10/07/11 Community leaders from Cicero, IN., will meet with Culver community leaders on Friday, October 7th as part of a bus tour of Indiana communities. Cicero is strategically developing its arts and cultural infrastructure, and will be touring various downtowns and waterfront regions for inspiration.

The mobile bus tour, which will run from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., is part of a series of “Community Conversations” held around the state that Indiana Humanities and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University facilitate. Cicero was one of six communities selected to create its own conversation based on a critical issue facing its community.

The itinerary for the day includes:

9 a.m.: Depart Cicero

The bus will leave from Red Bridge Park in Cicero.

9:45- 10:45 a.m.: Kokomo, Ind.

The group will meet with Mayor Greg Goodnight at City Hall. After talking with Randy Morris, director of operations for the city of Kokomo, and Polly Bray, development specialist for the city of Kokomo, the group will tour the downtown area.

12:15-1:30 p.m.: Culver, Ind.

Jeff Kenney, the editor of the Culver Citizen, will guide the group into Culver by providing some historical perspective of the area. Then, the group will meet at Culver Community Park with Dawn Brockey, the Culver Chamber of Commerce president; Ralph Winters, a town council member; and members of the Culver Redevelopment Commission. Lunch will be provided by the Culver Coffee Company.

2:20-3:30 p.m.: Winona Lake, Ind.

At The Village of Winona at Winona Lake, private developer Brent Wilcoxsen and several town officials will discuss how one person’s idea came to life—with the help of the community.

4:15- 6:30 p.m.: Goshen, Ind.

At the final stop of the day, the group will meet with local officials and community members at Gateway Winery to learn about downtown programs, such as First Friday. Those community members include Mayor Allen Kauffman and Gina Leichty, the event coordinator for the First Friday events, as well as various business owners. Finally, group members will tour downtown Goshen and eat dinner on their own before boarding the bus for the return trip home.

9 p.m.: Arrive in Cicero

After the one-day event, which is limited to 55 people (the capacity of the bus), the local steering committee will invite the public to a community discussion where they can participate in planning for the next phase of the city’s development.

About Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. As a convener, leader and partner, Indiana Humanities promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana’s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs

The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University advances the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen. The Center leads the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life. Learn more at www.bsu.edu/bowencenter.