Eclipse educational event Feb. 20
GREENFIELD – Prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse with a presentation from Rick Galloway of the Indiana Astronomical Society.
Galloway will speak at the Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in an all-ages event on eclipses in history, how to prepare for the big day and how to safely view an eclipse. The presentation will include a question-and-answer session, and free solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available to attendees.
The library is located at 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield. Register at hcplibrary.org.
Child care survey available
GREENFIELD – A childcare survey is available online, as the Community Foundation of Hancock County works in a collaborative effort to assess the needs of local care for young children.
Parents and guardians of children under the age of 6 are invited to take a survey at surveymonkey.com/r/RegionalFamily.
The CFHC, along with the community foundations in Henry, Rush and Fayette counties, is collaborating with a consulting group to identify needs related to early care and education. The collaboration will create a proposal to apply for grant funds from Lilly Endowment. Feedback in the survey will be used beyond grant funding, to continue supporting early care and education providers in communities. Survey responses are kept anonymous.
Deadline to complete the 10-minute survey is February 15.
HCPL hosts puzzle swap
GREENFIELD – The Hancock County Public Library is hosting a puzzle swap throughout the month of February.
Bring gently used puzzles to either library location during regular operating hours throughout drop-off week, now through Feb. 12. Puzzles must be complete (not missing any pieces), in the original box, and in overall good condition.
During pickup weekend, Feb. 16-18, exchange the tickets received during drop-off for a different puzzle. Puzzles may be picked up at any time during regular library hours and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Local families sought for exchange students
GREENFIELD – PAX Academic Exchange is seeking Hancock County families to host high school exchange students.
Students ages 15-18 arrive in the U.S. in August of the upcoming school year. They have studied English for at least three years and are motivated to learn more about the U.S. by attending high school and living with a host family. PAX students are eager to experience American activities like holidays, backyard barbecues, sporting events and family celebrations, according to a press release. They are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and have their own spending money for incidentals.
Volunteer host families provide PAX students with a bed, a quiet place to study, a seat at the dining table, a warm and supportive home environment, and encouragement to engage in everyday American life. All types of families are welcome to host, including single parents, young couples, retirees and parents with teenagers.
Founded in 1990, PAX is a not-for-profit educational organization. Each year more than 1,100 teens visit the U.S. as PAX exchange students. For more, call Sabrina Hickey at 317-474-4063 or visit pax.org. Search for students at hub.exos2.pax.org/stdentFinder.php or apply directly at tinyurl.com/hostwithsabrina.
School foundation offers scholarships
GREENFIELD – The Greenfield Central School Foundation announced several opportunities for Greenfield-Central seniors, with $71,000 in scholarships to be awarded this year.
Included are: the Jane Marilyn Haines Foster Scholarship at $8,000 a year; the Patricia Sue Pope Scholarship, two at $2,000 a year; the Shirley Gibbs Just Imagine Scholarship, two at $2,000 a year; the Kathleen Dowling Legacy Scholarship, one at $1,000 a year; the Jeff Harris Barber and Beauty School Scholarship, one at $1,000 a year; and the Lovell Family Scholarship, one at $2,500 a year.
For details and applications, visit gcschoolfoundation.com and choose “For Students & Parents” and “Scholarships.” or call 317-477-4103.
Food distribution program at MVHS
FORTVILLE – The Gleaners/Mt. Vernon food bank is available at Mt. Vernon High School.
The drive-through style food pantry distributes dry, non-perishable food, meat and more to districts in the Mt. Vernon district twice a month. Cars should line up at Door 20 of the school, 8112 N. 200W., Fortville.
Upcoming dates include 9-11 a.m. Feb. 13 and 4-6 p.m. Feb. 27. Visit mvcsc.k12.in.us/community/gleanersmvcsc-food-pantry for details.
