On Friday, September 25th, 2009, the Indiana School for the Deaf celebrated the grand opening of the INDIANA DEAF SCHOOL MONON PLAZA, a new sculpture and access point on the trail that will provide a gateway to Deaf Culture for Greenway Users. If you haven't made the hike down to see the new addition to the trail, that includes a sculpture with a "Gateway to Deaf Culture" design, be sure to take a look at the west edge of the school's property along the Monon Trail north of 42nd street.

The Indiana School for the Deaf students had a great opportunity to work with local artist Barb Zech and ISD Teacher, Scotty Zwicker to create hand-made individual ceramic tiles that encircle the archway of the sculpture. The addition to the trail is a beautiful bonus for the area and a great way to get the students involved in improving the area where they attend school.

Saturday the 26th had a bit more action with the Circle City Socialites Roller Derby Girls as they split the team to compete against each other; Black vs. Green. Green won the bout at Ellenberger Park that night and then the girls headed to Zanies Too for live music located on the corner of 10th Street and Arlington Avenue. The after party continued as the band Dirt Leg took the stage for their premier show with some wild pumping punk music. The party continued into the night as the Derby team celebrated their victory.

I spent Sunday the 27th down in Mooresville at the Anderson Apple Orchard for the Apple Festival & Craft Fair. The crafts were cute, with everything from giant wooden candy corn to witches on brooms, but it was the delicious apple cobbler and picking the fruit from the tree that caught my attention at this festival. If you get time this month plan a trip out to the orchard. www.andersonorchards.com.

Skipping a week ahead to October's First Friday (10.2.09) with Autumn in full swing and crisp cool evenings, it makes a great evening to stroll the Indianapolis Downtown Artists & Dealers Association Walk. A great place to start out the night is at the new Athenaeum Artspace located at 401 East Michigan Street on the corner of Mass Ave. "Five Days in Guatemala" is a compelling show based around the small town of Magdelana, the opening reception is from 5-9pm and will include live music from Ensemble Voltaire presented by Indy Baroque. The show will include paintings created by students from the Guatemala Down Syndrome School and children from the local art school. All paintings in this show will be sold to support the children of Guatemala. This show will run through October 31st, for more information www.athenaeumfoundation.com.