Freetime: May 23

ARTS

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE SPRING EXHIBIT on display until June 29. Member artists will be exhibiting art works that follow the theme, “You Are My Sunshine.” Visit the gallery at 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

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CHURCH EVENTS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, June 10-14 from 6 to 8 p.m., 2005 Upper Shelbyville Road, Franklin. Franklin Community Church invites children ages pre-K through 5th grade to Camp Firelight Vacation Bible School — where we will be on a summer camp adventure with God. This includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation and memorable Bible stores that will show children they can trust God all the time! To learn more and to register, visit www.myvbs.org/fcc2024. There will also free parenting workshops hosted by ThrivePointe Counseling. Topics will include: Raising Secure Children; Managing Misbehavior in Children; Helping Children Navigate Fear & Anxiety; and Children and Technology.

LIVING ROOM CONVERSATIONS, 6:30 to 8 p.m. every second Monday at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin. Small groups meet monthly to discuss timely topics, with a different topic each month. All are welcome; enter on the west side of the building. Visit livingroomconversations.org for more information.

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CLUBS & HOBBIES

NIMBLE THIMBLES “SEW WITH ME” WORKSHOP, June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Education Room, Johnson County Extension Office, 484 N. Morton St., Franklin. Bring your own working sewing machine, as long as you know how to thread and operate it properly, or let us provide a machine for you. Sewing tools, scissors, rotary cutters, pins, etc. will be provided. Basic sewing skills helpful. We will demonstrate and help you to each make a magic pillowcase. This pillow case could be entered into the County Fair as an Open Class or as a 4-H exhibit. Fabric and supplies will be provided by the Nimble Thimbles. To register, call 317-341-3562 and be sure to leave a message.

INDIAN CREEK SWIM CLUB will be offering swimming lessons at the high school in the following blocks: July 1 to Aug. 1, Aug. 12 to Sept. 12 and Sept. 16 to Oct. 31. Those interested can get further information by going to www.indiancreekswimclub.com, calling 317-878-2128, or emailing [email protected].

FRANKLIN REGIONAL SWIM TEAM is offering swim lessons for children and adults. For information on private or group lessons, visit www.frstswimming.com.

THE GREENWOOD GATORS swim club is offering swim lessons. For more information, visit greenwoodgators.net.

FRA BRANCH 130 is still looking for a few good men and women to join the fun! Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood VFW, 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood. The U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial Branch holds its breakfast meeting the second Tuesday of each month at Denny’s South Park at Main St. and I-65 in Greenwood at 9 a.m. We would be glad for you to join us and we will buy your breakfast on your first visit. For more information, visit www.fra130indy.org.

JOHNSON COUNTY STAMP CLUB meets at 1 p.m. every third Tuesday of each month at the Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Come and enjoy monthly stamp exchanges/offers. U.S. and worldwide collectors of all ages are invited. For more information: [email protected] or 317-989-6799.

NIMBLE THIMBLES QUILT CLUB meets the first Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at Purdue Extension Office, 484 N. Morton St., Franklin for socializing, demonstrations and displays of finished projects. The business meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. Yearly membership is $20. New and experienced quilters are welcome. For more information, contact club president Vicki Craig at [email protected].

NINEVEH SENIOR CENTER now open with limited activities. Coffee provided for events. Membership is $25 per year. Weekly activities: Euchre on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and bid euchre on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Chair exercise classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

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COMMUNITY CLASSES/TRAINING

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING, June 27, Sept. 26, Dec. 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Greenwood Fire Department is hosting free fire extinguisher training events at the Greenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way. This event is a chance to learn essential fire safety skills and gain confidence in handling fire extinguishers. Firefighters will guide participants through hands-on exercises, teaching them proper use techniques and what to do after the use of one. Limited spots available, so those interested should sign up at shorturl.at/tDEP0.

TOP FLOOR WOMEN. Indy’s Premier Southside Networking Events invites all women looking for personal and professional development to join us the first Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at JPtheGeek offices, 156 S. Park Blvd., Greenwood. For more information, to register for the event, register as a speaker for an upcoming month or even become a coffee sponsor, go to www.topfloorwomen.org.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

DOG TAGS FREE WILL CONCERT, May 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson County Park Amphitheater. Pulled pork, hot dogs, side, chips, dessert. Bring family friends and lawn chairs and come watch the Southern Indiana Garage Band. More info at Facebook: Dog Tags of Johnson County. Supports local veterans.

BRIDGES ALLIANCE OF JOHNSON COUNTY, hosting A Night of Magic with Caleb Wiles, May 30 at 7 p.m., at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Cost is $60 and includes popcorn and a drink. Tickets available through the ArtCraft online (www.historicartcrafttheatre.org) or at the box office. For more info or questions, contact [email protected].

CAR CRUISE-IN, May 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Morning Pointe Senior Living, 75 S. Milford Drive, Franklin. There will be a cruise-in car event with four trophy winners, which will be announced at 7 p.m. There will also be a loaded walking taco and soda combo available for $12, a gift basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing. If you would like to reserve a spot or learn more, call 317-736-4665. All proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association and Morning Pointe Foundation.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, June 1 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nineveh Masonic Lodge, 7221 S. Nineveh Road. Nineveh Eastern Star no. 466, presents its annual Strawberry Festival. Served with homemade ice cream. Come and join us! Cash only.

INDIANA LIVE STEAMERS, located just south of the Horse Park in Johnson County Park. Train ride dates: June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 (car show), Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. Bring your family, your friends, or anyone who would like the experience of traveling the rails on this miniature transportation network. The Indiana Live Steamers is ready to take you on a memorable journey through forested park land, over several bridges and along cattail-lined creeks. Trains are in operation on the third Saturday of every month between May and October, weather permitting. Hours of operation are noon until 4 p.m. and cost per person is $4. Birthday parties are available; to arrange a time contact: Dan Goins at 765-342–7069 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Special Events: “Sparks in the Park” on 28th. We will be operating our train rides at Johnson County Park on Friday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m., prior to the fireworks You can find us at: Indianalivesteamers.org or on Facebook.

IMH WHITE ELEPHANT SALE, June 21 and June 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine (in shelter) at 690 State St., Franklin. New and used items — clothing, jewelry, art, books, kitchen, hand tools, furniture, etc. Proceeds go to the Greenhouse Fund.

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DANCE EVENTS

INDY/GREENWOOD SENIOR DANCERS at MJ Ballroom, 88 U.S. 31 S. First class free. No partner needed. Ballroom social group class on Mondays at 9:30 a.m; line dancing group class, Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; ballroom social dance party mixer, Wednesdays 1 to 3:30 p.m. Snacks and drinks available.

INTERNATIONAL DANCE, first Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m. Each dance is taught. MJ Ballroom, 88 U.S. 31, S. Cost is $3.

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE, every first Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Garfield Park Arts Center. Each dance is taught. All ages welcome. Cost is $1.

LINE DANCE at Beech Grove Senior Center, 602 Main St. Every Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Line Dance for 55 and over. Newcomers welcome. Each dance is taught if needed. Free.

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FARMER’S MARKETS

FRANKLIN — starting June 1 through Sept 14. 8 a.m. to noon at DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park, 161 W. Monroe St.

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GARDENING/NATURE

INVASIVE PLANTS, May 30 at 6 p.m. at Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Naturalist Dawn Slack will talk about invasive plants, their impact on the environment and what home gardeners can do to eradicate them. Free and open to the public. Information: 317-517-0566.

BACKYARD PONDS, June 27 at 6 p.m., Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Learn how to build and maintain a backyard pond. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the library and Trafalgar Country Gardeners. Information: 317-517-0566.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

WEDNESDAY WALKERS, hosted by Johnson County Parks and Recreation, 2949 E. North St., Nineveh. Join park staff for a Wednesday morning stroll around the park. We will meet at the park office at 8:30 a.m. We’ll always walk at least one mile and up to an hour. Come for all or just part of the walk. Open to everyone, but no pets. Come and have a nice chat and get fit. Canceled in the event of inclement weather or holidays.

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LIBRARY EVENTS

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—EVENTS AT FRANKLIN LIBRARY: 401 State St.—

POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP, May 25 at 11 a.m. During this introspective and conversational workshop, read and experience a selected poem and then collaborate to create a new poem. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10208290.

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—EVENTS AT GREENWOOD LIBRARY: 310 S. Meridian St.—

THE ART OF READING SUMMER CHALLENGE, now through June 29. We’re celebrating the arts all summer long! Stop by a help desk or sign up online to get an Art of Reading bingo card. Complete activities to earn a Bingo and win some fun prizes. Be sure to check out our program calendar to see all of the awesome arts-based programs we have lined up this summer!

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—EVENTS AT TRAFALGAR LIBRARY: 424 S. Tower St.—

IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING INVASIVE PLANTS, May 30 at 6 p.m. Learn how to identify and eradicate invasive plants that threaten to displace our native species. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10271559.

TINY ART SHOW, May 31 from 4 to 5 p.m. View the tiny artworks created by children and teens, vote for your favorite and enjoy tiny refreshments. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10373270.

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—EVENTS AT WHITE RIVER LIBRARY: 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood—

LEGENDS AND LORE, May 23 at 4:30 p.m. Explore the mythological legends of the ancient Greek world through a variety of activities. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10277201.

CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY, May 24 at 4 p.m. Find out why we celebrate Memorial Day with a story, craft and activities to prepare your family for this holiday weekend. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10248290.

TAYLOR SWIFT PARTY, May 28 at 3 p.m. Listen to Taylor’s versions of her albums as we make friendship bracelets, pins, and small journals. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/10248360.

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SUPPORT

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Meetings are held the 2nd Friday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the W. Perry Library at 6650 S. Harding St. The June meeting will be held at a different date and time (June 17 at 10 a.m.).

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DROP-IN DAY. Johnson County is hosting a Community Resource Drop-In Day. Several organizations and providers will be providing access to community resources. The event will be held the second Tuesday each month from 3 to 6 p.m. at Herring Hall at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Anticipated organizations and providers on site include: Johnson County Health Department (birth certificates, vaccine and testing information); Johnson County Public Library (cards and services); WIC; mental health providers; substance use treatments providers; Naloxone (Narcan) training; advocacy groups; adult education opportunities; a notary; insurance navigation and case management support and general community services. It is a free public event and no registration is required. For more information or to ask questions, contact Erica Ratz at [email protected] or 317-883-7081.

FRANCISCAN HEALTH HOST STROKE SUPPORT GROUP, on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. in Indianapolis. The group is open to those recovering from a stroke or those caring for a stroke survivor. The series of sessions will provide insight from Franciscan medical experts, including physicians, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists and social workers will lead each session and provide the opportunity to talk with others who are coping with the effects of stroke. The group meets in the Franciscan Health Indianapolis Cancer Center Conference Room. For more information, call 317-528-8872.

FRANCISCAN HEALTH INDIANAPOLIS will be hosting a monthly Lung Support Group at the Indianapolis hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., entrance 1. The meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Cardiac Testing Conference Room. The Lung Support Group provides support for people living with lung disease. Meetings include a guest speaker and focus on education and treatment information. RSVP for the meeting and transportation a week prior to the event. For more information, call 317-528-8901 or email [email protected].

ATLAS (Assisting through loss after suicide) Suicide Bereaved Support Group for those who have lost someone to suicide. Facilitated by suicide loss survivors and individuals familiar with suicide loss. Teens (13-17) meet second Tuesday of the month and adults (18+) second Wednesday of the month. For more information, visit https://upstreamprevention.org/community-coalitions/suicidepreventioncoalition/atlas or call 317-824-9617; leave a message with your number and we will call you back.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, led by the Main Street Hospice staff, is a place for all those who have experienced the loss of someone they love. Public is welcome to come and listen or share their grief stories. Sessions are the first Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Street Hospice office, 10 Highland Ave., Franklin. For information call 317-736-0055.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meets weekly in Franklin: Open Meetings: Mon. 7 p.m., According to Bill Group, 100 E. Madison St.; Tues. 7 p.m.; Wed. 6 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sat. 8 p.m., Franklin Serenity Group, 550 E. Jefferson St., 2nd floor; Thurs. 6:30 p.m., Sobriety Now Group, 1300 E. Adams St.; Fri. 7 p.m., Tara Treatment Center, 6231 U.S. 31. Closed Meetings: Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Mon. 7 p.m., 550 E. Jefferson St.; Wed. 8 p.m., 100 E. Madison St.; Thurs. 7 p.m. (men only) 550 E. Jefferson St.

PROJECT SAFE PLACE, 24-hour crisis intervention service for youths ages 7 to 17. To receive help, a youth may walk into a nonresidential Safe Place site and ask for assistance or call 317-738-5437.

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VOLUNTEERING

LOCAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS are looking for volunteer drivers who can take local veterans to and from their medical appointments. Johnson County Veterans Transportation Network and Roudebush VA are recruiting. A vehicle and scheduling will be provided and other benefits include a free meal ticket, a free flu vaccination, free physical and more. Those interested should call Johnson County coordinator Jan Pennington at 317-473-5906.

MAIN STREET HOSPICE IN FRANKLIN IS CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS. To provide companionship to a patient in assisted living, long-term care, or a private home? Can you knit or crochet lap blankets? Would you like to assist with birthdays, events and seasonal projects? For more information, call 317-736-0055 or visit www.mainstreethospicein.com.