Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) president Ellen Morley Matthews called the May public meeting to order a little after 7 P.M. This month's meeting was held at Broad Ripple Methodist Church because the Indianapolis Art Center was busy preparing for the Broad Ripple Art Fair. Chris Davidson brought samples of several menu items from The Usual Suspects, formerly The Parthenon, located at 6319 Guilford Avenue. Dave Sims brought coffee coupons and bananas for all.

The May meeting had a different feel - instead of the BRVA board sitting at a table in front of rows of fixed auditorium seats, we all sat together in a circle in the church parlor. There was a discussion on how to retain this intimate dynamic when the meeting moves back to the Art Center.

Ellen announced that detective Brian Dixon was at a town hall meeting, so he was unable to attend the BRVA meeting to give the north district report.

BRVA treasurer Sandra Baird reported that the BRVA bank balance was $24,040, and that 57% of that is from membership dues. Ellen reiterated that the BRVA is a member-based organization: "Memberships are vital to our support."

BRVA executive director Sharon Butsch Freeland (I promise that an introduction article about Sharon is really coming. -Alan) mentioned a new offer from the Riviera Club. "The Riviera Club is partnering with neighborhood associations to offer a discounted initiation fee to BRVA members. In addition, the BRVA will receive a portion of that fee for recruiting the new Riviera Club member."

"I think it is exciting and a good idea, and hopefully will benefit people with families, especially with kids that want to go swimming, and will benefit the BRVA," added Ellen.

Sharon also said that since the rain hampered the May village clean-up, another will be scheduled for June or July.

Diane Seybert reported that the Spring Gallery Tour had a nice turnout, despite the cold, rainy conditions. The BRVA is looking into expanding on the Gallery Tour concept for a monthly event.

Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour coordinator Sue Zilisch announced that the 2006 tour planning is moving into the next phase: recruiting volunteers.

The next big event in Broad Ripple will be the street festival on July 22. It will take place on Broad Ripple Avenue between College Avenue and Winthrop Avenue, and north on Guilford Avenue to the nightclub Rouge. More details of the event will be presented at the June meeting.

Ellen happily announced that Sunflower Market has signed on as the title sponsor for the 5k/10k that will take place on August 13. She also mentioned that the 2006 Midwest Music Summit will be held entirely in Broad Ripple on August 11th and 12th.

Peter Dean reported that the only petition that came before the BRVA board was 823 Westfield Boulevard. This will become two retail shops and a restaurant. The BRVA board supports this petition.

The next public meeting will be Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at 7pm at the Indianapolis Art Center.