Applause!: March 3-9

• Very interesting find recently at the 10th and Emerson construction site. Seems workers found a “message in a bottle” from the 1930s and the original builder on the site. Visit messageinabottlehunter.com for the Feb. 22 blog post by Cliff Huntington and find out all about a very famous eastsider.
• Brookside Park has a new Girl Scout Troop and is accepting new members. They meet every first and third Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the Brookside Park Family Center, 3500 Brookside Parkway S. Dr. There will be a registration day on March 6 at 5 p.m. Registration, uniforms, activities, and snack are all provide free.
• The Auxiliary to Community Hospital East will sponsor a Masquerade $5 Jewelry and Accessories “Around the Clock Sale” in the breezeway near the main lobby.  Begins Monday, March 13, at 7 p.m., Ends Wednesday, March 15, at 3 p.m.   Payment by Cash, Debit/Credit Cards and Payroll Deduction.  Proceeds to benefit hospital programs/services.  For further information, please contact Volunteer Services at 355-5120, 1500 N. Ritter Ave, Indianapolis.
• On Mon., March 6, Congressman Andre Carson will host his fourth annual Youth Opportunities Fair in cooperation with EmployIndy, JAG Indiana, the Marion County Commission on Youth, and the Indianapolis Public Library. It will take place from noon -7 p.m. at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair, and it is free and open to the public. The goal of the Youth Opportunities Fair is to present students and parents with a variety of year-round and summer options for youth of all ages. In addition to job opportunities for teens and young adults, this event will feature local service providers and other groups that offer summer and year-round programs, internships and volunteer opportunities designed for young people.
• Last weekend to see Four Spirits: The Play at Downey Ave. Christian Church, 111 S. Downey Ave. This emotional, moving play has been getting rave reviews. Shows are March 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. Order tickets for $12 online at fourspirits.brownpapertickets.com/
• The Irvington Performing Arts Academy is raising funds for a special lighting rig that the technical theater class will work with, learning how lighting works, and running them during productions. The goal is to have an entirely student run production. To contribute to the project, visit their GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/IPAASpotlight or call founder and artistic director Michelle Shea-Russell at 317-319-4914.
• The Indiana Dept. of Transportation, Amtrak, and other community partners have announced that they have upgraded to modern railcars as of March 1. The Hoosier State service offers Wi-Fi, power outlets, friendly carry-on baggage policies, and much more at very affordable rates. The train operates four days a week between Indianapolis and Chicago, with stops in Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer, and Dyer. Visit www.Amtrak.com for more information about fares and schedules.