Resident Meeting Being Held Over Geist Reservoir’s Algae Problem

All Geist residents are invited to the Indianapolis Yacht Club this Friday morning at 8:00 am to discuss the status of the current blue-green algae toxin levels in Geist Reservoir.

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Big Brothers Watch Colts Up Close Thanks to Old National Bank

BB Matt Hammond and LB Kayvonn For two Big Brothers and two Little Brothers matched in mentoring relationships through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, the Monday, August 20th pre-season game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears was more than just another night of Monday Night Football.  Thanks to the generosity of Old National Bank, these “Bigs” and “Littles” enjoyed the game from a unique vantage point – the field.

The donation of field-level Colts tickets gave Big Brother Regan Johnson and his 17 year-old Little Brother Max and Big Brother Matt Hammond and his 9 year-old Little Brother Kayyonn (pictured) the opportunity to share an unforgettable experience together that would not otherwise have been possible.

Old National Bank is a corporate partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) and nationally a corporate partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  In addition to offering tickets to Monday’s Colts game, Old National Bank encourages employees to volunteer their time as mentors in Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs.  Eight Old National Bank employees volunteer as Big Brothers or Big Sisters with BBBSCI, including Indianapolis Region President of Old National Bank Randy Reichmann.

Reichmann has said of his interest in the program, “As we get older, life becomes less about being successful and more about being significant. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is a chance to make a difference…with people who are passionate about the cause and committed to making this a great experience for the child and the volunteer.”

Reichmann will be a Big Brother for the first time beginning this fall at IPS #2, one of many BBBSCI school partners that allows mentors to meet with youth once a week at the school during lunch or recess.  Many Big “Bigs” find this volunteer option to be a good fit for their schedules.

Reichmann discussed his decision to get involved, “I was concerned about the time commitment.  My kids are getting older but still remain my highest priority so I wondered if I could really make this work.  The mentor program [in local schools] was the perfect solution for me.  I could make it work in my schedule, get a feel for what being a Big is all about, and hopefully help out a child.”

In addition to many IPS schools, BBBSCI partners with schools in Hamilton and Johnson counties to offer this mentoring opportunity to youth and potential “Bigs” in Central Indiana.

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“Blithe Spirit” Kicks Off Mud Creek Players Season

Mudcreek PlayersMud Creek Players will open their 2007-2008 season with the classic hit comedy, “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward. The show, directed by Carla Crandall, tells the story of what happens when Charles Condimine (played by Randy Fancher) inadvertently conjures up the spirit of his long dead first wife Elvira (Robin Peet) much to the dismay of his current wife Ruth (Dana Lesh). The cast also includes Ginny Burt as Madam Arcati, the medium, Bob Williams and Judy McGroarty as Doctor and Mrs. Bradman, and Ann Ellerbrook as the maid.

The show will be presented Friday and Saturday nights September 21 through October 6 at 8 pm. There will also be a matinee Sunday Sep 30 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for all performances, except the matinee which is $8. Reservations are recommended by calling 317-290-5343 or visiting www.mudcreekplayers.org. The theater is located at 9740 East 86th Street in Indianapolis, at the corner of Mud Creek Road and 86th Street.

Mud Creek Players have been presenting theatrical production on the northeast side of Indianapolis since 1950.

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“Blithe Spirit” Kicks Off Mud Creek Players Season

Mudcreek PlayersMud Creek Players will open their 2007-2008 season with the classic hit comedy, “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward. The show, directed by Carla Crandall, tells the story of what happens when Charles Condimine (played by Randy Fancher) inadvertently conjures up the spirit of his long dead first wife Elvira (Robin Peet) much to the dismay of his current wife Ruth (Dana Lesh). The cast also includes Ginny Burt as Madam Arcati, the medium, Bob Williams and Judy McGroarty as Doctor and Mrs. Bradman, and Ann Ellerbrook as the maid.

The show will be presented Friday and Saturday nights September 21 through October 6 at 8 pm. There will also be a matinee Sunday Sep 30 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for all performances, except the matinee which is $8. Reservations are recommended by calling 317-290-5343 or visiting www.mudcreekplayers.org. The theater is located at 9740 East 86th Street in Indianapolis, at the corner of Mud Creek Road and 86th Street.

Mud Creek Players have been presenting theatrical production on the northeast side of Indianapolis since 1950.

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Geist Farmers Market Losing Steam, Optimistic for Next Year (video)

Tuttles Farm The heat of the summer has worn down the vendors of the Geist Farmers Market in the parking lot of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. On a recent visit to the Thursday afternoon outdoor market at the corner of Fox and Oaklandon Road, I found a lot of empty spaces that were once filled by local and regional farmers. Even though some of the vendors have elected to not participate, the majority of the vendors are optimistic about the future.

“For the produce people, this summer has been pretty busy, but it hasn’t been so busy for the hand-craft people I don’t think,” said Karen Green, a Holy Cross church member selling handmade quilts, baby blankets, and other handwoven items.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/1zXR9fXD8fw" width="300" height="250" wmode="transparent" /]

“We’re just trying to figure out how to reach the Geist market,” said Robert Engleking of Engleking’s Country Beef Shop in Charlottesville, Indiana.

“We’ll be back next year,” said Jeff Jager from Bramblebush Farms in Michigan. His large yellow truck filled with fresh produce from northern Indiana and Michigan makes the trip every week to participate in the Geist Farmer’s Market.

“It’s the only one we do down here and the response has been good so far,” he added.

Pricing on items was a bit higher than what you’d find across the street at Marsh Supermarket, but the selling point is not price necessarily at a farmer’s market. Supporting local farmers and access to healthier foods seem to be the calling card of these weekly vendors.

Organic foods of all types are available direct from the farm, like Barb Smith’s assortment of organic cheeses from southeastern Hancock County. Engleking’s meats are from grain-fed cattle, both raised on their farm just minutes from the I-70 Mount Comfort Road Exit. Marvin Miller sells apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and sweet corn from his Rush County farm where he also abides by a non-pesticide oath.

“I just like to meet the people,” said Janice Holland from Rushville who sells handmade jewelry and watercolor paintings from a tented table.

“They say it takes several years for a farmer’s market to get up and running so I’ll hang in there and see how it does,” said Karen Green as she grinned and continued with her knitting.

Everyone in the Geist area should stop by and at least talk to the vendors of the Geist Farmers Market. In a stop-and-go world, it is not often that we can actually talk to the farmers that grow the produce and meats that we consume on a daily basis. As an added bonus, you are also helping the local farming community.

Barb Smith with Blue River Natural FoodsKiln fired jewelryBarb Smith with Blue River Natural FoodsBlue River SignDSCN1310DSCN1309Fresh produce from Northern Indiana and MichiganEngleking's Country Beef ShopDSCN1322

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Parke County covered Bridge Festival

October 16 – all day excursion
Bus loads at McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Learn to Live Debt Free in the 21st Century

September 19 – 1 session
Lawrence North HS

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Avoid the Ten Financial Mistakes Baby Boomers Make

September 25- October2
McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Microsoft Excel Basics

September 17 – 1 session
McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Microsoft Access Basics

September 26- October 3
McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Microsoft Powerpoint Basics

October 15 – 1 class
McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Internet for Beginners

September 26 – 1 session
Lawrence North HS

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Computers: Getting Started with Basic Computer Navigation

October 1- October 22
Lawrence North HS

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Dating Boot Camp

October 13 – October 14 (weekend)
Precedent Office Park

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Singles Date Nite

September 30 – 1 session
Hilton Hotel North

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Speed Dating Workshop

September 18 – 1 session

Skiles Test Elementary

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Meals In 30 Minutes

October 8 – 1 session
Lawrence Central HS

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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Beginning Knitting

October 25 – November 15
McKenzie Career Center

Affordable fees and free parking are two of the benefits to taking classes in the Lawrence Township’s Community Education program.  Participants can register by phone at (317) 423-8290 or online at www.learningforyou.com.

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