• Congratulations to William M. Karandos, 1947 Tech graduate, who recently received the 2015 Hanson H. Anderson Award. The award was given for Mr. Karandos’ many achievements and community service, notably for his commitment to serving the Warren Little League as a volunteer coach and board member. He has also supported Tech’s Alumni Association for many years.
• The Feast of Lanterns needs support from businesses and the community. Scheduled for Aug. 22 from 4-11 p.m. in Spades Park on the east side, the Feast of Lanterns is no longer a NESCO event, and must rely on local volunteers and businesses to continue the tradition. Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor the long-standing community event by buying booth space or through donations. It is a great community event that brings neighbors together, and the evening’s lantern-lighting is truly magical. Visit www.indyfeastoflanterns.com to find out how you can help.
• National Night Out is August 4. Neighborhood and community organizations are holding block parties and events for this IMPD event. Even if your neighborhood isn’t hosting a formal event, you can show support for crime prevention by leaving your porch light on that evening.
• The Indianapolis Public Library will host a national exhibit celebrating the spiritual and physical beauty of black women from all walks of life from Aug. 8-Sept. 27 at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Photographer Jerry Taliaferro created “Women of a New Tribe” from black and white portraits of 75 American black women, including 11 from Indianapolis. To accompany the exhibit, school children in grades 4 – 8 are invited to Central Library throughout Sept. for a free workshop presented by A Girl’s Gift, Inc. during which they’ll design a dream board to express their internal hopes, dreams and plans. Call 275-4222 to register a child or group.
• Recent rains which have lead to many flooded basements, backyards, and streets has brought out the best in many people. A big thanks to the many eastsiders who have been helping their neighbors clean up basements, borrow pumps, and loan fans and dehumidifiers during this horrible “monsoon” season.
On the bright side, experts in these kinds of things have said that if all the rain that fell was actually snow, we would have had over 210 inches of the white stuff. So maybe it hasn’t been so bad.