We have been an anchor in our community since before 1996.
Friends of Irving Circle: A History
Even before Friends of Irving Circle was formalized as a not-for-profit in 1996, a unified community for the well being of the park had already been in place. The founding members of this community met together on the front porch of Jack and Mary Jane Eichacker to set out a plan. This group of like minded and motivated were to help clean and maintain the park. Such an order included removing trash and graffiti, and reaching out to the city for fountain maintenance.
It was during the mid 1990s when leadership passed over from the Eichacker’s to Jennifer Meehan-Mills. During this time frame, in 1996, the group came together to formally become the not-for-profit Friends of Irving Circle. Also during this time was when Sue Beecher began working with FOIC, after moving to Irvington in ~1991. Furthermore, Santa on the Circle was first celebrated around the same time. Initially it was just a meet and greet with Santa Claus. However, with time, it has expanded to include Krampus and other characters, alongside hot coco and cookies.
Around the 1990s was when the Irving Circle Park Concerts became recognizable as the Concerts we host to this day. Initially, there were no barricades put up around the circle street around Irving Circle Park. Nor was there provided snacks or drinks, with people seated where there was space in and near the park. However, during the mid 90s, greater cooperation with the City of Indianapolis to acquire the required barricades allowed for greater safety and traversal. Furthermore, FOIC began selling food and drink at the Concert Park venues, supplying income for Park Maintenance.
A Special Thanks to Past Leaders
Jack and Mary Jane Eichacker
Original leaders of Friends of Irving in the 1980s, even before the formal organization was founded. Contributed to the formal, legal recognition of Friends of Irving Circle. Formalized in 1996, around the time when leadership was transferred to Jennifer Meehan-Mills.
Jennifer Meehan-Mills
Second leader of Friends of Irving Circle, first major one after the formalization of the non-profit. Predecessor to Sue Beecher, the current leader of FOIC.
We Are…
Sue Beecher
President of Friends of Irving Circle, has been highly active in Irvington’s community for nearly 30 years. She is also an important member of other Irvington societies. These includes the likes of the Irvington Historical Society.
Daniele Roth
Treasurer of Friends of Irving Circle. She cooperates with Sue Beecher on the budget based upon the revenues from Concerts, Donations, and Sponsorships. She has been a part of Friends of Irving Circle for approximately two decades.
Nikhil Nomula
Serving as the Vice President of Friends of Irving Circle. He has been an active member and volunteer at Friends of Irving Circle for
Kristy Nomula
She is the Secretary of Friends of Irving Circle, and has volunteered as a member for as long as Nikhil has.
And Many More!
We are more than just a team, we are a whole community. Dozens of volunteers from across the neighborhood, and even from across the city, come together to help accomplish great things. Because of our shared goals and cooperation, we are greater than the sum of our parts.