🍦 Holiday Hustle? We've Got Your Wednesday Scoop!

Discover what's happening in Greenwood, Center Grove, Franklin, Bargersville, and beyond on this hump day!

TOGETHER WITH

Happy Hump Day, South Siders!

It’s Wednesday, December 18th, and we’re officially in that magical time of year where everyone is either frantically wrapping gifts, frantically unwrapping gifts, or frantically realizing they forgot to buy gifts.

The holiday lights are twinkling, and if you’re feeling festive, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some cocoa while Googling “last-minute gift ideas for people who already have everything.” Or maybe you’re the organized type who finished shopping weeks ago—in which case, congratulations, and please teach the rest of us your ways.

So grab your to-do list (or at least pretend you know where it is) and dive into today’s newsletter—your midweek mix of local happenings, updates, and reminders. Let’s make it a Wednesday to remember!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

  • 🎓️ Lilly Scholarships Awarded: Anna Brumley, Kalli Cadwell, and Haroon Mardanzai received the prestigious Lilly Scholarship, covering full tuition to any Indiana college, praised for their leadership and community service.

  • 🍽️ New Openings Brewing: Milk & Honey Coffeehouse in Wanamaker is opening its double-lane drive-thru this January, while Aspen Creek Grill in Greenwood is celebrating its grand opening.

  • 📖 Holiday Happenings: Highlights include A Charlie Brown Christmas concert, Silent Reading Club, and local trivia nights, with festive events ongoing across Franklin and Greenwood.

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM Salty Woods

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✨ Wellness, wrapped with love. âœ¨

THE DIGEST

Johnson County Seniors Awarded Prestigious Lilly Scholarships

The Johnson County Community Foundation proudly congratulates Anna Brumley and Kalli Cadwell of Franklin Community High School, and Haroon Mardanzai of Whiteland Community High School, as this year’s Lilly Scholarship recipients. This esteemed award covers full tuition to any Indiana college or university, plus additional benefits. Franklin Mayor’s Office praised Brumley and Cadwell, highlighting their four years of service on the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council and dedication to the community, calling the honor “well-deserved.” The announcement was made Friday morning. Congrats to these exceptional students!

Local Business News

An Opening Update from Milk & Honey Coffeehouse

Milk & Honey Coffeehouse, located at 8511 Southeastern Ave in Wanamaker, is set to open its double-lane drive-thru this January, keeping us caffeinated and ready to tackle the day. As a brand-new business, they’re rolling out their openings in stages, starting with the drive-thru and following up with the indoor coffeehouse and event space in the spring, complete with a big grand opening celebration. If you’re looking for a fresh opportunity, keep an eye out—they’ll be sharing hiring details later this week. Get ready, because Milk & Honey is bringing all the buzz to the South Side!

Aspen Creek Grill Greenwood Grand Opening

Aspen Creek Grill is excited to announce the grand opening of its Greenwood location on Wednesday, December 18. Located at 1287 N. Emerson Ave., near Walmart, this is the second Aspen Creek Grill in the Indianapolis area. Known for its scratch-made comfort food, the restaurant offers a cozy, lodge-inspired atmosphere perfect for family dining. The menu features a variety of American classics, including Black Angus hand-cut steaks, salads, ribs, and burgers, all prepared fresh daily. Guests can also enjoy a full bar with daily drink specials. The Greenwood location will seat up to 275 guests, providing ample space for both small and large gatherings. Go check them out!

@SOUTHSIDESCOOPNEWS

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Have a heartwarming story, a positive community moment, or news about a local business? 💌 We’d love to hear it! Submit your stories for a chance to be featured in the news section of our next newsletter—let’s celebrate the good together!

Searching for the top holiday events on the South Side? Our seasonal guide is your go-to for all the festive fun in our community! Be sure to bookmark it and check back often—we’re constantly adding new events to make your season extra merry and bright.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Wednesday

The Artcraft Theatre: Jerry Navarro Trio – Music from A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Jerry Navarro Trio is back on the Artcraft stage to bring the timeless music of A Charlie Brown Christmas to life! Enjoy the classic Vince Guaraldi tunes alongside other holiday favorites in this cherished live tradition. This year’s performance features The Crestwood Singers led by Phillip Navarro, and at the 7pm show, special guest Robert Reynolds, founding member of The Mavericks, will join the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss this magical holiday musical experience! Buy your tickets here.

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 3pm and 7:30pm

  • Place: The Historic Artcraft Theatre – 57 N Main St, Franklin

Silent Reading Club

Join us for a cozy evening of good company, good food, and good reads! From 5-6 PM, socialize with friends old and new, and from 6-7 PM, enjoy a peaceful hour of silent reading with low instrumental music. Drinks, coffee, tea, sandwiches, fruit, and charcuterie will be provided—just bring yourself, your favorite book, and maybe a friend or two! All (21+) are welcome—but seats are limited, so arriving early is a good idea. Come when you can, stay as late as you like, and let’s make this final event (for now) a great one!

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 5pm-7pm

  • Place: Main & Madison Market Cafe - 100 North Main Street, Franklin

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 18th

  • Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: SmockTown Brewery

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 730pm

Live Trivia: Flashback’s Bar & Grill

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: Mikie’s Pub

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 7pm

Music Bingo: Freddie’s Pub

  • Date: Wednesday, December 18th

  • Time: 7pm

Thursday

Bad Santa Night At The Villa

Stop by for a jolly good time—get your photo taken with Santa and enjoy some delicious wines to try while you're here! Call now to reserve your spot! Don’t miss this festive fun!

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 6pm-8pm

  • Place: Vino Villa – 200 N Madison Ave, Greenwood

Broom or Wreath Making w/Sonja

Join us for a hands-on Broom Making & Wreath Workshop where you’ll learn to craft a beautiful, functional broom or festive wreath using natural materials. Guided by Sonja, an experienced broom maker, you’ll explore traditional techniques, customize your design, and leave with a handmade piece perfect for use or display. $65 per person, all materials included—no experience necessary! Secure your spot here.

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 7pm-9pm

  • Place: Taelar Christman LMT CYT – 2555 Hurricane Road, Franklin

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 19th

  • 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 19th

  • Time: 10am-12pm

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

Live Trivia: Whiskey Business (Southport)

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: BoJak’s Bar & Grille

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 7pm

Live Trivia: Planetary Brewing

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 7pm

Music Bingo: SmockTown Brewery

  • Date: Thursday, December 19th

  • Time: 7pm

WEATHER

Wednesday

43 🌡️ 29 | ☁️ | 23% | 🌬️ N 10-15 MPH

Thursday

40 🌡️ 32 | 🌥️ | 7% | 🌬️ SE 5-10 MPH

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday

  • Slippery Noodle | Slippery Noodle Blues Jam | 730pm

  • Tin Roof | Dusty Bo | 9pm

Thursday

  • Fountain Square Plaza | Local Musicians | 630pm

  • MashCraft Greenwood | Jason Dozier | 7pm

  • Parkside Public House | Awetree & Friends | 6pm

  • Slippery Noodle | Django Knight | 8pm

  • Tin Roof | Pom Teddy | 10pm

  • Tried & True | Mindy & Eddie | 8pm

HOW ABOUT A SHARE?

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