Freetime: August 24

FEATURED EVENT

100 YEARS BLOCK PARTY, Sept. 10 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Johnson County 4-H is celebrating 100 years of 4-H in the county! Featuring Blue River Band, car, truck and bike show, food trucks, inflatables and more. Free community event open to everyone!

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ARTS

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE. Come and visit the summer exhibit now through Sept. 30; artists will be exhibiting art works that follow the theme, “In Bloom.” A wide variety of styles, subjects, media and prices will be available. 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

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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CLASS REUNIONS

SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1963, Sept. 15 golf outing and Sept. 16 luncheon at 2115 Southport Road, Perry Township Academic Center. For more information, call Sue Good at 317-910-5985.

MANUAL CLASS OF 1958 REUNION Sept. 16 at noon, Buffer Park Golf Course, Indianapolis. Lunch $14 per person catered by City BBQ includes lunch, drinks and dessert. RSVP to Judy (Schrader) Deane at [email protected] or 317-840-3310.

SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1973 50th REUNION, activities begin Sept. 26 ending with the banquet on Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at The Atrium Banquet Hall, 3143 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis. For details and to register visit https://shs73-reunion.cheddarup.com.

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CLUBS & HOBBIES

LEARN THE ART OF WOODCARVING, every Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Parks and Recreation building. Everyone of all ages welcome. Instructors available. No carving tools needed. Contact Steve McClain at 317-696-5713 for inquiries.

JOHNSON COUNTY STAMP CLUB meets at 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month at the Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower Drive.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].

FRANKLIN REGIONAL SWIM TEAM has opened team registration for the 2023-24 season and will hold open evaluations from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Franklin Family Aquatic Center. Just bring a suit, goggles and a towel. Those trying out are welcome to stay for the team’s pool party that evening. To register for the season, or for information on private or group swim lessons, visit www.frstswimming.com. Use discount code 15Fall23 for 15% off of your first lesson.

THE FRANKLIN SWIM LEAGUE is open for boys and girls ages 10 and under. The league will run from Sept. 6 through Oct. 4 at Franklin Community Middle School, with one-hour practices on Mondays and dual meets on Wednesday evenings. For more information, email Griffin Edwards at [email protected].

THE GREENWOOD GATORS have opened registration both for swim lessons and for their competitive team. For more information, visit greenwoodgators.net.

INDIAN CREEK SWIM CLUB will be offering swim lessons at the high school through Nov. 2. Those interested can get further information by going to www.indiancreekswimclub.com, calling 317-878-2128 or emailing [email protected].

FRA BRANCH 130 holds its monthly meeting 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.

EVENING STAR QUILT GUILD meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m., Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey Street, Columbus. Members aim to develop an appreciation for the art of quilting. For more information, contact Kathy AmRhein 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.

COLUMBUS STAR QUILT GUILD meets the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to noon at First Baptist Church, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus. Following a short business meeting, members display their finished creations. Either a lesson/work session or program will follow. Yearly membership is $15. New and experienced quilters are always welcome. For more information, contact guild president Susannah Lipinski at [email protected].

FIVE POINTS CONSERVATION CLUB TRAP SHOOTING, 5:30 p.m. every Thursday at 4444 Five Points Road, Indianapolis. Open to the public.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

TEN MILE GARAGE SALE, Aug. 25-26 beginning at 8 a.m. rain or shine, 7478 W. County Road 600 S., Edinburgh. The garage sale, celebrating its 18th year, will be held in conjunction with the Marietta Fish Fry. The fish fry begins Friday evening and continues all day Saturday. The intersection will be marked with a large sign and white arrows will point out the route.

BIRD WATCHING TOURS OF CAMP ATTERBURY, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. Presented by Access Johnson County and led by birdwatcher Doug Gray. Tour buses load at Kroger parking lot. $30/person suggested contribution. To make reservations, visit [email protected].

DANCING WITH THE JOHNSON COUNTY STARS, Sept. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., The Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin. Tickets: Friday $10; 12 and under $5; Saturday $30; 12 and under $10. Includes refreshment. Tickets available at the Artcraft Theater or from the agencies. For more information, visit Facebook: Dancing with the Johnson County Stars or contact Barb Miller at 317-409-0908.

LEGACY OF LOVE GOLF OUTING, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m., Smock Golf Course, 3910 E. County Line Road, Indianapolis. The Ware, Meguiar and Smiley families invite you to join us for a golf outing in memory of Chris Ware and to support the Girls Inc. of Johnson County. The cost is $45 per player. The proceeds from the outing will support scholarships for girls to attend the after-school and summer camp programs. RSVP by Sept. 13. For more information, contact Sonya Ware-Meguiar at [email protected], 317-691-4923 or 317-736-5344.

HEALING HEARTS ANNUAL BALLOON RELEASE, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. Courtyard at Franklin College. Open to anyone who has lost a child. Contact Sheila at 317-502-0610 if you have any questions.

ALL ABOARD!! The Indiana Live Steamers are ready to take you on a memorable journey through forested park land, over bridges, along creeks and more. Located south of the Horse Park in Johnson County Park. Trains operate on the third Saturday of every month (Sept. 16, Oct. 21.) Hours are noon to 4 p.m. and cost $4 per person. The minimum age is 2 years old to ride. Birthday parties are available. Contact Dan Goins at 765-342-7069 or at [email protected]. More information at Indianalivesteamers.org or also on Facebook.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF JOHNSON COUNTY MOVIE EVENT, Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N. Main Street, Franklin. Showing “Kiss the Ground.” Enjoy this documentary to learn how regenerating the soil is one way we can reverse global warming. After the film, stay for a conversation with local experts about what our community can do. Free, but a donation and pre-registration are appreciated. Get your ticket at https://lwvjcin.org, at the door, or on Eventbrite.

CLARK-PLEASANT PICKLEBALL CHALLENGE, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, Whiteland Community High School tennis courts. All proceeds go to the Jerry Lasiter Scholarship fund; Jerry is a longtime honored icon in the Clark-Pleasant community. The entrance fee is $25 and includes a T-shirt if you register by Sept. 1. All levels of players are invited, but you must be at least a freshman in high school to participate. This is a scholarship fundraiser, so bring your checkbooks or contribute to our buckets. Any level of giving will help to get this scholarship fully funded.

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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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FARMERS MARKETS

FRANCISCAN HEALTH – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 27, Franciscan Health Indianapolis Campus, 5230 E. Stop 11.

BARGERSVILLE – Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., 24 N. Main St. until Sept. 20

EDINBURGH – Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., parking lot at 201 W. Main Cross St.

TRAFALGAR – Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m., 108 N. State Road 135.

WHITELAND – Fridays from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Whiteland Town Hall, 549 E. Main St.

FRANKLIN – Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, 237 W. Monroe St.

GREENWOOD – Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, Greenwood United Methodist Church parking lot, 525 N. Madison Ave.

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FUNDRAISERS

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL, Aug. 26 from noon to 5 p.m., 3961 N. County Road 425 E., Franklin. Enjoy a farm market and food vendors at Dollie’s Farm. This is a fundraiser for Dance Every Journey, a nonprofit organization offering dance classes and yoga classes to senior residents and veterans.

IT’S HOW WE ROLL, BUNCO NIGHT, Sept. 6 hosted by Franklin Education Connection at the Franklin Elks! All proceeds benefit our three programs that serve Franklin Community Schools: Study Connection, FCHS First Scholars and our Education Foundation. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Bunco play starting at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase and several raffle baskets! Grab your tickets! Don’t know how to play? No worries — we will teach you before we start! For more information, contact Melissa Parramore at [email protected].

MOVIE DAY AND SILENT AUCTION, Sept. 9 at noon, Canary Creek Cinemas, 870 Mallory Parkway, Franklin. Join the Alaina Day Memorial Foundation as we host our 3rd annual “Movie Day” event!! Bring the family to watch “Kung Fu Panda.” There will be prize giveaways, bounce houses, activities and more. Come enjoy a family movie, eat popcorn and have a fun time supporting ADMF! Ticket prices: $15 adult, $10 child (each ticket comes with a drink and popcorn) or $50 family package (2 adults and 2 or more children).

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GARDENING/NATURE

FALL LAWN CARE, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Trafalgar library, 424 S. Tower Drive. Free and open to the public. Master Gardener Mike Harris will talk about how to prepare your lawn for winter and next spring. By doing a bit of work this fall, you’ll have a more beautiful lawn next year. Refreshments available. For more information, call 317-517-0566.

FALL LAWN CARE CLASS, Sept. 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. Proper planning and actions this fall will help insure a healthier lawn next year. Learn proper timing for fertilizing, weed control and seeding. Free, but registration suggested to ensure enough handouts. Register online at www.greenwoodlibrary.us or call 317-881-1953, ext. 4.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

EXERCISE AT THE AMP in Franklin. Free classes! HIIT – Sept. 9; Circuit – Sept. 16; Zumba – Aug. 26; Pilates – Sept. 2. All classes are from 8 to 9 a.m. Visit franklinparks.org for more information.

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LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS

MOVIES IN THE PARK, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m., Johnson County Park, 2949 E. North St., Nineveh. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a movie outdoors! We’ll watch “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” under the stars. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/7951362.

COOKING FROM YOUR GARDEN — CHINESE COOKING 101, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m., Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Learn the basics of Chinese cooking using ingredients from your garden. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8619364.

LITTLE SCIENTISTS, Aug. 30 at 10:30 a.m., White River Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. Discover scientific wonders through books, experiments and interactive learning. Registration required. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8605919.

BLOCK PARTY, Create with LEGO bricks. Aug. 30 at 2 p.m., Clark Pleasant Library, 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8581369.

WRITERS CLUB, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m., White River Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. Calling young writers ages 10-15 to meet at the library for discussion, inspiration, writing prompts and sharing their works in progress. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8649944.

READ AND BLEED AT YOUR LIBRARY, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Clark Pleasant Library, 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland. Roll up your sleeve while you read. To schedule: 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8582280.

FAMILY STORYTIME, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m., Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Have fun and be creative together! Enjoy stories, songs and more with your family. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8621390.

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MUSIC

FRANKLIN COMMUNITY BAND, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Hues and Blues concert, Franklin Amphitheater.

CONCERT SERIES at the Franklin Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park. Sept. 29 – No Fences; Sept. 30 – Mellencougar. Visit franklinparks.org for more information.

GREENWOOD COMMUNITY BAND, SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, Greenwood Amphitheater, Surina Square, Craig Park: Aug. 26 – noon to 8 p.m. CGCB Concerts In The Park; Sept. 24 – 4 p.m. Park Concert.

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SUPPORT

HEALING HEARTS SUPPORT GROUP for those who have lost a child meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month (except Sept. Balloon Release) and Dec. (Memorial Service) at Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 N. Water St., Franklin. Contact Karen Hardin 317-850-7460 for more information.

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.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP, for adults who have lost a loved one, Main Street Hospice, 10 N. Highland Ave., Franklin. Call 317-736-0055 for upcoming times and dates.

VETERAN SUPPORT MINISTRY meets weekly on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. at 673 Jack Pine Drive in Whiteland. Veteran support ministry provides peer to peer counseling and biblical healing to veterans recovering from the residuals of military service.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS, 2nd Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. located at West Perry Library; 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Southport United Methodist Church. For more information and to register, call 800-272-3900.

LITTLE FREE PANTRY and LITTLE FREE LIBRARY. Take what you need, give what you can. This walk-up pantry and library set out by the sidewalk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Open to anyone in need. Located at 496 Carol Drive, Greenwood.

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

FRANKLIN EDUCATION CONNECTION is seeking study buddies. Volunteers collaborate with the student’s teacher and building site coordinator on study goals. There is fun time built in for playing games at the end of each session. Must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Apply at www.franklineducationconnection.org/application. Interested individuals can attend training at Northwood Elementary on Sept. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. The first day of Study Connection in all buildings is Sept. 14. For more information, contact Melissa Parramore at [email protected].

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.

ANEW HOSPICE is looking for volunteers to provide companionship, a listening ear, and non-clinical assistance to patients both in facilities and their homes. Volunteers experience a rewarding connection and provide invaluable comfort and support to patients and their families. To volunteer, call 317-300-2292 or email [email protected].

JOHNSON COUNTY CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) mission is to advocate for and provide every neglected, abused, or exploited child in our county a voice in the court process and to educate our community regarding its responsibility for children under these circumstances. Training classes are forming now! Please contact Tammi Hickman at 317-346-4561 or submit an application at www.casajohnsonco.org.

VASIA JOHNSON COUNTY/SHELBY COUNTY (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) is a public guardianship program which depends on volunteers to assist seniors and incapacitated persons. Volunteer up to 8 to 10 hours per month and your make your own schedule! Activities include monthly visits, personal shopping, recreational activities, service monitoring and advocacy. Visit www.indianavasia.org for more information.

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.