Go! Guide – Dec. 8

The Inn at Irwin Gardens will the site of two upcoming seasonal events — A Christmas Tea on Dec. 11 and a Christmas Walk through the inn and gardens on Dec. 17.

Kids and teens

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Library Babies, 10 and 10:30 a.m., Dec. 8, 15, 22; Bilingual Spanish and English Storytime, 1 p.m., Dec. 8; Tween Game Time, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 8, 15; Teen Thursgame, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 8, 29; American Sign Language chat/practice, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 8, 15, 22, 29; Builder’s Guide, 4 p.m., Dec. 12; Block O’Clock, 4 p.m., Dec. 12; Senior Project: Life-Size Game Board, 4 p.m., Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; Candle Decorating, 6 p.m., Dec. 12; Toddler Time, 10 a.m., Dec. 13, 20; Kids Yoga, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 13; Storytime, 11 a.m., Dec. 13, 20; Teen Touch-an-Instrument, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 13; “Whatever the Weather” Storytime and Playdate, 11 a.m., Dec. 14, 21; Kids Yoga, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 14; Teen Watch-It Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 14, 21; Sing & Play with Allie Jean, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15; Storytime, 1 p.m., Dec. 15, 22; French Storytime, 4 p.m., Dec. 15; Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 4 p.m., Dec. 15; Teen DIY: Ornament Decorating, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 16; Origami Workshop, 4 p.m., Dec. 16; Senior Project: Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, noon, Dec. 17; Kids Kitchen, 2 p.m., Dec. 17; Pokemon Club, 4 p.m., Dec. 19; Library Mobile App Signup Fair, 4 p.m., Dec. 19; Winter Holidays Storytime, 6 p.m., Dec. 19; Family Movie Night, “Home Alone,” 6 p.m., Dec. 20; Longest Night Family Lantern Walk, 5 p.m., Dec. 21; Teen Winter Break Read-In, 1 p.m., Dec. 22.

Music and theater

A COUNTRY BUMPKIN’S CHRISTMAS, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 9, 16, 17, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 11, 18, Willow Leaves of Hope, 326 Jackson St., Hope. When Aunt Bertha’s three nieces come from the city to visit her in her backwoods country cabin for a few days, they manage to convince her to come to the city for Christmas; what happens next leads to new experiences and life lessons for all involved (and belly laughs for the audience watching)! Tickets are $35 including drink, meal, dessert, & show. For ticket reservations, call 812-341-7251.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Dec. 9, First Christian Church, 531 Fifth St., Columbus. The program will include familiar and new Christmas music that all will enjoy. Free tickets are available in the church office.

CHRISTMAS DANCE, 7 to 10 p.m., Dec. 10, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Dance Indiana’s Christmas Dance “Swing to the Starlighters”. Refreshment and cash bar. Tickets at $30, sold at the door.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: THE FABULOUS ‘50S, 6 p.m., Dec. 16, 1 p.m., Dec. 18, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. The Lasting Impressions present “Christmas Memories: The Fabulous ‘50s & Creation of the First Nativity”. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show. Tickets are $25, including dinner and show. Tickets are available at Mill Race Center or from cast members.

WOMEN’S OPEN MIC POETRY AND PROSE NIGHT, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 16, Elemental Yoga Columbus, 1235 Jackson St., Columbus. Join local poet Skye Nicholson, author of “Unexpected Alchemy: Poems of Addiction and Awakening,” for this monthly event, open to any person age 14 or older who identifies as a woman. Participants are welcome to read poetry or prose writing, or come just to listen. Reading should be 3 to 5 minutes in length and speak to the experience of womanhood. This is an opportunity to hold space for one another – laugh, cry, yell, be seen and heard. Admission is pay-what-you-can, however, $10 donations are greatly appreciated. Chair seating is limited; please message ahead of time to arrange accommodations.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7 p.m., Dec. 18, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6045 E. State St., Columbus. VOCE Singers of Indianapolis & Orchestra with Robert Bolyard, Artistic Director and Robert Richter, Organist. Preconcert harp recital at 6:40 p.m. Everyone is invited, admission is free.

Talks, lectures, classes

NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT STRESS, 6 to 7 p.m., Dec. 8, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. ‘Tis the season. Sometimes merry, sometimes not. This free public talk explores how you can navigate the holidays differently by creating it from the inside out using meditation. Stress, being overwhelmed or depressed doesn’t have to be the norm. Talk is sponsored by the Kadampa Meditation Center Bloomington. You can relax and enjoy the holidays. For more information or to register, meditationinbloomington.org/dec-8-free-public-talk-columbus-indiana.

Sports, exercise, wellness

BLACKWELL PARK STORYWALK, Blackwell Park, 1550 Whitney Court, Columbus. Enjoy some fresh air while strolling the Bartholomew County Public Library’s StoryWalk. Together with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, the library is excited to feature “Red and Lulu” by Matt Tavares in December. The StoryWalk is located along the People Trail near the Pollinator Park in Blackwell Park.

SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics and public swim are available. You must preregister for current swim sessions. Information: foundationforyouth.com.

Miscellaneous

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: American Sign Language Chat/Practice, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 8, 15, 22, 29; Bartholomew County Writer’s Group, 6 p.m., Dec. 8; Candle Decorating, 6 p.m., Dec. 12; All Book’d Book Club, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 13; Gift Wrapping Party, 2 p.m., Dec. 14; South Central Indiana Suicide Loss Support Group, 6 p.m., Dec. 15; Cbus Chess Crew, 2 p.m., Dec. 17; Library Mobile App Signup Fair, 4 p.m., Dec. 19; Columbus Viewfinders, 6 p.m., Dec. 19; Adults Reading YA Book Club: Biographies, 6 p.m., Dec. 19; Craft Night, 6 p.m., Dec. 20; Adult Music Therapy, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 21.

PAWS FOR A GREAT CAUSE, through Dec. 31, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. During November and December, the library will be accepting donations for local pet rescues. Cash donations will be accepted at the adult circulation desk or the children’s department (to be divided between local pet rescues). Donations are also accepted at Hope Branch. Checks must be made out to a specific pet rescue.

CHRISTMAS TREES THROUGH TIME AND CHRISTMAS MEMORIES, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, through Dec. 22, Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 Third St., Columbus. Decorated trees, extraordinary displays and items from the permanent collection will transform the Historical Society Museum into everyone’s favorite time of year. Information: bartholomewhistory.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 8 to 10 a.m., Dec. 10, 17, St. Johns Masonic Lodge, 4131 Rocky Ford Road, Columbus. Breakfast with Santa at St. Johns Masonic Lodge #20, F.&A.M. This is a free community event, however, donations will be accepted.

CHRISTMAS TEA, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Dec. 11, The Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 5th St., Columbus. Come celebrate the holidays with our Christmas Tea. Reservations are required. Call 812-376-3663 for tickets. The cost is $40 per ticket with a $5 charge for any dietary restrictions. The tickets are nonrefundable. The Tea is a three-course service with several different hot teas available surrounded by the Christmas decor and beauty of the 1910 Historic Inn at Irwin Gardens.

IRWIN GARDENS CHRISTMAS WALK, 3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 18, The Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 5th St., Columbus. Walk through the decorated Inn and Gardens while guessing the popular Christmas Carol that each tree represents. Stop to enjoy a cookie and hot drink in the Dining Room. Cost is $10 per person age 2 and up at the door.

ELKS LODGE BINGO, 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Elks 521 Lodge Bingo Hall, 4664 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The first game is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the public. Information: 812-379-4386.

VFW POST 1987 BINGO, 215 N. National Road, Columbus, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), and the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. (doors open at noon). Open to the public.

AMERICAN LEGION BINGO & KARAOKE, American Legion Post 25, 2515 25th St., Columbus. Bingo is on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. Karaoke is on Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m., Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 16 and older. Information: 812-603-3893.

COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 17 and the third Saturday of each month. Trains will be operating layouts in four scales — HO, N, O, and On30. The club is located at the Johnson County Park headquarters building adjacent to Camp Atterbury. Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636, columbusarearailroadclub.com, or on Facebook at Columbus Area Railroad Club.

AMERICAN SEWING GUILD NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING, 9 to 11:30 a.m., the first Saturday of each month, Bartholomew County REMC, 1697 W. Deaver Road, Columbus. Each monthly meeting focuses on learning a new sewing/creative skill or group sewing on a philanthropic project. Sewing enthusiasts of all ages and skills are welcome. Contact Marilyn at [email protected] with questions.

GRACE’S TABLE DRIVE-IN FREE MEAL, 5 p.m., the second Sunday of each month, East Columbus United Methodist Church, 2439 Indiana Ave., Columbus. Drive-in free meal as well as music and storytelling. Enter the church parking lot on Indiana Avenue. Tables are available for walk-ups.

Galleries, museums, exhibits

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 524 Third St., Columbus. The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. BCHS hosts two permanent exhibits that share the history and heritage of Bartholomew County. Learn about our county through interactive, hands-on exhibits that include a map table, notable people, county timeline, Then and Now, Did You Know, early industrialists and videos of Reeves steam engines. The historical society also hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year featuring items from their extensive collection. Decorated trees, extraordinary displays and items from the permanent collection will transform the museum into everyone’s favorite time of year. The Christmas Memories exhibit runs through Dec. 22. Admission is free, with a donation suggested. Information: 812-372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org.

GALLERY 506, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St., Columbus. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITOR CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. The Research Center is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon or by appointment. Contact the museum at 812-546-8020. Follow the Facebook page “Yellow Trail Museum/Hope Visitors Center” for updated information.

ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, located at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Special tours may be scheduled by calling 812-372-4356. The museum preserves the history of the former Atterbury Army Air Field, later named Bakalar Air Force Base. Free admission. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.

T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville. Staff is offering special indoor tours — each with a limited number of people. Tours are included with site admission, but preregistration is recommended by calling 812-988-2785. Information: indianamuseum.org/tcsteele.

TRI-STATE ARTISANS, 422 Washington St., Columbus. Handmade retail gallery of more than 60 local artisans. Unique gifts, fine art, art classes for youth and adults, youth art programs, art parties and home parties. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.

JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 335 Brown St., Vernon. Museum hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Information: 812-346-8989, jenningscounty.org.

BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

THE REPUBLIC BUILDING GALLERY, 333 Second St., Columbus. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

411 GALLERY, 411 Sixth St., Columbus. 411 is a community arts gallery and cultural space for exhibitions, events and collaborations with Columbus arts and cultural organizations. The galley is open Thursday and Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the current exhibition and artists at artsincolumbus.org/411.

HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Hoosier Artist Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: hoosierartist.com.

BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. COVID-19 protocols are in place, with masks required. Information: 812-988-4609, [email protected], browncountyartgallery.org.

CHARLENE MARSH STUDIO & GALLERY, 4013 Lanam Ridge Road, Nashville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, please call the studio/gallery at 812-988-4497 or visit charlenemarshstudio.com.

Ongoing

FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus. Information: 812-376-0778.

FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. The Boys & Girls Club is open to children ages 5-18. Information: 812-372-7867.

KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities are all free with museum admission. Information: 812-378-3046.