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2014 02 21

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v11n04)

Round the Ripple by Bill Malcolm

posted: Feb. 21, 2014

We have a lot going on in the Ripple.

Broad Ripple sidewalks still perilous

Memo to Broad Ripple business owners: Please clear your sidewalks of ice and snow. The winter sidewalk situation in Broad Ripple remains deplorable but improving including along Broad Ripple Avenue.

Sidewalks along "the avenue" and nearby streets are so bad some pedestrians and runners can be seen walking in the street.

One business owner did shovel his sidewalk after I asked about it.

Black History Month events

It's Black History Month. Don't miss the Black History Challenge at the Indiana Historical Society. Also, the Artsgarden has an Art and Soul Art exhibition. Finally, on February 25, 2014, the 25th Joseph T. Taylor Symposium will be held at IUPUI. The topics are Politics. Race. Place.

See the Indianapolis Recorder for more information (indianpolisrecorder.com). It's a great publication with great columnists. The print edition comes out every Thursday.

The White River really White (with Snow and Ice)

See the frozen over, snow covered White River.

image courtesy of Bill Malcolm

Uninsured in Indianapolis only offered in-state insurance

I met with Congressman Carson's staff in Washington D.C. last week. Among other things discussed, I alerted them to the fact that the 2 health insurance plans offered to uninsured Indy residents (narrow network plans by Anthem and MDWise) on the Health Care Exchange are good only while in the state of Indiana. Only emergencies are covered out-of-state.

Carson's aide informed me that one of their employees - who travels to another state to care for a family member - had the same complaint.

Anthem and MDWise - the only 2 companies on the Exchange - should be required to offer coverage nationwide like their regular policies do.

Holliday Park Events

Get ready for summer with a seminar on hypertuta trough or container gardening on March 6 and 7, 2014. Details at to www.Altums.com.

image courtesy of Bill Malcolm

Spring Break in Washington by Train!

Sick of winter? It's time for spring break. Take Amtrak to Washington, D.C. Fares from $78 each way (AAA rate).

Stay at the Washington Plaza. Weekend rates from $99. Enjoy the many free museums including The United States Botanical Garden (see flower picture) and the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery (See Jimi Hendrix poster). The train travels through the New River Gorge, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Shenandoah Mountains. Details including vacation packages at www.amtrak.com.

image courtesy of Bill Malcolm

School for Blind and Visually Impaired House plant sale set

The School has a spring houseplant sale coming up on February 27, February 28, and March 1, 2014. They have a nice green house on the property. The plants are grown by the students. Prices are reasonable so don't miss it. See www.indianabcf.org for details.

Take the bus twice an hour from the Ripple

Did you know we have 2 bus lines that provide twice an hour service to downtown from Broad Ripple Avenue? Leave the driving to IndyGo. Take the #17 and #18. The fare is just $1.75 each way.

Looking to the future, we may get the chance to vote to expand transit options.

SB 176 (the Central Indiana Transit bill) is moving through the legislature.

The bill - although heavily amended - would allow central Indiana the right to vote to increase our taxes to pay for better regional transit.

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

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