 (November 25, 2024) - The Housing Authority of the City of Richmond, IN (HACR) has been chosen as recipients of two of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Awards of Merit in the category of Resident and Client Services for providing job opportunities and food options to residents and members of the community.
The official presentation of the awards took place in Orlando, FL. on September 25, 2024 during NAHRO’s Summer Conference. “The NAHRO Awards of Merit Program was created to give national recognition to NAHRO Member organizations that have found innovative ways of making a difference in the communities and the lives of the people they serve. As our country grapples with a nationwide affordable housing crisis, housing agencies across the country face local challenges with tenacity, creativity and a powerful will to improve their communities.” Through the FSS program, HACR has increased outreach to residents and the community we serve. “These programs aim to celebrate self-sufficiency and achievement and honor the work our staff and residents do each and every day to ensure a safe and affordable place to call home. Resident and Client Services include innovative use of programs such as special activities for children, families, the elderly, anti-drug programs, social services, and self-sufficiency. Whether we are building and repairing homes, forging local partnerships to provide resources such as food and workforce development, or increasing the agencies’ ability to serve; these dedicated professionals build and implement innovative solutions that improve the lives of their residents, their staff, and the communities in which they work.” The HACR awards for Merit are listed below: Award #1 On-Site Job and Volunteering Fairs The Housing Authority of the City of Richmond (HACR) Indiana launched a series of Job and Volunteering Fairs (JVFs) in the purpose-built communal spaces integrated into each of its public housing developments. In partnership with Eastern Indiana Works, HACR has recruited local employers who are actively hiring to meet face-to-face with jobseekers, enabling them to learn about available roles, exchange contact information, submit resumes, and make lasting first impressions. JVFs create an easy opportunity for HACR residents to consider and engage in paths to improving their financial self-sufficiency, including paid work, volunteer positions, and our Family Self Sufficiency program. Award #2 Pop-Up Farmers Market: Connecting Residents and a SNAP Doubling Program The Housing Authority of the City of Richmond (HACR) hosted a Pop-up Farmers Market at one of its public housing developments, bringing fresh local foods to residents and educating them on the Farmers Market’s SNAP Double Dollars Program (SDDP). The SDDP allows shoppers using SNAP to double their benefits and pay for meat, eggs, produce, baked goods, and more at the market. The SDDP does not reach many HACR residents at this time due to lack of awareness and transportation; however, HACR is working diligently to take steps as quickly as possible to expand and improve awareness & transportation to better serve those in need. The Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County provided person hours by serving free lunch provided by HACR. The Richmond Farmer’s Market provided equipment, person-hours, and connection to vendors. Over 50 HACR residents attended, and $446 in doubled SNAP benefits were spent. Through successful partnerships, HACR has been able to increase the number of job opportunities and fresh food to families that we serve in the Richmond Wayne county Area. It is HACR’s hope that the general public, community leaders, private industry and government itself will become inspired to reform and enhance existing housing and community development programs, and in addition, create new ground-breaking programs and services to meet the housing needs of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens
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 Washington, DC – On Tuesday, November 12, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce proudly sent Richmond student Ellie Fost to represent Indiana in the 2024 National Civics Bee Championship at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C. The National Civics Bee, organized in collaboration with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, seeks to promote civic engagement and inspire young Americans to take an active role in shaping their communities and nation.
Ellie’s path to the National Civics Bee Championship began with her thought-provoking essay on Teen Mental Health in Schools. In her writing, she combined insightful analysis with well-researched data, creating a compelling argument for greater attention to mental health issues among adolescents. One particularly powerful example was her discussion of the disproportionate ratio of school counselors to students, a stark issue that highlights the strain on resources and the urgent need for more comprehensive support systems in schools. Through this thoughtful approach, Ellie not only shed light on an important topic but also demonstrated her ability to tackle complex social challenges with both empathy and critical thinking. Ellie earned the opportunity to compete against 27 talented students from across the nation through both her insightful essay and her impressive ability to tackle challenging questions with confidence and clarity. Beyond the competition itself, she also had the privilege of experiencing American democracy up close. During her time in Washington, D.C., Ellie had the chance to visit key national institutions and engage directly with civic leaders, gaining invaluable insight into the workings of government and the principles that shape our democracy. “We were honored to be able to participate as a regional host site for Indiana’s first year of participation in the National Civics Bee,” said Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Melissa Vance. “To have the state champion hailing from Richmond was the icing on the cake. It is incredible to see talented youth taking time to strategically think and put those ideas into words on a national stage. We couldn’t be prouder of all the middle school students who participated.” Ellie encountered strong competition in the first quiz round and was unable to advance further in the contest. Nevertheless, she took the opportunity to reflect on her overall experience during the trip to Washington, DC, as well as her time participating in the competition, “Even if I didn’t make it through the national level, I was able to spread my cause at the local and state level.” She also mentioned that getting to see and explore D.C. was her favorite part of the trip. The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that it will host the local 2025 National Civics Bee. This exciting opportunity allows students to explore their personal values and deepen their understanding of civics, all while competing for cash prizes and other exciting rewards. The first step for students to get involved is to write and submit an essay, with submissions due by February 4, 2025. For essay requirements and submission details, please visit: Essay Submission The demolition of the pedestrian bridge connecting the former Elder-Beerman store to the adjacent parking garage is tentatively scheduled to commence on November 18, 2024, and is expected to continue through November 25, 2024. During this period, South 7th Street will be closed to all traffic between East Main Street and South Service Drive to ensure safety and facilitate the demolition process. The alley on the north side of the parking garage will also be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian access. Pedestrian traffic on the east side of South 7th Street will be restricted. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and seek alternative routes to navigate the area.   Richmond, Ind. – Healthcare students at Ivy Tech Community College - Richmond have a brandnew space to learn and train in, one that furthers the relationship between the school and Reid Health as both organizations seek to build a pipeline of future healthcare workers.
A grand-opening celebration took place Tuesday for the Debra Edelman Healthcare Education Center, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, official dedication, and tours and demonstrations for the public. Much of the second floor of Johnson Hall on the Ivy Tech campus at 2357 Chester Blvd. in Richmond has been remodeled into a healthcare simulation center. Spaces stocked with the same equipment that is used at Reid Health have been set up to mimic medical-surgical, maternity, and intensive care rooms. There's also a paramedic training area with an ambulance simulator and a new pharmacy tech space. "Ivy Tech is committed to producing high-quality nurses and healthcare workers. Expanding our program required the right resources and facilities to ensure student success," said Heather Wierzbinski-Cross, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences for Ivy Tech Richmond. "This new simulation space is a vital step in preparing our students for the growing demands of the healthcare workforce. By collaborating with Reid Health, we offer students a realistic, highfidelity environment that mirrors clinical settings, helping them build confidence and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the field." Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer for Reid Health, said Ivy Tech Richmond's new healthcare space will provide countless opportunities for partnership and integration. "We're grateful for Ivy Tech Richmond's forward thinking and work to create a space that encourages and trains our future nurses and other clinicians," she said. "This space will be valuable for high school students who might be exploring nursing, college students who are acquiring skills alongside trained faculty, and seasoned caregivers who might be learning new skills." Most of the space was ready for the beginning of the fall semester classes a few weeks ago, while the finishing touches of the ambulance simulator were put into place last week. "Our healthcare and nursing programs are feeders to the pipeline of healthcare workers in our service area," said Ivy Tech Richmond Chancellor Chad Bolser. "Training the healthcare and nursing workforce of the future is one of the main priorities in our strategic initiatives. Reid is a tremendous partner in this effort, and we want to ensure each one of our graduates has a direct connection to Reid's operation. "Our relationship with Reid runs deep. We could not provide the educational opportunities we do without our relationship with Reid." Reid Health staff provided advice and guidance on the project as well as some equipment to match what's used at the health system's facilities. "Nurses and providers are at the heart of what we do, so we need to have skilled people who want to work in East-Central Indiana and want to work for Reid Health. Sometimes it's hard to attract folks from outside the region," said Jason Troutwine, Reid Health Vice President/Reid Foundation President. "One of the best ways for us to attract nurses and other skilled labor is to grow our own."To get students prepared to work in healthcare so they can easily transition into a job at Reid Health, that's laying a lot of groundwork for us." Project Update Fall 2024
What to Expect Revive I-70 will improve I-70 in Wayne County. It’s expected to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and improve safety along the I-70 corridor Project Delivery Because of the size of the corridor and scope of improvements, the project is divided into three contracts for improved project delivery. Contract 1:
Asphalt pavement patching is expected in November and December in Wayne County. The 3.5-mile corridor extends from west of Centerville to US 35. Work is expected to happen on or after the following dates:
The full lane restrictions will allow the work to be completed faster, preventing prolonged work and extended delays. For the latest project news and information, head to ReviveI70.com. The project website was recently updated and includes information about project improvements, maps, FAQs, and more. While visiting the site, be sure to sign up to receive project updates. About Revive I-70 Revive I-70 includes improvements to I-70 in Wayne County from west of Cambridge City to the Indiana/Ohio state line. The corridor is more than 20 miles long, and improvements are divided into three contracts for project delivery. The INDOT project is expected to reduce corridor congestion, improve traffic flow, and improve safety. Find more information at ReviveI70.com and follow the project on Facebook and X. Media Contact Kyleigh Cramer 317-864-3164 [email protected] A competitive corporate tax rate is crucial for fostering economic growth and attracting investment. When businesses face lower tax burdens, they have more capital to invest in operations, innovation, and expansion, leading to job creation and increased productivity.
Higher tax rates have the opposite effect on business growth and innovation. As such, proposals to raise the corporate tax rate not only jeopardize America’s global economic competitiveness but also deal a blow to American workers and families in the form of lower wages and higher prices. Restoring America’s Economic Competitiveness In December 2017, Congress passed the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the most comprehensive tax reform legislation enacted since 1986. The TCJA reduced and simplified the federal tax burden on American families and workers, and it substantially modernized America’s approach to taxing business income. Before the law’s enactment, the United States had earned the dubious distinction of being home to the highest statutory corporate tax rate in the industrialized world, which harmed our economy and pushed investment and jobs overseas. To help restore the global competitiveness of American companies and attract foreign investment to the United States, the TCJA permanently lowered the corporate tax rate by 14 percentage points, from 35% to 21%. In conjunction with the TCJA’s other pro-growth reforms, reducing the corporate income tax significantly boosted domestic investment, studies now confirm, while increasing economic growth and workers’ wages. Understanding the Economic Impacts of Higher Corporate Taxes Even with the TCJA’s historic reforms, however, U.S. corporations remain subject to an average combined federal-state statutory tax rate of 25.77%—higher than the current Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average rate of 23.73%. It is, therefore, critical for policymakers to understand that any proposal to raise the current corporate tax rate would put U.S.-based companies at a disadvantage relative to their foreign-based competitors and increase the relative cost of business investment in America. But the harm wouldn’t stop there. Studies have shown that raising the corporate income tax would not only reduce economic output and wage growth but also increase consumer prices. It is for these reasons that public- and private-sector economists alike have consistently characterized raising the corporate income tax as one of the most detrimental and inefficient ways to fund government priorities. GROWING AMERICA'S FUTURE: See all our work on why competitive, pro-growth tax policy is essential Breaking Down the Local Impacts on Workers and Families Recently some policymakers have expressed support for raising the corporate income tax to offset the cost of other priorities, with some proposing to raise the corporate rate from 21% to 28%. The damage this change would do to America’s global competitiveness is clear: with an average combined federal–state corporate tax rate of 32.5%, the United States would become the second highest-taxed country in the OECD (second only to Colombia). But what would this change mean for local businesses, workers, and their families? Raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% would increase federal tax revenue by an estimated $910 billion over the next decade. But where would that $910 billion come from? Businesses have only three options to pay for higher taxes: raise prices; reduce costs; or lower returns to investors. In reality, they do all three. Recent economic research shows that just over half the cost of higher corporate taxes is borne by consumers in the form of higher prices, with another 28% borne by workers in the form of lower wages and the remaining 20% borne by shareholders (which includes retirement accounts) in the form of lower returns. Follow this link to see how Indiana would be affected: How Higher Corporate Taxes Would Affect Your Local Economy | U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) Richmond Friends School Named 2024 Cognia School of Distinction, in Top 3% of Cognia Schools9/27/2024 September 10, 2024 — Cognia® names Richmond Friends School a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education. This year Cognia, the global nonprofit school improvement organization, recognized 60 schools and school systems in the United States and Puerto Rico, and five other countries across the globe as 2024 Cognia Schools or Systems of Distinction.
“Richmond Friends School is committed to doing what is best for each student. We have phenomenal teachers who recognize the importance of educating the whole child and a curriculum that results in students who love to learn. We are thrilled that Cognia has recognized the excellent work we do,” said Becky Dimick Eastman, Head of School, Richmond Friends School. “Being in the top 60 of Cognia’s 1,952 eligible schools and school systems is a huge honor.” About the Richmond Friends School Richmond Friends School is a Preschool-8th grade independent Quaker school founded in 1971. The school features multi-aged classrooms purposefully designed to have low student to teacher ratios allowing for customized instruction, expectations and assessments tailored to the academic and social needs of each individual child. Students are challenged to solve problems critically and collaboratively in a rich and nurturing community. RFS graduates are life-long learners who are academically advanced and committed to making the world a better place. “Richmond Friends School is to be commended for earning the designation as a School of Distinction,” said Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia. “Cognia Accreditation is already a mark of school quality recognized around the world. Being named a School or System of Distinction further acknowledges the demonstrated commitment to education quality and a mindset of continuous improvement Richmond Friends School has for its learners,” Elgart added. During the 2023-2024 school year, Richmond Friends School participated in Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process, which is grounded in research-based performance standards. The process includes a third-party review of evidence by education experts, interviews, and classroom observations. The review evaluates institutions and seeks evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning—all characteristics Cognia expects to see in quality schools that also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. For Cognia Global Network member institutions, Cognia offers an opportunity to earn designation as a school or system of distinction in the year in which an accreditation engagement review is held. Unlike the typical six-year accreditation cycle, this program recognizes institutions that host a Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review within the recognition year and winners carry the designation for one year. Learn more about Cognia Accreditation at Cognia.org. About Cognia Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org. WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation announces upcoming changes to the existing signals at two intersections on U.S. 40 in Richmond starting early October. Beginning on or after Tuesday, October 1, crews will change the existing traffic signals at the U.S. 40 (Main St.) and 12th St. and U.S. 40 (N. A St.) & 12th St. intersections. U.S. 40 (Main St. and N. A St.) traffic will have flashing yellow signals and 12th St. traffic will have flashing red signals. Traffic on 12th St. will be required to make a complete stop before entering the intersection, while U.S. 40 (Main St. and N. A St.) will be through traffic that does not stop. The flashing yellow signals serve as a reminder for motorists to use caution when approaching these intersections. INDOT will monitor the new signal change to ensure traffic flows safely and efficiently. This is a trial period to determine if the traffic signals at the U.S. 40 (Main St. and N. A St.) and 12th St. intersections should be permanently removed to increase the efficiency of the traffic flow on U.S. 40.  MUNCIE, Ind. – Meridian Health Services invites the community to Flu‐Lapalooza, a FREE one‐day flu shot clinic, on Thursday, October 3 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until supplies last, at Meridian’s primary medical care and MeridianMD locations throughout the state of Indiana. Each location will be drawing for a chance to WIN a $50 grocery gift card (eligible to participants only).
Flu‐Lapalooza ensures convenient accessto health care by providing free flu shotsto those six months and older. No insurance is necessary and no out‐of‐pocket fees apply. You need not be a current Meridian patient to obtain a flu shot at one of the participating locations. Walk‐ins welcome! Participating Meridian locations include: Anderson: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 1547 Ohio Ave., Anderson, IN 46016 Bluffton: ‐ MeridianMD & Meridian Health Pediatrics: 303 S. Main St., Bluffton, IN 46714 Connersville: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 707 W. 3rd St., Connersville, IN 47331 Dunkirk: ‐ MeridianMD: 1150 S. Main St., Dunkirk, IN 47336 Elwood: ‐ MeridianMD: 1518 Main St., Elwood, IN 46036 Fort Wayne: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 2622 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Frankfort: ‐ MeridianMD: 50 S. Maish Rd., Frankfort, IN 46041 Indianapolis: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 105, Indianapolis, IN 46205 ‐ Meridian Health Services: 5230 E. Stop 11 Rd., Suite 300 & 350, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Marion: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 911 N. Western Ave., Marion, IN 46952 Mooresville: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 1001 Hadley Rd., Mooresville, IN 46158 Muncie: ‐ MeridianMD & Meridian Health Pediatrics: 205 N. Tillotson Ave., Muncie, IN 47304 ‐ Meridian School Clinic – Southside Middle School: 1601 E. 26th St., Muncie, IN 47302 New Castle: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 930 N. 14th St., New Castle, IN 47362 Portland: ‐ MeridianMD: 406 W. Votaw St., Portland, IN 47371 Richmond: ‐ MeridianMD: 520 S. 9th St., Suite A, Richmond, IN 47374 Rushville: ‐ Meridian Health Services: 509 Conrad Harcourt Way, Rushville, IN 46173 The flu shot is effective in reducing the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths attributed to seasonal influenza. The flu shot provided at Flu‐Lapalooza locations is Fluarix – a normal dose vaccine. Please mark your calendar to receive your FREE flu shot during Meridian’s Flu‐Lapalooza one‐day‐ only event on October 3 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Meridian location nearest you. Learn more at MeridianHS.org. Flu‐Lapalooza is supported by Presenting Sponsor, American Electric Power Foundation, and Presenting Media Sponsor, G101.3 Radio. Additional support is provided by Ball Brothers Foundation, Jay‐Crew, Brooklawn Services, Henry Community Health, Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, The Star Press, NASH FM, Anthem, MD wise, Wayne County Health Department, Pridemark Construction, Palladium‐Item, Indianapolis Star, WLBC‐104.1 FM, WILO Community Radio and Clinton County Daily News. It’s that time of year for the 43rd Annual 4th Street Fair. This beloved event offers thousands of fair goers a weekend FULL of FREE fun and entertainment nestled amongst the beautiful architecture of Richmond, Indiana’s Old Richmond Historic District.
4th St Foundation, Inc. invites you to come shop amongst the stunning architecture and scenery of a charming historic neighborhood. Relax, enjoy the fun activities, and feast on delicious offerings from our food vendors. Socialize with friends and family while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Bring the kids, there will be plenty to do! The 43rd Annual 4th Street Fair will be open Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year the fair has been expanded and vendors will line both sides of South 4th Street between South A and South E Streets in Richmond. Open to all ages, this rain or shine historic street fair promises something for everyone. Attractions for this year’s event include:
For full details, visit our website at 4thStreetFair.com. Check out our Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.4thstreetfair.com/volunteers Become a Sponsor: https://www.4thstreetfair.com/sponsors In keeping with the spirit of the fair’s founder, Gertrude “Lucky” Ward, all proceeds will be going back to the community through the recently established 4th St Foundation, Inc. #### 4th St Foundation, Inc is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization committed to “Preserving Richmond, One Neighborhood at a Time.” Stop by the 4th Street Foundation’s Booth to see some of our project ideas and find out how you can be a part of this exciting new all-volunteer venture. |
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November 2024
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