Broad Ripple has a long, long history of community. The businesses, services, and residences of the area have long known the charm, vitality, and diversity of the Village. Here's a great story of community today.

I attended the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Bill Brink Memorial Garden. This linear garden extends along the Monon Trail from 64th street to the Art Center. Not more than fifteen feet wide in parts, the sections display native plants, shrubs, and in some areas, trees. Add to this garden Public Greens' vegetable garden and walkers have a wonderful path where they can see lots of different kinds of plants. All you have to do is take the time to meander, look at the labeled plants (BTW: don't remove any labels for labeling is a time consuming task), and enjoy the growing season. The blooms and heights of plants will change weekly. You can see specimens of native plants and discuss if you may want to incorporate them into your backyard. You can also share the garden experience with children by showing them how vegetables are planted and grown.

Linda Shikany, Marigold owner and major Brink Garden's project driver, said, "It is amazing. This garden is more than just plants. It turned out to be a huge community venture. Individuals, businesses, educators, and kids all participated to create the design, selection and planting of the garden. BRICS even treated volunteers from the Blind School to ice cream after they planted a section of the garden!"

The people I met were from all walks of life with one shared value-they love Broad Ripple. Business men and women, a doctor and a nurse, a writer, a magazine publisher, Native Plants Association volunteers, a landscaper, a philanthropist, children, a singer, a contractor, Broad Ripple Association folks, and IT people all participated in the event held in the backyard of the Hotel Broad Ripple. The goodwill shared by this group will live on. The plants and trees will be here for decades to come-all because a few people wanted to celebrate the community that Bill Brink loved.

So if you are reading this article and you have a community idea, get some friends, talk to the BR Association or some businesses, and begin a project. You never know who you will touch or who will join your cause, but it will be rewarding (That is what the Broad Ripple Gazette is-an all-volunteer community project. -Alan). Broad Ripple is a village, a community. We have the talent and resources to continue the positive way forward and to welcome creativity and showcase community.

Just one final note: They do encourage volunteers on their garden days. Stop by Marigold and sign up to volunteer. If you love gardening and have time, what a great way to give back to the village.