Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2013 12 20

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v10n25)

Round the Ripple by Bill Malcolm

posted: Dec. 20, 2013

We have a lot going on in the Ripple and beyond for the Holidays.

Westfield re-opens

The Mayor's office confirmed that Westfield Boulevard at Broad Ripple Avenue was scheduled to re-open on December 13, 2013. It was closed due to construction of the new office building and connection to a water main. This made the already bad afternoon congestion worse at this tricky intersection.

Also, a reader has asked us to investigate the afternoon congestion on Broad Ripple Avenue. Should the bike lanes go? The street is backed up daily in the afternoon hours which makes it a slow crawl from Keystone to College.

Sample a class this winter at Broad Ripple Park

Broad Ripple Park offers sampler fitness classes and more next month. Are you thinking of taking a class? The new "sampler series" at Broad Ripple Park has classes for you.

Take a few days of a class for a few bucks and decide if you want to enroll. These include boot camp fitness, Beda fitness, low impact aerobics, yoga, and more. Classes start in January. Pick up their winter/spring fun guide for details or visit www.broadripplepark.org.

Find a health care provider taking exchange plans in the Ripple

A word of caution to those buying health insurance at HealthCare.gov, the new Federal exchange for those who lack insurance. The insurance offerings feature much more limited networks of providers (compared to current plans), no out of state coverage, and no out of network coverage.

I was offered only two company choices: Anthem and MDWise (with both offering silver, bronze, and gold plans).

Finally, the silver plan (which has no premium for some) also has a $6,000+ annual deductible. This means the plan pays nothing until you have spent this much. Therefore, despite the lack of monthly premium, it may be inferior to the bronze plan (which has a modest monthly premium charges but no onerous annual deductible). So compare the silver, bronze, and gold plans carefully. See last week's Indianapolis Business Journal for details.

Finally, you have until March 31 to sign up. Go to the new and improved www.healthcare.gov today if you currently lack health insurance. You will need 2014 projected income information so that they can determine your premium subsidy (if any).

Holliday for the Holidays?

Holliday Park has some great winter programs including birding through the eyes of photographers (Audubon Society) on January 15, 2014. To donate to restore the ruins and exhibit hall renovations, go to www.hollidaypark.org/pricelessasset. Also, don't miss the new nature photography exhibit when you visit the nature center.

Use caution crossing the Monon at the College/75th intersection

A reader has let us know that the crossing is very dangerous at 75th and Westfield on the Monon. He was hit by a turning car and suffered permanent leg injuries and recommends that trail users always use the crossing button when attempting to cross this intersection.

Sasha's celebrates 36 years!

Business come and go in the Ripple. One business has been here for 36 years. That would be Sasha's jewelry and watch repair at 739 Broad Ripple Avenue.

Take Amtrak to Chicago for winter break

Enjoy a fun train trip to Chicago for a weekend get away over the break. Why drive and fight the snow and parking hassles when you can take Amtrak and relax? Leave December 27 for a 2 day weekend. Fares from $85 round trip. Include a hotel for $280. Visit www.amtrak.com for details and join us on Hoosiers for Passenger Rail on Facebook.

Year in Review

What column is complete without a few comments on the year ending 2013. The hot topic this year was of course the Whole Foods debate. I tried to stay neutral but was amazed at the passion on both sides when I attended May's BRVA meeting on the topic at the Lutheran Church across from the Kroger.

The most disturbing story of the year was the 2 home invasions in the Ripple. One of those arrested told Fox59 that he was the nicest robber you would ever want to meet (!) and that it was all about "the money".

Finally, our new parking garage opened. Is it me or is the turquoise covering and entire building architecture disappointing and out of character for the neighborhood? I preferred the plan that featured apartments and a parking garage.

Bill Malcolm also writes a travel column in The Midwest Eagle and is a reporter for All Aboard Indiana (as a volunteer for both). He advocates for fair and affordable utility rates for a national association based in Washington, D.C. He welcomes reader feedback and story ideas. Send to Bill@BroadRippleGazette.com

bill@broadripplegazette.com

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: