• The Irvington Historical Society will reopen Saturday, June 27 for limited hours — 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (closed on Wednesdays). There are some wonderful exhibits on display, including an extended stay of the Warren Central Photography Club’s exhibition. Originally slated to open in March, the high school students and staff put a huge amount of time and effort into showcasing the talents of these budding photographers — but no one got to see it before the shutdown hit and the Bona had to close. Now’s your chance to view these beautiful photos! The exhibition will run through July 19. The Bona also features “Steeped in History: Commercial” — an exhibit of commercial properties in Irvington that were once residences. While you are there at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave., please check out the great selection of local history books and buy one for your collection, or make a donation to the cause!
• Julie Young, the site supervisor for the NJTL summer tennis program, sends word that the program will not be held at Ellenberger Park this year, but has moved to Stonybrook Middle School for the summer. Cost is $75 per child for the summer. For more information, see #indynjtl
• Indy Parks will kick off its free Summer Concert and Movie series at Garfield Park on Friday, June 26 at 9:00 p.m. with a special screening of The Lion King. For Friday’s drive-in movie, volunteers will provide traffic control and radio tune-in instructions for the movie’s audio frequency. Throughout the summer, park visitors can enjoy four movies and 16 concerts at Broad Ripple Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Garfield Park, and Eagle Creek Park. Virtual performances will soon be available on the Indy Parks YouTube channel. For more information about Indy Parks and the Summer Concert and Movie series visit parks.indy.gov or call (317) 327-PARK. Concert and movie details are also available @IndyParksConcerts on Facebook.
• If you can, visit Mass Ave. to see some of the remarkable murals that have been placed on store windows. Inspiring, empowering messages seem to have sprouted up spontaneously. In addition, the Indianapolis Art Council is working to preserve them for posterity.
• The near Eastside Quality of Life Plan has recently been certified and is available for residents to view. Over 1,000 near Eastside neighbors gave over 3,000 volunteer hours to create the plan. Visit http://neareastplan.org/ for more information about this comprehensive initiative to make the near eastside an even better place than it is today.
• The Beech Grove Senior Citizens Center will reopen July 1, unless the city extends the closure. The center, located at 602 Main St., offers services such as transportation, recreation, information, and much more. Call 317-788-4987 for more information.
• The Acoustic Open Mic will take place on the deck at the Irving Theatre on Monday, June 29 from 7-9 p.m. Performers are allowed about 5 minutes or 1-2 songs throughout the evening as time allows. Come enjoy original music from local talent. The deck is located on Johnson Ave. just south of the Irving at 5505 E. Washington St. Admission is free — you don’t have to be a musician!
• While the Indianapolis area continues to open up to “business as usual,” realize that COVID-19 is still very much with us. Please help protect others (and yourself) from the virus by wearing a face mask in public, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining physical distancing guidelines of 6 ft. from others.