Freetime: Dec. 14

FEATURED EVENT

COME AND MEET SANTA, on Dec. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Whiteland Town Hall, 549 Main St.

The Santa parade will start at 6 p.m.

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ARTS

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE SUPER CHRISTMAS SALE, now through Dec. 30. Member artists will be exhibiting a special collection of original art works this Christmas season. Many pieces are small and perfect for gift giving. Gift certificates available for anything at SALI, such as purchasing artwork, taking classes or paying dues. Layaway is available. A wide variety of styles, subjects, media and prices will be shown, including matted giclee prints, original framed and unframed art, ceramic sculpture, paper sculpture, greeting cards, jewelry and more.

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. 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. The topic for the next conversation is Forgiveness. 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

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 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month. 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 Wednesday 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.

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.

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

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

HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN FEST, Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join us for a family fun night of activities, connect with other parents and learn new ways to be involved in your child’s life. The Holiday Family Fun Fest is a special FREE kick off event sponsored by the Maternal and Child Committee and the Fatherhood Engagement Group. The event kick off will help us promote the monthly gathering of dads who want to engage with their children in a meaningful way. These gatherings will take place on select Thursdays of every month from 5-7 p.m. The locations will vary, see ticket/dates for more details when you register. 2024 dates: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of a community of dads who are committed to being present and engaged in their children’s lives. Questions contact Cassie: [email protected] or call 812-799-3266.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE MALL. Greenwood Park Mall has officially opened its Santa Photo Experience, which will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays through Christmas. In addition to the Santa Photo Experience, Greenwood Park Mall will host local events including: Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 16) and Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy (Dec. 16).

EDINBURGH PIXY THEATRE: Upcoming Events: Dec. 16 – 40 Years of College Classic Rock. Check out www.facebook.com/PixyTheatre for event information and event descriptions or call 812-526-6513.

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE EVENT, hosted by Franciscan Health, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Southport Presbyterian Church, 7525 McFarland Road, Indianapolis. This event is open to anyone who has lost a loved one. There will also be singing of traditional Christmas carols and a candle-lighting ceremony followed by fellowship and refreshments. Participants may bring photos of their loved ones to be displayed on the Table of Honor. Registration for this free. Contact Karla Riggs-Norton at 317-528-2636.

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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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LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS

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EVENTS AT FRANKLIN LIBRARY: 401 State St.

CHRISTMAS WRAP-UP, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. Do you find yourself frantically wrapping gifts at the last minute at Christmas? Make it a joyful occasion and join us in a relaxed atmosphere with holiday music and hot cocoa. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9147999.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Learn how other countries celebrate Christmas time. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9147942.

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EVENTS AT GREENWOOD LIBRARY: 310 S. Meridian St.

SOCK-CAPADES, Dec. 18-29. Who needs ice or wheels to glide across the floor like an Olympic figure skater or star hockey player?! Drop by the Kids Help Desk and learn how you can take a spin on our “no skates needed” rink. After you have practiced your camel spins and toe loops, you can enjoy some fun skating and ice-related activities.

TEENHQ/JACKBOX GAMES, Dec. 19, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon of Jackbox games! Compete against new and old friends for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Game Stop!

NEW YEARS NOON CONFETTI COUNTDOWN, Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Let’s ring in the New Year together! (A little early since the library is closed on Sunday, but it will be fun just the same…) Join us for an family activity in The Studio, a scavenger hunt in the Kids Department all day and a countdown at noon filled with colorful confetti!

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EVENTS AT TRAFALGAR LIBRARY: 424 S. Tower St.

MERRY CRAFTMAS! Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Decorate up a (snow) storm with glitter, sequins and all things paper. From Christmas sweaters to mittens, these wintry crafts will keep you entertained all evening. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9125140.

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

POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. Join us in your PJs as we read “The Polar Express,” sip hot chocolate and create crafts. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9079699.

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SUPPORT

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS, Dec. 12 from 6:30 p.m. Union Christian Church will be hosting a one-night GriefShare session on surviving the holidays. There is no cost to attend. To sign up, visit https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup and enter 46131 for the zip code.

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

AARP FOUNDATION is seeking local volunteers to help taxpayers with tax preparation and assistance in filing tax returns. Volunteers do not need to be AARP members but should be computer literate and have some familiarity with federal and state income taxes. Free tax training followed by IRS certification will begin Jan. 8-12 at Clark-Pleasant Library. For more information, contact Steve Snyder, 317-272-0626 [email protected], or apply at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

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.