Applause: Sept. 20-27

• Congratulations on a successful first Hog Roast at Downey Ave. Church Sept. 14. They raised funds to help the church’s mission.
• Also on Sept. 15, people were raving about the Irvington Home Tour. Adam and Carter, Megan, and many more good people organized the event this year and made it a huge success. Also, thanks to the homeowners who put their homes open to display. You can go back to putting your feet on the coffee table now that company’s gone!
• Pete Kuhns, our intrepid correspondent, was recently interviewed by WIBC to air over the Sept. 14-15 weekend. However, no one has heard the interview. He’ll be talking about his iPhone/iPad app Garden Bilder. Congratulations on getting more attention for your hard work, Pete.
• Banned Book Week is Sept. 22-28. The Vonnegut Library will be holding a celebration throughout the week, including an exhibition of local artists’ work reimagining the covers of  previously banned books. There will be a First Amendment Film Fest featuring movies based on banned novels. Events are free; visit vonnegutlibrary.org or call 652-1954 for more information. The Vonnegut Library is located at 340 N. Senate Ave. in the historic Emelie Building.
• Urban homesteading is possible in Indianapolis with the recent changes in the Indy Land Bank. To learn more about neighbors buying and restoring abandoned homes, Indy Asset Development will hold a forum on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. in the John H. Boner Community Room. The Center is at 2236 E. 10th St.
• The Garfield Shakespeare Company bring The Tempest to the park on Sept. 27 & 28, and Oct. 4 & 5. Performances are free (donations are welcome). Call 327-7135 for more information.
• IMPD East District Community Day will be Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. at Crossroads Bible College, 601 N. Shortridge Rd. The community is invited for a number of family-friendly activities, food and fun. This is a great opportunity to get to know our local officers.
• The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will hold a Community Justice Academy every Monday in October. Information includes gun violence and gun laws, forensic science, prosecuting juvenile crime and gangs in the county, and much more. Meetings are from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center, 727 N. Oriental St. The Community Justice Academy is free, and all adults are welcome. However, seating is limited, and registration is required.  To learn more about the Community Justice Academy or to register, please contact Annie Kern at 327-3642 or annie.kern@indy.gov.
• The Fall Equinox is Sept. 22 — night and day will be the same number of hours. From here on, it’s a slippery slope down to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, on Dec. 21.