• The Phoenix Theatre is going through some exciting changes in leadership. Bill Simmons, who has been their artistic director since 2018, is taking on the role of Ignite campaign director. Constance Macy will serve as interim artistic director. Iris Dillon has been named community engagement director. The Phoenix will be presenting Love Bird, which runs through Feb. 20. Visit phoenixtheatre.org for more information and to get tickets.
• Voting for the Coolest Thing Made in Indiana is in the quarter finals, and it is coming down to the wire. Among the near-finalists are the Hoosier Bat Company, Old 55 Distillery, Wood-Mizer, and Warm Glow Candle Company. If you’d like to find out more about the companies and how to vote, visit www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.
• Warm-up vehicle thefts are on the rise. IMPD reminds everyone to never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you are away from it, even for a minute. Keep valuables out of the car or at least out of sight — that includes kid’s backpacks, purses, cell phones, etc. Only park in busy, well-lighted areas. Use your alarm system, if you have one. Don’t make it easy for the bad guys to grab your car.
• The sledding hill at Ellenberger Park is still available for use. Use caution and watch out for one another. Other parks also have sledding “features” including Paul Ruster on the far eastside, Garfield Park, Brookside Park, and Christian Park.
• IMPD invites residents see what district serves them and join in town halls. The schedule is: Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. Downtown District, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. East District, March 14 at 6 p.m. Northeast District, March 28 at 6 p.m. Southwest District, and April 11 at 6 p.m. North District. East District also has regular citizen meetings at their headquarters that are open to the public and very informative.
• You may have noticed the spiffy billboards around town with positive messages. This is part of a violence prevention project in collaboration with Reagan Outdoor Advertising and VOICES Corp. It is hoped that the messages, written by young people, will empower communities by giving them a voice and opportunity. Keep your eyes open for these billboards throughout the city.
• Did you know that the Prosecutor’s Office teamed up with IMPD and other agencies to distribute $25 gift cards donated by Jiffy Lube for minor repairs like tail lights to be given out instead of issuing tickets? Last year, 84 people were helped this way. We hope this program can continue!
• Tickets to the IRT’s 2022 Celebrity Radio Show are available now. The production will be The Mysterious Tale of the Maskerade Ball: A Dystopian Night of Mirth & Madness, featuring Tom Griswold, Steve Campbell of the Colts, and many more. This is a fundraiser to help keep the IRT doors open. Tickets are $150 and available online at irtlive.com.