• MSD Warren Township has been named one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education for the fifth consecutive year. The BCME program recognizes school districts that demonstrate support for K-12 music education by administration, faculty, students, and community. Warren Township is one of 14 Indiana school districts, and 274 in the United States, to earn this designation.
• Very sorry to hear of the passing of Ivey Long, who was a fixture on the arts and theatre scene in Indianapolis. She volunteered for several organizations, especially IndyFringe. She will be missed.
• The Irvington Black Hat Society have been busy little witches, stitching up over 1,400 face masks for local hospitals, including Community East & North, Franciscan Health, and the Magic Candle Gaia Works. The ladies and gents of IBHS do more than just dance in the street — they give back to the community in many ways.
• Brookside Community Developemtn Corp. has a prepared meal delivery program for low-income residents who live between Rural/Keystone to Arlington, and Washington St. to 30th St. Visit rock.bccindy.org/fooddelivery
• According to the Stay-at-Home order in Indiana, it’s okay to do yard work, or have someone do yard work for you. If you don’t feel like doing it, please check out our Home Service section in the paper to find someone who can give your lawn a haircut at a reasonable price.
• The New Horizons Band of Indianapolis is probably the best kept secret in the city. Comprised of seniors, the band practices twice a week and performs at various venues throughout the area (that is, pre-pandemic). They play a wide variety of music — from classical, Big Band, Broadway, and marches. Visit www.newhorizonsbandindy.com to hear and learn more about this grassroots organization.
• The Broad Ripple Farmers Market intends to open May 2 with some changes. The market, which runs every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon May through September, is considered an essential service. They will not be able to set up at Broad Ripple High School, so are seeking an alternative site. They will not permit eating or drinking at the market, and encourage pre-orders from vendors to minimize wait times. No dogs will be allowed at the market, and everyone is encouraged to wear a face mask. They will have more information about the market online at broadrippleindy.org
• The BMV has increased the number of branches open by appointment only to process new Commercial Learner’s Permits, new CDLs, and upgrade or downgrades for the CDL. These branches remain open only to complete transactions critical to support the need to continually increase the number of newly licensed commercial truck drivers supporting the Hoosier state, for both business and agriculture. For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/bmv/4509.htm. To schedule an appointment, call the BMV Contact Center at 888-692-6841.