Dear Indy,
One in five college students is a parent, but they face a lot of challenges while earning their degrees.
That includes finding a babysitter.
“I couldn’t pay for child care during the daytime while I’m at work and pay for child care at nighttime while I’m in school,” said Stacey Lewis, who has three children.
Then she found out about Martin University’s child care center. Lewis could bring her kids to the center while she attended classes.
Martin University is the only Indy college to provide this free service — and that’s because most of the students are parents.
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In other news
- James Miller has grown accustomed to what it smells like living next to a chemical plant in West Indianapolis. Sometimes it smells like dead fish, other times it’s ice cream. In truth, those are likely pyridines, propylene and ethylene — all of which can cause neurological problems and other health issues. All are produced just feet away from westsiders’ homes. But now the chemical plant is going through some changes, the latest in a history that spans more than a century. Learn more here from westside reporter Enrique Saenz.
- Wes Montgomery didn’t pursue fame in New York or California. The legendary jazz guitarist built a life in his home city of Indianapolis. Now the city will recognize him with a historical marker tomorrow on what would have been his 101st birthday. Learn how Montgomery came to be known as a music innovator in our new article.
- Indy Documenters attended a City-County Council Ethics Committee meeting last month where councilors began discussing whether they should be required to disclose any financial ties to the city. Read more notes from the meeting here.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, March 6: Local film buff Frankie JJ Holliday Jr. hosts a screening of “Better Off Dead” at 8 p.m. at the White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St. Door prizes and themed drinks related to the 1985 John Cusack flick will be offered. Free, 21+.
- Friday, March 8: Sun King Brewery, 135 N. College Ave., partners with Six Ways Market for the “How Bizarre Vintage and Handmade Market” from 6-10 p.m. The pop-up market will be held in the taproom. Free, all ages.
- Saturday, March 9: People We Meet on the Bus, a local group celebrating public transit, are hosting a community art pop-up at Tea’s Me Cafe, 3967 N. Illinois St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can add their talents to a collaborative poem and mini murals while sipping on local teas. 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
- Axios Indianapolis: Legislation moved through the Indiana Senate that would alter Indy’s downtown funding district. If the bill passes, it would be welcome news to members of the Indiana Apartment Association, which has given millions to mostly Republican lawmakers in recent years.
- IndyStar: It’s an exciting time for Indiana bird watchers. Sandhill cranes are currently migrating, which means our state will be seeing large volumes. (And yes, this is the bird with the funny dance.)
Resources
You ever find yourself wandering about town and stumble upon a historical marker?
Well, you can play a role in bringing one to your community.
An application process with the Indiana Historical Bureau opens every April and runs through mid-July. There are six major steps — but we at Mirror Indy are here to help.
Our latest resource guide walks you through the process.
We have more resources on our website. Find them here.
Reflections
Fellow fans of the author Tana French are probably just as excited as me about today, because it’s the release day for her latest novel, “The Hunter.” If you already preordered the book like me, then I look forward to swapping notes with you in the coming days.
But if you haven’t yet been introduced to my favorite author, may I recommend starting with “In the Woods?”
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.