by: Melanie Wilhelm

Every year as the winter season comes to an end and the buds of spring begin, I get excited with anticipation for planting season. I can hardly wait to visit my favorite greenhouses, seeking plants to use in my containers and landscape.
Weeks before the plants start to show up on the racks, I start thinking about colors, textures, shapes and heights of plants, how to arrange them and where to put them around the house.
Once I’ve made all of my purchases, I set up a planting bench and get to work. I get everything planted in a certain arrangement within the container, fill with soil, and then water well before setting or hanging the containers around the house.
But then, the blasting heat of the summer gets here. When it is really hot, I have to water the plants every day in order to keep them alive and healthy. I can use a lot of water in one summer just watering the plants (not to mention watering our newly planted grass). As many of us who pay a city water bill know “Water isn’t free”!
Or could it be free?
Last year, one rainy day as I was looking out the window, I observed all of the water gushing out of our five down spouts. “Wait a minute.” I said aloud to myself, “How can I capture that water so I can use it to water my plants?” So I started doing some research and found that I was not the only one wondering this same thing.
I found a plethora of rain barrels for sale on line. There are many different companies selling various sizes, shapes and colors of containers that can capture your rainwater from your home’s down spouts. I thought I would share a few with you just in case you might be interested in saving some money and capturing the free water that nature already gives us: Rain.

Home Depot
Lowe’s
Rain Barrel Source
Rain Barrels and More
Aaron’s Rain Barrels and More
Video Example of Installation

I’ve recently come across a few articles about the green initiative of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and I have to admit I’m pleasantly pleased with their sustainable efforts. I can’t say that I’ve been paying 100% attention to the games this year, but this is the first I’ve heard about it. I wish that the media would take a time out to report on some of the good the city has been doing, rather than point out what has gone wrong thus far. The sustainable initiative was actually instituted by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) back in 1992, to encourage active participation in sustainable development. Only in the last 10 years has it started to be wholly embraced by the host cities, and this year Vancouver has gone above and beyond in doing their part. Although I am listing a brief synopsis of their efforts, this list is by no way complete, yet still very impressive…

• The pledge from Vancouver to convene a carbon-neutral event
• Utilization of existing facility buildings wherever possible, and designing the new facilities for realistic and simple conversion for post-game reuse
• Planning a dense village design to promote walk ability rather than individual transportation
• Construction of LEED Platinum and Gold certified buildings in the village
• Implementation of urban agriculture and green roofs
• The roof structure of the Oval Building was built from trees that were killed by pine beetles – great reclamation, plus the elimination of carbon dioxide and methane gasses from the potential rotting wood
• Recovery of waste heat from melting ice and sewer systems to produce space heating and cooling
• Reclamation of building and vehicle graphics – approximately 200,000 square feet of material will be diverted from landfills and be recycled into new flooring product
• Reuse of the village after the games as affordable housing for the local workforce

The impact of some of these efforts won’t be able to be measured for a few years to come, but Vancouver has a plan to actively monitor and publish their results. I think they’ve done an excellent job in raising both awareness and the bar for future cities to come. It’s amazing to me how far this world has come with sustainability in the past 10 years; where being green just used to mean planting trees and recycling, and now is seen as the consideration for global social, economic and environmental impact. Whether or not Canada wins the gold for hockey, the city of Vancouver gets the GREEN … I mean gold medal in my book.

Submitted by: Suzanne Mayberry
Photo from: Vancouver Sun, Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Recently, I’ve skimmed over a few articles that have mentioned the Copenhagen Climate Council and the conference that was held not too long ago. I realized I haven’t heard the outcome and thought I’d better look into it! Very quickly, I learned that the council did not agree on any terms. The conference began with a lot of hopeful and positive energy, but in the end, it seems most leaders involved left feeling the extreme opposite. From what I understand, the goal involving 193 nations was to make measured efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and therefore keep the global temperature from rising no more than 2 degrees centigrade by 2020. With this commitment to be made, there was also hope that the nations involved would pledge more monetary help to third-world nations in their efforts to cut emissions and improve their economic situations within their countries. However, no concurrence toward this effort was made either. The council also decided to forego an agreement to be made in 2010 to have official regulations put in place in order to reach the goal.

It seems to me as though there were too many parties with differing opinions on how best to reach a consensual, realistic objective. One would also have to consider that taking actions to better the environment might change economic relationships with other nations. There would be restrictions on transportation, thus likely limiting our ability to send goods quickly or get places ourselves as easily as we have so far in this modern world. Importing and exporting would also experience a drastic paradigm shift, as it would surely be different.

Those involved apparently found out it would be much more difficult to reach an attractive target strategy and keep all parties accountable.

I know that there are many different forms of media who have likely shared different communication on this topic. Because of my extreme passion to learn more about this subject, please share with me any information you may have learned, and what you think! What is your take on “global warming” or “climate change,” and how can we best curb further damage to our planet?

Submitted by: Lee Boyland

I just read an interesting article entitled, “2009 Annual Recycling Search Report” from the Earth911 website. This organization’s website has grown into the leading proper disposal and recycling database for the nation, as confirmed by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DE). It is a fantastic site with so much information for your use. It contains, not only the “why”, but the “how” and “where” of recycling.

Did you know this site provides a toll-free bilingual hotline and a free iPhone or iTouch app called iRecycle to help you find a recycling location in your area or wherever you happen to be!

In this report, it highlights several different interesting facts. This evidence was based on what a person was looking for where they hit the Earth911 website. For instance, electronics were the #1 most sought after item looking to be recycled and followed by 24% hazardous items, 10% paper, and then 9% metal. In addition to this, the 2009 Top 10 Products Consumers were looking to recycle were computers, batteries, televisions, paint, aluminum cans, used motor oil, CFLs, glass, fluorescent lamps and lastly, Christmas trees.

Also, what were the top 10 states that searched out the Earth911 website for more information? California was first; along with Texas, New York, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Virginia. I was wondering why Indiana did not make the top ten. Is it, that as consumers, we have a great knowledge base on the recycling of our items? Or is it that we have not yet visited this dynamic website and explored what it has to offer?

Please take a moment to tour the Earth911 site and sign up for their newsletter. And while there, find out where you can recycle your bottle caps or how to green your trash!

Now go and eliminate your fear of the “R” word!

Today, perhaps more than ever before technology seems to nearly run our lives. We rely on technology and specialized software utilities every day. Not only do these advances make our lives easier, but they allow us to work more efficiently and often with higher productivity. Technology has also permeated our personal lives as well. Modern advances and conveniences are now taken for granted. Technology such as remote controls, garage door openers, and microwaves have certainly changed our lives and we use them today without a second thought.

I didn’t really truly appreciate all of the technology at my disposal until I was away from work on maternity leave. The devices that I had learned to lean on were suddenly not as readily available to use or completely removed from my life. I rarely used my Mobile Outlook calendar because I couldn’t sync to my work computer, my personal computer decided to become a haven to a hard drive crippling virus, etc. At one point I would admit that I enjoyed the short respite, but after about two hours, I missed my laptop computer and Outlook calendar. How was I expected to schedule my son’s doctor appointments or keep the inevitable influx of relatives and in-laws straight on my own without my technological crutches?!

This week, Apple unveiled their new Ipad. Essentially, this new technology is an enormous Ipod Touch. While I am not surprised in this latest step up the technology ladder, it makes me wonder what is next? I am constantly trying to find ways to become more efficient and productive with my work. One sure-fire way to help is look for technology that will help achieve my goals. There are numerous softwares that claim to be the “best” or “industry leader” (don’t even start me on all of the 3-D rendering softwares available!) but how can we be so sure without shelling out large sums of money? Purchasing a specific software with the intentions of increasing efficiency only to find out the product doesn’t fit the needs of the organization will cause headaches and stress. However, there are some steps we can take to increase efficiency and save money, turning us from office dunce to hero in about as much time as it takes to download a new program.

When researching new software, I have found that most software companies offer a trial version of the software you want for download. These trials can be for as little as 24 hours but most seem to run for at least one month. What I would recommend is to make sure you have enough time to use the software so you can make a reasonable determination if the program will sufficiently meet your needs (and perhaps finish that important project). Additionally, there is a wealth of information available on the internet that will provide valuable feedback through online reviews and discussion groups from people just like you. If you are really fortunate, you might find that perfect software at no cost (yes, they are out there, just very hard to find)!

We all have our favorite technologies that help us in our daily professional and personal lives. What are yours?

Submitted By: Amanda Medlen

On January 12, 2010 the citizens of Haiti were literally shaken to their core by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Daily reports have conveyed the tragedy and devastation as people search for loved ones, food, water and shelter. Mothers have unselfishly offered to give their babies to foreign workers so that they might have a better opportunity of survival. Volunteers, support agencies and government aid from around the globe have tirelessly spent the past nine days trying to provide the basics in food and water, as well as, rescue or recover victims trapped beneath the rubble.
As I have watched the nightly news coverage, I am awed by the practical compassion demonstrated from ordinary people around the world. They have temporarily stepped away from the security of their lives to willingly give, serve and comfort hurting people. I personally believe that this can only arise from a deep call within; which reveres the value of human life and humanity. Our true worth in time and talents can never be measured by what we get for them, but by how we are willing to serve.
The many volunteers in Haiti are a reminder that human service is the most sustaining resource available to mankind.

Submitted By: Cherie Anderson

Throwing a get together for the upcoming Colts AFC Divisional Playoff Game? As I prepare my menu, clean my house, refill snacks and restock cold beverages for family and friends – surely this goes beyond the scope of any “how to” blog, since a great party can only be defined post-hoc, after it is over, and is the result of a combination of superb planning and astonishing good luck regarding such uncontrollable issues as the weather and guests’ moods, interactions and especially how the Colts play…..
The best I can hope for is to plan ahead with care and then “wing it”. Here are a few tips that make the party planning a little easier…
Plan ahead.
Decide on the guest list, and invite them…easiest way – Evite
Figure out what to serve in the way of the food and drinks, and make center arrangements…I love to reuse game programs and hang all the freebies that the Colts marketing department hands out during the “Blue Friday” events.
Set up the music play list for guest arrival and pre-game festivities then turn the radio to ESPN the fan 1070 on the am dial…I love the enthusiasm of that Bob Lamey! Just place the volume on low during the game…
Make sure that the place is tidy and functional…so that people can circulate, sit down when they need to, and use the washroom and other facilities during the game without walking in front of those who will not move until the game is over.
Develop a theme and encourage your guests to dress according to the theme…of course everyone this weekend must wear blue and certainly it is a pitch-in, so less stress for me…I assign who will bring what after they RSVP.
Always try your best and have lots of fun!
GO BLUE!!!!! GO COLTS!!!!!

Submitted By: Donna Metallic

While driving to work this morning, I was listening to my favorite band of all time, yes; you guessed it – The Beatles. When one of their many hit songs blared through my car speakers, I couldn’t help but think that this particular song pretty much characterized my 2009. With the economic conditions we all faced last year and after personally experiencing three very close family tragedies over a five month period, it was truly “A Hard Day’s Night” or should I say A Hard Day’s Year? Thanks to the love, support and prayers from family and friends, I was pretty much able to endure the aftermath and deal with executing 3 estates. Despite the challenges our family faced in 2009, our year ended on a higher (Beatles) note (no pun intended), as my wife, Cindy, willingly and without hesitation donated her kidney to my brother, Ed, thus giving him at least another twenty years of a precious life.

After being able to kick back over the holidays, and count my many blessings, 2010 has started off much better for me. With that said, The Beatle’s song that immediately came to mind for this early part of the year is “Good Day Sunshine”.

After being inspired by Jill’s “Giving versus Getting” blog from last week, coupled with all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me, my blog entry this week gives me an opportunity to not only talk about the greatest band in the universe but also say “Thank You” to our valued clients for their continued business and support. In today’s difficult economy, we truly value the loyalty and confidence our clients have entrusted in us … and we pledge to do whatever we can to maintain the best possible fees and service that have satisfied them in previous years.

We are looking forward to a prosperous New Year … and fully realize that the success of our Firm depends on the dedication of our Associate’s and the solid business partnerships / relationships that we have built with our clients. We want our clients to know that they are appreciated, and if there is anything we can implement to enhance our innovative service offerings and/or serve them better, we are open to their constructive guidance! Again, many thanks and best wishes for an economically sound future …

So, in closing, what was your 2009 song and what will be your 2010 song?

Submitted By: Gary Pino

Altruism is alive and well at i.d.o. Incorporated….

For many design firms finding ways to balance pro-bono or low-fee work with commercially based work is a common practice. Some firms set percentages saying that they will never go over 10 percent pro bono at anytime; while others subsidize low-fee work with other client relationships which typically pay a higher fee.

At i.d.o. we have discovered when we combine our fee based work with each associates desire to make contributions which support our community, the results proved amazing.

With this year’s support from our Clients and many business partners, mixing our commercial fee based work with our pro-bono work helped to stabilize our practice and at the same time allowed our associates to contribute their time and talent to our community.

In 2009, i.d.o. has through in-kind services, individual volunteer opportunities and contributions, been afforded opportunities to serve and support numerous organizations. We have been able to actively support and serve the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Boner Community Center Legacy 2012 Housing Project, East 10th Street Civic Association, Architects for Humanity, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Indianapolis Zoo, and Cristo Rey High School to name a few.

We pledge to continue our support for these organizations and we look forward to adding new efforts to our list in 2010. We acknowledge our ability to serve our community is based upon our ability to serve and support you. This is why we also want to hear from you. Especially if you have suggestions on how we may enhance our services. Feedback from those we serve would truly be considered a “GIFT” and will help us continue to develop and improve the quality of service we strive to deliver you; our Clients, Business Partners and Our Community.

With that, we send a “HUGE” THANK YOU, for the opportunities provided us in 2009 and look forward to opportunities to expand upon our existing relationships as well as develop new relationships in the New Year of 2010.

Submitted by: Jill Mendoza

In May of 1999, I sat at my kitchen table opening college graduation gifts. One of the gifts I opened was a business card holder. My father reached for it, wanting to look at it more closely. Upon examining the holder and the enclosed description, my father said to me “You know, your grandpa built a house that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright…” On the front of that holder was a Frank Lloyd Wright pattern.

This was definitely news to me!

As it turns out, in the early 50’s, my grandfather was building a house for his sister-in-law and her husband on the Southwest side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As he was constructing their home, he was being observed by a man by the name of John D. Haynes. Mr. Haynes owned property across the street from the build site. After observing my Grandfather and his quality craftsmanship, he asked my Grandfather if he would be interested in building his family’s home. After my grandfather reviewed the prints he accepted the job offer. The Haynes’ home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Now fast forward to the twenty-first century, when several years ago the couple who purchased the home wanted to interview my grandfather about his memories of constructing the house, on site. I was privileged to be there for the interview. I remember him talking about the woodwork in the home.

He recalled that the interior wood that was used on the ceiling was Red Tidewater Cyprus. He said that it was one of the easiest woods to work with. On the day of the interview, he sat in the living room in front of the video camera, and looked up at the ceiling and stated that “ the wood was still just as beautiful 50 years later as it was the day I installed it.”

He also told the story about how as the home was under construction, he noticed on the drawings that one wall of the house called for one more course of brick than another wall. He showed this detail to the client. Mr. Haynes insisted that my grandfather build it exactly as shown on the prints.. After all, it was designed by FLW and “FLW didn’t make mistakes”. However, my grandfather explained that if the walls were built as specified it would cause problems once the roof and ceiling were constructed, because the walls would not be level. So, Mr. Hayne’s decided the only way to resolve this issue was to have the Frank Lloyd Wright foundation review the prints. The gentlemen made the trip to Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin to have the prints reviewed. Subsequently, the foundation informed Mr. Haynes that there was an error on the prints. There was an additional course of brick called for on one of the walls. (Now I know where I get my eye for detail !)

This year, my grandfather, Master Carpenter, Charles E. Sipe passed away at the age of 92. And although he is gone, his five son’s and many grandchildren still remember and retell his stories; his connection to a little piece of architectural history.

Although Charlie is not here anymore, the house still stands. As a matter of fact, the current owners have restored the home and are now sharing the beauty of this jewel. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend time in a building that was designed by a famous architect? You can book a stay at the home my Grandpa Charlie helped bring to life. Please visit the following website, if you are interested in knowing more about the John D. Hayne’s house in Fort Wayne, IN.

Haynes House

What other structures in Indiana were designed by famous architects? Do you know or have any connections to any famous architectural designs? Please share your experiences with us…

Submitted By: Melanie Wilhelm