• Congratulations to Jacob Rawson, a student at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI), who was selected to represent Indiana in the Lions Clubs International Essay Contest. If declared the grand prize winner, he will receive a cash award of $5,000 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony in New York at the United Nations.
• The 2018 Winter Magic Festival will be Jan. 19-21 at IndyFringe Theatre. The festival will have four magic showcases in one weekend, including Rocco Silano, Jade (the first woman to win the Gold Medal of Magic), Oscar Munoz, and a mystery guest. Admission is $25 per person seated at 4 top or 2 top tables. Reserve tables by calling 317-308-9800 or visit www.indyfringe.org for more details about times and special pricing.
• Terry J. Stigdon, RN, MSN will be Indiana’s next director at the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). The governor of Indiana has requested a complete assessment of the department. Stigdon is currently the clinical director of operations at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis.
• Hancock County Children’s Choir is accepting new students for the spring semester. Assessments and auditions for membership in the Hancock County Children’s Choir for the spring semester will be held on Sat., Jan. 6. Appointments will be held at Mount Comfort United Methodist Church, 3179 N Mount Comfort Rd., Greenfield beginning at 9 a.m. Each appointment will last no more than 15 minutes. E-mail at: info@hancockcountychildrenschoir.org or call 317-620-0096 for more information.
• The Indiana Repertory Theater has received a seven-year sponsorship agreement extension with OneAmerica through the 2024-2025 season, resulting in a commitment of 30 consecutive years.
• The Humane Society of Indianapolis recently received a $10,000 grant from the BISSELL Pet Foundation. The money will go to programs to prevent pet over-population, as well as helping Indianapolis-area resident facing economic hardship, providing spay/neuter vouchers for community cat caretakers in the poorest zip codes in the area.
• If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to find a new job, the Indianapolis Public Library offers great free resources for unemployed or underemployed residents. On Sat., Jan. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Job Center at the Garfield Park Branch (2502 Shelby St.) will be open. Also on Jan. 6, the E. 38th St. Branch (5420 E. 38th St.) will host a Job Center from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. On Jan. 7, the Warren Branch (9701 E. 21st St.) will offer a Job Center from 12:30-4:30 p.m., and the Central Library (40 E. St. Clair St.) will also have the Job Center available from 1-5 p.m. Sessions include help with interviewing skills, resume development, and basic computer skills.