A new group, "I Am Broad Ripple: Arts, Community, Family, Diversity", has been formed to bring the painters, writers, builders, academia, suits, sandals and countless walks of life in between according to Corey Ewing.

At a recent street fair held by the group on Guilford Avenue, the Boy Scouts painted a mural and other art work while community groups had booths.

Founder Andrew Yagi says the group plans to do more events throughout the year at different venues within Broad Ripple. They are seeking to promote Broad Ripple and reconnect the artists, businesses, and community members together. You can find more information on them at www.iambroadripple.org

A 57-year-old bicyclist was attacked by four people on the Monon Trail on October 10 at 7:22 p.m. near 35th Street and Fall Creek Parkway. According to a police and media reports, he flagged down an officer and told him four men beat him up and stole his bike, backpack, cash, and other items. He had surgery for a broken arm at IU Health Methodist Hospital. The four suspects have not been found. This occurred days after the Monon was opened to longer use (from 5 a.m. to midnight).

Have you been to the Lilly Orchard shop yet this fall for some apples? The shop on the grounds of the Park Tudor School is operated by Janet Williams Sweeney.

This was a real operating orchard until in 1961 the Lilly Family donated the land to the School. The store has been in operation over 80 years.

In August of 2011, Sweeney bought the shop which is open during the school year. Everything is fairly local. The apples come from the Wesler Orchard in New Paris, Ohio. Also available are healthy snacks, apple ciders, caramel apples, sandwiches, and more.

Everything is bigger in Texas and Dallas is the king of them all. Fly nonstop (just a 1 hour 40 minutes trip) on American Airlines to DFW (or Southwest Airlines to Love Field) and either way take the new Orange Line light rail to downtown. Get off at West End Station to see the West End Historic District including the site of the historic Texas Book Depository where JFK was shot (and see several other JFK memorials and museums). Plan your trip at the Visitors Bureau at the Old Red Museum. The Dallas Aquarium is also nearby.

Next enjoy the modern downtown architecture and the new park over the freeway near the Art Museum (known as Warren Park) in the Arts District. The huge park includes a restaurant and free books and magazines to read while you are there.

Then hop on the free McKinney Avenue Trolley for a ride up Pearl Street / Uptown District where you can enjoy lunch or dinner at the many interesting restaurants.

I got the airline crew rate of just $55 at The Atrium Hotel near DFW. I'd never been to Dallas and was really impressed and I explored it all on transit and by foot. It makes for a great weekend getaway.