Free Time: Your guide to local events – December 15

Seasonal

PANCAKES WITH SANTA, 9 to 11 a.m. or noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 17, The Sycamore at Mallow Run Winery, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville; kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a morning with Jolly Old Saint Nick; event will include Christmas crafts for the kids, music, a visit from the horses, and, an appearance from Santa Claus! Santa will mingle a bit with the kiddos, then be available to listen to gift requests and take pictures. Both breakfast and brunch feature a delicious breakfast buffet by Ralph & Ava’s Catering, including biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash brown casserole and a pancake bar! Juice and coffee will be available as well. For moms and dads, the Sycamore bar will be open and selling mimosas, bloody marys and specialty coffee cocktails. Tickets are required. Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 per child (children 2 and younger are free). Tickets may be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/pancakes-with-santa-tickets-29240288490.

‘CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO,’ 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23 and 26 to 30, Indianapolis Zoo; animals will be out late to enjoy the cooler weather, including the tigers, sea lions, red pandas, brown bears, walrus and many others. Zoo light displays will create a special holiday experience; White River Junction Train offers an express ride through a wonderland filled with lights. Guests can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, sample delicious holiday treats and enjoy carolers singing by the fireside. In White River Gardens, visitors can shake off the winter chill and enjoy Santa’s Tropical Paradise inside the Hilbert Conservatory. Families can participate in the scavenger hunt. Additional activities await at Santa’s Workshop where kids can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa and meet Kris Kringle himself through Dec. 23. Visit indianapoliszoo.com for advance tickets and more information.

Arts & crafts

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SHOW OF FINE ART, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Dec. 23, Off Broadway Gallery at the Southside Art League, 299 E. Broadway, Greenwood, in Olde Town Greenwood through the month of December. This show will feature original works by local Indiana artists in a variety of media, such as oil, watercolor, pastel, photography and ceramics. There are also cards, giclee prints and unframed originals. A lay-away plan is available. For more information call 317-882-5562.

CRAFT CLUB, 6 p.m. Dec. 20, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., bring your own craft project or join in a monthly, quick craft. Registration is encouraged: greenwoodlibrary.us.

RUG HOOKERS, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesdays, Starstruck Cat Studio, 3130 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite H, Greenwood, free, bring a current traditional rug hooking project, join other rug hookers, starstruckcatstudio.com.

OPEN STUDIO AT STARSTRUCK CAT STUDIO, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, Starstruck Cat Studio, 3130 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite H, Greenwood, free, adults only, bring current knitting, crochet, rug hooking, weaving project, enjoy coffee, conversation, 317-889-9665, starstruckcatstudio.com.

WOODCARVERS, 6 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays, The Social of Greenwood, 550 Polk St., join other seniors, 317-882-4810.

BEGINNING CROCHET CLASS, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Starstruck Cat Studio, 3130 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite H, Greenwood, $50, fee includes six hours of instruction, patterns, two skeins of yarn, crochet hook, students need tapestry needle, scissors, split ring or locking stitch marker, registration, 317-889-9665, starstruckcatstudio.com

QUILT CONNECTION GUILD, 7 to 9 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Ave., meetings feature experienced quilters sharing their knowledge; group hosts workshops, sewing days to learn new skills, annual quilt challenges, bees, an annual auction and parties, new members welcome, Jo Ann Gates, 317-966-0933.

Books

BOOKLOVERS BOOK CLUB, 10 a.m. Dec. 15, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., free, discussion, 317-881-1953, greenwoodlibrary.us.

“ENTER BY THE NARROW GATE” DISCUSSION: AUTHOR TALK WITH DR. DAVID CARLSON, 6 p.m. Dec. 19, Clark Pleasant library, 530 Tracy Road No. 250, Whiteland, “Enter” is the first book in a riveting new mystery/thriller series by Franklin College Professor Carlson. Meet the author, hear about this new book series and pick up your copy to read. For more information or to register, contact the branch at 317-535-6206 or visit pageafterpage.org/programs.

MONDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB, 7 p.m., Dec. 19, White River library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, free, discussion of “Christmas Bells” by Jennifer Chiaverini, 317-885-1330, pageafterpage.org.

FRANKLIN PAGE-TURNERS BOOK DISCUSSION, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Franklin library, 401 State St., free, discussion of “A Man Called Ove,” by Fredrik Backman; pageafterpage.org.

CLARK PLEASANT BRANCH PIZZA AND PAGES BOOK DISCUSSION FOR TEENS, 6 p.m. Dec. 20, discussion of “My True Love Game to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories,” edited by Stephanie Perkins pageafterpage.org, 317-535-6206 for more information.

Church

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREENWOOD DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 99 W. Main St., featuring real animals and actors recreating the beloved nativity scene, open to the public.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY DINNER, Dec. 25, 1300 E. Adams St., Franklin, carryout, 1:30 to 4 p.m., dining in, 5 to 6:30 p.m., delivery or carryout orders must be requested by Dec. 20: 317-736-7224; franklingrace.org.

Classes

“SOUPS, STEWS & CHILI, OH MY!” 6 p.m. Jan 12, Clark Pleasant Public Library, 530 Tracy Road, Suite 250, New Whiteland. Purdue Extension class. Call library to register 317-535-6206.

JOHNSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE ONLINE COURSES, Patrons can access thousands of online courses in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, web design, business, marketing and more at no cost. The Lynda.com video library offers users a chance to grow skills in graphic design, computer programming, photography and video. Software includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, Google Apps, iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Visit pageafterpage.org/lynda to log in and create a Lynda.com account.

Dance

MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCING, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Rivers of Life Fellowship, 1962 Old Meridian St., Greenwood, $4 per lesson per person; first two lessons are free; those interested should email green [email protected], or call 317-881-4719 or 317-694-4711; greenwoodmerrymixers.com; facebook.com/greenwoodmerrymixers.

INTERMEDIATE BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Riolo Dance Studio, 502 N. Capitol Ave. (second floor), Indianapolis; $10 to $15, no partner needed; advanced American style smooth and rhythm group classes; riolodance.com, 317-490-6739.

BALLROOM DANCES, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Riolo Dance Studio, 502 N. Capitol Ave. (second floor), Indianapolis, $10-$12, lesson at 7:30 p.m., open dancing 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., all skill levels and abilities welcome; no partner needed; refreshments available; riolodance.com.

Fundraisers and Galas

19th ANNUAL CARRIE CLAYBURN MEMORIAL DINNER, 5 p.m. until halftime at home basketball game, Indian Creek High School Cafeteria, 803 Indian Meadows Drive, Trafalgar, pork chops provided by the Indian Creek FFA, smorgasbord dinner will be provided by area churches. Free will offering will go to a scholarship in Clayborn’s name. If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Heidenreich at 317-502-0610.

Gardening

MASTER GARDENER CLASSES, Jan. 10-March 28, Purdue Extension Johnson County, 484 N. Morton St. on the fairgrounds in Franklin. Registration now open. Cost is $125 per person and includes all class-related handouts and materials. Information: 317-736-3724.

JOHNSON COUNTY GARDEN CLUB, 6:30 p.m. second Monday of each month, Purdue Extension Johnson County office, 484 N. Morton St., Franklin, new members welcome, 317-346-7316.

TRAFALGAR COUNTRY GARDENERS, last Thursday of each month, 317-736-9167.

Health and fitness

CHRISTMAS RUN 2016, Dec. 17, Greenwood Christian Academy, Join the Rotary Club of Greenwood and Greenwood Christian Academy for a day of food, fun, and activities. Bring your running shoes, dogs in reindeer costumes, and your favorite ugly sweater for the first Christmas 5K in Greenwood. Race registration will be starts at 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the Greenwood Christian Academy auditorium. The first 300 adults (and teens) get a free five-piece Santa suit for the race. Pick up your packet and get a cup of Coffeehouse Five coffee. The ugly sweater contest will start at 9 a.m., followed by the best-dressed pet contest at 9:30 a.m. Winners receive $10 gift cards. The race will start at 10 a.m. Food trucks will be available until noon. Registration: gcak12.org/rotary-5k-event.

WEIGHT WATCHERS MEETINGS, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave., Beech Grove, 317-803-9086.

F.I.T. FORCE 3 DANCE FITNESS, 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Gear, 230 Commerce Drive, Franklin, $5 suggested donation, dance fitness classes, encouraging women to find Freedom In Truth for their mind, body and spirit, fitforce3.com, [email protected].

FUN TIME YOGA FOR KIDS, now booking private and groups of 5 or more, 7 Cedars Yoga, 1064 S. Morgantown Road, Morgantown, 374-6795, [email protected].

YOGA BASICS LEVEL 1, 7 to 8:15 p.m. Monday and Thursdays, 7 Cedars Yoga, 1064 S. Morgantown Road, Morgantown, 317-374-6795, [email protected].

“INSANITY” WORKOUT CLASS, 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Greenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way, four-class session fee: $16 for members, $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents, high-intensity cardio workout, drop in fee: $7, 317-881-8527.

MONDAY MILERS WALKING CLUB, 8:30 a.m. every other Monday, Johnson County Park, 2949 E. North St., Edinburgh (north of Camp Atterbury) for directions, visit jcpark.org, walk at least one mile long and up to one hour, rain or shine, meet at the park office, free, club to promote fitness and friendship. Open to all ages. No pets. For more information, call 812-526-6809 or email [email protected].

TAI CHI CLASS, 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, First Baptist Church basement, 201 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, free, 317-736-6753.

PRENATAL YOGA, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Mondays and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Peaceful Heart Yoga Studio, 550 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, $40 for eight-week session; $8 drop-in; 843-267-5381, peaceful-heart-yoga.com.

CHRISTIAN YOGA, 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays; 9:15 a.m. Saturdays, Mount Pleasant Christian Church Community Life Center, 407 N. Bluff Road, Greenwood, $3, 317-881-6727.

MEDITATION HIKES, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Road, free, meet at Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion, facilitated by Global Peace Initiatives, hikes occur regardless of the weather, globalpeaceinitiatives.net.

iCAN YOGA, 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Evolutions@Yoga, 2801 Fairview Place, Greenwood, five session pass is $65, beginning yoga class for people with larger bodies; 317-881-9642.

History

1816: INDIANA JOINS THE NATION, through Jan. 21, Indiana Historical Society interactive exhibition, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, re-creates the Corydon meeting house where delegates met to draft Indiana’s first state constitution, guests will join in conversation with delegates representing various viewpoints on issues such as education, slavery, personal liberty and the balance of power between branches of this new government, indianahistory.org.

DESTINATION INDIANA, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis; facilitated, interactive exhibits that use digital technology, touch screens and immersive displays of historic images and documents to explore and understand the story of Indiana using photographs and other archival materials such as broadsides, manuscripts, maps, printed items and sheet music. Destination Indiana features eight “drive yourself” time-travel stations that can each hold as many as six guests. The space also includes a large-group experience that offers access to nine journeys on its 22.5-foot by 7.5-foot screen, which features twice the resolution of a 1080i high-definition television set. Each station includes at least one journey for each of Indiana’s 92 counties, as well as “Indiana Stories” on subject matters such as African-American Hoosiers, the Civil War, the Ohio River, mapping the state, social justice and reform, rail transportation, agriculture and more are also explored.

Kids

MAKE & TAKE, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, free, visitors can find art-making projects in the Star Studio Classroom inspired by works of art on view at the IMA. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for museum visitors of all ages and all levels of art-making experience, imamuseum.org.

WEE WEDNESDAYS, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, $5 public, $3 IMA members, Star Studio classroom, for children up to age 5 and their caregivers, pretend play, sing-a-longs, gallery art hunts and hands-on art activities, to register call 317-923-1331, ext. 213.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Southport library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, free, children 3 to 5 and an adult, stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, playtime, sharing time for adults, 317-275-4510.

Movies & Theater

“CHRISTMAS VACATION,” 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 to 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin, Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, $3 to $5, includes a cartoon, historicartcrafttheatre.org.

CHRISTMAS WITH PAM TILLIS, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Franklin Performing Arts Center, 2600 Cumberland Drive, country music performer Pam Tillis presents an evening of Christmas and traditional country music, Tillis is the daughter of country music star Mel Tillis, and has logged six No. 1 hits, 14 top 10 hits, and won female vocalist of the year from the country music association; tickets are $20 to $50: franklinschools.org/Page/825.

Museums

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 17, Johnson County Historical Society, 135 N. Main St., Franklin, The Voices will perform on the first floor and cookies and punch will also be served. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about this or other events at the Johnson County Museum, please visit johnsoncountymuseum.org or call 317-346-4500.

‘DOING YOUR CIVIC DUTY: THE EVOLUTION OF VOTING,’ open through beginning of April, Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin, new exhibit tells the story of changes in who could vote, the role of different elected officials, and some of the fascinating elected officials over the years. For more information, visitjohnson countymuseum.org or call 317-346-4500.

“A JOY FOREVER: MARIE WEBSTER QUILTS,” through Jan. 8, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, exhibition features 25 appliqued quilts by Marie Webster, an Indiana native who rose to national fame in the early 20th century. Webster was discovered in 1911 when Ladies’ Home Journal included four of her quilts in full color for the first time. The exposure propelled the amateur quilt maker from Marion into the national spotlight. Also on display in the exhibition are some of Webster’s patterns, original pages from Ladies’ Home Journal and a digital version of Webster’s scrapbook, which invites guests to browse through Webster’s fan letters, news clippings and other memorabilia. Webster had a major impact on the quilt revival of the early 1900s. Her home in Marion is a National Historic Landmark and home of The Quilters Hall of Fame. Information: imamuseum.org.

Music

FRANKLIN COLLEGE INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS, 7 p.m. May 9, Custer Theatre in Old Main, showcase of Franklin College students who participate in the FC String Ensemble and the FC Wind Ensemble.

FRANKLIN COLLEGE CHORAL CONCERTS, 7 p.m. May 5 and 2 p.m. May 6, Custer Theatre in Old Main. The choral concerts will feature all three college choirs: The FC Singers, the Women’s Chorus and the Men’s Chorus.

JOYFUL SOUND COMMUNITY HANDBELL CHOIR, 4 p.m. Dec. 17, First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 99 W. Main St., concert free and open to the public.

FRANKLIN COLLEGE CHAMBER CONCERTS, 7 p.m. April 11, Custer Theatre in Old Main, concerts will showcase Franklin College students enrolled in voice or music classes. They will perform an array of music from Broadway and contemporary favorites, to classical and romantic art songs.

CHORDLIGHTERS BARBERSHOP CHORUS, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin, men who like to sing and who are interested in the group should come to a rehearsal, call 317-882-5187 or visit chordlighters.org/ for more information.

Seniors

TRIP TO L.S. AYRES TEA ROOM AND STATE MUSEUM, Dec. 20, Franklin Active Adult Center, 160 E. Adams St., take a trip back in time and renew memories of your childhood with a trip to the Indiana State Museum and lunch at Ayres Tea Room. ecember exhibits will include 200 Objects (History of Indiana told through 200 artifacts), Design Zone (STEAM Exhibition from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) and Celebrations Crossing (Santa and other Christmas activities including the 92 County Tree.) Cost for the trip is $15 (transportation and admission) plus the cost of your lunch. Members only.

FRANKLIN ACTIVE ADULT CENTER HOLIDAY SHOW, STEVE JEFFRIS, 11 a.m. Dec. 21, Franklin Active Adult Center, 160 E. Adams St., Jeffris makes a variety of appearances at fairs, festivals and special events throughout the Midwest, singing and accompanying himself on the guitar. Sing along to country classics and holiday favorites and stay for the pitch-in lunch that follows at noon.

MY PLATE, every second Monday, Matthew Hunt from the Purdue Extension, will be presenting the Small Steps curriculum. A recipe or snack is prepared for each lesson and those present will be offered the opportunity to sample it. Each participant will receive an incentive gift from Purdue Extension following the presentation. For members only. Franklin Active Adult Center, 160 E Adams St., Bev Bonsett, 317-736-3696

Sports

FREE ADMISSION: HOME FRANKLIN COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAMES, men’s games: 7:30 p.m Dec. 19, Wabash, 7 p.m. Dec. 29, Cornell, 3 p.m. Dec. 31, Thomas More; women’s games: 3 p.m. Dec. 28, Trine; Spurlock Center, Franklin College, 101 Branigin Blvd.; franklincollege.edu.

BAXTER YMCA REGISTERING FOR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES, season runs Jan. 14 to March 11. Practices take place one evening each week and games take place on Saturdays. Prices vary because the Y offers a sliding fee scale based on household income. In YMCA Youth Sports, there are no tryouts and no one gets cut from the teams. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team and all players have the opportunity for equal playing time in games, all players participate throughout practices and games. For additional information contact Ashley Chitwood, Youth & Adult Sports Director, at [email protected]. Register online atindymca.org/baxter.

Teens

THE COURT, 3:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; $5 cover charge on weekends, 7 Trafalgar Square, Trafalgar, safe, clean environment for teens offering Wi-Fi, jukebox, concessions, a dance floor, arcades and a DJ on the weekends, 765-341-0568.

CENTRAL INDIANA YOUTH CHORUS, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, East 10th Street United Methodist Church, 2327 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, free, ages 10 to 18, learn to sing four-part a cappella harmony, performance opportunities, ongoing registration, Janet Foster, 317-407-4564, [email protected], ciybc.org.

DANCING WITH A PURPOSE, 3 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Freedom Center, 6240 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, free, teens meet in the cafeteria for pizza, drinks, ministry to provide a fun and safe environment, talk, dance, pray, small groups, listen to inspirational speakers and leaders, [email protected].

Wine and food

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST, 7 to 10 a.m., last Saturday of each month, Greenwood Masonic Lodge 514, 592 N. Meridian St., $7, 317-437-5428.

FISH DINNER, 6 to 8:30 p.m. second Friday of the month, Greenwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5864, 333 S. Washington St., fish, choice of two sides — baked beans, coleslaw or french fries, $10, karaoke and a 50/50 raffle, public is invited to attend and enjoy the evening, 317-888-2488.

GREENWOOD VFW STEAK DINNER, 6 p.m. fourth Friday of every month, Post 5864 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood, strip steak, baked potato, salad with your choice of dressing, roll and butter, $11, karaoke and a 50/50 raffle, open to the public, 317-888-2488.

MONTHLY BREAKFAST, 7 to 10 a.m. first Saturday of the month, Whiteland Masonic Lodge, 39 S. Front St., $6, all-you-can-eat which includes scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits with gravy, and pancakes plus juice, milk, and coffee. Everyone welcome to come and meet your friends and enjoy good food.

COMMUNITY MEALS, 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Ave., 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Turning Point Church, 3600 N. Morton St., Franklin; 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 N. Water St., Franklin, 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Center Grove Church, 2340 S. State Road 135, Greenwood; 6 to 7:30 p.m. second Wednesdays, Stones Crossing Church, 7000 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mount Auburn United Methodist Church, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood; 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 445 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis; 5 to 7 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays, Honey Creek United Methodist Church, 2722 S. Honey Creek Road, Greenwood, 6 to 8 p.m. every third Monday, Greenwood First Presbyterian Church, 102 W. Main St.; 5 to 6:30 p.m., some Mondays, Hopewell Presbyterian, 677 W. State Road 144, Franklin; for more information about participating, contact Cathy Ann Armour at [email protected]. or call her at 716-3900 or contact one of the organizations serving the meals, to see the monthly menu calendar, visit underthesonfaithcommunity.org or pick up a copy at any of the locations serving the meals.

SHEPHERD’S TABLE FREE LUNCH, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Greenwood United Methodist Church, 524 N. Madison Ave., free, 881-1653

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, 8 to 10 a.m. third Saturday of every month, First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 99 W. Main St., free, firstbaptistgreenwood.org