Holiday Open House set for Friday at courthouse

The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with punch and cider served with veggie and cheese plates, crackers and pastry items through the lunch hour and homemade holiday cookies and other sweet treats throughout the afternoon.

Visitors will also be treated to several groups of student carolers in the halls and a special performance by Elvis impersonator and State Rep. Bruce Borders of Jasonville at 12:15 p.m. Mike Fonderhide is also expected to perform.

The event is being organized by Sandy May of the Greene County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) Program and Greene County Voices for Kids that serves CHINS (Children in Need of Services) in the court system.

This is the second year for the Open House and May says she's working to make it an annual event.

"We've sent invitations to all of the elected officials serving the Greene County area and I'm hoping they all come, but this is for all the citizens in the county," said May.

Citizens will be welcomed by decorated trees near both doors to the building and the day will end with a blessing and tree-lighting ceremony on the northwest corner of the courthouse square at 5 p.m.

The outdoor tree, a blue spruce donated last year by the Bloomfield American Legion Post No. 196, was planted near the Veterans Memorial.

"It's a beautiful tree and it has been thriving during the past year," said May. "I think it's grown a couple of feet."

Besides the activity in the hallway, one of the courtrooms will be decorated and visitors can place a bid in a silent auction on a number of special items.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit CHINS children.

May said both businesses and individuals have donated items including several gift certificates for food and services from local restaurants and businesses.

"There are many unique items," said May. "There's beautiful leather handbag from a boutique, a 'Tastefully Simple' gift basket, a Longaberger pie plate, some antique crystal pieces, lots of candles, a Colts throw, an IU throw and bake sale items. And I don't want to forget, there's also an antique bicycle built-for-two!"

Prints from a local artist will be for sale along with a print of the courthouse and collectible Christmas ornaments.

The Family Life Center will also set up donation boxes in the hallway to accept items to be included in holiday dinner baskets. Requested items include canned cranberry items, green beans, corn, pumpkin and gravy, boxed dressing, potatoes and heat and serve dinner rolls.

Visitors should enter the courthouse through the east door on the ground floor.