• The Salvation Army has started a “Rescue Christmas” campaign to help others in need. Due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their capability to provide services for the most vulnerable. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org/Rescue-Christmas to donate and find out more about how we can all help rescue the holidays for the needy this year.
• The beautiful, vivid sunsets we’ve been experiencing in Indiana have been caused by smoke from the massive fires in the West. So much smoke has entered the upper atmosphere that we’re getting the sun’s rays filtered through it, turning the skies orange and red. Hard to believe something so beautiful is created from so much devastation so far away.
• The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will hold a Community Sing, an outdoor socially-distanced evening of communal singing, featuring a selection of repertoire from classical choral masterworks, the Justice Choir Songbook, and familiar patriotic tunes. The Sing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania Ave. With the option to sing along or sit and enjoy as a listener, Community Sing is an event for singers and lovers of music alike. Patrons must bring their own chairs, masks and snacks, and have the option to print their own music or download a PDF to their phone or tablet. Paper copies will not be provided to eliminate person-to-person contact during COVID-19.
• Just in time for fall gardening, there will be a plant sale on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m.- noon (both days) sponsored by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. You can visit their Web site, indyculturaltrail.org/support/fall-plant-sale to see plant options and to order online to pick up later, or visit the headquarters at 132 W. Walnut St. to browse their selection. Proceeds go to support the trail.
• Congratulations to the Lutherwood Academy for recently receiving a $55,000 grant from the Efroymson Family Fund to help buy educational technology and new furniture. This will help them buy Chromebooks, whiteboards, and other equipment for students who are doing online learning during the pandemic.
• Pathways over Pogue’s (POP), will be competing for a chance at a $100,000 grant from Gannett. From noon Sept.21 till noon Oct.16, and only during that time period, POP must raise at least $6,000 in order to be eligible for a chance at one of three $100,000 merit grants from Gannett. From those who raise at least $6,000 during that time, winners will be determined based on the worthiness of the projects. During that time period only donations should go to: www.mightycause.com/story/Popindy instead of POP’s normal Web site. No donations before noon Sept.21 or after noon Oct. 16 will count towards the $6000, nor will donations made on POP’s Web site or by check.