• The Garden Bilder Seed Swap at the Benton House on Jan. 25 was a resounding success, with many people showing up on a blustery day to swap seeds, trade, talk, and learn from each other. Gardeners have to be the most hopeful, optimistic people in the world —they believe that, despite winter, there will always be spring and summer!
• The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is selling “Puppy Love” valentines again this year to help raise funds for its service dog training program. Two years ago, the organization introduced these special valentines and offered a delivery option that included a visit from a service puppy in training to businesses, schools and healthcare facilities located within 20 miles of the Indianapolis downtown area. The Puppy Love Valentine’s Day gift box includes treats for dogs as well as their human masters. Each valentine costs only $25 for pickup or $50 for delivery and includes a delicious assortment of freshly baked cookies, homemade candies, Aunt Pearl’s Muncie Mix, mouth-watering Three Dog Bakery biscuits (for dogs only!), coupons from various businesses, a packet of note cards and a special Valentine’s card. Orders are being accepted now through Monday February 10th via ICAN at www.icandog.org. For further info call 317-672-3864.
• U.S. News & World Report recently released the 2013 “Best High Schools” rankings, and Irvington Preparatory Academy (IPA) achieved a rating of 23rd in Indiana, out of 388 high schools throughout the state who qualified for this distinction. In the Best Charter Schools category, Irvington Prep ranked 125th out of 145 high schools nationally. Along with IPA, just two other Indianapolis high schools were rated in the top 50 Best High Schools in Indiana.
• Congratulations to Erin Kelsch, one of the artists who has graced the east side with her artwork on the signal boxes — she had a beautiful baby daughter on the 18th!
• The City of Lawrence will hold a Common Council meeting Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. The public is invited to attend.
• The City of Indianapolis canceled trash service Jan. 27-29 (Mon.-Wed.) due to bitter cold. People who usually have Mon.-Wed. trash pickup can put out double the amount Feb. 3-5 (this Mon.-Wed.).
Beech Grove also canceled trash services Jan. 27 and 28; trash pickup will resume a normal schedule next week. (Unless we have Polar Vortex 3.0/Blizzard/Nor’easter 2014.)
• Speaking of weather, a big round of applause goes to our intrepid postal carriers, utility workers, and public safety folks who braved this horrible weather to keep the rest of us going.
