HISTORY OF ABSR
By Marcia Metzcus
ABSR Mission. Since its inception in September 1973, ABSR has sought to promote the well-being of the community, to give voice to the concerns of its residents, to foster community spirit, and to keep residents informed and take appropriate action on matters of interest and concern to the Town of Beverly Shores.
Our efforts are guided and informed by our commitment to inclusiveness, we welcome all residents; non-partisanship, we are not affiliated with any political party; openness, we are committed to a culture of collaboration and transparency; partnerships, we are committed to establishing partnerships in the community to achieve our mission; unbiased information, we recognize the power and value of our role as an independent, unbiased resource for Beverly Shores; and volunteerism, we value and recognize the contribution of volunteers.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EARLY DECADES
The formation of ABSR occurred at a challenging time. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore had been established (through eminent domain, affecting many Beverly Shores homeowners) and its boundaries were still in flux. One of the first efforts of ABSR was to gather residents' opinions about the Park boundaries and to inform the community about the status of the Park's plans.
In its early days, ABSR was also involved in meetings with the Town Council, the National Park Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers leading up to the 1973 Army Corps Lakefront revetment. When the deer population became so overwhelming that there were no wildflowers on the lakefront, shrubs and evergreen trees were eaten up to the highest level a deer could reach, and the deer were emaciated in wintertime, ABSR funded the first flyover deer count. ABSR didn't take a position on reducing the deer herd, but believed that having accurate data was crucial. In the late 1980s, the South Shore train station was a dilapidated, boarded-up structure. NICTD was going to let the building decay. ABSR donated $10,000 of the $25,000 raised locally to restore the Depot building, which now houses the Depot Museum and Art Gallery, to its original glory.
Starting around 2000, with residents depending on private wells for our water, Dr. Mort Arnsdorf, Chair of the ABSR Communications Committee, wrote articles for Sand Tracks about public health issues connected to water quality. ABSR Board members became involved in the effort to bring public water to town; Sand Tracks provided information to residents from the beginning to the end of the project. Thanks to the Town Council (and the residents who funded it!) the 2003 Water Bond made it possible for Lake Michigan water to be brought to our homes.
ABSR has always been a sponsor of social activities to bring residents together, thereby fostering a sense of community. Events sponsored by ABSR in the earlier decades were: the Easter Egg Hunt, Town Clean-up, Summerfest, the International Buffet (a winter festival held at St. Ann Church), the Annual Meeting, and the Senior Lunch.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 20 YEARS …. ABSR INITIATIVES, EVENTS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Communications
Publication of monthly newsletter, Sand Tracks; monthly Report on Town Council Meetings; creation of first Beverly Shores Email Tree; ABSR Website; sponsor of Candidate Forum and Special Election Issue of Sand Tracks in local Election Years.
Environment
Information and communication on recycling and household hazardous waste. Identified safest form of mosquito abatement, and funded the Town's mosquito larva abatement program. Held educational meeting for residents about proposed waste transfer station on County Line Rd. Conducted research on ground and surface water levels during 2006-2009 high water years; worked with the Town to propose a Hydrology Study, issued by the National Parks/USGS in 2011. Dark Skies Initiative – led education efforts and fundraising campaign for the Town to convert all streetlights to downward-shielded fixtures. Led effort resulting in Beverly Shores designation as the world's 7th Dark Sky Community. (Special thanks to Rosemary and Alan Bell, ABSR Environment Committee members, for leading the Dark Skies effort.) Sponsored annual Town Clean-up and Garlic Mustard Pull. Conducted annual Beach Clean-up. Worked with Town Plan Commission on development of Steep Slope Ordinance. Applied for and received designation as an Indiana Audubon Bird Town. Held educational meeting for residents about the Arcelor Mittal cyanide spill. Held educational meeting for residents about the EPA's Revised Coal Ash Rule.
Contributions to the Town and to Other Not-for-Profit Organizations
Contributions to Town. Town Center Project: Refurbished interior of Administration Building; rebuilt Community House Library; designed and built Multi-Use Storage Building.* Developed* and maintained Gardens at Four Corners; donated $5,000 for 2006 storm clean up; funded new electronic sign at Administration Bldg.; funded Beverly Shores welcome signs; Tree of Heaven eradication (co-sponsored with ERG).
Contributions to Park Board. Landscape maintenance of Rebora Plaza and Administration Bldg.; repair and clean-up of warming hut; porta-potty at the Park during the summer; contributed to rebuilding Shore Ave. stairs; funded disc golf at Lituanica Park; donation for Playground Improvement Project
Contributions for Community House. Community House roof repair; driveway repaving; new furnace; central air-conditioning (with FOBS); Gallagher Garden.
Contributions to Depot Museum & Art Gallery. Annual donation to support staffing; internet connectivity for Depot gift shop.
Contribution to Beverly Shores Volunteer Fire Dept. Reflective house numbers project, a joint project of ABSR and the BSVFD.
Social Events
ABSR continues to provide annual social activities to bring residents together, fostering a sense of community. Currently ABSR organizes and funds: Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Coffee, Necktie 5k Walk and Run, Garden and Art Walk (co-sponsored with ERG), Summerfest, Annual Meeting, Neighborhood Block Parties, Halloween Party, Holiday Hop(e) fundraiser for local food pantries, and Winterfest.
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*In conjunction with the ABSR Community Foundation and its predecessor, Beverly Shores Community Association.