• Irvington’s Holiday Open House is Friday, Dec. 6th from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy handbells by the Circle City Ringers at the Irvington Library. Santa will be at George Thomas where the kids can have their photo taken with Santa and prints will be available at Walgreens. Bittersweet will host a Gingerbread House contest and you can decorate your own sugar cookie. Hampton Designs will have Reindeer Makeovers — choose antlers, reindeer makeup and then prance around the shop. There will be Live Jazz by the Tucker Brothers at Irvington Vinyl & Books. Artisan Realtors will have a silent auction of decorated trees (by local businesses)from 5 to 9:15 p.m. and a coloring contest for the kids. The Grinch will be at Black Sheep Gift Shop. There will be dinner specials at many of the eateries. Don’t forget to go down Audubon Rd. for shopping, eating and cocktails. Visit Facebook for more details.
• Congratulations to the New Palestine Dragons on their Class 5A State Championship over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Dragons took on Valparaiso and came out on top 27-20. This is their third championship. Their season record was an astonishing 14-0.
• The Irvington Historical Society has an interesting new exhibit, Power Hats and Irvington Women, that runs through Feb. 29 at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center. It’s an exhibit exploring the connection between symbols of power and the women who wear them. The exhibit is open during museum hours: Wed. 1-3 p.m., Sat. 1-4 p.m., and Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission is free, although a donation would be appreciated. The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is located at 5360 University Ave.
• An annual tradition in Indianapolis, Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park is open through Dec. 31 at 2505 Conservatory Dr. Check out the holiday-themed decor and trains in a unique environment. Cost is $4 per person or $10 per family (two adults limit per family). Hours are Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m.
• The Irvington Branch library will host Starry Storytime for preschoolers, kids, and families on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. This will be an evening of stories, songs, rhymes and fun activities for the whole family. The Irvington Branch is located at 5625 E. Washington St. (corner of Audubon and E. Washington).
• The Indy Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. Energy assistance is a one-time benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy. The energy assistance program began on October 1st and continues through mid-May. Check the eligibility requirements online at http://indyeap.org/eligibility/ to see if you may qualify and call the John Boner Neighborhood Centers at 317-808-2353 if you have any questions.
• MJ and the New Embers will perform at Books and Tunes at the Bona on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Center, 5350 University Ave. Drop by to meet local authors and listen to live music, plus enjoy the art on display.
• Recently, 38 young people were recognized for completing the YES Indy Power Huddle program, a two-week intensive training where individuals learn how they can change their future by learning skills that will help them take positive next steps. The young people completed the program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis and at Eastern Star Church on the far eastside.
• Congratulations to Henry Burkhart Elementary in Perry Township for receiving the 2018-2019 Title 1 Distinguished Schools Award from the Indiana Dept. of Education. The award was for Exceptional Student Performance.
• The City of Southport is hosting Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Southport Park, 6901 Derbyshire Rd. Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come for refreshments and crafts.