• Coming soon: another reason to celebrate and live on Indy’s Near Eastside: In 2014, the Pogue’s Run hiking/biking trail will be developed from E. 10th Street through Fletcher Park, Spades Park and Brookside Park, ultimately connecting to the Pogue’s Run Art and Nature Park. This addition will be a real asset to the east side, connecting some terrific neighborhoods.
• Carol Sissom and The John Dillinger Family, including his nephew and great nephew, who is a federal law enforcement officer, will be signing autographs at a book signing at the Indianapolis International Airport on July 22 from 12 -6 p.m. The team will be signing autographs and books in front of John Dillinger’s 1933 Essex Terraplane, which will be on display at the airport for the next year and a half. This is the very automobile that Dillinger was shot in on March 31, 1934. (July 22nd, is the day that John Dillinger was shot and killed in front of the Biograph Theatre in Chicago in 1934.)
• The Indiana Fair is almost here! Aug. 2 -18 at the State Fairgrounds. There will be some interesting free shows at the Free Stage in Celebration Park, including Aug. 5 Blind Melon, Aug. 8 Kevin Costner & Modern West (yes, THAT Kevin Costner), and Styx Aug. 12.
• Twinkies are back, being made right here on the eastside at the plant on Shadeland. After eight months of no Hostess, it is nice to have them back on the shelves — and putting workers on the job. The plant employs 145 people.
• Big plans are afoot for a greenhouse development in Haughville on the near west side of Indianapolis. Plans are in the works for a 100,000 square foot hydroponic garden to be built on a former brownfield. BrightFarms is building it.
• Emerson Heights Neighborhood Association will meet July 18 from 6:45-8:00 p.m. at Wallace Street Evangelical Church. Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings.
• VSA Indiana will be holding an Open House on July 24 from 4-7 p.m. at 1505 N. Delaware St. There will be a cookout, drum circle, hands-on art activities, and an exhibit of the VSAI Community Class and Urban Artisan participants. The event is free.
• Holy Spirit Festival was a rousing success! Thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard to make the festival happen every year.
• The rescheduled Recycle Fest will be held July 27 at Garfield Park beginning at noon. Tickets are $15 for adults, kids 6-12 are free. Lots of music, food, and information about recycling and all things green will be featured. Come on out and have a good time.
• Congratulations to our very own Paula Nicewanger, who won the Benton House Home Tour poster contest. Her beautiful rendition of the Benton House will be featured on posters for the September event.
