• May 20 was a sad day for the east side, and particularly Irvington. Stan Denski passed away in his sleep after a long illness. Stan served on the Historic Irvington Community Council, started the Irvington Folk Festival, and contributed to the community in countless ways. He was a one-of-a-kind character who was passionate about his neighborhood. He leaves behind his wife Cheryl. He will truly be missed.
• SPARK is coming back to Monument Circle with a big opening Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. A summer arts and community space on one of the quads on the Circle, SPARK is a fun space for the whole family.
• While the news has focused on Jim Irsay’s accomplishments with the Colts after his death, don’t forget that he was a contributor to many charities and started the Kicking the Stigma initiative to raise awareness of mental health disorders, and contributed to local organizations supporting those with mental health disorders and research. He was also a supporter of Riley Hospital, the Indianapolis Zoo, Gleaner’s Food Bank, and Wheeler Mission, among many others.
• In partnership with the Indianapolis Division of Nutrition & Food Policy and the Lawrence Police Department, the City of Lawrence invites residents to a food distribution event at the Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. Groceries will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis — no registration required. The distribution will be on Wednesday, June 4 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Mayor Joe Hogsett joined the Deputy Mayor of Le Mans, France Sophie Moisy, to officially welcome the French city to the Indianapolis Sister Cities International Program (ISCI) just before the Indy 500. To symbolize the world-class racing that occurs in both cities (the Indianapolis 500 and 24 hours of Le Mans) the signing ceremony was held inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
• The Epilogue Players will open their next show, The Cemetery Club, on June 12. The show runs two weeks through June 22. The play involves three widows who meet once a month before going to their husband’s graves. They meet Sam the butcher, and the mayhem begins. Admission is $16 or $14 for seniors, and Thursday tickets re $10. The theatre is located at 1849 N. Alabama. Visit epilogueplayers.com to reserve seats in advance.
• Marion County is updating its land use plan and is asking for input on current conditions and long-term goals. Warren Township residents can join the meeting on Monday, June 2 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Warren Branch Library, 9701 E. 21st St., Lawrence Twp. at the Lawrence Library, 7898 Hague Rd. from 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, Perry Twp. on Monday, June 9 at West Perry Library, 6650 S. Harding, and Franklin Twp. on Tuesday, June 10 at the Franklin Library, 5550 S. Franklin Rd.
• The Westminster Neighborhood (2335 E. New York Street) is having their 3rd Annual Block Party Friday, June 6th from 4 -6 p.m. Enjoy community vibes and good times at the Block Party (in The Westminster Parking Lot) with Free Food from Thy Kingdom Crumb.