Exhibit featuring newspaper history to open
The Brown County Historical Society will host an event with free pizza and wine tasting to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit about the history of the Brown County Democrat.
The opening reception will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 31 on the second floor of the Brown County History Center, 90 E. Gould St.
Brown County Winery and Big Woods Pizza will provide refreshments. Society member Pete Bullard will demonstrate printing with a 200-plus-year-old printing press.
History Day judges sought for spring contests
The Indiana Historical Society is calling for volunteer judges for the 2017 National History Day in Indiana contests.
Judges are needed for the South Central regional contest at Brown County High School in Nashville on Saturday, April 1; three other regional contests; and state competition at Ivy Tech’s campus downtown in Indianapolis May 6.
Volunteer judges will work in teams to evaluate projects, interview students and rank winners. Regional winners will advance to state. The top two entries from each junior and senior category at state are eligible to compete in The Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland.
Sign up to judge at indianahistory.org/historyday. For more information, call 317-232-1882.
Purdue teaching food preservation basics
A workshop to learn the basics of canning and freezing fruits and vegetables will be offered from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at the Brown County Purdue Extension office at the fairgrounds.
For more information or to register, call the extension office at 812-988-5495 or email [email protected] before Monday, March 27.
Helmsburg church to host craft, bake sale
HELMSBURG — Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St., will host a spring craft and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1 in the Fellowship Hall.
New Habitat house construction starting soon
Brown County Habitat for Humanity will break ground on its next home at 1788 Treetop Lane Sunday, April 2. This will be the 19th home built by the local chapter.
The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., hosted by co-Presidents Marilyn Fagg and Emily Stone. All are invited to meet the homeowner, a single mother of two, learn more about Habitat’s programming and how to volunteer.
Park at Big Woods Brewing Co. at 1934 State Road 135 North and walk up to the build site on Treetop Lane. Habitat board members will help direct visitors.
For more information, visit bc-habitat.com or facebook.com/habitatbrowncountyindiana.
Get tech help for free at library in April
Anyone with questions about using their phone, e-reader or tablet can come to the Brown County Public Library for two free “help days” in April. Stop by the library with the device between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday, April 3; or 6 and 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20.
To learn more, call the library at 812-988-2850.
Author to speak about bullying prevention
Indiana author Paige Rawl will speak to the community about her book, “Positive,” at the Brown County Public Library Tuesday, April 4.
Rawl was born HIV-positive. Her book is about how her middle-school classmates reacted to learning that news and how their reaction shaped her life during her remaining school years.
Rawl’s presentation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library. She will speak to junior high and high school students earlier in the day.
Copies of the book are available at the library.
Enter kids poster contest by April 7
The Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a poster contest in conjunction with the Great American Clean-Up April 22.
Brown County children ages 8 to 11 can use crayons and/or markers on the back of a brown paper bag to create posters on the theme, “How I Would Keep Brown County Beautiful.” The child’s name, address and telephone number should be on the back of the poster.
Bring poster entries to the BCSWC district office, 802 Memorial Drive at the fairgrounds, by 4 p.m. Friday, April 7 to be considered for a prize.
Winners will be notified ahead of time and prizes will be awarded at the GAC event Saturday, April 22. Lunch will be provided to all who volunteer to help keep Brown County beautiful that day.
For more information, call Cathy Paradise at 812-327-9617 or Allison Shoaf at 812-988-2211.
Dance barn hosts Dance for the Trees
Mike’s Music & Dance Barn, 2277 State Road 46 West, will host a Barn Dance for the Trees Friday, April 7. The event is presented by the Indiana Forest Alliance and Bloomington Old Time Music & Dance.
A $10 buffet will be served at 6 p.m. It includes pulled pork; green beans with Brown County sorghum and jalapeños; coleslaw, and smoky, hot and sweet beans.
From 6 to 7 p.m., ballroom music will be played and a brief group lesson will be given by Mary Hoedeman.
At 7 p.m., learner-friendly square dances and contra dances begin, with caller Tamara Loewenthal and music by Jamie Gans and the Westside Alley Cats.
The $10 admission benefits Indiana Forest Alliance’s mission of protecting and preserving Indiana’s hardwood forest ecoystems. For guests ages 11-18 or current adult members of IFA or BOTMD, the cost is $5. Children younger than 10 enter free. For more information, visit indianaforestalliance.org.
Women get pampered at farm fundraiser
BARGERSVILLE — Hope for Hearts Horse Farm will conduct its fifth annual Women’s Extravaganza fundraiser at The Sycamore of Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road. The event is free and open to all women from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8.
The benefit is a day of pampering for women. It includes free manicures, massages, makeovers, brow waxing, haircuts and styles, shopping with on-site boutiques and vendors, silent auction items, “swag bags” for the first 300 people, “hug a horse,” make-and-take crafts, wine tasting by Mallow Run Winery and food for sale by Jivy’s BBQ.
This is a fundraiser for women, children, veterans and families that need the Hope for Healing program but can’t afford to pay for it. Donations to Hope for Hearts Horse Farm, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in Brown County, are tax-deductible.
For more information, visit hopeforheartsfarm.org, email [email protected] or call Lisa at 317-496-0189.
Free simulcast to feature evangelist
Nashville Christian Church, 160 S. Van Buren St., will host a simulcast of Christian author and motivational speaker Priscilla Shirer from 10 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. Saturday, April 8.
The free event includes music and worship, sessions led by Shirer, and opportunities for fellowship with other women.
To register, visit nashvillechristianchurch.org.
Victorian tea date set at art gallery
From 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, the Brown County Art Gallery will host its 23rd annual Victorian tea to benefit the gallery’s foundation.
For $37, the event includes shopping and punch at 12:30 p.m.; tea served at 2 p.m.; a program by Debra Slone as “thoroughly modern Addie,” exploring women and the vote; favors; a raffle; and door prizes.
Vendors will include wood mobiles and jewelry by Indiana artisan Joe Krutulis of Art By JoeK; dog treats and accessories from Bone Appetit; jewelry and gifts by Monique Cagle of Sleepy Cat Studio; and gift items from Sweetea’s Tea Shop.
For required reservations or more information, email [email protected] or call the gallery at 812-988-4609.
Chamber to host ribbon cutting for inn
The Brown County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13 for the Lil Black Bear Inn, 8072 State Road 46 East (the former Always Inn).
The free event, starting at 5 p.m., will include snacks, chainsaw cutting of the logo, a graffiti artist and more. For more information, call 812-988-2233.
Program for children starting on second Fridays
HELMSBURG — Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St., will offer “Equipping Kids to Know, Grow and Show God’s Love” in its Fellowship Hall from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The free program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade includes a meal, devotion, music, movie, games and crafts. Children are welcome to bring a friend.
Register now to be in Spring Blossom Parade
Registrations are being accepted until Saturday, April 15 for the Brown County Lions Club’s Spring Blossom Parade.
The parade will go through downtown Nashville Saturday, May 6 starting at 11 a.m.
The theme, “Reaching for the Stars,” recognizes the 40th anniversary of the first “Star Wars” movie.
There is no entry fee to be in the parade. Registration and waivers are available at the Purdue Extension Office, Brown County Visitors Center and online at e-clubhouse.org/sites/browncounty. Signed waivers will be required from all who will be marching or riding in the parade.
With questions, contact Lion Gene Niednagel at 988-6865 or [email protected].
Easter egg hunt planned for April 15
Brown County Health & Living Community, 55 E. Willow St., has planned an Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Prizes include one bicycle for each age group and McDonald’s gifts.
Practical history sessions for children planned
The Brown County Historical Society’s children’s program, Hands On History, will return this spring, summer and fall.
It will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 14 and Oct. 19. Programs are geared for ages 8 to 12. Registration is required and the fee is $5 per child, per program.
Topics will vary each session. They include pioneer gardens, nature study, early transportation, Native Americans of Brown County, pioneer household chores, one-room school days and harvest.
To volunteer to help with the program, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or email [email protected].
To register online, visit browncountyhistorycenter.org.
Booth space available for craft fair May 13
A Brown County craft fair benefiting the 4-H program will take place Saturday, May 13 at the fairgrounds.
Booth space is $40. For more information, email [email protected] or call 812-988-5495.
Great American clean-up slated in April
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, the local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful will host a Great American Clean-Up at the Village Green Pavilion at Main and Jefferson streets.
It includes live music and free food for volunteers. Winners of the April 7 children’s poster contest will be announced.
Participants can register at 9 a.m. to pick up litter, prepare flower beds, plant, paint curbs or receive another assigned job, rain or shine.
Keep Brown County Beautiful focuses on recycling, reducing litter, beautifying and educating, to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors of Brown County.
To RSVP for the clean-up, email [email protected]. For more information, call Allison Shoaf at 812-988-2211.
Nominations open for Volunteers of the Year
Organizations may nominate up to two people for 2017 Volunteer of the Year awards by the end of April.
The Brown County Community Foundation will award $500 in the winner’s name to the nominating organization. Submit a one-page letter describing the reasons for nominating your volunteer to the BCCF, P.O. Box 191, Nashville, IN 47448; fax it 812-988-0299; or drop it at the office, 209 N. Van Buren St., before Sunday, April 30.
Winners will be announced at the annual report to the community Thursday, June 15. For more information, call 812-988-4882.
Annual Wildflower Foray returning in April
From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday, April 28 to 30, T.C. Steele State Historic Site and other Brown County venues will host activities for the 32nd annual Wildflower Foray.
Events include nature hikes, classes and even a boat trip. All programs are free, though some locations charge a gate fee.
Check tcsteele.org/programs and click the “2017 WFF” button on the left sidebar for a complete list of all hikes and full schedule, including a dinner Saturday night. Some hikes and the boat trip fill up quickly and require pre-registration.
Health department offers CPR/AED training
The Brown County Health Department is offering training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator. The training is not for businesses; it is only for individuals.
Class will start at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 in the Salmon Room of the County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane. It costs $7, which pays for the certification card.
Class size is limited to six; call 812-988-5483 for availability.
Native plant sale will benefit state park
The Friends of Brown County State Park will conduct its annual native plant sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 29, in the shelter next to the park’s Nature Center.
Prices are based on plant species and size. The sale will last until the plants are gone. Proceeds go to support the park.
To learn more, email [email protected] or call 812-988-5240.
Historical society 60th anniversary recognized
The Brown County Historical Society will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30, with music, refreshments and tours of the Pioneer Village.
The event, at the History Center, 90 E. Gould St., is free and open to the public.
Andy Rogers, the only surviving founding member of the society, will be honored at 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall.
Hamilton Creek Bluegrass Band, Zelton Kay on his dulcimer and the Salt Creek String Band will perform. Members of the Brown County Radio Hour will give tours of the recording studio and set appointments for those who would like to record family histories.
The Pioneer Village and Owl Creek Schoolhouse also will open for the season.
For more information, visit browncountyhistorycenter.org or call 812-988-2899.
Local ‘Healing Day’ planned in May
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, Laughing Womyn Ashonosheni will host a free “Healing Day” at Owl’s Nest on Owl Creek Road.
No appointments will be scheduled and no session fees charged.
Shamanic healing, crystals, gemstones, chakra clearing, ritual action, releasing karma, past-life clearing and other methods are used. Healers and emerging healers are also welcome to participate and learn.
For more information, visit laughingwomyn.com/events.html or call 812-988-2149.
Nashville farmers market to start in May
The Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East, will host a Nashville farmers market in its parking lot on Sundays starting May 7.
Hours will be noon to 3 p.m., Sundays through Oct. 29. The market will include locally grown vegetables, herbs, flowers and more.
For more information, visit facebook.com/NashvilleFarmersMarketNashvilleIndiana or call the inn at 812-988-2291.
Bomb prevention awareness course offered
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 2, a Bombing Prevention Awareness course will be taught at the County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane.
A FEMA student I.D. number is required to register. To obtain an I.D., visit cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register; for more information, visit dhs.gov/obp.
For registration form and information, contact environmental health specialist Jennifer Rugenstein at [email protected] or call 812-988-2255.
Muddy Roots Weekender planned in June
VAN BUREN TWP. — EXplore Brown County, 2620 Valley Branch Road, will host a music festival Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3.
The fifth annual Muddy Roots Spring Weekender, hosted by Muddy Roots Music Recordings, is limited to 500 tickets. This mini version of the big Muddy Roots Music Festival is billed as “like a family reunion or roots music company picnic.” Music will be played from noon to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Electric RV sites and cabins are available for rent through [email protected]. Tent camping is free.
The lineup includes string bands, country music, roots blues, punk blues, folk, Americana, bluegrass and everything in between. Bands include the Legendary Shack Shakers, O’Death, The Tillers, Joseph Huber, Jayke Orvis, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Pine Hill Haints, Mountain Sprout, Brook Blanche, Dylan Walshe, Billy Cook, Left Lane Cruiser, Joey Henry’s Dirty Sunshine Club, Freight Train Rabbit Killer, Matt Heckler, Toe Knee Tea, Rock Bottom String Band and Pearls Mahone.
For more information, visit muddyrootsrecords.com or call 812-988-7750.
