Holiday for Strings

Combine lunch, music and a bit of shopping on 15 December when the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association hosts “Holiday for Strings” at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

ISO Principal Harp Diane Evans (pictured) will perform, lunch will be served and unique holiday gifts will be available for purchase. Tickets range from $50 to $75, and proceeds benefit the ISO.

There'll be two shopping periods in the boutique and Symphony Store, one beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. Lunch is served at noon.

The event is open to the public. To make reservations call the ISOA office at 317:262-4068 or send an email to the office at (reservations deadline is 10 December).

(Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

Freeman Leaving Martin University

Controversial Martin University President Algeania Freeman will retire 31 December after three years at the school, officials said late Monday morning (6 December).

The report on IBJ.com notes that former NCAA executive Charlotte Westerhaus will serve as acting president while the predominantly black university conducts a nationwide search for a new leader.

Ballard's Delusions

"Mayor Greg Ballard says he is running for a second term because people think he's been such a great fiscal steward. Say what?" -- Gary R. Welsh

"Ballard has to be delusional if he thinks he is going to be able to win re-election running as some sort of fiscal conservative who has been a responsible steward of our tax dollars." -- Paul K. Ogden

This Indianapolis Observer thinks the upcoming primary contests should be great fun to watch. If only the future of our favorite city weren't at stake....

Crime Novelist to Speak at Butler

Elmore Leonard (pictured) will speak at 7:30 p.m. Monday (6 December) in Clowes Hall, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, as part of the Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series. Admission is free.

Leonard, a crime and suspense novelist, is the author of Glitz (1985), Freaky Deaky (1988), Tishomingo Blues (2002) and Road Dogs (2009). Films made from his novels include Hombre (1967, starring Paul Newman), Valdez is Coming (1971, starring Burt Lancaster), Get Shorty (1995, starring John Travolta), Jackie Brown (1997, starring Pam Grier, from the 1992 novel Rum Punch), Out of Sight (1998, starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez) and The Big Bounce (2004, starring Owen Wilson).

Leonard has written several screenplays, including Joe Kidd (1972, starring Clint Eastwood) and Mr. Majestyk (1974, starring Charles Bronson). The current FX network series Justified, about a U.S. marshal named Raylan Givens, is based on his novella Fire in the Hole.

GOP Searching for New County Chair

According to the Indianapolis Times, "[D]uring [Tom] John's tenure [as Republican chairman for Marion County] , the GOP lost every countywide race in 2010, the number of straight Democratic Party votes in Marion County soared and Republicans have been caught up in an ever expanding culture of corruption."

This Indianapolis Observer thinks John (pictured) will be a hard act to follow.

Vonnegut Library Gets More National Press

"Now open on weekends and open full-time in 2011, the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library has been a labor of love for volunteers like President Julia Whitehead and her board, which includes all of Vonnegut's children and friend Morley Safer. Although its collection is still taking shape, it features a virtual reliquary of Vonnegut's personal effects, many of which will be familiar to readers of his novels."

Read the rest of Matt Sledge's report on the Huffington Post.

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

'Twas the night before Christmas more than 174 years ago and you and your family are in Prairietown helping prepare for the holidays! Visit homes in Prairietown in a family-friendly, 60-minute guided tour. Join the Ullman's Hanukkah celebration and meet the German Pennsylvania Santa Claus. Join the Rowdies at the bonfire to warm up your hands in the cool night air.

Stay as long as you like at the Campbell's holiday party! Dr. George Campbell is the founder of Prairietown and the only college-trained physician; he and his wife love to meet visitors and entertain them at the family home during the holidays. Join in singing, dancing, good conversation and partaking of cookies and drinking chocolate. Hopefully, Dr. Campbell won't be called away to attend to a patient in the midst of the festivities!

All this takes place at Conner Prairie by Candlelight, the annual weekend celebration at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Tours begin every 10 minutes between 5 and 8 p.m. 3,4,10,11, 17 and 18 December. It's $14 for adults and $12 for youth (ages 2-12). There's an additional fee if you intend to stay for dinner.

Reservations are required by calling Guest Services at 317:776-6006 or 800:966-1836.