• Happy 5th Anniversary to West Fork Whiskey Company in the Kennedy-King neighborhood! The craft distiller has a cool space at 1660 N. Bellefontaine St. and serves up some very fine whiskeys, bourbons, and a great selection of signature cocktails. Check them out online at www.westforkwhiskey.com for an overview of their offerings and hours of operation. It’s great to see a small business growing in an up-and-coming neighborhood!
• Health and Heritage Region, a collaboration to improve aspects of Hancock County, recently broke ground on the Depot Street Park. The new park, located along the Pennsy in Greenfield between Riley and Pennsylvania, will feature an amphitheater and seating.
• Jill Ditmire, one of the most committed and enthusiastic arts journalists in Indianapolis, passed away suddenly on Feb. 1. Ditmire anchored several of WFYI’s local culture programs, plus was known as a food and wine connoisseur. She owned the Mass Ave. Wine Shop and Cafe downtown, and was an American Wine Specialist certified judge. She will be missed terribly by the community.
• Author Carol Sissom will sign books on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 1-2 p.m. at Relics Redesigned (935 E. Hanna Ave.). She’ll be featuring her latest, The Clue at the Haunted Bridge of the Monon Trail. Masks are required in the shop.
• First Friday is upon us, and once again, local art venues will be holding virtual events. Visit HarrisonCenter.org/buy-art to see the latest from Derrick Carter and other artists in the Harrison. Circle City Industrial Complex will also hold a virtual tour on their Facebook page (circlecityind).
• OnyxFest, the yearly Indy Fringe showcase of Black playwrights, is streaming 2020’s six works online. The free virtual performances are available through Butler University’s Arts and Events Center Web site, butlerartscenter.org/onyxfest-2020, and through WFYI, the local PBS station, throughout February. The performances are free.
• The Bicentennial Commission announced the deadline for Marion County youth artists to design and submit their entries for the city’s Bicentennial Youth Art Contest had been extended until February 21. The youth art contest seeks original submissions created by students from across Indianapolis/Marion County (grades 6-12) that are inspired by one of the four Bicentennial themes: History, Civic Pride, Innovation, or Legacy. Students, teachers, and parents/legal guardians are encouraged to visit indyturns.com/youthart to learn more and submit artwork.
• If you or a loved one are at risk of being evicted due to loss of income due to the pandemic, help is available. The City of Indianapolis has received funds to help with rental assistance — call 211 to find out how to apply. If you are a homeowner who is at risk of foreclosure, you may be able to find help at 877gethope.org.