I’m In!

By Pat Berger

Do you remember a couple of years ago, that community input was sought for helping our communities and schools grow?  Many residents signed up for committees, and said “I’m In!” Now is the time to take that commitment and do something!    A lot has been going on in Remington behind the scenes, and this spring will be exciting for the Town of Remington.

This winter, the Remington Main Street organization has been quietly working behind the scenes to build on groundwork that has been laid in the past few years.  In December 2010, the organization approved Bylaws and elected officers.  These officers and the board have chosen some projects, and they need everyone’s help!  Officers are:  Rochelle Ward, President; Kendra Illingworth, Vice President; Julee Wilke, Secretary; John Ward, Treasurer; Board Members, Jon Schwab, Wendy Schwab, and Kelly Gentry.  If you want to read all about the Main Street organization go to:  http://www.in.gov/ocra/2364.htm.

Remington will start a Farmer’s Market this coming May thru October on Saturday mornings from 8 AM to Noon.  Watch for upcoming announcements about this new offering.  Selling or buying at the local Farmer’s Market is a fantastic way to say “I’m In.”

Remington Main Street has partnered with the Town of Remington to enter the “Back Home Again in Indiana Community Decoration Program.”  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and a contest is being offered for communities in the state.  The President & CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway invited the Town of Remington to participate in the program.  Check out a sample idea on the website.  The link for the program is:  http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/eventinfo/40857/

Communities will enter based on town population.  Towns of 1001-3000 population will compete together.  Residents and businesses will decorate in Indy 500 style.  Entrants must live in the town corporate limits.  A drawing will take place of registered entrants.  Towns in this category receive 200 qualification tickets, and eight race tickets for their entry.    The Top Ten Finalists will have community photos/videos running on IMS video boards during the month of May, and receive six guests in a suite on Race Day.  The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000 to be used for the betterment of the community.

By April 15, the Town will submit the entry application. Decorations need to be done by April 30th and stay up throughout the month of May.  The Town plans on doing some sort of celebration on April 30th.   By May 5 participants must verify their entry by providing a link to their community’s online destination page for Back Home Again in Indiana.  This is a location for residents to view what the town is doing, view photos and videos, and comment on the projects.  By May 9, judging opens and online voting begins for the general public.  We will need Remington residents and all their friends and families, home and away, to vote for our entry!  A great way to say, “I’m IN!” On May 16, the Top Ten finalists are announced.  On May 25, the Grand Prize winner will be announced by a panel of celebrity judges from the motorsports industry.

The Grand Prize Winner, which can be a town of any size will win $25,000 for the betterment of the community, a town representative will participate in the Indy 500 pre-race festivities on race morning, trophy, six tickets to the Victory Banquet, community representative to ride on the IMS Float in the 500 Festival Parade, and the IMS will host a celebration in the winning community or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The Town is working on a theme, local and corporate sponsors, and involving many organizations, schools, businesses and organizations.  This is a way to participate and to say I’m IN!

To participate, fill out the participant form, decorate your yard, front of house, business, display a collection of race items, and follow the town’s theme, “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  The town will contact entrants about taking pictures and video to put on the Facebook page dedicated to this program.  If you have questions, contact Remington Town Manager, John Ward or check out the information on the Remington website:  www.remingtonindiana.com.

The Remington Main Street organization will have several opportunities for involvement.  Committees are:  Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Restructuring.  According to Remington Main Street President, Rochelle Ward “The Design Committee which is currently Wendy Schwab, Julee Wilke, and Lori Overbeck has come up with some ideas for doing some simple things to make Main Street’s presence known.  The group wants to put together Community Project Kits which will include picking up litter, painting and cleaning up eyesores around town, and planting flowers and landscaping.  They are also proposing to use the current planters we have downtown and make them all uniform, including decorating them for the 500 competition, and making sure a volunteer can keep them watered and fertilized.”

Remington Main Street is co-sponsoring a professional development luncheon at the Tobias Center on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM for area business owners and managers.  The speaker is marketing expert Gunes Yilmaztuerk, founder and CMO of Solle Coaching.  She will be speaking about using social media and online marketing to keep your business current and visible as well as empowering your business’ brand to reach more customers.  This event is sponsored by Remington Main Street, the Jasper County Economic Development Organization, and the RWCDC.  There will be a $10 fee, which will include lunch made by The Homestead.  RSVP’s are required.  Contact Rochelle Ward, 219.863.3928for more information.  This luncheon is an inexpensive way for businesses, old or new, to learn more about staying up-to-date with today’s technology.  This is yet another great way to get involved and say “I’m IN!”

A summer festival is in the planning stages for June 10-11, Remington Water Tower Days Festival.  Organizers Rhonda Sondgerath, Dana Pampel, and Ashley Hensler need you to say, “I’m IN!” In order to have a festival, monies need raised, and work needs done.  Many, many hands were involved in planning and attending last summer’s sesquicentennial and it will take many more to make this summer’s festival successful.  Contact any of the festival organizers and see what help they need.  Right now they are working on entertainment, a car show, a 5K walk/run, dinners, breakfast, and a newlywed oldie wed game.  Support the fundraisers, and be involved in the festival.  All are very good ways to say, “I’m IN!”

JCEDO March Newsletter

JCEDO’S NEWS FOR YOU is published monthly by the Jasper County Economic Development Organization, Inc.

JASPER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION, INC.

223 W. Kellner BoulevardRensselaer, IN 47978

http://www.jaspercountyin.com

info@jaspercountyin.com

Click this link to view the PDF newsletter.  JCEDO’s News For You 3.1.11

Back Home Again in Indiana Community Decoration Program

This is an exciting time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  This year is the 100^th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.  To help celebrate this monumental year, the IMS is asking our town to take part in the “Back Home in Indiana” Community Decoration Program.  This program is open to all Cities and Towns in Indiana.  Each community that participates will receive tickets to many of the activities around the 2011 Indianapolis 500.  The winning community will win $25,000 from IMS to better their community.

Remington has decided to take part in this program.  We have chosen the theme, “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.  We are looking for individuals, businesses, schools & civic organizations that are willing to join us in this program.  The Town will be putting up decorations around town, and will host a celebration at the end of April.  More details to come on the celebration.

For those in our community that would like to participate in this program will have a chance to win the following.

–          Free tickets to qualifications

–          Free Race tickets

To participate, fill out the participant form.  Decorate your yard, front of house, business, a room at your facility, or put up a display of Indy 500 memorabilia, that follow along with the theme of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

The town will have someone contact you about taking pictures & video of your display to put on our Facebook page dedicated to this program.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remington-Indy-500-Community-Decoration Program/194696177225745

Contact John Ward Town Manager for more information or to pick up a participation form.

John Ward

219-261-2521

jward@remingtonindiana.com

We look forward to this event and encourage you to take part celebrating with us.

Remington Main Street Hit’s The Ground Running!

RMS had a very productive meeting last night with board members and business partners present.

The Farmer’s Market is scheduled to start in May, but a kickoff date will be announced soon.   The market will be open from May to October on Saturday mornings from 8-12 and will be located in the parking lot between the Homestead and Angel’s in the heart of downtown.
The Design Committee  has come up with some ideas for doing some simple things to make Main Street’s presence known while we are waiting on the grant to go through.  Things they have come up with are putting together “Community Project Kits” with will include picking up litter, painting and cleaning up eyesores around town, planting flowers/landscaping visible corners in town.  The kit will be presented to residents and businesses in the community they will include: Definition of the project (specified area and job), Estimate of time required to complete the project, Supplies required, and some sort of reward or thank you for bettering the community.
Also they are proposing to use the current planters we have downtown and make them all uniform (including decorating them for the 500 competition) as well as making sure a volunteer can keep them watered and fertilized. This will make a beautiful visual impact in our downtown area.
A professional development luncheon will be held in the Tobias Center on Thursday March 31st from 11:30 – 1:00 pm for area business owners and managers.  The speaker is marketing expert Gunes Yilmaztuerk, Founder and CMO of Solle Coaching.  She will be speaking about using social media and online marketing to keep your business current and visible as well as empowering your business’s brand to reach more customers.  This event is hosted by Remington Main Street, Jasper County Economic Development Organization and RWCDC. There will be a $10 fee which will include lunch brought in by the Homestead.  RSVP’s are required, please see the Town of Remington website for more information or contact Rochelle Ward at 219-863-3928.
Casey Cannady of Cannady Consulting met with our group last night to discuss a website, things are coming together and we will be launching a Remington Main Street website soon.  Each board member will be equipped with a Remington Main Street email address which will make communicating with our organization easier. We will also be able to keep our meeting minutes and events calendar up to date.

If you wish to be a part of RMS, we meet every 3rd Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Tobias Center. We welcome residents, community leaders and business owners who have an interest in the value of our great community and a desire to make it better!

Remington Main Street Kick’s Off!

The Town of Remington was named a Main Street Community by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman in Dec. 2008.  Over the past year, a committee began to form and in Dec. 2010 the board was appointed and bylaws passed making the organization official.
The goals of Remington Main Street are based on a four point approach which include:Promotion, Organization, Economic Restructuring and Design.  The ultimate desire of Remington Main Street is to help our town become a great place to live, work, shop and play.

What’s next for the Remington Main Street Organization:
Remington Main Street along with the Jasper County Economic Development Organization will be sponsoring a Professional Development Lunch at the Tobias Center for local business owners and managers.  This will be a quarterly event. Details coming soon!
Remington Main Street is planning on starting a Farmer’s Market this coming May.  Join us at a meeting to find out more!

Remington Main Street is currently working with the Town of Remington and Ratio Architects out of Indianapolis on applying for a Downtown Revitalization Planning Grant through local grant writers at KIRPC.

Remington Main Street meets every 3rd Thursday of the Month at the Tobias Center at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on how you can get involved: Contact Rochelle Ward @ 219-863-3928 or rochelledward@gmail.com

Official Notifications by E-Mail and Text Message

The Town of Remington will begin utilizing a new service to access important, valuable community information when you need it, using the latest technology.

Our agency will create and publish messages through the Nixle Community Information Service. Nixle will then deliver this information to you instantly by cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com.

Example messages may include local emergencies, street closures, community news, missing persons, as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

The service is reliable and free for our group to use. There is NO spam and no hidden cost; you receive messages as part of their cell phone text messaging plan. YOU decide what information you want and whether you want it sent to your cell phone, email, or just simply over the web.

Please register now at the company’s main web site: www.nixle.com. There you can also access their Frequently Asked Questions.

We also ask you to forward this email to 5 of your neighbors or friends in the community, encouraging them to register.

New communication forms continue to evolve and we believe this service will allow us to keep you informed in the most convenient, reliable way possible.

New Leaf Vacuum

Recently the Town of Remington Purchased a new 17 cubic yard leaf collector.  This is a trailer mounted unit with a John Deere Diesel engine.  It has a 16” diameter heavy-duty hose.  John Flinn our Street superintendent will be operating this piece of equipment.  He’ll start leaf pick up the last week of September or the first week of October depending on the amount of leaves that are on the ground at that time.  He’ll be picking up leaves each Monday until Thanksgiving weekend.

If you wish for your leaves to be picked up here are some tips to make sure your leaves are picked up properly.

1.  Rake leaves to the curb or edge of grass area.

2.  Don’t put leaves in areas where there is gravel.

3.  Please remove sticks from leaf pile.

4.  Do not bag leaves but rake them into an organized pile

Blossoming Into New Ownership

On Friday August 13th 2010, Blossom Boutique had a couple of new faces wandering around the flower shop.  Angela Clark & Kacie Lear became business owners for the first time.  For about a month Roxie Kidd & Debbie Brown the previous owners helped the new owners in transition in learning the floral business.  Angela said this was a very easy, and fun experience.  Her and Kacie got their feet wet right away with a large wedding and a few funerals.  With Roxie and Debbie by their side they were able to get training from two experienced people in the floral business.  On September 1st they held an open house and a farewell for the community to saying good-bye to Roxie and Debbie and to welcome Angela & Kacie to Blossom Boutique.  As people came in they had refreshments and soft music playing.  When I stopped in it looks like everyone was having a good time.

So what is in the future for Blossom Boutique?  Before too long you will begin to see more gifts to buy in the gift shop as well as some outside decoration items you can buy.  They are looking to buy a new tanning bed and offer gift wrapping during the holidays.  What a great way to bring in new customers?  Stay tuned on the web.  They are in the process of developing a website.  One cool thing on the site will be a calendar so you won’t forget that birthday of someone you keep forgetting every year.  Stay tuned at http://www.blossomboutiqueflowers.com.  It’s not up and going yet but will be very soon.  Also, for all of you Facebook people.  They will have a Facebook fan page as well.  For all of your floral arrangements,

contact Angela Clark or Kacie Lear at 219-261-2561

A Successful Sesquicentennial Celebration

Flag Raising

On July 16th & 17th 2010 Remington Indiana celebrated its 150th Birthday.  It was a 2 day event packed with entertainment and fun for the entire community.  Friday evening was started with the opening ceremony of the raising of the US, Indiana, Legion, & Remington flags.  The Boy Scouts took the honor for this event.  The main stage was open for entertainment that evening.  Vendor booths and food booths were also open for business.  On Saturday, there were plenty of activities for everyone.  There were children’s games and entertainment.  The main stage also had a day filled with entertainment from local bands.  There were even a couple of American Idol contestants here.  DJ Miller and Darcy Pampel performed on the main stage.  There was a parade that day and there were over 70 entries.  This was Remington’s largest parade ever.

Idol Contestant DJ Miller

This event was very historic for our community.  Julie Ann Frey put together a Remington Sesquicentennial book called “Small Town Big Party”.  It’s on sale at the Town Hall for $20.  You can contact the Town Hall at 219-261-2523.

Small Town, Big Party

I just want to say thanks to everyone that helped put this event together.  It took a lot of hard work but it was well worth it.  There’s already talk about another festival next year.  Who knows?

Your Small Town Oasis

Welcome to Remington, Indiana.  Located in Northwest Indiana in southern Jasper County, Remington is your small town oasis.  Within a 90-minute drive from both Chicago and Indianapolis, step out of the hustle and bustle of city life and arrive in this quaint small town that we have come to love and appreciate.  We know that once you experience our charming town, you too, will discover the gem that is the town of Remington.  From knowing your neighbors and the names of people you see in the aisle of the local grocery store to the genuine care that the community members have for one another, you will find Hoosier hospitality throughout Remington.