American Women During World War II

World War II is the topic for fall presentations at noon on the first Wednesday of each month in the Cole Porter Room of the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

First up, tomorrow (1 October) is Katy Huehl, who will speak on "Coffee, Doughnuts and American Women During War". Huehl joined the Red Cross in 1943, and eventually found herself working in a "clubmobile" serving coffee and doughnuts to American servicemen in Europe. She'll take listeners on a journey from Normandy to Berlin.

Other topics are "Life in a Japanese-American Internment Camp" (5 November) and "African-Americans and 'The War'" (3 December).

Vertellus Specialties Expands in China

Indianapolis-based Vertellus Specialties Inc. plans to expand its vitamin B3 manufacturing in China, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The chemical specialties supplier wants to build a three-cyanopyridine production unit in Nantong to keep up with the growing need for vitamins related to animal and human nutrition in the Chinese and Asian markets.

Vertellus expects to break ground on this project early next year.

Ethnic Influences at Hoosier Storytelling Festival

America's immigrant heritage is a recurrent theme for the Hoosier Storytelling Festival, set for its 21st run 8-11 October in downtown Indianapolis' Military Park and across the street at the Indiana History Center.

Some of the featured storytellers at the event, sponsored by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, are Charlotte Blake Alston (African), Brenda Wong Aoki (Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Scottish) and Gene Tagaban (pictured; Cherokee, Tlingit and Filipino).

To find out more (and, to buy tickets), click here.

First Global Studies Speakers Scheduled at Marian

"Hoosiers and Interfaith Dialogue in Turkey" is the topic for the first Global Studies Speakers Series event at Marian College in Indianapolis, scheduled for 7 p.m. 16 October in the Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel.

Panelists are:
• Dr. Pierre Atlas (pictured), director of The Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies and assistant professor of political science at Marian College
• Bilal Eksili, executive director of The Holy Dove Foundation in Indianapolis
• Dr. George LaMaster, ordained Presbyterian minister and assistant professor of communication at Marian College
• Rabbi Dennis Sasso, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and adjunct professor of theology at Marian College

Atlas, LaMaster, and Sasso have participated in three different interfaith trips to Turkey through The Holy Dove Foundation, each led by Eksili.

Celebrate Mehregan in Indy

The Persian Association of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and IU Bloomington are sponsoring a Mehregan from 4-6 p.m. 4 October to celebrate Persian culture.

There'll be Persian dance and music plus food in the first floor auditorium of the IT Building on the IUPUI campus, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis. Suggested donation is $10.

On the program: Rags-e-Sama by Ferdoce Group, Rags-e-Kurdi by Aftab Persian Dancers, Shomaly Dance by Ferdoce Group, Persian Music by Aftab Musicians, Persian songs by Nasrin (Iranian singer), Youth dance from Indianapolis Persian School and Sorood by Indianapolis Persian School.

Even though the event benefits orphaned children through Mercy for All, you've got to be at least 6 years old to attend. Because seating is limited, please make a reservation with Maryam Haji Ali Akbari, 812:679-8718.

Indy Celebrates German-American Day

Come to the Indianapolis City Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 6 October for the annual German-American Day Celebration hosted by the Indiana German Heritage Society.

There'll be music by Die Doppel-Adler and traditional dancers performing, plus commemorative pins, handouts and books available at special prices.

Special guests will be a delegation from Cologne, Germany, as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee.

German-American Day celebrations continue from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Biergarten of the Athenaeum / Das Deutsche Haus, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, with an informal party (cash bar) to bid auf wiedersehen to our Cologne guests. For information, contact Jim Gould, 317:655-2755 ext. 149.

馬偕博士

新桃源掌中劇團 (New Tau-Yuan Puppet Troupe) presents a performance of 馬偕博士 (“The Black-Bearded Barbarian: Rev. George Leslie Mackay”) at 4 p.m. Sunday (28 September) in the fourth floor auditorium of the North Meridian Center of Ivy Tech Community College, 50 West Fall Creek Parkway North Drive, Indianapolis.

The performance is spoken in Hoklo (the troupe's from Taiwan), but there will be English subtitles. Admission is free!

It's sponsored by The Asian Student Intercultural Association of Ivy Tech Community College and the Taiwanese American Association of Indianapolis. For more information, contact John V. Conklin, 317:921-4972.

We Are Indianapolis

Mayor Greg Ballard spotlights Indy's diversity in this poster at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally

In today's globalizing world, countless children are growing up among many cultures. How does this "new normal" shape the child? What opportunities and challenges does it create for teachers? How are these students an untapped resource for bringing more global awareness into our classrooms?

Find out at a workshop targeted at Middle/Secondary, Early/Middle Childhood, Physical Education, Counseling, Administration and Special Education professionals.

"Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally: Recognizing the Hidden Diversity of Cross-Cultural Kids in the Classroom" is a one-credit class (ED 501) taught by Ruth Van Reken. It will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on two Saturdays, 4 and 11 October.

The Continuing Professional Development Workshop is sponsored by the Butler University College of Education. Fee is $370. For information, contact Cindy Smith, 317:940-8464.

Party Like it's St. Patrick's Day!

The three day extravaganza in Indy's Military Park downtown kicks off today. Check out the website for details on times, performers, exhibitors and more.

Birth Control, Abortion and Sterilization in South Africa

Dr. Susanne Klausen (pictured), Associate Professor of History, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, will speak on "For the Sake of the Race: Poor Whites, Colonialism and the Politics of Birth Control in South Africa, 1910-1930" at noon Tuesday (23 September) in room 409 of the Campus Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

This presentation is co-sponsored by the IUPUI Committee on African and African-American Studies and by the IU Center for the History of Medicine.

Dr. Klausen will discuss "Reclaiming the White Daughter's Purity: Racism, Heteropatriarchy, and the 1975 Abortion and Sterilization Act in Apartheid South Africa" at 4:30 p.m. that day in room 508, Cavanaugh Hall, 425 University Boulevard, IUPUI, Indianapolis. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Women's Studies Program.

Both events are open to the public, but it's best to reserve a spot: call 317:278-1669 or email.

Columbus Day Dinner to be held 18 October

An espresso bar will be open throughout the festivities at the annual Columbus Day Dinner sponsored by the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana on 18 October in Embassy Suites North, 3912 Vincennes Road, Indianapolis. The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m.

Because they can, each adult dinner will include a glass of wine (entree choices are a petit filet with scampi or portabello lasagna). Cost is $60 per person (and, no, you don't have to be a member of the ethnic group to attend!).

Other highlights of the evening include an opportunity for individual and family photography portraits, the announcement of the Italian Business Person of the Year and the announcement of the Iaria Memorial Scholarship winners.

For tickets, email Ralph Tambasco, call the society at 317:767-7686 or check their website.

John Boyd Taught in Singapore and China

An Indiana State University music professor spent part of his summer spreading his love of music to students and music professionals in Singapore and China, reports the ISU News Bureau.

John Boyd, director of Bands, professor of music, and coordinator of ISU’s Wind/Percussion Division, conducted the Central Conservatory Wind Orchestra in two concerts in Beijing in addition to teaching a masterclass for the Conservatory’s conducting students and judging the China Trumpet Guild and All Asia Solo Competition in Guangzhou.

Herbstfest at the Athenaeum

The annual autumn family festival happens at the Athenaeum/Das Deutsche Haus, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, from 2-7 p.m. 28 September.

If the weather's good, it'll be outside in the Biergarten (in case of rain, in the first floor auditorium).

The Indianapolis Maennerchor leads a songest from 2:30-3 p.m., followed by children's activities and games from 3-4:15 p.m., and then music and dancing with the Jay Fox Band.

Admission is $5 for one, or $15 for the entire family.

International Trade Conference in Fort Wayne

Businesses from across Indiana are invited to the City of Fort Wayne’s International Trade Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. 1 October at the Grand Wayne Center to learn more about how to be successful in international trade.

The one-day conference offers workshops on risk management and an international trade “boot camp.” Futurist and global management consultant Barry Minkin, author of ECONOQUAKE, is the keynote speaker at lunch.

The deadline to register for the conference is 22 September. The cost is $50 for the workshops and lunch or $35 for lunch only. To register online or pay using a credit card, click here. For more information or to request a brochure, contact Ola DeGabriele, the City’s international trade manager, 260:481-0498.

Sister City Expansion and Global Economic Ties

Guest speaker for the 23 September meeting of the World Trade Club of Indiana will be Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. He will expand on remarks made during his recent State of the City address about increasing the number of Indianapolis' sister cities and managing these relationships to provide mutual opportunities for trade and economic development.

At present, Indianapolis has four official Sister Cities: Cologne, Germany; Monza, Italy; Piran, Slovenia; Taipei, Taiwan. Developing these formal international relationships, Mayor Ballard has said, is an integral part of Indianapolis' efforts towards being a world class city.

Why were these locations chosen as sister cities with Indianapolis? What impact have these sister city agreements had on Indianapolis: culturally, diplomatically, economically?

For example a delegation from Cologne arrives in Indianapolis 4 October for a week-long visit to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Partnership.

Registration for the meeting begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the program and dinner in the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel – Panorama Room. Cost for nonmembers is $50. For reservations, click here.

The Scots Invade Columbus

The 17th annual Scottish Festival in Columbus is scheduled for 13-14 September at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds.

Don't miss Sunday's Rugby Tournament, not to mention the clan tents, bagpipers, Scottish country dancers and the working sheep dogs. You can read all about it here.

Northwest Indiana Business Leaders Head To China

Valparaiso University is organizing a trip to China for Northwest Indiana business leaders, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The aim is to facilitate business connections between Northwest Indiana and Zhejiang Province, which is Indiana's sister state. The trip is also designed to promote economic development and investment in Northwest Indiana. It is tentatively set for 20-29 October.

Violence Against Women in the Congo

"Fighting the Silence", a film made by two Dutch women about the violence against women in Congo, will be screened at 7 p.m. 18 September in Earth House, Lockerbie United Methodist Church 237 North East Street, Indianapolis.

Following the film, there'll be a discussion led by Valerie Masumbuko, a native of Burundi who is currently working with several governments in Europe on issues of women’s victimization. For more, check out Provocate.org.

Provocate is also organizing events for "Congo Week, set for 19-25 October. Congo Week is a global initiative led by students to raise awareness about the situation in the Congo and provide support to the people of the Congo.

Shared Beauty: Eastern Rugs & Western Purses

Though beaded purses were fashionable through the 19th and early 20th centuries, they became extremely popular in the 1920s as an integral part of the flapper-era costumes, greatly complementing the period’s beaded evening dresses. A wide variety of patterns were depicted on these bags, including flowers, trees, birds, animals, landscapes and other popular motifs.

However, some of the most fashionable designs were copied from the patterns of Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, and Indian carpets and textiles.

In "Shared Beauty: Eastern Rugs & Western Purses", an exhibition at Indianapolis Museum of Art continuing through 8 March 2009, beaded bags are displayed alongside rugs with similar patterns. This juxtaposition explores the motifs common to these objects, provides a closer look at Orientalism, and investigates the influences of Eastern art on Western art, fashion, and culture.

More Hoosier Business Leaders Go to Japan

Six business leaders from Richmond and Wayne County are in Japan this week to thank four companies that have plants in Richmond and meet with leaders at Isuzu in hopes that they might invest or influence suppliers to invest in Wayne County, reports Inside INdiana Business. They return on 13 September.

The group going to Japan includes Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton, Chamber President Dennis Andrews, County Commissioner Mary Heyob and EDC Representatives Jim Dinkle, Bob Hansen and Steve Holman. Japan has four companies in Wayne County: Suncall, TBK, Asahitec and Howa.

Moscow-based Novolipetsk Steel Buys Beta Steel

Novolipetsk Steel, the leading Russian steel producer, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Beta Steel, a U.S. hot-rolled steel producer, from a group of private shareholders for an all cash consideration of $400 million, on a debt free, cash free basis.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008. The sale is reported by Inside INdiana Business today.

35th Annual Indianapolis Greek Festival

Authentic Greek cuisine, live music/dancing, a marketplace, and more is promised at the 35th annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (the last one at this location, 'cause they're moving the congregation north).

Hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday (5 September) and noon-11 p.m. Saturday (6 September). Gate admission is $5 person. Check out the website for more details.

Werner Hoyer to Speak in Indianapolis

Dr. Werner Hoyer, a member of the German Bundestag (FDP party), will speak on "Global Challenges and Changes in Leadership in the United States and Europe" during a breakfast presentation from 8:15-9:30 a.m. 3 October in the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., 3135 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

His appearance is one of the events during the German-American Weekend celebration in Indianapolis that includes a visit by a delegation from Cologne, Germany, the Taste of Germany on 4 October and German-American Day at the Indianapolis City Market.

It is sponsored by the Indianapolis Eric M. Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany, Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Committee and Independent Colleges of Indiana.

The event is free, but seating is limited. To reserve a space, email or call 317:236-6090, ext. 221.

Dr. Hoyer has been a Member of the German Bundestag since 1987. He has served as Minister of State in the German Foreign Ministry, General Secretary of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and Whip of the FDP Parliamentary Group. He has been on the National Executive Committee since 1997. Since 2002, Dr. Hoyer has served as Deputy Chairman and spokesman on foreign affairs of the FDP parliamentary group. A member of the FDP since 1972 and a native of North Rhine-Westphalia, he currently serves as Chairman of the FDP Cologne Executive Board and, since 1984, has been a member of the Executive Committee of the FDP in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The event also is supported by the Max Kade German-American Center, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Foundation for Lutheran Child and Family Services, Indiana, Inc.