Community Connection Thursday January 14th 2021

We Learned on Community Connection what this means for everybody!

About:

“The Indianapolis Public Library is officially late fine free! Additionally, we have waived unpaid late fines for over 87,000 Library accounts. (Go ahead – log in and check your account!)”

Jackie Nytes, Indianapolis Public Library CEO says, “If you have been hesitant to use the library for fear of getting late fines or because you owed late fines, those concerns should no longer stand in your way. We have so much for our community to enjoy.”

More info here: https://www.indypl.org/about-the-library/fine-free

Phone Guests:

John Helling – Indianapolis Public Library Director of Public Services

Tony Radford – Indianapolis Public Library, Artist-In- Residence/Meet The Artists

“White River State Park and several of its attractions will offer free admission and parking to visitors in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.”

Food Drive Info:

“White River State Park has partnered with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for more than twenty years to host this annual event on MLK, Jr. Day. This year’s food drive will take place virtually. In lieu of canned goods and non-perishable food items, visitors are encouraged to make monetary donations of any amount and enjoy free admission to the following WRSP attractions: Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo and the NCAA® Hall of Champions. Donations of any amount can be made online prior to visiting and Dip Jar donations of $5 will be collected throughout the Park. *In the interest of health and safety, no food items will be collected on site.”

More info about other attractions at the website below:

Those hosting attractions:

Phone Guests:

Bethany Thomas – Vice President of Programs & Education Engagement

Kelly Dodds – Assistant Director of

“Enjoy FREE admission to the Eiteljorg Museum on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We are offering pre-reserved timed tickets to see our holiday model train exhibit, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, as well as general admission to see other exhibits at the museum. Timed tickets are required and limited based upon capacity.”

More info: https://eiteljorg.org/martinlutherkingday/

Phone Guest:

Bert Beiswanger – Director of Marketing & Communications at The

*Only monetary donations accepted benefiting Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Inc.*

About the event:

“Although the Zoo is usually closed on Mondays in January, weather permitting, it will be our privilege to open our gates on this day to those with a generous heart and a sense of adventure. You’ll not only enjoy a special visit to the Zoo but also a special feeling of helping our community.

Our hardier animals will be out to enjoy the day, including sea lions, tigers, walrus, brown bears and more. The Zoo’s indoor exhibits — Oceans, Dolphin Dome, Deserts Dome, Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and Hilbert Conservatory — will be open as well. Plus guests can enjoy special animal chats and presentations. Cafe on the Commons will offer a $5 combo meal for the day that will include a hot dog, kettle chips and a drink. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted.”

More info:

Features of the evening include musical selections, poetic readings, and reflections from:

Eastern Star Church – Indianapolis, IN (Fishers Campus)

Light of the World Christian Church – Indianapolis, IN

Zion Global Ministries – West Chester, OH

Dr. Phoenix Park-Kim – Indiana Wesleyan University

Minister Deidre Gray – Founder, Kingdom Solutions, Indianapolis, IN

Pastor Kenneth E. Sullivan Jr. – New Direction Church, Indianapolis, IN

Dr. Debbi Flickinger – Union Institute and University

Dr. Kwasi Kena – Indiana Wesleyan University

Find out more here:

Phone Guests:

Dr. Joanne Barnes – IN Wesleyan University Graduate School Dean

Robert Townsend – IN Wesleyan Professor in the School of Educational Leadership