• Get involved in the neighborhood by attending the NESCO Annual Congress on Sat., Feb. 25, from 8 a.m. – noon at Englewood Christian Church. This annual gathering of neighbors and neighborhood representatives provides an opportunity to learn about community initiatives and engage with others to tackle pressing problems. Englewood Christian Church is located at 57 North Rural Street.
• Another way to help the community is by becoming a weather spotter. The National Weather Service will have a Spotter Training class on Mon., March 6 from 2-4 p.m. IUPUI Campus Center, Room 309, University Blvd. There is no charge for the class and no reservations required.
• The 2017 Indiana Festival Guide is now available at over 850 locations in all 92 counties. The 2017 Indiana Festival Guide features over 650 festivals across the state celebrating everything from heritage and historic figures to locally grown persimmons and apples. Festival-goers can find pick up locations and order a mailed copy, or view and download the 2017 Indiana Festival Guide by visiting IndianaFestivals.org.
• The Hancock County Arts Council is inviting Indiana artists to participate in the 2017 Will Vawter Art Competition and Exhibit, April 7 and 8. The exhibit will be on display through May 12 in the “Twenty North Gallery” at 20 N. State Street in Greenfield. The entry fee is $35 per artist for up to three entries. HC Arts Council members receive a $10 discount. Registrations must be postmarked by March 25. Awards range from $100 to $1,000. For more information and a registration form, visit www.hancockcountyarts.com
• Congratulations to Irvingtonian Andrea De Mink and The PourHouse, for recently receiving a generous donation from Indiana Members Credit Union. The PourHouse assists individuals experiencing homelessness with a wide range of services. Their work is important; visit www.pourhouse.org/ to find out how you can help.
• Demolition of the Auto Vault building on Illinois and Walnut has begun, bringing the realization of the new Phoenix Theatre that much closer. Work on the new theater will begin sometime in March, weather permitting. The new property will hold two separate theater spaces, classrooms and rehearsal areas, a grand lobby, and much more.
• Hoosier History Live will be holding their 9th Anniversary Party Feb. 23 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave. There will be History Mystery quizzes by host Nelson Price, and much more going on. RSVP online at hoosierhistorylive.org/rsvp.html
• The Indy Winter Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through April 29 at the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 E. Brookside Ave. (next to Centerpoint Brewing Co.). This is a great eastside resource for fresh, local produce, herbs, natural products, and information.