November 2022 - Indy's Child

Holiday Sneak Peak

With the holidays just around the corner,

Meaningful Ways You Can Help Foster Kids and Foster Families

Fostering is just one way

Here are

others.

The Many Benefits of Music

Every Issue

Letter from the Editor

News & Notes

Indy's Children

Around Town

Fuel the Excitement with the Ultimate Power Play at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Hidden Gems: The Toy Pit

Indianapolis Colts and Marvel Team Up for Super Hero Fun This Season

Little Foodies: Cinnaholic

Local Spotlight: Little Free Pantry

Needs

Volunteer

for Kids

Special Needs

Education Guide

Open House Guide

Things to Do in

Fun & Wacky Calendar

The Top Five Reasons

Founding Publisher Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com

Publisher + Sales Mary Wynne Cox mary@indyschild.com

Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@indyschild.com

Production Manager Becca Reynolds becca@indyschild..com

Creative Director Katie Clark katie@indyschild.com

A Full Season

This is the time of year when my family’s calendar becomes booked. It’s the start of winter sports, the start of the holidays, and the end of those long, warm, sunny leisurely days that left us way too soon. From now until the new year, I feel like it’s go-gogo. Who will be hosting Thanksgiving this year? What should we make? Where will we celebrate Christmas? What should we buy the kids? Where should we go for winter break? How in the world will we schedule all this around basketball practice and games? Somehow, so far, we have made it through this season with (most of) our sanity intact.

In the midst of our hectic schedules, I have to remind myself to take time to stop and smell the peppermint lattes. I don’t want to miss any of the special events and experiences that happen during this time of the year. The festive food with family and friends, the visits with Santa, the holiday lights — it all comes around just one time of year!

We don’t want you missing out on any of the fun during this season either, so that’s why we compiled the “2022 Holiday Sneak Peek” on page 18. There are so many festive events happening this season in Indy, and many of them begin this month. Now’s the time to make your list, check it twice, and schedule some family fun before the holiday hoopla takes over. Making holiday memories is always something that should fit into our busy schedules!

Have a fun November!

Digital Publisher + Events Wendy Hasser wendy@indyschild.com

Administration Emily Kirchmann emily@indyschild.com

Billing billing@indyschild.com

Contributing Writers

Trisha Brand, Laurel Price, Jennifer Thompson

Calendar of Events calendar@indyschild.com

Indy's Child is published monthly. Copyright 2022 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an en dorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

NEWS & Notes

Our monthly roundup of news you can use

THAT’S THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN THE U.S. NAMED CRANBERRY, A POPULAR SIDE DISH AT

GIVING.

Source:

DID YOU KNOW?

November is Model Railroad Month! The first model railway was built in 1859 to entertain Emperor Napo leon III’s 3-yearold son at Château de Saint-Cloud in France.

Source: modelrailwayengineer.com

Circle of Lights Celebrates 60 Years on November 25

Circle of Lights, presented by IBEW 481, is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Indianapolis. This year, the 60th annual Circle of Lights Tree Lighting event will take place in downtown Indy’s Monument Circle on Nov. 25, and can be seen live on WTHR Channel 13. Viewers can enjoy the show from the comfort of their home or experience the holiday magic in person.

Local talent and musical acts chosen from the Tom Wood Talent Search will be featured during the celebration. Visitors can also look forward to witnessing the festive glory of “Shin ing A Light,” a multi-million dollar light and audio show that transforms the Circle into a life-size snow globe.

Monument Circle will be lit for the holidays through January 13, 2023, so make sure to stop by and see it this holiday season!

See the Indy's Child Decorated Tree at the 2022 Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society is back this holiday season! The extravaganza will feature a winter wonder land of 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. This year, be sure to check out the Indy's Child tree, which was lovingly decorated by the magazine's staff and their families.

Each guest will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. Visitors can also take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf throughout the building.

Festival of Trees runs from November 11–January 7, 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit indianahistory.org

INDY'S children

We love seeing your photos of Indy kids living their best lives! Here are some of our favorite submissions we received this month.

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

We're looking for photos of cute kids for the December issue of Indy's Child! Email your photos (with the first name and age of the child) to editor@indyschild.com, and your photos might appear here!

Bailey (4)

Josh (10)

Nasir (3)

Terri (5)

Isabelle (3) and Arielle (9)

Miles (2), Noah (5) and Liam (5)

Dutcher (11 mos)

Noah (3)

Fuel the Excitement with the Ultimate Power Play at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of hockey with Power Play at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

There are few things more exciting to little ones than watching their favorite mascot come to life. Indy Fuel hockey fans love Nitro the fire-breathing dragon. Not only does the costumed character get fans firedup in the stands, but the players fuel the excitement by skating through a giant Nitro head onto the ice with spotlights bouncing around and music blaring.

Visitors to the new Children’s Museum exhibit, Power Play, walk through Nitro’s head and get in the game by enjoying various hockey skills and drills. The exhibit featuring the Indy Fuel opened October 8.

“We talk about what we want people to feel and the emotions we want them to have, so for hockey it was all about excitement, exhilaration and that feeling of family-friendly competition,” says Stephanie Eddleman, exhibit developer for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “Bringing in that competitive aspect of the sport, but doing it in a way that’s fun for everyone to do together.

Power Play is split into three unique zones. The fan zone is perfect for children and families who aren’t familiar with hockey to learn the rules, lingo and hockey culture.

The skills section is where visitors practice the basics that warriors of the ice use to dominate the game. Children and their grownups discover balance by standing on boards that move back and forth and tilt side-to-side. Motor skills and coordination are especially helpful for little ones to better understand their growing bodies. They will likely have a blast practicing those skills on a rink of faux ice where they can skate in their socks and work on agility and learn how to stop. A virtual goal provides the perfect target for a slap shot challenge.

Score an extra goal with littles by teaching them how science and sports work hand-in-glove.

By learning the best angles on the ice, players improve the chance of scoring. They discover how friction helps or hurts the puck — making it move faster or slower. Add the fascinating Zamboni.

It really is interesting to discover how a Zamboni works by shaving off a thin layer of ice, rinsing the ice with water and releasing fresh water that fills in grooves to make the ice smooth. There is even an interactive miniature Zamboni that visitors drive on a touch screen to clean and smooth virtual ice.

The fun doesn’t have to end at the museum. Families can enjoy hockey by attending a game or watching classic hockey movies like The Mighty Ducks

Play homemade tabletop hockey! Grab a cookie sheet, pipe cleaners, a bottle cap and spoons. The cookie sheet serves as a make-shift ice rink and the pipe cleaners become hockey goals. Bottle caps make great pucks and spoons become hockey sticks. When you’re keeping score in smiles and laughter, everyone wins!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

HIDDEN

The Toy Pit

The Toy Pit offers an eccentric variety of wallto-wall new and vintage collectibles. Ranging from action figures, records, Tshirts, video games, LEGO sets, rare comic books and more, this store car ries thousands of gems, including everything from hard-to-find items valued at $1,000 to used $5 and below action figures.

Each aisle transports you into a different fandom, be it DC Comics, Star Wars, WWE, Marvel, Star Trek, and more. The majority of The Toy Pit looks to be mostly action figures, though it does carry a rack of Barbie dolls and other miscellaneous pop culture fare like vintage Hot Wheels and Pokémon. Funko Pops! figures are among the store's most popular and contem porary items. There's also an ample import section, specializing mostly in popular Japanese anime figures.

The store buys, sells and trades. So consider that as you’re cleaning out the toy room, basement or attic making way for Santa. Might be a great time to see how much your childhood relics are worth. But leave your Beanie Babies, Tonka Trucks, Happy Meal toys, sports cards and Pez dispenser collections at home. This store does not buy or sell these items.

Little ones with limited budgets get lost in excitement over the large selection of $10 and under items, including an assortment of baggies of $2 and $3 used action figures. And if you have a child who is into a character you can no longer find at a big box store, you’ll have good odds that The Toy Pit has it (or knows where to find it).

9402 Uptown Dr., Suite 1700 Indianapolis yourtoypit.com

Indianapolis Colts and Marvel Team Up for Super Hero Fun This Season

The Marvel Universe has arrived in Indianapolis and Colts fans have been able to join in the super hero fun this season at the team’s three AFC South divisional games, including the Titans game on October 2nd, the Jaguars game on October 16th and the final matchup of the season coming January 7th or 8th at Lucas Oil Stadium vs. the Texans.

• Colts Heroes. Marvel’s world-renowned artists turned Colts players — DeForest Buckner, Shaquille Leonard, Kenny Moore II, Quenton Nelson, Matt Ryan, Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor — as well as team mascot “Blue” and Colts Cheerleaders, into heroes based on their unique personalities and traits.

− Marvel character appearances in American Family Insurance Touchdown Town for photo opportunities and to interact with fans.

− Marvel and Colts-themed can coolers for the first 2,000 fans in American Family Insurance Touchdown Town at each game.

− An array of social and digital content featuring Colts heroes, created by Colts Productions

− Marvel and Colts coloring books for all kids in attendance at the games, available at the Great Clips Guest Services kiosks.

• Marvel-themed Colts Apparel. Special and exclusive cobranded apparel is now available at the Colts Pro Shop at Lucas Oil Stadium and online at shop.colts. com

said Roger VanDerSnick, Colts Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. “We are excited to join one of the world’s most popular entertainment leaders to bring even more fun and excitement to Colts fans this season.”

• Gameday Activities. The Colts have integrated Marvel into their AFC South games in several ways, including:

− Free limited edition Marvel comic books featuring the Colts Heroes for the first 50,000 fans in attendance at each game.

• Sweepstakes. Fans can register to win exclusive Marvel and Colts items at Colts. com/Marvel

“Marvel is one of the great brands and creators of high-quality, entertaining content anywhere in the world,”

“The Colts embody some of the core attributes that make Marvel heroes so enduring and endearing: passion, strength, relatability, and their ability to inspire and entertain every kind of fan,” said Brian Crosby,

Director of Themed Entertainment Development for Marvel. “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Colts and the National Football League to turn their players, mascot, and cheerleaders into heroes of their own and to be bringing the Marvel Universe to life in Indianapolis for all Colts fans!”

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Colts.com/Marvel all season for updates and special content.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PHOTO CREDITS

Cinnaholic

It’s not hard to obsess over cinnamon rolls: they’re soft, sweet, ooey-gooey deliciousness all rolled into one comforting des sert. Now, there’s a new reason to love the humble cinnamon roll. Cinnaholic, a cinnamon roll des sert shop chain that has recently expanded into Carmel, Indiana, offers 100% vegan, plant-based and dairy-free cinnamon rolls — so now even more people can enjoy the sticky-sweet pastry.

Cinnaholic serves create-your-own cinnamon rolls, which means you can mix and match from more than 20 different frosting flavors, such as vanilla and cream cheese (of course), but also orange, maple, chai and lots more. Then, pick from a variety of fresh toppings, like fruit and nuts, or decadent toppings, like cookie pieces and brownie bites, to top off your cinnamon roll.

If the possibilities are too over whelming for you, you might want to order one of their Signature

Rolls. S’mores lovers might enjoy the Campfire cinnamon roll (with marshmallow frosting, graham cookies, marshmallows and choco late sauce). Pie people might want to opt for the Caramel Apple Pie, a roll topped with caramel frosting, fresh apples, pecans, pie crumble and caramel sauce.

Cinnaholic also offers other sweet treats, like brownies, cookies and edible cookie dough. No matter what you choose to indulge in, you can rest assured that all of the items at Cinnaholic are vegan, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free and cholester ol-free.

1350 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel cinnaholic.com

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Christmas Nights of Lights

christmasnightsoflights.com

Enjoy dazzling new light displays from the comfort of your vehicle during Indy's largest synchronized light show! Visit Indiana State Fairgrounds from November 11-January 1, 2023 and see more than 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show. Reservations are now required, so visit the Christmas Nights of Lights website before heading out.

Jolly Days childrensmuseum.org

Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis! From November 25–January 1, 2023 , enjoy visits with Santa, “ice skate” in your socks, explore the Ice Castle and much more.

Magic of Lights magicoflights.com

From November 18-January 2, 2023 , enjoy a dazzling, drivethrough holiday lights experience at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season, and using the latest LED technology and digital animations, wind through the sparkling path of Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of their own vehicle.

Christmas at the Zoo indianapoliszoo.com

From November 19-December 30, make the most of the merry season at the Indianapolis Zoo’s annual Christmas at the Zoo. Watch the Zoo transform at sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky. Pose with your family and friends near one of the many holiday displays, meet Santa and

Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Village, see Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer, enjoy holiday treats and drinks, and much more.

Jingle Rails eiteljorg.org

Enter a locomotive wonderland at this one-of-a-kind holiday adventure! Jingle Rails at The Eiteljorg will get you into the holiday spirit as you view nine working model trains that wind through a stunning miniature landscape. The exhibit features miniature versions of local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, as well as the national parks of the American West, passing legendary sites, including grand railway lodges, Northwest Coast Native villages, and iconic sites like Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful, the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and much more. Jingle Rails will be making tracks from November 19-January 16, 2023

It’s a Wonderful Life at Beef & Boards beefandboards.com

Get into the holiday spirit during Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of I t’s a Wonderful Life , based on the cherished 1946 Frank Capra film. Happening from November 25-December 2 3, audiences will meet George Bailey, who has been looking out for everyone but himself.

When a turn of bad luck nearly does him in, George finds help from his guardian angel, and discovers that no one is a failure who has friends.

Celebration Crossing indianamuseum.org

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at the Indiana State Museum! Watch in awe as Santa lands in front of the museum in a bright red helicopter on November 25 at 11 a.m., then enjoy Celebration Crossing activities through

December 24, including visiting Santa’s house, exploring Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn, and taking a ride on the Snowfall Express.

Butler Ballet: The Nutcracker butlerartscenter.org

Butler Ballet’s family tradition returns once again in 2022 with this student production of The Nutcracker at Clowes Memorial Hall. Join in the celebration on December 1-4, and revel in the magic and spectacle of live ballet, spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical flash. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark.

AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration indianapolissymphony.org

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration lights up the stage this December

2-23 at Hilbert Circle Theatre! Emmynominated singer Frankie Moreno and the musicians of the ISO will perform new holiday music and beloved favorites. The show will also feature the internationally acclaimed Expressenz Dance Center, and the fabulous Yuletide Lights.

A tribute to the beloved movie The Polar Express, and a virtuosic solo performance by ISO Concertmaster Kevin Lin will be sure to make your season merry and bright.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory Presents The Nutcracker and Nutcracker Sweets indyballet.org

The classic holiday tradition returns December 16-18! Join Indiana Ballet Conservatory at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre to experience The Nutcracker, an iconic holiday classic. For kids with shorter attention spans,

Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents Nutcracker Sweets, a one-hour version of The Nutcracker at The Toby at Newfields. Nutcracker Sweets is happening December 9-11, and is recommended for children ages 4 and older.

Ballet Theatre of Carmel Presents The Nutcracker ballettheatreofcarmel.org

Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: the classic story of a girl and her beloved nutcracker doll that comes to life! Join the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy’s pre-professional ballet company on December 16-18 in the heart of downtown Zionsville at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. This is a family-friendly production with plenty of preand post-show activities to get everyone into the holiday spirit!

MEANINGFUL WAYS YOU CAN HELP

ost people are aware of the need for foster care. But did you know becoming a foster parent isn’t the only way to help children in the foster care system? Maybe you feel the pull to help, but aren’t ready to commit to becoming a foster parent. If that’s the case, here are a few simple, but hugely effective, ways to help children currently in the foster care system and the families who welcome them into their homes.

M

We asked Erin Carter, director of adoption recruitment with the Indiana Adoption Program, what are some of the best ways to support families and children in both the foster program, and adoptive families, as the needs of both are often similar.

Check in on a regular basis. Fostering can feel like a lonely road sometimes, and it helps to know people are thinking about you. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Sometimes, families can feel so overwhelmed that they won’t think of something right away, so make it clear the offer is open-ended.

Become a mentor. There are many great organizations that offer mentoring opportunities. The foster child gets someone they can look up to, learn from, and rely on. And that helps the foster family, too. Maybe you know of a foster family that has a “tough” kid or a child who needs a little guidance. Offer to spend some time with the foster child and become an unofficial support.

FOSTER KIDS AND FOSTER FAMILIES

Fostering is just one way to help children in crisis. Here are seven others.

Leverage your unique skills or interests. There are all sorts of programs that work with foster youth, and even adopted youth, that are more “niche” than a standard mentoring organization. For example, in Indy, you could contact Traci's Urban Jamm Dance Studio and see if there are any opportunities to put your hip-hop skills to use as a volunteer. Reach out to a local scouting organization to see if you can get involved. You may not only be helping with foster kids and families, but chances are, you’ll encounter them wherever you volunteer.

your friends to pitch in to provide for the whole family!

computers, you can create an informal internship.

Organize gift drives. Foster and adoptive families take on a lot of additional costs. Things like gift drives, or collecting gift cards to donate, can go a long way. A gift card to Doordash or a local grocery could be perfect for a new foster family. Lots of organizations do gift drives — Firefly (formerly Children’s Bureau) has their Hope for the Holidays campaign, which serves hundreds of kids and families around the state. You can select a family based on the child’s age, location or interests, and then get

Offer to babysit or overnight sit. This can be tricky, because there are guidelines that have to be followed in order to be a child-care provider to foster children — things like background checks. But, for adoptive families, “respite” (a word commonly used in the foster and adoptive services arena, but incredibly difficult to actually find) is critical. Respite is basically a way to give the family a break and re-group. Long weekends are great for this. Babysit for free so parents can have a night out, or so a single adoptive mom can go get a manicure or go to a movie.

Offer an internship, or take a foster or adopted youth to where you work. This can be a good way for teens especially to learn about different career options and practice interviewing skills. Or, if you have an interest in computers and programming, and you know a foster or adopted child who also loves

Donate to reputable organizations that help foster youth. Kids outgrow clothes at a crazy-fast pace. If you have clothes in good condition, consider donating them to an organization that has a foster closet. Lots of organizations do backpack drives at the beginning of the school year — go through your massive collection of school supplies and donate those. And also think about teens. They might need a graphing calculator or college-ruled paper instead of wide-ruled. Or they may prefer a backpack that looks a little older.

Even the smallest actions can make the biggest change, and that’s especially true when it comes to helping children in foster care, and the families who welcome them into their home. Whether you choose a direct approach to helping or something a little less hands-on, there are ways to help these children that can truly impact their lives.

The Top Five Reasons to Learn a Second Language

Research shows that bilingual learning is both natural and beneficial, and that bilingual people tend to use their brains more efficiently than those who speak only one language. Bilingual learners ultimately be come more independent, creative and flexible in everything they take on.

The International School of Indiana (ISI) is the only Indiana school offering immersion and dual language programs in three languages — French, Mandarin and Spanish — as well as a universal International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for all students ages 3 through grade 12. Classrooms focus on developing fluency in speaking, reading, writing and understanding, so students can actively participate in their target language.

The emphasis on bilingual education and language immersion is a big part of why ISI offers the Midwest's most distinct academics. They believe that immersion is more than the language: it encompasses culture, too. Language learning is critical for understanding and empathizing with those from different cultures, ensuring ISI students are ready for the world stage.

Here are the top five reasons ISI recommends learning a second language:

It’s a gateway to understanding the world.

Language learning and learning about culture go hand in hand at ISI. Students learn about the culture surrounding their chosen language, participating in activities that expose them to art, music, cuisine and stories from all over the world. We need to understand different cultures and perspectives to fully understand our place in history and our relation to the world, and the curriculum at ISI reflects that.

and potentially strengthens, the part of the brain that manages executive function (problemsolving, multitasking and focusing attention). Higher-level learning skills come from the power of transferring words and ideas from one language to another, reinforcing the learning students are doing. While students at a bilingual school may learn at a different pace than monolingual students early on, statistics show that dual language students not only catch up but end up surpassing English-only students in high school scores and university achievements.

Students develop beneficial learning habits.

ISI students learn early to take ownership of their learning, gaining problem-solving skills and learning to use resources made available to them, such as their teachers, databases, libraries, and their peers. These habits are made early on and continue to help students throughout their higher education.

Students experience the global culture.

ISI students participate in trips all over the world, specific to their language track. In the Upper School, students participate in three study abroad trips in grades 6, 9 and 10. Each language track goes on its own specific trip, learning more about culture in an immersive experience. While trips have been put on hold throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to bringing these crucial experiences back as restrictions continue to be lifted.

It prepares students for university and careers.

Research shows that knowing two or more languages has tangible cognitive benefits. As one learns to switch between languages, one triggers,

TO YOU BY

ISI students learn language through the lens of the IB curriculum. The IB curriculum focuses on teaching students how to learn, and not what to learn. They learn how to connect big ideas across subjects — all in multiple languages.

As students graduate high school, they enter a world that is increasingly fluid and interconnected. As the world becomes more connected, colleges and employers highly desire individuals who are multilingual. The skills learned at ISI assist students in being competitive in the job market later in life and many students see long-term career benefits from being multilingual — even in careers that don’t center around language.

There are cognitive benefits from learning in multiple languages.

the many benefits OF MUSIC

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

Music is a powerful thing. It transports us to times and places in our minds. It helps us remember things. It gets us up and moving. And it brings us joy. We can see the benefits of music in our own lives, but did you know that music is extremely beneficial for our children, too?

Dorothy Benz-Buchanan, licensed Kindermusik educator, spent a decade working with children in infancy up to age seven. She also taught preschool, and currently works as a Social Emotional Learning and STEM instructor at the elementary level. Throughout her many years of education, Benz-Buchanan has seen firsthand the benefits of music for children and shares some of those insights with us.

What are the benefits of music for children?

Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language and overall literacy. Music helps the body and mind work together. It exposes children to challenges and multi-sensory experiences. It can also engage cognitive functions, such as planning, working memory, inhibition and flexibility.

Music supports multiple learning styles (disabilities, dual language learners, etc.) while improving phonemic awareness, verbal memory and vocabulary. When you create any type of music, even if it’s simply banging a drum, both sides of the brain are stimulated. The tactile learning system is involved by touching the instrument and feeling the sound impulse vibrations that are created. A child’s auditory and visual systems are engaged by listening to the sound and by watching their arm movement as it connects with the instrument. In addition to the developmental benefits, music brings children joy!

At what age should parents begin to engage their children in music?

You can never start music too early. You can start by singing to your baby during pregnancy. Play music that you love — you’ll be more inclined to sing along, which will be even more engaging for your kiddo. Even if you don’t think you have a good singing voice, your child isn’t going to know. Try matching sounds with movement. Pick your baby up and dance around the yard, bounce to the beat and rock to the rhythm. You can even gently clap your baby’s hands together and move their arms and legs with the music.

Go to a music class with your baby! Be sure to look for a class small in size and full of movement. Together with other parents and infants, you and your sweet one will have the chance to explore different sounds and instruments. Learning about music will boost your baby’s social, language and motor development, spark creativity, increase

Take note: Music is a powerful thing and can benefit children from birth and beyond.

confidence and so much more! Continue doing the activities you learned with your baby, even after the class is over, and build on them as your child gets older.

What are some musical activities parents can do with children that will help boost learning?

Infants recognize the melody of a song long before they understand words. Quiet background music can be soothing for infants, especially during sleep time. Sing simple, short songs to infants.

Preschoolers enjoy singing just to sing. They like songs that repeat words and melodies, use rhythms with a definite beat, and ask them to do things and follow directions. Preschool children enjoy nursery rhymes and songs about familiar things like toys, animals, play activities and people. They also like finger plays and nonsense rhymes with or without musical accompaniment.

School-age children begin expressing their likes and dislikes of different types of music. They may express an interest in music education, such as music lessons.

Toddlers love to dance and move to music. The key to toddler music is repetition, which encourages language and memorization. Silly songs make toddlers laugh. Try singing a familiar song and inserting a silly word in place of the correct word. For example, sing “ I like to eat eat eat apples and bananas…” and change the vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u) “I like to oot oot oot ooples and banoonoos”! Another idea is to let children reproduce rhythms by clapping or tapping safe objects.

There is no downside to bringing children and music together through fun activities. We are able to enjoy the benefits of music from the moment we’re born. From the pure pleasure of listening to soothing sounds and rhythmic harmonies, to gaining new language and social skills, music can enliven and enrich the lives of children and the people who care for them. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Get involved and don’t let fear stop you from participating in activities. You’ll be setting your child up for success while making some great memories together!

Five Volunteer Opportunities for Kids with Special Needs

Spend quality time as a family this season by helping others.

Volunteering is an excellent way for families to spend time together that helps not only the family unit, but also the community as a whole. Volunteering also reiterates the importance of serving and helping to care for the needs of others. Maybe you and your family have been looking for volunteer opportunities, but aren’t sure what will work with your child with disabilities. To help you in the search for places to volunteer, we have compiled this list of five volunteer opportunities for kids with special needs.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis childrensmuseum.org

Children ages 8 to 17 can volunteer with a parent, guardian, family member or trusted friend. The family volunteers are considered a single unit and will not be separated. Flexible shifts are available and the museum staff seeks to maximize the talents and interests of the family members who are volunteering. Applications for volunteers can be found on the website.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful

1029 Fletcher Ave., Indianapolis kibi.org

Volunteers of all ages can work to help keep Indianapolis beautiful. Volunteers plant trees, transform vacant parking lots into pocket parks and pick up litter. The tools are provided. They also have opportunities such as Adopt-aBlock, tree tenders, pollinator count and more for those who love the outdoors and want to help keep our community beautiful and thriving.

Salvation Army

6060 Castleway West Dr., Indianapolis centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ usc/volunteer

If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity around the holiday

season that can be done with just your family, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program may be a good fit for you. Families “adopt” a child through the Angel Tree program and provide items for that child based on their personal needs and wish list. There are other ways to get involved at the Salvation Army as well, such as serving meals, sorting bags, helping with the winter coat drive, ringing the bell for money collection, helping on distribution day and more.

on the label if you are shipping to a boy or girl, and what age.

Samaritan’s Purse offers ideas of what to send, as well as labels to print for the box, on their website. This year, the collection will take place the week of November 14-21, 2022. Throughout the year, you can also Build a Shoebox Online. Visit their website for more information on this program and to find a drop off location near you.

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

3737 Waldemere Ave., Indianapolis gleaners.org/get-involved/ volunteer

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child

Various drop off locations exist around the city samaritanspurse.org

Grab a shoebox, or another box of that size, head to the store and start filling the box with items to be shipped around the world to a boy or girl in need. You can choose

Children ages 9 and older are able to volunteer with a parent or guardian. Check out their website for different volunteer opportunities and the age requirements for each of these opportunities. At Gleaners, volunteers are able to help with the food pantry drive-thru, dry repack, Gleaners 2 Go customer service, mega mobile distribution and more. They also have a family day reserved for families with children ages 6 and up.

CARMEL

Carmel Montessori Schools

Carmel Montessori School is located Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. • 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori. com, carmelmontessori.com

Starting Line Preschool

The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kinder- garten. • 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@msn.com, startinglinepreschool.com

The Little Lamb Christian School

The Little Lamb Christian School is a home away from home for children 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. Since 1987, we have been the go-to private preschool for Carmel families who are interested in a Christian education. We are a place where children can learn, explore, create, grow and play! • 1609 Greyhound Pass, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-848-3580, Email: kayley@thelittlelamb. com, thelittlelamb.com/, 6 weeks to Pre-Kindergarten and after school care

DOWNTOWN

IUPUI Center for Young Children

The IUPUI Center for Young Children offers childcare and early childhood education for children ages six weeks to six years old and believes children learn through play, experiences, and interaction with their environment and peers. • 321 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Phone: 317-274- 3508, childcare. iupui.edu/index.html

EDUCATION GUIDE

Paramount Brookside

Paramount Brookside is a top-ranked, free, public school that educates K-8 grade students in an innovative environment that instills high expectations for success. Founded in 2010, Paramount Schools of Excellence accomplish its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana Academic Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics and experiential learning activities. Integral to the school’s approach to education are project-based investigations, community partnerships, and three on-site Discovery Centers – an Eco-Center, Space Center with a planetarium, and an operating farm. Paramount Brookside is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education. • 3020 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Toria Graham at 317-775-6660 or contact@ PSOEBrookside.org, paramountindy.org

Paramount Cottage Home

Paramount Cottage Home serves K-4th grade students as a free public school. Founded in 2010, Paramount Schools of Excellence accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana Academic Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics and experiential learning activities. The 2019 ILEARN results placed the school among the top-performers statewide. Cottage Home’s new, state-of-the-art facility features bright, spacious classrooms with contemporary furnishings, advanced technology capabilities, and a farm STEM discovery center. • 1203 E. St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Amie Smith at 463-231-2837 or contact@PSOE Community.org, paramountindy.org

EAST Paramount Englewood

Paramount Englewood, a free public school, serves 5-8th grade students. The school shares the state-of-the-art P.R. Mallory campus with Purdue Polytechnic High School. Paramount Englewood is an extension of Paramount Schools of Excellence’s successful education model. The flagship campus is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education for six consecutive years. • 3029 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201, Contact Peggy Purvis, at 463.231.2830 or contact@PSOE englewood. org, paramountindy.org

INDIANAPOLIS – NORTH Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure. Hours/Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/Part-Time available. Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, PreKindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class) (3 day or 5 day option) Before/ After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays • 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: ECC Office, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259- 6849 or Email: spayne@bez613.org. * Depending on the COVID-19 situation, some options might have to be changed.

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School seeks to prepare the next generation of leaders with the intellectual and technological competence, loving and open hearts, faith inspiration and social responsibility to bring about a more just, humane and loving world. Students from all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities are welcome at Brebeuf Jesuit, where all are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents. Each student is therefore challenged and inspired to strive for academic excellence, to engage whole-heartedly in cocurricular activities, to develop confidence in leadership abilities, and to discover God’s presence in everyday life through serving others. • 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Colleen Cannon, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-524-7090, Email: admissions@ brebeuf.org, brebeuf.org

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to

2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program Includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, e-mail or visit for further information and registration Forms. Tours are individually set up at your convenience! • 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@ meridianstreet.org, meridianstreet.org/cdi

Early Childhood Center

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Parents Day Out (22-35 mos) and Part Day Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) provide relaxed, secure, playful environments that nurture creativity and the exploration of God’s world. A variety of learning materials & readiness skills are woven into each unit. Older classrooms utilize “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. Various days, 9am-2pm. Need longer hours? Try our All Day Classes designed for 3 mos – Pre K5 with operating hours, 6:30am-6pm • 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Phone: 317-575-6508, Email: ecc@golove.org

Giving Tree Early Learning

Open to the Public! Giving Tree Early Learning is a Reggio inspired early education program serving children ages 12 months through Pre-K. At Giving Tree, your child's natural curiosity is nurtured through a child directed, play-based curriculum rooted in developmentally appropriate practice. Our unique creative play spaces, such as the Light Studio and Outdoor Classroom, allow your child the opportunity to explore, discover and innovate. The small class sizes and responsive classroom environment creates a world that ignites confidence and compassion within your child as they develop their mind, body and soul alongside our skilled educators. Visit our website- www.givingtreehhai. org to learn more. We accept CCDF and On My Way Pre-K vouchers and are rated Paths to QUALITY Level 3. Schedule your tour today! • 6602 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Ashley Flaumenhaft, Phone: (317) 251-1261, Email: aflaumenhaft@hhai.org, givingtreehhai.org

International School of Indiana

ISI is a non-profit, independent school that offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum to all preschool through grade 12 students on our newly unified campus. With lessons taught in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, our curriculum

helps students excel academically while learning to become responsible citizens and effective leaders. ISI also offers a wide range of sports, clubs, and arts programs for students of all ages. High school students participate in a comprehensive four-year college counseling program, leading to a 100% college acceptance rate. • 4330 N. Michigan Rd.; Phone: 317-923-1951, ext. 334; email: admissions@isind.org; isind.org

The Oaks Academy

The Oaks Academy is a Christcentered school (Pre-K through 8th grade) that exists to provide a rich, classical education to children of diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, preparing them to succeed in a rigorous secondary educational program and to demonstrate spiritual, social and emotional maturity. • Multiple locations; Contact: Sam Schmelzer, Phone: 317-4267990; Email: admissons@theoaksacademy. org; theoaksacademy.org

The Orchard School

The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYC accredited. • 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Jessica Aiyasami, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5717, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: jaiyasami@orchard. org, orchard.org

Sapling

Sapling offers a year round Reggioinspired preschool for children ages 2 to 5 in conjunction with extended after care hours for working families. We empower children to discover themselves and the world around them as they become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative community members. We value our students and their passions, curiosities, and joys. Their interests guide the holistic, emergent curriculum and our learning environment. • For more information or to explore our virtual tour, please visit our website or facebook.com/ saplingindy. To schedule a private tour, please call (317) 319-8228, Contact: Kelsey Livingston, Email: Kelsey@saplingindy.com, Saplingindy.com

Sycamore School

At Sycamore School, Indiana's only accredited, independent, private school for Preschool - 8th grade gifted students, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, physical education, technology, extensive field trips, athletics, financial aid, and after school activities are offered. • 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Duane Emery, Director of Enrollment Management, Phone: 317-2022500, Email: emery.duane@sycamoreschool. org, sycamoreschool.org

INDIANAPOLIS –NORTHEAST

Heritage Christian School

Heritage partners with Christian families to provide a Christ-centered education with strong, college-prep academics and intentional discipleship of students. Our community combines big school opportunities with sensible class sizes, a strong curriculum that is aligned across grade levels, traditional values, and teachers committed to seeing students succeed both in and outside of the classroom. • 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46236; Phone: (317) 813-3857; email: admissions@ heritagechristian.net; heritaggechristian. net , Ages: preschool-grade 12

MSD of Lawrence Township

Located in the northeast corner of Indianapolis, Lawrence is a residential suburban community of 95,000+ and home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and Geist Reservoir. With families from widely diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds, the Lawrence community values and embraces diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Lawrence Township strives to be the district of destination, a reputation built over the years based on the district's award-winning staff, accomplished administrators,

high-achieving students, supportive community, and innovative educational programs. • 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236; Phone: (317) 423-8200; email: danaaltemeyer@msdlt.k12. in.us; LTschools.org

INDIANAPOLIS – SOUTH

Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy

Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy, a program of Beech Tree House Center for Child Development, Inc., promotes the emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development of each child. Our exceptional teaching staff is dedicated to presenting a challenging and enthusiastic learning environment that recognizes each unique learner. With a dedication to personal excellence, all members of our school family are challenged to practice and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in daily life. Stateaccredited with exemplary ratings.

Preschool - 6th Grade • 7850 South Emerson Ave., Indianapolis , 46237, Phone: 317-882-8636, jhaywood-rollins@ beechtreehouse.com, cwpsa.com

WESTFIELD

Kids 360° Early Learning Academy

Kids 360° Early Learning Academy is a first-of-its-kind preschool for kids ages 3-5, offering an expansive, state-ofthe-art learning environment designed to facilitate optimal learning for the whole child. Backed by science, our progressive movement-based curriculum primes the brain for learning, improves sensory/motor integration, and helps kids build healthy life skills. Tours available beginning Summer of 2022! • 360 E 186th St. Westfield, IN 46074, Phone: 317-888-4805; Email: support@ kids360preschool.com; kids360preschool. com , Ages 3-5

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.

Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years. • 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, montessorischoolofwestfield.com

VIRTUAL Paramount Virtual Learning

Not sure about your K-8th grade students returning to school? Make the Change that makes Difference - choose virtual learning at Paramount Schools of Excellence. Whether on one of Paramount's three state-of-the-art campuses or virtual learning from home, you can expect top-ranked academics, experienced certified teachers, and support. • Call 317-519-4588 or check out paramountindy.org for more information.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Easterseals Crossroads

Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/ Swallowing issues, Augmentative Comm-unication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/ Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center. • 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317-4661000, Email: info@ easterseals crossroads.org, eastersealscrossroads.org

2022 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

CONSIDERING A NEW SCHOOL FOR YOUR STUDENT? OUR AREA HAS PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM!

FIND THE RIGHT MATCH BY VISITING AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE TO GET ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

A CHILDREN’S HABITAT MONTESSORI SCHOOL 801 W. 73rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 726-5584 childrens-habitat.org

Open House: Saturday, February 12, 2022, 1–3:00pm

ADVENT LUTHERAN SCHOOL 11250 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077

(317) 733-5679  adventlutheran.org/preschool

Open House Date: November 3, 2022, 6-7:00pm

BREBEUF JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOO L 2801 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 524-7050 brebeuf.org/openhouse

Brebeuf Jesuit Sunday Series: Athletics: November 6, 2022, 1-3:00 pm

Registration is preferred. Please visit Brebeuf.org/visit to schedule Shadow Days, Meet and Greets with Tours, High School Placement Test (HSPT) Registration, and Athletics Preview Nights!

GUERIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 15300 Gray Rd., Noblesville IN 46062

(317) 582-0120 guerincatholic.org Call to schedule a tour.

FORTUNE ACADEMY 5626 Lawton Loop East Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46216

(317) 377-0544 thefortuneacademy.org

In Person and Virtual Available; please call for a tour.

HERRON PREPARATORY SCHOOL 110 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis IN 46202 (317) 231-0010 herronprep.org Please call for a tour.

MSD LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP

6501 Sunnyside Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46236

(317) 423-8200 ltschools.org

Open Houses: Lawrence Central High School: November 10th 6-8:00pm

Lawrence North High School: November 3rd, 6-8:00pm McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology: November 16th, 6-7:30pm

SAPLING 838 East 65th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 319-8228 saplingindy.com Call for a tour.

THE OAKS ACADEMY

Brookside Campus (K - 5): 3092 Brookside Parkway North Drive Indianapolis, IN 46218

Fall Creek Campus (K - 5): 2301 North Park Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205

Martindale-Brightwood Campus (Pre-K and Grades 6-8): 1301 East 16th Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 610-0880 theoaksacademy.org Please Call for a tour.

THE ORCHARD SCHOOL 615 W 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 (317) 251-9253 orchard.org Call to schedule a tour.

ST. RICHARDS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 33 East 33rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL 2825 W. 116th St., Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 733-4475 universityhighschool.org

HIGHLANDS LATIN SCHOOL

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 1402 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032  (317) 519-5501 indylatinschool.org

Grades: K-12

Open House: January 29th at 1:00 pm

(317) 926-0425 sresdragons.org

Open House: November 17th, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Open House: Sunday, November 6, 2022, 2-4 pm

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL 5225 E 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226

(317) 542-1481 gocathedral.com Call to schedule a visit.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INDIANA 4330 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317) 255-1951 isind.org

Upper School Info Session: November 10, 2022; January 13, February 16, March 9, April 20, and May 18, 2023

Lower School Info Session: November 3, 2022; January 5, February 9, March 2, March 30, and May 1, 2023

SYCAMORE SCHOOL 1750 W 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 202-2500 sycamoreschool.org Call to schedule a tour.

North Central High School: 1801 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN  (317) 259-5301 wtsfoundation.org

Open House Date: November 6, 2022,  2-5 pm

Local Spotlight: Little Free Pantry

One local mom is helping Indianapolis neighborhoods tackle food insecurity.

What looks like an unas suming box, just a few cubic feet in size, is a life-saving container, a community connector, and an awareness raiser. And moreover, the Little Free Pantry has been a life-changing experience for Indianapolis resident, Elizabeth Friedland.

A few months ago, Elizabeth stumbled upon a Facebook post about a community project through the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where they were offering to build Little Free Boxes, most often seen as community libraries, but since the pandemic there has been an increase of Little Free Pantries. Elizabeth wasn’t sure it would be a good fit for her neighborhood at first. “I live in Meridian Kessler — people don’t think of that area as having need,” she says. But once she did the research, she discovered that 11% of households in her ZIP code live at or below the poverty line. “Clearly there was a need, even if we didn’t necessarily see it,” she says.

Armed with that information, Elizabeth and her 5-year-old son, Jack, opened their first Little Free Pantry just a few months ago.

“Within the first 36 hours, we were empty,” Elizabeth says. And since that first day, the need for food and personal supplies has continued.

per year. As opposed to a food pantry (also often run through churches), the Little Free Pantry is self-serve and open 24 hours per day, making it easier for community members with challenging work schedules to receive assistance.

conditions to getting food,” Elizabeth says. “As a human being, living on this Earth, we all have a right to be fed.”

In the few months since opening, word of her two pantries have spread and Elizabeth compares managing them to a second job. She is always accepting donations to keep the pantries stocked, estimating it costs $600 per week to stock each pantry. As a solo Mom, she relies on the generosity of community members to offset that expense through contributions of food and personal care items, or financial donations.

In early September, Elizabeth opened a second location with the support of Cornerstone Lutheran Church. Forty percent of residents in that area make less than $25,000

Since embarking on this project, Elizabeth has researched issues of food insecurity and poverty, and strives to provide dignity and joy to anyone seeking assistance. She has added lighting so people can easily come at night, provides personal care items in addition to food, and loves when she can include luxury food items as a treat. Jack even stocks the pantry with toys and treats for the kids.

“Something that is really discouraging in our country today is the attitude of every man for himself — that if you need help, you’ve done something wrong,” Elizabeth says. “Most people living below the poverty line are working; many of them have multiple jobs. No one wants to go to the pantry to get free food.”

With 64% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, many of us are just one financial emergency away from needing assistance. Initially, there was concern that people may abuse the privilege of the pantry and take more than they need, but that’s not what Elizabeth has found. “There shouldn’t be any

If you’re interested in getting involved, visit littlefreepantry.org for resources on how to open your own pantry, or find one in your area to support. Elizabeth recommends not only making sure your area has need, but that you have support from community members. “I may host the pantry,” she says, “but it really belongs to the community.”

If you’d like to support Elizabeth’s pantries, you can follow her on Instagram at @Central GeneralStore , help spread the word to community members about the pantries, bring donations to the pantry at Southeast corner of 52nd and Central Avenue, or to Cornerstone Lutheran Church at New York and Rural. Venmo donations are accepted at @Central GeneralStore

THINGS TO DO //

2022

TUES 01 Alphabet Storytime Do you know your ABCs? Come join in with some fun ABC stories, music, and activities. • Location: Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, hmmpl.org FREE

Play with Clay! Join Jeremy South of Ripple Mobile Arts to explore a variety of hand-building techniques. Kids ages 3-5 will explore clay tools and learn simple techniques, taking home a fun creation of their own. • Location: Garfield Park Branch Library, Time: 11-11:30 pm, indypl.org FREE

Small Wonders: Autumn Adventures Engage your preschooler in nature and scientific exploration. Each class introduces a new topic through hands-on activities, hikes and crafts, and provides ideas for exploring at home. Ages 3-5. • Location: Holliday Park Nature Center, Time: 10-11 am, indyparks.org

WED 02 Dia de Muertos Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates deceased family members through music, storytelling, food, and ofrendas (altars). Learn more about this Mexican holiday and partake in the traditions. • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 5:30-8:30 pm, gpacarts.org

En Memoria una Celebración de Dia de Muertos Walk with the ancestors under the stars for an evening of celebration, honor and memory. Feel the music, scents, tastes, and sights to remember the vibrant lives of loved ones visiting with us on this special night. Discover the

history of this holiday and public and personal traditions with music and dance performances. • L ocation: Indiana History Center, Time: 5:30-8 pm, indianahistory.org

Preschool Music & Movement Enjoy a wide range of activities supporting early literacy, including chanting, singing, dancing, action songs and stories, rhythm practice, creative movement and role playing. • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

Wiggle & Bounce Family Time with Kindermusik Children birth through age 5 and their caregiver will join Kindermusik of Indianapolis in the music and movement class. Adults will bond with their child through singing, dancing, and instrument playing. There's room for everyone to grow in this family program! • Location: East 38th Street Branch Library, Time: 11-11:30 am, indypl.org FREE

THURS 03 Family Game Night

Enjoy games and puzzles and family fun in a safe setting. • Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch, Time: 4:30-5:30 pm, indypl.org FREE

First Thursday Night @ The Children’s Museum

On the first Thursday of every month, it's just $6 admission per person!

• Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 4-8 pm, childrensmuseum.org

Newfields Community Day Enjoy free admission to Newfields on the first Thursday of the month. Advance ticket is required. • Location: Newfields, Time: 11 am-8 pm, discovernewfields.org FREE

FRI 04 Build It! Woodworking for Kids

Let's get building! Participants learn basic woodworking skills — how to measure, mark and use tools safely. Each participant starts with raw materials and leaves with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and a functional finished project! • Location: West Indianapolis Branch, Time: 3:30-4:30 pm, indypl. org FREE

Pajama-Rama Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear and pack up a blanket! Families will enjoy music, songs and stories about some of our favorite animals. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 7 pm, hamiltoncounty.in. gov FREE

SAT 05 Charles Peachock, Juggler World champion juggler and entertainer Charles Peachock performs outside-thebox artistic routines, original concepts, and clever comedic moments honed with a fine wit and sincere warmth. • Location: The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts, 2 & 8 pm, thecenterpresents.org

Critter Chat Drop by Blake’s Garden to meet and learn about one of our resident critters.

• Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, Time: 2 pm, garfieldgardensconservatory.org FREE

Dog Tag Dash Celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month with Westfield's first annual Dog Tag Dash 5K and Dog Walk, benefiting Pets Healing Vets. • Location: West Fork Whiskey Co., Time: 9:30 am, westfieldwelcome.com

Family Outing: Harvest Wreaths

Bring your family for an autumn outing to gather natural materials and make a craft. We will meander through the fall colors, and collect flowers, grasses and berries to make a wreath that your backyard birds will be thankful for! • Location: Eagle Creek, Time: 1-2 pm, indyparks.org

Scien-Tots Little scientists and their caregivers will investigate STEM concepts, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through a story and hands-on exploration at learning stations in this lab-style program. Ages 2-4. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 9:30 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

TUES 08 Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 and a caregiver are invited for stories, songs, rhymes, and activities designed with our littlest patrons in mind! Stay for playtime and meet other caregivers. • Location: Glendale Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, indypl.org FREE

English Country Dance Enjoy a lively evening of dancing for all skill levels. English Country Dance is a form of social folk dance which originated in Renaissance England, and was popular until the early 19th century. • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, gpacarts.org

Music at Butler: Jazz Combos The Butler University Jazz Combos will feature a concert of original music and jazz standards by students. • Location: Butler Arts Center, Time: 7:30 pm, butlerartscenter.org FREE

FRI 11̶SUN 13 Evening Pops

Fire Building Frenzy Learn the basics of fire building and conclude your afternoon with s’mores over your own fire creations! Registration required. $5. • Location: Holliday Park, Time: 1 pm, hollidaypark.org

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Along with a marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids fun run, race weekend is full of events for the entire family. Starting and finishing at the Indiana State Capitol, the course highlights landmarks and historical neighborhoods throughout Indianapolis. • Location: Downtown Indianapolis, monumentalmarathon.com

Preschool Storytime: Into the Woods Enjoy activities such as stories, songs and crafts! For ages 3-6. • Location: Brownsburg Public Library, Time: 1-1:45 pm, bburglibrary.net FREE

WED 09 Little Turkeys Bring your little one in for seasonal themed fun!! We will celebrate with crafts, games, and fun activities. This program is for children ages 2 to 5. • Location: Forest Park in Noblesville, Time: 10-11 am, noblesville parks.org

Small Wonders: Habitat

Story Castle Cinema: The Wizard of Oz Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

SUN 06 Classical Concert: Circulating Sound Concert Series

Adults and families are invited to experience the dynamic world of chamber music with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. • Location: Central Library, Time: 2-3 pm, indypl.org FREE

Indianapolis Youth Orchestra Fall Concert Enjoy the sounds of central Indiana’s most talented young musicians. • Location: Indiana History Center, Time: 5 pm, indianahistory.org

MON 07 Amazing Artists Create, read and enjoy together! This interactive storytime focuses on art and early literacy skills for young children and their caregivers. • Location: PlainfieldGuilford Township Public Library, Time: 10-10:30 am, plainfieldlibrary.net FREE

Book Babies: DINOvember

Let's explore stories, rhymes and songs together! Caregivers, get ready for some special time to focus on and bond with your little one. • Location: Brownsburg Public Library, Time: 10-10:45 am, bburglibrary.net FREE

Series: A Veterans Day Salute Hear members of the men’s and women’s USNA Glee Clubs performing together accompanied by the ISO, playing the familiar sounds of Broadway, Disney, American rock, classic and contemporary pop. • Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, indianapolis symphony.org

SAT 12 Circle City Tap This concert showcases the best of the best of what CCTC has to offer and will leave audiences spellbound by the intricate rhythms and resonating of taps! • Location: Butler Arts Center, Time: 2 & 7 pm, butlerartscenter.org

Investigations

What do the wildlife of Indiana need to survive? Explore animal habitats and engineer a habitat from natural materials while learning more about the amazing adaptations needed for forest friends to survive. Ages 3-5. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indianamuseum.org

WED 09 SUN 13 Christmas Gift & Hobby Show

A festive marketplace where you can shop for holiday gifts, see works from local artisans, experience holiday displays that will inspire your own decorations, and much more! • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, christmasgiftandhobby show.com

THURS 10 African Dance Children 2-6 are invited to join Arts for Learning teaching artist Ronne Stone on a journey through Western Africa. With the use of body movement, children will explore rhythm, patterns, and stories. • Location: East Washington Branch Library, Time: 11-11:45 am, indypl.org FREE

Movies at Midtown: The Wizard of Oz Enjoy an outdoor movie shown on the big video screen in Midtown Plaza. • Location: Midtown Plaza Carmel, Time: Noon & 3 & 6 pm, midtownplazacarmel.com

Peanut Butter & Jam: Yurtfolk Explore music, stories and folk dance from around the world. We’ll sing in different languages and get on our feet to dance! We’ll also learn about some very unusual musical instruments. $10. • Location: The Palladium, Time: 10:30 & 11:15 am, thecenterpresents.org

Story Castle Cinema: Playing with Fire Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

Tot Shabbat Singing, movement, music and more at a fun Shabbat service for newborns to 3-year-olds and their families and friends. Older siblings are welcome, too! • Location: Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Time: 10-11 am, bez613.org

SAT, NOVEMBER 05

FIRE BUILDING FRENZY AT HOLLIDAY PARK

Veterans Art Day Veterans and members of the Armed Forces who are active or retired, from any branch, of any rank and age are welcome to participate in a day of free art making workshops in glassblowing, ceramics, woodworking, sculpture, jewelry and painting. Veterans Art Day is designed to honor and connect veterans with the fun and healing that comes with creating in a hands-on class. • Location: Indianapolis Art Center, indyartcenter.org

Young Explorers: Simple Machines

Discover what simple machines are, then work with others to experiment and engineer with simple machines while solving some problems. Ages 4-6. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 1-2:30 pm, indianamuseum.org

SAT 12 SUN 13 Fanboy Expo This pop culture convention features celebrities, artists, vendors, cosplayers and more! • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, fanboyexpo.com

SUN 13 Sensory-friendly Sundays

@ Conner Prairie The second Sunday of every month, exhibit components that make noise will be turned off. All quiet spaces can be utilized and staff trained in Sensory Friendly Practices will be on hand in case anyone needs assistance. • Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 10 am-Noon, connerprairie.org *SN

Preschool Storytime: Thankful Turkeys! Enjoy activities such as stories, songs and crafts. Ages 3-6. • Location: Brownsburg Public Library, Time: 1-1:45 pm, bburglibrary.net FREE

TUES 15̶SUN 20 Disney's Aladdin From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. • Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, indianapolis.broadway.com

WED 16 JumpBunch Toddler Sports: Sports of all Sorts! Toddlers ages 18-36 months and an adult are invited to join JumpBunch of Indianapolis for an introduction to sports and games. Practice throwing, kicking, and eye-hand coordination. Registration required. • Location: Southport Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, indypl.org FREE

Tiny Tinkerers Make, learn, and share together! This interactive storytime encourages building, play, and early literacy skills for young children and their caregivers. • Location: PlainfieldGuilford Township Public Library, Time: 10-10:30 am, plainfieldlibrary.net FREE

THURS 17 Music at Butler: Butler University Wind Ensemble Featuring music by Mexican, Peruvian, Spanish, and AmericanLatinx composers. Spoken word from the stage will be delivered in Spanish and English in order to include all audience members. • Location: Butler Arts Center, Time: 7:30 pm, butlerartscenter.org FREE

Tadpole Time: Winter is on the Horizon Discover what animals are busy doing to get ready for the upcoming season. Kids will learn ways to help the wildlife around your home through the winter while also learning some tips for their winter fun! Ages 2-7. • Location: McCloud Nature Park, 10-11:30 am, hendrickscountyparks.org

Toddler Time, Bouncing Balls Explore movement with the help of a favorite toy – bouncy balls! Work, play and experiment with a variety of bouncy balls while creating artworks to investigate through science projects. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indianamuseum.org

THURS 17̶SUN 20 JLI Holiday Mart A unique shopping experience featuring small business merchants selling everything from clothing, jewelry, and handbags to food, art, and children’s items. • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, jlindy.org

Tea & Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy Enjoy refreshments and learn ballet with the Sugar Plum Fairy as she dances to the music from the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite! • Location: Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Time: 2-4 pm, indianaballetconservatory.org

MON 14 Mother Goose Olympics

Challenge yourself to a nursery rhyme adventure! Visit activity stations like the Jack-Be-Nimble Hurtles and the Jack-and-Jill Bucket Game to test your skills. • Location: Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Time: 5-5:30 pm, plainfieldlibrary.net FREE

TUES 15 Kaleidoscope of Stories with Storytelling Arts of Indiana Explore your imagination during this storytelling showcase featuring stories that begin with "Once Upon a Time."

• Location: Garfield Park Branch Library, Time: 4:30-5 pm, indypl.org FREE

Teddy Bear Concert: The Giant's Violin Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual visit to the library! Enjoy the story of a boy who believes a giant and his violin are living in the attic above him. Young children are invited to move along to the music and listen to a story with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. • Location: Virtual, Time: 10-10:30 am, indypl.org FREE

FRI 18 Friday Night Campfires: Wild Turkeys Experience a fun night around the campfire and participate in a guided night hike! Roasting sticks and s'mores provided. $7. • Location: Holliday Park Nature Center, Time: 6:30 pm, hollidaypark.org

World Explorers Introduce young children to the world around us with music, activities, stories, and more! • Location: Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Time: 10-10:30 am, plainfieldlibrary.net FREE

SAT 19 Bad Art Night It’s an evening of terrible art! Trophies will be awarded for the worst possible thing created. Skills are frowned upon. Come out for some fun, some music, and a time to socialize with other inept artists. • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 4:30-6 pm, gpacarts.org

SAT, NOVEMBER 19

INDY PARKS' HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THATCHER FAMILY CENTER

CoMoMelon Live! JJ’s Journey

Join JJ and his family in this unique interactive, unforgettable live musical adventure as they embark on a toe tapping fun-filled, surprise journey in this Broadway style production.

• Location: Murat Theatre, Time: 3-5 pm, concerts. livenation.com

DOWNTOWN INDY'S CIRCLE OF LIGHTS KICKOFF

Harvest Festival Celebrate autumn and enjoy music, refreshments and fun fall activities while learning all that the westside of Indy has to offer! • Location: Thatcher Family Center, Time: Noon-4 pm, indyparks.org FREE

Holiday at Carter Green Kick off the holidays in grand fashion with music for the season, tree lighting, Santa with his live reindeer and the grand opening of the Christkindlmarkt and The Ice at Carter Green. • Location: Carter Green in Carmel, Time: 3:30-6:30 pm, holidaysincarmel.com FREE

International Coffee & Tea Festival

Explore ceremonies, preparations, flavors, and aromas of coffees and teas from around the globe, along with pop-up performances. • Location: Global Village Welcome Center, Time: 10 am, imcoalition.org

Movies at Midtown: Mitchell vs the Machine Enjoy an outdoor movie shown on the big video screen in Midtown Plaza. • Location: Midtown Plaza Carmel, Time: Noon & 3 & 6 pm, midtownplazacarmel.com

TUES 22 Pre-K Explorers This program incorporates stories, songs, hands-on projects, and interactive activities that focus on helping preschoolers learn school-readiness skills, develop social skills, and explore more challenging concepts. Ages 3-5. Registration required. • Location: Fishers Library, Time: 1-1:30 pm, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

Story Time Puppet Show Enjoy a Three Little Kittens puppet show! Registration required. • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

WED 23 Babies & Toddlers

Storytime Children ages 0-2 and a caregiver are invited for a story, songs, rhymes, and activities designed with our littlest patrons in mind! • Location: Irvington Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:15 am, indypl.org FREE

FRI 25 Circle of Lights Indy's most time-honored holiday tradition! Musical acts create a festive holiday spirit, and Santa will help flip the switch to illuminate Monument Circle, marking the kick-off to the holiday season. All spectators will enjoy the show from the comfort of their homes. • Location: Virtual, Time: 7 pm, downtownindy.org

SAT 26 Story Castle Cinema: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

MON 28 Preschool Yoga: Animal Friends Join us for a playful time with yoga and movement as we explore all kinds of animals! • Location: Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, hmmpl.org FREE

Mr. Dan the Music Man! Sing and dance with Mr. Dan! Registration is required as space is limited. • Location: Fishers Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

Story Castle Cinema: Ratatouille

Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

Thatcher Park Harvest Festival

Celebrate autumn with music, refreshments, and fun fall activities while learning all that the westside of Indy has to offer! • Location: Thatcher Park Family Center, Time: Noon-4 pm, indyparks.org FREE

Good Grief! It's Charles M. Schulz' 100th Birthday! November 26th would've been Charles M. Schulz' 100th birthday. A milestone like that calls for a celebration! Enjoy games and activities centered on Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. We'll even have a real Charlie Brown Thanksgiving feast of popcorn, toast, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans just like the classic cartoon. Ages 6-12. • Location: Brownsburg Public Library, Time: 4-4:45 pm, bburglibrary.net FREE

Movin’ & Groovin’ If your preschooler likes music and movement, try out this fun musical program! We will enjoy action songs, dancing, singing, playing percussion instruments and other musical props. • Location: Fishers Library, Time: 2-2:30 pm, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

TUES 29 Storytime at Eagle:

Pajama Time Families with children ages 3-8 are invited for a fun storytime featuring stories, music and activities. Children can wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffie for bedtime stories! • Location: Eagle Branch Library, Time: 7-8 pm, indypl.org FREE

Tot Tunes Start your morning with music and movement! This program incorporates songs and dance that will help get you ready for your busy day. Encourages the development of gross motor skills and language skills. For toddlers and preschoolers and their caregiver. Registration required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 9:30-10 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE

MON 21 Beastly Brunch Get an up-close look at Holliday Park’s animal ambassadors and experience a live feeding. Ages 2+. • Location: Holliday Park Nature Center, Time: 10 am, hollidaypark. org FREE

Story Time with Miss Beckie Enjoy stories, songs, finger-plays, rhymes and puppets. Strengthen early literacy skills and encourage the joy of learning. Each program ends with a fun craft or an activity. • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE

THURS 24 Drumstick Dash A Thanksgiving morning run/walk to help those experiencing homelessness. All proceeds provide meals and care for homeless men, women, and children in our community. Fun for the whole family! • Location: Downtown Broad Ripple, Time: 9 am, drumstickdash.org

Turkey Day 5K Run A family-friendly 5K run with chipped timed route, 1 mile circuit with youth options and even some benefits for your K9s. All proceeds go to three local organizations to support the community. • Location: 98 E North St., Greenfield, greenfieldturkeyday5k.com

WED 30 Holiday Concert at the Library All ages are invited for a chamber ensemble musical performance of favorite holiday classics. • Location: Nora Library, Time: 2-3 pm, indypl.org

Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets, and soaring birds, don't miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. • Location: Old National Centre, Time: 7 pm, livenation.com

Play, Learn, Grow Read, sing, and play with us! Bring your children for stories and play-based learning in this interactive literacy program. • Location: Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Time: 2-2:30 pm, plainfieldlibrary.net FREE

ONGOING EVENTS

Indy Winter Farmers Market

Nov. 5-April 29, 2023. Get your farm fix in the off-season with local produce and goods during the winter months. Visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to maple syrup. Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Location: The Amp at 16 Tech, indywinterfarmersmarket.org

Christmas Nights of Lights

Nov. 11-Jan. 1, 2023. See over 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition. • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, christmasnightsoflights.com

Festival of Trees Nov. 11-Jan. 7, 2023. Featuring a winter wonderland of 50 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, indianahistory.org

Magic of Lights Nov. 18-Jan. 1, 2023. This family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival features twinkling and magical light displays to celebrate our grandest holiday of the year, plus all new displays along the mile-long route. • Location: Ruoff Music Center, magicoflights.com

Reindeer Express Nov. 19-Dec. 23. All aboard for a magical Christmas experience during an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa! See Santa’s workshop and cross over Morse Reservoir while singing Christmas carols and sipping hot chocolate. Select dates. • Location: Nickel Plate Express, nickelplateexpress.com

Christmas at the Zoo Nov. 19-Dec. 30. Watch the Zoo transform at sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky. Pose with your family and friends near one of the many holiday displays, visit Santa’s Village and more. • Location: Indianapolis Zoo, indianapoliszoo.com

Jingle Rails Nov. 19-Jan. 16, 2023. Get into the holiday spirit as you view nine working model trains that wind through a stunning miniature landscape. New this year: a miniature version of San Francisco! • Location: Eiteljorg Museum, eiteljorg.org

Santa’s Holiday Breakfast Nov. 25-Dec. 24. Enjoy a buffet breakfast among holiday splendor! Relax with family and friends while listening to holiday music throughout your meal, plus children will receive a special holiday gift from Santa’s helpers. • Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org

Sleek: The Art of the Helmet

Through Jan. 8, 2023. This exhibition explores themes such as art, engineering and storytelling, and features helmets from racing history from current drivers, and nine designed by local artists. • Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, imsmuseum.org

Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt Nov. 25-Dec. 18. Drink, eat, and be merry this holiday season at the inaugural Christkindlmarkt. The traditional festival elements are just the foundation for special storytelling traditions unique to our German culture. • Location: Athenaeum Theatre, athenaeumindy.org

A Merry Prairie Holiday Nov. 25-Dec. 22. With thousands of twinkling lights to guide your way, explore the grounds and experience a memorable winter wonderland stroll. • Location: Conner Prairie, connerprairie.org

It's a Wonderful Life Nov. 25-Dec. 23. Based on the cherished 1946 Frank Capra film. George Bailey has been looking out for everyone but himself, and a turn of bad luck nearly does him in. With some help from his guardian angel, George discovers that no one is a failure who has friends. • Location: Beef & Boards, beefandboards.com

Conservatory Crossing Nov. 25Dec. 31. Enjoy a winter wonderland! See the Conservatory decked out in its holiday best with a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, garfieldgardens conservatory.org

Jolly Days Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 2023. Enjoy visits with Santa, “ice skate” in your socks, explore the Ice Castle and much more. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Scooby-Doo Mansion Mayhem

Through Jan. 31, 2023. Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have another mystery on their hands. A jewel-thieving ghost has evaded the local police force and was last seen in this very mysterious mansion. Enter the mansion and immerse yourself into a unique adventure where you can enter the world of Scooby-Doo! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana

Through Feb. 27, 2024. This exhibit tells the remarkable story of Eva Mozes Kor, who survived Auschwitz as a child and the experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengele, and grew up to be one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, indianahistory.org

Carmel Winter Market Through March 25, 2023. Find the best in Indiana grown and/or produced foods for your family. Look for the bunnies on the building! Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-Noon. • Location: The Wire Factory, carmelfarmersmarket.com

Monet & Friends Alive Through May 28, 2023. The exhibition showcases the world of Impressionism across three main movements: Metropolitan, A Day in the Life and En Plein Air. The masterpieces of the Impressionists come to life with a rich, dynamic display of light, color and sound. • Location: Newfields, discovernewfields.org

Oh Look It's Magic! ADHD

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Nov. 19-Dec. 24. A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with the IRT as they joyfully reimagine and tenderly bring this annual holiday treasure to new life. • Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre, irtlive.com

Carmel Christkindlmarkt Nov. 19-Dec. 30. Featuring a delightful blend of German holiday food, drinks, gifts, decorations, special performances and ice skating. • Location: 10 Carter Green in Carmel, carmelchristkindlmarkt.com

Celebration Crossing Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 2023. Hop on the Snowfall Express for a magical train ride! Also enjoy visits with Santa, activities in Santa’s Front Yard, the 92 County Tree, Winter Wonderland Workshops and more. Included in the price of museum admission. • Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org

The Snow Queen Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 2023. Join Gerda as she travels through different lands to rescue her friend, Kay, from the Snow Queen. Select dates. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Advocacy Magic Show Through Sept. 1, 2023. Having ADHD can be madness! With the help of magic, Jordan Allen will tell you how he has found to navigate the madness. This is one of the first and only ADHD advocacy magic shows that aims to entertain and educate, and written and performed by an ADHD performer. • Location: Athenaeum Theatre, athenaeumindy.org

PLEASE NOTE WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.