• The Monumental Marathon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5. Expect many road closures downtown during the race, and delayed openings for many downtown businesses. Central Library will be closed that day. The race starts at 8 a.m. and starts and ends near the Indiana Statehouse and passes by many Indy landmarks. It is a sell-out event, so downtown will be very crowded Saturday. Plan accordingly.
• The state has launched the “Believe in You” campaign for young people that is meant to help them build a strong sense of self, so they can better resist substance abuse, and develop coping techniques and self control. Visit believeinu.today or opt into the program by texting BEYOU to 877-861-6807. Organizations can also opt into this program to help at-risk youth through the Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
• The first Black Hat Society of Historic Irvington Cackling Contest at the Street Fair was a resounding success. The Act 1 Public Cackling winner was Hillary Brown, and Cara Moczygemba won among the witches in Act 2. The group is looking forward to holding the contest again next year, so it is time to start practicing!
• The Maurice Young Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 1-7 p.m. at Central Library will allow patrons to learn about the services and programs provided by local organizations to help those who are experiencing homelessness. There will be health screenings and information for seniors, youth, and veterans experiencing homelessness. Central Library is located at 40 E. St. Clair.
• Kan-Kan Cinema will be hosting part of the LGBT Film Fest starting Friday, Nov. 11 featuring a fine line-up of films with LGBT themes. The festival, which runs through Nov. 20, includes streaming films as well. Visit indylgbtfilmfest.com for more information and to get tickets.
• The FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic is pausing its community cat services for the winter. They do this yearly, as it is risky to trap cats in unpredictable weather. FACE has provided services to more than 1,500 community cats in the past year, and will resume its services after winter has passed. Indy Neighborhood Cats (www.indyneighborhoodcats.org) will be handing out winter shelters soon to help community cats weather the season.
• Save the Date: Englewood Community Development and Near Eastside Quality of Life will host a summit about food on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Westminster Neighborhood Services, located at N. Keystone and New York St. The discussion will be about food, food insecurity in the community, and solutions. Bring an unheated snack to share, or an item to donate to the food pantry (non-perishable).