Indianapolis, IN

Cooking in the library: Indianapolis offers free nutrition classes

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

Cooking in the library: Indianapolis offers free nutrition classes

(MIRROR INDY) — The smell of garlic and tomato wafted through the Indianapolis Public Library’s Haughville branch as Julia Sluis diced carrots.

Sluis added the orange vegetables, along with peppers, zucchini and celery, to a simmering pot dubbed “Sneaky Tomato Sauce” — a healthier alternative to your store-bought usual.

Cooking demonstrations like this one on May 14 are part of free monthly nutrition classes offered to Indianapolis residents at parks, gardens and libraries throughout the city. The public health department hosts the classes as part of the Diabetes Impact Project, a partnership among several organizations to support communities with higher risks and rates of diabetes.

That includes neighborhoods on the northwest, northeast and near west sides.

“Many of these neighborhoods have been identified as food deserts, where there isn’t access to as many fresh food options,” said Olusegun Ajibabe, a nutrition educator with the Marion County Public Health Department. “What they need most is time and consistent exposure to nutrition information.”

Community members say the resources are making a difference.

“At first I was sad when I found out I was prediabetic,” said Debi Johnson, 67, a former Marion County resident who drives from Avon to attend classes. “But now I know it’s something I can manage before I get to that stage.”

Haughville resident Tawonia Taylor, who has a family history of diabetes, agreed.

“My dad had lots of complications, so I am just trying to live a healthier lifestyle,” the 56-year-old said.

During a previous class, she and her son Jeremiah received a packet of vegetable seeds to plant at home.

“We can have our own vegetables,” she said. “That will save us some money.”

[Haughville school uses urban farming to teach students how to start their own gardens]

Before the group sampled the tomato sauce, Sluis debunked common myths, including that all carbohydrates and fats are “bad” and that skipping meals is an effective way to lose weight. She recommended focusing on eating healthy meals and moving your body instead.

“If it’s something you feel like you can’t do forever, it’s probably not a good choice,” Sluis said. “You don’t want to get caught in that diet cycle.”

Two more nutrition classes are scheduled this summer at the Haughville library branch, Rhodius Park, Municipal Gardens on Lafayette Road and Riverside Park.

June’s topic is cooking with greens, beans and berries, while the July class will focus on prebiotics, probiotics and maintaining gut health. Call Indy Parks at 317-327-7275 or the Haughville library branch at 317-275-4420 to register.

The Marion County Public Health Department also offers free appointments with dietitians to all residents. Referrals are not required. Call 317-221-7403 for more information.

Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.

Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Highlights: Tri-West at Cardinal Ritter; February 27, 2026

Published

38 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Highlights: Tri-West at Cardinal Ritter; February 27, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — “The Zone” featured highlights from eight high school boys basketball games from across central Indiana on Friday.

Watch highlights of Tri-West at Cardinal Ritter above.

Final Score: Tri-West 65 Cardinal Ritter 62

“The Zone” airs each Friday at 11:08 p.m. Click here to watch ‘The Zone’ for basketball highlights on February 27, 2026.

Source link

Indianapolis, IN

New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections

Published

13 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian bridge over 96th Street is officially open.

It was being touted Friday as a major milestone for central Indiana’s growing trail system. The street is the Fishers-Indianapolis border.

Leaders called the project a critical connection point for the Nickel Plate Trail. The new bridge helps move the nearly 17-mile trail closer to its goal of connecting multiple counties through one continuous path.

The bridge also came with a 1.3-mile trail extension. A $4.5 million grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources made the bridge possible.

Dale Brier, deputy director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, talked about the state’s Next Level Trails grant program. “Currently, we have 89 trail projects that that were funded with that money. Fifty-nine of those are complete. We’ve got 12 under construction. As of this opening, we have 167 miles of trail that have now been opened with that grant money.”

People who frequently take the trail for their daily exercises say they’re excited the bridge is finally open.

Alan Errichiello of the Fishers Running Club said, “Extending this down south into Indianapolis is a big game changer for us. It’ll add a lot of miles that we can easily get into.”

Resident Tracy Mundell said, “Trying to get to the other side was nearly impossible, so I think most people didn’t even attempt it. It’s going to be great, we can get over to the other side, and I’m anxious to see what’s over there.”

The final portion of the project, called the Clear Path project, remains under construction.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, a Republican, said, “We need to double-down on that investment, and we know time and time again here in the city of Fishers that trail systems, the ability to get up and get out and get active, is such an important part in our culture of health, that an investment like this is critical.”

Once complete, local leaders say the goal is to provide a more safe and connected routes between Noblesville, Fishers, Indianapolis and other surrounding cities.

Resident Steve Mundell said, “It’s lovely. It’ll be real convenient to get across too.”

Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades

What grades did the Indianapolis Colts earn on the 2026 NFLPA report cards?

The NFLPA is no longer able to make their annual report cards public. However, ESPN’s Kayln Kahler was able to obtain a copy of the reports following the 2025 NFL season, and the Indianapolis Colts were again around the middle of the pack.

In these report cards, players rate numerous aspects of the organizations they play for, from ownership to the training facilities and everything in between. According to Kahler, 1,759 players contributed to these grades.

So, where did the Colts end up this year relative to the rest of the NFL this year?

Overall, the Colts ranked 17th. Below is a breakdown of each individual grade they received.

Treatment of Families: B
Home Game Field: D
Food/Dining Area: B
Nutritionist/Dietician: A-
Locker Room: C+
Training Room: B
Training Staff: B+
Weight Room: B
Strength Coaches: A
Position Coaches: B
Offensive Coordinator: B
Defensive Coordinator: B+
Special Teams Coordinator: B+
Team Travel: B-
Head Coach: A-
General Manager: A
Team Ownership: A

Of note, although the Colts haven’t been to the postseason in five years, Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard both received high marks.

Carlie Irsay Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt earned an A in their first year as the primary owners.

The field at Lucas Oil Stadium received a very low mark, earning a D, while the locker room was given a C+. Those were the two lowest grades the Colts received.

Compared to the 2025 rankings, the Colts moved up two spots this year, after coming in at 19th last year.

The biggest jumps the Colts experienced came in the Food/Dining grade, which went from a C to a B. The Team travel grade also jumped from a D+ to a B-.

Source link