• The Irvington Streetscape needs some sprucing up, so the Irvington Development Organization, Spotts Garden Service, and other neighborhood supporters will be teaming up to make the Washington St. Streetscape even better on April 20 from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring work gloves, rakes, shovels, or other tools you might need to the Library parking lot on the corner of Audubon and East Washington St.
• The Artcraft Theatre in Franklin will be hosting a Heartland Mini-Fest April 19-20, with some of the highlighted films from last year shown on the big screen. The Artcraft is a historic old-time movie theatre, and admission tickets are reasonably priced. Call 1-317-736-6823 for information, or visit store.historicartcrafttheatre.org for the full line-up of movies. It will be worth the trip south.
• We were saddened to hear that Annie’s Apparel will be closing its doors at the end of April. Jennifer Martin, owner of Annie’s, has been in the Shoppes of Irvington on East Washington St. for nearly 30 years, offering a great selection of recycled clothing. Jennifer has been a wonderful community supporter over the years, and has been a true believer in the east side. Drop by her shop and get some great bargains and give her a hug.
• Really like what Lawrence is doing to promote the arts in the community. The Lawrence Art Center has been offering classes and Toast the Arts, plus much more, and offering a terrific showcase for both established and upcoming artists. They started a new poetry series, and Little Flower poet Richard Pflum will be reading from his work on April 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Center, 4437 N. Franklin Rd. He’s a wonderful poet, and well worth reading (and hearing).
• Speaking of poets, get out to Bookmamas on April 19 at 7 p.m. to hear the Restoration Press poets, including Dan Carpenter (yes, THAT Dan Carpenter, who is a wonderful all around writer). Also looking forward to Katherine Clark’s book launch of Blood is Thicker Thank Water on the 20th and 1:30 p.m. and Robert Snow’s April 23 appearance at the Irvington Library.
• The Children’s Museum is offering free sleep sacks for infants if you turn in crib bumper pads at the concierge desk now through the 30th. Studies have suggested that babies who sleep in these special sacks are at less risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The crib bumper pads will be recycled. The museum is located at 3000 N. Meridian St.