Mayor's Night Out in Pike Township

Attention Pike Township residents! Mark your calendars for 22 April -- that's when Mayor Greg Ballard plans a Pike Township Mayor's Night Out. Final details of place and time aren't available yet, but attending with the mayor will be Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams, senior staff members, and top city officials.

Chinatown's Already Here

Much has been made of Mayor Greg Ballard's "call" for a Chinatown in Indianapolis. Perhaps he doesn't realize that China has already arrived in Indy? For one clue, take a look here.

Two Hoosiers for Hillary Offices in Indy

Hoosiers for Hillary will open twelve offices throughout Indiana next week. The two in Indianapolis, both opening Monday (31 March), are located at 445 North Pennsylvania Street and 2828 East 45th Street.

"PEEL: The Art of the Sticker"

PEEL Magazine and its gallery, Alias, (co-located in the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square) are celebrating the release of “PEEL: The Art of the Sticker,” a book chronicling PEEL’s innovative coverage of street art. The event from 6 to 10 p.m. 4 April includes both a book signing with authors Dave and Holly Combs and the opening of “Sold Out,” a show featuring work by 30 artists included in the book. (The gallery show runs through 30 April.)

PEEL Magazine, now in its fourth year, is the first street-art magazine with a focus on stickers. The book, which sells for $33 and was designed by MTV art director Shelly Fukushima and published by Mark Batty, includes 69 art stickers bound into each book. All book purchases come with additional stickers donated by the artists.

Artists in the show at 1043 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, come from all over the world. They include: Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant), Seen, Buff Monster, Klutch, Dave Warnke, MCA / Evil Design, Abe Lincoln Jr., Dolla', Foob, Capish, 14 Bolt, Mildred, Miss Venus, BilliKid, Sesper, C. Damage, Evoker, Mathew Curran, Coallus, Zoltron, NiceBunny, Stomach, Mad One, me love, 20mg, This is Process, Cherrycore and Magmo.

PEEL got its start after Dave and Holly Combs traveled to New York City to assist with 9/11 recovery efforts. While exploring Manhattan during their off hours, they were inspired by the wealth of stickers they saw all over the city. In the years since, PEEL evolved from a black and white 'zine stuffed into plastic bags to a full-size, glossy, internationally distributed magazine. Their new book documents the development of both PEEL and the sticker culture.

For information, contact PEEL, 317:374-9416.

The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring, Tra La!

Enjoy all the bright colors of spring at the Garfield Park Conservatory as the annual Spring Bulb Show kicks off tomorrow. Celebrate spring with tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, muscari and more -- all against the lush green backdrop of the permanent tropical collection.

INSIDER TIP: The last day to see the display is 4 April, because the entire bulb show collection will be for sale to the public beginning at 10 a.m. 5 April. Prices will vary and plants will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

Conservatory admission is $3 for adults, $2 for youth and seniors, and $5 for a family.

Hillary Comes to Indy on Saturday

Hillary Clinton Attends a "Solutions for the American Economy" Town Hall on Saturday morning (29 March) in the Ben Davis High School Gymnasium, 1200 North Girls School Road, Indianapolis. Doors open at 8 a.m., with the event beginning at 10 a.m.

April Fool's Day Launch for New Philanthropic Group

The official launch of Giving Sum is set for 7 p.m. 1 April in the ballroom of the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

If you're interested to learn about the organization and meet some of the folks who are already involved, consider going -- or contact Marty Posch.

Giving Sum says its an organization of young professionals targeting the next generation of givers with the purpose being to inspire, engage, and educate young professionals in philanthropy and to have lots of fun along the way.

Chelsea Clinton and Sean Astin at IUPUI

It's sooooo nice to be a player in the political primaries this year!

Both former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and actor Sean Astin (pictured) arrive in the First Floor Atrium of the Campus Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis for a 3:30 p.m. "Our Voice, Our Future" event tomorrow (25 March).

(The Campus Center's located at 420 University Boulevard in Indy.)

Follow the Money

Ever since the movie version of "All the President's Men" (about the corrupt Nixon administration) we've been admonished to "follow the money" to vet the actions of politicians.

This Indianapolis Observer notes that Mayor Greg Ballard has announced (seemingly the fourth annual) launch of the "Peace in the Streets" initiative by lavishing money on Christamore House.

Nothing wrong with Christamore -- it's an old, well-established social service agency. Nothing wrong with wanting Peace in the Streets (although announcing it as "new" doesn't pass the sniff test).

But there is something wrong with pouring unspecified amounts money into the former employer of a new deputy mayor (Olgen Williams, pictured) and apparently into the pockets of Peace in the Street's executive director -- and (surprise!) the deputy mayor's son (Aaron Williams) -- for unspecified purposes.

Also, according to WTHR, "The Peace in the Streets Campaign was once headed up by the current Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams."

Check out this blog post, and plan to "follow the money".

Oh, yeah. One of Olgen Williams' sons was arrested Thursday (20 March), but it wasn't Aaron Williams. A report in The Indianapolis Star says that son was Olgen M. Williams. "According to a police report, Williams drove up to a female undercover officer and offered her $16 for oral sex," The Star reports. Interesting that it took several days for news of the arrest to hit print, and interesting that the younger Olgen is a baliff in Marion County Superior Court.

National Healthcare Decisions Day Marked in Indy

The National Healthcare Decisions Day Initiative is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.

The effort will be celebrated 16 April with an all-day seminar in Inlow Hall of the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis. A co-sponsor is the law school's Hall Center for Law and Health.

For more information on the initiative, email.

The Hall Center was established in 1987 to conduct legal and empirical research on health law issues in Indiana and the nation; interpret health law issues for the bar, government, and the health care community; and expand the curriculum and teaching of health law at the law school, while providing opportunities for student participation in Center-sponsored research initiatives, educational programs, and health law internships.

Midwest Cycling Classic

On 5 April, Marian College will host the 12th annual Midwest Cycling Classic, one of the biggest criterium races of the collegiate season. More than 200 cyclists representing 60 teams from the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference will compete in the event sponsored by Matthews Bicycles, ZIPP Speed Weaponry, NUVO, PB Logistics, Ratio Architects, and Bianchi.

Racing begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.; the first collegiate race is at 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Marian cycling team's head coach, Dean Peterson, 317:955-6340.

The Marian College Knights are currently NCCA track cycling national champions; they won the Division 1 national title in September 2007 in San Diego, California. (This was the 10th time they've won this title in 13 years.)

Her Lab in Your Life: Women in Chemistry

As long as there has been chemistry, notes the News Bureau of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, women have made contributions that affect everyday life.

"Her Lab in Your Life: Women in Chemistry" is an exhibit (on display through 30 April) that explores the accomplishments of 68 women chemists, including Shannon Lucid, the NASA biochemist who set the American record for most days in space; Susan Solomon, who determined the chemistry behind the ozone hole, and Ruth Benerito, who invented "wash and wear" cotton fabrics in the 1950s.

The exhibit is cosponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the global agricultural research-based company headquartered in Indianapolis, and the School of Science at IUPUI. The exhibit is free and open to the public in the Cultural Arts Gallery of the IUPUI Campus Center, 420 University Boulevard, Indianapolis.

Manufacturing Connections Luncheon Series

According to Inside INdiana Business, Conexus Indiana and Bingham McHale have announced a new quarterly luncheon series, "Manufacturing Connections".

The events will give those in manufacturing a chance to hear presentations on topics related to the industry with a focus on technology, operations and business development strategies.

The first, “Diversifying Your Business: How 21st Century Manufacturers Can Succeed in New Markets,” will be held at the offices of Bingham McHale (2700 Market Tower – 10 West Market Street, Indianapolis) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 9 April.

Three companies which have successfully broadened their competencies will present: CF Roark Welding & Engineering of Brownsburg, C&A Tool Engineering of Churubusco, and Anderson Tool & Engineering of Anderson.

To register, contact Pam Dove, 317:968-5352; deadline is 31 March.

Shelby Performs at Artsgarden

If you're downtown around lunchtime Friday, amble on over to the Indianapolis Artsgarden for a free performance by singer/songwriter Samuel Lloyd Shelby (left). He'll be on stage above the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. 21 March.

Auction of Dome Items Should Go to Pay Debt

According to Inside INdiana Business, an Indianapolis law firm is suing to stop the dispersal of money from the auction of items from the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Attorney Paul K. Ogden at Roberts & Bishop says the items are public property so the money should be used to pay down the stadium debt. The auction proceeds are slated to go to the Indiana Sports Corp. and the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.

UPDATE:
Thought-provoking post on Abdul Hakim-Shabazz's Indiana Barrister blog today (19 March):
"The Ballard administration says the decision was made by the Peterson administration to give the charities the proceeds. Former Peterson administration officials say the decision was made by the Ballard administration. If you take both sides at their word, then neither approved the sale, which means taxpayer property is being sold and the profits are going to private entities and no formal vote was taken. That can’t be good and it’s probably illegal."

UPDATE 2:
Surprise! As of 21 March, "most" of the auction proceeds will now go to the Capital Improvements Board, a quasi-governmental unit. Problems with that? Of course, but that's yet another topic for investigation, eh?

IU School of Medicine Studies Escalator Injuries

In the first large scale national study of escalator-related injuries to older adults, researchers led by Dr. Joseph O'Neil and Dr. Greg Steele of the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, report that the rate of these injuries has doubled from 1991 to 2005. The results of the study are published in the March 2008 issue of the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, reports the IU News Bureau.

Using U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, the researchers found nearly 40,000 older adults were injured on escalators between 1991 and 2005.

Hillary Arrives in Hoosier State Thursday

The Clinton Campaign today announced that Hillary Clinton will visit Indiana on Thursday (20 March), making stops in multiple cities across the state. Stay tuned!

The Indianapolis Star Has Failed, Again

Instead of following up on a story first reported in NUVO on 27 February -- and in this blog (on 29 February) and many others, including Ruth Holladay's...it merely printed today (14 March) a column by Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker posted to the Townhall.com website on 7 March.

This Indianapolis Observer wants to know: what happened to the paper's mission of covering Indianapolis news?

Obama Comes to Indy This Saturday

According to The Indianapolis Star, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has planned an appearance (time and place to be announced) in Indy on Saturday, 15 March. Stay tuned....

UPDATE:
As of 13 March, location is said to be Plainfield High School.

UPDATE 2
Also as of 13 March, all tickets for the 12:30 p.m. event have been handed out. What a surprise!

Annual Book and Author Luncheon is 18 April

Peter Carey, Hillary Jordan, Sue Miller, T. Jefferson Parker and Cokie Roberts are the authors speaking at this year's Book and Author Luncheon sponsored by the Christamore House Guild. The annual event, which raises money for the guild's Frances Carter Coburn Scholarship fund, begins at 10 a.m. 18 April in the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 East Washington Street, Indianapolis.

Luncheon tickets are $65. They can be purchased online. For more information, contact Susan Buroker, 317:569-8667. Seating is limited (and the luncheon usually sells out).

Recent books by the headlining authors are Carey's His Illegal Self, Jordan's Mudbound, Miller's The Senator's Wife, Parker's L.A. Outlaws and Roberts' Ladies of Liberty.

Jackie Briggs and Julie Thompson are co-chairs of the Book and Author Luncheon.

UPDATE:
Sorry! The luncheon has sold out for 2008!

Stutz Artists Open House

The 60+ members of the Stutz Artists Association will host their 15th annual open house 25 and 25 April. Artwork on view in the Stutz Business Center, 1060 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, ranges from paintings, drawings and photography, to sculpture, installations and fabric.

Admission is $12, and proceeds support the Stutz Residency Program, a scholarship that provides free studio space and utilities for emerging artists. Hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. 25 April, and noon to 5 p.m. 26 April.

Can't Buy Beer, Wine at Grocery Store Tomorrow

Or, as the State of Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Administration says:

"Pursuant to IC 3-10-8-4.5, and for purposes of enforcing IC 7.1-5-10-1, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is notifying all alcoholic beverage permit holders that a special election will be held in the 7th Congressional District, Marion County, Indiana on March 11, 2008. During a special election, alcoholic beverages may not be sold from 3:00 o’clock in the morning until the voting polls are closed in the evening on this day. This law only applies to the 7th Congressional District."

The Star Says "Oops!"

Headline on Saturday, 8 March:
"Physicians lose child abuse suit"

Headline on Sunday, 9 March:
"Jury: Doctors not liable in child abuse suit"

...along with this correction box:
"CORRECTION
A story on Page A1 in some editions Saturday incorrectly reported that a jury found against Dr. Gary Thompson and Dr. Michael Turner in connection with a 1998 child abuse case. The jury actually found in favor of both doctors.... The Star apologizes for the error."

Cultural Trail Project Honored

New York City-based Project for Public Spaces named Indianapolis one of five “Great Cities” thanks to the Cultural Trail project downtown.

"Famous for racing cars," its March newsletter says, "this city is now proud to boost bikes and pedestrians".

Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining public places that build communities.

"The Art of Quilting": a film

"The Art of Quilting" is a film exploring the myriad of techniques and artistry reflected in contemporary American quilts. This program celebrates contemporary quilt artists as they transcend class quilts by taking the finest traditions of the past to create new traditions for this American art form.

It's next Thursday's offering in the Cole Porter Room Film Series at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis. The showing, which starts at noon on 13 March, is open to the public at no charge.

Med School Without the Icky, Cut-up Frog Parts

Want a taste of what it's like to attend med school? Register for Mini Medical School at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

The next session is 7 to 9 p.m. 18 March. Amy Kressel, M.D., will discuss the growing threat of "Superbugs", which will include information on the much-talked-about MRSA virus. Dr. Kressel is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the IU School of Medicine.

Mini Med School takes place in Room 405, IUPUI Campus Center, 420 University Boulevard, Indianapolis. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available in the garage adjacent to the Campus Center for a minimal fee. Registration is required as seating is limited; contact Michelle Benberry, 317:274-7722.

Project "Open Market"

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will announce a plan on Wednesday (5 March) involving the removal of ramps to Interstate 65/70 on Market and Ohio Streets and the construction of new ramps at Washington Street, according to Inside INdiana Business.

IUPUI Hosts 7th Congressional District Debate

What may be the final debate among three candidates vying to fill the 7th Congressional District seat of the late U.S. Rep. Julia Carson will be held at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis on 6 March, according to the IUPUI News Bureau. Portions of the debate will be broadcast live on 24-Hour News 8 and WTLC-AM. 1310.

Amos Brown III, host and managing editor of "Afternoons with Amos" on WTLC-AM, and Jim Shella, 24-Hour News 8 political reporter, will serve as co-moderators of the 90-minute debate between Democrat Andre Carson, Republican Jon Elrod and Libertarian Sean Shepard.

Hosted by IUPUI, the 90-minute debate will be held in the auditorium of the University Place Conference Center, 850 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis. It begins at 7:30 p.m. 6 March, just five days before the special election on 11 March.

24-Hour News 8 will broadcast the first 30 minutes of the debate on MyNDY Channel 23 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. WTLC-AM 1310 will air the first 60 minutes of the debate, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.