Community Voices

Share Your Voice

Submit your community stories or opinions to ebrown@sendcdc.com

Commentary on Church and Community

Submitted by: Richard Campi

It is a difficult situation when a church and a community are at odds. A local church has reneged on its promises to the neighbors over a period of years over issues of parking and landscaping. Several times a year this church has large masses of people attending. Parking for neighborhood residents is ignored, although in the past the church said that it would provide guidance for attendees to leave spaces for the neighbors. This spring an attendee parked and partially blocked the alley. In the past attendees have parked on private property, blocking neighbors from using their garage. When the church wanted to change to angle parking instead of parallel parking, the neighbors complied with the understanding that some parking would be exclusively for residents. The city would post signs and parking would be monitored by church members. When church attendees park in residential spots and are asked to move, they often become nasty. Neighborhood resident complaints are just considered a nuisance.

Over a decade ago, the church’s thousands of members entered into a landscape project with the neighborhood association. Several thousand dollars in grants for plants, city services, and donated time provided beautifully planted traffic islands instead of ugly asphalt for all of the city residents. The pastor signed an agreement for the church to maintain these islands and trees along the avenue. At first, several members regularly watered, weeded, removed trash and generally tended these landscape projects. Over time the church has given responsibility for landscaping to its overall paid grounds maintenance. This has resulted in neglect, gross weed infestation, and often in trash accumulation. Those plants that were not dead were ignored and none have been replaced. In the summer of 2008, the area around the remaining plants was weed-whacked about twice during the season. This year they have mowed down the all of the mature sedum, lilies, yarrow, and other plants remaining. This means that several hundreds of dollars of mature plants have been destroyed without giving anyone else the opportunity to use them. It seems that the church plan is simply to mow the areas when mowing the grass.

As of June 1, no one at the church will respond to inquiries from the neighborhood residents or city representatives. Although this is near the offices of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, no one there seems to be interested to do anything meaningful in this assault on landscaping either. Perhaps by the time this is published, someone will assist the community to have this travesty against the community restored to its original beauty.

Books and Beds:A Memoir 

Submitted By: Phyllis Nash

I was educated in public school with the Dick & Jane readers. These books did not make for quickly turned pages, but did help us learn to read. About the most exciting part that I remember was when Ned baked potatoes under a pile of burning leaves. I’ve never tried this because I would have as likely had burned potatoes. Ned must have known how to bank the fire. My dad was an expert at banking the coal stove fire. It is not as easy as one would think. It was not uncommon to have the fire go out and have to be started again in the cold morning, but my dad was a master and his fires never went out.

My favorite schoolbook was the health book. What I liked so much about that book was the Art Nouveau colors: sepia, orange, rosy pink and a shade of pale yellow that reminded me of vanilla. I’d always wish for a bed like the child in the health book. The child’s bed was a little like a medieval type of bed—it had drapes one could close around the bed. I think I read a book about Ireland, which had a similar bed. The bed was in a little alcove and there was a door that could be closed for privacy. No troubles if company came; just close the drapes or the door. I’ve never seen a real bed like that so I take comfort in remembering the one in the grade school Health book.

One other bed that I keep in my mind was in an “Architectural Digest Magazine.” That one was many thousands of dollars and way out of my league, but I liked the bed in the health book just as much.

Garfield Park Events for July - August 2009

Garfield Park Hours:

Burrello Family Center, 2345 Pagoda Drive

Mon. 9:30am-9:00pm Tues. 11:00a-9:00pm Wed. 9:30am-9:00pm Thurs.

11:00am-9:00pm Fri. 9:30am-8:00pm Sat. 9:30a-4:30p

Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive

Mon. Closed, Tues. 1:00p-5:00pm Wed. 1:00p-5:00pm

Thur. 1:00pm-5:00pm Fri. 1:00p-5:00pm Sat. 10:00am-5:00pm Sun.

1:00p-5:00p

Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive

Mon.-Sat. 10:00am-5:00pm Sun. 1:00p-5:00p

Sunken Gardens

10:00am-5:00pm 7 days a week

To sign up for any of the following activities at Garfield Park, you can call Indy Parks at 317-327-PARK or visit the Burrello Family Center at the park. A registration form is located on the website for Indy Parks as well.

Club Meetings

The following clubs have their meetings at the Garfield Park Conservatory and are open to the public:

Garfield Park Conservatory

• Central Indiana Orchid Society • Circle City Aquarium Club • Garfield Park Master Gardeners

• Indianapolis Bonsai Club • Indy African Violet Society

Please call 317-327-7580 for meeting dates and times.

Arts Events and Classes

Friday Lunchtime Concert Series

July 11, 11:30a-1:30p, FREE

The Tides will perform in the Park as part of the summertime concert series.

Thursday Night Pops - McAllister Center

Every Thursday July 9-August 20, 7pm, FREE

July 9 – Pride Jazz Band July 16 – Municipal Band July 23 – Athenaeum Orchestra

July 30 – Municipal Band Aug 6 – Athenaeum Orchestra Aug 13 – Pride of Indy Band

Aug 20 – Cathy Morris Aug 27 – Athenaeum Orchestra

Creative Kids! After School Arts Programs

Ages 8-14, Aug 12-Dec. 17, On IPS School Days, 4-6p, FREE

This unique after-school program centers on hands-on activities, multicultural themes and the interests of the participants. Movement programming will feature Brazilian Capoeira, music programming will highlight African drumming, visual arts programming will include instruction in ceramics and theatre programming will explore acting and creative drama.

Indiana Photographic Society

All Ages, Ongoing, Wed., FREE

This special club for photographers, photo-historians and enthusi¬asts meets every Wednesday evening.

Topics covered and activities will include photo critique, review, survey of techniques and hands-on

instruction. Special guests will make presentations throughout the series.

Garfield Poetry Circle – Garfield Park Arts Center

All Ages, July 19 and Aug 16, 3pm, FREE

Come join the Garfield Poetry Circle to share your appreciation and poetic expression or read your own

poetry. We learn more about the experiences around us through the artistry and beauty of words and

language. Simply come to listen to your favorite poetry or to share your favorites. Bring your own poems if

you wish to read.

Garfield Park Arts Center Drum Circle

All Ages, Aug. 1, Sat., 5-8pm, FREE

From funk and soul to African and Middle-Eastern, there’s a rhythm for every person, mood and attitude.

Bring your drum or other percussion instrument and let loose through the rhythm of drumming, chanting,

dance or whatever anyone brings! Don’t have a drum? Bring your coffee cans, wooden boxes, water bottles or other improvised or homemade instruments. Or just come to listen and dance to the high energy grooves. All are welcome regardless of age or experience. Feel free to arrive and depart at any time during the evening.

Central Indiana Youth Barbershop Chorus

Ages 12-18, Ongoing, Wed., 6:45-8:45, FREE

The Central Indiana Youth Chorus is a chorus of young men and women ages 12-18 who sing 4-part a

cappella barbershop music. The chorus meets every Wednesday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Garfield

Park Arts Center, 2332 Conservatory Drive. For more information, call 474-1637 or visit www.ciybc.org.

Summer Workshops at Arts Center (All workshops require a min. of 5 participants)

Intermediate and Advanced Drawing Workshop

Ages 18+, July 25-Aug. 22, Sat., 10a-Noon, 5 classes, $70

This class offers a thorough examination of drawing using various techniques and drawing mediums. It will

enhance students’ basic understanding of light, form, perspective, and composition through the study of still

life and landscapes.

Portrait Painting Workshop

Ages 18+, July 25-Aug. 22, Sat., 12:30-2:30p, 5 classes, $75

This class focuses on fostering a greater understanding of human anatomy and facial structure, and how

to translate that under¬standing onto a two-dimensional surface in both drawing and painting mediums.

Students will work from live models.

Cultural Art for Kids Workshop

July 28 or Aug. 11, Tues, 10a-Noon, 1 class, $20

This class will allow students to explore a diverse range of cultural arts in a variety of fun and challenging

projects. These projects will utilize 2 and 3 dimensional art mediums, while introducing the students to a

wide array of indigenous art forms such as Aboriginal painting and African mask making.

Anime and Manga Workshop

July 22-Aug. 19, Wed., 6-9p, 5 classes, $83

Learn to draw in the style of Japanese animation and comics. Subjects that will be covered include expressions, body forms and posing, basics of assembling stories, character design, coloring, and

introduction to digital media.

Mixed Media for Kids or Families

Ages 6+. Multiple times, dates and cost. Please call arts center for

details. (317) 327-7066

Families or individual kids will learn and experiment using mixed-media techniques to create two dimensional artwork. A variety of themes will be explored utilizing a combination of drawing, painting,

collage, construction and more. Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Mask-making for Kids or Families

Ages 6 to Adult, July 29-31, W,F, 9:30-11:30a, 2 classes, $25

Students will create masks based on ideas and characters that interest them or by learning several techniques in different media, including paper mache and fiber with paint, tissue paper and other materials.

Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Basic Drawing from a Comic Book Perspective

Ages 7-11, Aug. 4-7 or 11-14, T-F, Noon-2p, 4 classes, $42

Learn basic drawing uses of line, shape, space, color, texture and value through comic books. Make zooming rockets, invent your own characters, and develop your own silly or serious story lines using

basic drawing tools such as charcoal, markers, pencil and colored pencils! Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Puppet Camp

Ages 5-8, Aug 3-7, M-F, 9a-Noon, 5 classes, $90

Children in this camp will make a variety of puppets, including marionette, hand and rod! Campers will present a spectacular show for parents, siblings and friends on the last day of camp. Just a few of

the skills learned will include tracing, cutting, painting, gluing and sanding.

Mask-making to the Extreme

Ages 7-11, Aug 4-7 or 11-14, T-F, 9:30-11:30a, 4 classes, $47

In this class learn why artists make masks by exploring real life works of art. Then have fun making your own masks using materials like paper mache, colorful tissue paper, feathers, mosaic squares, beans,

beads, and glitter. Use foiling metal to create an African inspired mask. Create a total of four different masks! Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Fantasy Painting

Ages 7-11, Aug 4-7 or 11-14, T-F, 2:30p-4:30p, 4 classes, $50

Have fun with watercolor, tempera paint, and water pencils. Construct a robot, make rain, fly upon a shooting star in outer space, roar like a lion or gallop like a horse…the possibilities of paint are

endless! Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Make Your Own Stamps

Ages 13+, Contact the Arts Center for time, date, and cost. (317) 327-7066

Learn how to make your own stamps! In session one, we will convert some everyday items and some inexpensive art supplies into stamps. Then in session two, you will learn to use photopolymer sheets to make

stamps. All necessary tools are supplied by the instructor.

Make a Chakra Necklace

Ages 13+, 7/12, 7/26, 8/19, or 8/23, Sun., 2-4p, 1 class, $23

Learn the basics of stringing necklaces and bracelets, including using the proper beading wire and the application of crimps. In this class you will string a necklace using gemstone chips in the chakra colors.

All necessary tools are supplied by the instructor.

A Charming Charm

Ages 12+, Aug 6 or 27, TH, 6-9p, 1 class, $29

Make a charm for you or a special friend. You will start with a small lump of metal clay, and then you will roll it out and cut out a shape. Once shaped as a charm, you write or draw your special symbol or word on it. We will then fire it in the kiln and it will emerge from the kiln as a fine silver (99.9% pure silver) charm. All necessary tools are supplied by the instructor.

Carving Your Own Stamp

Ages 12+, Aug 13-20, TH, 6-8:30, 2 classes, $39

In this class you will learn about the tools and materials for carv¬ing your own stamps in erasers and other soft carving materials. We will start by carving some small stamps which can be used to add symbols, such as stars, hearts, or exclamation points to scrap book pages, journals, greeting cards, or letters. Then, we will sketch and carve both small and large stamps. All necessary tools are supplied by the instructor.

Monster Time

Ages 6-18, Aug.4-6, Tues & Thurs, 2-5p, 2 classes, $36

Make two cute or scary monsters in this class. Students will learn how to use and bake polymer clay and create a pattern for sewing. End products will be one soft, hand-sewn plush and one polymer clay sculpture. Class fee covers both days and all materials.

Nature and Gardening

Jungle Tales – Garfield Park Conservatory

Ages 2-5, July 14 or Aug 11, 10:00a-11:00a or 3:00-4:00p, $2

This program focuses on a different nature-related topic each month. Activities may be messy and might be outside. Dress appropriately. A parent is expected to stay with each child.

Froggy Fun – Garfield Park Conservatory

Ages 5-10, July 25, Sat., 10:30-11:30a, $3

Join us for a look into the world of theses croaking creatures. See live toads and frogs from the tropics and from Indiana and create some frog slime of your own.

Scavenger Hunt – Conservatory and Gardens

All Ages, Every Thursday in July, 4-6pm, FREE

Stop by the Conservatory and pick up our Family Scavenger Hunt. This hunt will send you all over the Conservatory and Gardens. Bring your finished hunt back and receive a prize! Hunts must be returned during scheduled times in order to receive a prize.

Beautiful Butterflies – Garfield Park Conservatory

All Ages, Aug. 22, Sat., 10:30-Noon, FREE

Stop by the Conservatory to learn more about these winged creatures and explore the Garden for caterpillars and butterflies. Get some tips on attracting butterflies to your own yard.

Family Bee Day – Garfield Park Conservatory

All Ages, Aug. 2, Sun, 2-3:30p, FREE

Come learn about the fascinating world of bees and beekeeping. Join a real beekeeper and explore bee biology. See how honey is extracted and taste a sample.

The Many Uses of Herbs – Garfield Park Conservatory

All Ages, July 25, Sat., 1:30-2:30p, $5

Learn about herb gardening and the many uses of popular herbs.

Fitness and Sports/Games

Senior Card Club

Ages 50+, 2nd and 3rd Fri. of each month, 1-3pm, FREE

Senior Scrabble

Ages 50+, Tuesday, 5:30-8:30p, FREE

For more information contact Jerry Miller, 736-7472.

Supervised Playground and Summer Lunch Program

All Aged Children, Through Aug. 1, M-F, 10a-4p, FREE

Activities include recreational games, sports, arts and crafts and swimming. This program focuses on respect, integrity, caring, harmony, excellence and responsibility. A free lunch will be offered daily. This is a drop-in program, no registration required.

Aquatics

Parent/Tot Water Adjustment Class

Ages 6mos-36mos, July 20-30, M-TH, 6:15-6:45, 8 classes, $34

Parents will learn progressive skills to help tots feel comfortable and secure in the water. Topics and skills include: water exploration and games, blowing bubbles, kicking, floating and water safety awareness. We require children who are not potty trained to wear either a swim diaper or tight-fitting plastic pants with elastic legs over diaper.

Preschool Water Adjustment Class

Ages 3-5, July 20-30, M-TH, Multiple times, 8 classes, $34

Children will enjoy learning introductory and progressive swimming skills in small groups using games and interactive play. Topics and skills include: putting face in water, blowing bubbles, beginner stroke, front and back floats and water safety awareness.

Learn to Swim

Ages 6-14, July 20-30, M-TH, Multiple times, 8 classes, $34

Designed for school-age children to learn and improve basic swimming skills. Students are evaluated in the first class and placed in the group best suited to their skill and water adjustment level. Progressive swim skills include: front and back float and glide, flutter kick, rhythmic breathing and front crawl. Water safety skills and awareness are stressed and practiced. All students will receive a progress card noting skill

achievements. Students who successfully pass all skills at their respective level will receive an American Red Cross certificate card.

Water Aerobics

Ages 18+, July 20-Aug 7, MWF, 9:30-10:30a, 9 classes, $25

Aqua-X is a great workout for all adults. The water provides support for the body, adds resistance, and lowers stress on the joints.

Indy in Motion - Garfield Park Burrello Family Center

Ages 18+, Ongoing, MWF, 5:30-6:30pm, FREE

Indy in Motion is a total fitness and health program initiative through the Marion County Health Department. There will be incentive awards for regular participation in activities. All activities are free. For more information, call 221-3122.

Community ArtsSight

By: D. DelReverda-Jennings

FLAVA FRESH VI !: The First exhibition presentation of FLAVA FRESH VI ! runs July 1 - August 1, 2009 at the Indianapolis Arts Garden, downtown Circle Centre Mall: View the works of local and regional contemporary artists during the annual, juried, multi-exhibition presentations. The Second FLAVA FRESH VI ! exhibition begins August 3rd., runs through September 28, 2009 and will be held at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University. Opening Artists Reception and Gallery Walk/Talk dates TBA. INFO:urbanedart@aol.com, www.cloweshall.org/artatclowes.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES IN THE GARDEN: Sunday, July 19, 2009, 4:30- 8:30pm. Studio located 3001 N. New Jersey St. The Artists of 3001 N. New Jersey St. Summer Concert Series II ~ “IN THE GARDEN.” Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and join us for an evening of Open Mic and Blues. Free parking across the street. Fee - $5. Studio Artists and Sponsors include: Laura Kivela, Anthony Radford, Bruce Armstrong, Marc Shabazz. INFO: Radford; 317-538-5709, Armstrong; 317-626-3135 .

ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN: Sunday, August 16, 2009 from 3 - 9:00pm. 3001 N. New Jersey St. Studio’s. Artists’ Open Studio’s, Gallery exhibit, Artists’ Market, Food, Fellowship, Musical Guests “NuSoul Theory,” Drumming and Poetry. Over 30 artist participants! Free parking across the street. Enjoy the end of summer with a marvelous annual cultural experience. Sponsors: The Artists’ of 3001 N. New Jersey St. Studio’s. Fee - $8 in advance, $10 at the Door. INFO: Radford; 317-538-5709, Armstrong; 317-626-3135 .

EXPOSE YOUR WORK: Arts Council of Indianapolis announces a new and improved Artists’ Database: Is your artwork online? If not, then get your art exposed! Starting In July, the ACI will offer artists the ability to set up their own user name and password that will enable them to update their own information as well as upload images, videos, and audio files. Artists of all disciplines are invited to signup for the ACI Artist Database which contains contact, biographical and artistic discipline information for free! In the meantime, sign-up and stay tuned to the Artist Opportunities E-news for updates. No cost promo! INFO: slinker@indyarts.org , 317-631-3301 ext. 236 , artistservices@indyarts.org, www.indyarts.org.

EMERGING LOCAL ARTISTS SOUGHT: 5515 E. Washington St. The Historic Irvington Lodge, located in the heart of Irvington on Washington St., in partnership with Mosaic Church is opening an art space to be open in coordination with IDADA’s monthly First Friday open house events. The Historic Irvington Lodge Art Gallery is seeking local, family friendly, emerging and unknown artists for no-cost exhibitions. Each exhibition opens on IDADA’s First Friday and continues approximately three weeks. Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit work. INFO: Molly Petersohn; mollyamason2000@yahoo.com.

INDY HOSTEL ART EXHIBITIONS: Indy Hostel invites artists to exhibit their artwork either in a single person show or in a group show for the month of July. Fifteen pieces of work maximum accepted, depending on the size. Shows will be rotated every month through 2009. There are No Commissions/Fees. This is a great opportunity for an artist to exhibit their work in a friendly atmosphere to people visiting Indianapolis from all around the world and to locals of Indianapolis. Artists should send an artist bio and low resolution digital images to, INFO: Kayci Voegerl; kayci@indyhostel.us .

NSI~BUSINESS OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE: BOI Upcoming Workshops: 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314. Business Contracts and Negotiations: July 27, 2009. 6-8:pm. Introduction to the basics of contract law: Participants will gain an understanding of when a contract is necessary, the process of negotiating a contract and key elements of contracts. Fee $10.

Registering Your New Business: August 8, 2009. 10am.-Noon. Introduction to various legal forms of business, learn the appropriate steps to register their business for legal and tax purposes, and identify the required government agencies that they need to contact. Fee -$10.

Analyzing Your Business Idea: August 20, 2009. 6-8:30pm. Assess the viability of your business idea, determine what resources it will require and identify the appropriate steps that it will take to reach your goals. Free! INFO: 317-917-3266 ext # 100 , information@nsibiz.org, www.nsibiz.org.

ARE YOU A STARVING ARTIST? Searching for a few “starving artists” to feature in our upcoming book. Here’s what we’re looking for: We need your informative/humorous story about what you do to save a dime or two on your food budget. Do you have any special tricks when dining out, going to the mini-mart, or grocery shopping? We’re looking for original ideas along with interesting personal “struggling” artist stories. In addition to your brief story, we want a picture of you and some of your artwork or you featured with your artwork or you in your work setting (for writers/musicians/performers). You must own the copyright to all images and be able to grant use of all images. In exchange for your “food” story, we will provide your website address, Twitter link, etc., with your story in the book and help get the word out about your work. 

We would also work together to find more ways to market your work along with the book. Send contact information and a little information about your work and we will respond with more information about the book. INFO: Jack; starvingartist1@live.com.

ASANTE CHILDREN’S THEATRE ACADEMY: The next round of auditions for Asante Children’s Theatre Academy will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009; location and times to be announced. Walk-in auditions are not permitted, so to schedule an audition or for more information about the audition process, call 317- 297-0020. For more information on what you need to know to prepare for an audition visit, http://editor.ne16.com/asante2/Audition--What_You_Need_to_Know.pdf.

INFO: www.asantechildrenstheatre.org

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL POSTER COMPETITION: The Historic Irvington Community Council is once again calling for entries for a poster to commemorate the 63rd annual Irvington Halloween Festival. The Irvington Halloween Festival is one of the oldest neighborhood festivals in Indianapolis. Each year the festival committee selects a poster design, which is then used on festival merchandise and reprints of the poster. Funds raised from the festival go to support quality of life initiatives in Irvington and also to support other local non-profits dedicated to the betterment of Irvington and its residents. There is a cash prize

awarded to first, second, and third place finalists. Deadline: July 31, 2009. INFO: www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/irvington.htm, www.scribd.com/

doc/15872897/Irvington-Halloween-Festival-Poster-Contest.

MIDTOWN WRITERS: Thursdays at The WAY, 2153 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave., at Scott United Methodist Church. Join the Midtown Writers Association at Kafe Kuumba, 7:00pm. 4th Sundays - Good Humor Comedy and Poetry Open Mic Ministry 5-7pm. 3rd Mondays -”Know Thyself” Institute

6:30pm. INFO: 317-923-4300.

NEW INDY ART VENUE: The Athenaeum ArtSpace located 401 East Michigan St. is seeking local, family-friendly, emerging and unknown artists for commission-free exhibitions. Each exhibition opens on IDADA’s First Friday and continues approximately three weeks. Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit work for these juried exhibitions. Send submissions c/o Kevin Gierman, The Athenaeum ArtSpace 401 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN. 46204. INFO: Kevin Gierman; 317-655- 2755 ext 152, kevingierman@athenaeumfoundation.com.

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY: Arts Council of Indianapolis: The Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Emerging Artist Fellowship Program awards two fellowships each year to qualified and talented artists in music, dance, theatre, literature, or the visual arts. The first component, a monetary award for supplies,

instruction, workshops, studio or rehearsal space, or other uses specifically related to the growth and development of the fellow’s artistic work. The second component of the program involves a unique professional experience opportunity to which many artists may not have access until later in their

careers. Deadline: July 24, 2009. INFO: www.artscouncilofindianapolis.org/grants_for_individuals.html, slinker@indyarts.org.

Greiner's Sub Shop

By: Claire Norton

Established in 1970, Greiner’s Sub Shop claims to have the “Best Buns in Indy!” Located at 2126 Shelby Street, this unassuming diner deals mainly in subs and pizzas, offering a simple selection of foods and friendly, quick service. At lunch hour you will find a steady stream of people in and out of the door, relying on Greiner’s efficiency for their lunch break. Great for a quick lunch or informal dinner, people can eat in or get a meal on the run. 

The establishment was not created for atmosphere, but rather its selection of hot and cold subs and personal and full size pizzas. Greiner’s menu is a simple selection of meat and cheese-heavy standards one would find at other traditional sub shops. But if meat and cheese aren’t your style, Greiner’s also has an assortment of pre-made salads, fruit and pasta salads. Slices of pre-cut cake and ready wrapped brownies are available as well. Although it offers a traditional menu selection, Greiner’s personal touch and non-chain appeal makes eating there a treat.

Greiner’s also offers party trays and boxed lunches for catering.

Greiner’s is open Monday’s through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm and Friday through Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Find out more at www.bestbunsinindy.com.

Spring Sprung Summer Snap

by Irvin Ettienne

It was for the most part a rather glorious spring. A bit rainy at times, a bit cool at times. Some plants didn’t perform as they should, but overall quite good. The flowering trees and shrubs lasted a very long time. There was even a good Magnolia bloom. I never had a real frost at my house once spring kicked in. My bleeding hearts, (Dicentra spectabilis), were wonderful. The pink and whites both reached my chest by the time they were finishing. My gold foliaged one, ‘Gold Heart’, reached two feet tall and over five feet across. For the first time, I got seedlings to germinate from it. The normal green foliaged types seeded in from the house all the way to the street. They have always been fertile, but this year seemed to be on some sort of reproduction hormones. I am not complaining. I will share.

At work I had a less than stellar experience with the pansies. I planted a lot of pansies. The cool weather was fine but ... You knew that was coming. We both knew that was coming. But where I had them planted was heavy on the clay side of the soil texture pyramid. The rain kept coming and the pansies just didn’t grow. Open ground remained between each plant. They bloomed pitifully, enough to make a presence but not enough to put on a good show. I don’t know why I always feel I have to tell people about the bad plantings. Must be all those years of Catholic guilt.

But as I said, it was mostly good. My yellow Magnolias were covered in blooms, the best ever. At the IMA the redbuds bloomed heavily and for a prolonged time. Witchhazels likewise did well. One large shrub that is always in a fight with frost and freeze is the flowering almond or flowering plum, Prunus triloba var. multiplex. This is different than the more common dwarf flowering almond. The plant I am talking about has deep pink fully double blooms, a gorgeous spring color. It gets rather large, 10 feet tall and nearly as wide. This year it was spectacular. No frost and the cool weather kept the blooms fresh a long time. The spring bulbs, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and anemones, all put on a great show too.

If only summer would be so great as well. No way to tell that as I write this. I just got my overwintered plants out of the house June 7th. That is, the plants in the “Plant Room” and the basement. These are mostly tropicals kept growing (sort of) or dormant (sort of -- sometimes permanently dormant) and bulbs kept dormant. I use the term bulb loosely here. They might be bulbs or they might be tubers or rhizomes or corms. They could have come out a couple weeks earlier, but they didn’t. Usually these are plants that I want but if it doesn’t work out ... well, that happens. One tries to do a little better next year and goes on. Don’t beat yourself up too much if not everything made it through the winter. Look at it as an opportunity to buy something new -- a chance to try that super new cultivar that is completely different from anything ever available before. Well, that could be a lie or just good marketing from the plant company. But why not try it anyway? You don’t wear all the same clothes for years.

Don’t forget to spend some time enjoying your garden. I have made a quiet little promise to myself (and now you) that it won’t be all work and no play this year. So I’m looking forward to some leisurely walks through my gardens with a cold glass of fresh squeezed lemonade perhaps. Some time sitting on the bench in the backyard. A few minutes in the chair on the front porch. Heck, I might even snap and eat supper in the garden. But only if there is a breeze.

See you under the banana tree.

Southeast Music News

By: Ryan Williams

Radio Radio’s packed summer calendar includes a visit from the Adrian Belew Power Trio on July 19th. Belew has recorded and performed with everybody from David Bowie to Frank Zappa to King Crimson, and his prolific solo career has extended over decades. This is a can’t miss show. July also features visits from buzz bands Dead Confederate and Bad Veins on July 14th, alt-country favorites Those Darlins with Jascha on July 16th, and Cursive on July 27th. The month rounds out with the first of the La Vida Variety series on July 31st. August finds the Born Again Floozies returning on the 1st, a free show from Chris Merritt on August 7th, the Vulgar Boatmen, Large Damaging Hail and the Last Digit on August 14th, the Gen Con afterparty with goth fixtures Cruciform Injection on the 15th, and the Wood Brothers on the 18th. These are just the highlights, though. Check out Radio Radio’s calendar at http://futureshock.net.

Deano’s Vino continues to present great acoustic music on the weekends, including Luke Austin Daughtery on July 17th, Jason Hathaway on the 18th, the Shirtless Biddles on the 24th, New Augusta on the 25th, and an album release party for Adam Rosborough on the 31st.

Don’t forget about Swing Night every second and fourth Fridays at the Fountain Square Theater, and there’s live jazz at Maria’s Pizza every Friday night.

Enjoy!

Food Co-op Plans for Southeast Indianapolis

By: Angie Calvert

In December 2008, several residents of Southeast Indianapolis formed a steering committee to plan the creation of Pleasant Run Grocery: a community owned grocery store, a future food cooperative in the area. The idea of the food co-op was established through a southeast faith-based study circle hosted by Nancy Buffanbarger. The study circle, attended by local pastors, a representative from a large suburban church and Mark Stewart, President of Southeast Neighborhood Development, discussed the needs of the southeast community. They decided a food co-op was a great way togenerate money that stays in the community and provide local jobs.

Throughout the many months of planning, the food co-op committee members have made some important decisions. The three main themes of Pleasant Run Grocery were determined to be local, healthy and economical foods. The working mission statement for the food co-op reads “Pleasant Run Grocery is a member owned community-based grocery store dedicated to serving the needs of local producers and consumers by providing goods and services, education and reasonably priced healthy foods.” Though the location for the co-op has not been established, the building will be handicap accessible and food stamps will be accepted. The committee members have also addressed many questions and concerns about the future grocery store. Some challenges the committee faces are informing residents of the community about what a food co-op is, the idea of bulk foods, and the importance of purchasing locally grown food.

A food co-op is a grocery store that is collectively owned by residents of a community. Though there are numerous styles of food co-ops, they all share common values of group management and decision making, social responsibility and equality. There is usually an initial member fee and some members choose to invest additional funds into the co-op. The lifetime member fee for Pleasant Run Grocery will be $75. The student and senior citizen member fee will be $60. Members of the co-op are able to vote on issues related to the establishment. Pleasant Run Grocery will be an open food coop. This means anyone can be a member, but one does not have to be a member to shop at the store. Members will receive benefits, such as discounts, coupons or cooking classes. The exact benefits of being a member of Pleasant Run Grocery have yet to be decided.

A food co-op will often have bulk food items. This term is not to be confused with buying large amounts of one item at a time. Bulk foods that will be available at Pleasant Run Grocery are foods like beans and rice that can be found in bins. The customer will be able to bring his or her own container or purchase one at the grocery and fill it with the exact amount of the item he or she wants. This method of shopping allows the customer to buy only what is needed and cuts down on packaging. Less packaging means less cost related to the item.

Pleasant Run Grocery will be dedicated to purchasing as much local and organic food as possible. Supporting our local farmers enhances the sense of community that is essential to a food co-op. Buying local organic food eliminates many of the concerns associated with food that has to travel many miles to reach its consumer. There are fewer health-related risks and more environmental benefits to eating local organic food.

As they are decided, members of the co-op steering committee will be presenting details related to Pleasant Run Grocery to local neighborhood associations and organizations. To learn more about Pleasant Run Grocery: a community owned grocery store, check out http://southeastworks.ning.com for notes from the steering committee meetings. You can also contact Jerry Keys at southeastorganizer@gmail.com for more information.

Seniors Speak Out About Programs

by Susan Beauchamp

Southeast Community Services at 901 Shelby St. has many great programs and services for area seniors, but there are many people who do not participate at this time. In an effort to understand why many seniors do not access the services, SECS has partnered with Southeast Learning Partnership and the University of Indianapolis to conduct a survey to identify the interests and unmet needs of our older residents. Lyndsey McCubbin and Emily Burgett from UIndy worked on the project as part of their Spring Term Service-Learning Course. The students, along with Project Manager and neighborhood resident Angie Calvert, worked together to design a survey, interview seniors, and analyze the data collected.

In May 2009, the project team surveyed 75 low-income seniors in and around the southeast area of Indianapolis. Throughout the month, the team interviewed seniors at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Concord Neighborhood Center, The Good Life Center, and Southeast Community Services. They also conducted interviews at seniors’ homes. After all the survey data was collected and compiled, the project team invited all participating organizations and seniors to review the results.

Fifty-four seniors who participate at senior centers took the survey. Twenty-one who do not participate at centers also took the survey. The following is a sample of the information obtained:

Seniors who participate at centers replied that many get there by driving, walking, shuttle or Indy Go and these methods work well. They receive information about the center by word of mouth, the center calendar, and at the center. Many would like to receive information by mail and few would use Internet. The favorite activities are Bingo, card games, taking trips, crafts, and puzzles. The activities that they would most like see added are music/Karaoke/musical instruments, arts & crafts, more exercise, more games, and more trips. The with family, a spouse and or friends. Most have family and friends in the area and some attend church in the area. Many have friends who do not participate at the center.

Of the residents who do no use the senior centers, most have no time due to taking care of a spouse or family members. Others have no transportation or do not know about the senior center activities. About half of the non-participants would participate if they had transportation or more information about the centers. Most would prefer to be contacted by mail or by phone and few would use email. They would most like to receive activity and event details, information about trips and health services. The activities they most want to be offered are exercise classes, trips, Bingo, card games and crafts classes. Most have family and friends in the area. A third of the non-participants live with family, a third live alone, and a third live with a spouse.

Lyndsey and Emily enjoyed meeting the senior residents of Southeast Indianapolis and were happy to learn more about this area of the city as well as to earn college credit for their help. The mission of the Southeast Learning Partnership is to document and collect data for the neighborhoods. This organization is composed of residents and organizations that have an interest in Southeast.

Recycling Ready, Now What?

By: Kelli Safford

Whether you have been a long-term advocate of recycling, or have recently caught the fever, more and more families in the southeast area are practicing the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. However, if you are in question of where to deposit your items, Keep Indianapolis

Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) has resources available on their website to direct you to the nearest recycling drop-off locations.

For items such as:

Steel and aluminum beverage and food cans

Empty aerosol cans

Glass (brown , clear and green)

#1 and #2 plastics

Newspapers and magazines

The locations are:

Brookside Park: 3500 Brookside Parkway, South Drive

Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive

Kroger, 4202 S East Street

O’Malia’s, 320 New Jersey

Source – Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. www.kibi.org

KIB has also developed a Recycle and Reuse Guide, which can be found at www.kibi.org. This guide assists individuals in determining where to take electronics, household items and clothing, just to name a few. SEND and residents of the southeast area are also taking their own initiatives to develop more attainable drop-off locations. Connie Ziegler, a resident of North Square, worked with paper recycling company, Abitibi, to secure a recycling bin for all paper items at the corner of Woodlawn and Shelby Street. Connie states, “Paper recycling is one step along the way to being better stewards of our environment. The city’s curbside recycling works great for paper and some plastics, but for those who don’t want to or can’t afford to pay for curbside recycling, this is a free way to recycle paper to keep it out of landfills and make it available for reuse. It’s also a fundraiser and the little bit of money it raises for our neighborhood association goes right back into beautifying and improving our community.”

Through the public space committee of SEND, efforts are continuously being made to increase the awareness and importance of the three R's, as well as work with the city to enhance accessibility for all residents of the southeast area. Public space committee chairman, Jeff Miller added, “The Public Space Committee is very interested in seeing more recycling options for the area. If we give residents more opportunities to recycle, especially in convenient locations, that will encourage us all to be more conscious of our environment and our need to reuse our resources rather than filling landfills. At the end of the day, we all realize we need to take better care of our world and this is a great place to start.”