• Congratulations to the latest business in Irvington, the Snug, a Irish pub “snug” opening soon at 210 S. Audubon next to . They will specialize in Irish whiskies, beers, and more in a very cozy “snug” reminiscent of tradition Irish neighborhood pubs. They recently got their liquor license approved by the city, and are now putting the finishing touches on the space.
• The toy drive for Gaia Works is still going on, and we need lots more new toys, hats, gloves, and stocking stuffers for the kids at Coburn Place. You can donate here at the office, 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D, at Si Green’s at the corner of 10th and Emerson, or at the Magick Candle, 6125 E. Washington St. We appreciate the support everyone is giving this important work.
• The Irvington Luminaria will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17. Now is the time to buy your candles, bags, and supplies for this annual event. When you buy the kits from local merchants, you are directly supporting the continuation of this tradition. Get your kits from Bazaar Oh! Vintage (5844 E. Washington St.), Central Ace Hardware (1023 N. Arlington), Hampton & Co. (5515 E. Washington), Irvington Vinyl (202 S. Audubon), Magick Candle (6125 E. Washington), Coal Yard Coffee (400 S. Ritter), Deering Cleaners (1160 N. Arlington), or Market Vintage (9 S. Johnson). The sand for the bags will be available in the Ellenberger Park parking lot at 5301 E. St. Clair.
• The Genealogy Society of Marion County will have an annual holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1-3 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. There will be a brief business meeting, followed by Steve Barnett, who will give a talk about the Civil War camps in Indianapolis. Admission is free.
• The Athenaeum will hold a Celebrating Hanukkah event on Saturday, Dec. 9 from noon-8 p.m. They will be celebrating the first day of Hanukkah with a special performance of the renowned klezmer band, the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s 65th St. Klezmorim. There will be treats, holiday activities, and much more. Admission is free. The Athenaeum is located at 401 E. Michigan St.
• Don’t forget to swing by the Bona Thompson Center on Sunday, Dec. 10 for the unveiling of the “lost” Dorothy Morlan murals and much more from 2-4 p.m. The Bona is located at 5350 University Dr. in Irvington.
• Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO) offers free winter shelter pickups at their warehouse, 1505 N. Sherman Dr. (Brandt building) on limited days. If you care for community cats, you can get a free winter shelter and fresh straw on Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon-3 p.m. or Dec. 17 from noon-3 p.m. While the shelters are free, they would appreciate a donation to keep their good works flowing for all the cats and dogs in our community, and the people who care for them. Visit fidoindy.org for more information about their programs.