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Porter West: Sycamore Land Trust’s ‘Diamond in the Rough’

A lot goes into preserving the natural beauty of an area — but sometimes that means just letting it be. Sycamore Land Trust’s Porter West Preserve, for example, includes a former composting site, sinkholes, and a cemetery. Writer Jonah Chester explores how SLT manages problems like invasive species in such “diamonds in the rough.” Click here to read the full story and to see many photos of Porter West.

The Resurgence of an Ancient Game — Lacrosse

A game with ancient origins, lacrosse is gaining momentum in Bloomington, as many parents consider it an alternative to more dangerous sports for youth. But because it is not an IHSAA-sanctioned sport, parents and coaches must field the financial burdens. Writer Benjamin Beane takes a closer look at how some local teams are making it possible. Click here to read the full story.

Big Mike’s B-town: William Morris, ‘Always Teaching’

William Morris, the attorney, radio DJ, and aspiring Episcopal deacon, says the foundation of all his work is teaching. Even on his radio show, The Soul Kitchen, “I’m teaching people different kinds of music,” he says. Michael G. Glab writes about Morris’s rich and varied life in his column, Big Mike’s B-town. Click here to read the full story.

Stirring the Pot: Phyllo, Confections, and Revelations

In this serving of Stirring the Pot, kitchen sage Ruthie Cohen ponders the wonders, and challenges, of life through the tissue-thin lens of phyllo. Working with the delicate dough is much like life, she says. And using it for Moroccan-inspired confections, a revelation. “Honor the dough,” Ruthie writes, “and you’re good to go.” Click here to read the full story.

Behind the Curtain: Maya and Hoosiers Share Culture Through Opera

Mary Grogan, creator and director of ÓperaMaya, is introducing Bloomington to the Maya culture — and introducing opera to the Maya in Mexico. ÓperaMaya tours, festival-like, all over the Yucatan Peninsula, where few have experienced the art form. Writer Jennifer Pacenza talks to Grogan about what this means for Bloomington and the Maya. Click here to read the full story.

My Dad Voice: Fly Away

In My Dad Voice, columnist Troy Maynard recounts college parties, hot rods, and the emotional hardship of raising a child only to hand them the keys and watch them leave. “Being a parent means preparing your kids as best you can,” Maynard writes, “then ultimately trusting them to fly on their own.” Click here for the full story.

The Mesmerizing Sandhill Cranes, ‘Calling Us Home’

Every spring and fall, Indiana is at the heart of the eastern sandhill crane migration. Witness it once and you’ll mark their return on your calendar every year, writes LP contributor Jared Posey. “Flocks of sandhill cranes are a potent symbol of wildness,” he says, their loud, rolling chatter “calling us home.” Click here to read the full story.

Women Find ‘Freedom to Express’ Through Dance

“In a world where women’s voices are undervalued,” writes Allison Yates, “dance companies in Bloomington provide an invaluable opportunity for women to cultivate self-love, build friendships, and find the necessary space for stress relief.” And more. Yates looks at a few of these groups to see how women connect body and soul through dance — “communication without words.” Click here to read the full story.

3 Soap Guys Outwit National Brands Online [video]

When starting their business, Bloomington’s Soapy Soap guys created the “volcano method” of making soap. Four years later, they realized that same method would allow people to create their own customized soap — a process not offered by any other soap maker, not even national brands. Seth Teeters interviewed the soap founders in this video.

Big Mike’s B-town: Wounded Galaxies, Where 1968 Intersects with 2018

Wounded Galaxies 1968 — a conference, festival, and symposium including art exhibits, film screenings, and music performances — intersects with Bloomington’s orbit next month. LP columnist Michael G. Glab spoke to Joan Hawkins, a founder of the group that’s organizing the event. While Wounded Galaxies looks at the tumultuous year 1968, Hawkins says the event will be more than a museum piece: “We want to confront the whole concept of revolutionary aesthetics, and ask, ‘Where do we go from here?’” Click here to read the full story.

PRIDE — and Its Film Fest — More Inclusive Than Ever

As the 16th annual PRIDE Film Festival runs this weekend, PRIDE, the local organization that represents the LGBTQ+ community, is “focused more on helping people on the margins,” says Board Chair Janae Cummings. “We don’t want to leave anyone behind.” Writer Erin Hollinden reports on PRIDE’s “recalibrated” vision — and about the Festival. Click here to read the full story.

Winter Gardening: Turning Little Thumbs Green

Winter gardening isn’t just for people who want to get a jump on their tomato starts. In his first LP contribution, Jared Posey shows how it can be a great way to educate and engage younger people. It’s the journey, he writes, “not the size of our cucumbers” that provides them with the lifelong learning. Click here to read the full story.