When the only thing decking the halls is pine needles. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner. That doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound. Instead, we have some tips on how to put an old tree to good use.
Drop-off recycling
Marion County has several sites where residents can drop off their live trees for recycling. Drop-offs will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 31 from dawn until dusk.
Be sure to double check that you’ve removed your tree stand, ornaments, lights, and other decor first. Trees recycled at these locations will be used in soil blends and mulch.
Note: Dropping off trees at locations that are not on the list is considered illegal dumping and is punishable by fines of up to $3,000.
Natural feeders
Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat and take shelter. If your property includes a pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef, giving local fish a home.
Make your own mulch
When you take a tree to a recycling center they turn it into mulch anyway. So, why not use it for your own yard and spring garden? Ideally, you could shred the tree (for example, Home Depot has mulchers for rent), but usually by the time the holidays are over, the needles will already be falling off. You can spread them in garden beds or over the lawn.
Events
Friday, Jan. 5
Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $17+ | Coming off the Pacers’ fourth victory over the Bucks, can the Blue and Gold beat the Hawks too?
Saturday, Jan. 6
Punk Rock Night | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 8 p.m.-3 a.m. | The Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | $7 | Rock out with Safety Off!, Dopplepopolis from Lafayette, and Splitt Second from Ohio.
Sunday, Jan. 7
Self-Care Sunday Yoga | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Virtual | $10 | Join Emily Phillips for an all-levels yoga flow every Sunday live on Zoom.
Monday, Jan. 8
Adult Book Discussion at Wayne - First Monday Book Club | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Wayne Branch, 198 S. Girls School Rd. | Free | Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion — the book this month is “The Golden Spoon” by Jessa Maxwell.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Beyond Equity: Community Wide Plan Launch Event | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Martin University Gathertorium, 2186 N. Sherman Dr., Indianapolis | Free | Stand with the Domestic Violence Network as it continues on with its mission to change the culture that leads to domestic violence through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Hot Walk Indy - Walk #36 | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Babe Cave, 50 S. Meridian St., Ste. 400, Indianapolis | Free | Kickoff indoor walk season with light apps and drinks at Downtown Indy’s premier lash studio, then adventure through the indoor skywalks connecting the mall, convention center, and hotels.
Yesterday, Mayor Hogsett and leaders provided an update on the city’s three-year Violence Reduction Plan. It requires $150 million in funding, and $9 million of it will go towards modern policing technology. The plan is also aimed to create 100 new IMPD officer positions. (CBS4)
Closed
Mass Avenue restaurant Rooster’s Kitchen announced on social media that it made the difficult decision to close its doors for good, as of New Year’s Eve. The casual spot was known for its homestyle meals and local beer selection.
Biz
Indianapolis-based Market Wagon — an online marketplace delivery service for food producers and artisans — expanded to the St. Louis market by acquiring smaller competitor, Find Your Farmer Inc. Market Wagon launched in 2017 + operates 18 food hubs. (IBJ)
Ranked
The City of Fishers ranked the No. 2 safest city in the nation behind Thousand Oaks, California. Nearby, Zionsville ranked third among small cities in the MoneyGeek survey, which analyzed FBI crime data to determine each city’s ranking. (WISH)
Legacy
Jack’s Donuts co-founder Ada Pfenninger Marcum died at the age of 91. Ada and her late husband, Jack Marcus Sr., opened the first Jack’s Donuts location on the south side of New Castle in 1961. There are ~14 locations across central Indiana. (WISH)
Outdoors
A new winter activity is available along the Canal. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail introduced two synthetic ice rinks for curling — the sport in which players slide “stones” toward a target. It’s available for free play at Vermont Street Plaza + introductory sessions are planned for 1-3 p.m. every Sunday through March 3.
Network
Block off your calendars, Hoosiers — Indy Chamber’s Women in Business Retreat, a can’t-miss event for professional women to meet and learn from the region’s most inspiring female founders + community leaders, is happening March 7-8, 2024. Pro tip: Save $50 with early bird pricing, on sale now through Monday, Jan. 15.*
Plan Ahead
A total solar eclipse in 2024? Start getting excited now. On April 8, Conner Prairie’s festival grounds will transform into a haven of wonder and delight in honor of the natural phenomenon, with music, dance, talks + more. Get early bird tickets.*
Finance
One of our top New Year’s resolutions? Getting our finances in order. Money Pickle matches you with a trusted advisor tailored to your needs through a complimentary video call to help you navigate your money. Book your free session.*
Travel
Got 2024 travel plans? Sign up for a free Going account and get notified when flights are up to 90% off. Hello, trip of your dreams.*
The Buy
The Buy 1.05.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The product you’re most curious to try from Six & Main’s mocktail guide — featuring mixers, sparkling teas, and botanical syrups.
If you haven’t been to a Pacers home game yet this season, here’s your sign. The team is on fire right now, and single game tickets are still reasonably priced. Tonight’s Family Night promotion — which includes a meal voucher and a Pacers hat — is sold out, but the next Family Night is Feb. 2.
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