• Indy Neighborhood Cats will host a winter shelter build on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m.-noon at Indianapolis Animal Services, 2600 Harding St. They will build 1,000 styrofoam shelters for neighborhood cats to use this winter. Please come out and help if you can.
• The Indianapolis Public Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture will host its first Black Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. It includes free health screenings and resources from more than 30 vendors, including Eskenazi Health, the Damien Center, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and the city’s clinician-led response team.
• All local Menards stores are participating in a food drive for local pantries throughout October. You can make your donations at the exit doors. Stores have grocery departments for immediate donations.
• The last Irvington Farmers Market of the year will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12 from noon-3 p.m. at Ellenberger Park. Produce, meat, cheese, and more will be available for sale. The market also has many artisans and community organization booths, plus music and food. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon in fall!
• The New Pal Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon-3 p.m. at 11 East Main St. You can decorate a scarecrow, wear your Halloween costume, and visit the Main St. businesses. You can even brush a Highland Cow! Great fun for the whole family.
• The Cumberland Police Dept. will host a Trail and Treat party for kids on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 3-5 p.m. along the Lions Club and Buck Creek Trail Loop at 301 Buck Creek Rd. Wander along the trail, decorated for the occasion, and trick or treat from local businesses that have set up spots, along with organizations and neighbors. There will be activities for kids, and admission is free. Dress up in your costume, and all are welcome.
• The BIG Red Box Project is in need of non-perishable items for its boxes. Peanut butter, cereal, canned foods, and proteins are especially welcome for families who are food insecure in our community. Please donate to one of four boxes: 111 S. Downey Ave., Community Hospital East, 30 N. Audubon Circle, and 2015 S. Arlington. Donations can be dropped any time. Please, no fresh produce.
• Fido Indy is hosting an online doggie photo contest. There is still time to enter your pup in their scary costumes at www.gogophotocontest/fidoindy. Check out their Facebook page for all the entries so far.
• All Indianapolis Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indianapolis DPW trash services will run on their usual schedules. City and state offices will be closed to observe the day.