Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Symphonies & Dirges

The artists reception for the new exhibitions at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, takes place Friday (2 January) from 6 to 9 p.m.

The exhibit, "Symphonies & Dirges - new work by Emma Overman", features "a collection of works based on life's highs and lows, from simple pleasures and trivial inconveniences to great successes and hardships."

In Gallery No. 2 will be "Cargo - new work by Toni Hook", an exhibit of over 20 paintings using shipping pallets as the canvas. "The raw material paired with characteristically American images reflects an unrefined America. Through bold colors and aggressive brushwork, people and ideas become the freight." (That's her "Six Tanks", above right.)

In Hank & Dolly's Gallery there'll be "Botanical Abstractions - new work by Todd Bracik". And, across from the Harrison Gallery, Bruce Benedict and friends perform at 8 p.m.

The artwork hangs through 31 January. For more information, email, or call 317:396-3886.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Penrod Society Announces Theft by Assistant Treasurer

Statement from The Penrod Society President James Art

"Late in November, we learned that The Penrod Society had been robbed. Specifically, our organization and the arts community we serve are victims of a serious crime allegedly committed by one of our volunteers that resulted in the theft of approximately $380,000.

"When we learned of this crime late last month, we reported it to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The police are, of course, investigating. We’ve also gotten a call from an attorney representing the individual who allegedly committed this crime. Finally, we’ve had conversations with our members, our bank and our insurance company. From all those conversations, we’ve pieced together what we think happened:

"One of our members, a financial professional from a respected local financial firm, was named assistant treasurer of our organization. He was given responsibility for writing some of The Penrod Society’s checks and managing some of the Society’s money. But he abused that role and those relationships. According to his attorney, he allegedly had a gambling problem and stole our money to finance that problem.

"We’ll have to let the police determine exactly how he did that—through forged checks, unauthorized signature cards or some other method. The sad result is that one person stole money that should have and would have helped many people in this community.

"There are painful lessons in this crime. There are lessons about trust. There are lessons about non-profit governance.

"The Penrod Society is a 42-year-old, all-volunteer organization that helps promote the arts in Indianapolis. We have no paid staff members. Our main role is to organize and host an art fair on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The proceeds from that event are distributed each year in the form of grants to nonprofit arts organizations in our community. As a result of this crime, our ability to make grants this year at historic levels has been severely hampered.

"We do know, however, that our sponsors and members remain supportive. Because of their continued commitment and generosity (we’ve secured more than six figures in donations and sponsorships in the past few weeks), we know that we’ll have an art fair this September; we know that all our current debts will be paid; and we know we’ll be quickly back on track.

"As an organization, we feel like the family who lived in a nice neighborhood all our lives. We trusted them and they trusted us. We left our doors unlocked. We had one another’s house keys in case of emergency. Now, someone’s violated that trust and we’ll never get it back.

"We also know we’ll have to do things differently than we have for the past four decades. Toward that end, we’ve taken the following steps:

"We’ve set up a governance committee. This group will immediately review and revise our operating procedures—including multiple signature requirements and other measures that ensure this never happens again.

"We’ve set up an asset recovery committee. Those volunteers will work with all the parties involved to recover all the assets we can. What we cannot recover, our volunteers will attempt to replace through donations of their own and from others.

"Most important, we will continue to cooperate with the police investigation and whatever action they and the Marion County Prosecutor decide to take.

"At this time, that’s what we know and what we’re doing about it. There will be a Penrod Arts Fair in 2009 as scheduled on September 12. If our asset recovery efforts are successful, we will make Penrod grants, early next year, as planned.

"We’d like to answer your questions, but because this matter is still being investigated by the police, we don’t want to say anything that would compromise that. We’re also going to leave it up to the police to determine when and if it is appropriate to release the name of the individual involved."

Statement posted at Inside INdiana Business.

According to the Indianapolis Business Journal the individual accused is Brandon Benker, a junior auditor at Indianapolis-based Somerset CPAs.

Monday, December 29, 2008

A Closer Look at Chairs?

An intriguing exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, closes on 19 January. "More than Four Legs: A Closer Look at Chairs" is on view in the IMA's Star Studio. It's an installation by Carla Atwood Hartman that invites visitors to consider chair design as an art form.

Included are chairs designed by Hartman's grandparents, 20th Century design legends Charles and Ray Eames (that's their lounge chair and ottoman, pictured). See also this cool video.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Incredibly Shrinking Star

Ruth Holladay continues to chronicle the incredibly shrinking Indianapolis Star.

"Major changes are coming", she reports. Lori Borman's column? Gone after tomorrow. Features sections for Monday and Tuesday? Gone after 5 January. Taste section? Shrunk.

This Indianapolis Observer is horrified. But, then, IO reads The Star online these days instead of printed on dead trees.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Meet Scooby Doo!


Head to the Children's Museum, 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis to meet Scooby Doo on the Mezzanine! Shaggy's best friend will be there at 4 and 6 p.m. 1 January (that's Target Free Family Night, so there's no admission charge) and again 2 and 3 January at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Bye Bye National City

Shareholders of both PNC Financial Services Group Inc. and National City Bank approved their $5.6 billion merger earlier this week. The deal is expected to close 31 December.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Building Green Symposium Planned for March


The third annual Indiana Building Green Symposium is set for 12 and March in Indianapolis.

The event will focus on the economics, technology and operational strategies for environmentally friendly construction. It will also feature a Greening Indiana Cities Panel with representatives from communities including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Bloomington.

More than 400 designers, owners, operators and developers will attend the event held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Workshops and featured speakers will focus on green building economics, technology and operational strategies to benefit designers, builders and property owners.

The Indiana Building Green Symposium is developed by the US Green Building Council - Indiana Chapter.

Monday, December 22, 2008

MIBOR Study Finds Sales Down in Indy


The Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) says overall sales activity in central Indiana decreased during the three-month period of September-November 2008, according to Inside INdiana Business.

A new report finds sales down 14 percent over the same time period last year. Sales from June to November were down 15 percent from the same period in 2007. New listings between September and November 2008 also fell 14 percent from the same period in 2007.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Lincoln Turns 200 on 12 February 2009

To celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the Indiana Historical Society is displaying part of its extensive collection on the former president at "The Faces of Lincoln" exhibition through 3 January in the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Indiana Sports Corporation Turns 30

The Indiana Sports Corporation (ISC) is celebrating its 30 year anniversary by unveiling a new brand identity, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The celebration includes a new logo and an official move to shorten the name to Indiana Sports Corp. ISC was founded in 1979 as the nation's first sports commission.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

2009's "500" Festival Theme Announced

The "500" Festival announced today (18 December) its theme for 2009: “Laps, Legends & Legacy: Honoring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era.”

This will be the 52nd year for the "500" Festival - and the beginning of the Centennial Era for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

May's month-long roster of events culminates with the 93rd running of the Indianapolis "500" on 24 May at the IMS.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

$27.8 million in MidPoint Food & Ag Fund

Agribusiness venture capital firm IN Partners LLC has announced the successful initial close of its inaugural $27.8 million MidPoint Food & Ag Fund.

The fund will focus its investments in bio-based products and processes, human wellness, food safety, animal health, environmental technologies and production technologies.

With the advent of the MidPoint fund, Indianapolis is now one of only a handful of cities in North America with professional venture capital dedicated to innovations in food and agriculture, and provides yet another demonstration of Indiana’s national stature as one of the top life sciences regions.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Center For Urban Policy and the Environment Receives Grant

Lilly Endowment has awarded Indiana University $2 million over three years to support the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, according to the IUPUI News Bureau.

The Center for Urban Policy and the Environment is one of three research centers operating under the Public Policy Institute at IUPUI, which also includes the Center for Health Policy and the Center for Criminal Justice Research.

John L. Krauss (pictured) directs both the Center for Urban Policy and the Public Policy Institute. The Lilly Endowment grant, according to Krauss, will enable the center and the institute to advance their efforts to provide independent, original research and program development in such areas as housing, land use, government reform and economic development.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Motel Closing at The Speedway

The Brickyard Crossing Inn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is closing immediately, according to Inside INdiana Business.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Joie Chitwood says bringing the motel up to Speedway quality standards would require a significant investment, so the building will be razed.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Kersting Collection Headed to Eiteljorg Museum


The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will be home to the multi-million dollar Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The 800 piece collection includes Southwestern pottery, jewelry and other objects.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Lincoln Artifacts Stay in Indiana

Lincoln Financial Foundation will donate its collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts and documents to the State of Indiana, reports the newsroom of the Indiana State Museum.

Valued at more than $20 million, this is the world's largest private collection of memorabilia from Abraham Lincoln's personal and presidential life. It will be housed at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis and the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne.

Among the more than 20,000 items in the collection are signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment; three-dimensional artifacts including Lincoln's wallet and a chair he sat in for some of his most famous photographs; artwork; thousands of documents; photographs; prints and rare books.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Indy-based Friedman Foundation Announces New Leader

The Indianapolis-based Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice has named Robert Enlow as its incoming president and chief executive officer, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Enlow currently serves as the Foundation's executive director and chief operating officer. His new duties begin 1 January. He will succeed Gordon St. Angelo, who has served as president and CEO since 1996. St. Angelo will continue to work with the Foundation as president emeritus.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Lilly Project Lands in Guinness Book of World Records

A mural on a 1,230-foot-long wall along Madison Ave., located just south of downtown Indianapolis, has achieved recognition as a new Guinness World Record, according to Eli Lilly and Company.

The mural was among 60 beautification projects completed in partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., and more than 50 local community organizations during Lilly's inaugural Global Day of Service held last May.

Lilly and KIB submitted the mural for consideration by Guinness, and recently were notified that the mural has been confirmed as the largest paint-by-number mural in the world. The record was held previously in China.

A former Manual High School/Art Institute of Indianapolis student Patrick Viles designed the mural to showcase fun, hard work, and healthy living in Indiana. Well-known Indianapolis landmarks are featured, including the Indianapolis Zoo, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the city's south side.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Christmas at the Harrison Home

Re-enactors portraying President Benjamin Harrison's family and staff will celebrate being home for the holidays amid traditional Victorian holiday décor on Saturday (13 December).

The Harrison Family Christmas welcomes guests from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tours every half-hour, at the President Benjamin Harrison Home, 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis.

Admission is $9 for adults, and $4 for children ages 5 to 17. For more information, call Phyllis Geeslin, 317:631-1888.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Indy-Based Liberty Fund is Prolific Publisher

A wide variety of titles is available from the Liberty Fund, including Origins of the Common Law by Arthur R. Hogue, an eight volume set of Collected Works of John Stuart Mill and The Lamp of Experience: Whig History and the Intellectual Origins of the American Revolution by Trevor Colbourn.

Indianapolis-based Liberty Fund is a private educational foundation established in 1960 to encourage study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

An Aerophare for Indy?

According to The Indianapolis Business Journal, an audacious vision is being floated for downtown Indy.

“Aerophare” is a French-designed structure taking visitors up (and down) in a basket below a balloon within a 20-story, helical tower.

Indianapolis-based AeroPhare America has had initial discussions with management of White River State Park, IBJ's Chris O’Malley reports in the current issue of the business weekly.

AeroPhare America owners Tim Coughlin and Tony Sandlin are to present their vision to the park’s board later this month.

Friday, December 5, 2008

C-C Council District 6 Town Hall Meeting

A town hall meeting for residents of City-County Council District 6 begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow (6 December) at Flanner and Buchanan Community Center, 2950 North High School Road, Indianapolis.

Speakers are Tom Creassor, Chief Deputy for Marion County Treasurer, and Scott Newman, Public Safety Director. Organizer is Janice McHenry (317:298-5285), the district's City-County Councillor.

Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item for a local food bank.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Motorsports Industry Show Moves to Indy

Indianapolis will be home to a new motorsports trade show next year. The International Motorsports Industry Show is scheduled for 2-3 December 2009 at the Indianapolis Convention Center, reports Inside INdiana Business.

It will include exhibitors and vendors as well as education and training programs. Indiana Motorsports Association Executive Director Tom Weisenbach says the trade show is projected to have an economic impact of more than $5 million in its first year.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Beech Grove Goes Wireless

Inside INdiana Business reports that the City of Beech Grove has become the first community in the state to provide a completely wireless program within city limits.

Officials have launched the network called Hornets' Net, which will provide online access to residents, businesses and visitors for a fee.

(Beech Grove is one of those "excluded communities" that's within Marion County but not part of the City of Indianapolis.)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Ivy Tech to Host National Convention

The Lumina Foundation for Education has awarded Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana a $130,000 grant to fund a national convention of public community colleges, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The convention, to be held in or near Indianapolis between March and May of next year, will focus on increasing access and success for working adults in post-secondary, associate degree level education.

The conference will explore ways the schools can make education more accessible to working adults including cohort learning, access to student services and holding classes at convenient times and locations.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Public Meetings About Rising Sewer Rates

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works will hold three public meetings to inform the public about potential sanitary sewer rate increases for 2009 through 2013 to fund the city's Clean Streams-Healthy Neighborhoods program.

The majority of the proposed increase is needed to keep Indianapolis in compliance with a federally mandated consent decree to address the city's raw sewage overflows.

4 December: Auditorium, Family/Recreation Center, Brookside Park, 3500 Brookside Pkwy South Drive, Indianapolis -- 6:30 p.m., Formal presentation; 7:30 to 8 p.m., Open house.

9 December: Room A, Carson Government Center, 300 East Fall Creek Parkway, Indianapolis -- 6:30 p.m., Formal presentation; 7:30 to 8 p.m., Open house.

11 December: Multipurpose Room, Garfield Arts Center, Garfield Park, 2432 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis -- 6:30 p.m., Formal presentation; 7:30 to 8 p.m., Open house.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Grant Goes to Indy Parks & Recreation

Indy Parks & Recreation has been awarded a $350,000 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for after-school programs at eight Indianapolis Public School sites.

The grant will begin in January and continue through May 2013. It will be evaluated for renewal at the end of each grant year.

The sites are IPS 27, IPS 51, IPS 49, IPS 63, IPS 69, IPS 31, IPS 46 and IPS 82.

Friday, November 28, 2008

It's Not Really Indy-Centric, But...

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that I-65 north of I-80/94 (the Frank Borman Expressway) and all the ramps at the interchange of I-65 and I-80/94 are open to traffic.

This Indianapolis Observer, who frequently drives to Chicago, is very, very grateful!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving, Indy!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Christmas at the Lilly House

"Over the top" is a fair description of the holiday decorations now in place in the Lilly House at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Bradley Brooks, the Lilly House director, changes the decor each year, drawing from the wealth of historical information on what Christmas looked like during the three decades (1933-1966) that J.K. Lilly Jr. and his family were in residence.

You can see what Brooks has conjured up this season now through 11 January. The busiest days at the house are 4 December (the annual open house held in conjunction with the Madeline Elder Greenhouse), 18 December (the winter solstice) and the week of Christmas. If you want to peruse the decorations at your leisure, plan to visit on other days!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Children's TherAplay Foundation

The annual holiday festival and open house sponsored by the Children's TherAplay Foundation is set for 1-3 p.m. 6 December at 9919 Towne Road, Carmel.

There'll be holiday crafts, cookie decorating, photos with the holiday pony, refreshments, face painting, balloon art, live music and a winter plant sale. Admission is free.

For information, contact Breinne Risner, 317:872-4166.

The Children's TherAplay Foundation is an outpatient rehabilitation clinic for children with special needs, incorporating the movement of horses into physical and occupational therapy sessions. Its mission is to provide children who have special needs a foundation for developing life skills through innovative therapies in a safe and caring environment, including equine-assisted physical and occupational therapy.

Monday, November 24, 2008

American Lightning


American Lightning by Howard Blum (Crown Publishers, 2008) recounts the story of a huge explosion in Los Angeles in 1910 that destroyed the headquarters of the LA Times and killed 21 people. (The photo, above, is from the book.)

Of course, there's an Indy connection: "Employing his army of detectives, [Billy] Burns traced the conspiracy, as well as other terrorist acts, to the Indianapolis headquarters of the Structural Iron Workers union and its secretary-treasurer, John J. McNamara, whose accomplices included his brother Jim."

You can read more of David Oshinksy's review of the book in The New York Times. It was in the book review section yesterday (23 November 2008).

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The 2008 International Festival Closes at 6 p.m. Today

Hurry to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, before 6 p.m. today. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until November 2009 for the next edition of Indy's International Festival, hosted by the Nationalities Council of Indiana.

See more here.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Taquitos! Gelato! Egg Rolls! It's All at the Festival!



Bring your appetites to Indy's International Festival today (22 November) and tomorrow (23 November). Otherwise, you'll have to wait a whole year to eat your way around the world!

It's all at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis (check the website if you need to know more).

Friday, November 21, 2008

Indy's International Festival is NOW!






















These photos were taken yesterday (from top, left to right): some of the crowd, miniature Chinese lions, Indian spices, Japanese origami flowers, Polish ethnic costume.

The International Festival is open in Indianapolis today (21 November) through Sunday (23 November) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.

Great food, entertainment and shopping plus more than you ever knew was possible to learn about international Indy, including how to sign up to study abroad.

See more here, a video by The Indianapolis Star.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Mark Your Calendars for 2015 and 2016

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee has selected Indianapolis to host the 2015 Men’s Final Four. Butler University, IUPUI and the Horizon League will serve as host institutions, while Indiana Sports Corporation will manage the Indianapolis Local Organizing Committee (ILOC).

The 2015 event marks the seventh time Indianapolis has been awarded the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The city has hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000, and 2006. Indianapolis will also host the 2010 NCAA Men’s Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis also will host the Women's Final Four in 2016. Butler University, IUPUI and the Horizon League will serve as host institutions. The city hosted the 2005 Women's Final Four, and will also host the tournament in 2011.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Fine Arts And Crafts Fair

Looking for holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind handmade items? Check out the Fine Arts and Crafts Fair sponsored by the Staff Council of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

It's 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center at IUPUI. Admission is free.

The Staff Council represents all non-faculty and non-union employees of IUPUI. The Fine Arts and Crafts Fair is the group’s first major annual fundraising effort, and proceeds from booth rental will support scholarships for IUPUI students.

(And, here's a gratuitous tip from this Indianapolis Observer. The photo in The Indianapolis Star article today about the IU incubator that's supposed to be IU president Michael McRobbie actually is Gene Tempel, head of the IU Foundation. Yet another example of the cluelessness of the Star's staff about life in central Indiana, eh?)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Saarinen's Miller House to be Part of IMA

Maxwell L. Anderson, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, announced today that the IMA is moving forward with the acquisition of the landmark Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana. One of the country’s most highly-regarded examples of mid-century Modernist residences, the Miller House was designed by Eero Saarinen, with interiors by Alexander Girard, and landscape design by Daniel Urban Kiley.

Members of the Miller family and the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation have agreed to donate the house and gardens, along with many of its original furnishings, to the Museum, and have pledged $5 million toward an $8 million endowment for the house and surrounding grounds.

The IMA is raising $3 million for the remainder of the endowment and $2 million for the 18-month renovation of the house, which will entail a careful restoration of many of the original period details. Once the renovation is completed, the IMA will work with the Columbus Area Visitors Center to offer public access to the house and gardens.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Silent Sellers On Display

Just in time for the biggest shopping day of the year, picture windows in downtown Indianapolis will feature satirical art rather than retail merchandise.

“Silent Sellers” created by artist Jodie Hardy feature a mannequin wearing a dress made of yellow caution tape. The collection includes 100 dolls dressed in caution tape dresses and a highly stylized photo spread.

According to the Indianapolis-based artist, the installations are a commentary on the fashion industry’s use of photography and visual merchandising to seduce passersby and the physical and emotional pressures those fashions place on women.

The three public art installations are in the windows of Chase Tower, the city’s tallest building, on north Pennsylvania Avenue. It will be on display until May 2009.

“Behind the Windows,” a Web-based video featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the artist and model, is available here.

The picture windows project is a program developed by the Arts Council of Indianapolis designed to contribute to the vitality of downtown Indianapolis while exposing visitors and citizens to the diverse work of local artists. The privately-funded project was made possible by the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission through the financial support of Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Indy's International Festival is Next Weekend!



Thursday is for schools and other groups, but the International Festival is open to the public next Friday through 23 November! Don't miss the best party in Central Indiana. All the details are here!

Don't miss the cover article in today's Indianapolis Star about international Indy (even if they inexplicably overlook both the Nationalities Council of Indiana and Indy's upcoming International Festival -- nobody ever accused the Gannett rag of knowing what's really happening in the Hoosier Heartland!).

Y'all get out to the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds this weekend and see what the changing face of Indianapolis looks like! (Hint: it looks just like "us".)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Architecture For Humanity

Interested in architectural solutions to humanitarian crises? Can you help bring design services to communities in need? Then, consider joining the new Indy chapter of Architecture for Humanity.

AFH believes that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference. The AFH-Indy chapter welcomes new members -- those already involved include architects, designers, artists, city officials, construction managers, building suppliers, non-profit organizers, grant writers, people looking for a more sustainable city and people looking to make a difference.

The chapter's next meeting is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday (18 November), and you're welcome to join in at the Church Within, 1125 Spruce Street, Indianapolis.

Friday, November 14, 2008

National Renewable Energy Meeting in Indy

The National Renewables Cooperative Organization is holding its first meeting today in Indianapolis, according to Inside INdiana Business.

The group has 24 representatives from electric cooperatives across the country, including Indianapolis-based Wabash Valley Power. The goal of the organization is to help its member cooperatives develop renewable energy resources and increase the use of renewable energy in the United States.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Country Christmas Cabaret

Take a warm and wonderful trip to the heart of the holidays with the American Cabaret Theatre's "Country Christmas Cabaret".

This merry musical, created by Artistic Director Bob Harbin and Musical Director John Austin Butsch, spotlights traditional holiday tunes mixed with hits by a number of classic and contemporary country artists, including Toby Keith, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, Patsy Cline, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntyre, Kenny Rogers, and Brad Paisley. Country Christmas Cabaret will open 29 November and run through 21 December.

The American Cabaret Theatre is located in the Athenaeum/Das Deutsche Haus, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. For tickets, visit the box office or call 317:631-0334 x105. Tickets for Fridays and Saturdays, $20; Thursdays and Sundays, $15.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Veterans' Day Parade Affects Downtown Traffic

Tomorrow (11 November) Veterans' Day activities will be held to honor area military veterans. A memorial service will be conducted from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Indiana War Memorial.

The annual Veterans Day Parade Downtown will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Marshalling for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. with parade activities completed by approximately 2 p.m.

There will be parking and traffic restrictions along the parade route between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Parade Route:

* South on Pennsylvania Street from Michigan Street to New York Street
* West on New York Street to Meridian Street
* North on Meridian Street to St. Clair Street

Streets closed 9 a.m.-2 p.m.:

* Pennsylvania Street between 9th and New York streets
* Meridian Street between 9th and New York streets
* St. Clair Street between Illinois and Delaware streets
* Walnut Street between Illinois and Delaware streets
* North Street between Illinois and Delaware streets
* Michigan Street between Illinois and Delaware streets
* Vermont Street between Illinois and Delaware streets
* New York Street between Illinois and Delaware streets

Use Ohio, Washington and Maryland streets for east/west travel and Illinois Street and Capitol Avenue for north/south travel.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Sandra Seaton to Speak at Butler

Playwright and novelist Sandra C. Seaton will deliver Butler University’s 2008 Thornbrough Lecture, “Unrecorded History: Dramatizing the Past,” at 4 p.m. 14 November in the Ford Salon at Robertson Hall on the Butler campus in Indianapolis.

The event is free. No tickets are required. Call 317:940-9230 for more information. A reception will follow the lecture.

Seaton’s play The Bridge Party won a Theodore Ward Prize for new African-American playwrights.

Her most recent work, Sally, a solo play about the life of Sally Hemings, premiered at the New York State Writer's Institute in Albany, NY.

The lecture is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Historians and the Department of History and Anthropology at Butler University.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Work by Mark Lewis to Debut at IMA

Mark Lewis’ 2006 work Rear Projection: Molly Parker, premieres at the The Indianapolis Museum of Art on 7 November. It's a short film that looks to the outmoded technique of rear projection that will be on view in the Carmen & Mark Holeman Video Gallery.

London-based Lewis will lecture on his art at 6 p.m. 6 November in the IMA's DeBoest Lecture Hall. There is no charge for the presentation, which will be followed at 7 p.m. by an opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy Puck's Happy Hour with the IMA’s Contemporary Art Society.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Goodwill Hunting


Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana gets a really big plug in today's New York Times. A magazine feature titled "Goodwill Hunting" (Rob Walker's Consumed column) discusses -- quite favorably -- our own Goodwill's decision to hire Young & Laramore to promote the stores in 1996.

Since then, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana has gone from 23 stores to 40 -- and sales in 2007 were $45 million, up 17 percent from 2006.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Music Academy Benefit Recital

The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis presents a recital benefiting its Music Academy at 4 p.m. tomorrow (2 November) in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis Campus, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis

A weekly after-school music education program, the Music Academy provides scholarship-based keyboard lessons, music theory, and classical listening to Indianapolis’ economically disadvantaged elementary-age students.

The recital features a variety of Indianapolis musicians, including UIndy faculty, as well as advanced Music Academy students. Tickets are $15. For information, call 317:788-3255.

Friday, October 31, 2008

"Taste of the Seasons"

"Taste of the Seasons" is a holiday wine, spirits and beer tasting to benefit the Indianapolis-based United Hope Foundation.

It's set for 6 to 10 p.m. 14 November in Ritz Charles, 12156 North Meridian Street, Carmel. General admission is $50, with VIP status available at $65. Tickets are available at any United Package Liquor location, online or call 317:205-9266.

The VIP Lounge includes high-end spirits and cigars. There's also a silent auction, cupcake raffle and more.

Since 2005, the United Hope Foundation has given more than $100,000 to charities in Central Indiana, including Riley Children’s Hospital, Noble of Indiana, Second Helpings, Prevail, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Indianapolis Air Show abd Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Let Nothing Keep You Down

Kerry Max Cook (left) will talk about his book, Let Nothing Keep You Down, at 5 p.m. 7 November in the Wynne Courtroom of the Indiana University School of Law at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Cook, also the author of Chasing Justice: My Story of Freeing Myself after Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn’t Commit, was born in Stuttgart, Germany into an Army family, and spent much of his youth on Army bases. He returned to the United States with his family in 1972 to live in Texas. In 1977, at age 20, he was arrested and wrongly convicted of capital murder, a crime for which he would spend the next two decades on death row.

Since gaining his freedom, Cook has been an advocate for legal reform, lecturing at Princeton, Yale, and the University of Chicago, as well as internationally. Cook also appeared in the critically acclaimed play “The Exonerated,” based in part on his story. His visit is sponsored by the law student organization, Law Students Against Capital Punishment

There will be a reception and book signing following the lecture at 6 p.m. in Conour Atrium. Both events are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Angie's List and Indy's Eastside

Tomorrow (30 October), Angie's List CEO Bill Oesterle will announce "significant investments in and around the company's national headquarters on Indianapolis' Near Eastside".

Want to be the first to hear what's planned? Head on over to Angie's List, 1030 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Lilly Teams With Teach For America

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Company and Teach For America have launched an initiative to help new teachers working in low-income areas of Indianapolis, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Lilly employees will help the teachers get acclimated to the city and foster networking opportunities.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Northeast Corridor of Cultural Trail Commences

Construction on the next phase of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail begins in mid-November. The Northeast Corridor will connect the East Corridor on Alabama Street to the Monon Trail terminus on 10th Street.

The Northeast Corridor is about one mile long, and will feature both combined and separated trail paths with the same trail design, benches, bike racks, lighting and signage as the rest of the Cultural Trail.

It is anticipated that the Northeast Corridor hardscape will be complete by late 2009, with plantings installed in spring 2010.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

On My Honor: Girl Scouts Since 1912

Relive your own Girl Scout days through artifacts, vintage uniforms and photos at a new exhibition at the Indiana State Museum.

At "On My Honor: Girl Scouts Since 1912" you can visit a recreated camp, page through scrapbooks, and attend an imaginary meeting. Related programs include two Girl Scout 'sings'.

The exhibit is included in admission to the museum, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. It's open today through 1 March 2009.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Another Bank Bites the Dust

National City Corporation (headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio) has agreed to sell itself to a Pittsburgh bank in an all-stock deal that values National City at just $2.33 per share.

National City, the former Merchants National Bank, is the second-largest bank in the Indy metro area.

Student Leader Summit at IUPUI Saturday

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) will hold his sixth annual Service Leader Summit Saturday (25 October) in Indianapolis, according to Inside INdiana Business.

More than 140 high school student leaders from across the state will attend the event at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. They will learn about the fundamentals of successful service and talk about volunteer projects they can carry out at home with other students.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sears Closes Another Store

Sears Holdings Corp. has notified the state of plans to close its store at Lafayette Square Mall in Indianapolis on 11 January 2009

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Junior League's Holiday Mart

The 38th annual Holiday Mart sponsored by (and benefitting the programs of) the Junior League of Indianapolis is set for 30 October thrugh 2 November in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Admission to the unique shopping mall is $12, unless you head to a Marsh supermarket and buy an advance sale ticket for $10.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Pyrotechnics and Lasers?

The United States Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services will implement a variety of methods to discourage starlings from roosting in Downtown this fall, according to Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

In the evenings (beginning 20 October), USDA-WS staff -- in uniform and working from the sidewalks and selected rooftops downtown -- will be using a variety of methods including pyrotechnics and lasers. The pyrotechnics make loud shrill sounds and booms.

Watch for the excitement in a four block area surrounding Monument Circle: Illinois, Washington, Ohio and Pennsylvania streets; the Indiana State House perimeter; in University Park, and along South Meridian Street from Washington to Maryland streets.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Indy Gets First Green Roof Building

At 12:15 p.m. tomorrow (17 October), Mayor Greg Ballard will announce plans for the first green roof ever to be constructed on a city-owned building -- a wastewater storage and treatment facility on the north side of Indy.

If you want to get the information up close and personal, head to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Headquarters, 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Indianapolis.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Halloween ZooBoo Starts Tomorrow

Dress up the kids in their most ghoulish costumes and join the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo for the annual Halloween ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo in White River State Park for some not-so-spooky Halloween family fun.

The event has been expanded to cover two four-day weekends: 16-19 and 23-26 October. The Zoo will open at 9 a.m. each day, with Halloween activities from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Activities include safe trick-or-treating among the animals, pumpkin bowling, a haunted train ride, animal chats, Not-So-Scary animal shows and much more! Check it all out here.