• Nicole Meisberger, a local photographer and member of the Irvington Photo Club was recently invited to participate in a video series about Flickr photographers, “The Weekly Flickr.” They are planning to fly her to New York and do an interview and video with her about her work on the “Noir” series of photos undertaken with the group.
• The weather certainly hasn’t been cooperative for outdoor concerts and festivals. Last weekend, the Recycle Fest in Garfield Park was postponed until July 27, and the rain postponed the US 40 Sale at Irvington Plaza for a day. However, we’re hoping Mother Nature will smile on us this weekend. Talbot Street, the Independent Art + Music Festival, and a bunch of neighborhood block sales will be going on.
• Another intriguing local Shakespeare production, besides EclecticPond’s Much Ado About Nothing, will be happening at the Irvington Office Center, 338 S. Arlington Ave., from June 13-29. This is Not Shakespeare’s Macbeth will be produced by the NoExit company, delving into the mysteries of imagination, illusion, and demons. Shows are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, and can be ordered online at www.brownpapertickets.com
• Mark your calendars for the June Irvington Green Hour on June 18 at 6 p.m. at Black Acre Brewing Co. Andrew Distelrath, founder of Distelrath Farms will be on hand to talk about his educational 20 acre farm on the southeast side of Indianapolis. The farm, on East Raymond Street, grows vegetables, and also raises poultry for meat and eggs, pork, and beef. They also offer local students an opportunity to see how a real farm works.
• Also mark your calendar for the June meeting of the East District Task Force on the 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the IMPD East District headquarters at 201 N. Shadeland in the old Eastgate Mall. These are informational meetings, and a good way to get to know our neighborhood law enforcement officers.
• The Gateway Alliance and the Department of Public Works have started the long-awaited streetscape project at Madison and East Street on the south side. When it’s done, there will be an archway, decorative ironwork, public art, and new landcaping to welcome visitors to the south side. Work should be completed by early August.
• Public Allies and Health by Design will offer a “Gem Walk” on the east side June 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., celebrating near eastside neighborhoods of Woodruff Place and St. Clair Place, among others. The walk starts at the John H. Boner Community Center, 2236 E. 10th St. This is a free tour designed to celebrate and explore the uniqueness of the area. If you’d like to participate, RSVP janejacobs.eventbrite.com.
• Great to hear about so many new, locally owned businesses opening up soon in the area. There is a lot of buzz about new ice cream parlors, coffee shops, and more going in. The Weekly View is also a locally owned small business that relies on community support to keep the doors open — we know what a leap of faith it is to start a new enterprise.