Another Mile Completed!

A ribbon-cutting is set for 10 a.m. tomorrow (18 June) to mark the opening of the North Corridor of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Officiating at the Downtown Canal on Walnut Street just west of Senate Avenue are Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Brian Payne, president of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

The newly completed mile of the trail connects the American Legion Mall, Canal and White River State Park, Ransom Place historic neighborhood and Indiana Avenue. The Frank and Katrina Basile Corridor, on Walnut Street from Capitol Avenue to the Canal, also will be dedicated.

Other speakers include: Christopher Barney, chairman of the Madame Walker Theatre Board of Directors; Dr. Lisa Harris, President and CEO of Wishard Health Services, and Matt Gutwein, President and CEO of Marion County Health and Hospital Corp.

As a bonus to entice spectators, there'll be free food and pedometers! The organizers promise yummy treats from Creation Cafe and a pedometer, courtesy of Wishard Health Services (while supplies last).

Conference on Health, Disability and the Law

The 8th Annual Conference on Health, Disability and the Law, set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday (18 June), will explore the question of how health reform could impact children with disabilities and their families. Specific presentations by national and regional experts will share the current status of national- and state-level health reform activities, including discussion of the impact of health care on families and how we can best advocate for the health care needs of children with disabilities.

Keynote speaker is George Jesien (pictured), Executive Director, Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

It takes place in the Wynne Courtroom of Inlow Hall, Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis, 530 West New York Street, Indianapolis. For more information, email Carsandra Knight.

Indy Urban Farming Forum

So, you think 'cause you live in a city you can't be a farmer? Sustain Indy is out to prove you wrong! There's an intro session on urban gardening and farming at 7 p.m. 21 June in the Garfield Park Arts Center, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis.

Included on the agenda: Safe Soils Discussion for Brownfield Lots / Urban Infill Lots; urban ecology, Peace Gardens and a Q&A with Office of Sustainability Director, Kären Haley and City Brownfields Program Manager, Chris Harrell.

Who should attend? Anyone interested in learning more about urban farming, gardening and farmers markets in Indianapolis. The event is organized by the City of Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainablity and the Brownfields program. For more information, send an email.

McOuat Place Set for Redevelopment

The owners of two historic buildings in downtown Indianapolis are planning a redevelopment project, reports Inside INdiana Business. Plans for McOuat Place restore many of the original details of the turn-of-the-century buildings. The development will involve retail and residential space.

100 Acres to Roam, No Restrictions

The New York Times has a feature today on the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Art & Nature Park, opening to the public next weekend.

This Indianapolis Blogger took note of the new venue a few posts ago, here.

You might want to avoid the opening hype, but do get out to see it: astonishing!

The photo, by A.J. Mast for The New York Times is “Free Basket” by Los Carpinteros.

Water Headed to Gas Utility?

The Indianapolis Board of Waterworks gave its blessings Friday to the sale of the city’s water and wastewater utilities to Citizens Energy Group, reports IBJ.com.

That leaves the City-County Council and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to vote whether or not to approve the $1.9 billion deal proposed by Mayor Greg Ballard last March.

Ludwick to Head Independent Colleges of Indiana

Richard L. Ludwick officially assumed his duties as president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Indiana on 1 June. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Indianapolis, ICI is a nonprofit association representing Indiana’s 31 nonprofit, accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institutions of higher education.