MANUAL ON SBOE AGENDA
The State Board of Education (SBOE) will decide the fate of Emmerich Manual High School at its regular board meeting today (Wednesday) in room 211 at the Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio St. The meeting starts at 9 a.m., with Manual, Emma Donnan Middle School and Howe High School on the agenda near the end of the meeting. Indianapolis Public Schools and Christel House Academy have reached an Innovation Network School agreement to serve current Manual students and transition the Christel House Academy and Christal House DORS South, an adult dropout recovery high school program, to the Manual facilities. The SBOE could return the schools to IPS, allow Charter Schools USA to continue operations for one more school year or close the schools. Info: www.myips.org.

QUILTERS MEET
Quilters and shop owners Linda Hale and Teri Daughtery will present a trunk show and demonstrate their favorite tools and techniques, including wool applique, when the Southside group of the Quilters Guild of Indianapolis meets from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Friedens United Church of Christ, 8300 S. Meridian St. Info: http://www.quiltguildindy.net

CHURCH SERVES FREE LUNCHES
University Heights United Methodist Church, 4002 Otterbein Ave. and adjacent to the University of Indianapolis, will serve free lunches from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday.

FREE MEALS, CLOTHING AND HYGIENE ITEMS
Free hot meals, clothing and hygiene products will be available from noon-2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 725 S. State St.

ACTIVITIES AT GARFIELD PARK
The Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, is teeming with activities, including tours of the facility, a jungle program, wintertime fun, story time, “Sweets for Your Sweetie” and a reptile and amphibian display. Info: 317-327-7183 or [email protected].

 FAMILY STORYTIME
Story time for families will be Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m., at the Beech Grove Library, 1102 Main St. Parents can bring their children and listen to stories. Info: 317-275-4560.
 
 TEENHQ MURDER MYSTERY
The TeenHQ murder mystery party theme is the Roaring 20’s at the Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, Friday, Jan 24 at 6 p.m. Character packets and permission slips can be picked up at the TeenHQ area at the library. Event includes a costume contest. Info: 317-881-1953.
 
WOMEN/TEEN SELF DEFENSE
Women and teens can learn techniques of self-defense Monday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Hornet Park Community Center. The class is conducted by Rose Myers of Pilsung Martial Arts with instruction in how to avoid being a target, escape common physical situations, overcome natural responses and actively defend yourself. This is the first class in a two-part series. Cost is $5 per person. Info and register at: www.hornetparkcommunitycenter.com.
 
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
The Johnson County Bar Association is offering free legal advice from a licensed attorney Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. at the Greenwood Public Library. First come, first serve. Registration is at the second-floor help desk. Info: 317-881-1953.
 
YOUNG SCIENTISTS AT SOUTHPORT
Young scientists can gather Wednesday, Jan. 29, 4:40p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Southport Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road. Elementary school children are invited to learn about topics in science, technology, engineering and math through interactive activities. Info: 317-275-4510.
 
WINTER BASKETBALL AT BAXTER YMCA
The winter basketball program for youths, 7-16 years old,  at Baxter YMCA, 7900 Shelby St., is a partner with The National Basketball Academy (TNBA) to provide more educational practice and skill development. The season runs from Feb. 1 to March 14. Program director is Marquis Tarver. The TNBA is directly affiliated with the Indiana Pacers. Cost is $67 for members, $96 for non-members. Info: Ashley Chitwood at 317-881-9347, Register at: www.indymca.org/baxter.
 
500 FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
Registration is underway for volunteers to be a part of 500 Festival activities from February through May. The 500 Festival relies upon 3,500 volunteers to fill 7,000 positions for events and programs. The 500 Festival events include the OneAmerica Mini-Marathon, Salesforce and JP Morgan Chase Kids Day, IPL Parade and Indianapolis 500 education program presented by IU Health. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and collector’s pin, an invitation to volunteer appreciation day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 16, two tickets to Indianapolis 500 qualifications,  goodie bag, snacks and beverages during shifts and special access to 500 Festival events. Individuals or groups interested in becoming volunteers can register online at: 500Festival.com/volunteer.

Filled with both sass and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias opened Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 2020 season Saturday and runs for 31 performances through Feb. 2.

Set in 1987, Steel Magnolias is the story of six Southern women who share recipes, beauty tips, and gossip in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, La. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Written by Robert Harling, the play made its off-Broadway premiere in 1987. He also wrote the screenplay for the popular 1989 movie. He based the play on the life of his sister and their experiences growing up in Louisiana.

Making their Beef & Boards debuts in Steel Magnolias are Diane Kondrat as M’Lynn Eatenton, Kay Francis as Oiser Boudreaux, Morgan Jackson as Annelle Dupuy, and Lari White as Shelby Eatenton.

The dinner theatre includes chef Odell Ward’s buffet, fruit and salad bar, unlimited coffee, tea, and lemonade.
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Tickets and info: visit beefandboards.com.