60 volunteers, including the University High School volleyball team, turned out recently to plant a rain garden at the remodeled Ruins outdoor exhibit at Holliday Park. The current remodeling of the ruins and exhibit hall were paid for by $3.2 million in donations raised by the Friends of Holliday Park, according to Development Director Sarah Potasnik. Also new at the Park is a bike rack also donated by the Friends.

It's Kip Tew (D) facing Colleen Fanning (R) in City Council District 2. I reached out to both candidates for a statement on their vision for BR.

"Robin, Riley, Rusty (our dog) and I moved into Broad Ripple a couple of years ago because we love the Village. We love being able to walk to the grocery store, the drug store and all of the restaurants in BR. I have the fervor of a convert. I will be a constant advocate for Broad Ripple. We need to improve Broad Ripple Avenue so that it can rival Mass Ave. and Virginia Ave. The city has poured resources into those neighborhoods and Broad Ripple Ave and surroundings need some attention. Our sidewalks and streets have been ignored for much too long. I intend to be the councilor who helps to make that happen. I also want to work with law enforcement to make sure we have a safe village, it is the first priority of government, to make us safe and if people don't feel safe they will seek out other places to live, shop, and entertain themselves that feels safer. So we need to be vigilant about that." Details at kipTewforCouncil.com

"I have lived in Broad Ripple Village for 11 years, the entirety of my adult life. My husband and I frequently joke that the only way we are leaving our home is feet first in a wooden box; we absolutely love living in Broad Ripple. I own and operate 2 small businesses, and my experience allows me to see things from the perspectives of both residential home owner and business owner. We need to support job creators as much as possible to keep the economy moving, and we need to grow in the right direction. My non-political background gives me the advantage of evaluating issues based solely on their costs and benefits instead of the political gamesmanship and partisan strategy that has recently slowed our city's progress. I see Broad Ripple as a cultural destination that is vibrant, diverse and family-friendly. Immediately, Broad Ripple needs serious infrastructure attention, and I know I can be a strong advocate with the city regardless of who wins the Mayoral election. While I am excited about adding mass transit options to make our city more sustainable and accessible, it is imperative that we thoughtfully consider the impact of each transit decision on residential neighborhoods. The Warfleigh floodplain issue is also something that I will prioritize with immediate action to create a lasting solution for our neighbors. I plan to live and work in Broad Ripple the rest of my life, and I am truly invested here. I would be honored to have the opportunity to be a strong, open-minded voice for our community. I believe my moderate views (which are based in personal freedom and fiscal responsibility) are representative of both our district and my generation. I look forward to lending my skills of collaboration and innovation to the City Council to make Indianapolis an even better place to live and work." Details at colleenfanning.com

The recent house plant sale was a success. Mark your calendar for their Holiday event with Santa and his reindeer (plus Christmas trees for sale). The sale runs December 2-5, 2015, with the Santa visit on Saturday December 5, 2015, only.

Take the new Hoosier State train to Chicago and enjoy cooked to order meals and business class service. Details at www.hoosierstatetrain.com. Ticket at www.amtrak.com