• Indianapolis Dept. of Public Works has started construction on a new multi-use trail along the north side Southeastern Ave. from Washington St. to Leeds Ave. This trail will help pedestrians and cyclists access Downtown to the Twin Aire Shopping Plaza. The project will include 56 ADA compliant ramps and safer crosswalks.
• Club 53 will be held in the Scecina gym on April 220 from 6-11 p.m. with live band, catered menu, and silent auction. Get your tickets early ($75 per person before March 13, $90 thereafter). Visit scecina.org/club-52-ticket to order online.
• The City of Lawrence has big plans for the April 8 eclipse, hosting a Total Eclipse Fort Ben Festival 2024 at 1 p.m. for an afternoon of live music, food trucks, and family activities. They are taking applications for food truck vendors online at cityoflawrence.org and spaces are likely to fill up fast.
• Speaking of the eclipse, the Town of Cumberland is offering its residents an eclipse viewing kit, including specialized solar viewing glasses. This offer is open to Cumberland residents only (proof of residency is required) and you can register for the kit online at town.cumberland.in.us/community/eclipse.php
• If you love rocks, gems, and crystals, you need to check out the Indiana State Museum’s annual GeoFest that will run Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 at the museum, located at 650 W. Washington St. in the White River State Park campus. Three floors of vendors selling rocks and minerals, along with hands-on activities and community partner displays make this a very worthwhile show for rockhounds. Admission is $13 for children, $19 for adults, $17 for seniors and are available online at indianastatemuseum.org
• Just to confirm your suspicions, January has been one of the cloudiest months on record, according to the U.S. National Weather Service in Indianapolis. They noted that January 2024 has been the 5th cloudiest month since 1951. The only Januaries that were worse were 1999, 98, 92, and 85. We could all do with some light therapy right now.
• Senate Bill 52, which prohibits construction of dedicated bus lanes, passed the Indiana Senate on Monday, Jan. 29. The bill will be heard by the House soon. If passed, the IndyGo Blue Line project will likely be delayed or canceled.
• Save the date: On Thursday, Feb. 22 from 9-10 a.m., everyone is invited to Coffee with a Cop at PANA Donuts, 10745 E. Washington St. This is a chance to chat informally with officers in East District about issues or concerns.
• The Irvington Library will host “1, 2, 3 Dance with Me!” program on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 10:30-11:00 a.m. This is a class geared to ages 0-5 and helps teach early math concepts, while encouraging play and movement. The library is located at 5625 E. Washington St. Admission is free.