Think you’ve got what it takes to turn this newsletter into a poem? | Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
Calling all readers: In honor of National Poetry Month, you’re officially invited to enter INDYtoday’s first poetry contest.
This contest is open to all, and the rules couldn’t be more simple: Turn today’s newsletter into a poem.
We’ll clarify. Using only the words that appear in this newsletter, craft an original poem of up to 75 words. Unlike an erasure poem, the words do not have to appear in the order they’re found — mix and match how you please. Any English word appearing anywhere in today’s newsletter is fair game, including the ones you’re reading right now (we’ll throw some fun ones at you: Pink. Gusto. Enchilada.). If a word appears once, you can only use it once.
The rules:
Submit your poem here by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
Include a title + author’s name in your submission. Titles are an exception to the rule, and do not need to pull words from the newsletter.
Poems, excluding title and author’s name, must be 75 words or less.
The fun stuff:
While we’ve placed a pretty big limitation on your poem’s words, the form + direction is up to you — and we can’t wait to see what you all come up with.
The Editorial team behind INDYtoday will narrow submissions down to a group of finalists based on style, originality, artistic quality, and creativity. Finalists will be announced in our Friday, April 21 newsletter and we’ll ask our readers to vote for their favorite poem. The winner’s poem will be featured in our Wednesday, April 26 newsletter.
Pro tip: To make the process easier on yourself, we recommend printing out today’s issue, highlighting the words you find most interesting, and crossing them out as you include them in your poem.
Don’t forget to keep track of your articles (words like “the” or “and”).
Field Recording Workshop: The Anthropology of Sound | Thursday, April 6 | 1-4 p.m. | IUPUI University Library, 755 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis | Free | Survey the primary techniques of field recording + put it in practice with equipment ranging from iPhones to professional recording setups.
Opening Reception of Four New Exhibitions | Thursday, April 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Indianapolis Arts Center, 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis | Free | Catch four brand new exhibits, including artwork by twin brothers Joe and Will Lawrance + works by students in an advanced Art Center course.
Friday, April 7
Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons | Friday, April 7 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $15-$276 | The Pacers beat the Pistons at their last face-off — can they do it again?
Saturday, April 8
Eggventure on the Canal | Saturday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Canal, 701 Canal Walk, Indianapolis | Free | Join a scavenger hunt with several fun challenges to earn eggs along the way.
Beer vs. Wine 5K | Saturday, April 8 | 2-4 p.m. | White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $34.99-$46.99 | Participate in the laid-back running event that pits beer + wine against each other during the registration process.
Last Friday, a new bar opened up at 651 E. 54th St. The English — operated by The Bulldog — showcases tequilas, bourbons, and champagnes from around the world with creative cocktails + small plates, flatbreads, and desserts. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Traffic
The City-County Council is considering the addition of 200+ “no turn on red” signs around the city in an effort to reduce pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents. The idea was announced during a press conference on Monday and the issue will be discussed further at a Public Works Committee meeting on Thursday, April 13. (IBJ)
Civic
Voters will be weighing in on three Marion County school district referendums on the May primary election ballot. IPS is looking to use the funds for construction + renovation, and MSD of Warren Township and the School Town of Speedway are both looking to use it for operating expenses. Get the full picture. (Chalkbeat Indiana)
Sports
Keep an eye out for 50 of these cars. The 500 Festival unveiled its 2023 event cars, which will be driving around Indy leading up to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The model this year is a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible with special graphics for the 500. Get the details. (WRTV)
List
Several central Indiana companies were featured on Newsweek’s annual list of the “Most Trustworthy Companies in America,” including ADESA in Carmel at No. 9, AES Indiana in Indy at No. 28, and Indy’s Apria at No. 24, based on the concepts of treating customers fairly + opportunities for career development.
Plan Ahead
The 2023 lineup for Conner Prairie’s Symphony on the Prairie has been released. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will be performing concerts at the Symphony Bowl starting on Friday, June 23 with “The Music of Harry Potter.” The family-friendly event series will also feature ABBA + Whitney Houston this year.
Edu
ICYMI, the University of Evansville recently launched a new Bachelor of Science Degree in Creative Technologies. The four-year program aims to build students’ technological skills in the creation of sound, video, lighting, graphics, and other technologies used for creative endeavors. Learn more + apply.*
Travel
Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love:The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.
You can watch the 3D printer homebuilding process on YouTube. | Clip via Apis Cor
3D-printed homes could be on their way to the Martindale-Brightwood community, thanks to local community organization Circle Up Indy’s Rising Evolution initiative to increase affordable housing in the city.
In order to obtain two 3D printers, the training + maintenance required, land purchases, and other related expenses, the organization is working to raise $2,600,000.
If Circle Up Indy reaches its fundraising goal, it could build 2,000 homes in Indy in just two years, and 5,000 in the state in one year with Apis Cor machinery.
The unveiling of this year’s 500 Festival cars has me reminiscing about our experience hopping in one during 2022’s Kickoff to May on Monument Circle. If you want in on the action this year, mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 3. You’ll be able to catch remarks from some of the Indy 500’s major players, meet the 500 Festival Princesses, and even get a photo or two with the cars yourself.
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