• In early September, work is scheduled to begin on the $19.2 million Near Eastside Streetscape project, which will improve intersection safety on 10th Street from Tecumseh Street to Rural Street and along Rural Street from 10th Street to St. Clair Street.This includes the addition of a multi-use path, improved sidewalks and ADA ramps, stormwater management, and lighting, the placement of nearly 70 new trees, and intersection re-alignment of 10th & Rural. Citizens Energy Group is currently working in the area ahead of the project, and the road is closed between Tecumseh and Rural. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027.
• The Indianapolis International Airport will be installing 4,800 solar panels on the parking lot, providing covered parking for travelers while also producing about 10% of the power for the airport. They also have plans to install solar panels to the airfield and on top of the parking garage. Great idea!
• Caring with Purpose is holding a free community cookout on Saturday, July 25 from 3-6 p.m. at Downey Ave. Christian Church, 111 S. Downey. There will be activities for kids, plus cookout fare, and there will be someone there to do blood pressure checks as well. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/y6srp4fm so they know how much food to bring.
• The Beech Grove Summer Concert Series continues on Thursday, July 23 from 7-9 p.m. at Sarah Bolton Park, 1300 Churchman Ave. with Heartstone Crossing, a classic rock-n-roll cover band. Admission is free — bring a chair and the family!
• The Town of Cumberland will host the Blues, Beer & BBQ concert on Saturday, July 25 from 6-9 p.m. at 11501 E. Washington St. It will be Ladies’ Night, and all are invited to the free concert. No outside alcohol is permitted, but there will be great local beer and food available for purchase.
• Lawrence kids can get free backpacks and back-to-school supplies while they last on Sunday, July 19 from noon-2 p.m. at Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. There will also be a kickball game, and local resources for parents and students.
• Don’t forget about the Benton House Book Sale taking place from July 17-19. Loads of books to choose from — children’s, sci-fi, romance, reference, art, travel — all for very low prices. Please come by on Friday, July 17 from 5-8, Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Bag Day, Sunday, July 19 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All of the proceeds go to support the historic Benton House, located at 312 S. Downey Ave.
• Indianapolis law states that pets cannot be chained up outside with no shade when temperatures reach over 80. No dogs can be left outside when temperatures are above 90 degrees, and must be brought inside a temperature controlled building. If you see a dog suffering in this weather, please call 9-1-1 and they will try to get someone from Animal Services or another agency to tend to the issue.