• Based on new CDC recommendations, Indy Parks is lifting its mask requirement inside facilities and family centers. Masks are no longer required to enter Indy Parks buildings, but they are still encouraged regardless of vaccination status. Park staff are continuing to sanitize common areas, and park visitors are encouraged to continue practice social distancing where appropriate.
• On April 14, the Warren Arts and Education Foundation will host its annual fundraising event, a celebration of education, successes, and an amazing community of people who are focused on children, teachers, and their futures. This networking and celebration event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auction, and more. Visit www.warrenfoundation.org/gala to learn more and purchase tickets. The money raised at this event will fund educational projects, grants, and special opportunities for students and staff in MSD of Warren Township schools.
• Alabama St. is closed under I-65 as part of the ongoing North Split interchange reconstruction project. Northbound traffic will be detoured up Fort Wayne St. to Central Ave. while southbound traffic will be redirected onto 16th St. to Central Ave. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be routed along 10th and 13th streets to Central Ave. The closure is anticipated to continue through mid-March.
• The 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off Thursday, March 17 at 11:30 p.m. on North St. There will be a block/tent party with live entertainment. Head over the Manley’s Irish Mutt (10th & Shortridge), then maybe swing by McGinley’s Golden Ace’s 89th Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! With the lifting of restrictions, expect a big turnout at all the Irish pubs on the east side. Please celebrate responsibly and get a designated driver or car ride service.
• The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library will be designated a Literary Landmark by the American Library Association on the anniversary of Vonnegut’s 100th Birthday, April 10 from noon-4:30 p.m. at 543 Indiana Ave.
• Congratulations to Team Mallory! Educators and a nurse from Purdue Polytechnic HS in the former P.R. Mallory building on East Washington St. are heading to the Make48 National competition March 25-27. They’ll be challenged to develop a prototype, create a sales sheet, and market their idea in a 1 minute marketing video, then pitch it to industry-leading judges — all within 48 hours. Visit make48.com for more information about the project.
• Southeastway Park sugarbush produced 900 gallons of sap and about 14 gallons of pure maple syrup this year. They did 9 days of cooking. Sorry, everyone, but the syrup is sold out. Better luck next year!
• You can order free COVID-19 home tests again free from the government. Visit COVIDtests.gov and have them shipped to your home.