Applause!: Aug. 31-Sept. 6

• Two local high school football programs have made the prestigious Associated Press Top 10 Indiana High School Football poll. Warren Central is ranked #1 in 6A, and New Palestine comes in #1 on the 5A class. Cathedral ranked #2 in 5A. Scecina ranked #2 in 2A. Congratulations to the hard-working coaches, players, and supporters for their achievements!
• Bicycles are now accepted between Indianapolis and Chicago both aboard the Amtrak Hoosier State (Trains 850 & 851), sponsored by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Amtrak Cardinal (Trains 50 & 51), which together provide daily service with intermediate Indiana stops in Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer and Dyer. There is a $10 charge in addition to the railfare. Bicyclists must make reservations to carry their bikes onto the trains and stow them at the direction of the Amtrak conductors. More information is available at Amtrak.com/bikes.
• INPAWS Presents: Invasives, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Irvington Library, 5625 E. Washington St. Learn about the advantages of native plants during a presentation by Tom Hohman of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (INPAWS) Central Chapter. He’ll describe why native plants are better suited for our gardens than using exotic plants from all over the world.
• Speaking of the Indianapolis Public Library, there is One State/One Story initiative that celebrates the classic novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Throughout September, local branches and offsite locations will offer discussions exploring the novel’s themes. If you haven’t read the original, you can take out a copy. Visit www.indypl.org for details about upcoming Frankenstein related events.
• Ladies, have you ever wanted to sing somewhere besides the shower? White River Sound Chorus will be having a try-out on Sat., Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8540 E. 16th St. For more information, call Shar and 317-446-6103 or visit www.WhiteRiverSoundChorus.org for more information.
• There will be a Market on the Pennsy event on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Irvington. This open-air market will be held on the Pennsy Trail at 5547 Bonna Ave. and feature vintage, handmade and unique items. Check out the food trucks and live music and local shops within walking distance. The event is free and family-friendly.
• The City of Indianapolis has given final approval for both Bird and Lime electric scooters to return to the streets of Indianapolis.  The City-County passed an ordinance providing strict guidelines after the scooters appeared in the city. They will relaunch operations on Tues., Sept. 4 downtown. Scooter users cannot ride them on sidewalks, trails, the Canal walkway, or in White River State Park. You must park the scooters upright and leave at least 4 feet of unobstructed passage for pedestrians.