• INDOT’s annual Paint the Plow campaign for 2018 has begun. Each INDOT District invites art classes and program from middle and high schools to paint a snow plow blade with original artwork to represent their school. The deadline for applications is March 15. Visit www.in.gov/indot/3427.htm to download an application and more information.
• Eastsiders should be proud of the amount of work recently completed at the overlooked gem of a park, Brookside. On Jan. 15, Indy Parks unveiled Brookside Park’s new lighting and reception area, refurbished auditorium and stage, expanded kitchen facility, and more, all recently transformed by more than 300 Citizens Energy Group employees and volunteers. The project at Brookside Park is part of Citizens’ 10th Sharing the Dream event, which honors the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through the Brookside Park project, Citizens and its partners donated close to $900,000 (includes in-kind contributions) and 2,000 volunteer hours. This year’s enhancements include new trees, extending a portion of Pogue’s Run Trail and restoring the disc golf course.
• Families and individuals of all ages are invited to spend an afternoon playing board games and card games at the Warren branch of the Indianapolis Public Library Jan. 20 from 2-4 p.m. There will be games for all ages. The library is located at 9701 E. 21st St.
• Ever wanted to learn more about owls? There’s a chance coming up thanks to the Indy Parks Owl Prowl Weekend Jan. 26-28 at Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd. Kids can make owl crafts in the lobby each day from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (free), meet a real live owl from 10:00-10:30 p.m. or 3:00-3:30 p.m. Sat., Jan/ 27, take a family morning bird hike on Sun., Jan 28 from 8-9 a.m., or a night hike ($7 per person, pre-registration required on the Indy Parks web site) on Jan. 26 or Jan. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This year has been especially active for snowy owls.
• The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a petition that will allow the former St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Fletcher Ave. to be re-envisioned as a multi-use facility. According to the petition, there will likely be several ventures on the property, including a pharmaceutical distributor/repackaging operation, a small cable and harness facility, publishing and art promotion space, and general office space. This looks like a promising and creative use for the church, which was closed in 2014.
• The Noblesville Lions Club will host its first annual dodgeball tournament on Sat., March 10 at noon, at the Ivy Tech College Gym, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. Proceeds will be used to support programs for the blind and for leader dogs. Registration for the eight-member teams is currently underway. Teams, which may be co-ed, are encouraged to form and register as soon as possible so that T-shirts may be ordered. Teams pay an entry fee of $80, or $10 per team member. The fees will cover the expenses of T-shirts with names or logos and medals for the winning and runner-up teams. For more information or to register, text or call David Marsh at 317-690-5856 or e-mail davestravel1@prodigy.net.