🍦 Brrrilliant News for a Frosty Wednesday!

TOGETHER WITH

Well, folks, it’s official—Indiana’s annual game of “Will It Freeze or Won’t It?” has finally come to an icy conclusion. Spoiler alert: it froze. If you’re reading this wrapped in 14 blankets, clutching your coffee like it’s a lifeline, you’re not alone. We’ve entered the season where scraping your windshield doubles as your morning workout, and fuzzy socks are no longer a luxury but a necessity.

But hey, at least it feels like December now, right? Bundle up, because we’ve got news and events that’ll warm your heart (even if your toes are still thawing out). Let’s dive in!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🎁 Holiday Giving & Festive Fun: Support the Hurricane Relief Christmas Toy Drive, drop off letters to Santa, and enjoy local holiday events like gingerbread decorating, Christmas concerts, and the Perry Seniors Christmas Bazaar.

• 🚧 Community Upgrades: Johnson County receives $1.6M for road safety improvements, while Franklin businesses like Cornett Roofing and Sweat Shop Fitness expand and relocate to better serve the community.

• 🎨 Shop & Celebrate Local: Find unique gifts at the Southside Art League’s Christmas Sale, enjoy live music performances, and explore family-friendly activities like open play at Greenwood Fieldhouse.

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM Salty Woods

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THE DIGEST

Hurricane Relief Christmas Toy Drive & Dinner

Spread holiday cheer and help hurricane recovery efforts by joining the Hurricane Relief Christmas Toy Drive & Dinner! Donate new Christmas gifts for all ages or contribute via Venmo or Cash App to provide gifts and a holiday dinner for 200 people. Donations are accepted until Dec. 10 (monetary contributions until Dec. 9), with gifts delivered to Bakersville, NC, on Dec. 14. Drop off donations at locations like Franklin Fire Departments (East & North), The Sweat Shop, Franklin Animal Clinic, Hometown Nutrition, Warrior Nutrition, Knights Trash Service, Franklin Skate Club, and all Johnson County Libraries. Let’s come together to make a difference this holiday season!

Santa’s Mailbox is Open in Bargersville

Bring the magic of Christmas to life by dropping off your little ones' letters to Santa at Town Hall (24 N Main St., Bargersville, IN). Include an unsealed, stamped envelope with your address, and Santa will reply after sending the letters to Santa Claus, IN, for a special holiday stamp. Be sure to drop letters off by December 8 to get a reply from the North Pole!

Johnson County Awarded $1.6M for Roadway Safety Improvements

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded $50 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to enhance safety on local roads across the state. The funding aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 25% over the next decade. Locally, the City of Columbus will receive over $1.95 million, and Johnson County nearly $1.6 million, to support various safety projects like improved signage, pedestrian enhancements, and traffic signal upgrades. Over 60 communities will use the funds to complete nearly 100 projects by 2027.

Local Business News

Sweat Shop Fitness is Moving

Sweat Shop Fitness in Franklin is upgrading to a bigger and better studio! They’re moving from their South Main location to the corner of Home Ave. and Jefferson St. The new space will feature upgraded lighting, mirrors, equipment, and fun décor to enhance your workout experience. An open house is in the works, so you can check out the awesome new setup. The move is happening this month, so stay tuned for more updates. Big dreams, big gains, and a fresh start—coming soon to Franklin!

Cornett Roofing Expands Franklin Facility with $1.6M Investment

Cornett Roofing is investing $1.6 million to expand its Franklin manufacturing plant, adding a 9,860-square-foot building and new equipment to boost capacity for out-of-state markets. Supported by city-approved tax abatements, the project is set for completion by summer 2025. The expansion will create six new jobs, retain 30 current employees, and strengthen the company’s role in the local economy.

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Looking for the best holiday events on the South Side? Our seasonal guide has you covered with all the festive fun happening in our community! Bookmark this page and check back often as we’ll keep adding more events to keep your season merry and bright.

Have a holiday event to share? Your event could be featured in our next issue—don’t miss the chance to spread the cheer!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Wednesday

SALI Super Christmas Sale and Show

The Southside Art League invites you to experience the magic of the season with a special collection of original artwork by its talented members. Perfect for holiday gifting, many of the pieces are smaller in size but big on creativity and charm. Stroll through the gallery, enjoy the artistic talent on display, and take home a unique treasure—all with no cost to enter. Don’t miss this chance to support local artists and find one-of-a-kind gifts!

• When: December 4th - December 28th

• Time: 11am-3pm

• Location: Greenwood Public Library - 310 S. Meridian St, Greenwood, Indiana 46142

Christmas Traditions by Crossroads Brass Band

Celebrate the season with the Crossroads Brass Band as they present Christmas Traditions directed by Jon S. Noworyta. Enjoy an evening of holiday classics performed with the rich and joyful sound of brass. Don’t miss this heartwarming musical experience to kick off your holiday season!

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 7pm-9pm

• Location: Greenwood United Methodist Church - 525 N. Madison Ave, Greenwood

Tots on the Turf at Greenwood Fieldhouse

Bring your little ones (5 and under) to Greenwood Fieldhouse every Wednesday from 9am-12pm for open play on the turf! Kids can explore a variety of sports and activities like basketball, soccer, t-ball, football, and golf. The cost is $5 per child, per session, making it a fun and affordable way to get active.

Singo: Whiskey Business (Southport)

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: SmockTown Brewery

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 730pm

Live Trivia: Flashback’s Bar & Grill

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: Mikie’s Pub

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 7pm

Music Bingo: Freddie’s Pub

• Date: Wednesday, December 4th

• Time: 7pm

Thursday

uPaint a Story - The Grinch

Bring your little ones for a Grinch-tastic holiday adventure! This fun-filled event is perfect for preschoolers and toddlers, featuring a Grinchy story time, ornament painting, and a festive snack. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and holiday cheer (with a dash of Grinchy grumpiness, of course)! The cost is $15 per painter - sign up online here or walk-ins are welcome.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 11am-12pm

• Place: uPaint Pottery Studio - 3113 West Smith Valley Road, Suite D, Greenwood

Franklin Rotary’s Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast

Support a great cause while enjoying a delicious meal at the annual Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast, hosted by Franklin Rotary. This year’s event offers both drive-through and dine-in options at Scott Hall. Feast on pork chops, pulled pork, and fried chicken, all while helping raise funds for the Good Cheer Fund and the Interchurch Food Pantry.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 11am-1pm

• Place: Johnson County Fairgrounds - 250 Fairground St, Franklin

Christmas & Carbohydrates

Love holiday treats but want to keep it healthy? Join this free workshop to learn how to make delicious desserts that are lower in calories and carbs—perfect for staying on track this season. Recipes include Gluten-Free Mini Eggnog Cupcakes, Chocolate Walnut Mug Cake, Holiday Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Ginger Crust, and Frosty’s Strawberry Dessert.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm

• Place: JMH Conference Room (2A, 2nd Floor) - 1125 West Jefferson St, Franklin

Christmas Cheer at Otterbein Franklin

Experience the magic of the season and a glimpse of retirement living at Otterbein Franklin's holiday open house! Tour their assisted and independent living apartments, enjoy decorating gingerbread cookies, and take home a beautiful poinsettia as a festive gift. No RSVP required!

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 2pm-4pm

• Place: Otterbein Franklin Senior Life Community - 1070 W. Jefferson St, Franklin

Christmas Bazaar Hosted by Perry Seniors Services

Looking for unique holiday gifts and a festive outing? Enjoy free admission and explore a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors. Indulge in homemade treats at the bake sale, warm up with hot cider or a hot chocolate from the coffee bar, and soak in the holiday spirit. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo with Santa—your furry friends are welcome too! This cozy, community-centered event is a perfect way to kick off the season and support local artisans.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 4pm-7pm

• Place: Perry Senior Services - 6901 Derbyshire Rd, Indianapolis

LeFevre Quartet at First Separate Baptist Church

Join the LeFevre Quartet for an inspiring evening of holiday music as they Celebrate the Season! Known for their powerful harmonies and uplifting gospel music, the LeFevre Quartet will bring the joy of the season to life.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm-9pm

• Place: First Separate Baptist Church - 300 Ohio St, Franklin, Indiana 46131

Franklin College Holiday Instrumental Concert

Join for an evening of incredible music at the Franklin College Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Combo concert! This performance, under the direction of Randy Greenwell, will be held in Old Main’s Clarence E. and Inez R. Custer Theatre, located at the corner of Branigin Blvd. and Monroe Street. This event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music and kick off the holiday season. Don’t miss it!

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm

• Place: Franklin College - 101 Branigin Blvd, Franklin, Indiana 46131

Preschool Play

Preschool Play offers self-led playtime for preschoolers with activities like building blocks, a ball pit, arts & crafts, and other hands-on fun! It runs Thursdays from 11/14 to 2/27 (excluding 11/28 and 12/26) at the Cultural Arts & Recreation Center. Cost is $5 per session or $50 for a punch card. Adult supervision is required. Register at franklinparks.com.

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 9:30am-10:30am

• Place: Franklin Parks & Recreation - 396 Branigin Blvd, Franklin

Urban Air Jumperoo

Join in for Jumperoo every Thursday! Perfect for bonding with your little ones (5 and under) – $10.99 per jumper, parents play free!

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 10am-12pm

• Place: Urban Air Adventure Park - 1172 North Main Street, Franklin

Repeal Day Celebration Feat. Kentucky Owl Bourbon: SmockTown Brewery

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Live Trivia: Whiskey Business (Southport)

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: BoJak’s Bar & Grille

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: Planetary Brewing

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm

Music Bingo: SmockTown Brewery

• Date: Thursday, December 5th

• Time: 7pm

WEATHER

Wednesday

43 🌡️ 13 | ☁️ | 19% | 🌬️ SW 20-30 MPH

Thursday

24 🌡️ 13 | ☀️ | 0% | 🌬️ WNW 10-20 MPH

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday

• Slippery Noodle | Slippery Noodle Blues Jam | 730pm

• Tin Roof | Ethan & Joey | 9pm

Thursday

• Mashcraft | Elephant Brothers | 7pm

• Tried & True | John Ryan | 8pm

• Parkside Public House | Awetree & Friends | 6pm

• Fountain Square Plaza | Local Musicians | 630pm

• Slippery Noodle | Gordon Bonham and Paul Holdman | 8pm

• Tin Roof | Pom Teddy | 10pm

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