Dear Indy,
Chef Oya Woodruff surprised her fans this month when she announced The TRAP would soon close.
As Mirror Indy contributor Lavanya Narayanan notes in a new article, Oya provided more than food to Indianapolis:
She spread the word during the Black Lives Matter movement, uplifted fellow Black-owned businesses through philanthropy, and created large-tray formats to “feed communities and families.” Some of you may have fond memories of her shrimp sampler, loaded crab legs with shrimp tray, and her delicious boil-style vegetables — namely, potatoes, corn and broccoli.
Now she’s starting a new career as a high school culinary arts and hospitality teacher.
Lavanya talked to Oya in a new Q&A about shaping the dining scene here and her favorite thing to cook.
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In other news
- We’re two days away from the start of the Indiana State Fair. By now, the pros have learned how to save some money, but the rest of us need some reminders and suggestions. From wristbands, discount days and freebies, our new guide helps you (quickly!) plan for a trip to the fair.
- More than 80 employers will be available at a job fair next week at Ivy Tech’s Conference Center and Culinary Institute, 2820 N. Meridian St. Get the details here.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Our hot and humid weather pattern continues with more storm chances. A threat of severe storms is in the forecast through Thursday.
— Angela Buchman, WTHR meteorologist
What’s going on around the city
- Friday, Aug. 2: The life and works of late poet Etheridge Knight will be remembered at 5 p.m. at Indiana Humanities, 1500 N. Delaware St. Members of the Indy poetry scene will tell stories and answer questions about Knight during a moderated Q&A. Free.
- Friday, Aug. 2: CatVideoFest will kick off at 6 p.m. at the Kan-Kan Cinema, 1258 Windsor St. A family-friendly compilation of all of the best cat videos is the purrfect way to spend your night with family and friends. You have until Aug. 6 to catch the show, with proceeds benefiting local cats in need. Tickets are $12.
- Saturday, Aug. 3: Looking for some retro sunglasses or on the hunt for bell bottoms? Try your luck at the grand opening celebration of Satellite Vintage, 824 E. Westfield Blvd. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shop will have giveaways, snacks and disco-space-cowboy-themed shopping. Free.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- IndyStar: Here’s a fun look at the Indiana State Fair by the numbers — including how many pounds of cheese were used in the cheese sculpture last year (yum).
- WFYI: Indiana saw modest improvements in the number of college students who graduated on time last year. While that’s good news, completion rates remain lower for students from several populations, including Black and Hispanic students.
- Indianapolis Business Journal: Tomorrow marks the start of Gen Con, which brings 70,000 people downtown to play board games and role-playing games. And this year is something special because it’s also the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, leading to the creation of a pop-up D&D museum and 10 D&D U.S. postage stamps. “It’s a super exciting time. D&D has never been bigger. Gen Con has never been bigger. It’s a peanut butter and chocolate kind of relationship,” said David Hoppe, Gen Con’s president.
Notes from our Documenters
Last week, Documenter Nathaniel Eichenhorn attended the IndyGo board of directors meeting.
Chief Financial Officer Bart Brown presented the 2025 budget of $342.2 million. Brown said $146.8 million of the proposed budget is operating expenses, $179.5 million is the capital budget, and $15.9 million is debt service.
The Aug. 8 board meeting will include a public hearing. The board is scheduled to vote on the budget on Aug. 21.
Read more from Nathaniel’s notes here.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
I’ll be off for a few days for the four best days in gaming. Wish me luck as I try to snag some of those D&D postage stamps.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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