• April 22 is Earth Day, and Indy Parks will have a clean-up day at all our local public parks. Bring a friend, your own gloves, trash bags and pickers (limited supplies will be available from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful at the parks) and go out between noon and dusk.
• As of April 13, the Indiana Dept. of Health is suspending the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine over concerns it is linked to blood clots. The J & J vaccine required one dose — the “one and done” shot. The Speedway mass vaccination drive-through is included in that suspension, and will switch to the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses. Other clinics offering the J & J vaccine are also affected. If you have an appointment for this vaccine, you should be informed via text message about changes.
• If you have old prescription drugs in the house, disposing of them can be an issue. This year’s annual “National Drug Take Back Day” will be held on Saturday, April 24. Locations for drop-offs include the Indiana State Police headquarters at8620 E. 21st St., plus several fire stations in the city. Visit takebackday.dea.gov for a list of locations.
• MSD Warren Township has been named one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education for the sixth consecutive year. The BCME program recognizes school districts that demonstrate support for K-12 music education by administration, faculty, students, and community. Of 13,506 U.S. school districts, 686 were selected as Best Communities, and of 291 Indiana school districts, only 17 were selected as Best Communities. Warren Township is one of only two Indianapolis school districts to be named Best Communities for Music Education in 2021.
• There will be a free paper shredding and appliance recycling event in Beech Grove on Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to noon behind City Hall. No tube TVs or toxic materials will be accepted for appliance recycling. City Hall is located at 806 Main St.
• The Enlightenment Expo will be held Saturday, April 17 from noon- 6 p.m. at the Irvington Lodge (5515 E. Washington St.). Tickets should be purchased in advance at the Magic Candle (203 S. Audubon) for $20 (includes a free 10 minute reading). Visit www.magickcandle.com for more information. All proceeds go to support Gaia Works’ senior citizen’s food pantry.
• The Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie at 1258 Windsor St. has been unable to open to the public for films and great food, but they have introduced an outdoor film experience beginning April 21 at 8 p.m. at the Play Ground at IndyFringe (719 E. St. Clair). They’ll kick off with a showing of Mad Max: Fury Road. To get tickets, visit their Web site, kankanindy.com. General admission is $12.
• The deadline for applying for the Mary Moriarity Adams Memorial Scholarship is April 30. For more information on how to apply, visit www.in.gov/H100. The Historic Irvington Community Council administers the scholarship.