• Ice Cream Social at the Bona August 4

    IRVINGTON — The Irvington Historical Society has held an annual Ice Cream Social on the first Sunday in August every year since its founding in 1964. This year’s event is Sunday, Aug. 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University Ave. (corner of University and Downey Aves). Since moving to the Bona Thompson Memorial Center over 20 years ago, the society has expanded the Ice Cream Social to include live music from the White River Jazz Band, and dancin
  • ILEARN Results Show Mixed Progress

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has presented results from the spring 2024 administration of the Indiana Learning Evaluation and Readiness Network (ILEARN). Most grade levels had a slight increase in English/language arts (ELA) proficiency, while math proficiency slightly decreased following significant growth since the pandemic.Statewide, 41.0% of Indiana’s students are at or above proficiency standards in ELA, and 40.7% of students are at or above proficie
  • Garfield Park Sunken Gardens to Undergo Renovations

    INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett recently joined Indy Parks and the Friends of Garfield Park for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Garfield Park Sunken Gardens. The project will focus on renovating the fountains located throughout the Sunken Gardens. For more than a century, visitors have enjoyed these fountains designed by renowned landscape architect George Kessler. The renovation is part of the $5.5 million Lilly Endowment investment in Garfield Park, which also includes funding for a ne
  • County Becomes More Diverse 2020-23

    INDIANAPOLIS — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Marion County population has become majority non-white.In 2020, the census noted over 506,000 white, non-Hispanic people living in the county, and in 2023, the number stood at over 482,000. The Black and black in combination population was almost 306,000, and in 2023, the number rose to almost 313,000. The population of people identifying as Hispanic of any race in 2020 landed at about 129,000, but in 2023, the number had increased to
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  • American Legion Seeks Input on Getting Vets Involved

    INDIANAPOLIS — Hal Daniels, Past Commander of the Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Legion Post 510 is looking to connect with all of the military veterans in Marion County, and the Irvington area is in what the American Legion calls a Donut Hole, which means its not officially aligned with any of the American Legion Post in Marion County. Post 276 in Beech Grove is to the south, Post 495 at 38th and Post Road is to the North and that is about it.Military veterans in the Irvington area are e
  • Stop the Bleed Classes Offered in Aug. & Oct.

    GREENWOOD — Franciscan Health will be hosting a Stop the Bleed class on Tuesday, August 13 and another on Wednesday, October 9. Both classes are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Health Education Center at 421 N. Emerson in Greenwood.Stop the Bleed teaches the skills needed to provide immediate bleeding control principles and aid until first responders arrive. The class is a combination of lecture and hands-on training meant to empower, train and equip the non-medical
  • Indy’s Belt of Iron

    Like a medieval wall encompassing an ancient city, an earthen elevation that nearly surrounds the old city of Indianapolis allows limited access through several underpasses. Atop this barrier from time to time roll freight trains over the iron rails of the old Belt Line Railroad.On Friday afternoon October 1, 1847, locomotives pulling two long trains of passenger and freight cars, along the newly laid iron-lined roadway of the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, entered the Hoosier capital, sto
  • Eskenazi Mental Health Center Certified as Community Behavioral Health Clinic

    INDIANAPOLIS — Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center has been named as one of the first community mental health center sites in the state recognized as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Indiana, along with nine other states, would be part of the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program. The CCBHC program provides states with sustainable funding that helps them expand access to mental health and sub
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  • Cat Video Fest Aug.2-4 at Kan-Kan

    INDIANAPOLIS — Kan-Kan Cinema will host a Cat Video Fest from Aug.-2 through Aug. 4, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic. Tickets are $12 in advance on their Web site, kankanindy.com. The theatre is located at 1258 Windsor St., next to Spades Park Library.The festival is a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from submissions, including animation, music videos, and other sources.The FACE Spay-Neuter Clinic is located at 1505 Mass Ave.
  • Applause!: July 26-Aug.1

    • Ron Gee, a community leader and organizer of Cease Fire Indy, was killed on Thursday, July 18 at a gas station on the east side. Our hearts go out to his family and we know that many will pick up the baton and carry forward with his anti-violence mission.• Andre Carson’s annual Job & Resource Fair will be held at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 N. Meridian St.,  on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. There will also be free community resources like resume help
  • Indy Shorts International Film Festival Opens July 23

    INDIANAPOLIS — The seventh annual Academy Award-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival (Indy Shorts) Powered by the IEDC is running July 23-28. The film lineup and tickets are available online at IndyShorts.orgIndy Shorts had a 30% increase in short film submissions from last year, with 5,130 shorts submitted for consideration to the 2024 festival with just over 200 receiving an Official Selection.The film lineup includes 41 World Premieres, 10 North American Premieres, 9 US Pr
  • New Community Powered Infrastructure Projects Announced

    INDIANAPOLIS — Six projects have been selected for funding through the 2024 Indianapolis Neighborhood Infrastructure Partnership (INIP) via the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) and opened applications for the City’s Tactical Urbanism and Art in the Right-of-Way programs, all programs under Community Powered Infrastructure.This is the first year that Indy DPW is working to combine all three programs into “Community Powered Infrastructure”. The Community P
  • Mosquitoes in County Test Positive for West Nile Virus

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department recently reported the first mosquitoes of the season to test positive for West Nile virus.West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus from a mosquito bite do not develop any symptoms. Some might develop a fever and other symptoms such as a headache, body aches and joint pains.People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and kid
  • Indiana State Fair Brewers’ Cup Announces Winners

    Indianapolis — The Indiana Brewers’ Cup, a prestigious annual competition hosted by the Indiana State Fair, celebrated its 25th Anniversary year. This year’s event hosted an impressive amount of homebrewers and professional breweries from around the Country.With 1,500 entries into the competition this year, the Indiana Brewers’ Cup Competition has solidified its place as one of the nation’s largest competitions to feature both home and professional brewers.This year
  • White City Murder at the Phoenix July 19-Aug. 4

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre will host the return of White City Murder, and original musical murder comedy by Ben Asaykwee, from July 19-Aug. 4.White City Murder is a clever two-person musical exploring the life of H.H. Holmes through the eyes of the Columbian Exposition of 1893, otherwise known as the Chicago World’s Fair. In two acts, the play involves over 30 characters, all played by Asaykwee and Claire Wilcher.Holmes is one of the first documented serial ki
  • Traffic Restrictions on Capitol Through Aug. 24

    INDIANAPOLIS — Capitol Avenue lane restrictions have begun, Indiana University Health said.According to a press release, the closures are for underground utility and construction work near the new hospital project from IU Health. However, one lane of through traffic, as well as the IndyGo Red Line’s bus traffic, will be open between 14th and 16th streets during these restrictions.IU Health also added that Capitol Avenue between 14th and 16th streets is expected to be closed to throug
  • Martin University Holds Re-Entry Job Fair July 25

    INDIANAPOLIS — For those looking for a career opportunity, Martin University will hold a Re-Entry Job Fair on Thursday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its campus, 2186 N. Sherman Drive, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Corrections HIRE program. The fair will feature 46 resource vendors offering a wide range of salaries based on experience and skills.Multiple employment career paths will be available, and multiple entities will be represented for supportive services and educ
  • “Legally Blonde The Musical” at Beef & Boards

    INDIANAPOLIS — Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre goes blonde this summer with the fabulously upbeat Legally Blonde The Musical, now on stage. Based on the hit MGM movie, Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards, and gives fans all the fun from the film in an energetic musical.Sorority president Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hit
  • Indiana State Fair Unveils Splash Pad

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair has unveiled yet another new attraction fairgoers can look to enjoy this summer when the Fair returns August 2-18th.  A new permanent splash was unveiled in the MHS Family Fun Park on the Fairgrounds and will promise an unforgettable experience for fairgoers and families alike. The ag-themed, park-like splash pad will be open for this year’s fair and free for all to enjoy with paid fair admission.The 2024 Indiana State Fair returns Friday, A
  • Franciscan Health Partners with Cathedral High School

    INDIANAPOLIS — Franciscan Health and Cathedral High School in Indianapolis have joined together to form the all-new School Health Partnership.Starting this summer, Franciscan will be providing a range of health services to Cathedral students, including sports medicine, strength and conditioning and a school nurse.Dr. Joe Richardville from Franciscan Physician Network Sports Medicine Specialists Indianapolis will serve as the head team physician for Cathedral High School. Dr. Richardville a
  • Annual Book Sale Helps Support Benton House

    IRVINGTON — Community members have been very generous in their donations this year and the volunteers and staff at the Benton House have a record number of books to go into the Annual Benton House Book Sale. The sale begins Friday, July 19 from 5-8 p.m., and continues on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and ends on Sunday, July 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  The sale features every genre that is fit to print, plus DVDs and some vinyl records. This year, there will be a section for New R
  • Mass Ave Crit This Weekend

    INDIANAPOLIS — One of the nation’s biggest cycling weekends for racers, casual cyclists and spectators returns Friday, July 12 from 4:00-9:30  p.m. and Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m.,  as the IU Health Momentum Indy hits downtown streets.During the Mass Ave Crit, about 400 pro and amateur cyclists will compete in one of America’s premiere races, which is also a stop on the American Criterium Cup series. The start/finish line is in the 400 block of Mass Ave near the Chatt
  • Hoosier Renters Struggling to Afford Housing

    INDIANAPOLIS — To afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent in Indiana, full-time Hoosier workers need to earn $22.07 per hour. This is Indiana’s “2024 Housing Wage” according to Out of Reach, a report published jointly by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and Prosperity Indiana.The report’s “Housing Wage” is an estimate of the hourly wage full-time workers must earn to afford a rental home at fair market rent without spe
  • Agency Expands Services for Kids at Risk of Homelessness

    INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $1.5 million award to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) that will benefit youth and young adults (YYA) who live with homelessness and housing insecurity throughout Indiana.The grant will allow IHCDA to improve identification of youth in need and make it easier for youth to navigate available services. The grant will also make it possible to:• Focus on systemic change by
  • Trolley Rides & Movie with Franklin Twp. Historical Society

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Franklin Township Historical Society is offering something unusual in honor of Acton Indiana’s only Academy Award-nominated actress: The event will include a trolley ride to a theatre showing one of her films.In July the Franklin Township Historical Society will sponsor the comedy Ma & Pa Kettle Go to Town, starring Acton-born actress Marjorie Main, at The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana. On Saturday July 20, participants will ride to Franklin in
  • “Taste of the Fair” to Feature New Creations

    Indianapolis — The Indiana State Fair recently unveiled 43 new mouth-watering culinary creations fairgoers can enjoy this summer.Just a few of the offerings are the Bison Smashburger Taco, the Blue Ribbon Blueberry milkshake, Chili Cheese Empanada, Dill Pickle Dr. Pepper and a Dill Pickle Lemon Shake-up, Hot Honey Pepperoni Pull Grilled Cheese, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Chicken Wings.Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite new food items by visiting any of the information b
  • State Announces Launch of Indiana PathWays for Aging Medicaid Program

    INDIANAPOLIS —The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) recently announced that Indiana PathWays for Aging launched for more than 123,000 eligible Hoosiers aged 60 and over.PathWays for Aging is a Medicaid managed care program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the Hoosiers it serves, provide choice for those members who want to age in their homes or communities, and better manage the rising costs of providing Medicaid coverage to the aging population. This
  • Southside Art League Opens New Exhibit

    INDIANAPOLIS — The SALI Summer Exhibit 2024 at the Southside Art League Off Broadway Gallery will feature member artists works that follow the theme, “The Sky’s the Limit.”The SALI Summer Exhibit will be displayed for three months, July 3 through Sept. 28.The Southside Art League, Inc. (SALI) Off Broadway Gallery is located at 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood. Regular hours are Wed. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Come meet the artists at the SALI Open House, Friday July
  • Coburn Place Hosts Lemonade and Spiked Lemonade Stands

    INDIANAPOLIS — Coburn Place’s popular Lemonade Stand fundraiser raises money so the children in the program start the school year with brand-new shoes, socks, clothes and uniforms. Proceeds from the Lemonade Stand also set them up for success, helping with art and school supplies, activities, prom dresses, cleats, field trip fees, movie passes for good grades, and much more. This year’s goal is $25,000.From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, visit a stand at one of three p
  • Explore Near Eastside History on Bike Tour July 21

    INDIANAPOLIS — Explore the history of Indy’s Near Eastside, from the 1880s to today, on a leisurely guided bike tour hosted by Indiana Landmarks and Pogue’s Run Waterway Committee. Tourgoers will travel on and around the newly completed Pogue’s Run Trail through some of the city’s charming historic neighborhoods, including Cottage Home Historic District and Windsor Park, and bike historic greenways to visit Brookside Park, Spades Park, and Highland Park, key compone
  • IndyGo Receives Funds to Improve East Washington St.

    INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo was recently awarded nearly $22 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program from the Biden-Harris Administration.IndyGo will use the funds to construct critical infrastructure and safety improvements along the Historic East section of the Blue Line bus rapid transit corridor. Specifically, the money will be used to make a 4.7-mile stretch of East Washington St. between Highland and Edmonson ave
  • Howe Middle School to Get Renovations

    INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) officials recently broke ground on renovations and new facilities at T.C. Howe Middle School. The renovations are a part of their Rebuilding Stronger project.Howe, which will be a middle school in 2024-25 school year, is one of 23 schools undergoing renovations this year.The highlights include• Security upgrades• New and upgraded athletic facilities for football, track, softball, and baseball.• New state-of-the-art VOIP phone
  • Gear Up for School July 13

    INDIANAPOLIS — Covering Kids & Families of Health and Hospital Corporation invites families to attend its 24th annual Back to School and Community Resource Day featuring the IFD Fire Safety Festival on Saturday, July 13 from 8:30 a.m. until noon in the parking lot of the Marion County Public Health Department located at 3838 N. Rural Street.Each school-aged child that attends will receive a free backpack with school supplies and backpack meals with healthy snacks from Gleaners. Other r
  • City Announces Plans for Henry St. Bridge Construction

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works recently announced it has received a $15 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help fund architecturally significant design elements and enhancements to the future Henry Street Bridge.The construction of the Henry Street Bridge originates from an agreement between the city, the state and Elanco that calls for the city to build out the infrastructure supporting the animal health company’s new global headquarters on the we
  • Summer Servings Programs at Indy Parks

    INDIANAPOLIS —The Indy Parks meals program has served over 3 million meals since 2013, including over 190,000 total meals in 2023. Summer Servings meals are provided Monday through Friday at 11 Indy Parks serving locations and five mobile units that serve various park, library, and apartment complex locations.The following Indy Parks Meal Serving Sites are available Monday-Friday.• Broad Ripple Park – 1610 Broad Ripple Ave., 11:30 a.m. – noon.• Christian Park –
  • New Exhibit at Bona Thompson Explores Native Roots

    IRVINGTON — The new exhibit of the Irvington Historical Society is a partnership with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana, the Delaware Tribe of Indiana, and the Indianapolis Indians baseball team to explore the history and current lived experience of our First Nations. The exhibit will open Saturday, July 6 and will remain through November at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. The center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Private tours are available by
  • Monument Makes the Top 100 Public Sculptures on CODAawards

    INDIANAPOLIS — “Monument,” an art installation and Book Share Station located outside of Central Library, has made the list of Top 100 public sculptures in this year’s CODAawards.The Top 100 entries are featured on CODAworx and available for public voting. Two People’s Choice winners and the ten category winners selected by jurors will be announced with a global media campaign on August 30, 2024. T“Monument” was created by Brian McCutcheon for The Public
  • Choose Your Words Carefully When Talking about Substance Use Disorder

    It can be overwhelming to try to help a friend or loved one with substance use disorder (SUD). So much is out of your control. There is, however, one easy step you can take that can help anyone suffering from an SUD. The fear of judgment can prevent people, especially adolescents, from acknowledging their illness and trying to get treatment. The words you use when describing SUDs can either contribute to this fear — or help reduce it.You are likely familiar with many offensive words used t
  • 3rd Annual Irvington Pride June 29

    Irvington will celebrate the depth and breadth of its inclusive and diverse community during the Third Annual Irvington Pride Festival on Saturday, June 29 starting at 11 a.m. and running throughout the day and into the evening with activities, shopping, and shows.Last year, Irvington Pride was wildly popular and brought many to the historic neighborhood from all over the area. Organizers this year hope to attract a bigger crowd to come see the growth of the businesses and nonprofits that call I
  • Near Eastside Building Set for Redevelopment

    INDIANAPOLIS — Construction is moving forward on a 95,000-square-foot facility on the Circle City Industrial Complex (CCIC) campus, owner Teagen Development announced. The new building, addressed 1011 Massachusetts Ave., will provide spaces for up to 30 tenants and is rapidly pre-leasing. To date, eight local businesses have committed to the project and are scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.1011 Mass Ave will be the second building to open at the CCIC, a 16-acre site at the corner of E
  • Cable Thefts on the Rise

    INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD is investigating service line thefts across the city and is currently working with AT&T. These types of thefts have been occurring particularly along the Nickel Plate Trail on the northeast side. AT&T has been implementing new technology to help curb them.According to reports, thieves are climbing utility poles and stealing phone lines. Oftentimes they are using generic-looking work (“cherry picker”) trucks to access the elevated lines. Thieves alleg
  • Another Community Recycling Site Closes

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) has announced the removal of the community recycling drop-off site at Beck Service Center located at 6025 Madison Ave. Continuing to leave waste at this site will result in illegal dumping fines. The closest public drop-off recycling site to this address are the Kroger locations at 8130 E. Southport Road and 8745 S. Emerson Ave.City staff will continue ongoing conversations to further expand recycling options, including
  • Exploring Monument Circle Talk at Central Library July 2

    INDIANAPOLIS — Everyone is invited to Central Library to learn about Monument Circle on Tuesday, July 2 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This history talk is part of the Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis Metropolitan Area programs. Register online at indypl.org under “Events.”Experience the heart of the Circle City during an illustrated in-person talk of Indianapolis’s most recognizable historic district while exploring the fascinating past of a landmark that has
  • Eclipse Had Major Economic Impact in Indiana

    INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) recently unveiled the results of a comprehensive statewide economic impact study commissioned to assess the impact of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Indiana’s economy. The study, conducted by Rockport Analytics, highlights significant economic benefits generated from the eclipse, which took place on April 8, 2024.“Indiana was a prime destination for the 2024 total solar eclipse,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crou
  • Butler College Romances

    In the not-so-distant past, it was a popular perception that young women went to college to get a degree in teaching or an MRS. degree. Outside of teaching, there was little women could do with a college degree. Even women with law degrees were relegated to reading abstracts at law firms. There  are some voices today that wax nostalgic and wish to inhale the musty air of the past in calling for women college graduates to fulfill their role of marriage to a house. Thus, has been the case for
  • Applause!: June 28-July 3

    • The Marion County Fair will be held Friday, June 28 through Sunday, July 7. This looks like it will be a great year for the fair, and there will be a ceremony on June 28 to name the Coliseum after Indiana Senator Jack Sandlin. Tickets are $6 in advance on the Web site, marioncountyfair.com. Parking is $5 on Fisher Rd., or $10 for premier parking at Gate 1 on Troy. Fireworks will be on opening night at 9:30 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 7300 E. Troy Rd.• The Eskenazi Mental Heal
  • Graceland Gentrification? Part 2

    In part I of this article, I detailed our visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis Tennessee on May 22, 2024, the date that the story broke claiming Graceland was being foreclosed on! The lawsuit claimed that Lisa Marie Presley had defaulted on a $3.8 million loan back in 2018 and put the mansion up for collateral. By the time we left Memphis, the plot was revealed to be a scam. Also in Part 1, I detailed the history of Graceland and the death and funeral of Elvis Presley in August of
  • Door To Door

    In 1970, I traveled with my new bride 2,000 miles from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Los Angeles California; I was going to pursue a career as artist. My time at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh was up, and I was going to seize the day. Walt Disney Studios was my most illustrious rejector, but no one wanted my services. I registered with a job counseling service and got a referral to a company that sold encyclopedias, door to door.I thought of my door-to-door experience when, on a recent week, I was
  • 24th Annual Irvington Garden Tour

    IRVINGTON — The 24th Annual Irvington Garden Tour, sponsored by the Irvington Garden Club, will be held on Sunday, June 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person with children under 14 admitted free. The event is held rain or shine with tickets available previous to the tour on Eventbrite, and at Ace Hardware at 10th and Arlington. The day of the tour tickets may be purchased (cash or checks only) at The Benton House (312 S. Downey), the Irvington United Methodist Church (30 N. Audubo
  • More Construction Projects for Indy Funded

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) recently presented a check for $30,468,203 to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. The funding will support eight projects across the City of Indianapolis, including a pedestrian bridge for the Nickel Plate Trail over Keystone AvenueOverall, funding from the IMPO this year will help pay for eight projects:• 38th Street Bridge over Little Eagle Creek Rehabilitation• 46th Street Bridge over Indian Creek• High

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