The message dated Nov. 6 was simple and poignant: "Your Neighbor's Garden is closed."
The email and Facebook post made the rounds of the local food community following the death of Your Neighbor's Garden owner Ross Faris after a bicycle accident last Saturday.
As the message explained, "The family and staff have decided it best to end our season early and close the market as we take time to grieve."
It's OK. We understand.
We're grieving, too.
Anyone who met Ross at a local farmers market or stopped by Your Neighbor's Garden over the years can't help but feel the loss.
The City Market's Stevi Stoesz certainly does. She met Ross in 1996 when he helped her develop plans for the popular Downtown farmers market.
"He was my very first vendor and biggest cheerleader," said Stoesz, "for not only the farmers market at the City Market, but all the great area markets."
Local food activist, writer and consultant Wendell Fowler said simply, "I'm heartbroken. Ross was one of the good guys."
And R Bistro's Erin Kem spoke for all local food fans when she said, "I can't imagine a growing season without him."
Read more of Jolene Ketzenberger's tribute to this amazing and inspirational man here.
Showing posts with label Indianapolis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indianapolis. Show all posts
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Since '85, Kroger's Been There For School46
By Dana Hunsinger
Posted: June 2, 2010
In a run-down shack next door to School 46, seedy adults lurked about doing things no child should ever see.
But the shack also had become a magnet for students, who either didn't want to go home or didn't want to go to school. They would sneak inside and hang out.
The school knew it was a problem, but what could it do? How could it keep its children safe and make sure they never happened upon the drugs and crime?
In stepped a seemingly unlikely partner -- a supermarket.
The Kroger Co. bought the land, tore down the shack and built a new house on the property. It then sold the home and gave the profit to the school.
A noble gesture, and yet really nothing compared to everything else the grocer has done in what may be the best example in Indianapolis of a company digging in and truly making a difference in the lives of children.
Not just with money. Not just with time. Not just with gifts.
With all of the above -- for 25 years. And not for its bottom line.
"This is not going to get people to buy groceries. It's not about that at all,"
said Daniel McQuiston, chairman of the department of marketing and management at Butler University. "It's about doing good. It has been said that it is far more noble to invest greatly in the welfare of one than slightly in the welfare of many."
And invest greatly in one school -- School 46 -- is exactly what Kroger has done.
More than $1 million has been donated in 25 years to this Near-Westside school where 90 percent of the students are in the free- or reduced-price lunch program. Thousands of hours in employee time have been spent inside the school.
You can read the rest of this story here.
If you'd like to see even more examples of the great things Kroger and its employees do for our community, drop by Second Helpings and learn about the great partnership we have with Kroger.
Posted: June 2, 2010
In a run-down shack next door to School 46, seedy adults lurked about doing things no child should ever see.
But the shack also had become a magnet for students, who either didn't want to go home or didn't want to go to school. They would sneak inside and hang out.
The school knew it was a problem, but what could it do? How could it keep its children safe and make sure they never happened upon the drugs and crime?
In stepped a seemingly unlikely partner -- a supermarket.
The Kroger Co. bought the land, tore down the shack and built a new house on the property. It then sold the home and gave the profit to the school.
A noble gesture, and yet really nothing compared to everything else the grocer has done in what may be the best example in Indianapolis of a company digging in and truly making a difference in the lives of children.
Not just with money. Not just with time. Not just with gifts.
With all of the above -- for 25 years. And not for its bottom line.
"This is not going to get people to buy groceries. It's not about that at all,"
said Daniel McQuiston, chairman of the department of marketing and management at Butler University. "It's about doing good. It has been said that it is far more noble to invest greatly in the welfare of one than slightly in the welfare of many."
And invest greatly in one school -- School 46 -- is exactly what Kroger has done.
More than $1 million has been donated in 25 years to this Near-Westside school where 90 percent of the students are in the free- or reduced-price lunch program. Thousands of hours in employee time have been spent inside the school.
You can read the rest of this story here.
If you'd like to see even more examples of the great things Kroger and its employees do for our community, drop by Second Helpings and learn about the great partnership we have with Kroger.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Super Bowl Food Fight: Indy Vs. Big Easy
Football fans are looking forward to this Sunday's Super Bowl — and a day full of good food. But the menu doesn't have to be limited to pizza and nachos. We asked two chefs from the Colts' and Saints' hometowns about what they'd be cooking this weekend.
From New Orleans, Donald Link is chef and owner of the restaurants Herbsaint and Cochon. His Super Bowl party continues a tradition he inherited from his parents.
This year, the party will include sausage and salami from Link's butcher shop. But those are just for snacking, he told NPR's Linda Wertheimer. "The main dish that I always cook is the seafood gumbo," Link said — like the one featured in his cookbook, Real Cajun.
Link's party will be at his home, which he repaired after Hurricane Katrina. In those renovations, he said, he made sure to include clear sightlines from the kitchen to the TV.
"We actually stood where the stove was going to go and lined it up to where the TV would be, just to make sure that we had the broadest view of the TV," he said.
And from Indianapolis, Regina Mehallick is chef and owner of R Bistro. Her restaurant is decked out for the big game, she said, complete with blue flowers and cadet-blue napkins to match the Colts' uniforms.
Mehallick, author of Regina's Seasonal Table, also emphasizes locally grown produce and meats.
"We should definitely have blue popcorn," Mehallick said, "because corn is popular here in Indiana."
Her main dish will reflect another local favorite: a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. The R Bistro version will be crusted in panko flakes. And since Indiana is a large producer of duck meat, Mehallick is considering serving duck wings — "done the classic way that chicken wings would be done," she said.
Both cities have been abuzz for nearly two weeks, as fans dream of an NFL title.
But Link says his Saints party will be a bit tamer than past versions — partly because he wants to be sure to have time to sit down and watch the game.
"I'm getting kind of chills, just about to say it," he said. "But with Mardi Gras this weekend and the Saints in the Super Bowl — I mean, this is a fantastic time to be here."
In Indianapolis, the lingering effects of the economic recession aren't putting a damper on the excitement, either.
The city has been a scene for pep rallies and parties — and people dressed in all blue and white, Mehallick said. She admitted to wearing a Colts jersey as she spoke to NPR.
"This is a big sports city," she said. "This is just a happy time, it's bringing people together. Lots of people on the street are saying hello — and go Colts."
The interview ended on a civil note — up to a point.
"Donald, good luck — but I hope we win," Mehallick said.
"Who dat?" Link replied.
Listen to the full story and download the recipes here.
From New Orleans, Donald Link is chef and owner of the restaurants Herbsaint and Cochon. His Super Bowl party continues a tradition he inherited from his parents.
This year, the party will include sausage and salami from Link's butcher shop. But those are just for snacking, he told NPR's Linda Wertheimer. "The main dish that I always cook is the seafood gumbo," Link said — like the one featured in his cookbook, Real Cajun.
Link's party will be at his home, which he repaired after Hurricane Katrina. In those renovations, he said, he made sure to include clear sightlines from the kitchen to the TV.
"We actually stood where the stove was going to go and lined it up to where the TV would be, just to make sure that we had the broadest view of the TV," he said.
And from Indianapolis, Regina Mehallick is chef and owner of R Bistro. Her restaurant is decked out for the big game, she said, complete with blue flowers and cadet-blue napkins to match the Colts' uniforms.
Mehallick, author of Regina's Seasonal Table, also emphasizes locally grown produce and meats.
"We should definitely have blue popcorn," Mehallick said, "because corn is popular here in Indiana."
Her main dish will reflect another local favorite: a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. The R Bistro version will be crusted in panko flakes. And since Indiana is a large producer of duck meat, Mehallick is considering serving duck wings — "done the classic way that chicken wings would be done," she said.
Both cities have been abuzz for nearly two weeks, as fans dream of an NFL title.
But Link says his Saints party will be a bit tamer than past versions — partly because he wants to be sure to have time to sit down and watch the game.
"I'm getting kind of chills, just about to say it," he said. "But with Mardi Gras this weekend and the Saints in the Super Bowl — I mean, this is a fantastic time to be here."
In Indianapolis, the lingering effects of the economic recession aren't putting a damper on the excitement, either.
The city has been a scene for pep rallies and parties — and people dressed in all blue and white, Mehallick said. She admitted to wearing a Colts jersey as she spoke to NPR.
"This is a big sports city," she said. "This is just a happy time, it's bringing people together. Lots of people on the street are saying hello — and go Colts."
The interview ended on a civil note — up to a point.
"Donald, good luck — but I hope we win," Mehallick said.
"Who dat?" Link replied.
Listen to the full story and download the recipes here.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Outreach Worker Offers Indy' Homeless a Helping Hand a Warm Heart
Donnie Robinette has spent 14 years doing what he can to help Indianapolis' homeless
By Will Higgins
will.higgins@indystar.com
It's obvious Terry Miles is resourceful. But it's also clear he needs help, and Donnie Robinette offers it to him, gently, unobtrusively.
"Terry, I'm going to bring a doctor around next week, OK?" Robinette said the other day while visiting Miles in the jury-rigged plywood shack along the White River that Miles calls home.
Miles has been homeless most of the past 15 years. Bearded and craggy, he is 54 but looks 64.
He said a doctor would be OK.
"Terry, is there anything else I can do for you?" Robinette asked.
No, nothing. The men shook hands and parted.
Robinette has had countless such exchanges with the city's homeless over the past 14 years. All part of the job -- and a tough one it is.
Robinette, 52, is one of roughly a dozen homeless- outreach workers in Indianapolis and the most senior. His job, short-term, is to keep homeless people alive. Long-term, he tries to persuade them to accept counseling, job training, housing, to coax them to "come in," as he says.
As the weather worsens, the need for proper shelter becomes pressing. But Robinette doesn't push it.
His exchange with Miles is typical of the delicate yet persistent negotiations that can span years.
"You can't judge," said Robinette, who works for the Homeless Initiative Program. "If I said, 'I'm here to save you,' they'd say, 'From what?' I like Terry. I've worked with him four years. He's not ready to come in."
Robinette's understanding of the homeless -- his street knowledge -- is said to be unsurpassed.
"Donnie knows all the nooks and crannies," said Melissa Burgess, who used to work with Robinette and now is a manager at Horizon House homeless day center.
"If I need to know something (about the homeless)," said Sgt. Bob Hipple, of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Downtown district, "I ask Donnie."
"Homeless" covers a range of people: from those out of work or underemployed who are "doubling up" temporarily with relatives, to the "chronically" homeless, mostly alcoholic, drug-addicted, mentally ill or all three -- the ones who sleep in the nooks and crannies.
Robinette spends most of his time with the hard-cores. A count earlier this year by Indianapolis' Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) put the "chronically homeless" population at 216.
They've lived outdoors for years, stopping at shelters only long enough for an occasional meal, often getting tanked, sometimes panhandling, sometimes dying.
Read the rest of the story here.
By Will Higgins
will.higgins@indystar.com
It's obvious Terry Miles is resourceful. But it's also clear he needs help, and Donnie Robinette offers it to him, gently, unobtrusively.
"Terry, I'm going to bring a doctor around next week, OK?" Robinette said the other day while visiting Miles in the jury-rigged plywood shack along the White River that Miles calls home.
Miles has been homeless most of the past 15 years. Bearded and craggy, he is 54 but looks 64.
He said a doctor would be OK.
"Terry, is there anything else I can do for you?" Robinette asked.
No, nothing. The men shook hands and parted.
Robinette has had countless such exchanges with the city's homeless over the past 14 years. All part of the job -- and a tough one it is.
Robinette, 52, is one of roughly a dozen homeless- outreach workers in Indianapolis and the most senior. His job, short-term, is to keep homeless people alive. Long-term, he tries to persuade them to accept counseling, job training, housing, to coax them to "come in," as he says.
As the weather worsens, the need for proper shelter becomes pressing. But Robinette doesn't push it.
His exchange with Miles is typical of the delicate yet persistent negotiations that can span years.
"You can't judge," said Robinette, who works for the Homeless Initiative Program. "If I said, 'I'm here to save you,' they'd say, 'From what?' I like Terry. I've worked with him four years. He's not ready to come in."
Robinette's understanding of the homeless -- his street knowledge -- is said to be unsurpassed.
"Donnie knows all the nooks and crannies," said Melissa Burgess, who used to work with Robinette and now is a manager at Horizon House homeless day center.
"If I need to know something (about the homeless)," said Sgt. Bob Hipple, of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Downtown district, "I ask Donnie."
"Homeless" covers a range of people: from those out of work or underemployed who are "doubling up" temporarily with relatives, to the "chronically" homeless, mostly alcoholic, drug-addicted, mentally ill or all three -- the ones who sleep in the nooks and crannies.
Robinette spends most of his time with the hard-cores. A count earlier this year by Indianapolis' Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) put the "chronically homeless" population at 216.
They've lived outdoors for years, stopping at shelters only long enough for an occasional meal, often getting tanked, sometimes panhandling, sometimes dying.
Read the rest of the story here.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chef Jeff is Coming to Indy
Families and individuals of all ages are invited for an afternoon of inspiration and cultural entertainment when the African-American History Committee of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library presents the “Family Fall Fest” on Saturday, November 7 from 1 – 5 p.m. at Central Library in the Clowes Auditorium, 40 E. St. Clair Street.
Highlighting the afternoon will be a lecture (at 3 p.m.) by Chef Jeff Henderson, star chef on the Food Network and author of Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras. While imprisoned for 10 years following conviction on cocaine dealing, Henderson discovered a culinary passion and became committed to turning his life around. He became Executive Chef of Café Bellagio in Las Vegas and started The Chef Jeff Project, in which he takes at-risk young adults and provides them the knowledge and skills to start a new life in the culinary arts.
Henderson’s lecture is intended to inspire, educate and motivate individuals to reach their potential by extolling the virtues of hard work, determination, and passion. Henderson will sign copies of his books at 4:30 p.m.
The afternoon also will feature the Slammin Rhymes Poetry Challenge and awards presentation (3:45 p.m.).
There will also be performances by the Mt. Olive Choir (1 p.m.), the Indy Steppers (an interactive dance troupe – 1:20 p.m.), the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (2 p.m.), Fighting Words (a poetry troupe that performs to hip-hop, soul and R&B music – 2:35 p.m.), and the Barry Dixon Reflections of Worship Choir (4:10 p.m.).
Book sales will be provided by Donna Stokes-Lucas.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Happy Birthday To Pearl Bistro
Another of my favorite restaurants is the Pearl Bistro, located at 1475 West 86th Street, just west of Ditch Road. Chef and owner Susan Eichholtz and her staff will be serving a special wine dinner in celebration of their one year anniversary on Wednesday, September 23rd.
Chef Susan has been a supporter of Second Helpings since even BEFORE she opened Pearl Bistro. One of her first staff hires was Chef Mia Nolcox, a rising culinary star who, at the time, was a student in the Second Helpings Culinary Job Training Program. Chef Susan and Chef Mia have participated in two of our major events this year, and have always wowed and delighted the crowds with their outstanding food offerings.
During the day, Pearl is a casual café, offering healthy food choices, particularly during lunch hour. In the evening, Pearl transforms into an eclectic bistro, providing a relaxing and unique dining experience with healthy choices and good flavor in mind.
I took Mama Chef there for dinner a couple of Saturday nights ago, and it was all I could do to get her to leave. We both had the Pork Chop with cheese grits and the sauteed spinach. The pork was cooked perfectly, and the pan sauce that accompanied it was to die for. Unfortunately, we did both have one complaint - there just wasn't enough spinach on the plate.
For dessert, Mama had the fruit cobbler, and I had the chocolate mocha cake. Both were delicious, but the highlight for us was the coffee. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Pearl Bistro gets its coffee from another one of my favorite places, Harvest Cafe Coffee Company.
Owner Dave Darga and his company pride themselves on roasting every batch to order for each customer. You can read about their philosophy and learn about their products on their website.
One of my other favorites on the menu at Pearl Bistro is the Pasta Rustica - penne pasta in a rich, meaty tomato sauce with Italian sausage. Another not-to-be-missed item is Mia's Tilapia - breaded and accompanied by grilled veggies and pineapple.
The desserts are first rate and always prepared in house and they have small but very inclusive wine list, as well as beers. For first rate food that's healthy and won't bust your budget, I highly, highly recommend Pearl Bistro. When you go, tell 'em I sent you.
Pictured Above: Pearl Bistro's Chocolate Mocha Cake
Chef Susan has been a supporter of Second Helpings since even BEFORE she opened Pearl Bistro. One of her first staff hires was Chef Mia Nolcox, a rising culinary star who, at the time, was a student in the Second Helpings Culinary Job Training Program. Chef Susan and Chef Mia have participated in two of our major events this year, and have always wowed and delighted the crowds with their outstanding food offerings.
During the day, Pearl is a casual café, offering healthy food choices, particularly during lunch hour. In the evening, Pearl transforms into an eclectic bistro, providing a relaxing and unique dining experience with healthy choices and good flavor in mind.
I took Mama Chef there for dinner a couple of Saturday nights ago, and it was all I could do to get her to leave. We both had the Pork Chop with cheese grits and the sauteed spinach. The pork was cooked perfectly, and the pan sauce that accompanied it was to die for. Unfortunately, we did both have one complaint - there just wasn't enough spinach on the plate.
For dessert, Mama had the fruit cobbler, and I had the chocolate mocha cake. Both were delicious, but the highlight for us was the coffee. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Pearl Bistro gets its coffee from another one of my favorite places, Harvest Cafe Coffee Company.
Owner Dave Darga and his company pride themselves on roasting every batch to order for each customer. You can read about their philosophy and learn about their products on their website.
One of my other favorites on the menu at Pearl Bistro is the Pasta Rustica - penne pasta in a rich, meaty tomato sauce with Italian sausage. Another not-to-be-missed item is Mia's Tilapia - breaded and accompanied by grilled veggies and pineapple.
The desserts are first rate and always prepared in house and they have small but very inclusive wine list, as well as beers. For first rate food that's healthy and won't bust your budget, I highly, highly recommend Pearl Bistro. When you go, tell 'em I sent you.
Pictured Above: Pearl Bistro's Chocolate Mocha CakeMonday, December 8, 2008
Giving For The Holidays
From Today's Correspondence:
We know that the economy is hurting many people this holiday season, but if you are able, we have made donating a little more convenient for you this year.
The Tie Dye Grill is proud to be a drop off site for the following items.
We have partnered with WRTV6 and the Warren Township trustee to be a drop off for Toys for Tots. Please drop by and bring a new unwrapped gift for a needy child in our community. There are many, many families that need help this year.
We also have a box for Veterans needing Scarves, socks, hats, gloves for the VA Hospital. This is sponsored by Travis Watts, ( Kevin's son) and the fifth graders at Bookview Elementary. This is Travis's brainchild, as they are HIS heroes, so please keep those warm who have kept us safe... The Veteran Box will be here until Dec. 14, only a few days left.
Please help us help those in need this holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
Shayne & Jan Dye
The Tie Dye Grill
1311 N. Shadeland Ave.
Indianapolis, In. 46219
Ph. 317-353-9393
Fax 317-353-6070
www.thetiedyegrill.com
We know that the economy is hurting many people this holiday season, but if you are able, we have made donating a little more convenient for you this year.
The Tie Dye Grill is proud to be a drop off site for the following items.
We have partnered with WRTV6 and the Warren Township trustee to be a drop off for Toys for Tots. Please drop by and bring a new unwrapped gift for a needy child in our community. There are many, many families that need help this year.
We also have a box for Veterans needing Scarves, socks, hats, gloves for the VA Hospital. This is sponsored by Travis Watts, ( Kevin's son) and the fifth graders at Bookview Elementary. This is Travis's brainchild, as they are HIS heroes, so please keep those warm who have kept us safe... The Veteran Box will be here until Dec. 14, only a few days left.
Please help us help those in need this holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
Shayne & Jan Dye
The Tie Dye Grill
1311 N. Shadeland Ave.
Indianapolis, In. 46219
Ph. 317-353-9393
Fax 317-353-6070
www.thetiedyegrill.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
New Eastside Cafe Opens
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Community leaders on the near east side are hoping a new business brings another step toward revitalization.
Thursday morning, a cafe inside the John H. Boner Community Center officially opens its doors. It may not sound like a big deal, but many say this is helping an area that needs a lot of attention.
"It's just been really positive to see the communities work together to help change the community," said Jeff Reuter, owner of the J.S. Reutz Cafe.
Fresh fruit, a meatloaf lunch special, and a crowd to boot welcome the J.S. Reutz Cafe. Although it opened on Monday, Thursday is the official grand opening. Located inside the John H. Boner Community Center, it's a place where workers and near east side residents can grab a bite to eat.
"I feel that really to change the entire east side, we have to start somewhere, and this is a good opportunity, and it can really, I feel, change the entire east side," said Reuter.
Reuter lives on the near east side, and worked with the East 10th Street Civic Association to choose his cafe spot for on-going re-vitalization efforts. He's also employing three people who came to the Boner Center for help.
"The way to make change happen is to make change happen," Reuter said.
Along with the cafe, the Boner Center is also working to buy an apartment building across the street and provide housing for people who want to own their home, but they just don't know how to do it.
The Civic Association also planted a garden two years ago on East 10th and Rural as a way to spruce up the community.
It's been a lot of work for people who admit it's frustrating at times, but at the end of the day, very much worth it.
"I won't mislead you and say that there are not days that all of us working here on the near east side, and specifically in community development, do not have those moments if you will. I think the experiences that make the difference would be us here today with the celebration of this opening of the J.S. Reutz Cafe," said Tammi Hughes with the Civic Association.
The cafe officially opens at 10 a.m. The Boner Center helps in a variety of ways by helping people find jobs and job training, and places to live.
Thursday morning, a cafe inside the John H. Boner Community Center officially opens its doors. It may not sound like a big deal, but many say this is helping an area that needs a lot of attention.
"It's just been really positive to see the communities work together to help change the community," said Jeff Reuter, owner of the J.S. Reutz Cafe.
Fresh fruit, a meatloaf lunch special, and a crowd to boot welcome the J.S. Reutz Cafe. Although it opened on Monday, Thursday is the official grand opening. Located inside the John H. Boner Community Center, it's a place where workers and near east side residents can grab a bite to eat.
"I feel that really to change the entire east side, we have to start somewhere, and this is a good opportunity, and it can really, I feel, change the entire east side," said Reuter.
Reuter lives on the near east side, and worked with the East 10th Street Civic Association to choose his cafe spot for on-going re-vitalization efforts. He's also employing three people who came to the Boner Center for help.
"The way to make change happen is to make change happen," Reuter said.
Along with the cafe, the Boner Center is also working to buy an apartment building across the street and provide housing for people who want to own their home, but they just don't know how to do it.
The Civic Association also planted a garden two years ago on East 10th and Rural as a way to spruce up the community.
It's been a lot of work for people who admit it's frustrating at times, but at the end of the day, very much worth it.
"I won't mislead you and say that there are not days that all of us working here on the near east side, and specifically in community development, do not have those moments if you will. I think the experiences that make the difference would be us here today with the celebration of this opening of the J.S. Reutz Cafe," said Tammi Hughes with the Civic Association.
The cafe officially opens at 10 a.m. The Boner Center helps in a variety of ways by helping people find jobs and job training, and places to live.
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