Applause!: Sept. 15-21

• Very sad to hear that TV newsman and eastsider Howard Caldwell passed away at 92. Born and raised in Irvington, and a graduate of Howe High School, Caldwell was an anchor and reporter at WRTV-6 for almost 40 years. He was also a World War II veteran, plus an author of two books — Hinkle and The Golden Age of Indianapolis Theaters. Visitation is Thurs., Sept. 14 from 2-8 p.m. at Castleton United Methodist Church. 7101 Shadeland Ave., with funeral services at the same location Sept. 15 at 11 a.m.
• Otterbein Neighborhood Association will have their Community Meeting Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. in the basement of Otterbein UM church (5009 E. 21st St.).
• Partners for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is holding a special Pet Adoption Weekend on Sat., Sept. 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  PAWS will be at the Tractor Supply, 1645 N State St., Greenfield  and on Sun., Sept. 17, PAWS will be at the PetSmart, 2211 Barrett Dr., Greenfield from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. There will be lots of kittens, cats, and dogs available for adoption at both events. Vist their Web site at www.pawshancock.org for more information.
• The Irvington Garden Club is looking for volunteers to help plant 1,000 daffodils along Pleasant Run Parkway North beginning at Arlington on Oct. 14. They need 40 volunteers with shovels and trowels to work in teams of two or three. If interested, call Melany at 317-356-5717 or Rosemary at 317-353-1883 (e-mail rosemarytudor@gmail.com).
• Remember all that enthusiasm and hard work that went into cleaning up the neighborhoods in spring? All those volunteers and trash bags and elbow grease? Autumn officially begins Sept. 22, and it looks like the litterbugs have really stepped up their efforts to undo all the good work we’ve done. Before the cold weather sets in and the trash gets buried under the leaves, take a few minutes to pick up the trash in the alley behind you, the vacant lot, and in your fence line. It will make next spring’s clean-ups easier!
• Remember that September is Hunger Awareness Month! Food pantries need your help — the next time you’re out shopping for groceries, pick up a canned good to drop off at one of our many local pantries. Gaia Works inside the Magic Candle in Irvington is always in need of canned proteins, personal care items, and paper goods so they can fill bags for hungry seniors in our community. There are food boxes outside in free food pantries, including one at Emerson Ave. Baptist Church at the corner of New York and Emerson, and one at 17th and Gladstone. These boxes have become an important part of getting food to those in our community who cannot get to pantries during business hours, or don’t have transportation.
• Cabaret Poe, the annual musical for the Halloween-minded, is back, this time at Circle Center on the top floor beginning Oct. 13. Want tickets? Visit www.qartistry.org for more information.