Join the application "Nextdoor". The City of Indianapolis has endorsed the system as well as the Broad Ripple Village Association. The City and Police Department post notices to residents on the application. The BRVA posts events and news items. All resident members are able to share service provider recommendations, items for sale/free, safety concerns, local events and the system may be used from a smartphone and/or computer. It's a great way to meet neighbors and learn what is going on in the neighborhood. Residents may join by visiting nextdoor.com

Registration for spring classes is on now at the Indianapolis Art Center. Unfreeze your creativity this winter. Check out all of their classes online, or explore their digital catalog. And don't forget that members always get a 15% discount on classes in addition to other benefits. Note: They are typically closed for the holiday break.

Friday night movies are back at the Art Museum at 8 p.m. The Winter Nights Film series will run January 8, 2016, through March 4, 2016.

What column is complete without a year in review? Mine is no exception.

Welcome BlueIndy?: BlueIndy electric vehicle short term rental cars started appearing around the Ripple taking 4-5 parking spots with them.

Worst trend: The continued high profile vacancies in the Ripple: the former Scholars Inn at the corner of Broad Ripple Avenue and College remains vacant. Ditto for the old Broad Ripple Steak House at Guilford and Westfield.

Best news: Construction has started on the new apartments and natural foods store on College. And the old Shell Station is finally gone. Also, several new businesses have opened on Broad Ripple Avenue.

Best community group: Friends of Holliday Park which raised $3 million to renovate the nature center and "Ruins" exhibit plus have refurbished numerous trails. The renovated nature center exhibit hall is now open. The Ruins work will be done next spring.

Best new garden: The new Bill Brink Garden along the Monon Trail. Native and other hardy plants complete with plant signs so you know what you are seeing.

Worst roadway: Avoid Broad Ripple Avenue day and night in a car. Traffic crawls along. Runners and bikers cross near the McDonalds startling drivers especially at night. The road is a headache that begs for a solution. Yes, I am a cyclist. But ever since they took out traffic lanes to add bike lanes the traffic has been terrible.

The winter catalogue of classes is now available from Broad Ripple Park. Registration is now open. Go to www.broadripplepark.org for details.

Happy holidays and a happy new year to all!