Approximately 30 residents attended the May 2005 public meeting of the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA). The Indianapolis Art Center (IAC) was busy preparing for the Broad Ripple Art Fair, so the meeting was held under the shelter house at Broad Ripple Park. It was a little cool and windy, but the park was a great place for the meeting. Bottled water and Hubbard & Cravens Coffee were available. Brad and Angela Hopper brought their new baby, Avery.

BRVA president Ellen Morley Matthews called the meeting to order a little past 7pm. She thanked Indy Parks for allowing the BRVA to use the shelter house. Following the treasurer's report, Ellen introduced officer Ben Hunter. We hadn't seen Ben for a while as he is a new father. Ben handed out the latest north district police statistics. "The bad news is that crime in the area is up 11%," said Ben. "The good news is that violent crime is down. It is the property crimes that skyrocketed. People are leaving purses and cell phones on their car seats while they go eat. This is an invitation to get your car broken into." A person from the audience commented that there have been 20 reported car break-ins in the Arden area in the last two weeks.

Beth Krouch, manager of Broad Ripple Park, handed out park activity guides and described many of the summer programs. "We have over 100 recreational activities at the park this summer," said Beth. "The annual Touch-A-Truck will be Friday, June 17. We have 30 vehicles for the kids to touch and climb on. Summer camp starts June 6. We have about 85 kids a week in camps, ages 6 to 13. Jazz in the park returns on each Tuesday in August from 7 to 9pm. The Broad Ripple Park swim team will compete with the other parks at four swim meets."

The committees give their updates during the last portion of the meeting. Linda Shikany reported that the beautification committee is scheduling the work for the garden area behind the fire station. A retaining wall will be built in August and plantings will begin in September. Scott Bates, communication committee, reported that a new BRVA website should be active in a month or so. Until then, the website www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com has a complete event calendar. Christi Garcia, membership committee, said that the membership drive was wrapping up, which will allow for the finalization of the BRVA directory. Sue Zilisch, Bungalows of Broad Ripple, reported that volunteers are still needed for the October 8 tour. Shifts are four hours long, between 9am and 5pm. Volunteers will receive a tour t-shirt.

Brad Hopper reported on cultural tourism. Ground breaking for the 67th and College cultural district gateway should happen in June. Donations are still needed to fund the gateway at Broad Ripple High School, as the sculpture is expected to cost about $10,000 more that the grant.

Cathy Adler presented the details for designating the BRVA as the charitable organization of choice to a Marsh Fresh Idea card. By registering a Fresh Idea card for the BRVA, Marsh will donate 1% of the purchase price of Marsh-brand products to the organization. To register your card, go to www.marsh.net, click on the Community Shopper link, select CLICK HERE under SIGN UP TODAY. Fill out the requested information and accept the terms of agreement. Fill in the BRVA express code 351707233 and hit GO.

Ellen adjourned the meeting a few minutes before 8pm. The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 21, 2005, back at the Indianapolis Art Center.