Health care program, discussion offered
The Brown County Common Ground group will host a discussion about ideas for improving America’s health care system and where health care is heading in Brown County.
The free program, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at the Brown County Public Library, includes question-and-answer time; a showing of the documentary, “Fix It: Health care at the Tipping Point”; and speaker Dr. Rob Stone, director of Outpatient Palliative Care at IU Health Bloomington and director of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan. Everyone is welcome.
Practical history sessions for children planned
The Brown County Historical Society’s children’s program, Hands on History, is 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 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.
Get tech help for free at public library
A free “help day” is available for anyone with questions about using their phone, e-reader or tablet at Brown County Public Library 6 and 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Stop by with the device during the session at the library, 205 N. Locust Lane.
Firefighters plan garage sale fundraiser
CORDRY SWEETWATER — Cordry Sweetwater Fire and Ambulance, 101 Firehouse Road, will host a fundraising garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29.
Anyone with items to donate for the sale can call the firehouse at 812-933-2224 before Saturday, April 22. Leave a message about where volunteers can pick up items on April 22.
Pancake breakfast served at junior high
The Brown County Junior High School cafeteria will host a spring pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22 as a fundraiser for student activities.
Meals are $7 per person or $20 for two adults and children, with unlimited pancakes and sausages.
The breakfast will include music and a silent art auction by students. Donations are welcome.
Hickory Ridge launches April craft show
SPEARSVILLE — From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, Hickory Ridge Civic League & Community Center will have a craft show.
The center is at 2314 Hickory Ridge Lane off Hornettown Road. For more information, contact Carol at 765-318-6808 or [email protected].
Firefighters plan fish fry fundraisers
BEAN BLOSSOM — The Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Company, 5200 State Road 135 North, will host fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, April 22 and May 20.
For $9, diners can get meals including tenderloins “as big as your head,” hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, beverages, fish and fish sandwiches.
For more information, call 812-988-1696 or 812-322-8865.
Bluebird workshop, nest box kits for sale
The Brown County Bluebird Club will conduct a bluebird workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the state park Nature Center.
Pre-registration is requested for the workshop, which includes building bluebird nest boxes for $10 per box. The park gate fee applies.
The club also is selling cedar bluebird nest boxes for $15 each or two for $25 to raise money for the club.
To register for the workshop, call the Nature Center at 812-988-5240.
If interested in cedar boxes, email Dan Sparks at [email protected] or call 812-200-5700.
Annual meeting about New Bellsville Cemetery
NEW BELLSVILLE — The New Bellsville Cemetery annual meeting will be conducted at 7909 Bellsville Pike at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22.
For more information, call 812-988-4539.
Celebrate $2.3 million endowment at library
From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23, the Brown County Public Library will mark the donation of an endowment of $2.3 million to the library. A presentation will be made at 2 p.m.
The Ken and Helen Reeve Genealogical Research Collection also will be celebrated.
The public is invited. Light refreshments will be served.
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University offered
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a nine-week course, provides families and individuals with tools to gain control of finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success.
The Nashville Christian Church LifeHouse, 160 S. Van Buren St., will host FPU classes at 6 p.m. weekly beginning Sunday, April 23.
Lessons are taught by Ramsey on DVD followed by a small-group discussion. Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing.
On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days.
For more information, visit daveramsey.com.
Legal Aid clinics offered in this district
COLUMBUS — Nonprofit agency Legal Aid provides free legal services and lawyer referrals to low-income residents of District 1, covering Brown and seven other counties in south-central Indiana.
Clinics offering 10- to 15-minute consultations will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Legal Aid Office, United Way Building, 1531 13th St., Suite G330.
Dates of Monday clinics are April 24, May 22, June 26, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Oct. 27 and Dec. 18 (third week due to Christmas).
Consultations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance registration is needed. For more information, call Kelly Baer at 812-314-2730.
Mental health first aid course offered
From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, the Brown County Purdue Extension office at the fairgrounds will offer an eight-hour public education program that introduces risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses.
The program uses role-play and videos to demonstrate how to offer initial help in an emotional crisis and connect the person to appropriate care.
A $20 fee is charged for a workbook. To register, contact United Way 2-1-1 at 812-376-0011. To request a scholarship, email Alicia at [email protected].
Bean Blossom Farmers Market returning
The Bean Blossom Farmers Market will return on Friday nights starting April 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of St. David’s Episcopal Church.
Food and artisan good vendors will sell fresh produce, jewelry, pastries, meat and other crafts.
This year’s market also will feature activities for the community to participate in, including a YMCA-taught OULA exercise class, a yoga class, an American Sign Language class and a blood drive, and will have live music.
There will also be a hot food stand with a place to sit, a playground and a kids’ activity table.
More information can be found on the Facebook page “Bean Blossom Farmers’ Market.” The market can be reached via email at [email protected].
Volunteers of the Year nominations open
Organizations can 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.
Spring plant sale planned at library
Friends of Brown County Public Library will host a spring plant sale at the lower level of the library.
From 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 28 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, a large selection of perennials and annuals, native sun- and shade-loving plants from local greenhouses and gardeners will be offered.
Sales fund programs and materials for the library and the ravine project.
Lunch tickets at open house will benefit Bigs
COLUMBUS — From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29, Raft to Rafters Pool and Spa will host its fifth annual open house with lunch to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The event includes door prizes, a 20 percent storewide discount and more.
Proceeds from each $3 lunch ticket (plus $1.16 fee per ticket) purchased for the open house, at 5780 25th St., will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew and Brown counties. Lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes grilled meat, two cold side dishes, a drink and dessert.
Advance lunch tickets are available at rafttorafters.com.
Episcopal bishop to attend local service
BEAN BLOSSOM — St. David’s Episcopal Church will welcome the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, for the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, April 30, at 11 State Road 45.
If possible, guests should carpool.
More information on Curry can be found at episcopalchurch.org/staff/most-rev-michael-b-curry.
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.
Founding member Andy Rogers 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.
Church yard sale for kids’ summer camp slated
HELMSBURG — Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St., will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 6, under the pavilion.
Proceeds will help pay for kids to go to summer camp.
Spring Blossom Parade celebrates 40 years of ‘Star Wars’
Brown County Lions Club’s Spring Blossom Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, traveling through downtown Nashville.
The theme, “Reaching for the Stars,” recognizes the 40th anniversary of the release of “Star Wars.”
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.
Church program for children includes meal, movie, more
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.
Storm spotter training slated for May 15
The National Weather Service will sponsor a free program open to the public at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 15, at the Brown County Law Enforcement Center, 55 State Road 46 East.
The program will provide information about severe thunderstorm development and identification of important features as well as safety tips and more.
No preregistration in needed. For more information, call Brown County Emergency Management at 812-988-2063 or email [email protected].
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, May 19 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.
Firefighters plan fish fries, boot drive
BEAN BLOSSOM — The Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Company, 5200 State Road 135 North, will host fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 and June 10.
For $9, diners can get meals including tenderloins “as big as your head,” hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, beverages, fish and fish sandwiches.
Firefighters will collect contributions during a “boot drive” at the intersection of state roads 45 and 135 North on Sunday, May 28.
For more information, call 812-988-1696 or 812-322-8865.
Renewal retreats slated in June, July
VAN BUREN TWP. — Valley Branch weekend retreats are planned in June and July at eXplore Brown County, 2620 Valley Branch Road.
Dates will be Friday through Sunday, June 9 to 11 and 16 to 18 and July 7 to 9 and 21 to 23. Reservations are recommended a month ahead.
Retreats incorporate yoga, group exercise and mountain biking in the forest. They seek to develop mind, body, and spirit through a connection with nature, spirit awareness, and education on “how to thrive” in today’s society.
Upon arrival, guests check into cabins and campsites, then join guides for a welcome dinner. The first day includes group exercise, personalized health coaching workshops and yoga at night. The last day begins with an educational hike and a final collaborative workshop on “how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
For reservations, visit renewalretreatbrowncounty.com or call 812-345-6212. For more information, visit explorebrowncounty.com or call 812-988-7750.
4-H craft fair planned for May 13
A Brown County craft fair benefiting the 4-H program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at the fairgrounds.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 812-988-5495.
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.
Mushroom sale to benefit local charities
The Brown County Community Foundation and Brown County YMCA will sponsor the 20th annual Howard Hughes Memorial Morel Mushroom Sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 26 and 27.
Proceeds benefit Brown County charities. To pre-order mushrooms for $50 per pound, email [email protected].
Summer day camp to be offered in town
Brown County Parks & Recreation will conduct a summer day camp for kids in preschool through sixth grade from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, May 31 to Aug. 4, excluding holidays.
Registration costs $10 per family. Daily rates are $25 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. Weekly rates are $95 for the first child and $75 for each additional child.
Reduced rates are available for those who qualify for free or reduced lunches through Brown County Schools. For more information or to register, call 812-988-5522.
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. A mini version of the festival, the event is billed as “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 more. Bands include the 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.
Helmsburg church to host hog roast, speaker
HELMSBURG — After 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning worship June 4, the Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St., will have a hog roast. Bring a side dish. The free event will include music, fellowship and testimony by Bruce Frye.
Frye will also be a guest speaker at nightly church meetings beginning at 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 5 to 7.
BCHS class of ’73 to reunite in June
A class reunion for the Brown County High School class of 1973 will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 10, poolside at the Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East.
For more information or with contact info for other classmates, email Jed Bessire at [email protected] or leave a message at 812-988-4408.
Radiation awareness training set for June 26
A free radiation awareness program will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 26, in the second-floor Salmon Room of the Brown County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane. Light refreshments will be served.
Open to the public, the class will cover radiation basics; an overview of the emergency preparedness program; radiation transport accident response; and hands-on equipment opportunities.
To register, call Jennifer Rugenstein at 812-988-2255 or email [email protected].
