, they take what others would throw away, and turn into useful and meaningful items. Their first project was salvaging the RCA Dome roof, which gave birth to many items – bags, wallets and other accessories made out of roof material, along with shade canopies. Most recently, they salvaged Bush Stadium’s seats and have begun installing them in IndyGo bus stops. But their projects extend beyond that to such endeavors as car sharing, yellow grease recycling, solar panel installation on brownfields, plus infographics that show the common person how they might negotiate our city’s government.

Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Judy O’Bannon

Mrs. O’Bannon is perhaps best known for her role as First Lady of Indiana (1997-2003), but much of her life has been dedicated to community engagement. A graduate of IU with a degree in social work, she was selected as a Rockefeller Theological Scholar, and was the first woman to attend the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Society. In addition, she holds nine honorary degrees. Mrs. O’Bannon is actively involved in media entities, as Chairman of The O’Bannon Publishing Company (Corydon Democrat and Clarion newspapers) and as host and producer of the WFYI TV public television series Communities Building Community as well as her television series, Judy O’Bannon’s Foreign Exchange. We are honored to shine a light on this extraordinary life lived in service to others.

For more information, please visit cva.nuvo.net. 

Entrepreneurial Awards Luncheon at Walker Theatre, Apr. 11

Walker Theatre. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Malina Jeffers
Madame Walker Theatre Center
http://walkertheatre.com/

The Madame Walker Theatre Center presents its annual fundraiser in the form of an entrepreneurial awards luncheon. Now in its 8^th year, the event will take place on April 11, 2013, from 11:30am to 1pm and will honor John Thompson and Robert Reed.

Mr. Thompson is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the following, Indianapolis based organizations: Thompson Distribution Company, Inc., a distributor of mechanical supplies and equipment; First Electric Supply Company, LLC, a distributor of electrical supplies and equipment; CMID, an architectural and engineering design firm; and BC-SESCO, a fabricator and installer of millwork.  Mr. Thompson also served as a consultant for McKinsey and Company in the New York and London offices from 1981-1982.  From 1984 to 2001, Mr. Thompson served as vice president of Mays Chemical Company, Inc., in Indianapolis.

With honesty and integrity as his cornerstone, Robert C. Reed has built a solid professional career as a leader in the area of Information Technology. He is the founder and CEO of RCR Technology Corporation an innovative Information Technology consulting firm in Indianapolis. Under the watchful eye of Mr. Reed, RCR Technology has grown and prospered as a leader among data management solutions and technology-driven middle market companies. Now in its 14th year, RCR Technology continues to be listed as one of the top 5 Minority Businesses in Indianapolis.

The Madame Walker Awards Luncheon is designated for Indiana-based entrepreneurs and professionals who have made a discernible difference in both the African-American and Indianapolis community.  Past recipients of this distinguished award are: Bill Shrewsberry 2006, George Pillow 2007, Sam Odle 2008, David Gadis 2009, William Mays 2010, the late Walter Blackburn and Robin Winston 2011, Dr. Edward Ross and Dr. Gene McFadden 2012. Sponsorships and individual tickets are available.

For more information on the Madame Walker Theatre Center visit www.walkertheatre.com, or call 317-236-2099.

Easley Winery Wins in Florida Wine Competition

Jill Blume at the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition. Photo provided by Easley Winery and used with written permission.

Press Release
Easley Winery
http://www.easleywinery.com/

Reggae Blush, from Easley Winery’s best-selling Reggae Wines brand, has been awarded “Best Blush” and a Double Gold medal at the 2013 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition. The annual Tampa, Florida event included more than 1,000 entries from 31 states and 6 foreign countries.  Two participating judges in the competition were Hoosier natives: Jill Blume, Enology Specialist for the Purdue University Department of Food Science, and Purdue Ph.D. student Amanda Stewart. Ms. Blume has served as a judge in this event for the past nie years.

“The Florida State Fair International Wine Competition is one my favorites because of the hospitality of the people, the diversity of the wines, and the outcome of the results,” states Blume. ”A crew of volunteers assembled wine entries from 31 states and six countries. This is the 25th year of the competition, my 9th year as judge, and by far one of the most comprehensive, well-organized, and oldest wine competitions in the U.S.  I look forward to judging all the sensorial exciting varieties, from muscadines to fruit wines.  The results reflect that great wines are being made from California to Iowa and Indiana to New York.  I am so thrilled about Reggae Blush winning ‘Best Blush’ at the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition; it truly elevates the quality and value for the consumer.”

Reggae Blush is crafted from the Catawba grape, known for its unique grapefruit and citrus flavors. Many of these grapes were harvested from Wahlman Vineyards in Jennings County, Indiana. This delicious, sweet blush wine is fermented much in the style of white wines at a cooler temperature to lock in the grape’s natural fruitiness. The result is a tropical scent, hints of citrus and smooth finish. Easley’s style of sweet blush was honored last year as well, earning a Double Gold at the 2012 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition.

Not to be outdone, three other wines under the Easley umbrella were also awarded gold medals. Reggae White, a crisp, sweet white blend comparable to moscato with hints of peach and apricot, joins its Reggae Blush counterpart with a gold medal. Kauffman’s Posey White and Kauffman’s 76 Brand, a semi-sweet white and semi-sweet red wine respectively, also earned gold. Easley began making Kauffman’s Wines when winemaker Jeff Martin continued the family legacy of his grandfather, the late Harley Kauffman of Posey County, Indiana. Family tradition holds an important place at Easley Winery, as second-generation owners Mark & Meredith Easley teach their three daughters the passion of winemaking.

Easley Winery is Indiana’s oldest family-owned winery and has been creating award-winning wines at its downtown Indianapolis winery facility since 1974. Easley encompasses three brands: Easley Wines, the family of varietal and traditional wines capturing elegance and quality; Reggae Wines, the fun and festive best-selling brand; and Kauffman’s Wines, a family legacy of wines from Easley Winemaker Jeff Martin.

Reggae Blush and Reggae White can be found at most major Indiana grocery and package liquor locations, including Kroger, Meijer, Marsh, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Martin’s, Strack & Van Til and many more. Kauffman’s Posey White and Kauffman’s 76 Brand wines can be found at many southern Indiana Schnuck’s and Wesselman’s stores. All aforementioned wines can be sampled and purchased 7 days a week at Easley Winery in their downtown Indianapolis tasting room. For more information, visit EasleyWinery.com or MyReggaeWine.com for details.

For complete competition award listings, visit http://www.fgga.org/floridastatefair.html

Indiana State Museum to Honor Richard Lugar on May 7

Richard G. Lugar. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Kathi Moore
Indiana State Museum
http://indianamuseum.org/

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will honor Richard G. Lugar at its 2013 annual Tribute event on May 7, 2013. The reception and dinner will be at the Indiana State Museum located at 650 West Washington Street. Lugar will be the museum’s third honoree following Earle A. Goode and the Hulman-George Family. He will be the first to receive the museum’s new Heritage Keepers Award.

The Heritage Keepers Award is given to Indiana’s greatest ambassadors for their embodiment of the Hoosier Spirit in their achievements, leadership and service to the state of Indiana.

The museum is honoring Lugar, a fifth generation Hoosier, for his leadership in helping to create a better Indiana during his 48 years of public service. His political career began in 1964 when he was elected to the Indianapolis School Board. In 1968, he became Mayor of Indianapolis and implemented policies that secured the city’s path for economic growth and development. In 1976, Lugar was elected to the United States Senate and is the longest serving member of Congress from Indiana.

In addition to being recognized as a gifted local and state leader, Lugar became a respected national and international statesman while serving in the U. S. Senate, exercising leadership on critical issues such as food security, nuclear non-proliferation, energy independence and free trade. He holds 46 honorary degrees from colleges and universities in 15 states and the District of Columbia, and he was the fourth person ever named Outstanding Legislator by the American Political Science Association.

Throughout his career, Lugar has been passionate about developing new leaders for Indiana through programs such as the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, the Fund for Hoosier Excellence, the Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders and the newly formed Lugar Academy, which will help prepare students from the University of Indianapolis for the diverse challenges of public service.

Proceeds from the Tribute, chaired by Chairman’s Advisory Council member and seventh generation Hoosier Judy Singleton, will be used to develop high quality exhibitions and programming about all things Indiana for the museum and historic sites.

For more information about the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites or the event, visit indianamuseum.org.

Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards Nominations Open

Indiana State Capitol Building. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Chetrice Mosley
Indiana Department of Labor
www.in.gov/dol/2381.htm

Indianapolis, Indiana — Nov. 16, 2012. The application and nomination period for the 2013 Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards has officially begun. These prestigious occupational safety and health awards are given out annually in four categories: innovations, internal education and outreach, external education and outreach, and partnerships.

The awards are available to Hoosier workplaces of all types, regardless of size. Eligible organizations include

• Businesses
• Unions
• Municipalities
• Schools
• Service organizations
• Nonprofits
• Individuals

The awards are given to those organizations and individuals that have proven the overall effectiveness of their safety and health programs, processes or techniques relative to each organization’s size.

“We’re always proud to recognize organizations that make the health and safety of their employees a top priority,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Lori Torres. “The Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards seek to highlight employers and employees for their work safety and health efforts.”

The Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards is a joint venture between the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers and the Indiana Department of Labor. This year’s awards will be presented during the annual Indiana Safety and Health Conference  on March 13, 2013.

Applications must be received by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce no later than 5 p.m. (EST), Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.

To learn more about the Governor’s Safety Awards program and/or to apply for an award, visit www.in.gov/dol/2381.htm. For more information about the 2013 Indiana Safety and Health Conference, visit www.insafetyconf.com.