Columbus, IN

There is a Dog Park coming soon to Columbus Indiana.

Months ago Columbus Parks and Recreation, surveyed the residents of Columbus Indiana for public opinion on creating a Dog Park for Columbus residents and their dogs. A space specifically for socializing, and exercise for the pets. They had a signifigantly positive response from the survey, and later requested members of the community to form a Dog Park Association. They asked for volunteers and received a good turnout from the public, enthusiastic, to contribute of their time to form this organization.

The organization was formed back in September, from the volunteer members who voted on the officers to form a board of directors. And then further form committee groups, to organize this effort and thoughts, compiling information, quotes for construction, etc..

The Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association, has been very busy meeting every other week, originally on Tuesday evenings, and lately on thursday evenings for an hour each night. The group as a whole have accomplished a great deal. We have commenced planning, suggested sites, compiled drafts of a mission statement, rules and regulations, membership criteria, compiling information for the government, applied to DNR for approval, etc..

I'll update this scenario as we go. If anyone would like information on this project feel free to contact me, I'm also co-chairman of the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association. We will soon have a central contact number for additional information, and a website so the public can contact the association, and watch the progress of the park.

Just wanted to advise everyone that our official association name and address is as follows:

Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association P.O. Box 2503 Columbus, IN 47202 Seed Money Needed! - We are now accepting donations for seed money. Please send any amount you can spare to the above address. $5, $10, $15 or $100. It will all be very appreciated. This donation is tax deductible. Please include your name, address, phone and email address. I will send you a receipt.

Since its incorporation in 1919, corporate leaders for Cummins have made it clear, that Columbus is the home of Cummins. Despite their never ending clear messages to the community, time and time again, rumours have often spread, keeping the myth that Cummins would abandon its home city.

This past wednesday Cummins announced it would expand into yet to be built office complex in downtown Columbus and create 500 new jobs within the community. This news cannot be understated, the short term effect will certainly be profound.

According to plans, the building should be occupied next year, and officials anticipate opening with full occupancy. That will bring an additional 500 workers to the more than 3000, who already work downtown. Cummins will account for a figure over 50% of those jobs since there are already more than 1,000 staff members in the Corporate Office Building.

The 500 new employees, will have an average salary range of nearly $80,000, according to officials. These new workers will pump new money into the downtown economy, patronizing restaurants, stores, shops, and some may chose to live downtown. These individuals will also pay local taxes. Great news for Columbus and there is more to come.

Art Auctions To Raise Funds For Columbus Sans Souci

Local artist's works will soon be auctioned off to benefit the low income families community, at San Souci's upcoming art auction, at Fair Oaks Mall. The silent auction is Feb. 1 to 15; and the live auction will be held Feb. 16, from 6 to 9 PM. For information contact: 372-3419

Make a Donation at 1526 13th St. Columbus, Indiana

Special needs: Furniture, especially beds.

Sans Souci provides pick-up of donations, Information: 812-372-3419

The auction coincides with Valentine's Day weekend, so it provides a great opportunity to pick up something for someone you love.

For the live auction, Midwest and local artists have donated about 40 pieces, ranging from pottery, baskets, woven rugs, wall hangings, beaded jewelry, to photography, pastel drawings, and oil paintings. The local Columbus North High School has contributed pieces from students and staff.

Food and refreshments will be served by local restaurants.

A Real Estate Agent or is it Santa Claus seen on the streets of Columbus Indiana this past Christmas season? This is the story of a life changing event for "Martin Dorgan", a Real Estate agent in Columbus Indiana that chose to give back to his community, and pay it forward.

I still believe Santa Claus lives! Not the one always dressed in a red suit but the "Real One" that lives within me. You could be a youngster, middle aged or a downright old dog, and still believe in this wonderful ideal. Lets face it, it's ageless, timeless, and priceless, aren't all our memories and dreams?

I chose to bring that fantasy character to life this past Christmas in myself. Because I believe I gave life to this mythical and spiritual being. And by doing so, I gave my life purpose and I was rewarded by feelings that overwhelming, made me feel good about myself. I wasn't just giving monetarily, sure I contribute to charities and throw a contribution in the little red kettles, but this was different, I was giving of myself. .

This Christmas I decided not to procrastinate any longer, and I knew what would stimulate my well being. For many years I had thought about how fortunate I actually was, compared with some. As it turned out it was so much more and I would learn more about Santa Claus last year, than in all the previous years that I had I lived.


What I would discover would be the poverty and pain and suffering that I was never directly aware of. Of course I knew there were many poor families here in Columbus Indiana, but I had never been in their homes and saw the conditions first hand that they lived under. I remember seeing some conditions that literally made me ill, but I won't embarrass these people by describing some of the conditions I experienced first hand.

My heart was breaking with all the conditions I would see and I learned who Santa Claus really was and what the spirit of Santa Claus and the spirit of "Christmas" truly meant. It was an act of giving and kindness and "love of humanity" that no one could ever explain in a book and certainly it made no difference if he or she was wearing a red suit. This experience for me became the real living Santa Claus and no red suit would have made it more real.

After I got over the initial shock of all this poverty I had witnessed first hand, I realized even more what I was involved in, a true life changing experience. I remember these men and women and children would come up and hug me with tears in their eyes and I realized that God himself was indeed touching my soul.

Through the Columbus Firefighters Cheer Fund foundation my life was transformed and I could never be the person I was before. I had been changed both in my spirit and in the heart of my very soul.

My involvement was simple, delivering to every family on our list. Have you ever seen a heart cry? Mine did. I could not clear the tears from eyes as people would answer my knock at the door, invite me in my arms filled with their Christmas box" they would come and embrace me and say "Thank You, Mr." If one can ever be touched by an Angel, I surely was.

Yes, they were poor or unfortunate due to circumstances, but they were filled with excitement and emotions. They showed me true gratefulness simply for us caring.

You see, as I reflect on this incredible experience, another of my life's dreams is to be part of another Columbus Indiana Firefighter's Cheer Fund delivery next year!, and I know it is in my future. I know that one day it will become my reality again. For any Holiday balance to exist for me, it must include remembering these people and all the forgotten. So watch for me next year! Again, weather permitting; I'll be using my corvette as Santa Claus's sleigh. Thanks again Columbus, I loved the experience of giving back to my community.

Here I am lined up waiting for Columbus Indiana Firefighters to load up another delivery.

I'd like to personally say Thank You! to all that contributed, and all the volunteers for their support, in this "So Worthy" cause, bringing smiles to young and old alike!

And I would also like to challenge all agents across the nation, to "Try To Do Something Equally as Giving"

Columbus Indiana Residents! Seek out a Marketing Specialist To List your Home