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Emerson Heights is part of the Near East Side Community Organization (NESCO), a coalition of more than a dozen active neighborhood associations who work collectively to address issues and challenges on Indianapolis’s east side. Since 1970, NESCO has provided a unified voice for the neighborhoods through its community policing, zoning, code compliance, and liquor license review committees. It has also brought neighbors together at special events such as the annual Feast of Lanterns celebration, its Happy Haunted Halloween party, and its popular pub crawls.

For much of its history NESCO has received funding from the city of Indianapolis, but in recent years that support has dwindled. In the most recent budget the city withdrew financial support entirely. Because of the cuts NESCO is now without an executive director. Though the organization has always relied heavily on volunteers, their support is now more vital than ever.

Neighbors who want to get involved have several options. The following is a list of committees and general meeting times. New volunteers are always welcome.

· Fund Development, fourth Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.

· Feast of Lanterns, first Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.

· History and Preservation, second Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m.

· Land Use/Zoning, second Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

· Community Policing/Code Enforcement, first Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m.

· Liquor Licensing Review activities are suspended pending more volunteer support

These meeting times are subject to change, so if you’re interested in joining, please contact George Hanlin, the Emerson Heights NESCO representative, at 322-0866 or georgehanlin@yahoo.com to verify the date and find out the location. Also, NESCO needs volunteers for many of its special events, such as festivals and neighborhood cleanups, so if you’d like to get involved on a case-by-case basis, let George know.

Though NESCO faces challenges because of funding cuts, its leaders remain optimistic about its future. The organization has overcome many obstacles in the past as it has worked for community growth. With dedicated neighborhood representatives and a strong force of volunteers, it will continue to unite the residents of the east side and lead them toward progress.