Moving to a new location can be a daunting task, whether it’s loading furniture, clothing or miscellaneous items.
In the case of Books, Brushes and Bands for Education (BBB4E), the move involved more than 5,000 books previously housed in the Merge building on Hohman Avenue in Hammond that are earmarked for a Book Brigade program.
“We have about 14 volunteers who offered to load their cars and vans to transport the books to our new location at St. Catherine of Siena School in Hessville,” said Shelley Lohr, BBB4E communications coordinator. “This is going to take quite a while.”
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Books, Brushes and Bands for Education was developed by Michelle Golden in 2000. Since that time, it has grown to much more than just a traditional arts organization, with the mission of helping to build and showcase the group’s endeavors as they involve the community.
In addition to the Book Brigade, BBB4E’s cornerstone programs include its vocal ensemble, and beginning and continuing band programs — which serve a diverse group of public, private, parochial and home-schooled students.
Participants range in age from 5 to 18 years old. Beginning players, as well as experienced players, are welcome. Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify.
For 14 years, BBB4E’s classes have been nomadic, with many locations used throughout the city for classes, programs and presentations, according to Golden. With the newly leased location at the old St. Catherine of Siena School, 6525 Kentucky Ave., all classes, rehearsals and concerts will have a place to call home.
The move is bittersweet, since the space to be used as home base for BBB4E is raw and needs quite a bit of attention, according to Golden. Many big-ticket items are on the to-do list — painting, carpeting and equipment and furniture, to name a few. And volunteers to assist in services for these items also are needed.
Since the financial budget won’t allow for these improvements, BBB4E is looking for donations and volunteers to come forward to assist the 15-year-old organization.
“This new space allows our students and their families to come together in one place. We all have to take ownership of it,” Golden said. “I’m very optimistic. A family from Michigan just donated a piano. In light of this, I’m certain that our local community can find it in their hearts to continue and further support us so we can continue our work for the next 15 years.”
Although the programs themselves have developed as expected during BBB4E’s 15 years, much remains to be done physically to make the new location usable. Twelve rooms are available in the former school; currently only four are being used by BBB4E.
Three years ago, the Book Brigade made its debut through five Hammond neighborhoods.
Promoting and bringing literacy was the mission, with the once-a-year, direct-to-door delivery of free books. Dozens of volunteers did the honors, pulling the many red wagons needed to complete the task.
The inaugural event found more than 1,500 donated books placed in Radio Flyer red wagons located inside every First Midwest Bank branch in Northwest Indiana.
Each year, the number of books has increased, and the inventory of more than 5,000 titles was transferred from the Merge building on 5920 Hohman Ave., where Golden and Lohr continue to operate the BBB4E administrative offices.
The organization hopes to expand enrollment through participation with the city of Hammond’s voucher program, which will enable more families to receive financial assistance for students wanting to get involved with the music programs.
“The arts are the universal language of sharing,” Lohr said. “Through the arts, you share knowledge, emotion and time. As people participate in the arts, they become more understanding of each other. That is why the arts have something for everyone and every community.”
To donate items, services, or to obtain more information about Books, Brushes and Bands for Education, contact Lohr at 219-932-3232 or www.bbb4e.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.