• The Ray Skillman Auto Group recently pledged $1 million to the Perry Township School District to be used for the renovation of the football facilities at Perry Meridian High School. The funds will be used to upgrade the current practice football field to an IHSAA approved turf field that can be used for football, band practice, and other school activities.
• Fresh off the wonderful wedding exhibit at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, the Irvington Historical Society will host a fine art photographic exhibit, “Monuments of the City” by Steve Polston. Make plans to be there for the opening reception March 4 at 6 p.m. at the gallery, located at 5350 University Ave. Admission is free; donations are appreciated! The work hangs until April 16.
• Learn the tradition of making maple syrup at Southeastway Park, 5624 S. Carroll Rd. on March 5. Participants will work with real tools used to collect sap, observe sap being made into syrup, and taste the delicious results. Participants will also learn the anatomy of the sugar maple, how pioneers and Native Americans made syrup, and how we do it today. There will be a 90-minute presentation offered at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Cost is $6 per person (ages 3+) and pre-registration is required. To sign up go to www.indyparks.org and search syrup; or call Southeastway Park at 327-4834. This is a very interesting program for kids and adults.
• Indiana Grown recently announced a new initiative, the Homegrown by Heroes program. The program supports local veterans with agricultural businesses, offering them a way to brand their goods with a specially-designed logo so consumers can buy goods raised by them. Veterans with agricultural businesses can apply for the program by contacting Suzi Spahr at 317-234-7707 or sspahr@isda.in.gov
• On March 10 at 7 p.m. the Quilters Guild of Indianapolis will hold a general meeting at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St. Crafty Ol’ Broads will present a program. For more information, visit www.quiltguildindy.net
• Poets are encouraged to submit an original poem for the chance to be the Official Poet for the 100th running of the Indy 500. The winning poet will receive a cash prize, two tickets to the race and a chance to read their poem at the track. The contest revives a tradition from the 1920s when an official poem was included in the race day program. Submission guidelines are available at www.IndianaHumanities.org/500poet. Submissions are due by Mon., March 21.
• Suzanne Koehler has joined Community Health Network as the vice president and chief operations officer of the network’s East Region, which includes Community Hospital East.
• IMPD East District, along with Englewood Christian Church and Fervent Prayer Church are hosting a community forem on the two focus areas on the east side. The forum on NY and Sherman will be held March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Englewood Christian Church, 57 N. Rural. The forum on 42nd and Post will be held March 16 at 6 p.m. at Fervent Prayer Church, 10512 E. 38th St. There will be a question and answer period at each forum.