If You've Never Driven in Carmel...

For those of us who just can't figure out how to navigate roundabouts, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works has scheduled open houses throughout Marion County to provide an overview on "how to drive, ride and walk them".

That's because Indy will start building their own, and doesn't want confused drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians. Seriously.

If you want to attend, here's the schedule:

Warren and Lawrence Townships- 20 September, 4-6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 4332 German Church Road

Pike and Washington Townships- 24 September, 4-6 p.m., Nora Branch Library, 8625 Guilford Avenue

Perry and Franklin Townships- 26 September, 4-6 p.m., Franklin Road Branch Library, 5550 South Franklin Road

Center Township- 1 October, 4-6 p.m., Damenverein Room, The Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street

Wayne and Decatur Townships- 2 October, 4-6 p.m., Decatur Branch Library, 5301 Kentucky Avenue

(Photo courtesy of Indy.gov)

Fest-Filled Weekend

Everybody knows that September is Indy's best month, weather-wise, and the stack of things to do this weekend is proof.

Indy Jazz Fest is well underway (it started Monday), with the big performances Saturday and Sunday in Broad Ripple's Opti-Park.

The 17th annual Irish Fest starts today and runs through Sunday in Military Park downtown.

The Indianapolis Sister Cities International Festival is from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday at the Indianapolis City Market downtown.

Also on Saturday is the 32d Fiesta sponsored by La Plaza, which celebrates Indy's Latino communities. It's on the American Legion Mall downtown from noon 'til midnight.

If You Wanna Know Why The Star Has Tanked....

...check out this post by Paul K. Ogden: "Former Indianapolis Star Editor is Flown to Spokane..."

Snippet:

..." former Star Editor-in-Chief Dennis Ryerson was flown out to Spokane to support the Straub in his appointment as 'director of law enforcement' of that city."

As Ogden says, "seriously?"

Can Somebody Who Follows the Colts...

...explain to this Indianapolis Observer just why the team sent Peyton Manning away?

"Manning Magnificent in Denver Debut".

And we're surprised, why?

Liz Naumann at the Athenaeum Art Space

A wine and cheese reception marks the opening of the exhibition of the art of Liz Naumann.

The event takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tomorrow (7 September) in the Athenaeum Art Space, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. It's open to the public at no charge.

A German artist from Gutach/Breisgau in the Black Forest, Naumann brings the art of Heimat to the Athenaeum. Her paintings of rural farmhouses, landscapes, Fastnacht (Fasching) masks and little chapels are full of vibrant color. Included are numerous images from Freiburg, the Black Forest and, in particular, Pfaffenweiler -- the ancestral village of many Hoosier Germans (especially in Jasper).

The exhibit will continue through September. For more information, contact the Max Kade Center, 317:274-2330.

(Painting by Liz Naumann courtesy of the Max Kade Center)

Wet Enough For Ya?

Citizens Energy Group and Mayor Greg Ballard today [4 September 2012] announced the recession of Executive Order #4, which declared a water shortage warning and contained mandatory water use restrictions, effective at noon tomorrow [5 September 2012].

The mandatory warning and water restrictions took effect 13 July 2012.

"Haunted DC"

Gear up for Halloween by watching "Haunted D.C.", a presentation of Victorian Theatre by Candlelight.

The play, by James Trofatter, will be staged on weekend days from 12 through 21 October in the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware Street Indianapolis.

The performance progresses through the mansion as guests encounter different ghosts, among them: Abraham Lincoln, William Henry Harrison, James Garfield and Dolley Madison who are rumored to haunt D.C. to this day.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6 to 17); no children under 6. Advance registration required.