• IMPD has begun Phase II of their gunshot detection system rollout. All three vendors will have their systems operational so that IMPD can collect data on the systems. However, officers will not be responding the gunshots detected by the systems yet; please continue to call in “shots fired” in the neighborhood by calling 911. They are trying to determine if the technology will help law enforcement in the long run.
• The Neighborhood Food Collective held its last summer food giveaway on Sept. 18, where they helped over 200 people who are food insecure. The need in our community is great, and continues throughout the year. If you are able, please consider donating non-perishable goods to area food boxes, including the big red box at 30 N. Audubon Circle, the Community Hospital box at 16th and Ritter, Downey Ave. Christian Church (111 S. Downey Ave.), Irvington Books and Vinyl at the corner of Bonna and S. Audubon, the box at Arlington and Beechwood, and the box in front of the Emerson Baptist Church at Emerson and Michigan.
• Buck Creek Players opens “Over My Dead Body” on Friday, Sept. 30, running for six performances at the Playhouse. This haunting good time of a play runs through Sunday, Oct. 9. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. Buy tickets online at www.buckcreekplayers.com. Buck Creek Playhouse is located at 11150 Southeastern Ave. Call 317-862-2270 to place reservations over the phone.
• “Kurt Vonnegut: My Lives’ Stories” by Todd Wronski comes to the District Theater direct from the Edinburgh Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2. The show is taken from Vonnegut’s life, including his beginnings in Indianapolis. Ticket are $15-$25 and available online at indydistricttheatre.org.
• The Riley Festival will be held Thursday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 9 in Greenfield. This year’s theme is James Whitcomb Riley’s classic poem “Little Orphant Annie.” The festival hours are 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Flower Parade will be held on Friday at 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Pennsey Trail entrance on South St.
• The State of Indiana has received approval from the Federal Highway Administration for its plan to use federal funding to building a statewide electric vehicle charging network. The plan approval clears the way for the state to work with public and private partners to begin investing nearly $100 million over the next five years to bolster the availability of fast, reliable EV charging infrastructure. Once complete, every Hoosier will be within 40 miles of a charging station.
• Newfields hosts Harvest Nights through Oct. 31. The slightly creepy but beautiful grounds are decked out for the season. Timed tickets ensure that the walks will not be too crowded. Tickets for non-members are $45 and must be purchased online at discovernewfields.org.