Southside artist sculpts unity, wildlife and love

By Sara Gentry

As early as 6 or 7, sculptor Peter Rujuwa was carving soapstone into animals in his village in Zimbabwe. He never thought it would lead to a career; because his father thought his art was disturbing to his schoolwork, he pursued accounting. He worked in administration and management for an insurance company before returning to art. But now, he sells his stone and wood sculptures at exhibitions and museums in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. As refugees from Zimbabwe, Rujuwa and his entire family moved to Indiana eight years ago. They left, he said, because of the oppressive political environment. “You just have to follow the leader blindly, which is not a part of me. I’m not a political person, but I like to be able to express my views.” He and his wife, an administrative assistant for Indiana University, and children live on the Southside, and he works out of his home. He uses the stone he buys for sculpting as decorative rock in his backyard until he decides to work with it, using a basic chisel and mallet, sharp iron spikes, files, sandpaper and beeswax. The shape of the rock, he said, dictates what he will carve from it. “The medium must dictate what I’m going to carve eventually,” he explained. “It’s like looking at a cloud. The more you look at it, the more you see something. And as you cut the stone, the image can change into something even better.” He works on several pieces at once, occasionally abandoning one for a while before coming back to it. Forcing a piece, he said, is a mistake. He specializes in the themes of family unity, wildlife and love; currently, his unfinished projects include a stone fisherman and a lion and lioness on the hunt, carved from wood. Other than being taught to use a chisel, Rujuwa has never received any formal art lessons, and his first tools were homemade — chisels shaped, sharpened and cut from iron rods. The education he did have came from informal gatherings around an established artist. His favorite, Mischek Chipunza, has had a great influence on his style and career. Rujuwa himself is open to mentoring aspiring sculptors; if someone is interested in learning the basics, he’s happy to help. The artist’s personal taste, he has found, has very little to do with what others want to buy. “There’s no rubbish in art; everything you do is good. The first ones to go (sell) were the ones I thought were the worst. Anyone can do sculpture if they want to, if they have the patience to start.” Peter Rujuwa www.wilderness-reflections.com 1-866-540-4289

Greenwood council tests the waters for new government center

By Mike Alexander

The ever-growing city of Greenwood is out-growing its city seat of government. City council, by a recent 7-0 vote, again is putting a toe in the water to test public reaction. So what makes council members think things are different from six years ago, when plans for a new city government building were defeated? Then the idea of replacing the old City Building in the center of the city was beaten down. Since then, officials have been providing city services through 10 departments in at least four buildings spread miles around and costing $180,000 in annual rent. Only the offices of the mayor, clerk-treasurer, human resources and sanitation business office occupy the two-story structure in Old Town. The second floor council chambers and the large meeting room in the basement take up a large amount of space, which is only used for a small portion of the time. At this point, however, no decision has been made as to where the government center will be built or what the final cost will be. Mayor Charles Henderson and others have mentioned that a newly built city building should remain in the central section of the city to anchor the redevelopment of Old Town. Right now, action is strictly an exploratory move on the part of the council. But it’s the intriguing offer from a developer that has the council looking again at another move to build a government center. Dan Cartright of D & S Investments, New Whiteland, said he would donate his services for a study into whether a new city building is necessary. Such a study could be completed by January. The building design would be aimed at serving the needs of Greenwood for at least 20 years, he said. Cartright said the second phase would be to come up with a conceptual design, and that would cost $72,000. He said the city could lease the new building from D & S, which, in turn, would return the building to the city when the lease ends. The current City Building would be used as a credit toward the lease. Cartright suggested that the current building could be remodeled into an upscale multi-family apartment building. Council president Ron Deer, who headed the exploratory building committee of council members Ron Bates and Monica Magna-Rees, said the feasibility study by D & S would help the council decide whether to build a new city building without incurring any cost. Magna-Rees said she liked the idea of consolidating city departments under one roof and that the move eventually would result in the city owning the building. Councilman Brent Corey said the city could provide better customer service and greater efficiencies if city offices were consolidated into one building. Currently located in buildings outside the City Building are legal services, community development services, sanitation field operations, street department, police and fire departments, information technology fleet maintenance, parks and recreation department and city court. Councilman Bruce Armstrong received assurance that the feasibility study first phase would not require any money at this time. D & S, a commercial development company which has operated on the Southside for 20 years, has developed at least two buildings in Greenwood, including Greenwood Springs, a commercial/medical complex. Developer Cartright was accompanied by Mike Cope of Meca Design of Greenwood, who designed building plans in 2002.

Southsider got close-up view of Louisiana hurricane damage

By Mike Alexander

Bruce Peterson, 56, got the call the weekend before Labor Day. Working as an inspector for a private contractor, he was needed in hurricane-ravaged Louisiana. He was pre-deployed to Dallas for three days, and then sent to Louisiana. As he approached Baton Rouge, he saw people in vehicles waiting in long lines for gasoline. Days before, Hurricane Gustav, a Category 2 storm, had unleashed 90-mile-per-hour-plus winds and spawned several tornadoes. It had spread its misery, leaving 122 people dead. “The tornadoes did a lot of the damage,” he said. [ad#single-post]Peterson, who lives with wife Becky in The Timbers condominium community off Sherman Drive, said he saw roofs ripped off, trees flattened and mobile homes overturned. Peterson’s job was to determine if damage to homes was caused by Gustav or prior storms, or caused by lack of proper maintenance. “I have no idea if people were reimbursed (for the damages). That wasn’t what I was to do. My job was to look for damages, fresh or old, or because of a lack of maintenance, and report what I saw,” he said. His report went to the contractor he worked for. It later would be presented to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for action. FEMA, he said, did a good job in assisting storm victims. A native of the timberlands in upper Michigan, Peterson has worked with wood most of his life. He has built houses, owned saw mills and treated wood used for construction. He said it was tough seeing how the storm devastation affected the victims, especially children and old folks. Peterson’s day would start about 5 or 6 a.m. He would inspect three to eight damaged houses a day during his 30-day stay. He would set an appointment with former inhabitants (many still lived in damaged homes without electricity and water). An average on-site inspection would take about 45 minutes. He viewed the damage and questioned residents. Later, he would complete his reports, which included photos, and then call and set appointments for the next day. He said it was difficult to track ownership of some homes because they had been in the family for generations. When the next major disaster occurs, whether it be fire, earthquake, wind or flooding, Peterson will better able to handle the inspection work because of his recent month-long Louisiana experience. “It’s a good feeling knowing that you are helping people in a time of need,” he said.

Stover and Jaber wed

By Submission For The Southside Times

Jennifer Marie Stover and Eron Ernest Jaber were united in marriage on Aug. 23, 2008, in Christ United Methodist Church in Greenwood. The Reverend Ted Cutrell officiated the ceremony. This ceremony site was chosen to honor the bride’s parents, who married in this same church on this same date 39 years ago. The bride is the daughter of John and Debra Stover of Lancaster, Ohio, and the granddaughter of Helen Garrison of Greenwood. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Pittsburgh where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Upon graduation she completed a fellowship with The Rutgers University Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships. She is employed with Humana Inc. in Louisville, Ky. The groom is the son of Ernest and Irena Jaber of Johnstown, Pa. He is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He also completed a tour of duty in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 as a sergeant in the Army Reserve. He is employed with Humana Inc. in Louisville, Ky. Presented in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Nina Sonbolian as maid of honor and Traci Stallings as matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Stephanie Harriman, Kelly Fee, Lindsay Fusaiotti, Rachel Kearney and Beth Trozzo. Junior bridesmaids included Kelly Garrison, Sydney Williams and Natalie Voss. The flower girls were Kristen Garrison, Adelyn Morgan and Nevada Voss. The best man was the groom’s brother, Ernie Jaber III. The groomsmen were John Stover II, Brian Bobby, Joe Wilfong, Adam Bell, Neil Burd and Mark Garfoli. Junior Groomsmen included Tanner Williams, Nick Crosby and Nick Voss. The bell ringers were Tayden and Kyler Morgan, and the ring bearers were Ean and Ryan Jaber. The newlyweds honeymooned in Fiji and visited the islands of Sonaisali and Likuliku. They reside in Louisville.

Obituaries for the week of 10.30.08

By Submission For The Southside Times

Virginia K. Kashner, 79, of Indianapolis, died Oct. 25, 2008. She was born June 29, 1929, in Indianapolis to George and Nettie Stinson. Virginia was a member of Thompson Road Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Kashner. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sue Anderson; a great granddaughter, a sister and a brother. Survivors include her daughter, Gail Spivey; sister, Juanita “Pug” Ford; two grandsons; and a great granddaughter. Calling was Monday and services were Tuesday at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue. Burial in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Online condolences to the family at www.ghherrmann.com.

Airmen graduate from basic training

By Submission For The Southside Times

Air Force Airman Erin N. Markham has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the daughter of Tom Markham and granddaughter of Sue Markham of Habig Road, Indianapolis. Markham is a 2008 graduate of Perry Meridian High School. Air Force Airman Alissa A. Sutton has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the daughter of Eric Sutton of Deer Lake Drive, Martinsville, and Sylvia Ballou of South 4th Ave., Beech Grove, Ind. Sutton is a 2008 graduate of Martinsville High School. Air Force Airman Blake D. Miller has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Miller earned distinction as an honor graduate of the course. He is the son of Tim and Cyndy Miller of Granada Drive, Greenwood. The airman is a 2008 graduate of Whiteland Community High School.

Church hosts free dinner for military families

By Submission For The Southside Times

With 53 military awards, Don Myers is considered Indiana’s Most Decorated Marine, and he will be the speaker for Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren’s free dinner for military families, which will be held Sunday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. Myers enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in February 1952 at age 17. After Parris Island Boot Camp, he served at Marine Barracks, Yorktown, Va., until reaching age 18, which allowed the Corps to send him to a war zone. Other duties during his first enlistment included the 1st Marine Division, Korea; 3rd Marine Division Japan, Indo-China and Okinawa. His career in the Corps also took him to Camp Lejeune, Norfolk, Virginia, Camp Pendleton, Vietnam and Indianapolis, where he served on the Inspector-Instructor Staff and was also the Marine Liaison NCO at Fort Harrison. [ad#single-post]Staff Sergeant Myers was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1973 due to disabilities he received in combat during the Vietnam War, where he fought for almost three years on a straight, volunteered extended tour. Myers is considered Indiana’s Most Decorated Marine. Among his 53 military awards are two Silver Star Medals for Gallantry In Action, two Bronze Star Medals with Combat V for Heroic Achievement, a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V for Heroic Achievement and the Purple Heart Medal with Four Gold Stars for having been wounded five times in combat. In addition he also holds the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal, Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Military Merit Medal, which is similar in precedence as the American Navy Cross Medal. He has numerous service awards and unit citations, including four Presidential Unit Citations and the Combat Action Ribbon with Two Gold Stars for Korea, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic with the Second Marine Division. He is the author of six books, and his Vietnam War book earned him the prestigious DeAngelis Award for writing excellence. After his forced retirement from the Marine Corps, Don was employed with the Veterans Administration where he retired as a Senior Counselor in 1990. Myers served his State for 20-years in the Indiana Guard Reserve as a volunteer without pay. He retired from that military organization in 1996 as a full Colonel. The meal is free. Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren is located at 857 N. St. Rd. 135 in Greenwood. All active duty military, veterans, widows, widowers and family members are welcome. For more information about the Veterans Welcome Home Project call 882-0902.

First-ever Indy Marathon to take place this Saturday

By Submission For The Southside Times

More than 3,100 runners will hit the city streets for the first-ever Indianapolis Monumental Marathon this Saturday, Nov. 1. Participants from 39 states and four countries are registered for the event, whose title sponsor is St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. The race features a full marathon (26.2 miles) and a half marathon (13.1 miles). Both courses will begin near Washington and West streets and will end their trek on Robert D. Orr Drive to the finish line, 200 yards east of West Street. Opening ceremonies get under way 7:25 a.m., slightly west of the State Capitol Building on West Washington St. with remarks by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, St. Francis President and CEO Robert J. Brody, Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White, IMM President Carlton Ray, and Olympian runner and IMM Honorary Chair Bob Kennedy. [ad#single-post]“The number of runners is over twice our 2008 goal, and we’re very excited to have so many wonderful athletes,” said Ray. “Our organizing team is made up of local runners, community leaders and event planners who understand the thrill of participating in, as well as witnessing, an epic feat such as the completion of a marathon.” Proceeds from the marathon will benefit the Indianapolis Public Schools, the IPS Education Foundation and the Mind Trust and College Summit. “We are honored to participate in this landmark and high-profile event,” said Brody. “The marathon is an excellent way to promote health and wellness and is an outstanding opportunity to reach out to the Indianapolis community.” The urban courses are sanctioned and certified by the standards of USA Track and Field, the national body of road racing, with the marathon course serving as a qualifier for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Organization and administration is being conducted by Ken Long & Associates, a highly regarded training, road racing and consulting organization. Long was formerly the race director for another nationally acclaimed running event, the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon. To learn more about the event and its organization, go to www.monumentalmarathon.com. St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has three main hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville and operates a medical office building in Plainfield. St. Francis Hospital is part of a network of 13 growing hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois owned and operated by the Mishawaka-based Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.

Webcasts now available from mortuary for out-of-town family

By Submission For The Southside Times

Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers is now offering video recording and webcasting of funeral services to families. Currently, the system is in place at the company’s Zionsville and Washington Park East locations. Not long after setup, it was used this month to offer a live broadcast of a funeral in Zionsville to a relative of the deceased, a soldier stationed in Iraq. It is anticipated that this service will soon be available at all 14 Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers. “This cutting-edge technology is an innovative way for us to bring memorial or funeral services to members of the family and the wider circle of friends who are unable to attend in person,” said Jerrit Clayton, CFSP, Senior Vice President of Flanner and Buchanan. “Families and friends are scattered – often around the world – and at times of grief and loss, their absence is keenly felt by those left behind. It’s our goal to help everyone come together to celebrate the life of their loved one, and find comfort. These Webcasts also preserve a valuable piece of family history.” [ad#single-post]The technology is portable, too. “We can take it anywhere, broadcasting services and events held in parks, churches, and other locations,” said Brian Buchanan, principal of Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers. “This is another way to build flexibility into every celebration. No two lives are alike, and no two memorial services should be; Webcasting allows for the utmost in personalization.” Whether arrangements for funerals are pre-planned or made upon the death of a loved one, families will be given the opportunity to select Webcasting as one of the many options. Included in the $200 cost for the Webcasting will be the choice of viewing sites, literally around the world, where friends and family may gather to watch the funeral at the same time it is taking place. The funeral may be viewed on a computer, through a link that will be e-mailed ahead of time to those family members and friends unable to attend the service. “This allows the friends and family to view the funeral from the comfort of their own homes,” Clayton said. If it is impossible for someone to view the funeral at the time it occurs, viewing a delayed broadcast on the computer will also be possible, he added. Cameras will be discreetly placed at the funeral, and the results will be fed, as a live webcast, to those signed up to view it at the time of the service, or they may access the same Webcast or at a later time.

At Play Calendar for the week of 10.30.08

By Submission For The Southside Times

Haunted Conservatory at Garfield Park • This Halloween, the Garfield Park Conservatory has transformed into a spook-tacular haunted island adventure. The haunted portion of the Conservatory is designed for ages 10 and up, however all who dare are welcome. Explore the tropical shadows and encounter lost natives, pirates, and plants and animals gone wild. During this time, there will be kid-friendly activities in the front portion of the Conservatory, so the whole family can enjoy this event. | Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, off the 2400 block of South Shelby St. | When: Today and Friday, daytime hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a lights-on, less-scary experience. Full scare hours, 7 to 9 p.m. | Cost: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and youth or $5 per family. | Info: Call 327-7580 or visit www.indyparks.org. Christina House Sponsors Safe Halloween • Christina House, a senior living community in Franklin, is sponsoring a safe Halloween event for parents, kids 10 and under and Christina House residents. | Where: Christina House, 1435 Christian Blvd., Franklin | When: Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Info: Call 535-6550. Halloween Party & Haunted Trail • Indiana Central Little League is sponsoring a Halloween Party and Haunted Trail. Games, haunted trail and weenie roast. Safe trick or treating and costume contest. | Where: Indiana Central Little League, 4410 S. Keystone, across from Fox Club. | When: Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. | Info: Call 783-1066. Halloween Pet Parade • Show off your pet with our “Halloween Pet Parade.” Bring your family, including your cats and dogs – on leashes please, for a great parade of pets and their owners to celebrate our Greenwood Read and Halloween! Awards will be given to the Most Creative, the Best Family Showing, and the Most Original. Judges from the sponsors will give out these awards at 3:15 p.m. Old National Bank will be serving refreshments and awards will be furnished by Pet Supplies Plus. | Where: Old National Bank, State Road 135. | When: Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m., awards given at 3:15 p.m. [ad#single-post]OASIS Offers Classes • OASIS South is offering several classes in November. Subjects include Oil Painting, Watercolor, Clogging, Line Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Exercise classes, Tai Chi, Folk Dancing, and Zumba. | Where: OASIS South, The Centre, OASIS South, located at The Centre, 1675 W. Smith Valley Road, Ste. B-3, Greenwood, IN | When: Start times vary, most begin next week | Info: Visit OASIS South for more information. Safe Sitter Class • Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized instructional program. This medically accurate, hands-on class teaches boys and girls how to handle emergencies such as injury management and chocking rescue while caring for children. Learn the basics of childcare through games, activities and role plays. Course includes a kit with a manual, bag, etc. Be sure to bring a sack lunch. NEW: We are also offering a Create Your Own Safe Sitter® Class. Gather a group of 6 to 8 participants to make a class. Class dates, time and location can be designed to fit the schedule of your group. We will come to your school, church, dance studio, scout troop, etc. or you can arrange a class at the Baxter YMCA. | Where: Baxter YMCA Meeting Room, Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St.| When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Cost: Facility Member $45; Program Member $65 | Info: Contact Julie Zink at 881-9347 ext. 253, jzink@indymca.org or visit www.indymca.org. Prospect Breakfast Club • The Prospect Club is hosting a country breakfast. | Where: 2901 S. Meridian St. | When: Saturday from 7:30 to 10 a.m. | Cost: $5 adult, $3 children. Our Heros’ Tree Project • Come to the Greenwood Public Library to contribute to the Indiana Our Heroes’ Tree project. This national program recognizes the sacrifices of current service members, veterans, and deceased service members. To participate, create a hand-made ornament honoring a military member from your family or circle of friends. Bring the ornament to the library or create one at the library to be placed on our tree in the lobby with commemorative ornaments. Each ornament will also be included in the Virtual Heroes’ Tree, an online collection of ornaments from across the state. Go to GPL to find out more or call Jane Weisenbach at the Library 881-1953. This program is in collaboration with the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, S. Meridian St. | When: Now through Nov. 11. Make-A-Memory With Greenwood Public Library • Make a Memory is a way for people to share a little piece of their personal history with those they love and the Greenwood community. A librarian will record up to 40 minutes of your oral history using digital voice recording equipment. You may bring a friend or family member along to interview you, or ask the librarian to interview you about a broad topic of your choice. Each participant will receive a CD copy of their recording. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, S. Meridian St. | When: Now through Dec. 31 | Info: Call 885-5036 to schedule your recording time. Halloween Story Time • It’s a special Halloween story time at the Beech Grove Public Library. Children can wear costumes if they want to. Immediately after story time is make-it-and-take-it craft time. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, Main St. | When: Today at 10 a.m. for story time, anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for craft time. Political Buttons: Past and Present • Retired educator and state representative Don Hanlin will give a short presentation on political buttons and their history. He will also share his personal collection of political buttons and welcomes all others to bring their collections to show as well. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, S. Meridian St. | When: Saturday at 10 a.m. Storytellers on the Square • Children of all ages are invited for an afternoon of storytelling and refreshments. At 1 p.m., national storyteller Ken Ogus will share stories about Native Americans and Urban Legends. At 2:30 p.m., author Valerie Marsh will use unique methods involving crafts to show children the parameters of a story and and how to start writing their own story. Materials will be provided. | Where: Fountain Square branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, 1066 Virginia Ave. | When: Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Literary Brothers Bring Nerdfighter Tour to Greenwood • John Green is the award-winning author of the young adult novels, “Looking for Alaska” and “An Abundance of Katherines.” His newest book, “Paper Towns,” was released on October 16. John’s brother, Hank, is the founder and editor of the environmental blog, EcoGeek.org, where he posits that “technology can be a force for evil, or for awesome.” John and Hank’s YouTube video series, Brotherhood 2.0, began as an effort to bring the long-distance siblings closer. It has since been watched more than 12 million times, by tens of thousands of loyal viewers who call themselves nerdfighters. Hank’s nerdfighter anthems, including “Baby I Sold Your Dog on eBay,” “Helen Hunt,” and “Accio Deathly Hallows,” have further fueled the phenomenon. Hank and John are bringing the nerdfighter experience to the real world in a three week tour of the country to talk about books, libraries, nerds, and other “things that are awesome.” Hank will perform his comic songs, and John will read from his new book. |Where: Center Grove Middle School North, 202 North Morgantown Rd., Greenwood | When: Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. | Note: Fans are invited to bring gifts to exchange with residents of other cities on the tour. | Info: To register for the Greenwood tour date, please call Johnson County Public Library’s White River Branch at 885-1330 or visit www.jcplin.org. For more information about the nerdfighting community, please visit www.nerdfighters.com and www.youtube.com/vlogbrothers. Beech Grove High School Drama Department Presents • The Beech Grove High School Drama Department is presenting three one-act comedies. About 20 students are involved in the productions. | Where: Beech Grove High School Auditorium, 5330 Hornet Ave. | When: Today and Sunday, at 7 p.m. | Cost: $5. Frank Basile Emerging Stories Premiere • In support of Indiana storytellers, Storytelling Arts of Indiana awards two financial fellowships for the development of new material. The winners premiere these new stories each November. This year’s storytellers include Cynthia Goodyear, telling her autobiographical story, “Life as a Folktale” and Deborah Asante telling “Enough Love: Love Stories For Adults Only.” | Where: Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center Basile Theater, 450 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis | When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. | Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Indianapolis Run of “Lion King” Musical Includes Two Indianapolis Performers • Casting has been announced for the Indianapolis engagement of Disney’s “The Lion King.”   “Lion King” dances into Indianapolis from Nov. 19 to Dec. 28. This Indianapolis engagement is currently one of seven productions running worldwide along with New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Paris and Fukuoka. Two cast members with local connections include Trista Dollison, who is originally from Indianapolis and Tony Freeman, who performed in Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 1995 production of “Broadway Bound.”  Dollison, who is in the Ensemble, has appeared in Disney’s “Festival of the Lion King,” “Footloose,” “Into the Woods,” and “Big Big River.” Freeman, who will portray Zazu, has previously played the role on Broadway for over 1,500 performances. Mr. Freeman recently performed in Kander and Ebb’s new musical “All About Us” and “Caroline or Change” in Los Angeles and San Francisco. “Lion King” begins performances on Nov. 19 and will play Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Special Holiday Performance times are 2 p.m. on Nov. 26, Nov. 28, Dec. 24 and Dec. 26.  Good seats may be still purchased at The Murat Theatre, Clowes Memorial Hall, by calling Ticketmaster at 239-1000 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.  Groups of twenty (20) or more call 632-5182 x103.  Ticket prices range from $19.50 to $77. Additionally, Premium Ticket Packages are available for $132. Award-Winning Author To Speak • Peabody Award winner and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Richard Rodriguez will speak at the University of Indianapolis as part of the Indianapolis Spirit & Place Festival and UIndy’s Kellogg Writers Series. Known for his observations on culture and religion in America, Rodriguez has appeared frequently as an essayist on PBS’ The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, a role for which he earned a George Foster Peabody broadcasting award in 1997. He has been a contributing editor for Harper’s Magazine and the Los Angeles Times and also worked for the Pacific News Service for more than 20 years. Rodriguez’s books include Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez, Days of Obligation: An Argument With My Mexican Father and Brown: The Last Discovery of America. The event is presented in cooperation with the Spirit & Place Festival, Big Car Gallery, Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, La Plaza, El Puente Project and The Second Story. | Where: Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, Christel DeHaan Fine Art Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. When: Saturday at 8 p.m. | Cost: Free. Fashion Show for The Julian Center • Bella’s Boutique is sponsoring a Fall Fashion Show to benefit The Julian Center. |Where: Bella’s Boutique, 5135 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis | When: Saturday at 11 a.m. | Cost: $5, donated to The Julian Center. Cabaret Benefits Music Group • South Group of the Women’s Committee of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces its annual Holiday ‘n’ Cabaret Auction, “Nifty-Fifty.” Celebrate the 50th anniversary of South Group, whose goals include promoting community awareness and attendance, promoting season tickets and the Annual Fund, developing fundraising activities that are fresh and fun, and attracting, training and retaining effective volunteers. Please bring a friend and join us for South Group’s celebration of their 50th anniversary with a lively, fun-packed trip back to the 1950s. Have fun celebrating sweater-sets, pleated skirts, chiffon scarves for the girls and skinny ties, long sideburns and slicked back hair for the guys, 45 rpm records and saddle shoes.  Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite 1950s attire – prizes will be awarded for costumes. Featured activity is our live/silent auction plus dancing to live music from the ’50s and ’60s provided by What’s Cookin’. | Where: Event takes place at Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center, Greenwood | When: Event takes place Nov. 15, but the registration deadline is Nov. 8 | Cost: $40/person or $60/patron. Call 786-6599 or e-mail Lesears@comcast.net to receive your invitation. Perry Township Democrat Club • Guest Speaker, Andre Carson, 7th Congressional Candidate. Where: Communication Workers Local 4900, 1130 E. Epler Ave. Indianapolis | When: Today, snacks at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Business & Professional Exchange – Indianapolis South Chapter Meets • Career Networking, etc. | Where: Greenwood City Building, Lower Level, 2 North Madison Ave., (Two blocks north of Main St. & Madison Ave.), Greenwood.| When: Wednesday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. | Info: Call 252-9947. Friends of Garfield Park Annual Meeting • The Friends of Garfield Park, Inc. are having their annual meeting. | Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis | When: Wednesday at 9 a.m. Upward Basketball and Cheerleading • Emmanuel Church of Greenwood is taking registrations for its annual Upward Basketball/Cheerleading program for children grades K to 6. Discounted registration now until Nov. 3; registration deadline is Nov. 10. Practice begins week of Jan. 5, 2009; first games Jan. 24. The church is located at 1640 W. Stones Crossing Rd. Win Colts Tickets to Colts-Patriots Game • Every Friday prior to a Colts home game throughout the 2008 football season, the Indianapolis Colts and Meijer will host Blue Friday events at various Meijer store locations. Twenty-five pairs of tickets will be given away at each Blue Friday event. Each ticket will also include a pass to a VIP pre-game reception at the stadium. On Blue Fridays, Colts fans are encouraged to show their spirit by wearing the color blue and participating in activities to fire them up for the following Sunday’s game. Colts Meijer Blue Friday activities include: a chance to win 1 of 25 pairs of tickets to the upcoming weekends game (including VIP pre-game reception at the stadium, prior to the game), Colts Cheerleaders, Hank FM promotional give-a-ways, Books for Youth Program, Colts In Motion traveling museum — weather pending (not in late November or December), Quarterback Challenge Inflatable — weather pending (not in late Nov. or Dec.). Register to Win Colts prizes, Colts Give-a-ways, Colts Face Painter. The Colts and the Department of Child Services will host a book collection, benefiting the Books for Youth program, at each 2008 Blue Friday. Be sure to bring a new or gently used children’s book to drop off when you arrive for the Blue Friday festivities! All books will be donated to Indiana foster youth. Individuals can also drop off new or gently used books for children of all ages at select Indianapolis Marion County Library branches. The Colts would like to encourage all fans to arrive at Meijer Blue Fridays early and find a spot in line to win a pair of tickets. Fans should see a Meijer representative for the specific location of the “game” line. There will be only one official line for tickets at each Meijer Blue Friday event. The line to participate in the “game” for the free ticket opportunity will be administered on a first-come first-served basis. Fans in line will be allowed one attempt at the ticket “game”; however, non-winning fans may get back in line for additional attempts. If someone wins tickets they will not be permitted to win an additional pair. Family members attending the Blue Friday together may win up to one pair of tickets per person. Once all 25 pairs of tickets are given away, the line will be dispersed. All Blue Fridays will take place rain or shine. All Colts Blue Friday times are local. | Where: Meijer Greenwood, 150 S. Marlin St., Greenwood | When: Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. Random Film Festival: “The Witches” • Combining high adventure and riveting fantasy with a good measure of comedy, THE WITCHES highlights the dynamic talents of British director Nicholas Roeg, the Muppets’ creator Jim Henson and Academy Award-winner Anjelica Huston in a magical tale for the whole family. Based on the Whitbread Prize-winning novel by Roald Dahl, this fanciful and exciting story follows the enchanting escapades of a young boy and his grandmother as they turn the tables on the Grand High Witch’s plan to turn all of Britain’s children into mice. Rated PG | Where: Greenwood Public Library, Meridian St. | When: Today from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Junior League Holiday Mart • Where: Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds | When: Today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Cost: Advance tickets at Marsh supermarkets, $10; tickets at the door, $12 | Info: Visit www.jlindy.org. Mt. Calvary Evangelistic Center Yard Sale • Clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, furniture, household items, etc. for sale. Also, bake sale and homemade goodies. Concessions on grounds too. | Where: Mt. Calvary Evangelistic Center, 1846 Sloan Ave. (between Sherman and Emerson) | When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Arts and Crafts Bazaar • There will be a raffle of a batik quilt that the members of St. Timothy’s Women Guild sewed and hand quilted. Also, a chili lunch, bake good sale of breads, cookies, candy and other sweets and vendors with booths of handmade arts and crafts. | Where: St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2601 E. Thompson Rd. | When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Info: Call the church at 784-6925. Indiana Book, Paper & Postcard Show • Dealers from several states will sell antiquarian and collectible books, maps, postcards, sheet music, prints, catalogs, magazines and a wide variety of paper ephemera. Variety of prices. | Where: Beech Grove High School, 5550 Hornet Ave. | When: Sunday, doors open at 10 a.m. and show runs until 4 p.m. | Cost: $3 adults, children under 12, free. 80th Celebration of George Washington High School • The 80th celebration of Indianapolis Public School George Washington High School is coming up on Nov. 16. An Open House and guided student tours of the building will be given. Come see the multi-million dollar renovation of the school. All alumni, faculty (past and present) and guests are invited.| When: Nov. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. | Info: Contact the GWHS Alumni Association at gwhsalumniassoc@aol.com or call Connie Higgins at 270-9811.