• The 9th Annual Masquerade Ball on March 2 was a great success. Organized by Gaia Works, proceeds from the Ball went to support Coburn Place, a safe haven for domestic violence survivors. Irvington’s Jan Deferbrache and her Gaia Works volunteers worked very hard to make this happen. If you want to donate to Gaia Works or find out how to volunteer, visit Jan at the Magic Candle during business hours.
• For four years, Katy Brett served with Indy-east Asset Development, helping the organization grow and flourish. She announced that she will be leaving IAD to take the position of Executive Director of the Land Bank of Indianapolis. In that capacity, she’ll continue to be a powerful advocate for positive growth and development on the near-eastside. Love you Katy, and wish you all the best!
• More than 30 solar projects are in the development pipeline for IPL. Customers and developers plan to add more than 30 new solar generation systems to IPL’s service territory under agreements filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for approval. These new projects would increase the total solar power under contract by IPL to nearly 100 megawatts. Among the proposed projects, IPL, SunWize Energy and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week announced plans for a 9.6 MW solar farm just northeast of the track. IPL is on track to be one of the “greener” energy companies in the region.
• There will be a very interesting art exhibition March 14 at the Indiana Landmarks Foundation Center, 1201 Central Ave. from 7-9 p.m. “This Is Home: An Exhibition of Refugee Art” will be at the center, sponsored by Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. There will also be a performance by Master Storyteller Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-No-Tec. Admission is free.
• I know it is hard to believe, but it is almost time to plant your garden. If you are interested in community gardening on the near-eastside, you might want to attend the April 6th Community Garden Open House at 23 N. Rural St. from 9 a.m.-noon. Join with neighbors for a hands-on workshop and lunch. For more information about the new Englewood Community Garden or the workshop, call Erin McRae at 639-1541 or e-mail at erinmcrea3@gmail.com
• EclecticPond’s production of Julius Caesar opens March 15 at the Lodge in Irvington, 5515 E. Washington St. Cat Cardwell directs a gender-reversed cast, staring Christa Shoot Grimmer as Caesar and Leah DeWalt as Brutus. Tix are $14 online at http://jcaesar.bpt.me/ or $18 at the door. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. March 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 and at 5:30 p.m. March 24. Beware the Ides of March!
• On March 10, don’t forget to SPRING FORWARD an hour for Daylight Saving Time.
