‘American Pickers’ looking for characters with antiques
TV show “American Pickers” will be in Indiana in March and April and is looking for people with valuable antiques to be on the show.
Producers are looking for “characters with interesting and unique items,” such as vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, pre-’50s western gear, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items and clothing.
Send name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to [email protected] or call 855-old-rust.
Babysitter training offered for youth
Brown County/Purdue Extension 4-H will host training to be the “best babysitter” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, in the Community Room, 802 Memorial Drive at the fairgrounds. Participants must be at least 12.
Topics include safety, first aid, child development, nutrition, babysitting as a business and entertaining children.
Membership in 4-H is not required.
For more information or to register, visit the 4-H office, call 812-988-5495 or email [email protected].
Heart Smart program offered by extension office
A program of four one-hour sessions to “Be Heart Smart” will be offered from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 29 and 31, April 5 and 7, at the Purdue Extension Office Community Room, 802 Memorial Drive at the fairgrounds.
Taught by an extension educator, session topics are “Know Your Risks,” “Know Your Numbers,” “Heart Healthy Cooking” and “Taking Action.”
To register by the Friday, March 25 deadline, drop by the extension office, call 812-988-5495, or email [email protected].
Special services slated at church
FREETOWN — Becks Grove Christian Church, 8009 Becks Grove Road, will host a Good Friday service at 7 p.m. March 25, with communion.
On resurrection Sunday, March 27, services include a sunrise service at 7 a.m., breakfast at 8:15 a.m. and worship service at 9:30 a.m.
Addiction recovery support offered at church
From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, New Life Community Church, 1450 State Road 135 North, will host weekly recovery support meetings, Battlefield For Freedom, for people struggling with addiction; and Healing for the Homefront meetings for people who are affected by another’s drug/alcohol use.
For those who struggle with addiction, more information is available by calling Melissa Tatman at 812-320-9838.
For those affected by another’s addiction, more information is available by contacting Meme at 812-345-1374 or email [email protected].
Tolkien works celebrated at public library
From 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, a celebration of the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien will take place at the Brown County Public Library, 205 N. Locust Lane.
The public is invited to bring favorite passages to share or come listen and have a cup of English tea, which will be provided.
Tolkien Reading Day was organized in 2003.
Book discussion with author planned for adults
As part of the Brown County Reads program, an effort to get the community to read, discuss and enjoy the same book, adults can read “The Story of Charlotte’s Web” by Michael Sims, and attend a book talk with the author at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Brown County Public Library.
Garden plots for rent at Deer Run Park
Brown County Parks and Recreation has community garden plots available to rent for the 2016 growing season at Deer Run Park.
For more information or to reserve a spot, call 812-988-5522.
BCHS 1966 alumni sought for 50th reunion
Organizers of the Brown County High School 50th alumni banquet are seeking help in finding 1966 alumni.
With information, email John Jones at [email protected].
The reunion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Creekside Retreat, 2450 State Road 46 East, and include hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a cash bar. All classmates and others associated with the class are welcome.
To RSVP, contact Buzz King at [email protected] or 812-988-4294.
Superintendent to speak to parents about referendum
Brown County Schools Superintendent David Shaffer is speaking to elementary school parent-teacher organizations about the school district’s referendum proposal.
Voters will be asked in May to pay 8 cents more per $100 of assessed property value to maintain staff and current class sizes, support current and new programs, provide for teacher salaries and fund the Brown County Career Resource Center.
Shaffer will speak at Sprunica Elementary School at 6 p.m. Monday, March 28 in the science lab.
He will speak at Van Buren Elementary Schoool at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 in the cafeteria.
Shaffer visited Helmsburg Elementary School on March 1.
Residents can apply for storm shelter funds
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened a program to aid Indiana residents who wish to construct and install a severe weather safe room in their home.
Up to 53 applicants will be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of eligible costs, up to $4,500. Funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Questions can be directed to the IDHS Mitigation staff at [email protected].
Having a ‘ruff’ day? Read to dogs at the library
Children and adults are welcome to visit the Brown County Public Library, 205 N. Locust Lane, from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, for Sit, Stay, Read!
The program features three certified therapy dogs and good listeners, Mocha, Daisy June and George.
No registration is required for the drop-in program, underwritten by Friends of the Library and made possible in partnership with the Brown County Humane Society.
For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850.
Restaurants help BCJHS history team
To help the Brown County Junior High School We the People team raise money to travel to the national competition in Washington, D.C., area restaurants have been contributing a portion of sales on certain dates.
The last scheduled promotion will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. Big Woods Pizzeria, 44 N. Van Buren, and Big Woods Brewery, 60 Molly’s Lane, will donate 15 percent of food purchases (drinks excluded) when accompanied by a coupon/token, available on Facebook by searching for “We the People Brown County Junior High and High School.”
Relay for Life teams forming now for May event
Brown County is gearing up for Relay for Life with a meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, at the Brown County Public Library, 205 N. Locust Lane.
While the main event is Saturday, May 21, at the Brown County High School track, now is the time for teams to form and start fundraising.
Those who cannot join a team can support the effort by making a donation, sponsoring the event or encouraging survivors to register.
For more information, attend the April meeting, visit relayforlife.org/browncountyin or call 812-325-6651.
Church breakfast free to community
HAMBLEN TWP. — Sprunica Baptist Church, 3902 Sprunica Road, will serve a free community breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9.
Served the second Saturday of each month, the menu includes biscuits and gravy, rolls, eggs and more.
Open house planned at Yellowwood State Forest
MARTINSVILLE — People interested in how Indiana’s state forests operate can share their views at a series of open houses starting this month.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, major projects, forest resource management and planning. Participants can talk directly with DNR personnel or submit written comments. Some open houses will include a tour of facilities or a woods walk.
The event for Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests will be Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Training Center at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, off State Road 37, about 6 miles south of Martinsville. For more information, call (765)342-4026.
Art guild plans ‘Man Cave’ event
Brown County Art Guild, 48 S. Van Buren St., will partner with Harley Davidson of Bloomington, Big Woods Brewing and three troupes of belly, flamenco and hoop dancers for the inaugural Brown County Man Cave from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 10.
The event, $21.69 per person, features a Jump Start machine that enables beginners to “experience a big Harley without risk.”
Tickets include food and beer provided by Big Woods and dancing in an art atmosphere.
Guild artist Lynn Dunbar will paint during the event; other painters are welcome.
For tickets, visit browncountymancave.bpt.me.
Annual Soup Bowl Benefit date set
From 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 10, The Seasons Convention Center, 560 State Road 46 East, will host the annual Soup Bowl Benefit for Mother’s Cupboard Community Kitchen.
Tickets — $25 for adults and $5 for kids — can be purchased at Brown County IGA and from Mother’s Cupboard board members, and will be available at the door.
Adult ticket-holders receive a hand-thrown bowl by Brown County potters to fill with soups from local restaurants. The event includes live music performed by bluegrass band Hamilton Creek and a silent auction.
All proceeds benefit Mother’s Cupboard Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 825, Nashville, IN 47448.
Participating restaurants include the Abe Martin Lodge, Artist’s Colony Inn, Brown County Inn, Big Woods Brewery, Beni’s Catering, Brown County Community Foundation, Cornerstone Inn, Gatesville Country Store, Harvest Moon, Hobnob Corner, Hotel Nashville, Ice Cream Cottage, Out of the Ordinary, Rawhide Ranch, Story Inn, The Pine Room and Trails End.
Potters donating bowls are Judy and Tom Prichard, Linda Morris — Fox Run Pottery, Mindy Weddle — Carmel Ridge Clayworks, Larry Spears Gallery, Pryde Bayliss Pottery, John and Beth Mills — Brown County Pottery, Susy O’Donnell Pottery, Barb Lund Pottery, Walt Schmidt — Hickory Tree Studio, Brown County High School art students, Jan Arbogast, Adam Egenolf — Egenolf Ceramics, Karen Green Stone and Paula Patton.
Mother’s Cupboard, 868 Memorial Drive at the Brown County Fairgrounds, serves free hot meals from 4 to 6 p.m. 364 days a year to anyone, no questions asked — more than 4,000 a month. It also operates a food bank and distributes government commodities. The kitchen is funded by donations from individuals and endowments administered by the Brown County Community Foundation. To volunteer at the kitchen, call Chef Sherry at 812-929-9211 and make a date to help.
Food manager’s certification class offered
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 11 and 12, a food manager certification class will be taught in the second-floor Salmon Room of the County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane. The Monday session will end at 12:30 p.m. and the Tuesday session will finish at 2:30 p.m.
All businesses serving food, except nonprofits, are required to have a certified food manager on staff. Certification is good for five years.
The class costs $125, which includes the book and test. The book should be picked up at the health department to study in advance. To take the test only, the cost is $50.
For more information, reservations or to pick up the book, call the health department at 812-988-2255 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Preservation society to meet in April
The Peaceful Valley Heritage Preservation Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in a lower-level meeting room of the Brown County Community Foundation, 209 N. Van Buren St.
The agenda includes updates on current preservation projects; guest speaker Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks, a state preservation organization; and other business.
All are welcome. The organization serves to recognize and preserve historic, cultural and natural resources of Brown County. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month.
For more information, contact Ruth Reichmann at [email protected] or 812-345-1383.
Brown County Lions Club invites parade participants
The Brown County Lions Club extends an invitation to all organizations to participate in the annual Spring Blossom Parade Saturday, May 7.
This marks the 53rd continuous year for the parade, and the theme, “Brown County Celebrates our Superheroes,” recognizes the 50th anniversary of the 1966 “Batman” TV series and movie and the 200th birthday of Indiana.
The “Batman” movie will play at the Brown County Playhouse Friday evening, May 6, and the Batmobile will be on display across the street that evening and in the parade on Saturday.
There is no entry fee to be in the parade. Registration and waiver forms are available at the Purdue Extension Office, Visitors Center and online at e-clubhouse.org/sites/browncounty. The registration deadline is April 15. Signed waiver forms will be required from all who will be marching or riding in the parade. A confirmation with more information will be sent to each organization after receipt of their registration form. Any questions about registration should be directed to Lion Gene Niednagel at 988-6865 or email him at [email protected].
In addition to the Spring Blossom Parade, Lion community service projects include Independence Day fireworks, Adopt a Highway, Village Street Sweepers, Adopt a River and River Watch, eyeglass and hearing aid collection, scholarships and grants, and vision screening for children and adults.
Learn more about money management
From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, the Brown County Purdue Extension Service will offer a financial management class. Topics will include budgeting, saving and getting the most out of your paycheck.
It will take place in the second-floor Salmon Room of the Brown County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane.
The class also will be offered from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in the Community Room of the Brown County Purdue Extension Office, 802 Memorial Drive at the fairgrounds.
Earth Day Festival activities at Harmony Chuch
NEW BELLSVILLE — Harmony Church will host a concert featuring the Amanda Webb Band at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22.
A Labyrinth walk and tree planting ceremony is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23. Festivities also will include a pitch-in feast Sunday, April 24 at noon to be followed by a healing aromatherapy experience led by Ingrid Skoog.
Harmony is on Mt Liberty Road at Bellsville Pike. For more information, call Gretchen Laymon at 812-988-1714.
Benefit for backpack program honors superintendent
A spring benefit concert honoring David Shaffer, retiring superintendent for Brown County Schools, and benefiting the Brown County Weekend Backpacks Program is slated from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Brown County High School auditorium.
Students, staff and any local residents can participate in the free event, which will need volunteer workers and musicians. The concert will focus on classical music, but all music genres are welcome.
Donations will be accepted at the door, with all proceeds to benefit the BCWB program. Operating throughout the school year, BCWB provides meals for at-risk students in the Brown County school system. The goal: “No child deserves to go to bed hungry.”
To help with the concert, call coordinator Clara Stanley at 312-310-3617 or email her at [email protected].
Indiana Wine Fair tickets on sale now
STORY — The annual Indiana Wine Fair will take place at the Story Inn Saturday, April 30, rain or shine.
Vintners will dole out one-ounce pours amid food and live music. The first 4,000 general admission ticketholders to enter receive a keepsake wine glass.
Participants must be at least 21. Gates open at 12:30 p.m.; wine service ends at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $30 at the gate and $10 for designated drivers. A free shuttle will run to and from downtown Nashville every 15 minutes.
For more information, visit indianawinefair.com or call 812-988-2273.
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- GATESVILLE — For children up to age 12, Hamblen Township Volunteer Fire Department, 4650 Sweetwater Trail, will host games and an egg hunt from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26. The Easter Bunny will be there for photo ops. Game tickets will be sold at the door for 50 cents each or 12 for $5. Children can register for the egg hunt at the door. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be sold. Egg hunt start times, by age, are: up to 3 years at 10:30 a.m.; 4 to 6 years at 10:45 a.m.; 7 to 9 years at 11 a.m.; 10 to 12 years at 11:15 a.m.
- Deer Run Park will host an Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26. The free event is for children ages 4 to 8, and ages 2 to 3 with adult help. Children bring their own basket or bucket to collect eggs hidden around the park. The Easter bunny will visit for photo ops.
- Brown County Health & Living Community, 55 E. Willow St., will have an egg hunt at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, for children up to age 9. The Easter bunny will be present. Prizes will be given, including one bicycle per age group.
