• The Poets Laureate of Lawrence, a poetry/open mike series held every 4th Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Art Center on Indy’s east side, 4437 N. Franklin Rd., will host Farzad Fadae reciting the poet Rumi. He’ll be reading in both the original language and in translation. Afterwards, there will be an open reading. Visit www.lawrenceartcenter.net for more information about upcoming readings.
• Crime Stoppers is sponsoring a Shred Day on April 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lawrence Police Dept. headquarters, 9001 E. 56th St.. There is a $5 fee for small electronics and computer monitors and TV screens. (Trash collectors are not allowed to pick up these items on trash collection day.) All other electronics are free. There is also a $5 fee to shred a box of personal documents such as bank receipts, credit card receipts, etc. The money goes to the Crime Stoppers Reward Fund.
• Mayor Ballard’s Front Porch Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Mayor’s Community Service Awards. The awards are given to residents who have volunteered their time and talent over the last year to strengthen Indianapolis communities. Nominees must be residents of Indianapolis/Marion County. Selection will be based on individual commitment to improving Indianapolis and positive impact made through personal volunteer service. Nominations may be made by an individual, agency, corporation or organization. Nominations are due Friday, June 5. To nominate a coworker, friend or family member who is deserving of recognition, www.indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/programs/Neighborhoods/ and look for the 2015 Community Service awards.
• The Irvington Green Hour will meet April 28 at 6 p.m. at Jockamo Upper Crust, 5646 E. Washington. The monthly chats are not restricted to just Irvingtonians, but everyone who is interested in making Indy a healthier and environmentally aware place to live. This month, the Executive Director of the Indiana Urban Forest Council will be on hand to talk about sustainability and the role of trees in an urban environment.
• Want to learn more about gardening? The Indianapolis Public Library’s series, Seed Library at the Glendale Branch (6101 N. Keystone) will meet April 28 from 6-8 p.m. Presented by Purdue Extension Master Gardeners and Indy Urban Acres, the discussion will be “Planting Your Garden.” Call 275-4410 to register.
• Irvington Presbyterian Church (55 Johnson Ave.) has a free concert series, and this month’s performers, the Central Indiana Folk Music and Mountain Dulcimer Society, are really terrific. The concert will be on April 26 at 6 p.m., with a pizza reception afterward. If you haven’t yet been to one of these free concerts, check it out.
• Neighborhood meeting coming up? E-mail information to ethel.weeklyview@yahoo.com. We need information the Friday before the publication date.