By: Irvin Etienne
By the time this is published we should be in full gardening mode. I looked at last year’s article from the same time and found the weather to be about the same as I write today - sunny and nearly 70 a week ago and snow showers today. Just one more example of why we need tough perennials when we garden in the Midwest. I know if my bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) get damaged they will still survive, even bloom. But the show won’t be as great as when they do not get beat up by Mother Nature (she’s got a mean streak in her). Since this issue covers June and June is Perennial Gardening Month I thought I would mention a few choice ones you may want to try.
The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) chooses a Perennial Plant of the Year annually (how ironic). This plant is chosen by the members of the PPA. For 2009 the selection is probably my favorite grass, Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Hakone grass. This beauty has golden chartreuse leaves with a thin edge of bright green. Not only is it gorgeous, it likes the shade. One of its other common names is Japanese Forest Grass. We are constantly on the look-out for shade plants other than hostas and ferns so this is a real winner. Hakone grass is, quite simply, sexy. Yes, sexy. It sways and moves like a high-priced street walker on Saturday night in a tight mini-skirt and six inch heels. This grass flows. If you planted a long line of it through your garden it would look like a stream running through your other plants. Its bright chartreuse/gold color contrasts wonderfully with dark leaved shade plants like Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ and Actea ramosa ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (one of the bugbanes and also known as Cimicifuga). But perhaps its greatest contribution is to texture in the garden. The fine leaves of Hakone grass contrast beautifully with the big bold leaves of hostas. Planted with hostas that have some yellow in the leaf and you have a color echo that works all season. Hakonechloa also makes a great container plant, especially planted on the edge of the container so it can flow over the side. At the end of the season just plant it in the garden and next year you can dig it back up or leave it in place. This is not a fast growing plant, it spreads slowly by stolons (underground shoots). It makes a wonderful clump 12-18 inches tall and around 18 inches wide. You may also be interested in the cultivar ‘All Gold’ which as the name suggests is all gold. It’s actually a more vigorous grower than ‘Aureola’. There is a green and white variegated cultivar called ‘Stripe It Rich’ and multiple plain green cultivars.
Other past PPA choices for plant of the year that I would suggest trying include Phlox paniculata ‘David’ (tall garden phlox), Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Leucanthemum ‘Becky’ (Shasta daisy) and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (catmint) for sunny areas. I’m not a big fan of the smell of Nepeta but there is no denying ‘Walker’s Low’ performs. Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose) and Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese painted fern) are two more good selections for shade.
You can find Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ fairly easily now days but I must recommend my very own IMA greenhouse of course. There you will find many fine perennials for your garden and knowledgeable people to help (not me, I’m in the gardens). I think if you buy one Hakone grass you will soon go out to find some more. It really is one fine plant.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Indy ES
By: Jon Clucas
In 2007, Indy ES Productions, "a full-service multimedia and video production company," set up a shop on Madison Avenue near Southport Road. Just two years earlier, the company was founded in Madrid, Spain, where the company is still headquartered. In October of 2008, Indy ES moved its Indianapolis location from Southport to Fountain Square.
According to owner Ramon Carrera, Indy ES moved their Indianapolis location because they "wanted a location that was convenient, hip and friendly. That's why we chose Fountain Square. It's also very convenient for us with its proximity to downtown and ease of access to the interstate."
Located on Prospect Street in the Fountain Square Theatre Building, Indy ES certainly has a location that is convenient, hip and friendly! Maria's Pizza is just across the street from Indy ES, and Indy ES has already produced a promotional video for our local pizzeria! The video is available to view on Indy ES's Vimeo page, http://vimeo.com/user924766. Besides Vimeo, Indy ES has its own website, http://www.indy.es, and a page on DiscoverFountainSquare.com.
Additionally, Indy ES owns and operates http://www.PetPalsTV.com. Pet Pals TV is a local pet information program, with information and episodes available online and on television with Comcast On Demand. New episodes air monthly.
Indy ES specializes in online videos. The Indianapolis office, 1107 Prospect Street, is open 10 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday. Their telephone number is (317) 638-7833.
At the time of publication, Indy ES has been operating in Fountain Square for 6 months. We welcome the company to the neighborhood and hope they stay for many years!
In 2007, Indy ES Productions, "a full-service multimedia and video production company," set up a shop on Madison Avenue near Southport Road. Just two years earlier, the company was founded in Madrid, Spain, where the company is still headquartered. In October of 2008, Indy ES moved its Indianapolis location from Southport to Fountain Square.
According to owner Ramon Carrera, Indy ES moved their Indianapolis location because they "wanted a location that was convenient, hip and friendly. That's why we chose Fountain Square. It's also very convenient for us with its proximity to downtown and ease of access to the interstate."
Located on Prospect Street in the Fountain Square Theatre Building, Indy ES certainly has a location that is convenient, hip and friendly! Maria's Pizza is just across the street from Indy ES, and Indy ES has already produced a promotional video for our local pizzeria! The video is available to view on Indy ES's Vimeo page, http://vimeo.com/user924766. Besides Vimeo, Indy ES has its own website, http://www.indy.es, and a page on DiscoverFountainSquare.com.
Additionally, Indy ES owns and operates http://www.PetPalsTV.com. Pet Pals TV is a local pet information program, with information and episodes available online and on television with Comcast On Demand. New episodes air monthly.
Indy ES specializes in online videos. The Indianapolis office, 1107 Prospect Street, is open 10 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday. Their telephone number is (317) 638-7833.
At the time of publication, Indy ES has been operating in Fountain Square for 6 months. We welcome the company to the neighborhood and hope they stay for many years!
Purdue Training is a Success
By: Jennifer Rice Von Deylen
The Southeast Leadership Development Initiative (SELDI) pilot program was completed in April. The initiative is a joint venture between the Marion County Purdue Extension office, Southeast Community Services (SECS) and Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND). The Southeast has a high level of participation in leadership development programs offered by other institutions, and SELDI was created to build on skills learned through those programs.
The Purdue educators designed the course specifically for the Southeast. The six week course focused on leadership development on the personal, group and community levels. Participants completed assessments that helped them further understand their personality types and leadership styles. Additional course topics included conflict resolution, community development and building inclusive communities. Each student developed a community action project through the course, with the Purdue extension offering coaching and support for implementation.
Participants in the course came from a variety of different neighborhoods in the Southeast, which provided an excellent opportunity for further developing relationships across traditional boundaries. Feedback from the participants was very positive.
“SELDI helped me focus on and further develop my skills as a leader. Taking the class gave me the opportunity to discuss the struggles and joys of servant leadership with other leaders in our community,” said Angie Calvert from the Bates Hendricks neighborhood.
With the success of the pilot program, the team working on this training initiative has decided to move forward with a second course. The next SELDI course is currently being planned for this August or September. Discussions are also underway to offer courses on select topics such as grant writing and strategic planning.
SELDI is one example of the growing partnership between the Purdue Extension office and the Southeast. The Purdue Extension approached SEND offering their support in implementing the Southeast Quality of Life Plan. The Purdue staff has since become engaged with neighborhood beautification projects as well as youth programming initiatives.
If you are interested in participating in future courses or would like more information on this partnership effort to support the Quality of Life Plan, please contact Jennifer Rice Von Deylen at 634-5079 x107.
The Southeast Leadership Development Initiative (SELDI) pilot program was completed in April. The initiative is a joint venture between the Marion County Purdue Extension office, Southeast Community Services (SECS) and Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND). The Southeast has a high level of participation in leadership development programs offered by other institutions, and SELDI was created to build on skills learned through those programs.
The Purdue educators designed the course specifically for the Southeast. The six week course focused on leadership development on the personal, group and community levels. Participants completed assessments that helped them further understand their personality types and leadership styles. Additional course topics included conflict resolution, community development and building inclusive communities. Each student developed a community action project through the course, with the Purdue extension offering coaching and support for implementation.
Participants in the course came from a variety of different neighborhoods in the Southeast, which provided an excellent opportunity for further developing relationships across traditional boundaries. Feedback from the participants was very positive.
“SELDI helped me focus on and further develop my skills as a leader. Taking the class gave me the opportunity to discuss the struggles and joys of servant leadership with other leaders in our community,” said Angie Calvert from the Bates Hendricks neighborhood.
With the success of the pilot program, the team working on this training initiative has decided to move forward with a second course. The next SELDI course is currently being planned for this August or September. Discussions are also underway to offer courses on select topics such as grant writing and strategic planning.
SELDI is one example of the growing partnership between the Purdue Extension office and the Southeast. The Purdue Extension approached SEND offering their support in implementing the Southeast Quality of Life Plan. The Purdue staff has since become engaged with neighborhood beautification projects as well as youth programming initiatives.
If you are interested in participating in future courses or would like more information on this partnership effort to support the Quality of Life Plan, please contact Jennifer Rice Von Deylen at 634-5079 x107.
Longtime Resident Thelma Reed Dies
By: Susan Beauchamp and Darlene Jones
There are many people in Southeast Indianapolis Neighborhoods who have lived here for a long time, but Thelma Reed might hold the record. In 1918, Frank and Clara Kenyon moved into their house on lot 41 on St. Paul Street along with their three year old daughter, Thelma, and her 7 siblings. Thelma still lived in the same house until her death on February 26, 2009 at almost 94 years of age. Thelma was one of the residents featured in the documentary film, Revival Road, produced by the Southeast Learning Partnership, which was shown at the last Southeast Indianapolis Neighborhood Gathering in September 2008.
Thelma recalled a glass factory at the south end of St. Paul St. and remembered riding the railed trolley on Prospect St. going to Fountain Square and then downtown. Her mother bought live chickens in Fountain Square to prepare for Sunday dinner.
Thelma went to School #20 on Spruce Street and to School #39 on State Street for the eighth grade. Thelma said, ”Every home on Saint Paul Street was nice, yards were kept neat and neighbors were friendly and helped each other. No one locked their doors back then.” In the '30s Thelma would go to Fountain Square at The Shadow Box on weekends for dancing, Jitter-Bug, of course. Though raised here during the depression years Thelma said, “Mom always kept her family fed and dressed. She was a good cook and homemaker. She made a little bit of money go a long way.”
Thelma remembered an A & P Grocery on Prospect between Keystone and St. Peter and a Drug Store next it. Much later, in the '50s, the standard Grocery moved on the corner of Prospect and Churchman where Family Dollar is now. A summertime favorite was the ice cream store across the street from this grocery. The Avalon Theater was located on Prospect between Churchman and Harlan. Thelma recalls spending many weekends there when admission was only 15 cents. The black and white movies featuring westerns starring Tom Mix, and many of the classics of today were great entertainment for neighborhood children. In the late 1930s Sunday mornings were spent at Calvary Tabernacle Church on Fletcher Ave. The family would catch a bus and get off at Virginia Ave. and Cedar. Ave. where the Interstate is today.
Thelma had continued as a faithful member of Calvary Tabernacle. She had been a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and when she was in her 80s assisted in nursing home ministry. Her funeral service was held there on March 2.
Darlene Jones, daughter of Thelma Reed, still resides at the old homestead on
St. Paul Street. She is part of a revitalization of the area with her neighbors as part of ICAN, Indianapolis Churchman Ave. Neighbors.
The Southeast Learning Partnership, SELP would like to celebrate other long time residents, please contact 610-7425 or selp_chair@yahoo.com for more information. The SELP meets monthly to document and collect data for all the neighborhoods. Everyone who lives or works in the area is welcome to participate. Come to meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month at 901 Shelby St., 2nd floor classroom. Dinner and childcare are provided.
There are many people in Southeast Indianapolis Neighborhoods who have lived here for a long time, but Thelma Reed might hold the record. In 1918, Frank and Clara Kenyon moved into their house on lot 41 on St. Paul Street along with their three year old daughter, Thelma, and her 7 siblings. Thelma still lived in the same house until her death on February 26, 2009 at almost 94 years of age. Thelma was one of the residents featured in the documentary film, Revival Road, produced by the Southeast Learning Partnership, which was shown at the last Southeast Indianapolis Neighborhood Gathering in September 2008.
Thelma recalled a glass factory at the south end of St. Paul St. and remembered riding the railed trolley on Prospect St. going to Fountain Square and then downtown. Her mother bought live chickens in Fountain Square to prepare for Sunday dinner.
Thelma went to School #20 on Spruce Street and to School #39 on State Street for the eighth grade. Thelma said, ”Every home on Saint Paul Street was nice, yards were kept neat and neighbors were friendly and helped each other. No one locked their doors back then.” In the '30s Thelma would go to Fountain Square at The Shadow Box on weekends for dancing, Jitter-Bug, of course. Though raised here during the depression years Thelma said, “Mom always kept her family fed and dressed. She was a good cook and homemaker. She made a little bit of money go a long way.”
Thelma remembered an A & P Grocery on Prospect between Keystone and St. Peter and a Drug Store next it. Much later, in the '50s, the standard Grocery moved on the corner of Prospect and Churchman where Family Dollar is now. A summertime favorite was the ice cream store across the street from this grocery. The Avalon Theater was located on Prospect between Churchman and Harlan. Thelma recalls spending many weekends there when admission was only 15 cents. The black and white movies featuring westerns starring Tom Mix, and many of the classics of today were great entertainment for neighborhood children. In the late 1930s Sunday mornings were spent at Calvary Tabernacle Church on Fletcher Ave. The family would catch a bus and get off at Virginia Ave. and Cedar. Ave. where the Interstate is today.
Thelma had continued as a faithful member of Calvary Tabernacle. She had been a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and when she was in her 80s assisted in nursing home ministry. Her funeral service was held there on March 2.
Darlene Jones, daughter of Thelma Reed, still resides at the old homestead on
St. Paul Street. She is part of a revitalization of the area with her neighbors as part of ICAN, Indianapolis Churchman Ave. Neighbors.
The Southeast Learning Partnership, SELP would like to celebrate other long time residents, please contact 610-7425 or selp_chair@yahoo.com for more information. The SELP meets monthly to document and collect data for all the neighborhoods. Everyone who lives or works in the area is welcome to participate. Come to meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month at 901 Shelby St., 2nd floor classroom. Dinner and childcare are provided.
Jobs vs. Health
By: Richard Campi
Clean coal is a misnomer. All coal production is DIRTY and bad for everyone’s health. This is an absolute fact. Yes, newer technology is more efficient and cleaner, but remains very, very dirty and unhealthy as it is mined and burned.
Appalachia, especially West Virginia has the lowest life expectancy in the United States and it has the worst air quality in the U.S. (Indiana is #2 worst.) Although many other factors are involved, coal is most responsible.
What is the trade off? Logically we should consider clean air. Renewable energy, such as wind, solar, algae, etc. are directions that will energize our personal health along with the health of the planet earth.
We all have to die of something sometime anyway. We have all heard or express this lame-brained rationale…especially from addicts. Education seems to be a foul four letter word to many. Work for your good health, exercise, eat better foods, and think for the day after tomorrow. You have all heard this also before. It’s too much trouble to exercise, stop smoking, resist gambling (waste of logical mental health), be a good neighbor, including sharing in keeping the surroundings clean and orderly. These and many other aspects of life are choices in the way we live. The choice of a profession or the jobs we take impact the style of our living and should benefit the environment. Breathing clean air is paramount to having “a sound mind in a sound body”. Those of you that read and think this through are more likely to be in the chorus of like-minds. Those of you that do not read probably cannot make better choices any way. Are you one that chooses making money over striving for good health for yourself and others? Referring back to a “sound mind” and “resisting gambling,” the only time I’ve succumbed to crap shooting is when I’ve had food poisoning!
Clean coal is a misnomer. All coal production is DIRTY and bad for everyone’s health. This is an absolute fact. Yes, newer technology is more efficient and cleaner, but remains very, very dirty and unhealthy as it is mined and burned.
Appalachia, especially West Virginia has the lowest life expectancy in the United States and it has the worst air quality in the U.S. (Indiana is #2 worst.) Although many other factors are involved, coal is most responsible.
What is the trade off? Logically we should consider clean air. Renewable energy, such as wind, solar, algae, etc. are directions that will energize our personal health along with the health of the planet earth.
We all have to die of something sometime anyway. We have all heard or express this lame-brained rationale…especially from addicts. Education seems to be a foul four letter word to many. Work for your good health, exercise, eat better foods, and think for the day after tomorrow. You have all heard this also before. It’s too much trouble to exercise, stop smoking, resist gambling (waste of logical mental health), be a good neighbor, including sharing in keeping the surroundings clean and orderly. These and many other aspects of life are choices in the way we live. The choice of a profession or the jobs we take impact the style of our living and should benefit the environment. Breathing clean air is paramount to having “a sound mind in a sound body”. Those of you that read and think this through are more likely to be in the chorus of like-minds. Those of you that do not read probably cannot make better choices any way. Are you one that chooses making money over striving for good health for yourself and others? Referring back to a “sound mind” and “resisting gambling,” the only time I’ve succumbed to crap shooting is when I’ve had food poisoning!
Flavors of the Southeast Side
By: Claire Norton
Christina and Andy Cao are two of the newest individuals to bring an excellent dining experience to Fountain Square. This couple has successfully delivered the perfect combination of delicious food, sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, and great service with Naisa Pan-Asian Café. Located at 1025 Virginia Ave, this restaurant opened on April 3, 2009 after months of preparation, which have certainly paid off.
Bright walls compliment the simple, modern furniture in this sleek, clean space. Not only is Naisa Café a great place to bring friends or co-workers for lunch or dinner, but will also be a place to see new art with walls that soon will serve as a gallery.
The menu is rich with choices for those who enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine. Each meal comes with a seafood cheese wonton and your choice of soup, making each meal completely satisfying. The owners pride themselves on using as many fresh ingredients as possible and that choice certainly pays off for the diner. The hot tea service comes to the table with loose leaf tea so one can brew her drink to perfection.
I’ve already enjoyed three dishes that are reason enough to keep going back: the Shrimp with Garden Veggies, the Kong Pao Shrimp, and Fried Rice. However, with such a large menu I’ll be sure to try something new next time. Menu and hours can be found online at www.naisaCafé.com for those excited to try the next great restaurant to hit Fountain Square.
Christina and Andy Cao are two of the newest individuals to bring an excellent dining experience to Fountain Square. This couple has successfully delivered the perfect combination of delicious food, sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, and great service with Naisa Pan-Asian Café. Located at 1025 Virginia Ave, this restaurant opened on April 3, 2009 after months of preparation, which have certainly paid off.
Bright walls compliment the simple, modern furniture in this sleek, clean space. Not only is Naisa Café a great place to bring friends or co-workers for lunch or dinner, but will also be a place to see new art with walls that soon will serve as a gallery.
The menu is rich with choices for those who enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine. Each meal comes with a seafood cheese wonton and your choice of soup, making each meal completely satisfying. The owners pride themselves on using as many fresh ingredients as possible and that choice certainly pays off for the diner. The hot tea service comes to the table with loose leaf tea so one can brew her drink to perfection.
I’ve already enjoyed three dishes that are reason enough to keep going back: the Shrimp with Garden Veggies, the Kong Pao Shrimp, and Fried Rice. However, with such a large menu I’ll be sure to try something new next time. Menu and hours can be found online at www.naisaCafé.com for those excited to try the next great restaurant to hit Fountain Square.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
SIGN UP NOW for Summer Youth Programs
By: Susan Beauchamp
Now is the time for southeast youth to plan for summer. The Southeast Learning Partnership has compiled a booklet about youth programs in the area. To obtain a copy, look in the Fountain Square Branch of the Public Library or call 686-0293 at the NACS office.
The Southeast Community Services will have Youth Developing Communities Program for 6 weeks beginning on June 23, 2009. The program will include reading support, life skills development, employment assistance and computer instruction, community service, recreation and field trips. It is for ages 12 to 17. Breakfast is provided each day. Cash stipends are given for reading books and a gift card stipend for back to school. For more information or to sign up, contact Shawn Delmolino at 236-7400 extension 226 or shawnd@southeastindy.org.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will have the Youth Tree Team for high school age youth. It will run Jun. 1 – Aug. 6, 2009. 7 am - noon, or 12:30 – 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There will be a Wilderness Trip on Jun. 19 – 20. Lunch is provided each day and students are paid hourly. Students learn landscape maintenance and management with several field trips. To apply or for more information, contact Nate Faris at 264-7555 extension 111 or nfaris@kibi.org.
Southeast Community Organization, SECO, has a youth program. Kids work in the community each Saturday of the summer from 8 am to noon, painting houses and garages, and doing general cleanup in the neighborhood. They are paid hourly. The students also take several trips for enrichment. To register or for more information, contact SECO at 236-9245.
IPS Emmerick Manual High School will have an Algebra I class for credit beginning Jun. 1. There will also be a GQE remediation program for Language Arts and Math beginning Jun. 1. Those participating in sports can enroll in summer conditioning and those in the band can participate in Summer Band. For more information about these, call 226-2200. Students over 16 years of age can enroll in Evening School at Manual H.S. to enroll in the evening program call 226-2231.
The Fountain Square Academy, which is a public charter school open to all in grades 5 through 12, will have Remedial Summer Program. This will help with ISTEP and GQE preparation. It will be from 8:30 am to noon starting in early June. There will be two sessions, each to run 3 weeks. The school offers a free lunch for anyone who wishes to visit. To enroll, call Mr. Bardonner at 951-1000.
The Southeast Learning Partnership, SELP, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month on the 2nd floor of 901 Shelby Street at 5 PM. Dinner and childcare are provided. Everyone in SE Indy is invited to participate. This organization provides documentation, information and data collection for the community.
Now is the time for southeast youth to plan for summer. The Southeast Learning Partnership has compiled a booklet about youth programs in the area. To obtain a copy, look in the Fountain Square Branch of the Public Library or call 686-0293 at the NACS office.
The Southeast Community Services will have Youth Developing Communities Program for 6 weeks beginning on June 23, 2009. The program will include reading support, life skills development, employment assistance and computer instruction, community service, recreation and field trips. It is for ages 12 to 17. Breakfast is provided each day. Cash stipends are given for reading books and a gift card stipend for back to school. For more information or to sign up, contact Shawn Delmolino at 236-7400 extension 226 or shawnd@southeastindy.org.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will have the Youth Tree Team for high school age youth. It will run Jun. 1 – Aug. 6, 2009. 7 am - noon, or 12:30 – 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There will be a Wilderness Trip on Jun. 19 – 20. Lunch is provided each day and students are paid hourly. Students learn landscape maintenance and management with several field trips. To apply or for more information, contact Nate Faris at 264-7555 extension 111 or nfaris@kibi.org.
Southeast Community Organization, SECO, has a youth program. Kids work in the community each Saturday of the summer from 8 am to noon, painting houses and garages, and doing general cleanup in the neighborhood. They are paid hourly. The students also take several trips for enrichment. To register or for more information, contact SECO at 236-9245.
IPS Emmerick Manual High School will have an Algebra I class for credit beginning Jun. 1. There will also be a GQE remediation program for Language Arts and Math beginning Jun. 1. Those participating in sports can enroll in summer conditioning and those in the band can participate in Summer Band. For more information about these, call 226-2200. Students over 16 years of age can enroll in Evening School at Manual H.S. to enroll in the evening program call 226-2231.
The Fountain Square Academy, which is a public charter school open to all in grades 5 through 12, will have Remedial Summer Program. This will help with ISTEP and GQE preparation. It will be from 8:30 am to noon starting in early June. There will be two sessions, each to run 3 weeks. The school offers a free lunch for anyone who wishes to visit. To enroll, call Mr. Bardonner at 951-1000.
The Southeast Learning Partnership, SELP, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month on the 2nd floor of 901 Shelby Street at 5 PM. Dinner and childcare are provided. Everyone in SE Indy is invited to participate. This organization provides documentation, information and data collection for the community.
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