• Concerned OG, a group of former “original gangsters,” has started a campaign on the east side to take back the streets. Their first neighborhood walk was Aug. 29 near 38th and Sherman, an area on the east side that has seen more than their fair share of violence. They have partnered with the 10 Point Coalition, an organization that has been successful in reducing crime on the northwest side of Indy. Good to see concerned citizens working for positive change.
• Speaking of working to make our neighborhoods better, IMPD East District’s monthly task force meeting will be on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at East District headquarters, 201 N. Shadeland. These are informational meetings between citizens and police and are a great way to find out about crime prevention programs in our neighborhoods.
• The Warren Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library, 9701 E. 21st St., will be closed from Mon., Aug. 29 through Thurs., Sept. 1 for necessary construction activity as part of its major renovation. The $1.1 million renovation of the 15,740-square-foot facility, which opened in 1974, is estimated for completion in November.
• Save the date: The Irvington Acoustic Blues Festival will be happening at the Irving Theater, 5505 E. Washington St. on Sept. 18 from noon-6 p.m. This free festival for all ages will feature some great local talent, including Gene Deer, Gordon Bonham, Jason Hathaway, Delta Duo, and many more.
• This weekend, the 10th Annual Howe Block Party will be held Aug. 27 from 5-11 p.m. at 2 Johnson, closing Johnson Ave. for the evening. Howe alumni will be there having a great time, so if you are a Howe grad, stop by and see some old friends.
• Also make sure to check out the IN Light In first annual Indy Light Festival this weekend on the Downtown Canal and Cultural Trail along Walnut St. To find specific locations, etc. visit www.inlightinfestival.org/
• The First Friday events taking place Sept. 2 throughout the city offer free opportunities to experience a wide range of art and artists. Check out the Circle City Industrial Complex at 1125 E. Brookside Ave. from 5-9 p.m., featuring photography, contemporary painting, experimental/experiential artwork, and more. Kipp Normand will be featured at the Harrison Center for the Arts at 1505 N. Delaware. Fountain Square is hopping with iMOCA at 1043 Virginia Ave., plus many small galleries up and down Virginia and Prospect. Art Bank at 811 Mass Ave. will feature mixed media artist Terremce Loftus and his show, “Maze of Media.”
• Summer is winding down, which means festival and craft fair season is ramping up! The Weekly View is a free community newspaper reaching 25,000 readers every week (and thousands more online at weeklyview.net). Ad rates for festivals and fairs for nonprofits begin at only $49 per week, full color. Our artist can create the ad for you at no additional charge. Give us a call at 317-356-2222 for more information.