Freetime: Oct. 5

FEATURED EVENT

The Greenwood Presbyterian Church is holding their annual Blessing of the Animals.

This Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, the Blessing will be at 11 a.m. Held at 102 W. Main St. in Greenwood.

Bring your pet (or picture of your pet) that you want a blessing for.

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ARTS

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE presents a one-artist show by local artist Brenda Hull from now through Oct. 28. Brenda will be exhibiting a collection of her stained glass creations, including window art, ornaments and jewelry. Come meet the artist at the SALI Open House, Oct. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Visit the gallery at 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE members present Fall Exhibit 2023, on display now until Dec. 30. Our member artists will be exhibiting art works that follow the theme “Black and White.” Come and enjoy the artwork during regular hours, and come meet the artists at the SALI Open House, Oct. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

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CHURCH EVENTS

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH ANNUAL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seeking vendors; spaces are $26 or $47 for double. To register or for more information, visit www.pccbargersville.org/craftfair or call 317-422-9331.

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

PMHS CLASS OF 1983 will be holding its 40-year reunion on Oct. 7 at the Harry Cooler Conference Center in Greenwood. Contact Joan Candler Himebrook at 317-450-2711 for registration information.

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CLUBS & HOBBIES

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.

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].

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.

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.

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.

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 is offering lessons for children and adults. For information on private or group swim lessons, visit www.frstswimming.com. Use discount code 15Fall23 for 15% off of your first lesson.

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

INDIAN CREEK SWIM CLUB is 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].

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 EVENTS

HAPPY PLACE COMEDY is hosting a show on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Pixy Theatre at 111 S. Walnut St. in Edinburgh. Headliner is the very funny Stewart Huff. Tickets are $20 (cash) at the door and it will be adult humor.

FALL CRAFT FAIR, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scott Hall, 100 Fairground St., Franklin. Hosted by the Johnson County Extension Homemakers. More than 40 vendors will be selling various craft and artisan products of all types, including clothing, jewelry, home decor, health and beauty and much more. Nimble Thimbles will be serving food in the kitchen.

GREENWOOD NATURE CENTER, LIVE BATS WORKSHOP, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 225 S. Washington St., Greenwood. Looking for something interesting to do? We’ve got you covered! Come join us for a live bats workshop. Experts from Ball State University will showcase a live bat while also sharing their knowledge of these fascinating creatures. Attendees of all ages can learn about bat biology, echolocation and more! This event is free to the public but spots are limited, so claim yours today at www.eventbrite.com.

51st FALL FARE, Oct. 7, hosted by Nashville United Methodist Church at the Village Green in Nashville from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. This year’s event features new booths and old favorites, each selling items made and collected by church members. Artist in residence Jeff Hagen will be painting in the Village Green gazebo throughout the day. This is an annual fundraising event for the church’s outreach, raising money to provide financial support for local, state and international mission efforts.

GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Community members are invited to participate in Restore Old Town Greenwood’s annual community clean-up of Old Town Greenwood. Volunteers will meet in the Greenwood City Center parking lot by 10 a.m., divide up and collect litter from the area. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. All ages are welcome to attend, but children must be supervised. Pizza by Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza and bottled water will be provided to participants.

19th BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW, Oct. 14 and 15. The Columbus Star and Evening Star Quilters presents A Gathering of Quilts, at the Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up. There will be a display of over 100 quilts, vendors, a handmade boutique, demonstrations and an applique class on Saturday. Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. As an added attraction, there will be silent auctions of an Indiana University quilt and a Purdue University quilt, along with other items. For more information, visit http://www.starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.

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.

HOLY COW — IT’S SPAGHETTI!, Oct. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 North Madison Ave. This spaghetti dinner and silent auction includes spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, salad, dessert buffet and beverages. Cost $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. To purchase tickets, call 317-881-1653 between 9 a.m. and noon Mondays-Fridays. All profits will go to benefit Greenwood’s elementary schools.

COOKIE WALK, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Greenwood United Methodist Women in Faith are seeking non-profit vendors for the annual Cookie Walk to be held at the church. The group is accepting applications for non-profit organizations to have an opportunity to fund-raise and educate the community about their missions. Go to greenwoodumc.org (Women’s Ministry) for a vendor form and more information.

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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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GARDENING/NATURE

THE CULTIVATION GARDEN CLUB, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., St. John’s Church, U.S. 31 and Southport Road.Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Natives and others with Chris Wilhoite, Soules Garden. For more information, call Linda Stemnock at 317-889-2540.

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LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS

BUILDING BRIDGES: Coming Out, a panel discussion, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Franklin College’s Hamilton Library Auditorium, 830 Grizzly Dr., Franklin. Whether you’re LGBTQ or know someone who is, come hear personal experiences of coming out and living openly gay on National Coming Out Day. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8663965.

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Events at Clark Pleasant Library: 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland

FIRE SAFETY WEEK AT PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. A special preschool storytime with firefighter-themed stories and local firefighters sharing fire safety tips and demonstrations. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8630967.

FIRE SAFETY WEEK FOR FAMILIES, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Celebrate Fire Safety Week at the library with firefighter-themed stories and local firefighters sharing fire safety tips, demonstrations and activities. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8596959.

PUZZLE BINGO, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Play bingo and win puzzles! Winners will get to choose from dozens of puzzles of all shapes and sizes. Everyone will receive at least one puzzle. For teens and adults. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8582246.

CRAFTERNOON FOR ADULTS: Book Page Ghosts, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Decorate your windows with a ghoulish literary craft. All supplies provided. Registration required. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8532463.

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Events at Franklin Library: 401 State St.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAMILY EVENT: Convoy of Care, Oct. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. Learn about community resources by visiting booths and mobile units. Food trucks, door prizes and free gifts for those in attendance. Register ahead for car seat checks and health screenings. For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/convoy-of-care-community-resource-family-event-time-change-update-4-6pm-tickets-638758191947.

LITTLE SCIENTISTS, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. Discover the wonders of science through books, simple experiments and interactive learning. Designed for children ages 3-5. Registration required. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8595711.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE, Armenia and Latvia, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. Discover a new culture every month by meeting an international exchange student in person. Learn about their traditions, food, clothing, and much more! For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8019436.

PAWS TO READ, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Improve your reading skills and enjoy time with a registered therapy dog. Sign up for a 15-minute session at the children’s reference desk or call 317-738-2833. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/7124861.

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Events at Greenwood Library: 310 S. Meridian St.

FAMILY MOVIE, 11 a.m. Join us for a FREE and fun afternoon at the library with a family movie on the big screen! “The Little Mermaid” on Oct. 10 and “Super Mario Bros. Movie” on Oct. 18. Popcorn and activities will be provided. All ages are welcome to attend.

BOARD GAME BREAK, Oct. 11 and Oct. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Take a break during fall break and play some board games. Try something new or play an old favorite. Either way, we are set for fun, friendly competition. Featured games will be for ages 8 and older.

JACK-O’-LANTERNS AND OWLS DROP-IN, Oct. 12, Oct. 13 and Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. Drop in during fall break to create your own fall/Halloween themed craft! We will be making owls and jack-o’-lanterns out of your very own handprint cutouts! Ages 10+; no registration required.

TRUE CRIME MINI-CON, Oct. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come join us for a full day of true crime! We’ll have experts in forensics and body language, K9 search and rescue, local historians, authors and podcasters! Tickets are $5. During each breakout session we’ll have presentations spread out across the building. In between sessions, presenters will have a table in our exhibit hall where they can share about their specialties with information, brochures, and freebies. We’ll also have an interactive crime scene to solve, book displays to browse, an activity in our makerspace, and swag bags for everyone.

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Events at Trafalgar Library: 424 S. Tower St.

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. Ever wondered what goes on in the library at night? Your stuffed animal can find out when they stay over at the library. Bring your friend to our morning storytime and pick them up the following day. Held at the Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Link for more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8605581.

ALL ABOARD MODEL RAILROAD DISPLAY, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calling all train enthusiasts. Bring the entire family to this drop-in program and see an amazing model railroad display presented by the CINTRAK Model Railroad Club. Held at the Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Link for more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8205813.

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Events at White River Library: 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood

TALES FOR TAILS, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. Improve your reading skills and enjoy time with a registered Pet Partners canine friend. Sign up for a 15-minute session at the information desk or call 317-885-1330. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8646375.

STICKER MANIA, Oct. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Create and use stickers to make a fun notebook. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/8322141.

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MUSIC

A COMMEMORATIVE CONCERT, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Ave. Honoring Donald Bookout, the founding director of the Crossroads Brass Band. Former members of the band are invited to sit in with the band for several pieces; contact Lori Dickerson at [email protected] to receive copies of the music. The concert will be open to the public and free of charge.

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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

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.