• All Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) branches will be closed Thursday, February 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to engage in workforce development training. All branches will resume regularly scheduled business hours on Thursday, February 4, at 10:30 a.m.
• The Indianapolis Public Library still offers programs for kids and adults, but they are online. Topics include tai chi, book clubs, kid’s coding club, virtual story times, a crochet and knit clubs, and lots to do for the whole family. To see what’s going on, visit indypl.org and click on “online programs.” You must register for these programs.
• Some people have called to ask about the Greater Indianapolis Garage Sale and Marketplace event that usually happens in January. The sale has been rescheduled for May 1-2 at the Fairgrounds. In addition, the Indianapolis Home Show has been rescheduled for April 23-May 2. There will be no Flower and Patio Show this year. Fingers crossed that these events will be able to go ahead.
• The Children’s Museum hosts First Thursday Night on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 4-8 p.m. Visitors can explore five floors of the museum for only $6 per person. Capacity will be limited and you will need an advance ticket. Visit www.childrensmuseum.org/first-thursday-ad to reserve a ticket.
• The City of Indianapolis is considering closing Broad Ripple Ave. in order to provide outdoor dining space this year. Details at this point are few, but the Broad Ripple Village Association is conducting a survey about the potential for closures. Take it on their Web site, www.broadrippleindy.org
• Want to learn about making maple syrup? Southeastway Park, located at 5624 S. Carroll Rd., has a sugarbush and marvelous programs that walk you through the stages of the process. They are currently booking programs for small groups. The public is invited to the register for Girl Scout Day on Feb. 26 or Public Day on Feb. 27. Visit indyparks.org for more information and to register your groups — this event fills up very fast.
• There has been a big increase in the number of stolen vehicles the past few weeks. Most of the cars were left running to warm up, or when the driver stepped away for just a minute to get something from the house. Do not leave your car running with the keys in the ignition in your driveway, at the curb, or outside a store, even for a moment. Every year, hundreds of cars are stolen in the city because thieves lurk in neighborhoods waiting for you to slip up.
• KIBI is looking for block captains and volunteers for upcoming beautification projects throughout the city. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors once the weather improves. Visit www.kibi.org/projects for more information about planned neighborhood projects and volunteer opportunities.