• On Mon., April 23, as a part of Earth Day activities, Irvington Community Elementary School was officially recognized as a Certified Schoolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. A big thanks go to the ICES Outdoor Masters Club for creating and maintaining a sustainable habitat for plants and animals, while providing the four basic elements of survival: food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young.
• The Auxiliary to Community Hospital East will sponsor a Flower Sale fundraiser on Tues. and Wed., May 8 and 9. Hours will be Tues. from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wed. 8 a.m. to sellout. Hanging baskets will be $21 each or 2 for $40. Potted geraniums will be $3.50 each. Proceeds benefit the Puppy and Kitty Pillow Program. The hospital is located at 1500 N. Ritter Ave.
• Indy Pit Crew will hold a Community Pet Day on May 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Keenan Stahl Boys & Girls Club, 1949 E. Troy Ave. Discounted vaccines will be available for dogs and cats, plus microchips (free for pits and pit mixes), and low-cost spay/neuter certificates for pits will be available.
• Plan on helping out the good people at Irving Circle Park, who will be holding a cleanup May 12 at 9:30 a.m. Come prepared to help at the park and fountain located two blocks south of Washington St. on Audubon as the group prepares for the Summer Concert Series that will start June 2 with Audio Diner.
• Congratulations to Brandon Warren of Warren Central High School for being named one of America’s top 10 youth volunteers in the U.S. by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. He organized a citywide peace march and community day in Indianapolis to stand against youth violence after the murder of a friend and fellow football player. Brandon will receive a personal award for $5,000, a gold medallion, a trophy for his school, and a grant from the Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of his choice.
• This weekend saw two great successful fundraisers on the east side: The Pathway Over Pogues benefit concert netted over $20,000 to help fund the rebuilding of the historic bridge in Spades Park. The Beastside Brewfest in Irvington brought a huge crowd to Our Lady of Lourdes on Saturday, with funds going to support the Benton House. Organizers and volunteers at both did an amazing job — thank you to everyone!
•Capital City Chorus will be holding a fundraising craft show and bake sale May 5 at 9 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 345 N. Kitley. Admission is $1 or 1 canned good to be donated to local food pantries.
• First Friday in May is May 4 from 6-9 p.m. Check out Radial Point at East 10th St. Christian Church, 2327 E. 10th for a showing of creative items by the Hurt family. In addition, Indiana Landmarks, 1201 N. Central Ave., will have an exhibit on the 10 most endangered historic landmarks. Check out Circle City Industrial Complex at 1125 Brookside Ave. for open studios throughout the building, plus tour RUCKUS makerspaces.