Look around and be proud.

So, I have been thinking (while riding the trails). Terre Haute has so much to do and going on, that must be why it is all under appreciated. I decided that this week I don't need to tell what's going on. You can go look for yourself. I gave a list of some of the websites to look at for this.

I don't think people realize how lucky we are in some aspects. One example, our trails. There are many miles of trails here in Terre Haute. I think Bloomington has less trails than Terre Haute. They have more  "shared" road, but not as much trail.

Also, have you notice that more and more business' are putting in bike racks? ISU has put in a nice row of them by the, soon to be, new science building on 7th Street. I think more places need to do this (on a smaller scale of course). The old "wheel bender" racks don't work anymore. (They are better than nothing and I will use them, usually by locking to the end of the rack). With bikes being as expensive as they are, most people want to lock or should lock both tires and the frame to a bike rack.

Bike racks at ISU's (soon to be) new science building (on 7th street)

It would be nice if every down town corner had two or three bike racks like this. I know we went to Chavas Mexican Grill last Friday night and there were 5 people in the resturant (that I know of) that had road their bike down town. There is a bike rack in front of Boo's place. There is also one around the corner in front of The Parlor. I have also stopped by the Verve and seen three bikes locked together on the bike rack in front of Boo's. This works if they bike owners know each other. But, if you don't know the owner of a bike on a bike rack, you can't just lock your bike to it.

The Parlor (last December)

Sorry, I don't mean to sound negative. I am grateful for the bike racks that we have down town. I am just pointing out why we need more. If you don't ride, then you don't necessarily understand. 

Also, ISU has changed some of the streets around campus. I noticed they have added bike lanes on Chestnut from the fountain to 3rd street. I am guessing these will be extended to 1st street on the West side of 3rd and then connect to Fairbanks park in the future. I am assuming this because next year (2013) is "The Year of the River" for Terre Haute. 

Well, I could go on forever. I guess I will wrap it up for now and say,

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

Welcome to Summer

Wow, so much to do in Terre Haute. I am sorry I have missed the whole month of May with no blogs. I have been busy with biking the trail, kayaking at Hawthorn Park, gardening, weddings, the Community Theatre, graduations and so much more.

I went to a yoga class at in Yoga last night. It was great. I am no yoga expert, but I really enjoy the stretch and relaxation of a good yoga class. Patti did a great job reminding me that it was OK if I didn't get in the exact correct position for a pose. The important part of yoga is to get a good (not painful) stretch and to relax the mind. That is what yoga is for me. I don't want to get into any arguments about what you are supposed to get out of your yoga class.

In Yoga has been in a few locations, under a couple of names. I am sure they will find the proper location with the best name to fit in here in Terre Haute. They have six different classes, so I am almost sure they have one to fit your yoga needs.

This Saturday, June 9th, is the 30th Annual Fishing Rodeo at Dobbs Park. That's right, the 30th annual! I can't believe it myself. As you can see on the webpage that is linked above, there is something almost every week or two at Dobbs Park. There is a facebook page, but it isn't offical or ran by the park. Actually, I think there are two or three pages. Only the one I have linked has any activity. I really think Dobbs is beautiful park and it is under appreciated by many. It's not the biggest park, but it has a ton to offer. The park Naturalist, Carissa does a great job. They have a Nature center with a wildlife viewing area and even junior naturalist program. Also, Dobbs Park is home to a Native American Museum.

Something else that is coming up is the Arts Illiana Summer Exhibition. The opening will be on June 22nd from 6 to 9. Arts Illiana is located on 6th street, between Cherry street and Wabash Avenue. There openings are always a blast with good art, nice music and fun people. I hope to see you there.

If you are looking for something a little different to do that is fun and supports your community, why not "Tag the tagger"?  S.P.P.R.A.K., which stands for Special People Performing Random Acts of Kindness, is working to cover some of the graffiti in town and also hopes to work with local artist to do some murals.They are also on facebook.

For a list of more things to do and information about these things, go to the Downtown calendar.

Get out there Terre Haute!

I want to remind you that there are many links to websites and facebook pages in this blog. If they don't show up as a different color, then move your cursor back and forth on each line to highlight and then click on them.

March to save the babies!

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Our local March of Dimes is getting ready to do this "premier event" in Terre Haute. If you don't know about it, here is the "Who, What, Where and When" of it all.

WHAT: March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits all babies. Started in 1970, March for Babies is the original walking event, raising money to fund important research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick.


WHEN: Saturday, April 28th 8:30 am Walker and team check-in 9:30 am Opening ceremony


WHERE: March for Babies route this year has been revised to be a 2 mile traditional walk with the option to walk a total of 5 miles on the Indiana Mile at Memorial Stadium. The plan is for the walkers to enjoy the festivities at “Mission Marketplace” before and after walking that begins and ends at the Indiana State University Memorial Stadium. ISU Memorial Stadium is located at Brown and Wabash Avenue. 


WHO: Moms, families, corporate teams and everyone that cares about babies and the future health of ALL babies.


WHY: The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. In Indiana, 1 in 7 or over 11,000 babies are born prematurely each year. Babies born too soon are more likely to have disabilities or even die. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to ensure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is here for all babies.


HOW: It is not too late to register for March for Babies. Register by visiting marchforbabies.org or calling 812-234-2736.


The March of Dimes Wabash Valley Division has three walk sites (Bedford, Bloomington and Terre Haute) and 10 counties that are handled out of the Terre Haute office. At the Terre Haute March for Babies the goal is to raise $190,000. They partner with local organizations and businesses to help raise money for research, education and babies across the USA and in Terre Haute.

As far as volunteer opportunities, the March of Dimes is always looking for people that are interested in volunteering at events, joining a committee, or families with personal stories to share about their baby’s difficult beginning. Anyone interested can reach out to them via email or phone for more details on how to get involved. The office is open year round.  

Contact the local office at:

March of Dimes

1345 Ohio Street

Terre Haute, IN 47807
P: 812.234.2736

P: 800.941.9255

nsimpson@marchofdimes.com

Earth Day. Yes, it should be everyday.

Looking for something to do this Saturday? How about live music, animals, food, fellowship and more? You can get all that at the 14TH Annual Earth Day Celebration at St. Mary of the Woods. It will be Saturday, April 21st, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The White Violet Center for eco-justice has so much fun stuff to see and do for you at St. Mary of the Woods. You can see and pet the Alpaca, go on a tour of the barn or Green house, see a live animal show, do Tai Chi, listen to live music or do kids activities.

There will spinning and weaving demonstrations. You can even take a environmentally friendly ride in a pedicab ride. 

I can't possibly name all the stuff that will be at St. Mary of the Woods on Saturday. It is free, but they do take a good will offering at the gate. There will be many vendors selling and giving stuff away. Plenty of demonstrations and things to see. Hope to see you there.

For directions and more information, go to the Sisters of Providence web page.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

On the Line Productions

WOW! First I have to say, "I am sorry." It has been weeks since I have blogged. I was waiting for a local business owner to respond, she didn't so I didn't have a post ready. Next thing I know I had missed a few weeks. SORRY. I guess I now know not to put all my eggs in one basket.

I am writing about a local business that I have just learned about, On the Line Productions. This business is a local theatrical company. I didn't know Terre Haute had one of those and I am guessing you didn't either. Now we can both learn a little more about it.

What is On The Line Productions?
The following is sort of our mission statement that we include in every program... On The Line Productions is an up and coming theatrical production company dedicated to bringing positve theatre experiences and productions to the Terre Haute community. With On The Line Productions, we strive to uplift and at times educate a broad audience. Bedouin Players is our subsidiary theatrical troupe that offers workshops and production opportunities to the youth.

How long have you been in business?
We were certified as a non profit group in Indiana last spring.

What are you presently working on?
When and where is it playing?
Presently working on The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, to be performed at Harmony Hall May 4, 5 and 6th at Harmony Hall in Terre Haute. Harmony Hall is located at 1257 Lafayette Avenue. Performances on Friday and Saturday both begin at 7:30 pm with a Sunday matinee begining at 2:30 pm. As we are partnered with The Will Center, a not for profit organization that assists those with disabilites in Indiana, we will feature a guest speaker, Pete Ciancone, executive director of the Will center after the matinee performance

Have you done any other shows?
This is the third mainstage performance for our group. Our first was Diary of Anne Frank. For this production we partnered with CANDLES Holocaust Museum and made a charitable donation. Next we did Neil Simon's Prisoner of Second Avenue. We also did a Bedouin Players workshop for children in which we performed an original children's play that I wrote called The Clown.

If anyone has a question about your business, how can they contact you? (ie. Phone, Facebook, Website or email)

We can be contacted several ways. We have a Facebook Group as well as a website... www.onthelineproductions.com you can also call 812-223-3297 or email at onthelineproductions@juno.com

What should people who have never heard of your business know about it?
People should know that we are always looking for new volunteers... no previous experience required. We are also looking for original works and people who are interested in directing.


Are you hoping or planning on business growth in the future?
We hope to expand into our own building as a part of the family business... Harvest Bakery. Harvest Bakery can also be found on Facebook.

Do you employee any other people besides yourself?
We would like to, after time and growth, have a small part time staff

This is such a different business and we are lucky to have it right here in Terre Haute. I am excited to go see The Miracle Worker. I know I am going to keep an eye on this business and hope to see some great work coming from them. I also, feel I should let you know the owners were in the last Community Theatre musical, "Meet Me in St. Louis". They also helped with lighting for last musical at the Children's Theatre of Terre Haute. My wife and I really enjoyed that. Flat Stanley was a fun show.

I hope you keep them in mind when you are looking for something to do with your family or friends in the future.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

Do the math Terre Haute....

Terre Haute is so amazing. I can't believe how long it has been amazing. Many more years than I have been alive! Plus, if you add up all the years that different places in Terre Haute have been around, it's really big number.

Now you might be saying, "What is he talking about?" If so, you need to read this blog! I am talking about the amazing history of long standing music, arts and historical worth in Terre Haute.

The Community Theatre of Terre Haute is getting ready for the last show of it's 85th season. That is over twice as long as I have been alive. In a short 15 years it will be 100 years old. Yes, I mean a century.

The shows and directors are already picked for the 86th season and they look to be fabulous. I personally can't wait to see "Hairspray".

Did you know that the Children's Theatre of Terre Haute is celebrating 75 years? Yep, that's right 75 YEARS!

I have to admit that I didn't even know there was a Children's Theatre until a few years ago. They do a couple show per year. The last one, "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley" was really good.

Terre Haute has a long standing musical history as well. The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra is over half way done with it's 86th season. 

The Symphony has two shows left. The next one being "The King of Instruments". It will be on March 24th at 7:30 P.M. The final show the the 2011-2012 season will be "Ol' Blue Eyes" on April 21st at 7:30 P.M. 

That's 235 years combined in the first three things I have mentioned. Keep adding.

If you want more vocal music with good harmony, Terre Haute has something for you. Check out the Might Banks of the Wabash Chorus. 

According to the Tribune Star the BOW Chorus has been around since the 1940's. I couldn't find an exact date, but at over 60 years it's been around a long time! They perform locally at Harmony Hall on Lafayette Avenue. 

The Terre Haute Community Band offers a musical change of pace by being free and outside. The only history I could find for how long they have been around (without a bunch of research) was that they filled of non-profit status in 2000. So, it has been around for at least a dozen years.

This band is all volunteer and performs every other Saturday at 8 P.M. in Fairbanks Park during the Summer. The concerts are free and open to the public. Every show is exciting and different. 

How about the BLUES? Yep, Terre Haute has them. The Blues at the Crossroads. 

We are going to close 7th and Wabash for two days, set up a big ole' stage and sit in the streets!

This year, 2012, will be the 12th annual. I can't believe after a dozen years there are still people in this town who don't really know anything about it. Not only is there be music, but there is food, beer, t-shirts and even a half marathon! Connie should be updating the website soon, so keep check on it to see who is come to show!

If you think art and think of paintings, scultures and pictures then Terre Haute has had something for you since 1942. That is when The Swope Art Museum officially opened it's doors to the public and gained nation wide attention. WOW, 70 years! It's old enough to retire. I sure hope it doesn't do any such thing. 

The Swope Art Museum is know around the world for it's collection of over 2000 works. The American work of art include both 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures.

How about an organization that promotes and supports it all? As you might have guessed, we have that also. Arts Illiana has been doing just that, supporting the arts, in the Wabash Valley since 1980. 

That is an impressive 32 years. The mission of Arts Illiana is to promote, support and enhace the arts and cultural activities of the Wabash Valley. 

Looking for something with more historic value. How about a museum? Try a museum dedicated to telling the story of the Holocaust and the stories of the Auschwitz twins. That such place is called C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Holocaust Museum.

C.A.N.D.L.E.S. was dedicated by Eva Kor in 1995. That's 17 years, if you are doing the math. The museum is located at 1532 S. Third Street and is open Tuesday thru Friday 10-4 and Saturday 1-4.

Want more local history. Not a problem.The Vigo County Historical Society has it. And this place has been around as long as I can remember, so that's about 40 years. If you have lived here your whole life and never been or just started unpacking boxes in your new home, I recommend you stop by to see all the history under one roof. Also, if it's been a few years since you have been then it is time to go again.

From the Coke bottle that was designed here in Terre Haute to the legendary Stiffy Green. There is a basement and two floors of history to explore. 

So, if you have been playing along and keeping up with the math you should have about 489 years of history, arts and entertainment. Not bad for a town with nothing to do. I make myself laugh when I say that. 

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

What going on the next week or so?

First, I am a little behind on my post. I have been really busy lately. I just don't have enough time to do all there is to do in this wonderful town. And, it is a wonderful town (not that we can't make it better). I have been busy helping build the set for the Community Theatre Musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. I have also been working on the run crew for the musical. Last night was opening night and I think it went great.

So, what to do? How about going to see the musical I have been working on?

Josh and his crew have been working hard to make this a great show. They have put in countless hours and many late nights doing this. 

If you like the theatre and want more music, Terre Haute has more! The Children's Theatre of Terre Haute will give it to you. I have to admit, I really am sad that I am not going to get to see this show. They did an awesome job on the last show. I think The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR. will be so much fun. 

Also, one more musical this weekend. St. Mary of Woods College is doing The Sound of Music. 

I couldn't find anything on St. Mary's website, so I have put a link to the channel 10 community calendar. There may be more information on the St. Mary of the Woods website, so I am also putting a link to it.  

Coming soon: Interview with Yvette from Modern Charm. 

Get Out There Terre Haute!