Arts & crafts
CRAFT CLUB, 6 p.m. Feb. 28, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., join a surprise quick craft session and/or bring your own project to work on; registration: greenwoodlibrary.us.
SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE FEBRUARY SHOW: ‘ATAVISM DISPLAYED: GRANDFATHER’S GIFT PERSISTS,’ month of February, Southside Art League, Inc. (SALI) Off Broadway Gallery, 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood; exhibition by artist Patricia A. Good Payne; native Hoosier, resides in Indianapolis; career work includes work with commercial arts, studies at workshops lead by master artists around the country, lifetime hobby of photography stimulates compositions in water color and acrylics. Memberships include Southside Art League, Hoosier Salon, Watercolor Society of Indiana, and Central Indiana Writers Association and is an Oblate with Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Call to arrange for viewing by appointment at another time. Public is invited to meet Payne during an open house at SALI, 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 5. Light refreshments will be served. Sales will benefit Southside Art League, Our Lady of Grace Monastery and Indiana Conference of United Methodist Women.
JOHNSON COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS ANNUAL SPRING CRAFT FAIR, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4, Scott Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairgrounds St., Franklin, craft and artisan products of all types, clothing jewelry, home decor, health and beauty, and more; lunch and snack foods all day, admission is free; 317-736-3724.
FRANKLIN CHIPMATES WOODCARVING CLUB, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Franklin Cultural Arts and Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., beginners and experienced craftspeople welcome, 317-736-1582.
NIMBLE THIMBLES QUILT CLUB, first Friday of the month, 9 to 11:30 a.m. work session, 12:30 p.m. meeting, Johnson County Purdue Extension Office, 484 N. Morton St., Franklin, 317-736-4547.
ADULT BEGINNER PAINTING CLASSES, 10 a.m. Saturdays, The Studios, 550 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, $25, must call to register, 317-474-4889.
ART CLASSES, 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, Southland Community Church, 5800 W. Smith Valley Road Greenwood, free art classes with local artist, Edward Patterson. Southland is creating a series of 12 large paintings depicting various Bible scenes; each piece will be 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide and will teach students oil-on-canvas painting; information: 317-627-5872 or 317-883-8988.
Books
LITERARY TOUR INFORMATION SESSIONS, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and March 7, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., travelers are wanted for a summer tour through the iconic landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. Tilson Travel will donate a portion of group trip costs to the Greenwood library. The tour, “Literary Legends and Inspiring Landscapes of Scotland and Ireland” is scheduled for July 5 to 14. A minimum of 15 people must sign up by April 1 for the trip to take place. Trip and tour highlights will include castles, parks and historic sites during stops in Edinburgh, Cairngorms, Iverness, Loch Ness and Ayr in Scotland. In Ireland, tour stops include Dublin, Adare and Kilkenny Castle. Cost of the tour is $3,750 for double occupancy and an additional $550 for single occupancy. There will be a $150 rebate if there ware more than 22 travelers signed up. The cost includes air fare and trip accommodations. For more information, contact Becky Tilson-Squires at 317-402-6982 or [email protected].
JCPL WINTER READING: LIBRARY BINGO, through February, play bingo and win prizes, all-ages Winter Reading Program is now the Library Bingo Challenge, and all you and your family have to do to participate is stop by any branch in February, pick up a Bingo card and start completing the library-related activities. Every bingo card is full of fun, free library activities you can complete by yourself or with family or friends. Complete a bingo to receive a prize. Complete the entire card to receive an entry into a drawing for a family membership to an Indiana museum of your choice. Museums include: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, Johnson County Museum of History, Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Zoo or Kidscommons. For registration and program information, please visit any Johnson County Public Library location or pageafterpage.org/bingo.
GREENWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY WINTER READING, the library is turning 100, and celebrating with winter reading. This year, for every 100 minutes of reading, patrons will gain a marble that they can use to vote for an upcoming family program. Vote for an animal program, a game truck, or a Comic Con. Patrons can also gain marbles by attending programs and for each time you check out books; information and registration: greenwoodlibrary.us.
BOOKLOVERS BOOK CLUB, 10 a.m. Feb. 16, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., free, discussion of “The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens, 317-881-1953, greenwoodlibrary.us.
FRANKLIN PAGE-TURNERS BOOK DISCUSSION, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Franklin library, 401 State St., free, discussion of “The Boston Girl,” by Anita Diamant pageafterpage.org.
MONDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB, 7 p.m. Feb. 20, White River library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, discussion of “Defending Jacob,” by William Landay, 317-885-1330, pageafterpage.org.
BOOKISH DINER: JOANNE HARRIS, 6 p.m. Feb. 23, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., Calling all foodies! Join in a brand new series, which will explore culinary inspiration from literature. Each session, look at a different author or series, and sample a few of the dishes mentioned in the books. Registration is required: greenwoodlibrary.us.
Church and Spiritual Programs
BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER SERIES, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22, Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center, 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Grove. In these four sessions participants will explore the spiritual wisdom of St. Benedict for our time and place. Through prayer, presentation and discussion, these sessions will focus on practical ways to incorporate Benedictine values into everyday life. Sessions include: Balance of Work, Prayer & Leisure; Spirituality and Hospitality; Spirituality and Stewardship; Fee: $25 per session. To register, call 317-788-7581 or visit benedictinn.org.
SHROVE TUESDAY/MARDI GRAS PANCAKE SUPPER, 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 600 Paul Hand Blvd., Franklin, toppings bar, cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.
THE PERRYS, 7 p.m. March 9, First Separate Baptist Church of Franklin, 300 E. Ohio St., Franklin; admission is free, offering will be accepted; all are welcome.
Classes
JOB CENTER AT THE LIBRARY, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, Southport library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, library presents a free service for unemployed or underemployed individuals to receive one-on-one assistance to enhance their employment skills. The session will focus on job search strategies, interviewing skills, resume development, and instruction on basic computer skills. The Job Center is made possible by the Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, 317-275-4510.
EXCEL 2, 1 p.m. Feb. 20, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., build on the skills learned in Excel 1 by using more formulas, making charts, sorting, freezing/hiding panes, and more! Students must have taken Excel 1 or have equivalent knowledge before coming to class. Registration: greenwoodlibrary.us.
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 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 to $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.
Family Programs
FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL: ‘THE JUNGLE BOOK,’ 6 p.m. Feb. 16, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., Disney’s remake of “The Jungle Book;” after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera, and free spirited bear, Baloo. 106 min | Rated PG; greenwoodlibrary.us.
HOW-TO FAIR, noon Feb. 18, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I wish I could learn how to…” then this event is for you! Come learn how to do a whole variety of things in one afternoon. From learning how to get plan a vacation, to how to fold a sheet, to how to fold origami and more; greenwoodlibrary.us.
Fundraisers and Galas
PERRY TOWNSHIP KIWANIS CHILI COOK-OFF, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Kiwanis Chili Cook-off, Center United Methodist Church, 5445 Bluff Road, at Epler Avenue, Adult meals will be $7 and include chili, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Meals for kids will be $3 and include hot dogs, chips, dessert and beverage. All major credit cards will be accepted. The fundraiser is one of several events sponsored by Kiwanis to support of various community organizations.
PUPPY PAWLOOZA, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25, Center Grove Middle School North, 202 N. Morgantown Road, Greenwood, families and their dogs welcome to attend, enjoy a variety of pet vendors selling unique dog items, a pet photographer, animal communicator, prizes and much more! Animal rescues will be present with dogs available for adoption. Proceeds benefit Gateway Services of Johnson County. For more information: Gateway Services 317-738-5500 gatewayarc.com; facebook.com/ puppy pawlooza.
Gardening
BEST ANNUAL FLOWERS, 2 p.m. Feb. 23, Trafalgar library, 424 S. Tower St., Learn about the best annual flowers during a presentation by gardening writer Colleta Kosiba. Also, take part in a seed swap. Free. Public invited. Presented by Trafalgar Country Gardeners. Information: 317-736-9167.
HELLO SUNSHINE! SOLAR-POWERED LAWN CARE, 6 p.m. March 8, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., join Gus Mariscal, owner of the Solar Earth Lawn Care. He has the first solar-powered lawn care company in Indiana. His mowers, blowers and other landscaping tools are powered by batteries that are juiced on solar chargers. He will talk about how he retrofitted his truck with two solar panels that are routed into a battery charging station in the vehicle’s tool box. Gus also will be giving tips on green gardening practices and other tasks that will help you live a better, greener life. He also uses eco-friendly fertilizers and herbicides. Come see some of his equipment and learn about how he got started; registration: greenwoodlibrary.us.
JOHNSON COUNTY GARDEN CLUB: LIFELONG SKILLS IN GROWING GARDENS AND MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, 6:30 p.m. March 13, Purdue Extension office, 484 N. Morton St., Franklin; Ellen Paris: “Lifelong Skills in Growing Gardens;” and Missi Tinsley and Megan Greene: “Studying Monarch Butterflies in Kansas and Mexico,” speakers share their recent trips and learning as a result of being recipients of grant money from a local Education Foundation to research areas of their choosing. All are employees of Franklin Community Schools.
MASTER GARDENER CLASSES, through March 28, Purdue Extension Johnson County, 484 N. Morton St. on the fairgrounds in Franklin. Cost is $125 per person and includes all class-related handouts and materials. Call for availability: 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.
CULTIVATING GARDEN CLUB, 6 p.m. third Thursday of each month at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 7031 S. East St., Indianapolis; 317-881-2353.
CONSERVATORY TOURS, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis, $1, garfieldgardensconservatory.org.
Government
TOX BOX RE-OPENING, collection site will re-open for residents to dispose unwanted household chemicals on Feb. 27; hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 1051 Hospital Road, Franklin. Items accepted: household cleaning supplies, yard and pool chemicals, automotive fluids, oil-based paint and stain. No latex paint will be accepted. The Tox Box is for Johnson County residents only. No businesses, contractors or small quantity generators will be accepted. Call the Johnson County Recycling District office at 317-738-2546 for more information or visit recyclejohnsoncounty.com.
Health and fitness
BAXTER YMCA & PERRY PARK, 2 p.m. Feb. 18, meet at Baxter YMCA on Shelby Street at Stop 11 Road; neighborhood hike of 5 miles; indyhike.org.
GREENWOOD PARK MALL HIKE, 8 a.m. Saturdays in February and 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in February and March, sign in at the mall food court for a self-guided hike. Take as many one- mile laps as you want; indyhike.org.
BEECH GROVE HIKE, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, February and March, meet at southeast corner of Emerson and Churchman in Beech Grove in the Churchman Hill Plaza behind the BP station for a 5-mile hike; indyhike.org.
GREENWOOD NIGHTS 6 p.m. Tuesdays in January, meet in parking lot on corner of Main Street and Madison Avenue, 5-mile guided hike, indyhike.org
SOUTHPORT PARK HIKE, 9:15 a.m. Wednesdays in February and March, meet at 6901 Derbyshire Road behind the Southport Police Station for an 8-mile hike; indyhike.org.
History
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
JUNIOR GENIUS SCIENCE CLUB, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., Grades K-5: If you love science or are just curious about how things work, join in for some hands-on science fun for at the world around us. Registration is required: greenwoodlibrary.us.
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 ages 0 to 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.
WONDERFUL ONES STORY TIME, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, White River library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, free, 317-885-1330, pageafterpage.org.
TERRIFIC TWOS STORY TIME, 10:15 and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, White River library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, free, 317-885-1330, pageafterpage.org.
CRAFTY KIDS CLUB, 4 to 5:30 p.m. fourth Tuesdays, Trafalgar library, 424 Tower St., free, crafts, 317-878-9560, pageafterpage.org.
Lectures
MAURA J. CULLEN: ‘DUMB THINGS WELL-INTENDED PEOPLE SAY,’ 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Branigin Room, Napolitan Student Center, Franklin College, 101 Branigin Blvd., “Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say: 10 Skills to Increase Your Diversity Competence” as a part of the Black History Month event. Cullen is widely considered one of the nation’s foremost authorities on diversity issues on college campuses today. She will discuss statements people often make in an effort to be supportive or complimentary but are actually problematic. Meant as joining statements, these remarks often have the opposite effect and end up creating a larger divide. Participants will gain knowledge of communication traps, how to avoid them and what tools to use in their place.
Movies & Theater
‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE,’ 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25, Artcraft Theater, 57 N. Main St., Franklin, 1987, PG, swashbuckling classic comedy adventure, Cary Elwes, Robin WRight and Mandy Patinkin, $3 to $5, includes a cartoon, historicartcrafttheatre.org.
Museums
‘A GENTLEMAN COLLECTOR FROM INDIANA: PORTRAITS FROM THE COLLECTION OF BOOTH TARKINGTON, through Feb. 26, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, admission included in general admission and free for IMA members; 2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Hoosier native and dedicated art collector, Booth Tarkington. This exhibition of portraits highlights Tarkington’s interest in the human face, a subject he wrote about extensively. The show will also feature the writer’s commentary on his collection as found in his correspondence with artists, dealers and art historians.
‘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, visit johnsoncounty museum.org or call 317-346-4500.
Music
BLUE RIVER BAND, 7 p.m. Feb. 18, Artcraft Theater, 57 N. Main St., Franklin, annual event held by the Franklin Elks 1818 benefiting the Mike Duncan Memorial Scholarship Fund, $10 admission, beer and wine available for sale, 21 and older only; historicartcrafttheatre.org.
AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, 7 p.m. March 10, Franklin Community Church, 2005 Upper Shelbyville Road, program features well-loved children’s songs, traditional spirituals and gospel favorites. Concerts are free and open to all. A free-will offering is taken at the performance to support African Children’s Choir programs, such as education, care and relief and development programs.
FRANKLIN COMMUNITY BAND, 7 p.m. March 16, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1300 S. U.S. 31, Franklin, band and young musicians will perform, fellowship and fefreshments will be provided after the concert. All are welcome.
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.
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.
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.
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 882-5187 or visit chordlighters.org/ for more information.
Seniors
CRAFT CLUB, 11 a.m. Feb. 24, Franklin Active Adult Center, 160 E. Adams St., Franklin; God’s eye weaving project; 317-736-3696.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES, Feb. 24, Franklin Active Adult Center 160 E Adams St., screening of “The Notebook,” based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, 317-736-3696.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY, Feb. 22, Franklin Active Adult Center 160 E. Adams St., 317-736-3696, celebration of February birthdays with cupcakes, ice cream, and music from Chuck & Friends.
FITNESS CLASSES, through Feb. 17, Carole’s Fitness, 5661 Madison Ave., Indianapolis, fitness classes for people over age 50, beginner and intermediate, $40 for six classes, advanced classes, $45 for six classes. Registration deadline, Jan. 4. For information, call 317-788-8377 or email [email protected].
Social and support groups and clubs
AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP MEETING: WHEN YOUR CHILD IS NEWLY DIAGNOSED, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Earlywood Education Center, 500 Earlywood Drive, Franklin, Marci Wheeler from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism will present information on the next steps for those recently diagnosed with autism. Special meeting is co-sponsored by Special Services Johnson County and the Johnson County Autism Support Group. Staff from Johnson County Public Libraries will be on site to provide a story time. Contact Kris Baker [email protected] or 317-738-5459 for more info and RSVP.
AMERICAN LEGION KARAOKE, 7 p.m. alternating Saturdays in January and February, Feb. 24, Legion Post 252, 334 U.S. 31 South, Greenwood, 317-881-1752.
DOLLAR HOT DOGS, noon to 5 p.m. every day, Greenwood American Legion Post 252, 234 U.S. 31 South, 317-881-1752.
Sports
BAXTER YMCA REGISTERING FOR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES, season runs through 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 achitwood@ indymca.org. Register online at indymca.org/baxter.
Teens
TRY IT TUESDAY: WHEEL OF MISFORTUNE: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., spin the wheel and see what your future holds on the Wheel of Misfortune. Prizes, snacks included; grades 6 to 12; greenwoodlibrary.us.
DIFFERENT LIKE ME CLUB, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., tweens and teens that are high functioning on the Autism spectrum or have a disability and want to play games and have fun; RSVP [email protected].
‘PERCY JACKSON’ BOOK FUN, Feb. 28, Greenwood library, 310 S. Meridian St., Did you read the book and absolutely love it? Then join in for a fun-filled afternoon of trivia, games, and crafts all focused on Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. (And, of course, enjoy a tasty snack after.) Registration encouraged: greenwoodlibrary.us.
Wine and food
RIBS DINNER, Feb. 17, American Legion Franklin Post 205, 1200 Park Ave.; post, is open daily at 2 p.m. and at noon on Saturday. Come at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday for weekly treasure hunt with a weekly jackpot raffle. Public is welcome. Call 317-738-9934.
CABIN FEVER FRIDAYS AT THE SYCAMORE AT MALLOW RUN, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 17, Sycamore at Mallow Run is located at 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, music by Tastes Like Chicken, food truck eats and your favorite beer, wine and cocktails from the bar; 21 and over only; $10 cover at the door. Food available to purchase from Johnson’s BBQ & Brozinni Pizzeria. mallowrun.com.
