🍦 Live Tunes, Bookish Nights & Artsy Vibes All Week Long

TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Wednesday, May 21st—the midweek pit stop before the green flag drops!

We’re halfway through the week and halfway through our snack stash, and Memorial Day Weekend is peeking over the horizon like a pace car waiting to floor it. Whether you’re planning your escape from town or gearing up for an Indy 500 backyard bash, don’t let the mid-60s temps fool you—it’s still technically May, even if your toes disagree.

So grab that cup of something warm, stretch out those race-watching muscles, and let’s cruise through the latest local lowdown together.

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🍕 Center Grove bus driver throws a surprise pizza party for five students who’ve been kindness all-stars for three years straight.

• 🍓 Downtown Franklin turns berry sweet this Friday—Strawberries on the Square is back with shortcake, tunes, and family fun!

• ☕ Meet Pearl Coffee Co., your new mobile caffeine crush—bonus points for remembering your name (and your order)!

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM The Jet Vet

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Ready for a spring refresh? Get your free quote today at thejetvet.com or by calling (317) 967-5232!

THE DIGEST

Center Grove Bus Driver Honors 5 Exemplary Students with Pizza Party

Jim Harris, a beloved Center Grove bus driver, kept a heartfelt promise to five Pleasant Grove students who have ridden his bus without a single behavior issue for three years. As a reward for their kindness, leadership, and respectful behavior, Mr. Jim threw them a pizza party to celebrate the end of their fifth-grade year. “I wanna thank these five for being such great team leaders…They set a great example for the rest of the kids on the bus,” he shared proudly. The gesture is a reminder of how small acts of consistency and character can inspire big appreciation!

Strawberries on the Square Returns to Downtown Franklin

Get ready for a sweet time at Strawberries on the Square in downtown Franklin! This Friday, May 23, from 11am to 9pm, West Court Street will be filled with strawberry shortcake, ice cream, and all the tasty toppings. Enjoy free admission, live music, face painting, and balloon art from noon to 3 p.m. Plus, treat yourself to bites from nine local food vendors offering everything from BBQ to kettle corn! Mark your calendar!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Local Business Spotlight: Pearl Coffee Co.

If you haven’t met the crew behind Pearl Coffee Co., let us introduce you to your new favorite mobile coffee bar! They’ve got consistent weekly stops on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—and you’ll often find them parked in new places around town on Saturdays too. They’re friendly, fast, and always brewing something delicious. I was personally wowed when they remembered my name after just a couple visits—talk about small-town charm! If you need a rec, I’m bananas for the B-A-N-A-N-A-S (iced). Here’s to great coffee, good people, and local businesses that make our community shine. Go find Pearl Coffee Co. and treat yourself!

📸 Tag @SouthSideScoopNews on Instagram to get your photos in the publication!

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!

A MESSAGE FROM Salty Woods Greenwood

Breathe easier, feel better. 🌿

Discover how salt therapy can transform your wellness journey — visit the Salty Woods blog for expert tips, natural remedies, and ways to reset your mind and body today. And when you're ready, schedule a salt therapy session to experience the benefits firsthand!

📞 Call or text 317-494-0222 to book

📧 [email protected]

🔗 www.saltywoodsgreenwood.com

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Wednesday

GPL | Virtual Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein

Join bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein for a fascinating virtual conversation as she discusses her new book, The Genius of Judy. This in-depth exploration of Judy Blume’s life and legacy reveals the groundbreaking impact of her beloved — and often banned — novels. From Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to Blubber, Blume’s stories helped shape generations and challenged cultural norms. Tune in for this free event to learn how one housewife became a literary icon and why her work remains more relevant than ever.

• Date: Wednesday, May 21st

• Time: 2-3pm

• Place: Virtual - Register here

Silent Reading Club

Join the Silent Reading Club in Franklin for a chill midweek wind-down with fellow readers. Every third Wednesday of the month, bring your favorite book (and a drink if you’d like—BYOB for 21+), and settle in for some quality silent reading time. Meet at Main & Madison Market Café, with extended hours at Wild Geese Bookshop. Register here.

• Date: Wednesday, May 21st

• Time: 5-7pm (with reading continuing at Wild Geese Bookshop until 7:30pm)

• Place: Main & Madison Market Café – 100 N Main St, Franklin

GPL | Sunrise on the Reaping: Book Discussion and More

Tributes, assemble! The Greenwood Public Library is diving into Suzanne Collins’ newest addition to the Hunger Games saga, Sunrise on the Reaping. This book discussion will include themed snacks, fun activities, and—fair warning—plenty of spoilers. It’s a must-attend event for fans ages 16+ who are ready to return to the arena. Register here.

• Date: Wednesday, May 21st

• Time: 6-7pm

• Place: Greenwood Public Library – 310 S. Meridian, Greenwood

Thursday

Clay Jewelry Dish Class at uPaint Pottery Studio

Get your hands dirty (in the best way!) at this fun and relaxing clay class where you’ll create two custom jewelry dishes—perfect for holding rings, earrings, or tiny treasures. You’ll learn beginner-friendly clay-shaping techniques, experiment with textures and patterns, and paint your final pieces before they’re kiln-fired into lasting keepsakes. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! Spots are limited, so grab yours now for just $19.

• Date: Thursday, May 22nd

• Time: 6-8pm

• Place: uPaint Pottery Studio - 3113 W Smith Valley Rd, Greenwood

Author Night with Madge Maril at Main & Madison

Join Wild Geese Bookshop for an exciting evening with author Madge Maril as she discusses her newest release, Slipstream, a fast-paced romance set in the world of Formula 1 racing. From heartbreak and revenge to fake relationships and globe-trotting drama, this story delivers humor, heart, and high-speed tension. Tickets include a signed paperback copy, admission to the event, and your choice of drink and pastry from Main & Madison. Get your tickets here!

• Date: Thursday, May 22nd

• Time: 6:30pm

• Place: Main & Madison Market Café – 100 N Main St, Franklin

Library Coffee Talk at Greenwood Public Library

Curious about how libraries are funded—or how future legislation might impact your local library? Join Executive Director Cheryl Dobbs for an engaging conversation about the history of library funding in Indiana, and how GPL is planning to keep building a strong, engaged reading community. This casual coffee chat is free to attend, with cookies and good conversation guaranteed. Register here.

• Date: Thursday, May 22nd

• Time: 6:30-7:30pm

• Place: Greenwood Public Library – 310 S. Meridian, Greenwood

Toy Factory at Umbarger Plaza – Summer Concert Series

The Bargersville Summer Concert Series is back, and it’s kicking off with a bang! Join the community for a free outdoor concert featuring Toy Factory, known for their high-energy funk and party vibes. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some food and drinks (available for purchase), and enjoy a night of live music under the stars. No outside alcohol, tents, or umbrellas allowed — just good vibes and great music!

• Date: Thursday, May 22nd

• Time: 7-9pm

• Place: Umbarger Plaza – 118 Baldwin St., Bargersville

Looking for weekly karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more?

👉 Check out our list of recurring events here!

Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

This Weekend

• Friday, May 23rd: Strawberries on the Square in Downtown Franklin

• Friday, May 23rd-Saturday, May 24th: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

• Saturday, May 24th: Picnic Concert Series at Mallow Run Winery featuring Tastes Like Chicken

Coming Soon

• Monday, May 26th: 2025 Memorial Day Mile in Downtown Franklin

• Thursday, May 29th: Author Event with Sarah Pinborough at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

• Friday, May 30th: Free Zumba In the Park by Franklin Parks and Recreation at DriveHubler.com Amphitheater

• Friday, May 30th: Mud Day by Greenwood Parks and Recreation at Freedom Park

• Friday, May 30th: Final Fridays in Downtown Greenwood

• Friday, May 30th: Bargersville Cultural Soundscapes at Umbarger Plaza featuring Helpling

• Saturday, May 31st: Opening Day for Franklin Farmers Market

• Sunday, June 1st: Author Event with Kristy Woodson Harvey at The Garment Factory

• Monday, June 2nd: Perry Township Education Foundation Golf Outing at The Legends

• Wednesday, June 4th: Opening Day for Bargersville Farmers Market

• Wednesday, June 4th: Greenwood Fire Dept. Bingo at the Greenwood Moose Lodge

Want more details about these events? Shoot us an email at [email protected], and we will be happy to answer any questions!

WEATHER

Wednesday

63 🌡️ 51 | 🌧️ | 30% | 🌬️ W 20-30 MPH

Thursday

58 🌡️ 46 | ☁️ | 24% | 🌬️ WNW 10-20 MPH

_{*Disclaimer: This forecast was pulled from the weather app the night before and is subject to Indiana’s ever-changing moods—accuracy not guaranteed!}

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday

• Slippery Noodle | Slippery Noodle Blues Jam | 8pm

• Tin Roof | Ben Bernhard | 9pm

Thursday

• Parkside Public House | Kevmo & Friends | 6pm

• Slippery Noodle | Rebekah Meldrum | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Tommy Whiskers | 7pm

• Tin Roof | Pom Teddy | 10pm

• Tried & True | Hired Gun | 8pm

• Umbarger Plaza - Bargersville | Toy Factory | 7pm

• Whit’s Inn | The Regulators | 7pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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Reach Our Community through The South Side Scoop!

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