• Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. It is a federal, state, and city holiday but trash pickup will not be affected. All government offices will be closed to observe the holiday.
• The Historic Irvington Community Council will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 S. Johnson Ave. This is the last meeting this year of the council, and they will have a main speaker. Please attend this meeting if you want to know more about what the city has planned for this neighborhood park and other issues affecting Irvington.
• Please do not blow or rake leaves into the street. They will clog the rain intakes on streets and cause flooding. If you must remove leaves from your property, please bag them and put them on the curb for pickup on trash day. Better yet, leave them under the trees, where they can protect beneficial insects, break down into fertilizer and improve the soil.
• The Benton House Holiday Bazaar & Toy Drive will honor our own Santa Steve Nicewanger Friday, Nov. 18 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave. There will be several vendors with unique gift-giving items in the historic home. In addition, they will be accepting toy donations in memory of Steve, who was a board member and their Santa for the holidays. Toys will be donated to Gaia Works to be distributed to kids in need. It is a short walk from the Bona Thompson Center to the Benton House, so hit both if you can!
• The Indy Winter Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd. They have several fresh vegetable and fruit vendors, plus baked goods, dairy, and personal care products. Get out there and support our local food producers!
• The North Split project is moving right along, and the Pine St. and College Ave. ramps are now open. Ohio St. remains closed. To get up-to-date information on the project, which should be completed sometime next year, visit INDOT’s Facebook page, #northsplit.
• ProZack, the Sad Elf is back and as dismal as ever Dec. 2-23 at the Phoenix Theatre. Ben Asaykwee is the North Pole’s saddest elf, and his annual dark poetry reading in Santa’s workshop break room is not going according to plan. Shows are Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission, $25 for students. Visit phoenixtheatre.org or call 317-635-7529 for tickets. The Phoenix is located at 705 N. Illinois St. These tickets sell out fast, so make reservations now.