• Sad news for us eastsiders. Jim Richter, the “Broom Guy” who sold his brooms regularly on various corners in the neighborhood, passed away after a brief illness. His son posted on social media that he passed peacefully on May 26. There will be a short visitation on Friday, June 3 at 11 a.m. with a service at noon at Leppert Mortuary at 740 E. 86th St. His son also noted that he had some remaining inventory and would take them to a regular location for the last sale in the near future. He will post on Jim’s Facebook account the particulars of the sale. Mr. Richter was a familiar and much beloved sight in the Irvington area.
• The Friends of Irving Circle Park announced that their first concert in two years will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m. and will feature Audio Diner. The Circle on S. Audubon will be closed to traffic so people can enjoy the music. Hot dogs, brats, popcorn, pop, and water will be available for sale with proceeds going to help maintain the park.
• The Indianapolis Public Library has free gun locks available. Patrons can ask a staff member at their nearest branch location for a free lock. If the branch does not have any locks on hand, branch staff can request as many as the patron needs and they will be sent to the branch in 1-5 business days. The gun locks are provided in partnership with The Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
• On June 4th, the Irvington Historical Society opens the first half of an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority at Butler. This first portion of the exhibit, “Sigma Gamma Rho: Walking in the Footsteps of Founders” sets the stage to introduce the seven founders in July. See the entire exhibit as well as view the on-line self-guided tour of the old Butler campus beginning this weekend at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.
• Wheeler Ave. in Lawrence will be closed for the month of June for IndyGo Purple Line construction. Detours will be marked around the construction.
• Dance Kaleidoscope presents Classic to Contemporary, a show that spans several musical styles, at the Lawrence Theater at the Fort June 3-5, 8920 Otis Ave. Shows will be 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for seniors and students. Visit artsforlawrence.org to order tickets.
• Congratulations to Marcus Ericsson, winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 on May 29. It was a great race in front of a near sold out crowd under clear skies. Pato O’Ward came in second, and Tony Kanaan was third. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
• The 56th Annual Indy Strawberry Festival will be held Thursday, June 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monument Circle. The Cathedral Women of Christ Church Cathedral host this every year. They’ll serve up “The Works” for $8 with real homemade shortcake, ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream.