FCC Indiana Events Archives

May 2009 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 1st, 2009: May 1st, 2009 is no longer the deadline to enter pictures of your children for the From China with Love calendar. It has been changed to June 1st.

• May 9th, 2009: Asian Festival at Garfield Park at the Arts Center and Pagoda from 11am to 5PM.

• Troop 42 Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Meeting
  
  Our May meeting rescheduled for Saturday, May 30th from 3:30 to 6:30
  p.m. at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve in Fishers (10410 Hague Road
  Fishers, IN 46038).
  
  In order for badges to be purchased and available on Saturday, we need to have all RSVP's by Tuesday, May 26th. Please RSVP to Bethann Buddenbaum or Jennifer Ruggles with the following information: Scout's Name: Scout's Troop Association (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)
  
  SCHEDULE (REVISED)
  
  3:30 - 4 p.m. Intro by Ritchie Woods staff
  
  4 - 5:15 p.m. Daisies Campfire & Dinner (Hot dogs & S'mores)
  Brownies & Juniors out doing badge work
  (separate groups)
  Guided hike available for parent &
  siblings
  
  5:15 - 6:30 p.m. Brownies & Juniors Campfire & Dinner (Hot dogs &
  S'mores)
  Daisies do petal work
  Guided hike available for parent &
  siblings
  
  We can use all the help we can get at the campfire in order to get the
  girls fed and keep them safe. If you can help out at the campfire,
  please let us know. The guided hikes have been set up so that the
  parents have the opportunity to experience the woods, too, while the
  girls work on their badges with their Ritchey Woods guides and leaders.
  
  FOOD
  
  
  Volunteers to help with snacks-we need ya!
  
  LOCATION & GENERAL INFORMATION
  
  There is limited parking at Ritchey Woods, so carpooling is suggested.
  
  We will meet at the picnic shelter. When you park, look to the southwest
  side of the parking lot. You will see a gravel drive. Walk up the gravel
  drive until you get to the shelter.For more information on badges and Ritchey Woods, visit the Troop 42 web page.

April 2009 Events

• April Birthdays

• April 26th , 2009: Kite Making with Troop 42 at the Herron School of Art and Design @ 735 W New York Street, Indy from 3 to 5:00PM. Our host will be Valerie Eickmeier with Kathy Vasil as the Troop 42 liason.

March 2009 Events

• March Birthdays

• March 14th, 2009: Saturday March 14th, join Families with Children from China (FCC) and Korean Focus-Indiana (KFI) for a seminar on the necessary skills and tools for initiating adoption conversation with your child at St Richards School at 33 East 33rd Street, Indianapolis from 9AM to 2PM.
  
  Keynote speaker (TBA) will discuss the importance and value of creating an open atmosphere for ongoing and age-appropriate adoption talk with your child Jennifer Demar from Scrap and Tell (www.scrapandtell.com ) will address the “whys” and the “hows” of creating a lifebook for your child An adoptive parent panel will share their experiences talking to their children about adoption and what they have since learned from these experiences.
  
  Following the formal program, there will be an opportunity to shop for lifebook materials. For more information, take a look at the event flyer. To the event registration form, print this out and send it in - early registration is February 28th.

• March 22nd, 2009: Troop 42 meeting on paperbag scrapbooking and the traditions of Asian book making. Details are here.

February 2009 Events

• February Birthdays

• February 15th, 2009: Sunday, February 15th, Troop 42 will meet at the Indiana State Museum for a special program , "On My Honor:Girl Scouts Since 1912". Snack at the LS Ayres Tea Room and special exhibit tour. Details to follow at a later date. Note: Meeting is earlier than usual because tea room closes at 2:30. Will provide exhibit tour start time at later date if you are unable to come to the tea room.

January 2009 Events

• January Birthdays

• January 10th,2009: IMA’s “Power & Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty” : a special tour for Girl Scout Troop 42 on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 2:45 to 5 pm ! Visit Troop 42's web page for further details...

• January 17 th, 2009: The Lunar New Year celebration will be celebrated by ICCCI and FCC on Saturday, January 17th at the Carmel High School from 3 to 5:5:15 with dinner to follow. Please download the form here for tickets and for more information regarding the schedule of events.Tickets have to be received by January 5th, 2009 or you can purchase them at Carmel High School at Carmel High School, Greyhound Station on December 7, 14, and January 11 from 1-3 PM.
  
  FCC Members: Mail checks made out to ICCCI to Kathy Johnson, 4560 Park Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205 and you can pick your tickets up at the event – ticket orders MUST be received by 1/5/09) Adult: $8 ($12 for nonmembers) Children (4-18): $8 ($12 for nonmembers) Children (3 and under): Free (no seat) Dinner Ticket: $5.00 boxed dinner or pizza.Again, download the form using the link above. Further questions- email : Xiaohua He ( huangxiaohuahe@yahoo.com )

December 2008 Events

• December Birthdays

• December 13th, 2008: Girl Scout Troop 42 attends Disney on Ice at Conseco Field House on Saturday December 13th at 11:30AM.

• December 18th,2008: This is the deadline to RSVP for the IMA’s “Power & Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty” :a special tour for Troop 42 on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 2:45 to 5 pm ! You must RSVP by today so that the museum can staff appropriately. Details...

• December 31st,2008: Be sure your membership application for FCC-IN has been sent in. Those postmarked by December 31st, 2008 will be included in the FCC-IN 2009 directory.

November 2008 Events

• November Birthdays

• The following conference has been postponed until spring. Please check back for details. November 7th, 2008: On Friday, November 7th, Indiana University will host a comprehensive conference that will examine the medical, social, psychological and familial challenges of "special needs" adoptions.

• November 14th, 2008: Friday 11/14 at 6:30 at St. Richard's School @ 33rd & Meridian ( 33 E. 33rd Street) in Indianapolis, FCC-IN will host 2 events. First will be an all members meeting. Following this meeting, where all members of FCC IN are invited to attend, Dr. Changfu Chang will be presenting his documentary Long Wait Home and taking questions . For more information please refer to this web site: http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.org/lwfh/index.html or email Jill Henry .

• November 15th or 16th, 2008: Gingerbread House meeting: Chinese architecture; Scouts will decorate individual gingerbread houses and then create a house together to submit to Conner Prairie's contest. Plus they'll learn about Chinese architecture. Troop 42 parents - help is needed. Location and time is TBD.

• November 20 - to November 23rd, 2008: The wonderful International Festival. The web site is here . Peruse the pictures of years past and you'll get a good idea of what a fun event this is: everything from traditional Chinese dance to rousing bagpipes; wonderful Jamaican food and deserts from Syria. This year, the International Festival is very proud to announce that the Peking Opera will be performing every day. That is quite a coup!

  We're calling Saturday November 22nd from 4PM to 7PM "FCC-IN Time". Let's meet at the IACA table ( Indiana Association for Chinese Americans) and we can roam together.

October 2008 Events

• October Birthdays

• October 11th, 2008: It's the first annual FCC IN Pumpkin Patch at Greendell Mulch & Mix, in Mooresville, Indiana - a fall family event to be held on Saturday, October 11th from 2PM to 5PM. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies, cidar and other concession classics.

  The glorious 2009 From China with Love calendar will make its' debut and will be available for purchase and holiday giving.

  The pumpkin patch features pumpkins, hayrides, a corn hole, and a corn maze for all to enjoy. The corn maze is $5.50 per person which includes a small pumpkin ( 4 and under are free)

  Troop 42 will have an informal meeting from 3 to 4. We'll discuss pumpkins here and in China, and Halloween type celebrations here and in China. Scouts, please wear your vests or sashes - but snacks will not be provided. This meetings coincides with the FCC-IN Pumpkin Patch Event.

  Greendell Mulch is located at 749 West SR 42 in Mooresville Indiana , 46158, Phone number 317 996 2826. For further information, contact Karry Ebert.

September 2008 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 13th, 2008: FCC IN is partnering with Chinese American organizations from Indianapolis to launch an inaugural Chinese Festival: Speedway to the Great Wall. It will be held in Military Park in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday,. September 13th. The festival with begin at 11:00 and end at 9:00PM. Over 5000 people are expected to attend. In keeping with Chinese custom, the Chinese festival will close in the evening with a lantern ceremony on Central Canal. Mayor Gregory A. Ballard has said “For the first time, Indianapolis will host a festival to celebrate and honor the Chinese people in our city.”

  Some of the activities will be:

  Children's Games

  Tai Ji

  Chinese Culture Exhibit

   Dance Performance

   Asian Food

   Moon Cake

  Chinese Art & Craft

  
  
  Volunteers for this event are urgently needed. To find out more, please go here and then fill out this form here .
  
  For more general information on the event , visit http://www.indygov.org/eGov/Mayor/Diversity/Latino/072808a.htm
  or contact
  International & Cultural Affairs
  2501 City - County Building
  200 E. Washington St.
  Indianapolis, IN 46204
  (317) 327-7955
  Fax: (317) 327-5271
  E-mail: crequiz@indygov.org

   

August 2008 Events

• August Birthdays

• August 17th: Sunday August 17th will be the first meeting of 2008-2009 Troop 42 - Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts. For more information, check here.

July 2008 Events

• July Birthdays

• July 19th, 2008: Tai Chi Master Sitan Chen will come to Indy to have an instructive performance on July 19 from 3 to 5PM at the Carmel High School freshman cafeteria, sponsored by the ICPAI – Indy Taiji Health Club. For RSVP information and more, go here.

• July 20th: On Sunday July 20th, there will be a Chinatown Summer Fair (29th Annual) starting at 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.featuring: A Lion Dance procession at 12:30 p.m., welcome at 1 p.m. starts at the Main Stage (23rd St. & Wentworth Ave.) with Asian cultural entertainment and live music. A taste of Chinatown's many restaurants, local unique gift shops, Chinese art's and craft's exhibit, street vendors with an array of merchandise and a children's area (24th Place & Wentworth) for a day long family event.

June 2008 Events

• June Birthdays

• July 7th, 2008: First day of Chinese Culture Camp run by the Confucius Institute on the IUPUI campus which runs until August 8th. Many of our FCC IN member kids will be attending. For more details, go to http://www.iupui.edu/%7Echina/courses/high-school-students/

• June 14th, 2008: Dragon Boat Festival ..The annual FCC-IACA Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday, June 14 from 11-3 at Eagle Creek State Park. The event is free for members of FCC and IACA, but each family is asked to bring a dish to share. We will be photographing FCC children for the 'back cover' of the 2009 From China With Love calendar at 10:45 sharp - so please get there on time if you'd like to participate! You do need to rsvp by June 11 so that we know who is coming (and have enough hamburgers/hotdogs, etc.) - please email (Kathy Johnson) at and let me know your name and the number of adults and children you'll be bringing with you. (non-FCC members will be charged $5 at the park) Volunteers are very much needed for this event. Please let me know if you'd be willing to help with any of the following:
  1) registration/check-in
  2) games for children
  3) grilling hamburgers and hot dogs
  4) canoe races (timing, start/stop flag waving, etc.)
  
  Thank you so much, and we hope to see you at Eagle Creek Park!
  

May 2008 Events

May Birthdays

April 2008 Events

• April Birthdays

March 2008 Events

• March Birthdays

• March 14th thru the 16th: Jane Brown Weekend Seminar and Playshops for Adoptive Families will take place March 14-16, 2008 at Fairview Presbyterian Church and Early Childhood Program Corner of Capitol and 46th, Indianapolis, IN . If parents sign their children up for a Playshop, they must attend the Friday night Adult Only session. NO exceptions
  
  After their child’s Playshop, the parents will meet with Jane Brown for a 1 hour debriefing about their child’s session. At this time, the children will be in a monitored activity room while the parents meet with Jane.
  
  Download the registration form that includes more information. The deadline for submission is February 5, 2008. If all available spaces for the Saturday and Sunday sessions are full; families will be put on a waiting list. If appropriate, additional sessions will be added.
  
  Children must be 5 before March 14th, 2008 to participate. Children must attend the age appropriate class. NO exceptions will be made.

February 2008 Events

• February Birthdays

• February 2nd, 2008: Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by the IUPUI Chinese School and ICPAI & Lilly. This theatrical event will be perform between 7 and 9PM at the Madame Walker Theatre. For more information, go here or check the web site at http://www.indychineseperformingarts.com/2008_cny_celebration.htm



• February 17th: Families with Children from China -Indiana, ICCCI Lilly Chinese Culture Network,  IACA, the Chinese School of Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis and The Confucius Institute in Indianapolis present a celebration of Chinese New Year at Carmel High School (520 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032) on Sunday February 17th from 2 to 9PM.
  
  The schedule is as follows:

  • 2:00pm-4:15pm: Carnival games (Freshman Cafeteria)
  • 4:00pm-5:45pm: Dinner (Freshman Cafeteria)
  • 6:00pm-9:00pm: Stage Performance (Auditorium)

  For an update (as of 2/14/08) from ICCCI, please go here.

January 2008 Events

• January Birthdays

December 2007 Events

• December Birthdays

• December 1st, 2007: T he annual all-members meeting be held on Saturday, December 1st from 11:00-11:30am at 4560 Park Avenue.We'll be electing new Board members, reviewing 2007 and planning for 2008 events. (and thank outgoing board members of course) We will also have calendars for sale, if you're starting to think about holiday gift giving. Please join us! It will For more information, contact Kathy at kjohnso@iupui.edu .

November 2007 Events

• November Birthdays

• November 7th, 2007: The annual member meeting will be on November 7th, 8:00 pm at 4560 N. Park Avenue.

• November 11th, 2007: The FCC IN Fall Event will be held November 11th from 4 to 6 PM at the Carmel High School cafeteria. Download the registration form here.

October 2007 Events

• October Birthdays

September 2007 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 16th, 2007: All FCC members and potential Brownies or Jr. Girls Scouts are invited to our Girl Scout Openhouse and Silent Auction scheduled for September 16, 2007 from 3:00-5:00pm at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road. Traditionally, Troop 42 has been made up of girls who were adopted from China and Vietnam and is the first of its' kind ( that we know of). We make great efforts to incorporate Chinese culture and involve Chinese American role models into our programming. Brownies are for girls entering 1st or 2nd grade. This year we are also starting a Jr. Girl Scout troop for girls entering 3rd grade or older. One favorite feature of our Openhouse is the Silent Auction fundraiser. All proceeds from the auction will be used to support our troop activities. Many of our girls "audit" Troop 42, with their school troop being the one they pay membership to and sell cookies for. Therefore, this auction goes a long way to helping pay for activities germane to Chinese culture and adoption issueis. This is a wonderful time to socialize with other adoptive families, purchase gifts, and support our unique troop. Our Scout families and leaders will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about membership in our troop and our troop activities. Even if your daughter already belongs to a school troop, she is welcome to attend our monthly meetings as an “auditing” member. . Auction items will include signed books, original artwork, jewelry, clothing and gift items. There will also be a nice selection of Chinese related items.To make an auction donation or to learn more about our scouting activities, please contact Charlotte Ottinger at 375-9399 or cottinger@indy.rr.com

• September 29th, 2007: T he wonderful Moon Festival is back again on Saturday, September 29th from 6 to 9PM at the very scenic White River State Park. Bring a picnic dinner, enjoy the moon view and celebrate this important Chinese holiday. Here is the registration form. Please RSVP by September 20th and don't miss this event! Here are some pictures from Moon Festivals we have loved..

August 2007 Events

• August Birthdays

• August 18th, 2007: Saturday, August 18th, join us for the FCC IN Summer Picnic at West Park shelter and water sprinkler park from 4:00PM until whenever people want to leave. The picnic is free to members but please send Erika Gaffin an e-mail at gaffins@yahoo.com and let her know how many adults and children are planning on attending. FCC IN will provide cake, drinks and bubbles. Families are to bring a picnic dinner and of course, their bathing suits, towels, etc. Please join us!

July 2007 Events

• July Birthdays

June 2007 Events

• June Birthdays

• June 16th, 2007: On Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, IACA would like to invite you, your family and friends to their annual Dragon Boat Festival. IACA will provide grilled meat, Tsung­tze and drinks along with activities, games, boat rides and boat races. If you would like to attend, please contact Diana Yung (see contact information below).  Please mark your calendars and bring your friends and family.
  
  Where:Eagle Creek Park Marina 7840 West 56th Street
  Cost: IACA members and member­guests: FREE
  Non­members: $5.00 per person
  Children age from 7 –13 $3.00 
  Children age 6 and under FREE
    Bring a potluck dish enough for your party  and enjoy fun, kids games, Tug­of­war and prizes.
  
  What to bring? If your last name starts with: Bring this dish:
  A—H  Dessert / Sweets / Fruit 
  I—P Appetizers / Breads / Pasta etc 
  Q ­Z  Salads / Vegetable / Snacks
  
  Registration: Please register early; registration ends June 12, 2006. IACA Members: Register with Diana Yung by  email to 2007RSVP@iacaonline.org Non­Members: please mail your check payable to IACA with numbers of your party  to Diana Yung, P.O. Box 18, Carmel, IN 46082-0018
  
  What to bring: Bring what you would normally bring for a picnic.  Items such as blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, and outdoor toys and games are recom­mended.  For more information about Eagle Creek Park please see their website:  http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Eagle+Creek+Park.htm
  
  For further information, go here.

May 2007 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 9th, 2007: The event is “A Taste of Asia” to be held Wednesday, May 9 from 6-9pm at the Gene B. Glick Junior Achievement Education Center at 74^th and Keystone. It is a charity event benefiting Junior Achievement’s International Education Initiatives. Tickets are $25 and the event is open to adults as well as children 12 years and older. This event is very hands-on. There will be a variety of Asian restaurants participating, and activity stands for guests to experience Asian culture such as calligraphy, tai chi demos, and performances by Asian entertainment troupes.. For more information, contact Suzy Leagre at 566-1076.

April 2007 Events

• April Birthdays

• April 28th, 2007:Ma rk your calendars for Saturday, April 28, 2007. FCC IN will be hosting well known adoption related speakers, Jean MacLeod and Doris Landry on Saturday, April 28th from 9:00AM to 12:45PM at the International Medical Group (IMG) at 2960 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN. The topic of their presentation is "Parenting Your Tweenie". A "tweenie" is considered a child between the ages of 8-12yo.
  
  Many of you know Jean MacLeod as the author of “At Home in this World” and “Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections". You can find out more about her at http://www.thewritemagic.com/ . Doris Landry, M.S., is a family therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, and has worked with children adopted domestically and internationally, focusing on treating children from Eastern Europe and Asia. You can find out more about her at http://www.adoptionparenting.net/
  
  For more information and to download the registration form, go here . Please return the form before April 14th.
  
  The presentation main topic will be the extra layer that adoption brings to kids ages 8-12 who are heading into puberty. Our speakers will give parents a basic foundation of understanding, plus practical parenting skills and coping skills to teach their tweenie. Doria and Jean talk about the "Seven Core Issues in Adoption" and go into some detail about five particular roadblocks our adopted kids generally grapple with: anxiety, transition, making friends, sensory issues, risky business/puberty.
  
  The program is being underwritten by FCC-IN so there will be just a small fee to attend - $2.00 for FCC IN members and $5.00 for non members.
  
  Jean MacLeod's acclaimed books will be available for autographing and purchase.
  
  If this information or the information on the registration form doesn't answer your questions, please email Char Ottinger cottinger@indy.rr.com ; Erika Gaffin ( gaffins@yahoo.com ); or Kathy Johnson-Foran ( kjohnso@iupui.edu )

March 2007 Events

• March Birthdays

February 2007 Events

• February Birthdays

• February 10th, 2007: IACA Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by Lilly Chinese Culture Network (CCN); Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc., (ICCCI); and the Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis Chinese School (CCCI) on Saturday, 02/10/2007 at NorthView Middle School on 8401 Westfield Blvd.in Indianapolis from 3:30-9:30 p.m.
  
  The schedule is:
  3:30-6:00 p.m Carnival (Gym), Inclusive games for families/kids/adults
  4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner (Cafeteria) provided by 8 China Buffet
  7:00-9:30 p.m. Performance (Auditorium) Chinese folk dance/Choir/Ballet/Martial art
  
  Adult $5.00 Free admission for children under 10 yrs. old
  
  To order your ticket, please contact: CCN (Yingying Guo, 277-4324) ICCCI (Keyun Qing, 332-1240) CCCI (Daniel Zhou, 705-9818)

• February 17th, 2007: FCC IN will be holding our third annual Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17th, 2007 at the Children's Museum. February 17th. Please download the registration form here .
  
  The wonderful ICCI lion dancers will perform and light snacks will be provided. We'll also be taking the back cover photo for the 2008 From China with Love calendar.

January 2007 Events

• January Birthdays

December 2006 Events

• December Birthdays

November 2006 Events

• November Birthdays

October 2006 Events

• October Birthdays

• October 7th, 2006: FCC-Indiana is pleased to present the 2006 Mid-Autumn Moon Walk on Saturday, October 7, 2006, from 6 to 9 PM at the White River State Park Waterfront Pavilion in downtown Indianapolis.  Bring a picnic dinner for your family and enjoy moon cakes, juice boxes and water provided by FCC.  Attendees will receive a lantern and glow stick for a group walk along the river.
  
  2007 From China with Love Calendars will be available to purchase.
  
  We will also be accepting 2007 FCC-Indiana membership renewals at the event.  If you renew by November 30, 2006, the cost will be $30.00.  After that date, the cost will be $35.00  Please download the registration form here , print out and mail in by September 27, 2006.

September 2006 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 16th, 2006: FCC-IN Playdate on Saturday, September 16th at 10:00- Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

August 2006 Events

• August Birthdays

• August 5th, 2006: The FCC Indiana Summer Picnic will be held Saturday, August 5th, 2006 at 12pm-2:30pm in Holland Park, Fishers, IN. Bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs. Chinese items will be available in a summer marketplace atmosphere. Come and enjoy the park, games and cake! No registration is required and there is no fee for this event.
  
  For park information:please visit http://www.fishers.in.us/department/division.asp?fDD=9-55&location=holland

• August 20th, 2006: FCC-IN Playdate on Sunday August 20th at 1:00PM at West Park, 2700 W. 116th St, Carmel.

July 2006 Events

• July Birthdays

• July 23, 2006 - FCC-IN Playdate on Sunday July 23rd at Northwestway Park, 5253 W. 62nd Street, Aquatic Center, Indianapolis.

June 2006 Events

• June Birthdays

• Saturday, June 17th, 2006: Dragon Boat Festival IACA would like to extend an invitation to you and your family and friends for their annual Dragon Boat Festival at 11am until 3Pm at the Eagle Creek Boat Basin on Saturday June 17th. IACA will provide grilled meat, Tsung-tze and drinks along with activities, games and boat rides. If you would like to join us please contact Diana Yung (see contact information below).

  Cost: IACA members FREE Non-IACA members(*this includes FCC Indiana members that not members of IACA) Adults $5.00 Children age from –13 $3.00 Children age 6 and under FREE
  
  Bring a potluck dish enough for your party
  
  Registration: Please register early; registration ends June 12, 2006. IACA Members: Register with Diana Yung at 317-297-7825 or email to yinlingyung@yahoo.com Non-IACA Members: please mail your check payable to IACA with numbers of your party to Diana Yung, 5124 Greenbraes E. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46234.
  
  The flyer for this can be found here .

• June 25th, 2006: FCC-IN Playdate on Sunday, June 25 - 1:00 Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

May 2006 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 18, 2006:The China National Symphony Orchestra 50th Anniversary Concert Tour , organized by: Lilly Chinese Culture Network (CCN) Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc. (ICCCI) , will perform on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 8:00 pm at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle Indianapolis, IN 46204. Ticket Prices: $20, $15, $10 Tickets are available from CCN and ICCCI Chinese School Program. Contact, ticket and program information at http://www.indy-chinese.com/entertain/CNSO/060518.htm .

• May 20th, 2006 : FCC-IN Playdate on Saturday, May 20 at 3:00PM Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, 116th St. & Holland Dr. in Sunblest subdivision, Fishers.

April 2006 Events

• April Birthdays

• April 1st, 2006: ICC I has graciously invited all FCC-IN members to a Spring Break skating party on Saturday, April 1st, 2006 from 5:00PM to 7PM at the Carmel Ice Station.
  Carmel Ice Station
  1040 3rd Avenue SW Carmel
  Carmel, IN 46033
  Tel: 844-8888
   Admission:
  Free for all ICCCI Chinese School members and FCC Members!
   Shoe Rental:
  $2.00 per person
  
   NOTE: No food and drink allowed to be brought in. There is a concession stand inside the stadium.
  

• April 22nd, 2006: FCC-IN Playdate on Saturday, April 22- 1:00 Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

March 2006 Events

• March Birthdays

February 2006 Events

• February Birthdays

• February 4th, 2006 : FCC Indiana is pleased to annouce that our annual Chinese New Year celebration will be held on Saturday February 4th, 2006.at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis from 6:30 to 9:30. Download the registration form here and read below about this fabulous event and how we will offer even more access and play areas at the Childrens Museum than last year:

  - Enjoy many of the museums attractions including Playscape, Science Works and the Carousel Since this is an event to play and explore, only light snacks will be provided.  Please be sure the children have eaten dinner and are ready to have a great time!

  - We are also pleased to announce the return of The Chinese Community Center’s Lion Dancers.

  - FCC Market Place will be open from 6:30 - 8:00 Only, so shop early!

  - The schedule for the evening is:
  6:30: Registration starts (There will be tables for registration, membership directories and gift bags for the children)
  6:30- 8:00: Market Place will be open on second floor Craft table will be open on Carousel level
  6:45-8:30: Buffet with light snacks will be open
  7:00: Photo for FCC Indiana 2007 calendar will take place on the main staircase
  7:30: Dragon Dancing, also at the main entrance area
  9:00: Event Ends

  Volunteers are needed to help out with this huge event.  Please check the box for volunteers on the registration form. We will contact you soon with more information.

  Make reservations early to assure admittance.
   All reservations must be postmarked by January 28, 2006.  Due to the limited space & museum policy, we cannot allow entry without prior reservations

January 2006 Events

• January Birthdays /p>

• January 29th, 200 6: The first day of the Lunar New Year - the Year of the Dog! ICCCI will be celebrating the Chinese New Year on the first day, 29th of January at Lawrence North High School from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
  When: Sunday, 29 Jan 2006, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Where: Lawrence North High School
                         7802 Hague Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46256
  Program: Children’s Program (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
                         Dinner (4:30 pm– 6:00 pm)
                          Performance (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
  Ticket:  Dinner and Performance: Adult $10.00, Child $6.00              
                            Performance only: $3.00

    Ticket Purchase:     
    ICCCI Chinese School: Elaine Yeo ( 823-7363, to_elaineyeo@yahoo.com )
     Chinese School in IUPUI: Wendy Lee ( 826-8634, whlee@iupui.edu )
    IACA: Diana Yung ( 317-297-7825, yinlingyung@yahoo.com ) Tickets will be on sale this Sunday at the Chinese School. Please see attached flyer for details on ticket purchase.

December 2005 Events

• December Birthdays

November 2005 Events

• November Birthdays

• November 3rd thru the 6th, 2005: Indy's International Festival will be held from Thursday November 3rd thru Sunday November 6th at Exposition Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1200 East 38th Street, Indianapolis Tickets are available the door or at AAA Hoosier Motor Club branches and participating Marsh Supermarkets beginning Oct. 10. Indy's International Festival is sponsored by the Nationalities Council of Indiana and celebrates the diversity of our city.

• November 12th & 13th, 2005: FCC Indiana is happy to present our Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th at the Marten House in Indianapolis. The Marten House has reserved a block of 25 rooms for FCC Indiana families at a special rate of $69.00 for the night of November 12th, but the deadline for that special rate has been extended to October 27th - which is fast approaching! Call them today and mention that you're a FCC Indiana family, wanting the special room rate for the Nov 12th.
  
  Marten House contact info is:
  1801 West 86th Street
  Indianapolis, IN 46260
  Main Phone (317) 872-4111
  Online Reservations or
  Reservations (800) 736-5634
  
  Jean MacLeod from  Our Chinese Daughters Foundation will be our guest speaker for two workshops on Saturday:

  • Workshop #1 - Adoption Parenting: A Toolbox from 6:00PM - 7:30PM
  • Workshop #2 - Homeland Visits: Going Back, Moving Forward from 8:00PM - 9:30PM
  Jean is the Director of the Speaker Institute of Our Chinese Daughters’ Foundation (OCDF). She is the mother of 3 daughters, 2 from China. She has participated in 3 China Homeland Tours and led an Orphanage Reunion Tour in 2004. Jean’s book, At Home in this World: A China Adoption Story will be available for purchase at the event. MacLeod's bio is at http://www.ocdf.org/institute
  
  Waiting parents and grandparents are also welcome to attend. Due to the topics being discussed, FCC Indiana requests that children not attend. Childcare will not be provided. Event is $5 per adult.
  
  The schedule of events on Sunday are:

  1:00 – 2:00 Registration 1:00 – 2:30 Crafts and games for kids, snacks 1:00 – 3:00 Marketplace open 1:30 – 2:30 Waiting Families meeting

  2:30 – 3:15 Annual meeting of FCC Indiana members

  3:15 – 4:30 Panda Academy dancers perform

  
  The marketplace on Sunday is scheduled to be the largest yet. In addition, the Panda Academy Dancers will perform to thunderous applause and there will be special craft projects for the big and little kids. Details on other possible activities still pending.
  
  Send in your registration today - the deadline is November 1st. Find the entire registration form here and the mail-in section only here.
  
  Your assistance is greatly needed to help with this event! Please consider checking the volunteer box, indicating your willingness to help at the event for 30 minutes. We’ll contact you to discuss volunteer options. If you have further questions about the event, please contact Erika Gaffin at gaffins@yahoo.com

  Registrations must be received by Tuesday, November 1. Walk-in registrations will not be accepted. Refunds will be given only when request is received in writing 2 weeks prior to event.
  

• November 13th, 2005: FCC Indiana is STILL happy to present our Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th at the Marten House in Indianapolis (see details above). We're also tickled pink to present a waiting families meeting as part of the Fall Festival - so tickled we are giving it its' very own section of the November Event Calendar. And here are the details:
  
  Attention waiting families! Do you wonder how you'll ever pack an entire CVS into your carryon for you trip to China? Want to know just how long that flight in economy class REALLY is? Desperate for proof that this paper pregnancy really does result in a special delivery? Find out the answers to these burning questions and more at FCC-Indiana's waiting families meeting, part of our Fall Festival on Sunday, Nov. 13. We'll have veterans of the adoption journey to share their tales of traveling during the heat of an Asian summer and the height of SARS and answer any questions you throw at us. If we don't know the answer, we'll divert you with tales of our first diaper changes. You might meet folks you'll eventually travel with. And yes, there might even be a Gotcha Day video to evoke a few tears.
  
  Please join us Sunday, Nov. 13, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Marten House Hotel, 1801 W. 86th St. We'll meet in the O'Meara room. Come early to shop at our FCC marketplace, and stay late to see our Panda dancers in action - but only if you want to! Admission to the Fall Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 and older.
  
  Please RSVP to Jeni O'Malley at hoozhr1@yahoo.com by Nov. 5. Let us know your name, your agency, and whether you're first-time or repeat adopters and if you're adopting through the waiting child program so we can round out our panel of "experts." The more the merrier!

• November 19th, 2005: St. Elizabeth|Coleman Pregnancy and Adoption Services will provide Transracial/Transcultural Training on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at North United Methodist Church 3808 N. Meridian St, Room 9, Indianapolis. For more information and a downloadable registration form, go here.

October 2005 Events

• October Birthdays

• Oct. 15, 2005: Thanks to new FCC Indiana member Cheryl Cain for organizing the follow fabulous event: On Saturday, Oct. 15 2:00PM come and enjoy the Pumpkin Patch and other holiday favorites at Stoney Creek Farms in Noblesville:
  
  Entry Fee is $5.00 per car and ride to Pumpkin Patch is free. Pumpkins are charged by diameter Tickets: Sold inside for hay ride, haunted house, etc. are $1.00 each. Most things are one ticket...haunted house is 2 tickets.
  
  Then join your friends at China Taste - they have an inexpensive buffet and an open menu as well. They're located at the corner of S.R. 31 and Carey Rd. in Westfield
  
  Everyone is responsible for their own entry fee and dinner cost, but please RSVP by the morning of October 12th, so Cheryl can give the folks at China Taste an idea of how many to expect. Her email is cheryl.cain8443@sbcglobal.net but it may not be functioning so please phone her at 317-815-3769.

September 2005 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 17th, 2005:The IACA (The Indiana Association of Chinese Americans) has invited FCC Indiana to be part of their Mid-Autumn Festival on: Saturday, September 17, 2005 at Lienert’s Gym Camp
  
  They are celebrating this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival with more than just ‘moon-gazing’. Festival activities include singing and dancing around a bonfire like many Chinese tribal people who celebrate their festival. Below are the details and you can download a registration form here.

Location: Lienert Gym Camp
1010 W 64th Street
Indianapolis, IN

Time: Saturday, Sept 17, 2005, 5 -9 pm

Cost: Member: $5/adult, $3/child
Non-member: $6/adult, $4/child

Activities:
5-7:00 pm Picnic (on your own)

7-7:30 pm Performance

7:30-9 pm Mooncakes
Light Refreshments

8-9:00 pm Moon-light Walk with Lanterns
Hay Ride
Bon Fire

Registration: Reservation Required by 9/12/05
Limited Capacity, No Walk-in Please
Email: whlee@iupui.edu
Phone: (317) 826-8634

August 2005 Events

• August Birthdays

• August 13th, 2005: FCC Indiana invites families to meet for this August playdate at 10:00am. Location is tbd! Any suggestions, send them to comments@fcc-in.org.

• August 14th, 2005: There will be 2nd Annual FCC Indiana New Members picnic, Sunday, August 14th, from 12-2pm at the Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, IN. Families with Children from China Indiana hopes that all new members of FCC Indiana will join us - especially soon- to- be or just-became new parents!
  
  Here are the details....
  FCC New Member’s Picnic
  Date: Sunday, August 14th
  Time: 12-2 p.m.
  Roy Holland Memorial Park
  One Park Drive
  Fishers, IN 46038
  Located: Main Park Clubhouse & Pavilion(in the middle of the Sunblest Subdivision)
  116th St. & Holland Drive
  Between Allisonville Rd. & I-69
  
  This is a great time to connect with other families who are waiting or have already adopted children from China. Kids of all ages can have a fun time! Parents can relax in the air conditioned clubhouse and enjoy an afternoon with other FCC families. Plus:
  
  • Awesome Lunch Provided
  • Activities for Kids!
  • Large Playground
  • Fellowship with other families!
  
  The contact person is Jennifer Hoop, one of the organizers from last year's awesome picnic. RSVP by calling her at : 317-823-4711 or email her atl: hoopbrad@hotmail.com . Please RSVP by August 11th so we can have plenty of food & games.

• August 27th, 2005: Learn more about China adoption and meet families that have previously adopted at this free informational workshop sponsored by Great Wall China Adoption. The event will be held August 27 from 3-5 p.m. at the Nora Branch Library, 8625 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240. To register, e-mail Gregg Hamby at gregg.in@gwca.org or call 317-722-0223.

July 2005 Events

• July Birthdays

• July 9th, 2005: The FTIA (Families Thru International Adoption) Waiting Families and Informational Meeting will be on Saturday, July 9th at St. Luke's Methodist Church on 86th Street. The informational meeting is 9-10:30am and Waiting Families meeting is 11:00 to 12:30.

• July 16th, 2005:FCC Indiana invites families to join them for the July FCC Indiana play date on Saturday, July 16 @ 10:00 at West Park, 2700 W 16th Street, Carmel, Indiana. This park features a water park, swings, slides, and a play "silo". Families can bring picnic lunches - there are no concession stands but picnic tables and rest room facilities are available.

• July 23rd, 2005: FTIA (Families Thru International Adoption) has scheduled their 2005 Celebration of Children Reunion for Saturday, July 23rd at Forest Park, just north of Indianapolis, where they held this year's reunion.For further information, check their web site at http://www.ftia.org/reunion/index.html .

• July 25th thru July 29th, 2005: FCC Indiana in connection with the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center would like to offer a 1 week pilot Culture Camp program from Monday July 25th to Friday July 29th. Flexible ½ day and full days options are available to help with family scheduling and extended day is available as well. Teachers will have experience in Chinese Culture and working with and teaching children. For more information and a downloadable registration form; click here. Deadline for registration is July 1st.

• July 30th, 2005: The adoption agency CCAI will hold its 2005 Midwest Reunion and Picnic on Saturday, July 30th, 2005, at Winton Woods Park, Cincinnati Ohio. This picnic will provide an opportunity to meet up with travel mates, DTC mates, fellow adoptive families, and to meet Josh & Lily, the founders of CCAI. Most importantly, it's an opportunity to HAVE FUN. The event is fully catered, plenty of activities: a playhouse, a working farm, a water park, a playgrounds, and much much more.Please visit: http://ccaimidwestreunion2005.home.insightbb.com/ for more information

• July 30th, 2005: Learn more about China adoption and meet families that have previously adopted at this free informational workshop sponsored by Great Wall China Adoption. The event will be held Saturday, July 30 from 3-5 p.m. at the Lawrence Branch Library, 7898 North Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256 To register, e-mail Gregg Hamby at gregg.in@gwca.org or call 317-722-0223.

June 2005 Events

• June Birthdays

• June 18th, 2005: Saturday June 18th, FCC Indiana will assist the IACA in hosting the Dragon Boat Festival with games, boat rides and a picnic. It will be held at Eagle Creek Park as it has in years past. In addition, FCC-Indiana will shoot the back cover for the 2006 From China with Love calendar. Download a copy of the registration form here.
  
  Details: Dragon Boat Festival
  June 18th, 2005
  Eagle Creek Park Marina
  7840 W. 56th Street
  11am - 3pm
  Children under 6 free
  6-12 $3
  13 to adult $5
  Meats, tsung-tzi and drinks will be provided.
  Bring a covered dish to share:
  A-H  desserts/fruits
  I-P appetizers
  Q-Z vegetable, snacks
  
  There will be boat rides, games for the kids, bubbles, and opportunity to meet and celebrate with our IACA friends.
  
  The back cover of our 2006 From China With Love Calendar will be shot prior to the festival. Bring your camera ready child or children to the marina at 10:30AM sharp!
  

• June 25th, 2005: Great Wall China Adoption will hold a workshop on Saturday, June 25th. Learn more about China adoption and meet families that have previously adopted at this free informational workshop Saturday, June 25, from 3-5 p.m. at Pike Branch Library, 6525 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. To make a reservation call Gregg Hamby at 317-722-0223 or e-mail deb-gregg@sbcglobal.net

May 2005 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 5th , 6th & 7th, 2005: Last day of Panda Academy for Carmel and Northwood Panda Academy.

• May 7th, 2005: Families Thru International Adoption presents their free International Adoption Seminar in Indianapolis, on Saturday, May 7th, 2005, at St. Luke’s Church (Room E-200), from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. FTIA has active adoption programs in China, Russia, Guatemala, Brazil, and India. Check with their web site at http://www.ftia.org/ for more information.

• May 7th, 2005: FCC- Indiana is hosting a parenting workshop on Saturday, May 7th:
  
  BALANCING LOVE AND DISCIPLINE - The Gentle Art of Parenting presented by Michelle Gambs Rohen, MA, LMHC.Ms. Rohen is a private practice counselor and certified parenting instructor with the International Network for Children and Families. Michelle is mom to Grace (age 8) and Charlie (age 6).Michelle just presented Balancing Love and Discipline to 150 Eli Lilly parents to great acclaim!

  DATE: Saturday, May 7, 2005
  TIME: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
  PLACE: St. Luke's Methodist Church
  100 West 86th St.
  Indianapolis, IN
  COST: FCC Members - $ 5.00
  Non Members - $ 10.00

  Child care will be provided with your help! Some of FCC-IN's older children (9 and up) are going to help watch the yonger children (assisted by adults), while mom and dad attend the parenting workshop. If you are one of FCC's waiting families and you are interested in helping with child care OR If you have a child that is at least 9 years old, and they are interested in helping with the younger children OR if you have any questions, please email Deb at debs@iquest.net .
  
  You can download more information and a registration form here.

• May 15th, 2005: Here is the info on the next FCC Indiana playdate - it's this Sunday, May 15, 3:00 at Roy G Holland Memorial Park in Fishers In. The park is located North of 116th street on Holland Drive in Sunblest subdivision.
  
  We are encouraging families to bring a picnic and a blanket to eat together. And it's Buddha's birthday!

• May 22nd, 2005: Learn more about adopting from China and meet families that have already adopted at this informative workshop. In addition, a international adoption physician will speak and a social worker will discuss the home study process. This event will be held Sunday, May 22 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott at the Canal, 350 W. New York St.,Indianapolis, IN 46205. Lunch is provided. To register, call 1-888-493-2645 or go to www.gwca.org

April 2005 Events

• April Birthdays

• April 17th, 2005: First Official FCC Indiana Playgroup of the Season! Sunday, April 17th at 3:00 all FCC families are invited to a play date at Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

• April 23rd, 2005: Last day of Panda Academy for Greenwood Panda Academy.

• April 30th, 2005: Great Wall of China Adoption (GWCA) will sponsor a workshop about adopting from China and for prospective families to meet GWCA families, who have already adopted, on Saturday, April 30th from 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Nora Branch Library, 8625 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. 46240. This event is Free! To register call Gregg Hamby at 317-722-0223 or e-mail at deb-gregg@sbcglobal.net.

• April 30th, 2005:The Saturday Northwood Christian Church Panda Academy classes will hold an informal Recital Saturday April 30th , 2005 – 10:30 am at the Northwood Christian Church – Fellowship Hall (lower level) 46th and Central, Indianapolis. Guests are welcome! Students encouraged to wear their finest Chinese attire.This short recital on April 30th will take the place of the regular class.
  
  The schedule is as follows:
  10:15 – Students arrive
  10:30 – Xiao/Zhong I Dance (instructor Fei)
  10:50 – Zhong I Language (instructor Shen)
  11:00 – Zhong II Language (instructor Yue)
  11:10 – Zhong II Dance (instructor Fei)
  11:30 - Program concludes
  
  Volunteers are needed 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the recital for set-up and clean-up. Please email Dan Rumreich, Panda Academy Director, at fccpanda@yahoo.com if you can help out.

March 2005 Events

• March Birthdays

• To keep abreast of spring and summer breaks for Panda Academy, check here.

• March 12th, 2005:: Families Thru International Adoption presents their free International Adoption Seminar in Indianapolis, on Saturday, March 12th, 2005, at St. Luke’s Church (Room E-200), from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. FTIA has active adoption programs in China, Russia, Guatemala, Brazil, and India. Check with their web site at http://www.ftia.org/ for more information.

• March 26th, 2005: Great Wall of China Adoption (GWCA) will sponsor a workshop about adopting from China and for prospective families to meet GWCA families, who have already adopted, on Saturday, March 26th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eagle Branch Library, 3325 Lowry Road Indianapolis, IN 46222. This event is Free! To register call Gregg Hamby at 317-722-0223 or e-mail at deb-gregg@sbcglobal.net.

February 2005 Events

• February Birthdays

• February 3rd thru February 5th Panda Academy Spring 2005 classes begin.

• February 19th, 2005: On Saturday, February 19th, 2005, FCC Indiana will celebrate the start of the new lunar year with a Chinese New Year celebration at the Children's Museum. The party begins at 6:30PM and will run until . 9:00PM. The cost will be $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per child under the age of two. Snacks and drinks will be provided instead of a sit down dinner.
  
  There will be no admittance at the door without a prior reservation. Tickets must be ordered and purchased by February 15, 2005 .

  This will be pre-register only - no walk ins - so download and print out this registration form.

There will be food, entertainment, Children’s workshops, and access to three floors in the museum! Ride the carousel, play in the science works area or just sit and watch the water clock in the mezzanine. We'll also present the Chinese Community Center’s Lion Dancers, plus the entertainment of 11-year old Jack Yuan, playing the Er-Hu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, and our own Da Dancers.

January 2005 Events

• January Birthdays

• January 30th, 2005 :The Indianapolis Chinese Community Center( ICCCI) presents a Chinese New Year entertainment on January 30th from 6 to 8PM at the Lawrence North High School. The Indianapolis Chinese Community Center ICCCI has graciously offered 200 tickets to their Chinese New Year entertainment event to FCC Indiana members on a first come first served basis. They will be donating ALL of the proceeds of the 200 tickets to Heartland Medical Express. For more information and a printable registration form, go here.
  
  On stage: Traditional Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance; Traditional Chinese Music and Dance ; Professional Magic Show And much more.
  
  Ticket Information:
  Ticket price: $10.00,
  Under 3 year old: Free
  Tickets on sale at ICCCI Chinese School & Chinese School in IUPUI
  Phone: 823-7363, 826-8634,
  E-mail:iccci@yahoo.com
  http://www.indy-chinese.com/
  Performance DVD Pre-order: $10.00
  Organized by Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc (ICCCI)

• January 31st, 2005: Deadline for sending in FCC-Indiana membership registration. Any applications received after this date will not be included in the 2005 FCC Indiana directory. Download a registration form here.

• December Birthdays

November 2004 Events

• November Birthdays

• November 7th, 2004: FCC Indiana will host our Fall Open House at the Holiday Inn North at the Pyramids on Sunday November 7th from 1PM to 4PM. Renowned author and illustrator Grace Lin will speak and sign books; the Market place will offer some new products (and sell FCWL calendars), including lifebook and scrapbook supplies ; and ice cream and snacks will be on hand for all.
  
  The registration form for the Fall Open House can be downloaded here.
  
  FCC Indiana families are invited to stay the night at the hotel. Rooms are available for $89 per night plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 317-872-9790 and mentioning that you are with Families With Children From China. Call early to reserve, a small block of rooms has been reserved and the special rate is on a first come first served basis.

  Adults are invited to attend a lifebookclass/scrapbook party at the hotel on Saturday night, hosted by Jennifer Demar of www.scrapandtell.com. You do not need to be an overnight guest at the hotel to attend the lifebook open house. Please go here for complete information on this event..

  Overnight FCC Indiana guests of the hotel are invited to bring the kids to the pool for a splash and some fun pool party games. Pool party starts at 6pm.
  
  There will also be a FCC Indiana Executive Board annual business meeting from 3:15 to 4:00pm which includes election of new officers. (Anyone interested in serving on the 2005 board please contact Neva Ramsey at nev03dfan@aol.com for possible nomination).
  
  If you ar e a Panda Parents Who's Children Will Be Dancing At The Open House:
  
  Please dress your child in the Chinese traditional costume of your choice at least 1/2 hour before the dancing begins. An announcement will be made to bring your child to the ball room side entrance to line up for each performance. Panda Dancing will begin promptly at 2:45pm and feature 3 groups of combined classes. Please check back Friday November 6th either here or the FCC Indiana yahoo group to see if there are any updates or changes.

• November 13th, 2004: FTIA (Families Thru International Adoption)Waiting Familieswill hold a seminar for adoptive parents which will be in Indianapolis on Saturday November 13th, 2004, at St. Luke’s Church, Room E-200, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. FTIA is proud to present the authors of the book “Post Adoption Blues”. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, they will have some available, and you can purchase them by cash or check. As always, Waiting Families meetings are open to all of FTIA families who have completed their adoptions as well.

• Week of November 20 - Thanksgiving Fall Break from Panda Academy. It will resume the week of the 28th.

October 2004 Events

• October Birthdays

• October 30th , 2004: Saturday, October 30 at On Saturday, October 30 at Eagle Creek Park Heartland Medical Express will host it's annual Walk For Hope. This year they'll be kicking off the Halloween weekend by trick or treating with our favorite little goblins along the course of the walk.

September 2004 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 11th, 2004: Families Thru International Adoption presents their free International Adoption Seminar in Indianapolis, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at St. Luke’s Church (Room E-200), from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Check with their web site at http://www.ftia.org/ for more information.

• September 18th, 2004: Saturday, September 18th, 2004 Bethany Christian Services ( http://www.bethany.org) will present an general information meeting on their adoption services. All meetings are at the Bethany office, just off of 465 at 56th Street on the east side of Indianapolis - just west of Lawrence Central High School.

• September 25th, 2004 - : Indianapolis Chinese Community Center presents their Mid Autumn Festival Celebration at North Central High School Auditorium, 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis, on Saturday, September 25, 2004.
  
  Culture and Fun Activities start at 3:30 PM:Performance 5:00-7:00 PM:Special Moon Festival foods are available. Admission is $5 regular, $3 for senior & student, $8 at door, VIP ticket $20, free with sponsorship. $1 from each ticket will be contributed to Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation® (MDFF),
  
  Children Under 3 years old are not recommended. On-site babysitting is available at $3/child
  Ticket can be purchased at: Ticket Central at Arts Garden in Circle Center Mall
  Asia Mart at 126 St.; 8 China Buffet; Lucky 8 Buffet;
  Yen Ching Restaurant at 116 St. IUPUI Chinese School;
  ICCCI Chinese School; Chinese Community Church at 116th S
  
  Check with the Community Center web site for further ticket and contact information.
  
  
  (This is NOT the FCC Indiana Moon Festival Walk - see September 26th, 2004 below).

• September 26, 2004: FCC Indiana presents the first annual FCC Indiana Moon Festival Walk and Celebration. This year's Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on September 28, 2004 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month) but the Moonwalk will be held on Sunday, September 26th.
  
  Date: Sunday, September 26th
  Time: 5:30 to 7:30
  Place: Waterfront Pavilion, White River State Park
  On west side of White River, just outside of White River Gardens
  Parking: Zoo/White River Gardens Parking Lot
  
  This promises to be a memorable night. Come and celebrate one of the most lyrical of Chinese holidays. No reservations are required. Admission is $5.00 at the door; children under 10 years are free. Lanterns and mooncakes will be provided.
  
  For more information on the Mid Autumn Festival and the significance of the moon walk and moon cakes, go to :
  http://china.tyfo.com/int/art/festival/middle-autumn/index-midautumn.htm
  http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa093097.htm
  http://www.chinapage.com/Moon/moon00.html

• September 28th, 2004: Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, will be the first speaker in Butler University’s 2004-05 Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series. She will speak on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Clowes Memorial Hall. Admission is free of charge, although tickets must be obtained at the Clowes box office. More information is available at http://www.cloweshall.org/calendar/event.lasso?-KeyValue=6&-Token.Action=
  
  Tan is one of the most highly acclaimed writers of our time. Her works include The Kitchen God’s Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses, The Bonesetter’s Daughter and two children’s books. In 2003, Tan published a collection of non-fiction work, The Opposite of Fate.

  In 1985, Tan attended a writing workshop for which she wrote the story, “Rules of the Game,” which later became part of The Joy Luck Club , a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award that has been made into a major motion pictur

August 2004 Events

• August Birthdays

• August 1st, 2004: The Board of FCC Indiana wants to personally welcome all new members. Please plan to bring your family to a picnic at the Holland Memorial Park in Fishers on August 1st from 2-6 p.m. We have reserved the clubhouse and attached pavilion for a cookout and play time for our children at the playground.
  
  If you've joined FCC Indiana in the last year, or have just felt like you haven’t connected with other families, don’t miss this great time of getting to know each other. You will need to RSVP to Jennifer Hoop at hoopbrad@hotmail.com by July 24th
  
  Directions:s: The Holland Memorial Park is located North on Holland Drive off of 116th St., which is just east of Allisonville Road. Holland Drive is a 3-way stop light. Follow the drive until you dead end into the park and clubhouse

• August 21st, 2004: The Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis (CCCI) has scheduled an informational meeting for FCC families. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce programs at the church which may be of interest to FCC families. These programs include their Chinese language school, Awana and other programs.
  
  There will also be a special speaker - Laura Clark Zhao. Mrs. Zhao grew up in North Carolina but later became a teacher in China, adopted 3 Chinese children and opened an orphanage in Xian with her husband.
  
  The meeting will held from 2-4pm on Saturday at the CCCI (3405 E. 116th St., Carmel, IN 46033). Babysitting will be provided for children of all ages. If interested in attending please RSVP to Becky Ho by August 15th at jbeckyho@sbcglobal.net

July 2004 Events

• July Birthdays

• July 3rd, 2004: Playdate at West Park on 2700 West 116th street in Carmel on Saturday July 3rdt at 10:30. Please join us ~
  
  West Park is a water park so bring swim suits, towels, etc for your kids. There are picnic tables and/or an area to spread out blankets so bring a lunch ~
  
  No need to RSVP.............................hope to see you there! More info on West Park at http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/Parks/parkspages/parksandgreenways.htm.

• July 24th, 2004: On Saturday, July 24th Families thru International Adoption (FTIA) will hold their annual reunion at Forest Park in Indianapolis, Indiana
  
  To find out more visit the FTIA web site.

• July 24th, 2004:Lifebook/Scrapbook Party for Adoptive Families at the Sheraton Indianapolisat Keystone Crossing, on Saturday July 24th from 7PM to 11PM. Jennifer Demar, adoptive Mom, an FTIA family and owner of scrapandtell.com , will host a scrapbooking event for any and all adoptive families.
  
  WHAT: A scrapbooking party for adoptive families (sorry, no kids at this event)
  WHEN: Saturday, July 24th from 7-11pm
  WHERE: Sheraton Indianapolis, Keystone Crossing
  WHY: Because it will be fun!

  For more information and details on how to register, visit http://www.scrapandtell.com/scrapbookparty.html . For great products and helpful information for your lifebook or scrapbook, visit http://www.scrapandtell.com/ .
  

• July 31st, 2004: Families with Children from China – Indiana invites you to attend a day of exploration at The Field Museum in Chicago. The highlight of the trip will be the Splendors of China’s Forbidden City exhibit. The buses will fill quickly so please RSVP soon.

  When: Saturday, July 31, 2004
  Time: Buses from Indianapolis will leave at 6:00 a.m.
  Bus from West Lafayette will leave at 7:00 a.m.
  Cost: Covers bus transportation, general admission into the Field Museum and admission into the Splendors of China Exhibit.
  
  FCC Indiana Members Age 12-Adult $35.00 per person
  (Immediate family members) Under age 12 $15.00
  Under age 3 $10.00
  
  Non FCC Indiana Members Age 12-Adult $45.00 per person
  Under age 12 $20.00
  Under age 3 $10.00

  RSVP: To Neva Ramsey no later than July 5, 2004Please fill out the registration, sign the waiver and mail with a check, made payable to FCC Indiana, to the address below no later than July 5. Download this registration form here.
  
  Neva Ramsey
  5508 North 775 East
  Manilla, IN 46150
  

  For additional details about dining and stroller use, please visit here.
  
  Itinerary: 6:00 am Departure from Indianapolis - Meet at CSO Architects parking lot in the Parkwood Crossing Office Complex, 280 E. 96th Street.

  7:00 am Departure from West Lafayette - Meet at Wal-mart, 2801 Northwestern Ave.
  
  10:00 am Arrival at the Field Museum

  10:15 am to
  4:15 pm Families free to explore museum at their own leisure. The Splendors of China has an admission schedule that will be explained the day of travel.

  4:30 pm Departure from Chicago

  8:30 pm Approximate time of arrival in Indianapolis. (Earlier arrival for West Lafayette families)
  

  Any questions? Email .Nev Ramsey .

June 2004 Events

• June Birthdays

• June 11th - 13th, 2004: FCC Indiana is bringing nationally recognized adoption speaker, Jane Brown, MSW to Indianapolis on June 11, 12, 13, 2004 to present her Playshops for adopted children.The playshops will be held at St Luke's United Methodist Church on 86th Street west of Meridian Street.
  
  An adoption social worker, adoptive mother of children from Korea and China and a member of the editorial advisory board of Adoptive Families Magazine, Jane brings both knowledge and experience to the challenges faced by both adoptive parents and children. She will be available to parents before the group by phone or e-mail and will meet with parents after the group to give feedback on children’s reactions to the experience.
  
  Ms. Brown's schedule is as follows:
  
  SATURDAY
  9:00-11:00 a.m. 5-6's
  11:00-12:00 p.m. parents

  1:30-3:30 p.m. 7-9's
  3:30-4:30 p.m. parents

  SUNDAY
  9:00-11:00 a.m. 10's and up
  11:00-12:00 p.m. parents
  

  For further Playshop schedule, details about Friday night meeting with parents, how to contact Ms. Brown and a registration form, download here.

  For a list of hotels in the area, go here.

• June 19th, 2004: Dragon Boat Festival at Eagle Creek Park Boat Basin from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM . Our hosts are the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans (IACA), but FCC Indiana is committed to contribute by volunteering some form of service. Please contact Nev Ramsey to find out how you can help.
  
  IACA will provide main dishes and drinks along with activities, games and boat rides.
  
  When: Saturday, June 19, 2004
  11:00 am to 3:00 pm

  Where: Eagle Creek Park Marina
  7840 West 56th Street
  Cost: IACA members: FREE
  Non-members:
  Children under the age of 6: FREE
  Children ages 6 to 12: $3.00
  Ages 13 to adult: $5.00

Registration:

Please register early; registration ends June 11, 2004.
To register, send an email to Wei-Bao at WFONG@IUPUI.EDU with the number of guests you will be bringing. Alternatively, you may call Wei-Bao at (317) 875-6063. Additionally, if you would like to volunteer for this event please be sure to include that information with your registration.

What To Bring:

If your last name starts with: Bring this dish:
A to H Main Dish
I to P Appetizers
Q to Z Dessert / Sweets / Fruit

Bring what you would normally bring for a picnic. Items such as blankets, lawn chairs, and outdoor toys and games are recommended.

For more information about IACA, consult their web site at http://www.iacaonline.org/ For more information about Eagle Creek Park please see their website:
http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Eagle+Creek+Park.htm

May 2004 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 29th, 2004: The IACA's Lion Dance Team will be in this year's 500 parade on Saturday May 29th. If you'd like to join the team for future performances, visit http://www.iacaonline.org/ for contact information.

• May 23, 2004: The Indiana Chinese Community Center, Inc. (ICCCI -) has invited FCC Indiana to their family picnic on May 23 from noon to 4:00PM at Fishers Community Park in Fishers, Indiana. Please bring something good to eat - .there will also be a contest for the best dish! Voting will take place and the winner announced at the end of the picnic.

April 2004 Events

• April Birthdays

March 2004 Events

• March Birthdays

• March 13th, 2004 :Families Thru International Adoption will hold an informational meeting on Saturday, March 13th, at St. Luke's Church Room E-200 (Entrance #17), 100 W. 86th Stree tfrom 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.St Luke's is one block west of Meridian on 86th Street.

• 

  March 19th and 20th, 2004: FCC Indiana regrets to announce that best selling childrens' book author and illustrator Grace Lin has had to cancel her her visit to Indiana and FCC Indiana on March 19th and 20th due to family illness. She has graciously offered to appear at the Fall Open House scheduled for November 7th.
  
  If you would like to send a note to Grace and her family, contact Chris Jacobson at cjacobson@woodmaclaw.com

  For more information about Grace Lin, visit http://www.concentric.net/~Gracelin/ .

  
  Ms. Lin is the author and illustrator of the classic Dim Sum for Everyone ; the newly released Robert's Snow and others. She is the illustrator of such favorites as Round as a Mooncake and Round is a Dragon .
  
  
• March 20th, 2004: Families with Children from China - Indiana will presents the Spring Open House from 2 to 4:30 PM at Pike High School. We'll hold an informal Waiting Families meeting; have some crafts for the kids and have plenty of time to visit. The Marketplace will feature a record number of goodies; old and new and Ling Lings will also be selling the items you love plus some exciting new arrivals. If you're interested in volunteering for this event, contact Michele Turner. If you're interested in either attending the waiting families meeting or helping out with waiting families,. contact Judy Woodruff.
  
  For a map to Pike High School, consult Mapquest or Yahoo Maps.
  
• March 27th, 2004: Please join the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc .and
  Families With Children From China – Indiana for an afternoon of ice skating at the
  Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum on Saturday, March 27, 2004 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  

  Snacks will be provided and the coliseum will have a concession stand open. Figure skate rental is $2.00 and hockey skate rental $3.00. Parking is $3.00.
  
  Please RSVP by March 24th to contact Tracy Dawson at redthreadgirl2000@comcast.net or dawsont@mail.ips.k12.in.us

• November Birthdays

• November 1st, 2003: Saturday, November 1st, Families Thru International Adoption (FTIA) will be presenting a free Informational Seminar at St. Luke's Church, 100 E. 86th Street, Room E-200 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  
  There will be a Waiting Families meeting the same day at St. Luke's from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The topic for the Waiting Families meeting will be Meeting Your Child: Expectation and Realities and will be presented by our FTIA staff.  We encourage everyone in the process of adopting or who have completed their adoption to attend and take advantage of this important information.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

• November 1st, 2003: FCC Indiana Fall Event on Saturday, November 1st from 3 to 6:00PM at Carmel United Methodist Church on 621 South Range Line Road in Carmel, Indiana. Enjoy an informal get-together; see the Panda Academy dancers; shop at the marketplace and thrill to the antics of Jungle John and the Animals of Asia.
  
  

  Schedule of Events
  Registration 3:00PM
  Pitch in snacks 3:30
  Panda Academy Dancers 4:00
  Jungle John and the Animals of Asia
  5:00
  Marketplace Open 3:00 to 4:00
  and 5:00 to 6:00PM
  Pitch-In Snacks Assignments*
  A-E ~ Appetizers/Finger Food
  F-J ~ Chips, Dips, Salsa
  K-0 ~ Cheese/Veggies & Dip
  P-T ~ Cookies & Sweets
  U-Z ~ Fruit or something fruit based
  
  *Please Bring enough for your family plus two!
  
  *Anyone willing to make a pasta and/or green salad dish instead of their "assignment" - please feel free!
  
  Check here for a map and directions to the church. Volunteers - we need 'em! To volunteer for marketplace, email Teresa McClain at Mcclaintrio@aol.com .Tto volunteer for set up, pitch in , general wrangling and tear down, please email Judy Woodruff or call Michele Turner at 317 295 1654.
  
  You can also download a copy of the Fall Open House 2003 Flyer.

• November 7th - 8th, 2003: Come and see the Older Panda Dancers at the International Festival in Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fair grounds on Friday, November 7th at 6:30 and Saturday, November 8th at 5:30. For more information or to confirm performance times, consult the Indy International Festival 2003 web site.

• November 22nd, 2003: The International Adoption Clinic and Clinic founder and director Dr. James Conway will host a International Adoption Conference on Saturday November 22nd, 2003 from 8AM to 1PM at the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. It will be held at the Riley Outpatient Center basement auditorium. and feature talks on traveling internationally with children, medical issues in international adoptees, basic neurodevelopment in children, and attachment issues in adopted children.The conference will be helpful to anyone involved with international adoption.
  
  There will be space available for organizations and agencies that wish to display (as they did last year). They should contact Denise Shalkowski at 317-274-7260 if they are interested.
  
  Find here a downloadable registration form for the conference and here is a map of Riley Hospital Outpatient building and parking .

• November is Adoption Awareness month.

October 2003 Events

• October Birthdays

September 2003 Events

• September Birthdays

• September 6th, 2003: First Annual FCC Indiana Trip to Chinatown in Chicago on Saturday , September 6th. FCC Indiana members are welcome to attend a fun day of food, shopping, and exploring at Chicago’s Chinatown. Two charter buses have been reserved for our travel. Please, RSVP early to insure your seats for this exciting trip.
  

  ~ The Day's Itinerary ~

  7:30 AM Meet at St. Luke's Church located at 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis.
  (We will have one fifteen minute break during travel)

  11:30 AM Arrival at Chinatown

  11:30 - 3:45 Families on their own to explore, eat and shop

  4:00 PM Bus will depart. (We will again have a break during travel.)

  8:00- 9:00 Arrival in Indianapolis

  
  
  The cost is $10.00 per FCC Indiana member and $20.00 for non-FCC Indiana member. Please RSVP by August 15th by sending in your registration form and payment to:
  
  

  Neva Ramsey
  5508 North 775
  East Manilla, IN
  46150
  Payment and registration form must be sent in no later thanAugust 15th in order to reserve a seat. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Neva Ramsey at Nev03dan@aol.com or (765) 763-7483.
  
  Just a reminder for families living in or near Lafayette: there will be a bus pickup at the Meijer store. The store is located at 4901 SR 26. The bus company recommends that families meet at the store at 8:45 AM in the hopes that the bus would be there between 8:45 and 9:00 AM.

  The store has been gracious enough to allow us to use their parking area. We need to meet at the corner of the parking lot by the Meijer's gas station.

  If you are interested in the Lafayette pickup please indicate so on the RSVP or email Neva Ramsey at Nev03dan@aol.com .

• September 9th thru 13th: Fall semester for Panda Academy begins!

• September 13, 2003: Indiana Association of Chinese Americans, Inc presents the annual Moon Festival Walk and Celebration. This year's Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on September 11, 2003 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month) but the Moonwalk will be held on Saturday, September 13th.
  
  The event is confirmed for Saturday, September 13 (with an optional picnic of BYOF to start at 5:30) at the White River State Park. The walk will start at dusk (approximately 7:30). All IACA members are free, but FCC members (if not IACA members) must pay $3 per person (including children) at the door that night.
  
  We will meet at the west shelter house – the same place as last year, which is on the west side of the river next to the White River Gardens.

  Parking is free at the Zoo after 5 p.m. that day
  
  RSVP to Lee Ann Hoy at 317-885-9469 or lee.ann.hoy@nmpct.org . Be sure to include your family names – number of adults – and number of children. Please RSVP before September 1st.

• September 27, 2003 : The 2nd Annual Heartland Medical Express Silent Auction will be held the evening of Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 6:30PM. The auction will be held at the beautifully restored Irvington Masonic Lodge, 5515 E. Washington Street in Historic Irvington (east side of Indianapolis). For more information or to make a donation, please contact Charlotte Ottinger at Cottinger@indy.rr.com .
  
  Here is a link for directions .
  
  The silent auction is open to the public and admission is free. Not only will this fundraiser help us to continue to financially meet the medical needs of children in Chinese orphanages, but it will be an exciting social event! The selection of auction items will be extensive, with a variety of price ranges, and there will be door prizes for children and adults.

  We are still in need of donations! Perhaps you would like to make a donation in honor of the child you adopted from China. Or maybe your FCC group, travel group or orphanage group would like to donate an item or gift basket. If you own a business or manufacture a product and would like to donate something, we would be more than happy to display any advertising materials, catalogs, order forms, or brochures next to your donated item. No donation is too big or too small! We are particularly interested in bed & breakfast packages, quality antiques and jewelry, gift items and restaurant certificates from around the country.
  

August 2002 Events

• August Birthdays

July 2003 Events

• July Birthdays

• July 12th, 2003: the 3rd annual Heartland Medical Express Walk for Hope on Saturday, July 12th, starting at 9AM. The Walk for Hope is a family non-competitive 3.1 mile walk to benefit children in China who require much needed medical assistance; assistance that is coordinated from start to finish by Heartland Medical Express..
  
  So all you Walkers with Hope - meet at Eagle Creek Park (7840 W. 56 th Street) at the Beach Area at 9am!
  
  The registration details are as follows:
  Pre-Registration: Must be received by July 07. Fee is $20.00 per adult and includes T-shirt. No fee for pre-registered children AND each will receive a (free) T-shirt. Registration forms can be downloaded here. However, if you are interested in pre-registering please contact Mark Renholzberger via e-mail at markrenholzberger@hotmail.com or phone 250 - 8211. Day of Event Registration: Fee is $20.00 per adult but does not include a T-shirt.

June 2003 Events

• June Birthdays

• June 2nd - June 9th: FCC Indiana and Adamson's Karate Studios present Summer Day Camp 2003 JUNE 2-6 from 1-4PM at Adamson’s Karate Studios, Inc., 271 Merchants Square, Carmel, IN 46032. The cost is $80.00 per student and children 4 years old to teenagers can enroll. This class is open to FCC Indiana kids, siblings, friends, cousins- suitable for all ages and beginners. Students will be placed in age appropriate groups. To register, call 317. 844. 0657.
  
  Adamson’s Karate has been in Indianapolis for 25 years. They are piloting a new class combining Chinese language learning and Karate. This program may be available in many of their schools around the city next year so your child can continue if interested. Adamson’s also offer a wide variety of summer classes for students who want to continue after camp.

  Have your student wear stretchy, cool clothing and send a water bottle.

• June 7th, 2003: The Dragon Boat Festival at Eagle Creek Park Marina at 7840 W. 56th St. with Indiana Association of Chinese-Americans (IACA); The Indiana Association of Chinese Americans has once again invited Families with Children from China - IN to join them in celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival! This event is free for IACA members. Fee for non-IACA members is $5 for ages 13 to adult; $3 for 6-12 year olds, free for 6 and under.
  
  The festivities run from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, June 7th. There will be boat rides provided and games for both adults and children including dragon races! Bring what you would normally bring for a picnic. Items such as blankets, lawn chairs, and outdoor toys and games are recommended.

  Please register early, registration ends May 31, 2003. To register, send an E-mail to Peter Yueh at pmyueh@aol.com with the number of guests you will be bringing. Alternatively you may call Peter at 317-569-0135. Also, if you would like to volunteer for this event please include that information with your registration.
  
  IACA will provide main dishes and drinks along with activities, games and boat rides. Families are asked to bring a dish (first letter of last name):
  A- H = Side dish/Salad
  I-P = Appetizers
  Q-Z = Dessert/Sweets/Fruit

  Some other things to remember:

  - For non-IACAmembers: Your RSVP includes two parts. 1) emailing Peter Yueh AND 2) by sending your check to IACA by May 31! The IACA address is: IACA, P.O. Box 18, Carmel, IN 46032 - c/o Dragon Boat Festival, Jessica Chai.

  - Everyone should bring ONE OR TWO dishes that corresponds with the first letter of their last name (see above) - to be sure we have enough food. Meat, beverages and plastic tableware will be provided.

  - There is no "discount fee" for FCC members who are not IACA members! You must be a member of IACA to attend "free." FCC members must pay the events costs if they are not IACA members!

  And volunteers - we need 'em!
  
  Set-up volunteers - We need about four people to arrive at 9 a.m. and help move picnic tables, set up grills, etc.

  Cooks -- We need about four cooks to help grill hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken wings.

  Drinks -- Can someone bring enough Kool Aid for about 100 kids?

  Kids Activities -- need potato sacks and helpers

  Father's Day presents -Volunteers to coordinate this. Ideas? Crafts? Paint shirts that we each bring from home? Need both coordinator and helpers

  Clean Up --We will need about six volunteers to help clean up after the event.

  Calendars -- TBA by calendar committee

  For more information about Eagle Creek Park please see their website:
  http://www.indygov.org/indyparks/funfinder/indyparks_tour/park_eagle_creek.html

• Attention current FCC Indiana members . . . We will be holding a group shot for the back cover of the 2004 From China with Love Calendar just prior to the "Panda Academy Walk in the Park" at Holliday Park on Saturday, June 26th. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of the fountain (same place as last year). The photo will be shot precisely at 9:45 a.m., so please arrive in plenty of time.

  The photo will be casual, so the kids may wear whatever they plan on wearing
  to the picnic. The website for Holliday Park is
  http://www.indygov.org/indyparks/funfinder/indyparks_tour/park_holliday.html

  Postcards with this information will also be mailed to members this week.

• June 26th, 2003: Panda Academy Walk in the Park! The Northside Saturday Panda Academy classes are hosting a special event at Holliday Park on Saturday June 26th at 10:00 am. This event is to make up for a snow day. Students from all Thursday, Friday and Saturday Panda Classes are welcome to join in!

  Two of our wonderful Panda instructors, Nancy and Fei, will lead a Chinese themed "Walk in the Park" during which the children will learn Chinese phrases for common sights and sounds at the park. In case of rain we will tour the Nature Center.

  Schedule:
  Saturday June 26th 10:00 AM - Arrive at Holliday Park
  10:30 AM - Meet in front of Nature Center for "Walk in the Park"
  11:30 AM - Playground or Lunch time ("bring your own")
  Holliday Park is located at 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. See link below for a Map and more information. The park does not allow reservation of picnic tables so plan to get there early if you want one.

  http://www.indygov.org/indyparks/funfinder/indyparks_tour/park_holliday.html

  If you have any questions please contact Dan Rumreich at FCCPanda@yahoo.com
  
  P.S. If you have not already done so - please take the time to complete the Spring semester Panda Academy Feedback form . The form is now fully automated.

May 2003 Events

• May Birthdays

• May 1st, 2003: The Chicago Consulate has verified that, effective May 1st 2003, they will be
  follow the directive from the China Embassy regarding Visa service and increased fees.
  The fee service changes are listed here.

  This information is courtesy of Denise Hope and There's Always Hope! Courier Service .

• May 10th, 2003: Greenwood Saturday Panda Academy class make-up for snow day in February class. There will be no Northwood class on May 10th - we hope to have a "walk in the park" with our Panda Teachers later this summer. Class resumes in the fall.

• May 10th, 2003 : 26th Annual Multicultural/International Festival will be held on on Saturday May 10th, from 10-4p.m. at Glendale Mall. Our very own Panda Da dancers are going to perform at 2 p.m!
  This event is sponsored by the IPS office of multicultural education and the Indianapolis Education Association. Parents, friends and family - your assistance is needed! If you have time to share, please call Tracy Dawson at 841-7687 or email her at redthreadgirl2000@comcast.net .

• May 10th, 2003: FTIA Informational meeting for all those prospective adoptive parents on Saturday, May 10th in Indianapolis. FTIA will have the latest information about China, Russia, Guatemala, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, India and Brazil. Also present will be adoptive parents to share their adoption experiences. It is their hope that you will invite anyone you know who may be interested in international adoption to attend our Informational Seminar. Also, if you can help get the word out in your community through local newspapers, church bulletins, etc. please do so. To quote Keith Wallace, "You know how exciting this opportunity is and we hope that you will share it with others."
  
  For more information about Families Thru International Adoption, visit their web site at http://www.ftia.org/index.html

• May 11th, 2003: Taste of Taiwan has been cancelled. However the Taiwanese American Association of Indianapolis has announced that the Tsou (Taiwan Aboriginal) Dance performance will go on. This will be an excellant performance. TAAI has generously reserved 30 seats for FCC Indiana familie . If you are interested in attending please e-mail a ticket request to Dan Rumreich at fccpanda@yahoo.com. Tickets are complimentary.Dan will e-mail you an electronic ticket which is required for entry. Limit of 4 per family. The deadline for ticket requests is Friday May 9th.The show will be held Sunday May 11th at 2:30 to 4:30PM at the Performing Art Center of Carmel located at 575 W. Carmel Drive in Carmel.

• May 15th, 2003: FTIA will hold an informational meeting for prospective adoptive families on Thursday March 20th in Evansville. FTIA can be contacted throught their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .

• May 18th, 2003: FCC Indiana Waiting Families reception at the home of FCC Indiana Waiting Families Coordinator Shane Thompson, his wife Kelly Wilkinson and their daughter Lily.
  
  The agenda is as follows: 1) casual discussion about waits, updates and news from the China program and b) feigning interest in Glen and Judy Woodruff's account of their recent trip to China to bring home Baby Woodruff #2, including the changes since the advent of SARS and c) oohing and ahhing over Baby Woodruff #2.

  Details as follows:

  Date and Time: Sunday May 18 at 7:00 PM
  Location:The Thompson/Wilkinson home- 9313 Clemson Street, Indianapolis
  Directions: From 86th Street and Michigan Rd. on Indy's Northwest side, go East on 86th to Colby Blvd. At Colby go North (Left) to Barnard. Turn West (Left) on Barnard and as the street curves it becomes Clemson.
  They are the last house on the right, a 2-story number with a lantern
  hanging from the mailbox.

  If you are a waiting family that can make it please RSVP by replying to Shane at ShaneTRN@Hotmail.com . And yes, children are welcome.

• May 18th, 2003: FCC Indiana very first Chinese cooking class for adults only!
  
  What: Chinese Fried Noodles
  When: Sunday, May 18, 2003
  Time: 1:00 p.m.
  Where: TBA

  We will meet at 1:00 p.m. at the A1 Market on Shadeland just south of 38th Street. A1 is on the east side of the street. We will spend about an hour shopping and getting any questions answered. The cooking class will be at Church of the Savior, United Methodist after the trip to the grocery. The address is 6205 N. Rucker Road. Church of the Savior, United Methodist. Go east on 62nd Street past S.R. 37 to the stop sign (Rucker Road) about two blocks. Go left (north) and the drive is on the right.

  Please bring an electric wok and utensils if you have one.

  The class will be taught by Wendy Zhang, the Co-President of Lilly's Chinese Cultural Network. Don't miss out on this wonderful afternoon adventure.

  If you plan on attending please RSVP to Tracy Dawson at redthreadgirl2000@comcast.net so we will have an accurate count.

April 2003 Events

• April Birthdays

• April 3rd and April 5th, 2003: Thursday Carmel and Saturday Northwood Panda Academy Spring Break.

• April 5th, 2003: Bethany Christian Services will hold a informational seminar regarding their China adoption program on Saturday, April 5th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at East 91st Street Christian Church. The meeting is free. To make sure there are enough chairs and handouts,please RSVP with a quick call to Bethany Christian Services at (317) 568-1000. They'll furnish directions for all who ask.

• April 6th, 2003: Race for all Races Indianapolis Diversity Run 2003; a 5-mile run and 5K walk starting at 9:00 am on April 6, 2003 at the Conseco Field House. For more information, visit http://www.aaalliance.org/raceinfo.asp .

• April 12th, 2003: Families Thru International Adoption (FTIA) and Adoption Support Center (ASC) will hold an introductory informational meeting for prospective families in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 12th, 2003 at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 100 West 86th St. , room E200.
  
  ASC's phone number is (317)255-5916. FTIA can be contacted throught their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .

• April 18th, 2003; Friday Northwood Panda Academy Spring Break

• April 26th, 2003: FCC Indiana Spring Open House on Saturday, April 26th from 4PM to 630PM at North Central Church of Christ; 9015 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis. There will be a pitch in dinner; market place shopping; games; crafts; a performance by our Panda dancers and more!
  
  As the children in our membership grow older, we are excited to have the opportunity to provide age-appropriate educational, cultural and social activities to further our mission of promoting understanding, appreciation and pride in our children's Chinese heritage. In an effort to address the needs of our older children, we will be offering the following workshop during the Spring Open House on April 26: The Journey to My Forever Family;a workshop for our 7-9 year old adopted children (A sibling workshop will come later).
  
  This children's workshop will focus on providing a safe environment where our children can process their feelings, connect with others and share their adoptive experience. This workshop will led by two licensed certified social workers from Indianapolis, one of whom is Tracy Dawson - a board member of FCC Indiana, that will include an ice breaker, art and writing projects, and snacks. If you would like additional information regarding the workshop, please contact Tracy Dawson at redthreadgirl2000@comcast.net .
  
  Other details regarding the Open House (food assignments for the pitch-in dinner, for example) , have been mailed to all members. Because the date is fast approaching, we are encouraging families to RSVP to Laura Moriarity via phone at 317-575-0848 or via e-mail at lmoriarity@csoinc.net.
  
  Volunteers are also needed. Email FCC Indiana Board here if you can share 30 minutes of your time.

• April 26th, 2003: FCC Indiana's first playgroup of the season will be Saturday, April 26th from 10:00am until Noon. We will meet at the main play area of Broad Ripple park at 1610 Broad Ripple Avenue. This is a wonderful park with a nice playground, walking path and picnic tables. Bring your lunch, meet some new friends and enjoy a wonderful morning.

• April 29th, 2003: Bethany Christian will be holding an Open House from 2 pm to 6 pm on Tuesday, April 29th to celebrate their new office location. They have moved to 5650 Catio Drive, Indianapolis IN 46226. For more information, contact them at 317-568-1000.
  
  Bethany is also asking for "self-portraits" made by children (age 5 or older) adopted thru Bethany. The portrait should be placed in wooden frame with intact glass (max size 8x10) and signed personally by the child (first name only).

• The deadline for photo submissions to the From China with Love 2004 calendar is almost here - May 1st ,2003. You can download an entry form and guidelines here. Please read the guidlines before submitting your pictures. For those of you who have already submitted, please reread as we have added a page 3.

March 2003 Events

• March Birthdays

• March 15th, 2003: Families Thru International Adoption will hold an introductory informational meeting for prospective families as well as a Waiting Families meeting in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 15th, 2003 at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 100 West 86th St. , room E200.
  
  FTIA can be contacted throught their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .
  

• March 16th, 2003: This is an open invitation from the Women's Committee Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

  The Michael Ben & Illen Komisrow Mauer Young Musicians Contest encourages young Indiana musicians up through Grade 12 to set and achieve goals of technical and artistic excellence by providing accomplished student instrumentalists an opportunity to perform in a competitive setting.

  What: Young Musicians Contest Finals
  Date: Sunday, March 16, 2003
  Time: 1 p.m.
  Cost: FREE - Open to the public (six finalists will perform)
  Venue: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Avenue
  Recommended audience - children age 8 thorough adults.

  Fist prize - $1,000 and performance w/ the ISO as soloist on May 28, 2003

  Contact 262-4068 or dfazli@indyorch.org for more information.

• March 18th, 2003: Bethany Christian Services will host an informational meeting for any prospective parents seeking information about international adoption (not specifically China) on March 18th, Tuesday at 6 p.m.
  
  This meeting takes place at the Bethany office, which is located at 465 and 56th Street on the east side of Indianapolis (just west of Lawrence Central High School). These seminars are free and last about 2 hours. Topics covered include: Bethany's international programs, related procedures like INS and dossiers, and an adoptive family who will share their experience. Although registration is not required, Bethany asks that families call ahead of time so they can prepare materials for them. Their phone number is (317) 568-1000, and their email address is bcsindianapolis@bethany.org. Families who call ahead will also receive an information packet describing our services and other aspects of the process.

• March 20th, 2003: FTIA will hold an informational meeting for prospective adoptive families on Thursday March 20th in Evansville. FTIA can be contacted throught their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .

February 2003 Events

Lunar New Year is celebrated from February 1st to February 15th.

We celebrate this ancient tradition, the Chinese New Year, at the beginning of the year by the Chinese lunar calendar. This is now the year 4701- the year of the ram .

At the beginning of the year, the past year’s symbol goes into limbo for eleven years before emerging for another one-year reign in the perpetual twelve-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.

Chinese lunar New Year falls on the first day of the first moon. This varies in relation to the Gregorian calendar named after Pope Gregory XIII, who decreed it in 1582 to replace the Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C.

The lunar calendar, which dates from 2698 B.C., thus predated the Julian calendar by 2652 years and the Gregorian calendar by 4280 years.

The Chinese New Year is the most colorful and important of China’s fêtes. It is observed from the 16th of the 12th month until the 15th of the New Year. The Lunar New Year itself may occur as early as January 21 and as late as February 21.

On the 16th day of the last month, businesses close their accounts and thank the gods for a prosperous year. Even their customers join in by paying their debts. Everyone wants to start the New Year with a clean slate.

The New Year celebrations come to an end on the fifteenth day of the first moon, observed as the Lantern Festival. A feature of the festival is the eating of "yuan hsiao," a small dumpling made of rice flour and containing a sweet filling. The dumpling is round, symbolizing the full moon and complete family reunions. To learn more about Chinese holidays, visit http://www.holidayfestival.com/chinese-ny.html .

January 2003 Events

• January Birthdays

• The Chinese Consulate in Chicago will be closed on January 1st, 2003 in observance of New Years Day. This Consulate update was brought to you courtesy of There's Always Hope Adoption Documents & Visa Courier.

• January 11th, 2003: Families Thru International Adoption will hold a Waiting Families meeting on Saturday, January 11, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 100 West 86th St. , (one block west of Meridian on 86th Street ) in room E200. The topic for this Waiting Families meeting will be Early Intervention.
  
  The same morning of January 11th at 10am, FTIA will hold a free informational seminar for all of those prospective adoptive parents. It is FTIA's hope that you will invite anyone you know who may be interested in international adoption to attend their Free Informational Seminar. Also, if you can help them get the word out in your community through local newspapers, church bulletins, etc., please do so. FTIA hopes that you will share this exciting opportunity with others.
  
  FTIA can be contacted thorough their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .
  
  

• January 16th, 2003: Families Thru International Adoption will hold an introductory informational meeting for prospective families in Evansville on Thursday, January 16th, 2003 in the Activities Room at 400 Bentee Wes Court from 7pm - 8:30pm.
  
  Directions: From the intersection of the Lloyd Expressway and Burkhardt Rd., which is the first major intersection West of I-164, proceed north to the intersection of Burkhardt Rd. and E. Virginia (which is 2 stoplights north of the Lloyd Expressway). Turn right (east) on E. Virginia and proceed approximately .4 miles to Bentee Wes Ct. Turn right (south) on Bentee Wes Ct. and proceed to the building with the Big Blue Roof.
  
  FTIA can be contacted throught their web site; or phone numbers 812-479-9900 and toll free: 888-797-9900; FAX: 812-479-9901 or by email at adopt@ftia.org .

December 2002 Events

• December Birthdays

• Last day of class for Saturday Panda Academy classes: December 14 ; for Thursday classes : December 19.

November 2002 Events

November 23rd: FCC Indiana Open House; at the Community Church of Greenwood; 1477 West Main; Greenwood, Indiana from 3:30 to 7:00PM.

The event will begin at 3:00 with workshops and discussion groups including:

~ "When Help Arrives" by the Red Cross, geared toward child care.
~ The kick off of a new discussion group for single parents.
~ A Waiting Families meeting with an expert at preparing pets for a new baby.
~ Celebrating Chinese Culture with Kids. Presented by Lingual
Explorations, Inc......Storytelling, puppets, games, music, and play-based
activities for all ages.
~ Gratitude for the "Gifts" Who Enrich Our Lives.....Sharon Mills,
author and mother, discusses her experience with adoption....her book,
Reflections of Adoption, includes 50 poems which reflect the many facets of
adoption through the eyes of parents, children, and teenagers.


There will be crafts and activities for the children. In addition, the Marketplace will feature a wonderful selection of Chinese cultural items perfect for gift giving, including the 2003 From China with Love Calendar ($10 for members at the event).

At 5:00 we will all gather for a Pitch-in Dinner
Last names beginning with........please bring........
A-F - Meat, casseroles, pasta
G-L - Salads, fruit, cheese
M-S - Desserts
T-Z - Vegetables or vegetarian dishes

Children participating in Panda School will perform songs and dances following dinner.

At 6:30, the Annual Business meeting, open to all members, will be held. Elections for 4 board positions for 2003-2006 will take place as well as a summary of board activity for 2002.

Directions to 1477 West Main, Greenwood, IN: 1. I-465 south to I-65 south, approximately 8 miles south exit at the Greenwood exit. Turn right and follow Main Street approximately. 3 miles to the church, the church will be on your left. 2. 465 to 65 south, exit at the Greenwood/Main Street exit. Turn west, or right, on Main Street approximately 3 miles, the church will be on the left. 3. 465 to the 31 south exit. South on 31 approximately 9 miles to Main Street, turn right. Approximately 2 miles, church will be on the left.

Please RSVP to Michele Turner at michelet@comcast.net or Carryn Fletcher at jcfletch@indy.net by Wednesday, November 20th.