• The U.S. Dept. of Education recently selected Paramount School of Excellence – Brookside as a 2021 Green Ribbon School. The designation recognizes the school’s accomplishments to reduce environmental impact, improved health and wellness of students and staff, and effective environmental and sustainability education.
• George Julian School 57 will hold a PumpkinPalooza on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the school, 5435 E. Washington St. There will be a pumpkin sale, plus free activities for kids, a school tour, and fall fun. Profits from the sale go to the School 57 Parent Teacher Student Association to support student and teacher events and educational opportunities. The pumpkins will be supplied by Waterman’s Family Farm.
• The Third Annual Fort Ben BBQ & Blues will be held Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon-7 p.m. at Fort Harrison State Park, Cherry Tree Shelter. Admission is free with admission to the park, which is only $7 per carload. Local favorite food vendors, plus music by John Ford, Queen Delphine and the Crown Jewels, King Bee and the Stingers, and Biscuit Miller and the Mix. This event is family friendly. Fort Harrison State Park is at Post Rd. and 59th St. in Lawrence.
• Also on Sept. 18 will be Lagers in Lawrence, an Oktoberfest for adults, from 3-7 p.m. at the Cultural Campus at 56th and Post Rd. The beer fest is one of the biggest in Indianapolis, and boasts over 100 craft adult beverages. Attendees can get unlimited pours, plus be entertained by a DJ and the Liederkranz Brass Band from 4-6 p.m. They will also have Weiner Dog Racing, and a stein-holding competition. Bring your own beer stein for the larger pours from the many vendors. Tickets are $35-$49 each and available online on Eventbrite. At the door tickets are available for $40 or $20 for designated drivers.
• Market on the Pennsy will be open Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Black Acre Garden, 5529 Bonna Ave. Dozens of local artisans and crafters will be on site with their creations.
• Linda Neal Reising will be the featured poet at the Tuesday, Sept. 28 gathering of poets in Lawrence. The reading starts 7:30 p.m. at the Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. Face masks will be required.
• There will be a Manhattan Short Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, 122 W, Main St. in Greenfield. Tickets are $6 at the door. For more information, call 317-477-7569.
• Saturday, Sept. 18 is ToxDrop Day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at IMPD Training Facility at 9049 E. 10th St. You can drop off used AA and AAA batteries, hazardous household chemicals, burned out fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, old herbicides and pesticides and more. These materials are hazardous in landfills, and leak into our water supply and contaminate soil. Taking these items to ToxDrops ensures they will be disposed of safely. The city holds ToxDrops on the east side on the third Saturday of each month.