Justin Wilson Dies at 37

Justin Wilson

(July 31, 1978 – August 24, 2015)

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Aug. 24, 2015 - A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles about the passing of Indianapolis 500 and United States Grand Prix veteran Justin Wilson:

"We're saddened to have lost such an exceptional driver, friend and role model to many in the INDYCAR community. Justin was one of the most versatile and talented drivers of the last 15 years, as evidenced by his wins in sports cars, Champ Car and INDYCAR. More important than his driving ability was his approachable personality, his calm spirit, and the respect he earned throughout the racing community for the tremendous person, friend, father and husband he was. Justin made innumerable friends and admirers throughout the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR communities. All of us at IMS extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson family."

Wilson first competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 2003 United States Grand Prix, finishing eighth and scoring his lone Formula One championship point of his career. Beginning in 2008, Wilson had competed in eight straight Indianapolis 500 races (2008 - 2015), finishing in the top 10 three times, with a best finish of fifth in 2013. Wilson also competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Indianapolis in 2014 and 2015. He is just one of three drivers who has competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and media trainer. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Jean Stapleton Dies at 90

Jean Stapleton

January 19, 1923 – May 31, 2013

Jean Stapleton, (nee Jeanne Murray), actress of stage, screen and television, died Friday, May 31, in New York City of natural causes.

Best known for her role of the naive, sweet and clueless Edith Bunker, wife to Archie on the long term sitcom (1971-'79) All in the Family, which held the No. 1 spot 1971-'76. Costars were Carroll O'Connor, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers. Other television shows Stapleton appeared on are Car 54, The Patty Duke Show and Dennis the Menace.

The Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress appeared in films including, opposite John Travolta in Michael and with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail.

The performer is survived by her two children, John Putch and actress Pamela Putch from a marriage to Jack Stapleton. Stapleton was 90.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

ISO Reaches Financial Goals ~ Musicians will Continue for 5 More Years

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra exceeds $5 Million
goal for “Life. It’s Better with Music” campaign

*Press Release*

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Symphony Society’s Board of Directors announced today that it has exceeded the $5 million goal for new donor commitments in connection with its major fundraising campaign. Due to the overwhelming support received in the past 10 days, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is still compiling the results, but the final tally will be announced when all gifts and pledges are accounted for and documented.

“We are thrilled by this strong support from the community, especially in these final days,” said Martha Lamkin, board chair for the ISO. “On behalf of the ISO board, staff and musicians, we thank all of those who have come forward to support the ISO at this critical juncture. As a result of this achievement, the five-year contract with our musicians negotiated last fall will go into effect at midnight tonight.”

To order tickets, click on IndianapolisSymphony.org.

Since Oct. 16, 2012, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has been operating under a short-term “bridge” agreement while this major fundraising initiative took place to raise $5 million in new donor commitments. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon pledged lead gifts of $750,000 each in mid-December, and board member Yvonne Shaheen provided a dollar-for-dollar matching gift of $500,000 to support the effort.

The “Life. It’s Better with Music” campaign was the first phase in ensuring a financially sustainable future for the Orchestra over the next five years. The ISO will continue calling on all subscribers, patrons, affiliate group members, corporate leaders and other supporters to purchase single tickets and subscriptions, provide support for programs and educational efforts, and make legacy and annual fund gifts so that the ISO can continue to be an integral part of the central Indiana community through its many music programs and other outreach activities.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.