Stirring the Pot: A Trio of Treats
Ruthie Cohen says volunteering at Habitat for Humanity is both humbling and empowering. But her biggest contribution isn’t hanging doors or framing sheds — although she has learned such skills (more or less). Rather, the skill she brings to the worksite has helped her find a home among her fellow volunteers.
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14 Books Kids Will Love to Get as Gifts
Books, arguably, make the best presents. And children’s book expert Mary D’Eliso knows some of the best books you can give. Since 2004, after 15 years in the children’s department at Monroe County Public Library, D’Eliso has been the librarian at University Elementary School. As writer Jen Hockney Bratton puts it, “This librarian knows her stuff.”
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Powwow Keeps Native American Heritage Alive
Drums beating, feathers flying, hearts racing, spirits soaring — Indiana University’s 5th Annual Traditional Powwow at Alumni Hall this past weekend welcomed dancers, drummers, singers, and other performers from across the land. Miles Reiter filmed the event, which is more than just a social gathering — it’s a ritual of many tribes keeping their heritages alive.
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What Can Lynda Do for You?
Through lynda.com, the Monroe County Public Library now offers online classes often taken by university students and corporate employees. Lessons in everything from photography to business are free with a library card and can be taken at one’s own pace — as writer Jonna Mary Yost learned while tackling her Adobe Illustrator demons.
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Stirring the Pot: Apples to Apples
Ruthie Cohen reflects on how rituals season our lives, such as the apple-picking pilgrimages she and her children used to take every fall. Although her children have “launched” (that is, left the nest), she continues to peel, core, and prepare, adding her own touches to a coveted recipe and remembering the smiling eyes of her apple-cheeked children.
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Deckard’s Outdoors: Leonard Springs Nature Park
If you’re looking for a quick hike to see fall color up close, check out what Trent Deckard calls Bloomington’s best-kept secret. The main trail at Leonard Springs Nature Park is just over a mile long and takes you by two caves, a wetland, an erstwhile dam, and the springs. And the entire trail is lined with hardwoods that should be showing color for a few more weeks.
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Deckard’s Outdoors: Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve
In the premiere video of his series, “Deckard’s Outdoors,” in which he explores local nature preserves, parks, and other outdoor spaces, Trent Deckard films Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. Managed by Sycamore Land Trust, this unique wetlands has a 2 1/2 mile raised boardwalk trail that offers chances to see flora and fauna such as rare orchids, the endangered Indiana bat, Kirtland’s snake, and even bald eagles.
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Dancin’ in the Streets (and Much More) Lotus Festival 2015: The Street Scene
It may never change its name to Lotus World Music, Arts, Food, and Street Festival, but it could. While music from around the world fills the tents downtown during the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, musicians, dancers, artists, and other performers fill the streets outside the tents, especially Kirkwood Avenue and 6th Street. Videographer Miles Reiter caught much of the action and artistry on tape.
Check out his video, “Lotus Festival 2015: The Street Scene,” here.
