• Individuals of all ages are invited to enjoy a performance of chamber ensemble music featuring holiday classics and carols by members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Sat., Dec. 15 at noon at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair. This program will be held in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium.
• Hampton Designs Studio and Shop.,5515 E. Washington will be hosting their Holiday Drag Event and Holiday Party this Friday, December 14th from 5-9. Live! Performances from Kalinda Queen, Patricia Yolonda Weave, & Boy Gorge ( Ashton Drake Ross). Hosted by the hilarious Jenna Tull. Catering by Kona Jess Steinbaugh. Enjoy an evening of shopping, drag performances from Indy’s top talent, gourmet treats & drinks, complimentary gift wrapping, and celebration!
• This Sunday, the Castleton, Nora, Eagle Creek, and Southport post offices will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those last-minute postal needs.
• Upcoming neighborhood meetings include Spades Park on Mon., Dec. 17 at 6:30 at Spades Park Library (1801 Nowland Ave.), Little Flower on Tues., Dec. 18 from 7 p.m. at Little Flower Church (4720 E. 13th St.), Emerson Heights on Thurs., Dec. 20 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wallace United Methodist Church (4805 E. 10th St.), and Otterbein on Thurs., Dec. 20 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Otterbein United Methodist Church (5009 E. 21st St.). The only way we can make our neighborhoods better is by working together toward common goals!
• LYN House is offering a basketball season for local families Jan. 12-Feb. 23 Preregistration is necessary; cost is $25 for the first child and $15 for every additional child. Visit www.lynhouse.org/basketball for more information and to register before Jan. 6.
• Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) is kicking off a 12 Days of Strays promotion in hopes of finding forever homes for some of the shelter’s longest residents. Running through December 23, one dog and one cat will be the feature animal on the shelter’s social media pages. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) Adoption fees for all of the featured animals will be waived. Adoptions include microchip, spay/neuter, vaccinations, and heartworm testing. The shelter is open Sun., Mon., Tues., Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thurs. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The shelter is located at 2600 S. Harding St.
• The Dept. of Natural Resources has sent out a caution that coyotes are especially active this time of year. Despite what you might think, coyotes have adapted to urban areas and have been seen on the east side. The DNR stresses that coyotes pose no threat to humans, but small pets outside could be in danger of becoming dinner. Please keep an eye on your small pets (and chickens).
• One of the highlights for kids at the Irvington Luminaria, which will be held on Dec. 23 from 6-10 p.m., is Santa’s visit at the Irving Circle Park. Santa will pose for free pictures with your kids, pets, and grown-ups in his sleigh. The Friends of Irving Circle will serve cookies and cocoa from 6-9 p.m. Be sure to thank all the volunteers who work year-round to keep the park beautiful.
• Lots of good cheer was going around at the Irvington Holiday Open House on Dec. 7. It was a super-busy night in the Circle City, yet people came out to enjoy the many shops (including the new Wine Market in the former Bitter Sweet on East Washington St.) in the historic neighborhood.
• The choirs and bands of Scecina Memorial High School will perform the annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, in the gymnasium at Scecina, 5000 Nowland Ave. The concert is free and open for everyone.