• Very sad to hear of the passing of Zelma, the founder of Zelma’s restaurant on Shadeland and East 10th St. She opened the restaurant in 1989, but had a smaller location prior to the one we know and love now. She passed away on January 17. She will be greatly missed by her family and the community.
• The Indiana Fantastic Food Festival was a great success, judging by the hundreds who braved the nasty weather on Saturday to see the Butcher Babe and Ted Allen. Lots of great local food resources under one roof, including many locals to us.
• Speaking of successes, the Indianapolis Winter Market move to the Circle City Industrial Complex on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. had a great inaugural weekend. Reports of good crowds and happy vendors — and lots of eastsiders discovering the joys of local markets!
• IMPD East District Task Force meetings will start up again Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at East District HQ, 201 N. Shadeland Ave. These informational meetings are a great way to find out how IMPD works, plus get accurate, up-to-date information about topics that touch our neighborhoods.
• Check out the Indianapolis Winter Magic Festival Jan. 21-24, featuring live magicians on stage at IndyFringe, 719 E. St. Clair St. Magic World Champion Shim Lim will be in the Showcase, and some of the top performers in the country will be there. Tickets are $35 for the Showcase; $30 for lectures. Visit www.indyfringe.org for more information.
• A new brewery is starting construction in the Circle City Industrial Complex. Centerpoint Brewing will have a tasting room as well as the brewery and may be open in spring of this year..
• Congratulations to Snips in Historic Irvington on their 15th Business Anniversary! Anthony and Kevin believed in then-overlooked community and built a very successful business that has become a major contributor to the positive energy in the Irv.
• Antique fans will get a chance to be part of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow here in Indianapolis on July 9! You must apply for tickets; receipents will be selected through a random drawing and receive two free tickets (limit 2 per household). Our own Linda Kennett helped out the Keno brothers on the roadshow years ago. Visit www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tickets/apply/ to apply for the ticket lottery. The deadline for the application is April 18. Good luck!
• Having trouble paying your energy bill? The Energy Assistance programs in the state may be able to help. In Hancock County, contact the Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP) at 462-1936 Mon.-Thurs. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. In Marion County, call 211 or visit indyeap.org.
• Indy Snowforce is on Twitter for real-time updates on snow/ice clearing operations. Follow them at @IndySnowForce