FEATURED EVENT
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WALK, Feb. 24 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Center Grove Church, 2340 S. State Road 135, Greenwood.
The Refuge is encouraging Johnson and Marion County residents to bundle up and raise cold, hard cash for The Coldest Night of the Year Walk, a family-friendly winter fundraising walk for Johnson and Marion County homeless, hungry and hurting.
Participants will walk a 2K or 5K route, can warm up with toasty drinks at rest stops along the way and will be able to celebrate their efforts together at the finish line.
For registration or more information, visit www.cnoy.com or contact Kerry Carmichael at [email protected] or 317-889-7338.
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ARTS
SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE featured artists in February will be the students of Beverly S. Mathis’ watercolor classes. The subject for the paintings was a “White Rose” and will be on display until Feb. 29; many will be for sale. 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 WINTER EXHIBIT, now through March 30. Member artists will be exhibiting art works that follow the theme “Faces and Figures.” You have to come see it, because the subjects are not all humans as you might expect. A wide variety of styles, subjects, media and prices will be available.
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BOOKS/LITERARY EVENTS
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CHURCH EVENTS
ST. THOMAS CHILI COOK-OFF, March 9 from 5 to 7:30 p.m, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Franklin, 600 Paul Hand Blvd. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 8. All the chili you can eat. Vote with your cash for your favorite chili. Drinks and desserts available for an additional donation. Door prizes awarded throughout the evening. Call 317-535-8985 with questions. A portion of the proceeds benefits the St. Thomas Clinic.
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 will be interracial relations. The questions build on what we discussed last time and are part of a series of conversations based on race and ethnicity in our society. 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 1 p.m. every third Tuesday of each month at the Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. 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 swim lessons for children and adults. For information on private or group lessons, visit www.frstswimming.com.
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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COLLEGE EVENTS
FRANKLIN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES, LECTURE TO COMMEMORATE ‘SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY’ MURAL, Feb. 26. Franklin College will host a lecture by Clowes Visiting Artist-in-Residence Tiffany Black. The lecture will take place in the Branigin Room at 6 p.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
EDINBURGH PIXY THEATRE: Upcoming Events: Check out www.facebook.com/PixyTheatre for event information and event descriptions or call 812-526-6513.
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COMMUNITY MEETINGS
AG DAY BREAKFAST AND MEETING, March 20 at 7:30 a.m. The Johnson County Ag Day Breakfast and Purdue Extension annual meeting will be at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Scott Hall. Doors open at 7 a.m. and breakfast will be served for a $2 farmer’s share donation, followed by a short program and open house. The Farm Family of the Year and Friend of Extension will be recognized. RSVP by March 6 at 317-736-3724.
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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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FUNDRAISERS
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GARDENING/NATURE
MY FAVORITE TOOLS, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m., Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Steve Cline, retired Purdue Extension educator, will talk about his favorite tools for home gardeners. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 317-517-0566.
BEAUTY AND THE BEASTIES, March 28 at 6 p.m., Trafalgar Library, 424 S. Tower St. Naturalist Sarah Gray will talk about how to develop a home garden that uses native plants and is good for the animals that like to live there. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 317-517-0566.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
WEDNESDAY WALKERS, hosted by Johnson County Parks and Recreation, 2949 E. North St., Nineveh. Join park staff for a Wednesday morning stroll around the park. We will meet at the park office at 8:30 a.m. We’ll always walk at least one mile and up to an hour. Come for all or just part of the walk. Open to everyone, but no pets. Come and have a nice chat and get fit. Canceled in the event of inclement weather or holidays.
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JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY – EVENTS
135 N. Main St., Franklin
VOICES FROM THE PAST: Storyteller Series, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. The History of Indianapolis’ Black Hospitals. People of all ages are invited to see Norma Erickson, the Education Manager at the Indiana Medical History Museum at the Johnson County Museum of History. As part of our black history month programming, join us for a talk on the history of black hospitals in Indianapolis.
VICTORIAN TEA, March 2 at 1 p.m., Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St. in downtown Franklin. Visitors will take part in an afternoon tea coupled with a presentation from Marsha Miller about the suffragists of Indiana. Enjoy finger foods, specialty teas and desserts from Sassafras Tea Room. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the museum; reservations can be made and paid for before Feb. 23. For further information, visit www.johnsoncountymuseum.org or call 317-346-4500.
HYPstory: JUMANJI, March 8 at 6 p.m. Join JCPL and museum staff for the first HYPstory (History for Young Professionals) event of the year. Listen to a short talk at the county museum on the history of board games, learn about author Chris van Allsburg and the classic children’s book Jumanji. After the talk, join the group for a viewing of Jumanji at the The Historic Artcraft Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, but you must purchase a ticket to see the movie. The first 10 people to register and attend the discussion will receive a free ticket to see the movie afterwards!
SOLAR ECLIPSE SPEAKER EVENT, March 9 at 1:30 p.m. Join JCPL and the Johnson County Museum of History for a fascinating lecture in the stars! Come listen to Dr. Catherine Pilachowski, a professor of astronomy from Indiana University’s Solar Eclipse Task Force. Dr. Pilachowski will be giving a presentation on the upcoming solar eclipse here in Johnson County, a literal once in a century event. For further information, visit our website at www.johnsoncountymuseum.org or call 317-346-4500.
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LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS:
Contact any JCPL Branch to reserve a copy of these books. Find more book clubs at PageAfterpage.org/bookclub.
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LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS
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—EVENTS AT CLARK PLEASANT LIBRARY: 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland—
LEAP DAY FUN, Feb. 29 at 4:30 p.m. Spend February’s extra day with fun activities and stories to make it more memorable. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9601064.
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—EVENTS AT FRANKLIN LIBRARY: 401 State St.—
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—EVENTS AT GREENWOOD LIBRARY: 310 S. Meridian St.—
GET INVOLVED — VOLUNTEER! Feb. 27 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You know you want to be more involved in your community. You’ve been asking yourself how you can use your time and talents in a meaningful way. We’ve got some suggestions. Join us for a panel discussion with local service providers to find out what they do and how you can help.
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—EVENTS AT TRAFALGAR LIBRARY: 424 S. Tower St.—
A SNOWY DAY…INSIDE, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. Play with snow, make a winter craft and snuggle in as we read the classic “A Snowy Day.” For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9595000.
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—EVENTS AT WHITE RIVER LIBRARY: 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood—
FEEDING OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. It’s National Bird Feeding Month; learn how to attract birds to your yard and make a simple bird feeder. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9610578.
PUZZLE BINGO, Feb. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Play bingo and win puzzles. Everyone will receive at least one puzzle. For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9347814.
CELEBRATE LEAP DAY WITH ORIGAMI FROGS, Feb. 29 at 3:30 p.m. Leap Day comes every four years. Let’s celebrate by making some colorful origami frogs and watching them leap! For more information: https://jcplin.libnet.info/event/9624861.
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MUSIC/THEATER
OUR TOWN PLAYERS FRANKLIN WORKSHOP, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Are excited to announce our first Acting and Musical Theatre Intensive Workshop! For ages 7 to 17; completely free. At the end of the day, students will have learned: Basic stage direction and etiquette; tools for addressing nerves in audition/performance; audition skills/strategies; how to choose material that’s right for you and the audition; understanding the text; acting a song/monologue; and basic movement for musical theatre. Free registration at www.OTPFranklinIN.com or via email [email protected]. Limited to 15 students.
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SUPPORT
RHYTHMIC DRUM HEALING CIRCLE, March 18 and April 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 N. Water St., Franklin. Drums and other musical instruments are provided; no experience needed. Come and experience the healing power of drumming. Call 317-850-7460 for additional information.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DROP-IN DAY. Johnson County is hosting a Community Resource Drop-In Day. Several organizations and providers will be providing access to community resources. The event will be held the second Tuesday each month from 3 to 6 p.m. at Herring Hall at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Anticipated organizations and providers on site include: Johnson County Health Department (birth certificates, vaccine and testing information); Johnson County Public Library (cards and services); WIC; mental health providers; substance use treatments providers; Naloxone (Narcan) training; advocacy groups; adult education opportunities; a notary; insurance navigation and case management support and general community services. It is a free public event and no registration is required. For more information or to ask questions, contact Erica Ratz at [email protected] or 317-883-7081.
FRANCISCAN HEALTH INDIANAPOLIS will be hosting a monthly Lung Support Group at the Indianapolis hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., entrance 1, starting on March 21. The meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Cardiac Testing Conference Room. The Lung Support Group provides support for people living with lung disease. Meetings include a guest speaker and focus on education and treatment information. RSVP for the meeting and transportation a week prior to the event. For more information, call 317-528-8901 or email [email protected].
ATLAS (Assisting through loss after suicide) Suicide Bereaved Support Group for those who have lost someone to suicide. Facilitated by suicide loss survivors and individuals familiar with suicide loss. Teens (13-17) meet second Tuesday of the month and adults (18+) second Wednesday of the month. For more information, visit https://upstreamprevention.org/community-coalitions/suicidepreventioncoalition/atlas or call 317-824-9617; leave a message with your number and we will call you back.
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
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.
