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2006 12 29

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n26)

Christmas comes to Broad Ripple via Cornell - By Ashley Plummer

posted: Dec. 29, 2006

Santa Claus, carolers, shoppers and Fur-bee the dog came out to celebrate Christmas on Cornell, the first annual event put together by the local shop merchants.

Santa at Perk Up

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"Broad Ripple is the best place in the world," Santa said. "I had to make time to be here this year, especially for such a good community cause."

"Community" seemed to be the focus of the afternoon for most shop merchants. The one-day event not only included in-store specials in select shops along Cornell, but also a strong spotlight on charitable giving.

Perk Up Café was selling $30 Swarovski bracelets handmade by the Broad Ripple High School Key Club. All proceeds for the bracelets were donated to Breast Cancer Prevention, with every dollar matched by the Catherine Peachy Foundation.

"We really just wanted to put some community effort into the holidays," Perk Up Café owner Kim McManama said.

The Cornell businesses were also taking donations to benefit Gleaners Food Bank and Day Spring Center, and will continue to do so throughout December.

The concept for Christmas on Cornell was something the shop owners put together less than a month ago.

"We really only got the idea about two weeks ago," McManama said. "We spoke to the merchants with the idea, told them the concept, and they pulled together."

"It's amazing what has happened only through word of mouth though," she added.

Shoppers who strolled along the street and the Monon Trail were greeted by Santa and carolers from the Sweet Adelines, a local women's barbershop quartet.

"We were asked by Perk Up to provide some singers," said singer Angie Gilmer. "We are hoping this becomes an annual event. It's the perfect setting-right by the Monon with all this activity."

Gilmer added that the ladies like to "harmonize the world," and any chance they can get out to do so is one they take.

Most of the 25 participating merchants were also enthusiastic about continuing the event for years to come.

Charlie Revard, owner of Bike Line, said that Christmas on Cornell was an "awesome" community building event.

"It's a really positive thing," he said. "Even for people who are just out shopping, this is exciting and somewhat of a pleasant surprise for them. If they weren't expecting it, it is something extra - it's that personal touch that you just can't get if you go up somewhere like Castleton and do your shopping."

A little further up the street, Fur-bee pet grooming was serving hot cider to walkers on the Monon and homemade dog biscuits to their four-legged friends (to the background music of "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen).

"I really like the concept," Fur-bee owner Ted Lee said. "I hope it continues, and next year more people get on board for a great cause."