Artists of All Stripes Put The Indie in Indianapolis

Yesterday's Washington Post had a delightful travel section feature on Indianapolis marred by only one tiny, tiny quibble. The author concludes, "I raced downtown and flew through the doors of the Indianapolis Museum of Art." Which, of course, she couldn't have done -- because it's, ummmm, not downtown.

To read Andrea Sachs' article, go here!

Centennial Fever

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is gearing up for three years' of festivities to celebrate its centennial.

After yesterday's successful 92nd running of the Indianapolis "500", they've begun letting the public know what's in store for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Construction the track began in 1909, and the first 500-Mile race was held in 1911.

Head to Brownsburg, Race Fans!

Brownsburg Motorsports Network plans a free open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday so race fans in town for Sunday's Indianapolis "500" can get an up-close, hands-on look inside the shops of top drag, Indy Lights, Thunder Roadsters and Formula One teams and racing manufacturers.

In all, 13 businesses will open their doors to the public.

Indy Crowns Its Queen-for-May

Karle Schaefer of Franklin (pictured) was selected the 2008 500 Festival Queen at the annual Breakfast at the Brickyard, held yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A senior at Franklin College majoring in Elementary Education, Schaefer, 21, is one of 33 women selected for the 2008 500 Festival Princess Program, serving as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and Indianapolis "500".

Princess Corianne Warrick of Linton, a senior at the University of St. Francis majoring in Biology and Chemistry, and Princess Savannah Lien of Greencastle, a 2008 graduate of IUPUI with a degree in Psychology and American History, were chosen as 2008 Princess Court members.

North-of-Downtown Development Continues

The Tower at Stutz Business Center is the name for a proposed 18-story condo/office mixed-use project to be developed by Turner Woodard.

Located at 11th Street and Capitol Avenue, it'll include four floors of parking, two to four floors of offices at 17,200 square feet per floor and 12 floors of residential condos topped with six penthouses. Completion is targeted in 2010.

A new CVS pharmacy is expected to replace the iconic IHOP on the southeast corner of 16th and Meridian streets in the next year. It'll be across the street from a Walgreen's (of course).

Bike To Work Downtown Friday

Friday (16 May) is National Bike to Work day!

Downtown, you can park your bike in one of 23 free BikePorts (46 bikes total) in the Canal & White River State Park district. BikePorts are secure bike lockers located at The National Institute for Fitness and Sport, Indiana Government Center and Merchants Garage.

Before heading downtown, create an account here. You can reserve a locker at home or on site by calling 888:310-7275. Additional BikePorts are being added to Eli Lilly & Co.'s campus and AMPCO/System Parking at the Chase Tower.

"Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys"

Dr. James H. Madison (left), a professor of history at Indiana University Bloomington, will discuss his recent book, Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II, at noon 21 May in the Indiana History Center, downtown, as part of the "Reading Life" series.

The book focuses on Elizabeth Richardson, a Red Cross Clubmobile worker from Mishawaka, who worked in Europe serving coffee and doughnuts to men going to and returning from combat. Using her diary, letters, paintings, and photographs, Madison shows Richardson's experiences in World War II. Elizabeth was killed in a plane crash over France in July 1945, and is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy.