• Congratulations to Perry Township educator Kelly Wilber for receiving the Milken Education Award. The award is given by the Milken Family Foundation and along with national recognition, includes a $25,000 cash prize. Wilber is a 5th grade teacher at Southport Elementary in MSD Perry Township. In addition, Wilber is a mentor to other teachers and regularly works with them in all aspects of their work. At the district level, Wilber serves on the High Ability team, volunteers for the district Title I Science Night, organizes community fundraisers, and has been instrumental in helping to plan the district’s summer school program, investing her own time in the effort.
• The public is being asked to comment on a set of recommendations for the proposed Purple Rapid Transit Line, which would serve the 38th Street corridor. Recommendations include the use of bus rapid transit to serve the corridor, service that stretches from Post Road to Eagle Creek Parkway, and more. The full report can be found at indyconnect.org. It also is available in Room 1922 of the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. Send comments by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8 to Jennifer.higginbotham@indy.gov, or Jen Higginbotham, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, 200 E. Washington St., City-County Building, Suite 1922, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, or call 317-327-7587. There will be a public hearing on Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. at the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, 1912 N. Meridian St. At the hearing, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.
• According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Hoosiers grew more popcorn than ever before, producing 432 million pounds. We’re the second largest producer of popcorn in the U.S., behind Nebraska. Bring on the butter and salt!
• The 500 Festival has announced the theme for the 2015 IPL 500 Festival will be “Celebrating the Stories of May.” The 500 Festival organization puts on the Indy 500 parade.
• Congratulations to the Arlington Golden Knights varsity basketball, who have bounced back from last year’s terrible year. Through teamwork and commitment to goals, they have been doing very well this year.
• The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is selling “Puppy Love” valentines again to help raise funds for its service dog training program. The program offers gifts delivered by a service dog in training to businesses, schools, retirement communities, and more within 20 miles of Indy. They offer lots of great gifts, and a visit with a dog as well! Check out their offerings at www.icandog.org. You have to order by Feb. 9th.
• Want to volunteer to make your community a better place? Check out the Broad Ripple Village Association call out for volunteers on Feb. 3 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at their new offices at 6323 Guilford Ave.