Beijing Dragon Show Acrobats at Westlane

Indianapolis' Westlane Middle School students got a taste of a different culture when the Beijing Dragon Show Acrobats performed at the school on December 17, 2009, writes Indianapolis Star reporter Gretchen Becker.

The Washington Township school has had partnerships with Chinese schools since 2006 and offers Chinese classes for students. In addition, teachers and administrators from Westlane have visited China, and Chinese staff and students have come to Westlane.

The photo, from The Star, shows Westlane sixth-grader Delvon Hunt, 13, spinning two basketballs with the help of Zhang Fenggang.

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Ethnic Groups Stage New Year's Eve Parties

At least three galas are scheduled for New Year's Eve by ethnic groups in Indy:

The New Year's Eve Dance begins at 8 p.m. in the German-American Klub, 8602 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Sponsored by Die Fledermaeuschen Tanzgruppe, tickets are $15. For reservations, call 317:460-4270. There'll be dancing to the music of Jay Fox and the Bavarian Showtime Band. We will have fun, music, dancing, noisemakers, snacks and a champagne toast at midnight.

A family-centered New Year Celebration also begins at 8 p.m. in the India Community Center, Indianapolis. Sponsored by India Association of Indianapolis, tickets are $5 family, $2 individual. For more innformation, call Sumit Thaker: 317:374-7472.

A Multiethnic New Year's Eve Party takes place at the Latvian Community Center, 1008 West 64th Street, Indianapolis. Join the Latvians, Scots, Poles, Finns, Lithuanians and others for an international celebration.

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Global Health in Peru: A sabbatical project

Eric Wetzel, biology professor at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, will be spending his 2010 sabbatical in Peru studying and working in the field of Global Health. He'll be updating his progress and writing about his work through this blog.

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Agribusiness Development Team Back from Afghanistan

Soldiers of the 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team are scheduled to return to Indianapolis tomorrow (30 December). The team, 63 Indiana Army National Guard Soldiers, conducted counterinsurgency operations in Khowst and East Paktika Provinces, Afghanistan.

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Dr. Torabi Receives Award from Eta Sigma Gamma

Mohammad Torabi, Chancellor's Professor and chair of the Department of Applied Health Science in Indiana University's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, received the Distinguished Service Award from Eta Sigma Gamma (National Health Education Honorary) during its recent conference, reports the IU News Bureau.

Professor Torabi received a B.S. and M.S.P.H. from Tehran University, a Ph.D. from Purdue University, and M.P.H. from Indiana University. In addition to chairing the Department of Applied Health Science, he serves as co-director of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention and director of the Center for Health and Safety Studies. Torabi's research focus has been in the area of measurement and evaluation of school and public health education programs and factors associated with health behavior.

People in the Fight Against AIDS in Tanzania

Dr. Theresa Kaijage (pictured), founder of WAMATA, a grass roots Tanzanian non-governmental organization that works with people affected by HIV/AIDS, presents a convocation entitled "WAMATA, People in the fight against AIDS in Tanzania" at 1 p.m. 3 February 2010 in Carpenter Hall's Goddard Auditorium on the campus of Earlham College in Richmond. Admission is free.

The acronym stands for the Swahili phrase "Walio Katika Mapambano Na AIDS Tanzania" which means "People in the fight against AIDS in Tanzania".

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Toys for Burmese Refugees

"Forty children who are refugees started their Christmas celebrations a little early on Dec. 17," reported Gretchen Becker in The Indianapolis Star's "North Indy" section today.

"Most of the children are from Burma, attend Nora Elementary School in Washington Township and will be observing their first Christmas in the country, said Milana Mileva, the school's English as a Second Language teacher.

"To make them feel welcome and to help struggling families, American Funds employees, who regularly volunteer at the Far-Northside school, donated clothes, toys, books and school supplies, and food for the children and their families."

Until it's taken down, there's also a photo gallery of the event here.

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Copenhagen, China...and DePauw

"We have learned quite a few things after a week as student observers at the United Nations climate change summit in Copenhagen," DePauw University students Pucong Han and Anthony Baratta wrote in the China Daily last week. Their letter was reported by the DePauw news bureau. The pair are among a group of DePauw students who traveled to Denmark, for the climate change conference known as COP15. (photo, l-r: DePauw students Taylor Cantril, Anthony Baratta, Andrew Maddocks)

"Our class of 13 -- four students from China, one each from India and Myanmar, and seven from the United States -- walked around the Bella Center and took note of the positions articulated by different countries," the two undergraduates write (Pucong Han '11 hails from Beijing, while Anthony Baratta '11 is from Ohio). "Although the negotiations were complex one thing was clear. Irrespective of the outcome at Copenhagen, our generation of Chinese and American youth has the opportunity to work together to solve the issue of climate change. The youth in both countries can cooperate by raising awareness about global warming. In fact, many students have already taken the lead."

Their letter to the editor continues, "We helped found the DePauw Environmental Policy Project, the program that brought us to Copenhagen. The youth in both nations can cooperate by facilitating understanding between China and the U.S. There is often suspicion between our nations. Both wonder -- 'Is the other sincere in its promises?' Here in Copenhagen, a 'China-U.S. Youth' dinner brought together 50 Chinese and an equal number of American students. We ate Gong Bao Chicken, Zuo Jiao Beef, and other delicious dishes. During the meal, we discussed what we had learned about global warming, as well as the contentious issues debated at the climate summit. By the end of the evening, we had become friends and better understood the reasons for our countries' disagreements regarding a new climate change treaty. We were no longer mistrustful of the others' intentions. We hope that more American and Chinese students would have opportunities to learn from each other. Maybe, we will play a small part in encouraging cooperation between our countries."

They add, "We are doing this because we are the leaders of tomorrow. Climate change is an issue that will not disappear anytime soon, and we must try to mitigate its impact and adapt."

China Daily is the most widely-circulated English-language daily newspaper published in the People's Republic of China.

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"Assuring Global Food Security"

The 2010 edition of the Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Fish Fry will feature not one, but two guest speakers.

A pair of World Food Prize Laureates, Philip Nelson (left; 2007) and Gebisa Ejeta (right; 2009), both Purdue University College of Agriculture faculty members, will speak on the topic "Assuring Global Food Security."

The luncheon, scheduled for 6 February, begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

The World Food Prize has been presented annually since 1987 by the World Food Prize Foundation and recognizes significant contributions in any field involved in improving the world food supply. The award was established by the late Norman E. Borlaug, winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize.

Tickets for the Ag Alumni Fish Fry are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available by contacting the Purdue Ag Alumni office at 765-494-8593 or by e-mailing agalumni@purdue.edu.

Known as a fish fry by tradition, the menu features both Indiana farm-raised yellow perch and roasted pork loin entrées. The perch is donated by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, while the pork loin is donated by Indiana Packers Corp.

The Ag Forecast, a program highlighting important topics in agriculture, will precede the Fish Fry starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Grand Hall, also located on the fairgrounds.

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Daniels to Honor World Food, Noble Prize Winners

Governor Mitch Daniels will honor Purdue University Agronomy Professor and World Food Prize Laureate Gebisa Ejeta with the 2009 Dr. Phillip E. Nelson Innovation Award this evening at an event to be held at the Governor’s Residence, reports Inside INdiana Business. He will also present Indiana University Economist and Nobel Prize Winner Elinor Ostrom with a Sagamore of the Wabash. Ostrom, an Indiana University faculty member since 1965, traveled to Stockholm, Sweden earlier this month to receive the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for her work on economic governance, especially of the commons.

Dr. Ejeta is the second recipient of the award Daniels created in 2007 to recognize outstanding Hoosier scientists for their unique discoveries, research and inventions, and to encourage young people to consider careers in science. The award is named to honor of Dr. Phillip E. Nelson, a Purdue University scientist awarded the 2007 World Food Prize for his revolutionary achievements in the field of food processing. The Nelson Innovation Award selection committee consisted of five Hoosier scientists from the state’s universities and private industry. Ejeta will receive a commemorative plaque and a $5,000 honorarium from the privately funded Indiana Economic Development Foundation.

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Haitian Writer to Speak at Butler University

CANCELLED DUE TO EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI: Author Edwidge Danticat, winner of a 2009 MacArthur Foundation "genius grant", will NOTopen the spring 2010 Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series at 7:30 p.m. 13 January in the Reilly Room of the Atherton Union at Butler University, Indianapolis. Her presentation will be rescheduled later.

Danticat is a novelist whose moving and insightful depictions of Haiti’s complex history are enriching our understanding of the Haitian immigrant experience. In works that chronicle the lives of ordinary Haitians, she evokes themes of family, isolation, and community that, while grounded in a specific cultural milieu, resonate with a wide range of audiences.

Her books include The Farming of Bones (1999), The Dewbreaker (2004) and the memoir Brother, I’m Dying (2007), which pays tribute to her father and uncle through an unflinching account of the triumphs and tragedies they experienced in Haiti and the United States. She has been a visiting professor of creative writing at New York University (1996-1997) and the University of Miami (2000 and 2008).

Next up on 11 February is Junot Diaz, who was born in the Dominican Republic. All events in the series are free and open to the public; no ticket is required. Call 317:940-9861 for more information.

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South Shore Orchestra Heads to China

Valparaiso University’s Confucius Institute will continue building artistic and cultural exchanges between the United States and China during the holiday season as it leads the South Shore Orchestra on a tour through several Chinese cities 26 December through 5 January.

Valpo violinist and music professor Dr. Gregory Maytan will join the orchestra as a featured soloist during its tour, which includes seven performances in music venues renowned throughout China. Leading the tour are Jianyun Meng, a Chinese instructor and director of Valpo’s Confucius Institute, and Jiangang Liu, associate director of the institute.

More than 70 musicians from the South Shore Orchestra will participate in the tour, which will include performances in Beijing and Zhejiang Province, Indiana’s sister province. The orchestra will perform a combination of Chinese and American music during its tour. Dr. Maytan, who has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, will be featured on pieces including “The Butterfly Lovers” violin concerto by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang during the upcoming tour.

Valpo is the first faith-based university in the United States to host a Confucius Institute, a non-profit institute established and funded by the Chinese government to promote cultural, business, educational, artistic and government exchanges.

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IPFW Names International Student Services Director

Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne has hired a new director of International Student Services, reports Inside INdiana Business. Brian Mylrea comes from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where he served as ISS assistant director for the past five years. The ISS office serves as the initial contact for all students from abroad and remains a point of reference during their time on campus.

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Québec Firm to Acquire Tangent Rail Corporation

Stella-Jones Inc. announced today that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire Tangent Rail Corporation (“Tangent”), a provider of wood cross-tie supply chain services to the railroad industry. This acquisition will expand Stella-Jones’ capabilities within the U.S. railway tie industry and provide the Company with creosote manufacturing operations. Stella-Jones is based in Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada.

Tangent serves the railroad industry with treated wood products, mainly railway ties, through facilities located in Warrior, Ala.; Terre Haute and Winslow, Ind.; Alexandria, La. and McAlisterville, Penn. The wood preservative, creosote, is produced at its distilleries in Terre Haute, Ind., and Memphis, Tenn.

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Cummins to Participate in 2010 World Expo

Columbus-based Cummins Inc. has announced it will be an official sponsor of the USA National Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World EXPO, reports Inside INdiana Business. The event involves more than 190 countries and is expected to attract up to 70 million visitors. The EXPO will focus on environmentally sustainable development.

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German Church Road's German Church Threatened

German Church Road on the far east side of Indianapolis got its name from St. John's Church (pictured). Built in 1914, St. John’s is the German Church. The congregation, dating to the 1850s, was originally comprised primarily of German immigrants who farmed the surrounding area. The present building, originally known as Deutsche Evangelische St. Johannes Kirche, is the third structure on the site. Its Tudor Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows mark it as the “gateway” to the community of Cumberland.

According to the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, a developer has offered St. John’s congregation a "significant amount" for the property. Historic Landmarks Foundation has filed for emergency designation of the church by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.

The Cumberland Town Council unanimously passed a resolution favoring preservation of the structure, and Indianapolis City-County Councilor Benjamin Hunter submitted a letter supporting the preservation plan. Negotiations for compromise continue with the developer's representatives, though so far no resolution has been achieved.

UPDATE (3 February 2010):
The Metropolitan Development Commission has approved an emergency motion to protect a 1914 church at the northeast corner of Washington Street and German Church Road, Indianapolis (source).

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Artie Yellowhorse at Bear Creek Gallery

Third-generation jeweler and designer Artie Yellowhorse will be at Bear Creek Gallery, 8659 River Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, tomorrow (10 December) through Sunday (13 December). Her "wearable art" includes pendants, earrings, rings, necklaces in turquoise, amber, sugilite, lapis, carnelian and gold. Yellowhorse, born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, is part of the Towering House Clan. Her grandfather, Cuthair Yellowhorse, began the family design tradition by working with silver and turquoise.

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University of Evansville Students Head to Caribbean

The University of Evansville is returning to the Dominican Republic to help develop a humanitarian project, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Students from the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration and UE's mechanical engineering program will be in the Caribbean country in January to work on a project to help create sustainable, green energy and make it available throughout the entire Dominican Republic.

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Germans, Scots Meet in Indy on Wednesday

Two ethnic group members of the Nationalities Council of Indiana have their regularly scheduled meetings on Wednesday (9 December).

Jeanette Footman and Alice Matsuo will talk about "The Wonderful World of German Breads and Pastries" at the 7:30 p.m. meeting of the Indiana German Heritage Society in the Max Kade Room of the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. The meeting is preceded by an optional Stammtisch (no-host dinner) at 6:30 p.m. in the Athenaeum's Rathskeller Restaurant. For more information, contact Claudia Grossman, 317:464-9004.

Scottish toasts are the topic for the 6:30 p.m. meeting of the Scottish Society of Indianapolis. The evening begins with a pitch-in dinner at the Latvian Community Center, 1008 West 64th Street, Indianapolis.

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Brazil Consulate Stops in Indy Tomorrow

Indiana Partners of the Americas today announced collaboration of their organization with the Brazilian Consulate in Chicago to open a Travelling Consulate tomorrow (5 December) from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Market Street Center in the Stockyards Building, Suite 1200, 136 East Market Street, Indianapolis.

Indiana Partners of the Americas is a member of the Nationalities Council of Indiana.

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IUPUI European Studies Conference

The first European Studies conference at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis will be held on Friday (4 December) from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Campus Center 305 on the IUPUI campus. There will be three panels and research presentations from faculty colleagues in the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts departments of History, Communication Studies, and Political Science and the Herron School of Art. For more information, contact John McCormick, 317:274-4066.

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Dow AgroSciences and Canadian Biotech

Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences LLC and Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. of British Colombia, Canada have signed a research and commercial license option agreement, reports Inside INdiana Business. The deal provides Dow AgroSciences with access to Agrisoma's proprietary Engineered Trait Loci (ETL) technology. The two companies have collaborated since 2004 on high value protein production in plants and plant cell cultures. The new agreement builds on that relationship and expands use of the ETL technology into field crops.

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Spanish Courses & Cursos de Inglés

If you're an English-speaker looking for a Spanish class, or a Spanish-speaker looking for instruction in English, Language School and Services, part of Latino Advocacy in Community Affairs (LACA) at the Urban League, 777 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, may have what you seek. Registration for winter classes ends 11 December, and classes begin 4 January 2010.

LACA uses Total Physical Response (TPR). Students learn Spanish through interactive lessons that replicate real situations. Focus is given to comprehension and conversation, supplemented by grammar, reading, and writing. Home study and personal improvement are encouraged, but no homework or tests are required. LACA offers five intermediate and five advanced level classes at $175.

Classes require a minimum of five students and are held once a week only, most in the evenings from 6-8 p.m., for 10 weeks. The winter term is January-March, the spring term is March-May, the summer term is June-August and the fall term is September-November. Most classes are in the Urban League offices.

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Kelly Church at Eiteljorg Museum

Artist-in-residence through Saturday (5 December) at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Southwestern Art, 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, is Kelly Church, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa (that's her strawberry basket, at left).

Church is a fifth-generation Black Ash basket weaver, and a Birch Bark Biter. She makes traditional, utilitarian baskets, as well as contemporary baskets, such as a woven checker game, baskets out of vinyl blinds and recently wove a basket out of copper. Kelly participates in art shows throughout the country and is very active in her community teaching how to harvest and process baskets and informing the public about the Emerald Ash Borer.

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Osili Named Director of Research at Center on Philanthropy

Dr. Una Okonkwo Osili (pictured) has been named director of research for the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Osili has served as interim director of research at the Center since October 2008. She will develop new research initiatives, convene scholars and nonprofit professionals nationally and internationally, direct the Center’s research department, and serve as lead researcher on several research projects.

An associate professor of economics and Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Osili has served as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program, the United Economics Commission for Africa and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Osili also served on the International Scientific Panel for the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa/MacArthur Foundation Real Economies of Africa program and as a member of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Economic Report on Africa published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Dr. Osili's recent studies have centered on how cultural diversity affects philanthropy in the United States, using data from the Center on Philanthropy Panel Study to look at charitable behavior of immigrants.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with honors from Harvard University and a master of arts and a Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University. The daughter of an American mother and a Nigerian father, she lived in Nigeria until she was 15 years old. She is the wife of architect Vop Osili, who recently announced his candidacy for Indiana Secretary of State.

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US Ambassador-Designate to Serbia Speaks at Valpo

The United States Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Serbia will present the commencement address at Valparaiso University's ceremonies honoring mid-year graduates, reports the Valpo news bureau.

Ceremonies for students expected to complete requirements for undergraduate, graduate and law degrees begin at 2:30 p.m. 13 December in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

Mary Burce Warlick (pictured), a Valpo alumna and a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, was nominated to the ambassador post by President Barack Obama in September. Her experience at the U.S. Department of State began in 1983 and she has served in several posts at U.S. embassies in Asia and Europe and as minister-counselor for economic affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. During that assignment, she traveled extensively in Russia and worked on a wide range of trade, investment and energy issues, including Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Warlick's assignments in Washington, D.C., include serving most recently as acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia policy. Prior to that, Warlick served as acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy, special assistant to the president and senior director for Russia at the National Security Council, director of the State Department's Office of Russian Affairs and as director of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs.

Warlick graduated from Valpo in 1979 with a degree in political science and humanities, and was a Christ College (honors college) scholar. She later earned a master's degree in international relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. In 2006, she received the Secretary of State's Award for Public Outreach and she has received eight Superior Honor Awards from the State Department.

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Dow AgroSciences Expands Seed Business in Canada

An affiliate of Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences LLC is acquiring the largest, privately owned, multi-crop breeding program in Canada, reports Inside INdiana Business. Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. plans to purchase the Hyland Seeds brand and the sales, marketing and administrative areas. Dow will continue to independently market seeds under the Hyland Seeds brand and keeps its headquarters in Blenheim, Ontario.

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McIntosh Named Rotary World Peace Fellow

Dr. Ian McIntosh (pictured, at right, top), Director of International Partnerships at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis and faculty member in the Department of Anthropology, has been named a 2010 Rotary World Peace Fellow.

As part of this award, Dr. McIntosh will spend three months next summer at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand at the Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

The purpose of the Rotary Centers program is to:
· Support and advance research, teaching, publication, and practical field experience on issues of peace, goodwill, causes of conflict, and world understanding
· Inspire people to work for a culture of peace and tolerance while enhancing their capacity, knowledge, and skill by generating interaction between practitioners and academics
· Provide advanced international education opportunities in the area of peace and conflict resolution
· Provide a means for The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians to increase their effectiveness in promoting greater tolerance and cooperation among peoples, leading to world understanding and peace

Dr. McIntosh's research interests focus on issues of truth and reconciliation in global perspective, and he teaches a class at IUPUI that utilizes a unique "reconciliation barometer" to shed light on the quest for reconciliation through treaties, peace accords, apologies, reparations, truth commissions, trials and memorials. In partnership with the Scholars at Risk Network of New York University, and Human Rights Works, he coordinates the “Voices at Risk, Visions of Hope” speaker series at IUPUI. This series provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to interact via video-conference with some of the world’s most distinguished scholars who, as a result of their advocacy for human rights and justice in their homelands, have been forced to take refuge in the USA.

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A Benediction from Thomas Friedman

In a deviation from our usual presentation of evidence of "the world in Indiana", here's a quote from The New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman:

"America — with its open, free, no-limits, immigrant-friendly society — is still the world’s greatest dream machine."

Indy's International Festival shows our multicultural "face" to the world. Our diversity is a source of strength in central Indiana. This year's celebration may be over, but you can make plans to participate in 2010: the dates are 18-21 November.

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The Award Winners are Announced

Awards for the just-completed 2009 International Festival have been announced. First and second place awards are given to Nationalities Council of Indiana member-groups in each of five categories: theme, educational value, creativity, quality and food. In addition, the best overall culture booth received the grand prize trophy, nicknamed "The Betty".

Winners are as follows:

Creativity: 1st - Confucius Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis; 2nd - India Association of Indianapolis.
Educational value: 1st - Indiana Association of Chinese Americans; 2nd - Italian Heritage Society of Indiana.
Quality: 1st - Sons of Norway; 2nd - Scottish Society of Indianapolis.
Theme: 1st - Taiwanese American Association of Indianapolis; 2nd - Swiss Club Of Central Indiana.
Food: 1st - Taiwanese American Association of Indianapolis; 2nd - German American Klub.
Best Overall Cultural Booth Trophy: Indiana German Heritage Society (pictured).

This year's Volunteer Service award (nicknamed "The Steve") went to Dan and Sophia Anderson.

The outside judges for the awards came from IUPUI.

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Sunday's the Last Day of the 2009 International Festival

The Parade of Nations always is a highlight of Saturdays at Indy's International Festival. Sunday's the last day for the 2009 festival, so head to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, between noon and 6 p.m. today!

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Indy's International Festival Underway at State Fairgrounds

Here are some pictures of "real dolls" taking part in Indy's International Festival, now through Sunday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis. Come see for yourself!

Indy's International Festival Underway at State Fairgrounds

Some pictures from Thursday's Student Day at Indy's International Festival, taking place through Sunday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis. Y'all come!

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Indy's International Festival is This Weekend!

Make plans now to join us at Indy's International Festival, which opens to the public on Friday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis (Thursday is for student groups). As always, the annual festival is hosted by the Nationalities Council of Indiana. Come see the many faces of Indiana!

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Indy Mayor Heads to Indy's Sister City

According to the Indianapolis mayor's office, Indy Mayor Greg Ballard left for Europe yesterday. He and a delegation of business and community leaders will meet with business leaders, government officials, and researchers in Cologne, Germany (Indy's Sister City) and in the United Kingdom. They return 23 November.

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US-Canada Conference at Purdue

The NEXTRANS Center, with the assistance of the government of Canada and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), will host a conference on U.S.-Canada border trade, security and mobility challenges on 16 November.

The daylong event - titled In Step, In Line, On Time: Regional Strategies for Trade, Security, and Mobility Challenges at the U.S.-Canada Border - will provide an opportunity for researchers and private-sector stakeholders in the Great Lakes region to engage in a dialogue with high-level officials of the U.S. and Canadian government.

The conference will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union. Registration is $50, and students are admitted free. For a complete agenda, online registration, travel information and sponsorship information, go online.

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Growing Number of International Students at Valpo

This fall, the number of international students on the northern Indiana campus of Valparaiso University rose to 345 (304 on non-immigrant visas), an 18 percent increase from last year's record setting population of 292 students (245 on non-immigrant visas).

Valpo's international student population has more than tripled since fall 2003, when it hosted 109 students (90 on non-immigrant visas).

There's more information about the university's global learning programs online.

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Indiana's Global Connectedness in its Schools

Promoting global connectedness is one of the goals of the 2009 Indiana Education Transformation Conference to be held 16 and 17 November. It is sponsored by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis.

Indiana’s Future: Bold Choices. Better Schools. will bring together nearly 600 school administrators, teachers, community and business leaders, university faculty, and policy-makers with the goal of transforming education across the state. Sessions begin at 1 p.m. 16 November in the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 West Maryland Street, Indianapolis.

Registration information is online. Cost is $135 (if you sign up on or before 11 November); on-site registration is $175.

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Purdue, IU Team Wins Global Idea to Product Competition

GlucaGo LLC, a life sciences company led by a trio from Purdue and Indiana universities, captured the 2009 Global Idea to Product Competition and claimed the $10,000 top prize, beating 14 other teams that qualified by winning local competitions, reports the Purdue News Bureau.

The Global I2P entrepreneurship event, held 30 and 31 October in Austin, Texas, featured teams from 19 universities and eight countries: Great Britain, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Ireland and Brazil, and U.S. competitors from Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado and New Hampshire.

In addition to winning the McCombs School of Business Global Championship category, GlucaGo received the Best Showcase overall award for developing an emergency kit that automatically mixes and injects medication for diabetics. Leading the GlucaGo team are Rush Bartlett, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering at Purdue who also is completing an MBA at IU; Arthur Chlebowski, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering at Purdue; and Peter Greco, who is pursuing an MBA from Purdue.

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Explore Africa in Indianapolis

The Nationalities Council of Indiana is partnering with the Geography Educators' Network of Indiana to present the National Geographic Society's Giant Traveling Map of Africa at this year's International Festival. Measuring 26'x35' and weighing 102 pounds, this giant map of Africa is the world's largest map of the continent. The giant map is designed as a geo-game board to introduce students to the power of map and the diverse geography of Africa -- and you can see it at this year's festival, held 20-22 November 2009 in the West Pavilion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis. All the information you need is here.

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Japan-America Society of Indiana Holds Annual Dinner

Ganbaranakucha, the annual dinner of the Japan-America Society of Indiana, will be held 11 November in the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. Keynote speaker will be the Honorable John Engler, former governor of Michigan, president and CEO of National Association of Manufacturers. Guests of honor are the honorable George Hisaeda, Consul General of Japan in Chicago, and Rick Schostek, vice-president, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana.

The evening begins with a patrons' reception, followed by a 6:30 p.m. general reception and the 7 p.m. dinner and program. Individual admissions are $80. Registration information is online, with a deadline of 6 November.

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Kimball to Make Safety Devices For German Firm

Jasper-based Kimball Electronics Group, Inc. (KEG) has received a contract to build gas, electrochemical and explosion detection devices for a German company, reports Inside INdiana Business. Draeger will use KEG's products in its PEX 3300 program that includes devices for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Production will begin in the spring at KEG's facility in Jasper. KEG is a subsidiary of Kimball International, Inc.

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"Freedom Without Walls"

"Freedom Without Walls", concert by Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, is set for 8 p.m. 7 November in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis. Tickets ($10-25) are available at 317:940-9607.

The concert celebrates the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On the schedule are compositions by two Germans: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Bruch's Concerto for Clarinet and Viola. In addition, Norbert Krapf, Indiana Poet Laureate, will read "Questions on a Wall", a poem he wrote with inspiration from his experiences in Berlin."

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Classical Persian Music by Silk Road Ensemble

DePauw Student Connects with Cameroon

The "welcome" page for The Ashia Project (TAP) is very matter of fact:

The Ashia Project (TAP) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit chapter of Ambassadors for Children committed to supporting those who are determined to change their own community for the better. Currently, we are raising money to help support Dr. Ebanja of Tiko, Cameroon finance the construction of a community hospital.

But the story is ever so much more complicated than that. Read about DePauw University student Tia Malcom (pictured) and her journey to Cameroon and back here: The Ashia Project.

The group's first major fundraising event is being planned for spring 2010 in Indianapolis. Watch for it!

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Inuit Artist Visits Eiteljorg Museum

Goota Ashoona (left), a third-generation Canadian Inuit artist, is in residence at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Her visit continues through 8 November.

Ashoona is the granddaughter of graphic artist Pitseolak Ashoona and the daughter of Kiawak Ashoona. For the past half dozen years she has worked alongside her husband, Bob Kussy, son and nephew at the Ashoona family studio in Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories. The family’s artwork can be found in many institutions and galleries that showcase Canadian Inuit art. She performs regularly as a professional throat singer and has been featured on a documentary series on cable television’s The Lifetime Channel. During her residence, she is hosting workshops and demonstrations for school groups and the public.

Festival to Feature Italian Street Painting

Using chalk as their medium, madonnari (street painters) will transform the concrete floors of the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds into a color‐splashed gallery for Indy's International Festival. The annual event is open to the public 20-22 November at the fairgrounds, 1201 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.

In addition, festival‐goers (including students during the schools-only hours on 19 and 20 November) will have a chance to try their hand at this ancient art‐form all weekend. Our primary madonnari will be local artist and muralist Vandra Linder.

Tickets at the door are $9 for adults and $6 for children (6-12; under 6, free). Show your AAA Hoosier Motor Club Membership card at the door, and receive $2 off a day-of-show adult ticket.

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International Water Ski Competitions Come to Central Indiana

Central Indiana has won a bid to host the 2010 Disabled Water Ski National Championships and 2nd Pan Am Championships next summer, reports Inside INdiana Business. The competition will take place 25-28 August 2010 at Hawthorn Lake, near Danville. Organizers say they expect a record number of water skiers from the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Canada to perform tricks and tackle the courses.

Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program, the Indiana Water Ski Association and Hawthorn Lake Ski Club prepared the winning bid. The Water Skiers with Disabilities Association is one of nine sport disciplines of USA Water Ski, the national governing body of organized water skiing in the United States. Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program is an independent, self-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation. Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana is a community collaboration between Clarian Health and St. Vincent Health.

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Indy-based BioStorage Expands in Germany

BioStorage Technologies, Inc., of Indianapolis, a worldwide provider of long- and short-term storage of biomaterials, sample management and cold chain logistics, expands its European operations with the opening of a new 16,140 square foot full-service biorepository in Frankfurt, Germany.

The new facility offers worldwide, industry-compliant logistics, supply chain management and meets all international customs and transportation regulations as well as documentation requirements.

A Trip Around the World of Food

Great piece by Jolene Ketzenberger in today's Indianapolis Star on the Saraga Market in Indianapolis.

"Unusual ingredients, unfamiliar spices and labels in a different language -- it's no wonder international markets can be a bit intimidating," she writes. But, "a trip to Saraga International Grocery on the Northwestside is a culinary excursion, a way to explore the world and present it on a plate. With aisles devoted to Asian, Latin and Middle Eastern fare, a seafood department with items such as live blue crabs, and a halal meat department featuring fresh goat and lamb, Saraga offers much more than a typical supermarket."

You can read the whole article here (at least until The Star removes it in a week). Or, get yourself over to Saraga,3605 Commercial Drive (just off Lafayette Road in the 3600 block), Indianapolis, (317:388-9999) and see for yourself!

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Chamber Orchestra from London Set for April

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will perform at 8 p.m. 10 April 2010 in Clowes Hall on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis as part of the Clowes Presents 2009/10 season. Tickets range in price from $20 to $35.

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields was founded by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958. Formed from a group of leading London (England) musicians and working without a conductor, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church on 13th November 1959. Demand for the Academy, particularly in the recording studio, soon began to grow as did the size of the orchestra and the repertoire it performed. Eventually Sir Neville was forced to put down his violin and take up the conductor’s baton, but the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductorless ensemble remains an Academy hallmark. Today the Academy performs in combinations ranging from a chamber group to a symphony orchestra.

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Global Business Person of the Year Sought

Each year, the World Trade Club of Indiana honors an individual who has been successful in promoting global trade and development in the Hoosier state. It has presented a "Global Business Person of the Year" award annually since 1990.

The search is on for the 2010 winner. To suggest a nominee, go online. Nominations will be accepted until 6 November. Past presidents of the club make up the nominating committee.

Eberhard Reichmann Has Died

Dr. Giles Hoyt, former director of the Max Kade Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, reports that Eberhard Reichmann died 16 October 2009.

Dr. Reichmann, Professor Emeritus of Germanic Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1926 and immigrated to the United States in 1953. He received his doctorate in languages from the University of Cincinnati, and was professor of German Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington from 1959-1989.

He is well-known to members of the Nationalities Council of Indiana for his tireless work with the Indiana German Heritage Society and the International Festival (that's him, in the green hat, in the photo above left).

He is the author of numerous books and articles on German immigration and Indiana German Americana. Some of his titles are Der Dichter spricht; deutsche Gedichte, Hoosier German Tales Small & Tall, Emigration & Settlement Patterns of German Communities in North America and Deutsche Romantische Prosa.

See also Publications of the Max Kade German-American Center at the Historic Deutsche Haus-Athenaeum, and Indiana German Heritage Society Publications.

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Indy Art Center Celebrates Day of the Dead

The Indianapolis Art Center, 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, plans a full afternoon of activities on 1 November around their 10th anniversary celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. Admission is free.

First up, at 12:15 p.m., is the Mexican Consul in Indianapolis, Juan Solana. Other highlights are Ensamble Folklorico at 1:30 p.m., the Indiana Chamber Orchestra performing "Corn in the Rock", an interactive Mayan Folktale, at 2:30 p.m., and a musical performance by Son de Madera, a Mexican band, at 4 p.m.

There'll be a display of altars, Mexican food, figurines on loan from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and more. The altar exhibit itself is open now through 7 November. Outdoor shrines are on display in the Artspark 26 October through 7 November.

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Armed Conflict and Counter-Terrorism

A counter-terrorism simulation is planned next week, co-sponsored by the Indiana University School of Law on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis and IUPUI's School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). This simulation, taking place on 23 October and involving students in the fields of law and public policy, will allow participants from the two programs to work side by side with local and state government officials to respond to a simulated National counter-terrorism threat.

The keynote address is a presentation at 5 p.m. on 22 October by Lt. Col. (Res.) David Benjamin. His speech, “Israel’s Fight Against Terrorism – The Charge of the Lawyers’ Brigade”, takes place in the Wynne Courtroom of Inlow Hall in Indianapolis. A reception follows in the Conour Atrium of Inlow Hall. Lt. Col Benjamin, who retired from full-time active service in February 2009 after 17 years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Military Advocate General's Corps, is a specialist in international law, with emphasis on the law of armed conflicts and counter-terrorism.

Information on other events open to the public is available online. Full biographies of the speakers also are available online. For more information, contact Mary Deer, 317:274-1909.

For a contrarian view of Lt. Col. Benjamin, check out International Criminal Court to Investigate IDF Officer.

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Dr. Ostrom Wins Nobel Prize in Economics

Indiana University professor Elinor Ostrom has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, an achievement that honors a lifetime of groundbreaking research, teaching, and scholarship.

She is the first woman to win the prize in economics, which has been awarded since 1969. She shares the award with Oliver Williamson, Edgar F. Kaiser Professor Emeritus of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of California, Berkeley.

Ostrom was recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons.

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World Mystery Confab in Indy

Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, is the largest annual meeting in the world for mystery lovers -- and the 40th edition takes place in Indianapolis Thursday through Sunday (15-18 October). The convention program includes panel discussions, lectures, and other presentations by mystery writers and experts on the genre, covering all aspects of mystery fiction, thrillers, detective stories, suspense novels, and more.

The 2009 Bouchercon includes special events throughout central Indiana, including programs at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the rotunda of Indiana's state house building, the Indianapolis City Market, and more.

The World Mystery Convention is named the Boucheron in honor of Anthony Boucher (1911-1968): "Boucher" plus "con" (short for convention). Anthony Boucher helped found the Mystery Writers of America, co-founded The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and reviewed mysteries in the Sunday New York Times Book Review. He wrote seven mystery novels and many short stories, along with many radio scripts for "The Adventures of Ellery Queen" and Sherlock Homes radio dramas.

If you'd like to attend, there are day passes and companion passes as well as all-session registration. The next Bouchercon, in 2010, will be held in San Francisco. Bouchercon has been held in cities across North America and, twice so-far, in England.

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1st- and 2nd-Generation Iranian-Americans

The 2009 Danesh Conference, "First- and Second-Generation Iranian-Americans: The Significance of Mutual Understanding and Support" will be held 23 October on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Presenters at the conference include Ali Akbar Mahdi, Ohio Wesleyan University; and Reza Varjavand and Mitra Fallahi, Saint Xavier University.

Chaired by Irene Queiro-Tajalli, president of the Danesh Institute, the conference planning committee includes Sara Allaei, Cyrus Behroozi, Shayda Bradley, Mary Hegland, Patricia Higgins, Yahya Kamalipour, and John Walbridge.

Established in 1994, the Danesh Institute is a nonpolitical, independent, not-for-profit educational organization. The Institute is incorporated in the State of Indiana and recognized as a 501(c)(3) corporation by the United States Internal Revenue Service.

The purpose of the Institute is to stimulate and promote scholarly studies related to contemporary Iranian society and to Iranian communities abroad, particularly the United States. The Institute has pursued this purpose by offering annual conferences, sponsoring special projects, and publishing newsletters and bulletins.

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Valparaiso Adds China to Engineering Programs

Students in Valparaiso University's College of Engineering have a new opportunity to study abroad, reports Inside INdiana Business. The Valparaiso International Engineering Program in China is a five-year program that will provide students with a bachelor’s degree in one of four engineering disciplines and a minor in Chinese. Students would study and work in China during the fourth year of the program.

Valpo currently has international engineering programs in Germany and in France. More information on the engineering programs overseas is online.

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Asian Impressions at White River Gardens

"Asian Impressions: Travel to the Far East" is on view at the White River Gardens adjacent to downtown Indianapolis. Open through 8 November, the new show features Asian garden design, including a miniaturized hill and pond, hanging baskets of conifers, shoji paper screens, trickling water features and floating red gossamer.

Over 30 bonsai specimens will be on display, enclosed by a bamboo gate that emphasizes the idea of solitude. "Asian Impressions" at White River Gardens is free for members and included with regular Indianapolis Zoo admission.

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Dachshund Racing, Yodeling...and More!

"The Original and Fabulous GermanFest" (a first for Indy) takes place Saturday (10 October) at the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis.

This "coming together of the Indianapolis German-American Community" is a free indoor/outdoor, day-long, family event on the grounds of the Athenaeum. The idea is to celebrate all things German and German-influenced . . . food, drink, live entertainment, cultural displays, children's activities, crafts and more.

Here's the schedule for Stage One:
Noon-1 p.m. Meisterwinds - German Oompah!
1-1:30 p.m. Yodeling Contest
2-2:30 p.m. Dachshund Racing
2:30-3:15 p.m. die Fledermaeuschen Tanzgruppe - German Folk Dancers
3:15-4:15 p.m. Liederkranz - German Song!
3-3:30 p.m. Damenchor
3:30-4 p.m. Maennerchor
4-7 p.m. PolkaMotion - Polka Cleveland-Style

Bandshell Biergarten
4-4:30 p.m. Amazing AutoHarps
5-6:30 p.m. Athenaeum Pops Orchestra

Stage Two
1-2 p.m. Young Actors Theatre
2-2:30 p.m. Kindertanzgruppen
3-3:30 p.m. Saengerchor - German Song
5-6 p.m. Indianapolis Maennerchor - Gentlemen of Song since 1854

The Athenaeum Theater
Special VIP event (tickets are $125)
7:30 p.m. dinner and GermanFest silent auction, followed by 9 p.m. performance of "1964", a Beatles tribute band, in honor of their starting point, Hamburg, Germany. 7:30 to 8:30 pm - 1964 perform at 9:00 p.m. Call 317:655-2755 ext. 1 or email Jim Gould for reservations or more information.

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