Events listed here are FREE and open to the public without admission fee, donation, love offering, or other monetary expectation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Through March 23 — Who’s your favorite Hoosier author? The public is invited to submit nominations for the 2012 Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award. To nominate an author online or to download the nomination form, go to indianaauthorsaward.org.
Through March 31 — 24th annual “Meet the Artists” exhibit of works by locally prominent African American artists. Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. imcpl.org; 317-275-4022.
March 5–30 — The second journey in “Three Journeys That Defined Lives,” an exhibit of photographs and poems by John Sherman, is on display in the Indiana Interchurch Center Art Gallery, 1100 W. 42nd St., Indpls. Public reception 5:30 to 7 p.m Thursday, 3/8. 317-923-3617.
SUN. 3/4 – 3 p.m. The Ennis Clare band and Irish Blessings Dancers present traditional music, Celtic sing-alongs, and simple Irish dances in a program for all ages in the Clowes Auditorium at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. imcpl.org; 317-275-4099.
FRI. 3/9 – 6:30 p.m. Award-winning Indiana author James Alexander Thom will discuss his historical novels at a program of “Clinton County Reads” in the Frankfort Community Public Library, 208 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. Thom and his wife, Dark Rain, will sign copies of their books at a reception following. 765-654-8746.
FRI. 3/23 – 7 p.m. Celebrate the balance between light and darkness at a Spring Equinox labyrinth walk with Sophia’s Portico, on the lawn adjacent to 2330 Beacon St., Fort Wayne. 260-482-7402.
MON. 3/26–THURS. 3/29 – The Hoosier Heartland Shambhala Meditation Group hosts Shastri Lama Chuck Whetsell for public presentations and group meditation at locations in Indianapolis and Bloomington. tmbcc.net; 812-336-6807.
- 3/26 – 7 to 10 p.m. sitting and meditation, tea and reception at Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, 3655 S. Snoddy Rd., Bloomington.
- 3/27 – 7 to 10 p.m. public talk on the nature and value of daily meditation practice at International Medical Group Building at Brougher Historical Square, 2960 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.
- 3/28 – 7 to 10 p.m. public talk on the nature and value of daily meditation practice at Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington.
- 3/29 – 7 to 10 p.m. sitting and meditation, tea and reception at Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, 3655 S. Snoddy Rd., Bloomington.
SAT. 3/31 – 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Earth Hour™. Join the world in sending a message for action on climate change: Turn out your lights! Info at earthhour.org, amosbutleraudubon.org, lightsoutindy.org.
MON. 4/2 — 6:30 p.m. Indiana children’s books author and illustrator Keiko Kasza will discuss her critically acclaimed work at a program of “Clinton County Reads” in the Frankfort Community Public Library, 208 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. 765-654-8746.
Deadline FRI. 4/6 — Submissions for the 8th annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest. Subjects must be in Indiana and more than 50 years old, and in any condition. Contest rules and entry form here. Winners will be displayed throughout the state in May.
SAT. 4/28 – noon to 3 p.m. “Ballad of Birmingham and Your Right to Vote,” a poetry and musical performance production based on the Dudley Randall poem that refers to targeted retaliation against civil rights leaders organizing a voter registration campaign. Following the program, four panelists will discuss the church bombing that occurred in 1963, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and what it meant to them to have the right to vote. A representative from the Marion County Election Board will be available to assist with voter registration and to explain current voting processes. Children and students can practice in a mock voting display. Clowes Auditorium, Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indpls. 317-275-4099.
ONGOING MEETINGS
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
An Energy Circle meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays at Progressive Spiritualist Church, 2201 E. 54th St., Indpls., to explore different healing modalities. 317-255-4902.
Lunchtime programs on health, sustainability and local foods are offered at noon every Wednesday at the Sunspot Natural Market, 500 Sagamore Pwky. W, West Lafayette. 765-464-1555.
Hendricks County Holistic Health offers a holistic practitioners meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. and a holistic living class from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday each month at 2680 E. Main St., Plainfield. Dane, 317-432-7426.
Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan want everyone in Indiana to have health coverage through a universal plan. Chapters meet throughout the state to work toward this goal.
The Marion County Public Health Department offers free four-part diabetes self-management classes at public libraries. Registration required: mchd.com/diabetes or 317-221-2094.
NETWORKING
Threshold Singers Indianapolis is a women’s a cappella group whose members visit bedsides in twos or threes to sing to people struggling with living or dying. This is sacred work, not performance. If you are a woman with good pitch and a kind voice, you may be a candidate for this important effort. ThresholdSingersIndpls@gmail.com or 317-916-6082.
Artists with physical or mental challenges or disabilities are invited to join the South Central Satellite Group of ArtsWORK Indiana to build arts career-related skills and promote supportive networking. Most meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday each month at Bloomington City Hall (401 N. Morton St.) and include open discussion and presentations. Open to all artists of all abilities and disciplines. Jane Harlan-Simmons, jeharlan@indiana.edu, 812-855-6508.
Creativity Network (formerly ArtsWORK East Central Indiana) brings “together our community and artists of all disciplines and abilities through information, networking and education as well as facilitating careers and opportunities in the arts.” Meetings are at 1 p.m. the third Saturday each month at the Buley Center, 1111 N. Penn St., Muncie. Deborah, artsworkofeci@gmail.com, 765-744-8961.
A Nonviolent Communication practice group, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. one Wednesday each month in Indpls. Details: Lisa Boyles, lisamboyles@yahoo.com, 317-372-6983.
An open-style drum circle meets at 1 p.m. the first and third Sundays each month in the Commons of Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, 615 W. 43rd St. Bring percussion items or use one provided. Sandra Gruber, sgruber@mw.net, 317-407-1852.
Indiana Ghost Trackers meets at 7 p.m. the first Saturday each month at the Kennedy Public Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Rd., Muncie. ghostgal47@yahoo.com
The Indiana chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, an organization that works to preserve religious freedom, meets in the Nora Library, 8625 Guilford Ave., Indpls. Details: auin@indy.rr.com; au.org/Indiana
Meet others who value logic and reason over dogma. Contact the Center for Inquiry Indiana for information on groups throughout the state, centerforinquiry.net/indy.
Sing four-part harmony with women of all ages in the award-winning White River Sound Chorus. Rehearsals are at 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Hope Community Church, 7440 Hague Rd., Indpls. Sharon, 317-446-6103; whiteriversoundchorus.org.
Reiki Share Lafayette meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Trudi, 465-474-8058.
“Drummunity” gatherings promote drumming for fun and community-building; no musical ability required. Meetings are held twice a month at the Center for Spiritual Wholeness, 10 miles west of Danville off Highway 36. For the next dates, call 765-522-1526.
A women’s drumming circle meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays each month and a chanting circle meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays each month at Sophia’s Portico, 2330 Beacon St., Fort Wayne. 260-482-7402; sophiasportico.org
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Northern Indiana
Learn to sing HU (pronounced hue), a love song to God, with a small group of assorted truth-seekers at 11 a.m. the third Saturday each month at Unity Christ Church, 3232 Crescent, Fort Wayne. hearhu.org
Insight/Vipassana meditation group sits from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every other Sunday, alternating between LaPorte and Chesterton, for a 45-minute meditation followed by dharma discussion and/or recorded talk. Beginners welcome. mlzieve@yahoo.com
Willows Haven, a Pagan group open to people of all faiths who enjoy metaphysical, religious and esoteric discussions, meets in the Fort Wayne area. willowrhiamon@yahoo.com.
Monthly meditation group meets first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. Sophia’s Portico, 2330 Beacon St., Fort Wayne. 260-482-7402. Format: informal. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. sophiasportico.org
Spiritualist Circle of Light meets from 10 to 10:20 a.m. (CST) Sundays for meditation in the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City. Laurel Izard, 219-879-4277 or bluedreamingbear@sbcglobal.net
New Leaf Oasis in DeMotte offers a “Reiki Share — Heal the Healers Night” the third Thursday each month, open to Level I and higher Reiki energy practitioners or the equivalent thereof. 219-987-4324; newleafoasis.com
Sage Spirit Terra in Michigan City hosts a drum circle quarterly on the equinoxes and solstices. 219-879-3906 or sagespiritterra.org.
The South Bend Dharma Center meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at 52547 Heatherfield Dr., South Bend, to practice sitting and walking meditation in the Buddhist tradition. Eduardo Zambrano, sbdharma@gmail.com, 574-243-1667, http://home.comcast.net/~meditationsouthbend.
Unity in the Dunes, Center for Practical Christianity, offers study groups at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. 219-762-7459; UnityintheDunes.org.
Akashic Record practice sessions are held the fourth Monday evening of each month at locations in Lafayette and Rensselaer. 219-866-0132 or 765-447-9658.
The Peacemakers’ Sangha meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays in Long Beach (kwzmuda@comcast.net, 219-872-4836) and at 10 a.m. Sundays in Michigan City (consultcinda@comcast.net, 219-878-1749) for meditation as practiced by Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Fort Wayne Pagan Alliance holds study circle meetings every Monday to unite the pagan community and dispel myths about pagans. Details: 260-485-4366; fwpaganalliance@yahoo.com
Central Indiana
Sanctuary of Light hosts a spiritual development discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 6391 Cherry St., Williamsburg. sanctuaryoflightchurch.com
Sahaja meditation classes are held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 217 of University Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette. PurdueMeditation@gmail.com.
Madison County Dhamma Group meets from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays near Anderson for mindfulness meditation and Dhamma study. 765-779-5059 or madisoncountydhamma.com
A shamanic drumming circle meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays in Lafayette for healing and teaching. 765-420-7328 or 765-446-0625.
Service of Healing and Anointing is a quiet, contemplative tradition of the early church held at 4 p.m. the fourth Sunday each month at the Center for Spiritual Wholeness, 10 miles west of Danville off Highway 36. Details: 765-522-1526.
Muncie Meditation Dharma meets at 6:45 p.m. Sundays at the Muncie Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Dr., for Buddhist meditation and dharma study. MuncieMeditationDharma@gmail.com
The Kokomo Buddhist Meditation and Study Group meets twice a month. Details: 765-452-3341; KokomoDDMBA@aol.com
Indianapolis
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays each month at Unitarian Universalist Church, 615 W. 43rd St., Indpls. Children and followers of any belief path are welcome. Colleen, 317-603-0026, or UUI, 317-283-4760.
Sahaja meditation classes are offered from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays in the Old National Bank, 6135 N. College Ave., Indpls., and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. 317-300-4560; IndianaMeditation@gmail.com.
Earth Angels Healing Group meets to focus energy on troubled areas of the world from noon to 1 p.m. the first Sunday each month. Inner Path, 7673 Shelby St., Indpls. 317-883-1100. innerpathbooks.com
Spiritual Journey meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays to explore spiritual exercises. Northwood Christian Church, parlor, 4550 Central Ave., Indpls. northwoodchristian.com
Experienced meditators can join others for group meditation from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. Mondays (except 4/2) at Inner Peace Yoga Center, 5038 E. 56th St. 317-257-9642. innerpeaceyoga.com
Meditation practice is offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indpls. djconway4013@comcast.net
A meditation/discussion/healing and drumming circle meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at All My Relations, 7218 Rockville Rd.., Speedway. 317-227-3925; http://allmyrelationsindy.com
Gathering Spirit is an interfaith group that meets for teachings from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month at Inner Path, 7673 Shelby St., Indpls. 317-603-0026. innerpathbooks.com
A message and meditation program is held from 10 to 11 a.m. one Sunday each month at Source Yoga in Fishers. John Hoopes, 317-289-7837; jhoopes2@comcast.net.
Science of Spirituality, Indianapolis Group, meets from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m the second and fourth Tuesday each month. Program includes silent meditation, video excerpts and readings of the Teachers of Sant Mat, or Surat Shabd Yoga. 317-826-4399; jmcgrew@iupui.edu.
Dances of Universal Peace (also called Sufi dancing) are held at 7:30 p.m. the first Saturday each month at 6506 Ralston. 317-257-0537 or 317-466-9773.
Friends of Awakening Sangha meets at 11 a.m. Sundays for sitting/walking meditation and dharma inquiry. friendsofawakening.net
Many Hearts, One Spirit group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Monday (except holidays) for meditation, discussion and a healing circle at Inner Path, 7673 S. Shelby St., Indpls. 317-883-1100. innerpathbooks.com
Self-Realization Fellowship – Indianapolis Meditation Circle meets 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Broad Ripple/Nora area for SRF students and those interested in Raja Yoga meditation. 317-259-9159 or secretary@srf-indy.org.
Sahaj Marg (Natural Path) meditation group meets at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. janmariec@comcast.net; 317-259-9437.
Humanity In Unity meditation group meets twice monthly to study and practice the teachings of Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi. 317-828-6925; hiuindy@sbcglobal.net
Pagan Spiritualists of Indiana meets regularly for Sabbat celebrations, meditation, drum circles, workshops and other events. Mona, mimnobreak@yahoo.com; 317-361-0771; paganspiritualistsofindiana.ning.com.
Southern Indiana
Sahaja meditation classes are offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. IndianaMeditation@gmail.com, 317-456-2021.
A guided meditation starts at 7 p.m. Fridays at the Gosport Terra Center, then drumming and healing in the amphitheater, followed by discussion around the fire pit. Bring chairs and blankets. Directions: Rev. Richard (Dick) Freeman, 812-879-4097, domeman3@earthlink.net.
Satsang Bloomington meets the first and third Wednesday evenings each month to study renowned contemporary enlightened teachers, including Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Adyashanti and Gangaji. Meetings include meditation and audio/video presentations. Doug, 812-322-6202.
STUDY GROUPS
A Course in Miracles study group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays each month at Unity of Bloomington, 4001 S. Rogers St., Bloomington. 812-334-9069.
The Gurdjieff Foundation of Indiana study group meets weekly in Indianapolis. 317-685-1885.
A New Earth–Eckhart Tolle study group meets in Fishers one Saturday morning each month. John Hoopes, 317-289-7837 or jhoopes2@comcast.net.
Urantia Book discussion groups meet at various times and locations in Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Beech Grove, Lafayette and Crawfordsville (317-815-4612), and in Bloomington (812-332-3075).
A Course in Miracles group meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Progressive Spiritualist Church, 2201 E. 54th St., Indpls. 317-255-4902.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Persons with mental illness can learn from each others’ experiences, share coping strategies and offer each other encouragement in meetings held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays in the CTS Counseling Center Parlor, 1050 W. 42nd St., Indpls. 317-931-2379 x 5005. Go to NAMI for a list of other support groups throughout the metropolitan Indianapolis area. Download a list of groups throughout the state here.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS), an alternative to AA for people with any type of addiction, meets at the Center for Inquiry–Indiana, 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indpls. indy@centerforinquiry.net, 317-423-0710.
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence operates a statewide toll-free number — 800-332-7385 — answered 24 hours a day by crisis counselors who can help abused women find shelter and legal aid in their area. (In Marion County, call 317-205-4673. In Monroe Co. and south-central Indiana, 812-336-0846.)
The Pet Loss Grief Support Group meets from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the East 38th Street branch library, 5420 E. 38th St., Indpls. Details: 317-269-1868; 317-251-4028.
Adult Children of Alcoholic (dysfunctional) families (ACOA), a 12-step open discussion for adults abused or neglected as children, meets from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Lucille Raines Residence, 947 N. Pennsylvania, downstairs. Linda, 317-631-9544, or Jim, 317-938-4224.
An Outrun the Sun support group for melanoma patients and their families meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Monday each month at the Wellness Community of Indianapolis, 5150 W. 71st St., Suite 145. 317-253-2121.
Debtors Anonymous group meets at 5:45 p.m. Thursdays at Trinity Church, 6151 Central Ave., Indpls. 317-731-3728; debtorsanonymous.org
Nicotine Anonymous, a 12-step support group, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays in the St. Therese Room in the Parish Hall just east of Little Flower Catholic Church, 4720 E. 13th St., Indpls. 317-357-8352.
A bereavement support circle meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first Monday each month (except holidays) at the Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indpls. 317-251-9467. jccindy.org
SMART RECOVERY is an alternative support group program for people seeking or in recovery from alcohol/substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200, Indpls. Meeting details: Patrick, 317-727-1149; smartrecovery.org.
Full Circle Adoption Support Group of Indiana, a peer group for adult adoptees and birth and adoptive parents, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the English Foundation Building, 615 N. Alabama St., and the first Wednesday of each month at Autumn Glen Adult Day Care Center, 2250 N. German Church Rd., Indpls. 317-255-7135.
Food Addicts Anonymous is a free 12-step fellowship of men and women. The organization is not connected with any diet plan or weight loss program. The group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays at the Riverside Avenue Baptist Church, 3700 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. 765-288-7549.
Sex Addicts Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for those who struggle with addictive sexual behaviors. For more information, call 317-767-2763 (toll-free outside of the Indianapolis area: 866-205-8564) or visit indiana-saa.org.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Indianapolis Animal Care & Control needs volunteers to help with everything from day-to-day operations to working at events and even fostering animals. Volunteer orientation is held from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month. Volunteers can help at the shelter any day or time of the week. indy.gov/eGov/City/DPS/ACCD/Pages/home.aspx
The Humane Society of Indianapolis needs volunteers to work at its animal shelter. 317-872-5650, ext. 112; indyhumane.org.
I-CAN nonprofit feline spay/ neuter clinic seeks volunteers to help with clinic tasks. Flexible weekday hours, 702 N. Shortridge Rd., Indpls. 317-357-4226; spayneuter.net
The Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership (ARPO) is a no-kill rescue group in central Indiana. ARPO seeks animal lovers to provide foster care for cats and dogs. 317-774-8292; adoptarpo.com.
The Tippecanoe County Humane Society relies on individual and group volunteers to help with special events and fundraisers as well as day-to-day tasks at the animal shelter. 765-474-5222.
The Brown County Humane Society needs help with shelter maintenance, data entry, animal grooming and other tasks. volunteer@bchumane.org.
Help assist stray and feral cats as a volunteer for IndyFeral, Inc., which provides medical care for 85 colonies of feral cats throughout Indiana. indyferal.org.
VITAL volunteers help adults in Monroe County learn to read. 812-349-3173.
Indy Reads offers an orientation to literacy volunteer services at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian St., Indpls. Details: indyreads.org
Rehab Resource provides materials and assistance for the rehabilitation of substandard housing. Help with projects: 317-637-3701 or 800-685-4686.
Second Helpings rescues unused restaurant food and turns it into nutritious meals for Indpls. shelters, senior centers and children’s programs. Volunteers over 21 are needed to deliver meals to agencies within Indpls. 317-632-2664, or apply online at secondhelpings.org
The St. Joseph County Literacy Council volunteers help adults in the Mishawaka area achieve their educational and employment potential through confidential, one-on-one tutoring. To volunteer, call 574-235-6113 or go to stjoereads.org.
The Fort Wayne Literacy Alliance matches adult students with one-on-one reading, writing or math tutors. Volunteers are provided intensive training on two consecutive Saturday mornings. 260-426-7323 or fwliteracyalliance.org