Getting to the CORE!

Northeast Indiana is ablaze with sustainable ideas and innovations.

As the creator of the Green ABC's for Kids, I am always on the lookout for ground-breaking ideas to tie education with good sound green business practices.

Just recently, the City of Fort Wayne came together with the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council to form the Bright Green Business Program to certify area businesses in sustainable practices. And, last week the Green ABC's for Kids was recognized as the Innovator of the Year in the Retail Category by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.

Fort Wayne citizens are moving towards sustainable and restorative practices and with that progress comes novel approaches.

An inventive recycling program, Curriculum Opportunities and Resources for Education, (CORE) is a logical response to that progress.

I first became aware of CORE during a visit to Johnny Appleseed Park, here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a week or so ago and noticed a new store on the corner of ST. Joe and North Anthony Blvd, nestled between Game Quest and the Professional Federal Credit Union.

This new non-profit, created by Fort Wayne high school teachers, Lori Heiges, and Julie Williams, CORE receives surplus items and materials from businesses that are then sold to educators, homeschoolers, scout leaders and others to construct the many educational materials that are needed to school our kids.

CORE operates on a membership basis. Educators buy a membership (a Punch-It card) for 25.00 and can then receive up to $110.00 worth of materials.
Presently, CD's, DVD's, marbles, staple removers, plastic spoons, straws, and pipe cleaners are items most urgently needed at CORE.

However, a visit to their website at http://mycoreinc.org/donatesurplus.html contains a listing of all the items that are needed and can be received.

The website also includes the beliefs of the creators, a list of the board of directors and how to contact the owners.

Northeast Indiana and our city of Fort Wayne, has long been concerned about the brain drain that is taking our young people into other parts of the country where they can make a good living, and utilize their skills. What better way to keep our kids here than to become a progressive, and well-educated area where sustainable practices is the norm, not the alternative?

These exciting and fresh ideas like CORE bring together the best of our community. Educators and business people working together for the good of our kids.

What an easy way to go!