• Congratulations to Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside for receiving a $3,500 grant from the Brave Heart Foundation to support their spay/neuter assistance program. The Indy-based Brave Heart Foundation assists and supports programs that help underserved populations with special emphasis on children and families through education, health and wellness, and grassroots community action programs and services.
• Martin University is adding Cybersecurity and Data Analytics to two of its programs. Cybersecurity will become part of its BSc in Criminal Justice and Data Analytics will be a concentration of the BSc in Business Administration program.
• The Cumberland Parks Board invites residents to meet on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. at the Community Room in Stillinger Family-Hendrix Funeral Home, 1780 W. Main St., for a variety of activities, including board games, genealogy classes, card games, and outdoor activities along Cumberland Trails. For more information, text David Daniels, Committee Chair at 317-662-8080.
• IMPD will hold a Blood Drive in honor of Breann Leath, the police officer who was killed on April 9, 2020. The drive will be held Friday, April 19 from noon-6 p.m. at IMPD East District headquarters, 201 N. Shadeland. For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
• IPS is excited to announce the IPS Alumni Networking Mixer! This event will bring together IPS alumni and district staff to learn more about helping students and the community, as well as meeting and engaging with other alumni members. This event is for IPS alumni, ages 21+. Limited tickets are available starting March 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. at one ticket (FREE) per alumni. Registration will be available at ipsalumnimixer24.eventbrite.com The event is on Sunday, April 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Pins Mechanical Co. (856 Carrollton Ave.)
• It’s technically spring, and for those who’d like to start their gardens, remember that Indianapolis Public Library branches have a Seed Library. You can pick up a variety of seeds for free at any branch (one packet per variety limit). Seeds for flowers, vegetables and herbs are available, plus the library has books that can help you get your garden growing!
• The Grace Tuxedo Park Neighborhood Association is organizing a cleanup on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m.-noon for a massive effort to clean up the Linwood Plaza area. Register at www.kibi.org/volunteer/projects to find the date and location to meet to get supplies.
• On Saturday, March 30 from 10-11 a.m., the Benton House will host an Egg-Stravaganza. Kids can hunt for treat-filled eggs hidden through the historic gardens and pose with the Easter Bunny. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. on the dot, so don’t delay. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated. The Benton House is located at 312 S. Downey Ave.
• Kids can also enjoy an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at the Community Justice Campus, 695 Justice Way, in Twin-Aire, courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Bring your own basket and drop by for fun and a chance to visit the Easter Bunny.