• A big thanks go out to all those brave souls who cleaned streets and alleys April 25 as part of the Indy Cleanup effort. A lot of progress was made cleaning up the east side. Thank you for all your hard work.
• Because of the rain on April 25, the Kile Oak Habitat Garden workday was rescheduled for May 2 (this Saturday), at 9 a.m. at the Kile Oak, 5939 Beechwood. Be prepared to remove invasive honeysuckle and more from around the oak. For more information, call Ed Myers at (317) 503-6139.
• The May meeting of the IMPD East District Task Force will be held May 13 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at headquarters, 201 N. Shadeland Ave. (former Eastgate, north entrance). The public is welcome to attend these meetings.
• The First Independent Bookstore Day will be held May 2, and our local indie, Bookmamas (9 S. Johnson Ave.) will be hosting the F.C. Literati event at 4:00 p.m. The program will feature Frank Montesonti and Clint Smith reading from their respective books and comedy and music performer Jon Pfendler. They will be offering special items for sale as well.
• The Auxiliary to Community Hospital East will sponsor a Flower Sale on May 6, 7, and 8. Hours are Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, 7 a.m. to sell out. Hanging baskets are $20 or 2 for $39. Potted geraniums are $3.50 ea. Proceeds will benefit the Puppy and Kitty Pillow Program. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 355-5120. The hospital is located at 1500 N. Ritter Ave.
• The first-ever Lemonpalooza will be held on Monument Circle, hosted by Lemonade Day Greater Indianapolis. On May 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Circle-goers can enjoy live music and lemony desserts from The Garden Table and Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium on the south quadrant of the Circle. Adults also can register their children for Lemonade Day on May 16.
• From the creative minds at Q Artistry comes the latest, “The Donner Party Opera.” The Donner Party Opera is a fictional operatic, comedic, sometimes melodramatic, retelling of the historic trek made by a group of pioneers in 1846–47. This QKids production pairs sixteen young performers (ages 7-17) with sixteen professional mentors. Performances will be at the Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St., on May 9 at 2 p.m., May 10 at 6:30 p.m., May16 at 2 and 4 p.m., and May 17 at 6:30 p.m. These shows usually sell out; get tickets early! Order tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1468414.
• Renowned bilingual children’s musician, author and educator José-Luis Orozco will bring his unique celebration of music and learning to different audiences during free programs on May 2 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street. He will present a “Concert for Children and Families” at 2 p.m. The first 100 children in attendance will receive a free book by Orozco.