Spring 2015 | Columbus, Indiana
Cabinets, Countertops & Flooring
Laminate
Accent Walls
Backsplashes
• Laminate • Hardwood • Carpet • Cabinets • Ceramic Tile • Counter Tops
Cabinet Designers Hardwood & Vinyl
Kitchen Remodeling
Flooring Specialists
Carpet
Ceramic
REMODELING?
Riverside Carpet One is one stop source for most of your remodeling needs. Locally owned and operated. All types of flooring, (carpet, hardwood, ceramic, laminate and vinyl) cabinets and countertops, with knowledgeable sales people and professional installation. 32 years of experience remodeling Columbus and surrounding homes has proven that we can make this new house YOUR HOME.
Same location for 32 years 3450 N. National Rd, Columbus | 812-376-9661 629 E Tipton St, Seymour | 812-522-7738 1-800-Carpet1 | www.carpetone.com Monday - Friday 9-5:30 • Saturday 9-2 • evenings by appointment Columbus Welcome Guide 1
Dream WithYour Eyes Open. At www.remax.com see ALL the homes at 1 site Agents show you ALL the homes (not just company listings)
Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results.
Jeff Hilycord 350-2366 jeff @jeffandjoy.net
Joy Hilycord 350-2366 jeff @jeffandjoy.net
Vicky Gelfius 350-0056 vicky @tls.net
Dana Carson 343-2316 danacarson @remax.net
Carrie Abfall 390-8440 carrieabfall @gmail.com
Robyn Agnew 390-0509 agnew.robyn @yahoo.com
Cheryl Weddle 350-4632 dcweddle@ comcast.net
Barb Masters 343-7257 bmasters @comcast.net
Bev & Charlie Denney 343-1867 bdenney @remax.net
Shirley Deitz 371-4302 sdeitz @remax.net
Bill Miller 343-2395 billmillerrealtor @comcast.net
Alma Gommel 343-7574 agommel @remax.net
Patrick McGuire 343-2927 realtormcguire @gmail.com
Jim Tempel 350-2603 jtempel @rnetinc.net
Natalie Allen 343-0587 natalieallen47201 @yahoo.com
Susan Simpson 350-4693 susansimpson @remax.net
Glenna Patterson 343-6048 glenna.patterson @yahoo.com
Jeff Pollert 350-6764 jpollert @sbcglobal.net
Jeaney H. Daily 372-2627 jdaily @remax.net
Steve White 350-4317 stevenewhite @msn.com
Jeff Finke 373-SOLD (7653) jeff @jefffinke.com
Rodney Finke 350-1987 rodney @jefffinke.com
Julie Timmons 513-313-9037 julie.ann.timmons @gmail.com
Brad Voegerl 350-7733 bradvoegerl@ remax.net
Mandy Lilley-Harvey 343-4031 mlilley@ remax.net
Mary Simon 344-3862 marysimon @comcast.net
Kelly Sullivan 350-7071 kellysullivan @remax.net
Anuja Gupta Chandra 350-5162 anujaguptachandra @gmail.com
Jean Donica 350-9299 jeandonica @gmail.com
Annette Donica Blythe 812-343-1741 annettedonicablythe @gmail.com
Real Estate Professionals
To view our listings, scan this code with your smartphone
2401 Beam Road, Columbus, IN 47203 • 812-372-2200 • 1-866-57-REMAX • Email: reprofessionals1@gmail.com www.remax-indiana.com • www.homes4columbus.com • www.realtor.com • Each office independently owned & operated
2 Columbus Welcome Guide
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Welcome
Welcome to Columbus, a unique city that prides itself on being “unexpected and unforgettable.” Columbus is the county seat of Bartholomew County, where Midwest farming traditions have merged with modern manufacturing and service industries. Though located squarely in America’s heartland, Columbus is truly an international city. People from all over the world call Columbus home. Currently 44 different native languages are spoken by students within the public school system. Much of the area’s ethnic diversity stems from the business community. More than 30 international companies from countries such as Japan, China, India, Germany, Korea and Canada have facilities here. Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, is a global company that brings many international employees to the community. We think the information on these pages will prove invaluable to newcomers as they settle in to life in Columbus. Our hope is that newcomers will learn just how much Columbus has to offer. This has never been a city to settle for “good enough.” Columbus is still guided by the vision expressed in 1964 by the late J. Irwin Miller, former Cummins chairman and philanthropist. “We would like to see the community come to be not the cheapest in America, but the very best community of its size in the country. We would like to see it become the city in which the smartest, the ablest, the best young families anywhere would like to live … a community that is open to every race, color and opinion; that makes them feel welcome and at home here … a community which will offer their children the best education available anywhere … a community of strong, outspoken churches, of genuine cultural interests, exciting opportunities for recreation. No such community can be built without citizens determined to make their community best.” Fifty years later the city has come a long way toward fulfilling Miller’s vision. Columbus is ranked sixth in the nation for Innovative Architecture Design by the American Institute of Architects. It has also been recognized as one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, one of the Safest Metropolitan Areas (America’s Safest Cities), one of the Best Places to Live and Launch a Business (Fortune Small Business magazine) and one of the top Historical Places in the World (National Geographic Traveler magazine). So welcome! Make yourself at home. We hope this publication will smooth your path and help you take full advantage of all that life in Columbus has to offer.
4 Columbus Welcome Guide
D O O F T S E M I T D GREA O O G
Live M usic
s
ecial Daily Sp
urday 11am - 1am
Monday-Friday 11am - 11pm • Thursday - Sat Sunday 12pm - 10pm
812.418.8918
thegaragepubandgrill.com
Columbus Welcome Guide 5
contents Columbus, Indiana Welcome guide
8
Who are we?
30 Business
8
Weather
31 Health Care
10 Getting started
32 Faith
14 Connections
34 Local Dining
18 Housing
38 Recreation
20 Education
40 Mill Race Park
24 IU Center for Art and Design
42 Entertainment
26 Libraries
44 The Commons
28 Government
46 Attractions
43 Year-round Activities
An online version of Welcome Guide can be viewed at www.therepublic.com/ view/page/RepublicMagazines
Spring 2015 PUBLISHER Chuck Wells SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Doug Showalter COPY EDITOR Katharine Smith Spring 2015 | Columbus, Indiana
Stock Images Provided by Thinkstock
Comments should be sent to Doug Showalter, The Republic, 333 Second St., Columbus, IN 47201 or call 812-379-5625. Š2015 by Home News Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited.
On the Cover: The annual Ethnic Expo parade is always a colorful affair. | CAMEO photo
6 Columbus Welcome Guide
SPECIALISTS WELCOMING PATIENTS IN COLUMBUS
BLAKE L. ERDEL, MD
BEN M. TSAI, MD
NANCY MENNING, NP
MAZEN ELYAN, MD, MS
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Gynecologic Oncology
Rheumatology & Osteoporosis
MEGHANA RAGHAVENDRA, MD
S. ERIC RUBENSTEIN, MD
ALISON LAFLOWER, ANP
Oncology & Hematology
Oncology & Hematology
Oncology & Hematology
Franciscan Physician Network is pleased to announce an expansion of specialty physician services to Columbus and all of Bartholomew County. Our new medical office building includes infusion services to treat cancer and non-cancerous conditions. Learn more about our specialists at FranciscanStFrancis.org/Columbus.
123 2nd Street
I Columbus, IN FranciscanDocs.org Columbus Welcome Guide 7
Who are we?
BY THE
NUMBERS Square miles of land area: 406.9 Total population: 76,794 Under 5 years old: 6.8% Under 18 years old: 25.2% 65 years and older: 14% Diversity: 6.2% Hispanic or Latino 3.4% Asian
What’s the weather?
1.8% Black
87% White, Non-Hispanic
education: Percentage of those 25 and older with:
High school diploma: 88.4% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.8% housing: 31,749 Housing units Home ownership rate: 75.2% Median household income: $52,545 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau
8 Columbus Welcome Guide
There’s a popular saying that goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” While things really aren’t quite that unpredictable, Columbus definitely has four distinct seasons. Over the course of a year, wardrobe requirements will range from shorts and T-shirts to snow boots and parkas. The average high temperature for the year is 62 degrees Fahrenheit, though hot summer days frequently register in the 90s. The average low temperature is 43 degrees. While temperatures below zero are fairly rare, they do occur. The coldest month is January, with an average low temperature of 18.5 degrees and an average high of 34.5. The warmest month is July, with an average high of 85.6 degrees and an average low of 65.2. The most significant severe weather threat in this area comes in the form of springtime thunderstorms that can pack high winds, hail and even tornadoes. The city is equipped with storm warning sirens that public safety officials sound when severe weather threatens. *Note: Severe weather warning sirens are tested at noon on the first Friday of every month.
0
$
Closing Costs Mortgage*
Talk to Centra about financing your home.
800.232.3642 | Centra.org
Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. *$0 Closing Costs option applies to Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), 10-Year Fixed, and 15-Year Fixed Mortgages only. Not valid with 20-Year Fixed and 30-Year Fixed Mortgages. May be applied to new purchase or refinanced mortgage. $75,000 minimum initial loan amount required. Higher rates than posted on Centra website will apply with $0 Closing Costs option. Additional closing funds may apply if escrow and/or prepaid interest are required. Loan payments must be set up for electronic funds transfer from a Centra checking account. All loans are subject to credit approval. Offer is subject to change without notice and is only available on owner occupied residential first mortgage loans with loan-to-value ofColumbus 90% or less.Welcome Guide 9
Photo by Dario Impini
Getting Started
getting started Moving here is relatively easy. Information about the basics is usually a phone call or a mouse click away.
Driver’s license The Bartholomew County branch of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is located at 745 Schnier Drive, Columbus, 3799323. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays and Mondays. When you become a resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain a new Indiana driver’s license if you hold a valid driver’s license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of any vehicles you own from your previous state to Indiana. When you apply for an Indiana driver’s license, you must surrender any valid driver’s licenses that you hold from other states. If you do not hold a valid driver’s license from another state, you must hold an Indiana learner’s permit for 180 days before you may obtain an Indiana driver’s license. You may not drive in Indiana with
10 Columbus Welcome Guide
an out-of-state learner’s permit. The United States signed an agreement with many other countries to honor a foreign driver’s license for visitors to the United States for at least one year from the date of arrival. An out-of-country driver’s license cannot be used for identification purposes. You do not have to surrender an out-of-country license if you are issued an Indiana driver’s license, permit or identification card. If you have an out-of-country driver’s license and intend to become a resident of Indiana or meet Indiana residency requirements, you must pass the vision screening test, written knowledge test and driving skills test to obtain an Indiana driver’s license. All documents proving your identity, Social Security number, lawful status and Indiana residency will be verified through a central verification process. The BMV will issue an interim license, valid for 30 days, authorizing the holder to drive pending authentication of documents submitted to BMV. When your documents are verified, the BMV will mail the license, permit or identification card to you. If the documents cannot be verified, you will receive a letter explaining the determination and your rights to request an administrative hearing to review the determination. No refunds will be issued in the case of documents that cannot be verified. When registering your vehicle for the first time and renewing your registration/license plate annually, you will pay an excise tax
fee. Passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles have separate excise tax rates. For more information, visit myBMV.com
Electricity Electric power is provided by either Duke Energy or Bartholomew County REMC. Duke’s online center for starting, stopping or transferring service or reporting an outage is duke-energy. com/indiana.asp. If you’d rather call, the Moving Center’s number is 800-521-2232, and the number for reporting outages or other problems is 800-343-3525. Bartholomew County REMC is located at 1697 Deaver Road. The office number is 372-2546. The outage/ emergency number is 372-5333. After office hours (which are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), call 800-927-5672. Information: bcremc.com.
Other energy
Natural gas is supplied by Vectren. To sign up, visit connectutilities.com or vectren.com. If you choose the latter, under “Moving?” click on “Order Service.” You can also call 800-227-1376 to sign up or to report outages. The two major suppliers of propane and oil in the county are Columbus Silgas, at 1864 W. Road 550N, 372-4469, and Premier Energy, 785 S. Marr Road, 373-5555.
Water To start water and sewage service, contact Columbus City Utili-
ties, 1111 McClure Road, 372-8861. If you are a homeowner, there is no deposit. Go to the office or send a fax to 376-2427 with your address and a date specifying when you’d like the service to begin. If you are a renter, you will need to visit the office and bring a copy of your lease, as well as a deposit. In case of a problem, a call to the office will route you to the proper function within the agency.
Trash If you are a Columbus resident, your garbage and yard waste are handled by the Columbus Sanitation Department. Each Columbus household is equipped with a brown trash Toter. These are to be set out by 7 a.m. on collection day. To obtain your Toter or get additional information, contact the department at 376-2509. Green Toter brand carts available at Lowe’s Home Improvement in either 64-gallon or 96-gallon sizes must be used for city yard waste. Residents elsewhere in the county can take their trash to the landfill at 811 E. Road 450S or to one of the two transfer stations at 11110 25th St. (east of Petersville) or 10293 W. Old Nashville Road. They can take their yard waste to the county yard waste site at 720 S. Mapleton St. Information: 376-2614.
Recycling The Columbus Recycles program provided by the city of Columbus Sanitation Department offers convenient curbside collection of recyclable materials for single-family Columbus residences and apartments with four units or fewer that are currently sanitation customers.
RetiRement CenteR
Columbus’ only Continuing Care Retirement Community if you are including older family members in your move to Columbus you’ll want to consider Four Seasons. We’re nationally accredited and have been a respected part of the community since 1967. With independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care all on our beautiful 26 acre campus, Four Seasons provides Columbus’ most comprehensive array of housing and services for older adults. Well appointed, newly remodeled apartments offer complete kitchens and patios. Fine dining, wellness programs and social, cultural and spiritual opportunities are all part of everyday life at Four Seasons. Four Seasons is an excellent value with well-priced monthly rentals or the security of Continuing Care Contracts. Furnished apartments are available for short-term stays.
Contact Heidi Ahrmann at
812.372.8481
to learn how Four Seasons can make your family’s transition to Columbus complete. Or visit our website www.fourseasonsretirement.com 1901 taylor Road Columbus, in 47203
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Columbus Welcome Guide 11
Getting Started Residents have no additional user fees and do not need to sort recycling. Recyclables all go into the same free city-provided 96 gallon recycling Toter. All materials currently recyclable in Columbus are accepted as part of the service. It also enables residents to recycle additional plastics materials currently not accepted in Columbus. Information: www.columbus.in.gov/columbus-recycles/#sthash.eJqgaVWZ.dpuf. The Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling Center is at the Mapleton Street location as well. Drive-thru recycling is available Monday through Saturday. Hazardous waste is accepted on Wednesdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The office at the Mapleton site provides a booklet called “Talkin’ Trash” that goes into useful detail about both city and county programs for all these services. Information: 3762614 or bcswmd.com. County residents can also contact Rumpke of Indiana, 1950 W. Tellman Road, 372-1225, about recycling and waste disposal.
Telephone Telephone service for those desiring land lines is provided by AT&T, with an office located at 2615 Central Ave. Getting hooked up, reaching customer service and bill inquiries are handled by calling 800-288-2020. For repairs, call 800-868-9696. AT&T also provides cellular service, as do Sprint (800-877-4646) and Verizon (800-922-0204). Comcast also offers land line service.
Cable Cable TV is offered locally by Comcast, 1470 Jackson St. To establish service, go to the office or call 800-934-6489. Provide your name, address and the level of service you desire. (There are cable packages ranging from basic to comprehensive, as well as Internet access and telephone.) Report problems at the office or the above phone number.
Newspaper subscriptions The Republic is published seven days a week, with print and online subscriptions available. You can subscribe at therepublic.com or by calling 379-5601.
Voter registration Voter registration is a function of the county clerk’s office. You’ll find the voter registration office on the first floor of the courthouse at 234 Washington St., across from the Security Station. The phone number is 379-1604. You can also register to vote at Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ license branches. The two Bartholomew County branch is at 745 Schnier Drive, Columbus, 379-9323.
Taxes The taxes paid by Bartholomew County residents are real property, personal property (such as equipment used for a business), inheritance and an innkeepers’ tax for hotel owners. The taxing units are the state of Indiana, Bartholomew County, all townships, the school corporations within the county’s boundaries, the county library and the city of Columbus and all other incorporated small towns in Bartholomew County. Taxes are due and payable in two equal installments on or before May 10 and Nov. 10. Payments may be made at the treasurer’s office in the county governmental office building, at various area banks, by phone at 800-272-9829 or online at www.bartholomewco.com/ treasurer/property.php#pay.
Finding help For those unsure about how to get the help they need, United Way 211 is a division of United Way of Bartholomew County providing information and referral services to the people of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings and Scott counties. In Columbus dial 211 or 376-6666.
Volunteer opportunities Perhaps you want to give back to the community and volunteer. Volunteer information and placement are available at the Volunteer Action Center, 314-2706.
Post offices There are several post offices in Bartholomew County. The two Columbus locations and their hours are: • 450 Jackson St. Windows hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. • 1637 N. National Road (inside Columbus Pawn Inc.). 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Visitors Center The Columbus Visitors Center has valuable information for newcomers as well as tourists. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from March through November, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center offers guided tours of the city’s architecture, displays, photographs and storyboards, an informative movie about the city and a gift shop. For information and reservations, call 1-888-718-4253 or visit columbus.in.us. The recycling center. | The Republic file photo
12 Columbus Welcome Guide
Finding Columbus
Visitors Center. Photo by Dario Impini.
Columbus is conveniently located along Interstate 65 in southern Indiana. Many major cities and their attractions are within two hours’ drive. Popular places to visit using Columbus as headquarters include: Indianapolis: One hour Home to the Indianapolis 500 in May and the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race in July. The Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum and Eiteljorg Museum are major attractions. Louisville, Ky.: 90 minutes Its main claim to fame is the legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Cincinnati: 90 minutes It hosts one of the finest and largest history repositories in the country, the Museum Center, located in a beautiful railroad terminal. Madison: One hour Host of the Madison Regatta and historic site of numerous 19thcentury mansions. Corydon: 90 minutes The first state capital of the Indiana territory is also near Marengo Caves. Bardstown, Ky.: Two hours The setting for Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” and the bourbon capital of the world.
TheThe Midwest Triangle Midwest Triangle Columbus’ location the Columbus’ location within within the Midwest “triangle” allows quick access to the Midwest “triangle” allows quick Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati metropolises. access to the Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati metropolises. Chicago
Indianapolis
Columbus
The “Triangle” Cincinnati Louisville
Columbus to Indianapolis, 45 miles Columbus to Indianapolis, 45 miles Columbus to Louisville, 69 miles Columbus to Louisville, 69 miles | Columbus to Cincinnati, 78 miles Columbus to Cincinnati, 78 miles Columbus Welcome Guide 13
Connections
connections Columbus is a city proud of its ever-expanding ethnic diversity. One way the community celebrates this diversity is with the annual Ethnic Expo festival, held on the second weekend of October. But the efforts to make Columbus’ increasingly diverse population feel at home go far beyond one weekend of celebration. Groups such as Engage Columbus, Columbus Area MultiEthnic Organization, Leadership Bartholomew County and Columbus Young Professionals all work to:
Promote diversity in the Columbus community Support economic growth by creating an attractive business climate Help develop future leaders Connect businesses and organizations to new customers Attract and retain talent to the Columbus community Help build a more welcoming community Help newcomers get connected Support the development of programs that benefit employees, businesses and the community
“The city of Columbus is committed to building an economically vibrant and welcoming community where all people are valued by utilizing their differences and where every resident is respected and has an opportunity to participate in all facets of community life.” —Mayor Kristen Brown
14 Columbus Welcome Guide
Engage Columbus encourages community involvement
Volunteers, clients and staff share ideas at Engage Columbus. | photos by Greg Jones
T
By Jennifer Willhite o promote inclusiveness and diversity, Columbus recently launched a pilot project, called Engage Columbus, with the purpose of encouraging community involvement and helping bridge existing gaps among ethnic groups. For several years, the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has conducted Welcoming Community surveys to gauge how to make Columbus more welcoming to its diverse residents and newcomers. Consistently, the feedback has shown individuals new to the area face challenges with not only getting settled in, but community involvement. According to Kristin Munn, community grant and outreach manager with the Heritage Fund, the initial question resulting from the feedback was whether Columbus needed a multicultural center, a place for all of Columbus’ various groups to use for meetings, celebrations, etc. A two-year Six Sigma project, sponsored by Cummins Inc. and spearheaded by Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Organization and area businesses, examined the possible need for a permanent space.
“We gathered around 500 voices,” says Rocio Rodriguez, president of CAMEO. “Interestingly, the conclusion was the people said we don’t need a multicultural center.” That conclusion prompted another Six Sigma project to figure out how to get people engaged in the community and what that model would look like, Munn says. People feel as if they’re finding their own groups, but they are isolated. “It was more about how do we become more connected as a community,” she says. Thus, the business model of Engage Columbus was born. Located in a carriage house on Sixth Street, just behind the Heritage Fund, the Engage Columbus welcome center held its first open house March 2. “We exist to serve any member of the community, not just the new folks,” says Leah Retrum, community navigator for Engage Columbus. “The project is meant to welcome people, offer them resources and opportunities to get involved in the community.” The three-year pilot program of the Heritage Fund is subsidized by monetary gifts from community organiza-
see page 16 Columbus Welcome Guide 15
Connections continued from page 15 tions, including the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Visitors Center, Retrum says. Engage Columbus employs two part-time staff members and relies on additional support from volunteers. “We’ve tried to be mindful of getting a diverse group of volunteers to help welcome people,” Retrum says. “Especially locating individuals who can speak to some of the difficulties encountered when trying to find the right networking opportunities in Columbus.” Volunteer Rachida Bahar moved to Columbus from South Africa in November 2012 when her husband, Jean Noel, came to work for Faurecia. As a member of the Columbus Newcomers Club, Bahar was interested in volunteering with Engage Columbus. She recognizes the importance of having a central networking location, especially since several groups do not have a website and it’s difficult to locate them outside of word-of-mouth. “The first goal of Engage Columbus will be to make people feel at home,” Bahar says. “There are so many groups in Columbus we just need to get them all together so people can find them.” Bahar was one of several volunteers who organized the first International Tea event at Engage Columbus March 25. The inaugural monthly event attracted more than two dozen attendees and featured tea and cookies from Nepal and Bahar’s native Morocco. “I think it’s a great opportunity for people to mix,” she says. “We have people from all parts of the world in Columbus. The goal is to have all these different groups in one group. Why not get together and have tea and share our cultures and learn from one another?” Rodriguez, who moved to Columbus 15 years ago from Mexico, says she can relate to those individuals who can benefit from the opportunities Engage Columbus has to offer. “As a newcomer, it’s very difficult to come and not have a helping hand,” she says. “There are things you don’t know, like how to open a checking account.” In this digital age, Engage Columbus wants to encourage personal interaction as much as possible and connect people directly with the resources they need, Retrum says. It’s important to be able to tell people exactly where they need to go, who they need to talk to and introduce them personally, she says. Engage Columbus is currently building a database with all Columbus area organizations with a point of contact for each for those seeking information, she says. “We aren’t trying to replace organizations that currently exist in the community,” Retrum says. “We will refer people to what already exists, give them a personal contact and follow up to make sure the resources work.”
16 Columbus Welcome Guide
The carriage house behind Franklin Square is the home for Engage Columbus.
Although Engage Columbus is still in its infancy, Rodriguez says it has already met her expectations. Likewise, Munn hopes the pilot project reaches not only the entire community but utilizes the untapped talent of Columbus’ residents. “We’re hoping to close some of the gaps in the community,” Munn says. “We’re also hoping that as a result of Engage Columbus, people will feel more involved. Our longterm vision is the program will outgrow the Heritage Fund, and the next time we do a Welcoming Community survey people will feel more engaged as a result of having a place to go to get connected.”
Other connections There are many other groups and organizations in the community to help newcomers become acclimated to their new home. Here are a few. Leadership Bartholomew County (LBC) Mission: To champion a diverse leadership throughout Bartholomew County by assisting and empowering leaders for community enrichment and civic engagement. Get involved: • Class recruitment begins in June for the 2014-2015 class. • Promote LBC to employees, colleagues, and friends. Information: www.leadershipbc.org
Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Mission: To enhance life, community and careers of young professionals in the Columbus area. Get involved: • Become a member (annual membership is $45 or $25 for students). • Attend an event-monthly opportunities to volunteer, socialize and attend professional development sessions • Third Thursday-Networking event 7 p.m. at a different local restaurant. • Join a committee to help coordinate events and activities for young professionals in Columbus. • Promote CYP to employees, colleagues and friends. Information: www.columbusyp.org, www.facebook.com/ columbusyp The Columbus Newcomers Club Open to anyone interested in making new friends. Meetings: 9 a.m. the third Thursday of every month at North Christian Church. Activities include bunco, ladies night out, breakfast with friends, culinary group, book club and luncheon out. Information: ColumbusNewcomers@yahoo.com; or Michele LaPointe, 373-0185 or leonlapointe@sbcglobal.net, or on Facebook. Inclusive Community Coalition Mission: Fostering dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity. Website: www.ColumbusICC.org. Contact: ColumbusICC@gmail.com. Pride Alliance Columbus Mission: To build a community of inclusiveness, equality and justice for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Meetings: 7 p.m., fourth Thursday of each month, conference room at Bartholomew County Public Library Website: PrideAllianceColumbus.org. Contact: Info@PrideAllianceColumbus.org. Columbus Human Rights Commission Mission: To lead Columbus in building and maintaining an inclusive community by: — Enforcing the Human Rights Ordinance — Educating the public — Challenging attitudes and systems that create barriers to equality — Empowering community members to advance this mission Website: columbus.in.gov/human-rights Contact: 376-2532 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) United Way Center 1531 13th St., Suite 1310 314-2708, www.naacp.org Cummins Inc. also has many diversity affinity groups. Contact Cummins Human Resources for more information.
SERVING COLUMBUS OVER 30 YEARS WITH QUALITY & INTEGRITY
372-1440
• Brakes • Alignments • Oil Change • Tune Ups • Tires • A/C & Heating • Diagnostics
• Transmission Service • Bumper to Bumper Service • Domestic & Imports
378-3137
Specializing In:
• BMW • Volkswagen • Audi • Infiniti • Nissan • Toyota • Volvo
• Mercedes • Jaguar • Acura • Mazda • Subaru • Saab • Porsche
We Perform Manufacturer Maintenance Schedules
State-of-the Art Facility & Equipment Columbus Welcome Guide 17
Housing Charleston Square 2410 Charleston Place, 372-2661
housing The Columbus area offers choices in a place to live that suit nearly any circumstance. Whether one is here for the long term or for a fixed period, single or part of a family, or at any particular point on the income scale, options abound.
The Cole 200 Jackson St., 800-737-3980 Columbus Village 1560 28th St., 379-2043 Eastlake Woods 1020 Thicket Court, 342-2310 Fairington 2351 Fairington Court, 376-8836 Fox Pointe Apartments 4740 Fox Trail Lane, 378-2178 LHP Professional Housing 703 Washington St., 812-390-8085 lhp.rental@gmail.com Lincoln Village Cooperative 5135 N. Lincoln Village Drive, 376-0338 Monarch Crossing 420 Wint Lane, 372-8100 Parkview Townhomes 3393 N. Country Brook Court, 373-0711 Quail Run 1182 Quail Run Drive, 376-9266
Real Estate
Home prices have remained fairly stable in the area compared with the volatility seen on the national scale due to economic developments of the last few years. Columbus has a variety of housing available, from historic homes to subdivision properties to custom-designed structures on rugged landscape with scenic views.
Apartments
Apartment complexes in the Columbus area are located in a variety of environments, from densely populated parts of town near commercial centers to settings with a more natural ambience. The major complexes are listed here.
18 Columbus Welcome Guide
River Stone 3440 Riverstone Way, 372-5399 Spruce Ridge 3770 Blue Court, 375-0047 Steinhurst Manor 133 Salzburg Blvd., 376-9933 Stonegate 1001 Stonegate Drive, 376-3478 The Villas 4101 Waycross Drive, 379-1225
Arbors at Waters Edge 4060 N. Road 150W, 669-1076
Wedgewood Commons Flintwood North Housing Addition (office: 5540 25th St.) 376-6810
Briarwood 2350 Thornybrook Drive, 376-9727
Westwood Pines 4745 Pine Ridge Drive, 342-1100
Cambridge Square 3301 McKinley Ave., 372-8562
Williamsburg Way 3838 Williamsburg Way, 376-3718
Canterbury House 3501 Nicholas Lane, 379-4299
Willowwood Apartments 3549 Cardinal Court, 376-9160
so you want to
buy a house
Someone moving to Columbus from another locale — perhaps even another country — is going to find a real estate market that favorably compares with any in the nation. Resources for selecting houses to consider for purchase, including The Republic and the Multiple Listing Service, a database of properties for sale through licensed real estate agents, are readily available. So a person who has taken a job in Columbus wants to buy a home here. How does the process work? The basic steps involved are determining what you want, getting pre-qualified, settling on a property, making an offer, negotiation, inspection, appraisal and closing. Today’s young professionals confer with their peers throughout the home-buying process. “They tend to start their searches online, contacting colleagues who have moved here for suggestions about desirable areas of the city,” says Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Indiana Realty’s Steven Glasgow. Annette Donica Blythe of RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals says that the step of winnowing the features one desires to a list of essentials is something today’s shoppers conduct rather efficiently. “Often they ask to look at two or three houses and no others.” Scott Taskey, a real estate agent with Century 21 Breeden Realtors, says home shoppers, particularly in recent years, given the influx of international residents and those returning after residencies abroad, “are pretty savvy about the pre-qualification process. Most of the time, the internationals have sound finances. These are people who are moving here because they are sharp enough to get hired here.” Glasgow says that this smoothes the way for the remainder of the process. “We like to have a pre-qualification letter pretty quickly.” Pre-qualification is the determination by a lender, based on examining someone’s credit
history and financial picture, of how much the person can comfortably borrow. “I rarely suggest that people spend up to that pre-qualification limit,” he adds. Blythe says that “with the way the banking system has been the last few years, the lending process is a little more complicated. The pre-approval letter enhances the credibility of an offer.” Along with banks, other types of lending institutions include credit unions and mortgage companies. Cummins Inc. has a relocation package for transferees, an arrangement handled by Brookfield Global Relocation. The package handles various fees incurred during the process. Taskey also notes that shoppers from other countries place a high priority on prospects for children receiving a quality education. “I’ve had two or three couples recently who didn’t even have kids yet, but were interested in getting in the right school district.” According to Blythe, they are “sometimes shocked by the size of a house here compared to one with the same number of bedrooms in, say, Brazil or France.” Glasgow notes that “a few years back, older ‘fixer-upper’ homes were hot, but now, new houses that don’t require a lot of maintenance are more preferred.” For the general home-buyer, the next step is generally an inspection by an independent company in that business. The inspection report details the condition of such aspects of the house as electricity, roofing, paint, plumbing and caulking. The real estate agent then often submits an inspection response, the basis for negotiating which
Shadow Creek subdivision. Photo by Andrew Laker
party will pay for any repairs or upgrades. Then the lender will have the property appraised. The appraiser is a state-licensed person randomly selected to give an independent assessment of the home’s value. If the appraisal is equal to or greater than the agreed-upon price, the parties move to the closing phase. If not, further negotiations occur. There are costs associated with closing. These include lender’s fees, a title work fee and sometimes the first few months’ taxes and insurance costs. “Sometimes people coming here have to set up an account, and that can lead to a Catch-22,” says Blythe. “It can involve obtaining a driver’s license, and sometimes the BMV wants to see a utility bill to issue one.” The local real estate market, known for its stability even through the economic disruptions of recent times, is actually stronger now than it was a couple of years ago, as evidenced by a rise in multiple offers on given properties. “Occasionally, out-of-town appraisers are bringing with them knowledge of their own markets, thinking ours is the same,” says Blythe. “Markets only 30 miles away from each other can vary significantly.”
Columbus Welcome Guide 19
Education
education Options abound for the education of the K-12 set in Bartholomew County. There are two public school corporations, as well as myriad private institutions. Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. administrative offices are at 1200 Central Ave. The phone number is 376-4234. www.bcsc.k12.in.us Elementary Schools (Grades K-6) Clifty Creek 4625 E. Road 50N, 376-4342 Columbus Signature Academy – Fodrea Campus 2775 Illinois Ave., 376-4321 Columbus Signature Academy – Lincoln Campus 750 Fifth St., 376-4447 Mount Healthy 12150 S. Indiana 58, 342-2463 Parkside 1400 Parkside Drive, 376-4314 W.D. Richards 3311 Fairlawn Drive, 376-4311 Rockcreek 13000 E. Road 200S, 579-5221 Lillian Schmitt 2675 California St., 376-4307 L.F. Smith 4505 Waycross Drive, 376-4317 Southside 1320 W. Road 200S, 376-4423 Taylorsville 9711 S. Walnut St., Taylorsville, 526-5448 Middle Schools (Grades 7-8) Central 725 Seventh St., 376-4286 Northside 1400 27th St., 376-4403 High Schools (Grades 9-12)
20 Columbus Welcome Guide
Columbus East 230 S. Marr Road, 376-4369 Columbus North 1400 25th St., 376-4431 Columbus Signature Academy New Tech High School, 2205 25th St., 376-4595 McDowell Education Center 2700 McKinley Ave., 376-4451 McDowell offers English as a Second language classes designed to help adults who want to learn English or improve their understanding and use of the English language. Students can work on all skills or focus on a particular skill such as listening, speaking, writing, vocabulary, or grammar. Other opportunities include learning American culture, life and pre-employment skills, and citizenship requirements. To Enroll into ESL class, students must attend orientation to assess their academic levels and decide the best educational plan for them. The program is designed for students who can commit to attend class for six months or longer. Information: 376-4451, or mcdowelledu.org/englishas-a-second-language. Flat Rock–Hawcreek School Corp. Flat Rock–Hawcreek School Corp. administrative offices are at 9423 N. Indiana 9 in Hope. The phone number is 546-4922. www.flatrock.k12.in.us
Schools Hope Elementary School 9575 N. Indiana 9, Hope, 546-5001 Hauser Junior-Senior High School 9273 N. Indiana 9, Hope, 546-4421
Classes meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays at Central Middle School, 725 Seventh St. Indiana Japanese Language School Information: 317-255-1631, indiana-j-school.net. A nonprofit organization teaching Japanese language and culture at The Orchard School in Indianapolis. IJLS offers courses for everyone from preschool students to adults. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. IJLS operates a commuting bus for students from Columbus.
Other schools Bartholomew County is also home to the following private and parochial schools. ABC-Stewart School 6691 W. Indiana 46, 342-3029 Bethel Holiness Christian School 6060 U.S. 31, 376-0210 Columbus Christian School 3170 Indiana Ave., 372-3780 North Star Montessori School 2320 Midway, 379-4180 St. Bartholomew Catholic School 1306 27th St., 379-9353 St. Peter’s Lutheran School 719 Fifth St., 372-5266 White Creek Lutheran School 16270 S. Road 300W, 342-6832
Gurukul (Indian School) Information: 378-4684 or 373-7626. Meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Sunday at North Star Montessori School, 2320 Midway. The program is designed to provide opportunities for children ages 5 and older to learn about Hindu knowledge and Indian heritage. Spanish Language School Information: Su Casa at 375-9370 or Sucasa@sucasacolumbus.com. Sponsored by Su Casa Columbus and The Columbus Latin American Association, the school offers sessions for students from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays at Northside Middle School. Instructors help students work on improving their social skills with an emphasis on learning the cultural aspect of the Spanish-speaking world, mainly Latin America.
Ethnic-focused schools Columbus Chinese Language School Information: ccls.principal@gmail.com. A nonprofit organization teaching Chinese language and culture. Part of the Columbus Chinese Association, CCLS is open to the public and provides a nurturing environment for those who want to learn the Chinese language and culture. CCLS has eight classes for students from preschool age up to seventh grade.
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Columbus Welcome Guide 21
Higher education
The college and university campuses in Columbus are each part of statewide systems. Students enjoy the benefit of resources from throughout those systems, yet the Columbus campuses are closely tied to the community and its particular economic and cultural makeup. Given that many of these schools’ students are commuters with busy lives, these institutions make flexibility and attention to individuals’ needs a priority. With the exception of Indiana Wesleyan, which is located on the west side, all these campuses are on the city’s north side, near Columbus Municipal Airport. The Columbus Learning Center includes classroom space, laboratories, a bookstore, an auditorium and a library used by IUPUC, Purdue University College of Technology and Ivy Tech. IUPUC 4601 Central Ave., 348-7311, iupuc.edu. Indiana University–Purdue University Columbus is part of a statewide network, but it is a school with a distinct identity and a robust and multifaceted campus life. Student organizations have proliferated in recent years, and various faculty members have distinguished themselves in their fields, earning recognition from peers and publishing important research findings. IUPUC is at the north end of the complex that includes the Columbus Learning Center, the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence and Ivy Tech. The Learning Center’s University Library of Columbus serves these institutions, as well as the Purdue University College of Technology. IUPUC students can pursue degrees or enhance their understanding of the world in academic areas ranging from the humanities to science to preparation for a profession. Ivy Tech Community College 4475 Central Ave., 372-9925, ivytech.edu/Columbus. Ivy Tech specializes in an affordable education specifically designed to meet the needs of the student. One can earn an associate degree or certificate, or transfer credits to an Indiana four-year institution for further study. Along with several schools offering courses in an array of vocational fields, the college has a strong liberal arts school and a fine arts school that has turned out generations of creative painters, photojournalists, illustrators and designers. Its Workforce and Economic Development department tailors programs and services to meet the needs of area businesses, so that a student planning on participating in the Columbus economy will be prepared for the opportunity. The department’s Accelerating Indiana’s Workforce initiative can custom-design courses, seminars, workshops and certificate programs to facilitate the matching of worker skills and business needs. Ivy Tech also offers an array of personal enrichment courses, ranging from beekeeping to wine tasting to creative writing. Columbus Learning Center 4555 Central Ave., 314-8500, educationcoalition.com The dramatic curving lines of the 130,000-square-foot Learning Center building ensure its place among Columbus’ architectural jewels. Inside, the building’s technology and space qualify it for uses ranging from college-level study to art exhibits to an array of community services. It houses a bookstore, 20 classrooms, a 205-seat auditorium, the Col-
22 Columbus Welcome Guide
lege and Career Exploration Center, the Assessment and Certification Center, and the Center for Teaching and Learning, under the purview of which the University Library of Columbus operates. The Columbus offices of WorkOne are located within the Learning Center as well. Purdue College of Technology 4444 Kelly Street, 348-2025, tech.purdue.edu/Columbus. Purdue College of Technology describes itself as a “unique partnership between education, business, industry and government leaders formed to meet Indiana’s need for trained technologists and technicians.” Its Columbus operation is located within IUPUC. Academic standards and class environments are the same as those on Purdue’s main campus. There are several programs in which a student can complete a bachelor’s degree in Columbus. Upon completion of an associate degree, a student may apply those credits toward higher degrees at other Purdue campuses. Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence 4444 Kelly St., 348-2025 This 43,000-square-foot facility, designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, sits just east of Columbus Learning Center. The facility is shared by IUPUC, Ivy Tech Community College Columbus and Purdue College of Technology. An education facility for training in advanced manufacturing and technology related careers, the center offers two- and four-year technol-
ogy and engineering-related degrees, certifications, executive education, on-site and virtual training, business and research support, prototyping and best practice workshops. Harrison College 2222 Poshard Drive, 379-9000, harrison.edu/ Campuses/Columbus-in Originally known as Indiana Business College, this statewide system of 12 campuses has served those aspiring to careers in business for 108 years. The Harrison network now includes a School of Health Sciences, and Columbus students can prepare for jobs in various areas of medical work. Among Harrison’s advantages are oneon-one financial assistance, small class sizes, scheduling flexibility, its Tuition Freeze program and lifelong employment assistance. Indiana Wesleyan 3449 W. Jonathan Moore Pike, 376-7346, indwes.edu/Columbus-IN. Indiana Wesleyan University’s Columbus Education and Conference Center is located at Exit 68 off Interstate 65, just five minutes from downtown. The 8,500-square-foot facility houses six state-of-the-art classrooms, three study rooms, a computer lab, a chapel, and break and lounge areas. IWU is a private Christian university serving the adult student with graduate and undergraduate degree programs in business, nursing and education with classes available on-site in Columbus or online.
Columbus Welcome Guide 23
Indiana University Center for Art and Design The Indiana University Center for Art and Design opened in 2011 as a joint effort of Indiana University in Bloomington, Columbus’ Community Education Coalition and the community of Columbus to teach design in its broadest application and extend it into many disciplines.
New York-based artist Russell Roberts speaks about his work.
24 Columbus Welcome Guide
St. Peter’s Lutheran School 151 years of providing Christian education to our community
A Nationally Recognized Faith Based Exemplary School 719 5th St., Columbus • 812-372-5266 While IUCA+D is not in itself a school, it operates as an off-site extension for other schools. With Columbus as a living laboratory, those who want to study various design disciplines are drawn to the offerings of IUCA+D. Located downtown at the northwest corner of Jackson and Third streets, this 7,000-square-foot facility holds a studio, a classroom and exhibition gallery. The gallery houses the work of three to five different artists each year and is available for public viewing. Director and professor Kelly Wilson said the essence of IUCA+D is a recognition that all forms of design share common ingredients. The purpose is to bring a connection between the design forms in a “radical program that makes no
distinction between artist and designer.” With hopes to “relocate design from the periphery to the center of human experience,” IUCA+D strives also to embrace civic consciousness. This partnership between the community and design is a welcome union in a city that celebrates art in many forms and is recognized nationwide for its architectural significance. Funding for IUCA+D came as $2.3 million in public and private funds over the first five years as the facility began, and operational expenses are paid by Indiana University. Both accredited classes and non-accredited courses are available, including introductory classes for high school students.
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The Hope Branch of Bartholomew County Public Library. | The Republic file photo
libraries
County residents enjoy easy access to library services for all ages through the county library system’s main library in Columbus, Hope Branch and Bookmobile service. The library’s goal is “providing resources for lifelong learning and enjoyment.”
26 Columbus Welcome Guide
Bartholomew County Public Library. | The Republic file photo
The main library is Cleo Rogers Memorial Library at 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours (1 to 4 p.m.) are offered September through May. The phone number is 812-379-1255. Circulating items include books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, large print books, a teen collection, and a children’s collection. Downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMusic are available via the library website (www/barth.lib. in.us). A number of databases on the website provide alwaysavailable reference services. Other services include in-person reference help, public computers for all ages, wireless Internet access, Indiana Room, meeting rooms, programming for all ages, reading clubs for all ages, and interlibrary loan. The main library also has growing collections of books in Spanish and Chinese. All services are free to Bartholomew County residents. The 1969 main library building was designed by I.M. Pei, whose other works include the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. An addition designed by Columbus architect James K. Paris was completed in 1987. A spacious plaza is situated in front of the building, and its focal point is “Large Arch,” a bronze Henry Moore sculpture in the shape of an irregular arch. The Hope Branch Library is at 635 Harrison St. on the Hope town square. The phone number is 812-546-5310. Hours are 9
a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The Bookmobile operates during daytime hours Monday to Friday. A schedule for stops can be found on the library’s website (www.barth.lib.in.us). The Bookmobile carries books for all ages as well as magazines and audiobooks. Titles not in the Bookmobile collection can be requested from the main library. The Talking Books service for people with visual and physical challenges handles 16 counties of southeast Indiana from the Columbus subregional office at the main library. People qualifying for this federally funded program receive recorded books and magazines via mail or through computer download. Talking Books services (including the mailings) are free of charge for users. The phone number is 812-379-1277.
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W W W.G O E C K E R S . C O M Columbus Welcome Guide 27
Mayor Kristen Brown. | Photo by Andrew Laker
government Columbus city government is headed by a mayor and a seven-member city council. Current Mayor Kristen Brown took office Jan. 1, 2012. Call 376-2500 or email her at mayor@columbus.in.gov. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at City Hall. Call 376-2500.
County government
County Council
Bartholomew County Council serves as the county’s fiscal body. It has seven members, four elected by district and three at-large members. Council members serve four-year terms. The County Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Government Office Building.
Judicial
Bartholomew County government consists of a Board of Commissioners and a County Council, plus a three-court justice system.
Bartholomew County’s justice system consists of three courts: Circuit Court, Superior Court No. 1 and Superior Court No. 2.
Commissioners
Voter registration
Bartholomew County has three commissioners who are the administrative arm of county government. The terms of office for county commissioners are four years on a staggered basis. The county commissioners are empowered to set county policy, adopt laws, implement them and, except for the responsibilities of other elected officials, carry out day-to-day operations of the county. The county commissioners meet at 10 a.m. every Monday in the Commissioners’ Chambers, Government Office Building, 440 Third St. Information: 379-1515.
28 Columbus Welcome Guide
The Bartholomew County voter registration office is in the courthouse, at the corner of Third and Washington streets. Forms also will be mailed on request. Information: 379-1604. Residents also may register at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branches in Columbus and Hope, or at WorkOne Columbus, 4555 Central Ave., Suite 1300.
Public Safety
Law enforcement Columbus Police Department is at 123 Washington St.
Call 376-2600 or email policedepartment@columbus.in.gov. Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is at 543 Second St. Administrative calls to the sheriff’s department may be made at 379-1650. Fire protection Columbus Fire Department is headquartered at Station 1 at 1101 Jackson St. The department has six stations. Administrative calls can be made to 376-2679 or email firedepartment@columbus.in.gov. For emergency service, dial 911. Ten station houses manned by volunteers provide fire protection in the county’s rural areas. They are at equal distances throughout the county. For emergency service, dial 911. Emergency medical services Columbus Regional Health provides ambulance service for the county. For emergency service, dial 911. For nonemergency ambulance service, call 376-5700. Emergency 911 In case of a life-threatening emergency, dial 911 from any telephone. This will connect you to Bartholomew County 911 operators who can get assistance to you as quickly as possible. 911 should only be used for real emergencies. For all other purposes use the administrative phone numbers for the various public safety agencies. Top: Columbus Police and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department officers. Bottom: Columbus firefighters work to cool a blazing gas line. The Republic file photos
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Columbus Welcome Guide 29
Business
Columbus is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan due to the global span of the markets and supplier bases for many of the companies located here.
The Economic Development Board and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Attraction System, with its Columbus Young Professionals Ambassador’s Program, are an important part of the outreach effort that ensures that this will continue to be the case. Leadership Bartholomew County is an organization with a long history of training local citizens, many from area businesses, to take a leadership role in creating a community that works for everyone. Manufacturing comprises the largest occupational talent cluster in Columbus, accounting for 20.32 percent of the workforce. Office and administrative support occupations run second at 12.79 percent. Management occupations make up 5.17 percent. Construction and extraction occupations represent 3.58 percent, and business and financial services comprise 2.93 percent. A total of 9,576 workers commute into Bartholomew County. Jennings County contributes the largest share of these, with Jackson and Johnson following. Also, 3,681 Bartholomew County workers commute to other areas, with Marion and Johnson counties being the top two. The main product of Cummins Inc. is still diesel engines, but it now characterizes itself as an array of business units focused on power generation. The firm, founded in 1919 in Columbus by auto mechanic Clessie Cummins, is international in scope, with plants and projects in countries such as India, Brazil, Britain and China. Its commitment to Columbus is strong, and its headquarters remain here.
A Cummins turbo diesel engine. The Republic file photo
Top 10 Employers Columbus’top 10 private employers (by number of employees). 1. Cummins: 7,386 2. Columbus Regional Health: 1,628 3. Faurecia: 1,600 4. NTN Driveshaft: 1,363 5. Enkei America: 839 6. Dorel Juvenile Group: 807 7. Walmart: 748 8. Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg.: 618 9. Columbus Container: 270 10. Rightway Fasteners: 259 Sources: Columbus Economic Development Board survey from June 2012; Faurecia.
30 Columbus Welcome Guide
Health care The Columbus area offers a comprehensive array of health care services.
Columbus Regional Hospital 2400 E. 17th St., Switchboard: (800) 841-4938, www.crh.org CRH, a facility of Columbus Regional Health, is a 225-bed facility that has won numerous awards and forms of recognition, including being named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Along with the general services one expects to find in a regional hospital, CRH houses several specialty centers, including the Lung Institute, the Joint & Spine Center, the Heart & Vascular Center, the Stroke Center and the Breast Health Center. A new Innovation Center allows staff to explore the frontiers of the practice of medicine and share research and training methods.
Diversity
Columbus Regional Hospital has been a leader in promoting recognition, identification, awareness and advocacy of diverse populations of patients, and providing services and care that match their needs. The hospital also seeks to have its staff and volunteers reflect the diverse community it serves. At the beginning of 2011 CRH employed natives of 18 nations. Language needs are identified at registration or even before that, through the referral process from the physicians’ offices. CRH has an internal network of employees bilingual in Spanish who can provide short-term assistance through a special arrangement with their home department. Special assistance for longer term needs, or other languages, is arranged as needed by appointment with employees or volunteers. If an interpreter is not available, a contracted service of
telephone interpretation is readily available in almost any language needed. For sign language CRH has a limited number of volunteer and professional interpreters who can be called in, but currently this service is provided with the use of a contracted video-conferencing service that uses a laptop computer equipped with a camera.
Find a doctor
Columbus Regional Health offers assistance in finding a physician, whether you are looking for a family doctor or a specialist. Look for the “Find a doctor” search online at CRH’s home page at www.crh.org.
WellConnect
Columbus Regional Health’s WellConnect, 237 Washington St., in downtown Columbus, offers convenient walk-in minor illness care, medical screenings, travel medicine and more. The clinic is open to the public 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: crh.org/wellconnect or 812-376-5104.
St. Francis
Indianapolis-based Franciscan St. Francis Health has recently opened an office at 123 Second St. in downtown Columbus. Four primary-care physicians will use the facility, which will also provide shared space for use by medical specialists from other St. Franciscan sites and an oncology infusion suite. Specialists who will work at the Columbus site include oncologists, gynecologic oncology, diabetes and endocrinologist, colon and rectal surgeons and a rheumatologist.
TOP: Columbus Regional Hospital. BELOW: The hospital’s Innovation Center.
Columbus Welcome Guide 31
Above: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Top right: Faith Hope and Love Church of God in Christ. The Republic file photos. Bottom right: As part of National Day of Prayer, 380 students at St. Peter’s Lutheran School gathered to form a cross, complete with a halo of kindergartners. Photo by Joe Harpring
faith
The Columbus area is home to more than 80 places of worship that reflect the community’s diversity. Lutherans, Methodists and Catholics make up the largest denominations in the area. The following is a partial list of churches in the county:
Predominantly African-American churches Calvary Community Church 1031 Chestnut St. Dayspring Church of God Apostolic 2127 Doctors Park Drive Faith Hope and Love Church of God in Christ 11401 Indiana 7, Elizabethtown
32 Columbus Welcome Guide
Faith Ministries Church 5103 W. Indiana 46 God’s House Missionary Baptist Church 423 Eighth St.
Corner Stone Baptist Church 1425 Jonesville Road First Baptist Church 3300 Fairlawn Drive
Second Baptist Church 1325 10th St.
First Baptist Church of Hope 455 Jackson St., Hope
Baptist
First Baptist Church of Taylorsville 9118 Main St., Taylorsville
Bethel Baptist Church 142 Deaver Road Columbus Baptist Church 4812 N. Road 150W
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 5520 E. Base Line Road
Memorial Baptist Church 2320 Seventh St. Open Bible Baptist Church 2222 Ohio Ave. Parkside Baptist Church 1780 Rocky Ford Road Shiloh Baptist Church 11988 E. Indiana 46
Catholic St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 1306 27th St. (offers Spanish language Mass)
Christian East Columbus Christian Church 3170 Indiana Ave. First Christian Church 531 Fifth St. Garden City Church of Christ 3245 Jonesville Road Jonesville Christian Off Indiana 11 in Jonesville New Hope Christian Church 1404 W. Road 400N North Christian Church 850 Tipton Lane
Lutheran Faith Lutheran Church 6000 W. Indiana 46 First Lutheran Church 3600 25th St. Grace Lutheran Church 3201 Central Ave. St. John’s Lutheran Church 16270 S. Road 300W St. Paul Lutheran Church 6045 E. State St. (offers Spanish language services) St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 719 Fifth St.
Episcopal St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 2651 California St.
Other Hindu Hindu Temple of Central Indiana 3350 N. German Church Road, Indianapolis Hindu Temple of Kentucky 4213 Accomack Drive, Louisville, Ky.
25th Street Church of Christ 5620 25th St. Apostolic Hope Tabernacle 1525 19th St. Apostolic Revival Tabernacle 2264 Illinois Ave.
Jewish
Bible Church of Columbus 3010 10th St.
Sha’arei Shalom Columbus Hebrew Congregation 7850 W. Goeller Road
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3330 30th St.
Methodist
Columbus Alliance Church 933 13th St.
Asbury United Methodist Church 1751 27th St. Columbus Free Methodist Church 22nd and Maple streets East Columbus United Methodist Church 2439 Indiana Ave.
Community Church of Columbus 3850 N. Marr Road Crossroads Community Church 9550 N. Road 700W, Elizabethtown Flintwood Wesleyan Church 5300 25th St.
First United Methodist Church 618 Eighth St.
Faith Victory Church 1703 Home Ave.
Rocky Ford Free Methodist Church 3990 Rocky Ford Road
Lakeview Church of Christ 4040 N. Road 150W
Sandy Hook United Methodist Church 1610 Taylor Road
Milestone Ministries 910 S. Marr Road
White Creek United Methodist Church 6730 W. Road 930S
First Church of the Nazarene 1245 McClure Road
Muslim
Hope Moravian Church 202 Main St., Hope
The Islamic Center of Columbus 2310 Chestnut St.
Pentecostal Calvary Pentecostal Church 1031 Chestnut St. The World of Pentecost 3939 Central Ave.
Presbyterian Fairlawn Presbyterian Church 2611 Fairlawn Drive First Presbyterian Church 512 Seventh St. Reformed Presbyterian Church of Columbus 550 N. National Road
Seventh Street Church of God 2005 Seventh St. Strong Tower Ministries 5053 N. U.S. 31 Terrace Lake Community Church 4260 W. Road 200S Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus 7850 W. Goeller Road Westside Community Church 124 Tipton Lakes Blvd. Wilson Chapel Church 9435 N. Indiana 7, Elizabethtown Seventh Day Adventist Church 2809 Talley Road
Columbus Welcome Guide 33
Dining
dining
The Columbus area offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from major chains to small diners and locally owned gems.
Family Dining Amazing Joe’s Grill
2607 Central Ave. Steaks, chicken, seafood. Dinner Monday-Friday; lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday. 378-2130.
The American Grill
Hilton Garden Inn, U.S. 31 and I-65 Offers freshly prepared breakfast and dinner. 812-526-8600.
Bubba Blues Bar-B-Q
1641 N. National Road Southern grill-pit barbecue including ribs, brisket, chicken, beef and pork. Lunch and dinner. 379-2229.
Bob Evans
Indiana 46 and I-65 Homestyle food with countrystyle breakfasts and dinner items such as meatloaf, turkey and dressing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 378-0442.
Cracker Barrel
U.S. 31 at Edinburgh Country cooking including made-from-scratch chicken and dumplings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 526-7968.
Hangar 5
4770 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus Municipal Airport Open for breakfast and lunch every day. 378-4070.
Henry Social Club
423 Washington St. Farm-to-table restaurant with a bar and hidden wine room. Dinner. 812-799-1371.
IHOP Restaurant
54 Johnson Blvd. Pancakes, omelets, burgers, chicken and steak. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 348-2690.
Pho Shiki | photo by Dario Impini
34 Columbus Welcome Guide
Smith’s Row
Indiana Smokehouse
2825 Middle Road Barbecue brisket, pork, chicken. Lunch and dinner. 812-799-0067.
Lincoln Square
2315 Jonathan Moore Pike A varied menu including Greek dishes, steak, sandwiches, pasta, chicken, fish and salads. Breakfast, lunch. 657-7420.
Max & Erma’s
12105 Executive Drive, Edinburgh Sandwiches and sides in a casual atmosphere, lunch and dinner. 526-6250.
Montana Mike’s Steakhouse
3720 W. Market Place, Edinburgh Known for T-bone steaks, burgers, seafood and chicken in Western atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. 526-6600.
The Mulligan Grille
4664 Ray Boll Blvd. (in the Elks Lodge) Serving fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, salads and more. Open for lunch weekdays, Sunday lunch and brunch, and dinner Monday through Saturday. No membership required. 344-8088.
Yats
Olde Columbus Restaurant
2480 Jonathan Moore Pike, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Decorated with antiques. All you can eat prime rib buffet Friday and Saturday night. Open for breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. 372-1541.
Red Lobster
2000 25th St. Known for Cheddar Bay Biscuits and seafood. Casual dining, lunch and dinner. 3751733.
Ruby Tuesday
3715 W. Market Place, Edinburgh Simple, fresh American dining with signature New Orleans seafood, ribs and hamburgers. Casual fine dining, lunch and dinner. 526-5311.
Sadie’s Family Dining
963 25th St. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 372-1404.
Sirloin Stockade
3114 N. National Road Steakhouse with buffet. Lunch and dinner. 378-3867.
Skooter’s
1602 State St. Home cooking in a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 376-6386.
Smith’s Row
418 Fourth St. Fine dining with daily specials. Known for steaks and fresh fish from Hawaii. Dinner. 373-9382.
Texas Roadhouse
2508 25th St. Known for steak entrees in Western atmosphere. Dinner only Monday-Thursday, lunch and dinner Friday-Sunday. Call ahead for timely seating. 378-4632.
Zaharakos
329 Washington St. Sandwiches, ice cream and drinks. 378-1900.
Ethnic Dining Johnny Carino’s
870 Creekview Drive Italian dining. Lunch and dinner. 372-2266.
Casa del Sol
3541 Two Mile House Road Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner. 378-3737.
Chicago Pizza
3780 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Pizza, salad. Lunch and dinner. 812-657-7003.
China Buffet
2638 Eastbrook Plaza Lunch and dinner. 376-8888.
8 China Buffet
2530 N. Central Ave. Lunch and dinner. 378-5888.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
2260 National Road Lunch and dinner. 375-0785.
Chopstick
3045 Columbus Center 376-3333.
El Nopal
3300 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Lunch and dinner. 314-8991.
El Toreo
10020 N. U.S. 31, Taylorsville Lunch and dinner. 526-5850.
Columbus Welcome Guide 35
Dining ESushi Japanese Restaurant
3820 25th St. Fish, sushi bar, specialty rolls, lunch specialties. Lunch and dinner. 376-6888.
Hisui Japanese Restaurant
Ru Yi Asian Cuisine
2125 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Menu includes sushi and sashimi. Lunch and dinner. 378-8888.
Taku Japanese Steakhouse
2790 Brentwood Drive Lunch and dinner. 375-1117.
315 Fourth St. Asian fusion, steakhouse and sushi. 812-779-7956.
Marco’s Pizza
Tre Bicchieri
3532 W. Two Mile House Road Authentic Italian pizza, Cheezy Bread, chicken wings, fresh-baked subs, salads, soft drinks and more. Lunch and dinner. 342-9082
Mark Pi’s China Gate
Fair Oaks Mall Lunch and dinner. 376-3388.
Noodles & Company
3200 Columbus Center Noodles, pasta and sandwiches. Lunch and dinner. 307-4664.
Pho Shiki
2991 25th St. Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine and sushi bar. Lunch and dinner. 375-9999.
Puccini’s Smiling Teeth
318 Washington St. Pizza, pasta, beer and wine. 348-7600.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
1665 N. National Road Lunch and dinner. 376-1005.
Riviera Maya
2326 25th St., Fair Oaks Mall Authentic Mexican cuisine served in a Mayan resort atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. 372-6576.
RIGHT: Zwanzigz Pizza. TOP: Zaharakos’ Green River milkshake.
36 Columbus Welcome Guide
425 Washington St. Homemade soups and sauces, fresh pasta, wine selection for casual Italian dining. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. 372-1962.
Yats
325 Fourth St. Cajun/Creole sauces and stews over white rice. Fast casual lunch and dinner. 372-1533.
Zwanzigz Pizza
1038 Lafayette Ave. Pizza, salads, calzones, sandwiches. Dine-in or carry-out. Beer and wine. Lunch and dinner. 376-0200
Tavern/Bar & Grill Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
1900 25th St. Steaks, seafood, chicken, sandwiches, sides. Lunch and dinner. 372-4381.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Phi Bar & Grill
Chili’s Bar and Grill
Powerhouse Brewing Co.’s Columbus Bar
2035 Jonathan Moore Pike Wings and other dishes. Lunch and dinner. 375-1776. 1079 N. National Road Known for fajitas, baby back ribs and hamburgers. Family dining in Southwestern décor. Lunch and dinner. 348-7596.
Hotel Indigo, 400 Brown St. Lunch and dinner. 375-9100.
322 Fourth St. Specialties include sandwiches, Reuben, lunch and dinner specials and 20 beers on tap. 375-8800.
450 North Brewing Co.
8111 E. Road 450N Brick-oven pizza, salads, appetizers. Beer brewed daily and wine. 546-0091.
4th Street Bar & Grill
433 Fourth St. Famous for the 4th Street burger, Letterman sandwich, pizza and crab cakes. Lunch and dinner. 376-7063.
The Garage Pub and Grill Fourth and Jackson streets Appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, pasta, 14 draft beers. Lunch and dinner. 418-8918.
Joe Willy’s Burger Bar
1034 Washington Street Traditional American, wide selection of gourmet burgers. Lunch and dinner. 379-4559.
Jonesville Tavern “The Brick”
309 Walnut St., Jonesville Lunch and dinner. 522-8636.
Jordy McTaggart’s Grill & Pub
310 Washington St., Columbus 24 draft beers, Irish and American fare. Lunch and dinner. 375-6739.
Papa’s Grill
3780 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Burgers, fries, wings, etc., lunch and dinner. 342-9736.
Scores Sports Bar & Grill
3539 Two Mile House Road Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, soups and salads. Lunch and dinner. 372-6999.
Ziggie’s
3029 National Road Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full service menu of tenderloins, biscuits and gravy. Serves fried chicken on Thursday, prime rib on Friday and steaks, chops and pasta on Saturday. Lunch and dinner. 372-0898.
Sandwiches/ice cream/coffee Culver’s
90 Johnson Blvd. Burgers, fries, sandwiches, entrees and ice cream. 799-0035.
Dags Deli and Bertie Jean’s Foods
West Hill Shopping Center Gourmet ice cream and desserts; take-out entrees, salads and side dishes. 341-3130.
Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders
1301 N. National Road Pizza and grinders. Lunch and dinner. 375-1000.
Panera Bread
3056 Columbus Center Handcrafted, freshly baked artisan bread. Free wi-fi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 375-9421.
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Papa’s Deli
228 Chestnut St. Breakfast and lunch. 378-5755.
Soups by Design
424 Washington St. Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Lunch and dinner. 372-7687.
Starbucks Coffee Co.
— 1585 N. National Road. 314-0934. — 2355 Jonathan Moore Pike. 376-6530. — Target, 1865 N. National Road. 888-796-5282.
Yo MaMa Frozen Yogurt and More
3780 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Frozen yogurt, coffee. Free WiFi. 799-0560.
Moffett’s Aqua Systems
26 Columbus Welcome Guide 37
Recreation
recreation Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser at Columbus Bowling Center. | photo by Andrew Laker
The Columbus area offers a wide variety of recreational activities and programs that are available year-round. Summer and fall are the perfect times to get out in the parks, golf courses or public pool; however indoor facilities provide ample winter activity opportunities such as roller and ice skating and bowling. Columbus has more than 20 parks and over 18 miles of walking and biking trails. There are numerous golf courses, and five of Indiana’s 20 state parks are within 45 miles or less of Columbus city limits.
League sports
Columbus Parks and Recreation Department provides numerous youth and adult recreation leagues, ranging from soccer and softball to co-ed kickball. Information: 376-2680, www.columbusparksandrec.com Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., provides adult and youth leagues in basketball and volleyball. Information: 348-4558, foundationforyouth.com Columbus’ Indian community organizes four cricket tournaments a year. The Indian Association of Columbus also conducts table tennis, volleyball, tennis, soccer and shuttle badminton
38 Columbus Welcome Guide
tournaments each year, weather permitting. Information: iaccolumbus.org. Columbus Rugby Football Club consists of a coed “Rookie Rugby” elementary school team, a boys’ high school team, a girls’ high school team and a men’s team. Information: www. facebook.com/columbusrugbyfootballclub. Liga 5 de Mayo is an adult soccer league in Columbus. Games are played from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays from April to October at Blackwell Park.
Parks
Columbus Parks and Recreation 22nd and Sycamore streets, 376-2680, www.columbus.in.gov/parks-recreation The department is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of over 600 acres of park land and over 19 miles of People Trails.
Cannonball!
Donner Aquatic Center, 22nd and Sycamore streets, is open from the end of May through August and boasts an eight-lane, 50-meter lap pool, 11-foot-4-inch diving well with two diving
boards, a 20-foot high, 160-foot long waterslide, a leisure pool with a play structure and fountains and 22,000 square feet of cement deck space surrounding the pools. The aquatic center is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Free public swim takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. daily.
Indoor fun
ICE SKATING—Hamilton Center 25th Street at Lincoln Park, 3762686, www.columbus.in.gov/parks-recreation/hamilton-center-ice-arena. Open year-round. ROLLER SKATING—Columbus Skateland 2660 Talley Road, 372-6677, www. columbusskateland.com
Water basketball at Donner Aquatic Center. | photo by Andrew Laker
BOWLING—Columbus Bowling Center 3010 State St., 372-7857 LASER TAG—Red Zone Laser Tag 746 Greenway Drive, 372-9663, www.theredzonelasertag.com
More fun for kids
Foundation for Youth 405 Hope Ave., 348-4558, foundationforyouth.com FFY offers swimming and other recreation opportunities. For $3 (youth and public swim) or $5 (adults) per visit nonmembers can enjoy a wide variety of choices at the 25-yard lap pool, including adult, senior and family swims and water aerobics. FFY is also home to Columbus Gymnastics Center and the Boys and Girls Club.
Check out Luecke’s Full Line of Jenn-Air Luxury Kitchen Appliances
Get fit
812 Crossfit, 812-657-7093 Anytime Fitness, 372-3488. Ceraland Sports and Fitness Center, 377-5849. Columbus Fit, 343-3634. Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, 375-9920 One Body, One Soul, 344-4941. Studio Fit by Nancy, 343-9172. Tipton Lakes Athletic Club, 342-4495. Total Fitness, 373-9992. Wellness Program, 376-5033. Zen Fitness, 350-5200.
1255 West Tipton Street (Highway 50 on Seymour’s west Side)
812.522.5123 www.lueckeaudiovideo.com Mon-Fri 9 till 6 Saturday 9 till 5 Sunday Closed
Columbus Welcome Guide 39
mill race park
40 Columbus Welcome Guide
In 1963, the acreage known as “Death Valley” on the east bank of White River was considered one of the most poverty-stricken areas in Columbus. Now, as Mill Race Park, it hosts Columbus’ favorite events, attracting throngs of people. The tract contained the Death Valley urban renewal area, the former W.W. Mooney tannery site and woods and farmland near where the East Fork of White River is formed. Prior to the 1960s, people lived along the river in shacks made of tar paper and wood scraps. The spring rains flooded the land, leaving a muddy residue on a blighted landscape. City leaders began a fund drive in 1963 to raise $145,000 to purchase 66 acres from the residents for the park, pay for limited development and hire a park planner. By the fall of 1964, city workers had cut a roadway into the woods near the river and gravel pits. They also cleared the underbrush. Residents raised $18,500 by June 1966 to move the Clifty Creek covered bridge from Azalia Road to Mill Race Park. Otherwise, the bridge would have been destroyed to make way for a concrete bridge. A two-car, 20-passenger steam-powered train copied after the General of Civil War fame was dedicated in 1967 as a tourist attraction. But the train cars suffered technical problems and sagging interest by the public. In 1969, the city built an outdoor theater west of the former tannery site near Lindsey Street. However, the pole building was damaged by wind six years later. Artist Richard Bauer’s 15-foot-tall welded steel sculpture, Skopos, meaning “the watcher,” guarded the park’s entrance. It was dedicated in September 1979. Two shelter houses, a boat ramp and a playground with swings were also added to the park during that time. While looking forward to the quincentennial anniversary in 1992 of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the New World, the town searched for a project that would continue to benefit the community long after the celebration. Residents found that an important dream, the park at Fifth and Lindsey streets, had been partially realized almost 30 years before. They decided to continue the development of Mill Race Park, a resource that could be greatly enhanced. Foundations, companies and individuals agreed to take part and eventually pledged nearly $4 million to build structures and redesign the landscape. Landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh incorporated the beauty of the riverfront and the park’s proximity to the heart of the city in the design. He made the site a water-dominated landscape by celebrating its proximity to the rivers. A round lake was excavated, with the soil creating mounds similar to those made by American Indians in southern Indiana. Plants that tolerate flooding were selected. Spaces were designed to accommodate lunch time visitors or a class that comes to the park to study flora. The Custer-Nugent Amphitheater was constructed and today hosts many musical and theatrical events during the warmer months. The renovated Mill Race Park opened in October 1992.
Columbus Welcome Guide 41
Entertainment
Entertainment
Within Bartholomew County, you can choose from a spectrum of culture, from casual entertainment to the most refined forms of artistic expression.
Movie Theaters AMC Showplace Columbus 12 555 Creekview Court, 372-1166 or 888262-4386, amctheatres.com
First-run films on 12 screens Yes Cinema 328 Jackson St. 378-0377, yescinema.org
A variety of film fare, plus live comedy
The Arts Columbus Area Arts Council The Commons on Fourth Street 376-2539, artsincolumbus.org
The Columbus Area Arts Council is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the arts in and around Columbus. It produces arts programming for all ages throughout the year, including Neighborfest, First Fridays for Families and an open iron pour. The arts council also brings public art to Columbus through the Sculpture Biennial.
People watch Neighborfest from The Commons.
Music Columbus Indiana Philharmonic 376-2638, thecip.org
Presents a full season of concerts, often hosting prestigious guests. It also invests heavily in education programs, such as a children’s choir and a strings camp. Columbus Symphony Orchestra csoindiana.org
The CSO is the oldest orchestra in the state, having given its first concert at the Crump Theatre in May 1923.
42 Columbus Welcome Guide
Columbus City Band columbuscityband.org
Columbus City Band likewise has a long history and a repertoire of classical fare and pops material. The band welcomes new members of all ages and experience, with no audition is required. Live Music Several bars in town also offer live music, everything from singersongwriters to old time rock ‘n’ roll. Check the Go section in the Thursday edition of The Republic for the latest.
Dance Dancers Studio 211 Washington St.
376-8080, dancers-studio.org Ballet, modern dance and others Beth’s Dance Center 527 Washington St. 372-3287
Tap, jazz, hip-hop, jazz funk, lyrical, ballet Sonya’s Dance Zone 3136 N. National Road 372-7000, dance.zone@live.com
Tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop
Year-Round
year-round activities One easy way to find out what’s going on at any particular time is to check the community calendar on The Republic’s website, www.therepublic.com or the weekly Go section published each Thursday in The Republic. Here’s a quick look at just some of the year’s big events.
Winter Museums Bartholomew County Historical Society
Festival of Lights Parade: This downtown parade, traditionally held the first Saturday in December, is a great way to kick off the holiday season. The parade is followed by the lighting of the city Christmas tree at City Hall. The Republic’s Bridal Fair: Held each January, this fair is where prospective brides can find everything they need to create their dream weddings.
524 Third St., 372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment.
Spring
Among the permanent exhibits is a collection of 19th-century tools used by farmers, builders and machinists of the period. Children’s art classes are also offered.
The Republic’s Home, Health and Garden Show: This two-day event at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds features demonstrations and vendor booths to help you turn your ideas into reality.
Henry Breeding Farm 13730 N. Road 100W, Edinburgh 372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org Open by appointment
An 1860 farmhouse and surrounding land and buildings, which also has a 3,500-square-foot barn available for events. The AtterburyBakalar Air Museum 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus Municipal Airport, 372-4356 or atterburybakalarmuseum.org
Displays from World War II, the Korean War, the Cuban crisis and the Vietnam War as they affected the lives of local residents and military personnel stationed in the area. Simmons School 9575 N. Indiana 9, Hope, 546-4877 Open by appointment
A restored one-room schoolhouse behind Hope Elementary School. Yellow Trail Museum Northwest corner of Hope’s town square, 546-4877, yellowtrailmuseum.com Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment
A museum chronicling Hope’s Moravian past.
Easter egg hunt: One sure sign that spring has arrived is Columbus’ annual Easter egg hunt at Donner Park.
Salute concert: Every Memorial Day weekend, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic presents its free Salute concert on the courthouse lawn next to Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans.
Summer
Bartholomew County 4-H Fair: Good food, demolition derbies, plenty of free musical entertainment, lots of livestock, hundreds of 4-H projects and a lively midway. What’s not to like? Columbus Farmers Market: Fans of fresh produce and local arts and crafts flock to the market every Saturday morning from June through September. It is held in the Cummins Inc. parking lot between Brown and Lindsey streets. Neighborfest: This series, held the first Thursday of the month, offers musical entertainment to help residents beat the heat. Biggest Block Party Ever: Music is also a big part of this annual community party, held in late summer in downtown Columbus. Rock The Park: This concert at Mill Race Park is an August highlight, bringing nationally known acts to Columbus. Hospice Concert: The annual free concert held the Saturday of Labor Day weekend at Mill Race Park to benefit Our Hospice of South Central Indiana is a perfect way to end the summer.
Fall
Scottish Festival: Held every September at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds. Hope Heritage Days: A September weekend of fun on the town square in Hope, with food, crafts, concerts, merchandise booths and a parade. Mill Race Marathon: Held in September on a Boston Marathon-certified course through Columbus. www.millracemarathon.com. Ethnic Expo: The second weekend in October brings the biggest festival of the year. The streets around City Hall are lined with food booths as Columbus’ diverse ethnic population struts its culinary stuff. Expo features a variety of musical performers, also representing many different cultures, merchandise booths and a Saturday morning parade.
Columbus Welcome Guide 43
the commons The rebirth of The Commons perfectly embodies the overall renaissance of downtown Columbus.
44 Columbus Welcome Guide
In name and location, The Commons has been a fixture in the heart of the business and entertainment district since 1972. Completely rebuilt in 2011, it serves its function as a community hub in a manner fitting for a new century. The ground floor houses the lobby, 8,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a children’s playground and a food court. A performance space and patio are situated on the upper level. The centerpiece of the lobby is “Chaos I,” a mechanical sculpture designed by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely that had been an inescapable presence in the old Commons since 1974. While its various movements are an endless source of fascination, it can easily be turned off during performances or meetings. The playground’s most visually arresting feature is the Luckey Climber. This net-enclosed biomorphic climbing system was designed by Tom Luckey and his son, Spencer, a Connecticut-based team that has installed such structures in various U.S. cities and Mexico City. Those who scale its full height of 44 feet have a panoramic view of the rest of the playground, the lobby and the courthouse. The performance space seats up to 450 at tables for banquets or 700 in a theater-style arrangement. The stage boasts an impressive lighting system. Behind it are dressing rooms and a catering kitchen. A smaller stage on the lower level, behind “Chaos,” is suited to meetings or a lunchtime music series. The Columbus Area Arts Council has its offices in The Commons. Among the annual events at The Commons are the arts council’s UnCommon Cause fundraiser, First Fridays for Families and the prom for Columbus East and North high schools. The building is certified to a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, level by the U.S. Green Building Council. The roof, designed by Michigan-based Live Roof, is covered with vegetative material that provides insulation and storm water absorption. Trees are featured on the patio designed to invite informal socializing in keeping with the entire facility’s intended role as a central gathering spot for the city. Koetter Kim of Boston is the design architect, and CSO Architects of Indianapolis is the architect of record. Three sides are enclosed in glass, and over 15 types of glass were used.
Columbus Welcome Guide 45
Attractions
LEFT: First Christian Church, framed through Henry Moore’s “Large Arch” in front of Bartholomew County Public Library. BELOW: Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans. Photos by Joe Harpring
attractions Columbus’ stature as one of the world’s architectural showcases draws visitors from around the world In 1942, a new building for First Christian Church at Fifth and Franklin streets, designed by Eliel Saarinen, was completed. The idea to have a renowned modernist architect undertake the project came from J. Irwin Miller, then the CEO of Cummins Engine Co., already America’s premier diesel engine maker (a status it still enjoys). Miller’s family was also the major shareholder in a prominent bank of the day, and in the early 1950s, Miller enlisted Saarinen’s son, Eero, to design its main branch at Fifth and Washington streets. From there, the Cummins Foundation became involved in financing architect’s fees for public buildings such as schools, the post office and the library. More churches and other private institutions got on board with the community’s modernist zeal. Other top-tier architects such as Harry Weese, I.M. Pei, Kevin Roche and Cesar Pelli created works here. Large-scale sculptures also found a home in Columbus public spaces, including works by the likes of Henry Moore and Dale Chihuly. Since the 1970s, architecture students from around the world roaming the city with clipboards and cameras have been a staple of community life.
46 Columbus Welcome Guide
Far left: The Miller House. Photos by Tad Fruits, courtesy of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Left: The glass atrium of Cummins’ Irwin Conference Center on Washington Street. The Republic file photo
visitors center tours The Columbus Visitors Center, at 506 Fifth St. (at the corner of Fifth and Franklin streets), offers a wide variety of tour options, including City Architecture, Miller House and Garden, Guide by Cell and Downtown Walking tours. Knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer questions about all Columbus has to offer. Stop by to watch a free video about the city or Miller House. For information and tour reservations, call 378-2622 or visit columbus.in.us.
Columbus Welcome Guide 47
48 Columbus Welcome Guide
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