• Little Flower Neighborhood Association will hold a Chili and Cornbread Cookoff on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Little Flower School Cafeteria, located at Bosart and 14th St. Entry is free and there will be free tastings. A prize will be awarded for the best chili and cornbread.
• Near Eastside Neighborhood Advocate to the Mayor’s office has regular meeting hours on Tuesdays at Rabble Coffee (2119 E. 10th St. from 10:30 a.m.-noon and Thursdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Neidhammer (2104 E. Washington St.). Drop in and say hello and share concerns and issues, plus get the latest info on programs from the city.
• A mysterious canine respiratory illness is going around that is antibiotic resistant throughout the U.S. Vets in the area state that there is no current outbreak here in Indianapolis, but dog owners should be on the lookout for illnesses that look like kennel cough (coughing, sneezing, lethargy, fever, discharge from nose or eyes, struggling to breathe) and keep them home and consult with your vet if they show signs of illness. Also, please make sure your pet is current on all vaccines, and don’t expose your dog to other dogs that might not be vaccinated.
• The City of Indianapolis will host a discussion of the conversion of East Michigan and East New York streets, and the 10th and Rural streetscape project on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the John Boner Neighborhood Center, 2236 E. 10th St. Please attend this important meeting about projects that will impact everyone on the east side.
• The Shepherd Community Christmas Store will open Dec. 20-22, and they need help with donated new toys, volunteers, and more. To find out more information, visit CaringAtChristmas.org on Facebook.
• Get tickets now for the Arts for Lawrence annual presentation of The Nutcracker ballet on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and 16 at 1 p.m. at the Theatre at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. This is a shortened version of the classic ballet. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, students and military, and free for ages 2 and under. Visit www.artsforlawrence.org/tickets for more information and online reservations.
• The Irvington Business Association’s annual Holiday Open House will be held in the shops and restaurants along E. Washington St., Bonna Ave. and Johnson Ave. from 5-10 p.m. There is a shuttle service beginning at the Irvington Library, 5625 E. Washington St., so you don’t have to walk around in the cold. Think outside the big box stores for this year — small businesses need your support now more than ever.
• The last First Friday of 2023 will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware, and the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside, as well as Fountain Square galleries and lots of other places. Check them out for artsy gifts and cool stuff for yourself.