Blog Lafayette

Is there any better time of the year than the Spring? Outdoor markets begin to offer up Fresh vegetables, crafts, flowers, and even peace of mind. The slow rhythm of small groups people as they move from booth to booth takes us back to a simpler time in our minds. It is time to put away the Winter blues and really start enjoying the outdoor life of Lafayette. Time to enjoy the craft and the talent of local growers, artists, bakers and more.

That is what will be taking place at the Downtown Farmers Market two days this week in the Greater Lafayette area. The first event will be held Tuesday May 10, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in downtown Lafayette on 5th Street between Main and Columbia Streets. And then later in the week on Thursday May 12, 2011 from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Purdue University Campus Dauch Alumni Center Parking Lot in West Lafayette.

Here is what the Farmers Market Website says about the long standing market:

“The Lafayette Farmers Market has been around for over 165 years! On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from early May through late October, the air in downtown Lafayette is filled with the smell of fresh garden flowers, baked goods, vegetables, fruits, plus honey, jams and jellies.”

What could be better than that? Come on out and pick up your fruits and veggies fresh at an outdoor market instead of the picked over selection at the supermarket.

If you would like further information then go to The Farmers Market Website or contact Greater Lafayette Commerce by phone at 765-742-4044.

If you haven’t noticed, it is starting to warm up out there. People are itching to get outside and enjoy the warm air and the sunshine. Outdoor walks this time of year are an excellent way to get out and indulge in your need for fresh air.

Lafayette and West Lafayette have several great hiking and bike trails. The greater Lafayette area boasts over 12 miles of hiking and biking paths that wind through our local scenic areas. The paths take you through the Lilly Nature Center & Celery Bog, through Purdue University, and even to the downtown district. The walk along the Wabash river might even give you the opportunity to see some of our local American Bald Eagles.

Take the time this weekend to enjoy a stroll and allow the stresses and strains of everyday life and the Winter just past to melt away. You’ll be glad you did.

It was great to hear the news today about the new Aluminum extrusion plant, Nanshan America Co. Ltd coming to Lafayette. The Chinese based company will bring over 200 new jobs to Lafayette in the next 2 to 3 years, according to the Lafayette Journal and Courier newspaper this afternoon. Our governor, Mitch Daniels made the announcement this afternoon at a meeting at Purdue University in West Lafayette.

This is great news for Lafayette. It means jobs that pay decent wages and benefits for a good number of people and it means investment money pouring into the local Lafayette economy. The cumulative effect of the money associated with an operation of this size will be another boost to our local economy. The article mentioned that Indiana is becoming known as a business friendly state. Thank goodness for that.

In light of the recent economic news over the last few years, it is heartening to know that we live in one of the few Midwestern states that is actively trying to draw business and investors rather than drive them away by levying restrictive tax policies and regulatory laws. I feel for our neighbors in Illinois. Their state government feels inclined to increase taxes on businesses in a time when businesses need a break to move out of the slow economy that we have been a part of for the last 3 years. I grew up in Illinois. I want to see them succeed but as it stands, I am very happy that my home is in Lafayette Indiana. I am glad that my state is making solid choices that are meant to make Indiana prosper and move ahead.

Full steam ahead. All engines full. Onward and upward. Be my guest, and pick a phrase. Thankfully for Lafayette, they all fit. Oh, and by the way. Have a great Lafayette Day!

Valentines Day is here again. As a husband and someone who loves his wife, I have to say that today has been a great time to spend with her. Life has a way of getting a little busy and hectic. So it is truly a blessing when I get to spend the day with my favorite person in this world and my best friend too. We didn’t spend a lot of money, and we didn’t do anything very exciting but we were together. In my book every moment I get to spend with her is a moment well spent. Here’s hoping that each and every one of you have had as good a day. Make sure you let that special person know how you feel. Life is too short not to.

Have a great Lafayette Valentines Day!

I’m sure you probably know about the massive winter storm that is impacting the Midwestern states of the U.S. right now. Especially if you live in the U.S. The news has been all about internet this one for hours. And rightly so. The thought of 1 inch plus ice on power lines and trees is scary enough because it almost automatically means loss of power for some. Add to the ice the 1 to 2 feet of potential snow, extreme cold, and high winds coming off the open plains and you have a couple of snow days at the least and maybe even worse problems for some.

The point of this post today is you. I worry about all of you out there. I see so many people in the space of a day in the course of my job. I see travelers who sometimes have no clue of how to deal with the weather they find themselves in. I hope that you are prepared for this storm. I don’t have the luxury of being able to sit it out because my job will call me to drive right through the middle of the storm but if any of you have no compelling reason to be out in it, then please stay home where you are safest. The road conditions have already been treacherous in some areas around Indianapolis and will most assuredly get worse as Tuesday and Wednesday progress for much of the Midwest.

I hope that you are prepared in your home as well. Plenty of bottles or jugs of water, candles, blankets, food and other necessities at the very least. For those of you who need life saving medicines such as insulin, I hope you have stocked up a few days supply in case of power outages and road closures.

I hope I don’t sound like an alarmist in this post. I truly am not that type of person. I simply believe in being prepared for the worst and then going on living my life like normal until the worst arrives. Maybe it the Boy Scout in me but the motto, “Be Prepared” is a truth that has saved many people from a worse misery.

Be safe Lafayette. Be safe where ever you are. And don’t miss the chance to build some giant snowmen or snow forts like we used to do here in the Midwest years ago. Or get that arctic cat or 4 wheeler out. Might as well have fun with it!