Turn this year’s pumpkin into next year’s fertilizer. | Photo by @kelsay_farms
Now that October has come and gone, you might have a slightly soggy jack-o'-lantern sitting on your porch — and a yard full of leaves begging to be raked.
Gourd vibes only
The easiest way to let your pumpkins return to the Earth is through home composting. You can chop an old pumpkin into pieces and add it to your lawn, or toss an entire one into your garden.
If you don’t have a place to compost at home, here are a few local groups that can take those wack-o-lanterns off your hands:
Fall is the biggest season for yard waste, but that doesn’t have to always be the case — there are simple steps to easily recycle leaves during the collection season, which runs from Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Dec. 6.
Collect leaves in large plastic trash bags. You can dispose of 40 bags per week.
Place bags 3-5 ft away from your garbage bins on the street by 7 a.m. on your collection day. If you’re not sure when that is, you can look up your address.
Vegan Fall Harvest: A Celebration of Autumn Flavors | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | COhatch Broad Ripple | $35 | Whether you’re a vegan enthusiast or just curious about plant-based cuisine, this class will inspire you to recreate delicious meals at home.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Community Resource Fair | 1-5 p.m. | Central Library | Free | Receive support with medical screenings, mental health, housing, employment, substance abuse recovery, and teen + youth needs.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers: Paint and Sip | 6-9 p.m. | Condado Tacos, Broad Ripple | $39 | Learn and practice your painting skills in a fun, social setting.
Thursday, Nov. 14
The Cyber Pickle | 3-6 p.m. | Pickle on Penn, Carmel | Free | Attend this first networking + pickleball event for cybersecurity, audit, risk management, and legal professionals. Autumn Candle Painting | 6-8 p.m. | The Speak Easy | $20 | Leave with three hand-painted taper candles to add to your autumn home decor. Speed Dating for Singles Ages 36-51 | 7-9 p.m. | Social Cantina, Carmel | $25 | Find love with in-person speed dating + matchmaking events curated by locals.
Saturday, Nov. 16
LibraryCon! | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hamilton East Public Library, Fishers Branch | Free | Explore workshops, live performances, games, crafts, vendors, artists, and cosplay at Hamilton East Public Library’s first-ever LibraryCon, celebrating fandoms like Harry Potter and Star Wars.*
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Presented By University of Indianapolis
UIndy’s MSM program provides the academic knowledge and hands-on experience required for success as a manager of people, projects, and resources. | Photo provided by the University of Indianapolis
Finding the right continuing education program that fits your professional goals might be challenging — but it doesn’t have to be.
Recognizing that a traditional MBA might not fit all professionals’ functional responsibilities, the University of Indianapolis offers a dynamic Master of Science in Management (MSM) program.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. You can join the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site virtually for the playing of Taps by a lone bugler from the Indiana National Guard from 5:32 to 5:35 p.m. via its Facebook page.
Coming Soon
Christmas is coming early for layered donut fans. Parlor Doughnuts announced it’s opening a new location in Avon soon. Keep an eye on social media for an opening date.
Opening
The ice skating rink at Bicentennial Plaza returns for the season on Friday, Nov. 22. Admission is $11 on weekdays + $14 on weekends/holidays. Get tickets in advance.
Closing
First Apocalypse Burger, now Public Greens. The urban kitchen with a mission announced that after a 10-year run, it will be closing its doors to focus on the expansion of Cafe Patachou. Its last day of service will be Sunday, Dec. 1 and will close for good at 4 p.m.
Eat
Looking for a new north side restaurant to try? Songbird Social House opened last month in Carmel. It features a menu with wood-fired pizza, pasta, sandwiches, steak, seafood, and chicken, plus cocktails, wine, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. (IBJ)
Hoosier
“America’s Got Talent” winner and Terre Haute native Richard Goodall is set to perform the National Anthem at a Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this month. He will sing before the game against the Miami Heat on Sunday, Nov. 17. (IndyStar)
Feel Good
A group of 50+ volunteers with The Home Depot Foundation remodeled two homes for veterans in Indianapolis, which are being used as temporary housing for the nonprofit Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana. (WTHR)
Sports
The Pacers were blown out by the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night in one of their worst offense outings in five years. What happened? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down.
Health
This innovative device is changing the game of hearing aids. Its dual-processing systems separate speech from background noise, ensuring you never miss a beat. (Bonus: They’re rechargeable, comfortable, nearly invisible, and app-controlled.) Claim your free consultation.*
The Buy
The Buy
Your favorite Nordstrom item on sale, since the store’s limited-time fall sale ends tonight. We’re seeing: discounts on cashmere sweaters, leather loafers, and crisp white fashion sneakers.
Add this to your holiday bucket list. The Indiana State Museum is introducing Sippin’ with Santa, a new adults-only holiday celebration, on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. Visitors will be able to sip, savor, and shop throughout the museum. General admission tickets are $50 for members + $75 for non-members.