It's About Time!

West 79th Street in Indy's Pike Township -- from Noel Road to Fox Run Road -- will be closed for repairs Thursday (14 February) through 1 March.

The work along West 79th Street is a road stabilization project, which includes improvements planned for the road foundation and adjacent bank as well as road repairs and resurfacing.

This Indianapolis Observer (who drives West 79th Street often) is relieved. For years, the north side of the pavement has been subsiding into the Eagle Creek Valley -- more so in the past few months.

It's almost a sheer drop to the valley floor where the pavement has failed. Driving over the stopgap measure of metal plates has been worrying (as the pavement continues to slip). A more permanent repair will be welcomed.

German-Americans in Indy

The Indiana Historical Society has partnered with the Athenaeum for an exhibit that celebrates the legacy of German-Americans in Indianapolis.

It explores the many contributions of these immigrants to the ongoing story of the city through a dynamically designed approach to text, graphics and illustrations. It highlights themes of Art/Culture, Architecture, Business and Education.

The Athenaeum was opened in 1893 as Das Deutsche Haus at 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

The exhibit is in the historic landmark's hallway at the entrance to the Auditorium - one of the Athenaeum's major meeting spaces. The installation assists docents in bringing history to life as they conduct tours of the venue, offered twice a month and by special appointment to groups, including school groups.

It's open to the public at no charge.

Pondering America's Dilemma re: Egypt

What is the state of Egyptian democracy two years after the popular revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak? How much influence does America have in an area that is increasingly unstable and potentially anti-American? How will the Egyptian military and the civilian government balance power in this volatile region?

Mohamed Arafa, Adjunct Professor of Islamic Law at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and Assistant Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, Alexandria University Faculty of Law (Egypt) will discuss options during a presentation from 3-4:15 p.m. 14 February in Room 3015 of the Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis Business School/School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 801 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

Arafa served as Egypt’s expert in the drafting of the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index for 2012.

(And a tip of the hat to Provocate.org for alerting this Indianapolis Observer about the event.)

ISO: Success

The Indiana Symphony Society’s Board of Directors announced today [3 February 2013] that it has exceeded the $5 million goal for new donor commitments in connection with its major fundraising campaign.

This Indianapolis Observer is relieved.

C'mon, Gov. Pence -- a little common sense, please

Only in indiana can you save a wounded fawn from being torn limb from limb by savaging coyotes... so the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can come to your home, kill it in front you -- and then arrest you for saving it.

This true story has international legs -- and the Hoosier State is, once again, a laughing stock.

Symphony Close to Fundraising Goal

According to IBJ.com, "Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians are hoping they'll be able to move forward with a new five-year labor contract even though the ISO is still about $900,000 short of reaching an important $5 million fundraising target only a week before the deadline."

Amazing how Indy can throw money at the Pacers and the Colts, but not towards the symphony orchestra. (The Capital Improvements Board should be about more than ball sports. Will they add yet another and put soccer ahead of, in this case, music? Inquiring minds want to know.)

This Indianapolis Observer hopes an intelligent philanthropist (or several) steps up PDQ.

(Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

Burmese American Community Institute

The grand opening of the Burmese American Community Institute Center will be from 6 to 9 p.m. 25 January in the Perry Township Government Center, Suite 200, 4925 Shelby Street, Indianapolis.

BACI is an ethnic community based organization established to assist the growing Burmese refugee population in Indianapolis.

The group will focus initially on advocacy, education and employment.

Most of the Burmese (an estimated 7000 people) are from the Chin ethnic group and live on the southside of Indy.

(Hat tip to Provocate.org for the information)