Bluebird nest box kits for sale 

The Brown County Bluebird Club is selling cedar bluebird nest boxes for $15 each or two for $25 to raise money for the club. Email Dan Sparks at [email protected] or call 812-200-5700.

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].

Wildflower Foray activities this weekend

Twenty-four hikes and programs will take place at 17 locations in Brown and surrounding counties during the annual Wildflower Foray this weekend.

Activities will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 28; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29; and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 30.

For a printable list of events and map of locations, visit tcsteele.org/programs and click on the “Wildflower Foray” button.

Bean Blossom Farmers Market returning

BEAN BLOSSOM — The Bean Blossom Farmers Market will return 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, crafts, desserts and hot food for dinner, with a place to sit, a playground and a kids’ activity table. Children can celebrate Earth Day this week with projects learning about earth and the growing season.

Musician Don Ford will play guitar and sing rock-n-roll oldies and some of his own compositions.

Brown County Native Woodlands and SEED Inc. will be featured nonprofit agencies this week at the community outreach booth.

For booth inquiries, contact Sharon Kitchens at [email protected]. To learn more about the market, visit beanblossomfarmersmarket.org or call 812-988-1038.

Automobile history exhibit opening next week

The Brown County Historical Society will host “Auto Indiana,” one of the Indiana Historical Society’s traveling exhibits, from April 28 to May 25. The exhibit, which takes visitors on a ride through Indiana’s rich automotive past, will be on display at the Brown County History Center, 90 E. Gould St, Nashville.

“Auto Indiana” explores the mark Indiana’s inventors and innovators such as Elwood Haynes and Ralph Teetor and automakers such as Studebaker and Duesenburg left on the industry, and vice versa.

The exhibit illuminates ties between the automobiles and the development of many other economic opportunities for the “Crossroads of America,” such as the iron, steel and glass businesses. In addition, it explores how the automobile became part of the American Dream and popular culture, from movies to making personal memories.

Finally the exhibit allows guests to gaze down the road ahead for Hoosiers, from the environmental impact of automobiles to a look at manufacturing today. “Auto Indiana” is made possible by Kroger.

For more information about “Auto Indiana,” visit browncountyhistorycenter.org.

Native plant sale at state park

Friends of Brown County State Park will host a native plant sale at the Nature Center from 9 a.m. until plants run out Saturday, April 29. The park’s gate fee applies. To learn more, call 812-988-5240.

Firefighters serve sandwiches in April and May

VAN BUREN TWP. — From noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29, Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department, 4040 State Road 135 South, will sell fish sandwich dinners with fries, slaw and drink for $9. Desserts will be an extra donation.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday in May, the firefighters will sell sandwiches, chips and a drink for $5.

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.

Firefighters’ garage sale fundraiser set

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.

Park friends host plant sale in state park

Friends of Brown County State Park will have their annual plant sale Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. until plants are sold out. It’ll be at the Nature Center’s Friends Shelter in the park.

A large selection of perennials, wildflowers and native sun- and shade-loving plants will be sold to raise money to help with Friends’ special projects throughout the park.

A park gate fee or pass is required to enter the park. For more information, call 812-988-5240.

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.

Pond management workshop planned

YELLOWWOOD — Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor a pond management workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 at the Yellowwood State Forest Shelter House. Bring lawn chairs and RSVP by calling 812-988-2211.

Learn growing tips during community garden walk

All are welcome to learn more about gardening during a garden walk at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 4, in the Brown County Community Garden, 201 Deer Run Lane.

Participants will learn tips and tricks from a soil scientist and can share ideas to prepare for growing season.

For more information, call the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District at 812-988-2211.

Antique Machinery Show to return to fairgrounds

The Brown County Antique Machinery Association’s annual show will take place Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, at the Brown County Fairgrounds.

The show opens at 9 a.m. both days. Parking is free.

Machinery made by Cockshutt, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, White and other companies will be featured, as well as hay equipment.

Demonstrations will take place daily with steam engines, a sawmill, “hit-and-miss engines,” a baler, corn-grinding, fence rail splitting and a shingle mill.

Barrel rides and other activities will be offered for children.

In addition, entertainment, a flea market, crafts and a large swap meet area are planned, as well as a kettle-cooked ham-and-bean dinner.

Tractors will drive in the Spring Blossom Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6 in downtown Nashville.

For more information about vendors, call Robert Smith at 812-345-6824; about exhibits, call Charles Meier at 812-343-8489; or about working at exhibits, call Roger Daniel at 812-876-3445. See more association events at bcama.net.

Church yard sale to benefit kids’ summer camp

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.

State park hosts mushroom festival May 6

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6, Brown County State Park will have its annual Morel Mushroom Festival. Activities include:

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Program exploring lichens, fungi, ferns, animals and wildflowers during a hike and creating wearable art with artist-in-residence Amy Greely;
• 11:30 a.m. — Scavenger hunt to find faux morels;
• 2 p.m. — Guided “wild edibles” hike; and
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Interactive program to learn family camping skills.

Friends of Brown County State Park also will conduct their annual mushroom sale from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Nature Center. Morels will be sold in 1-pound bags to help with Friends’ special projects in the park.

A park gate fee or pass is required to enter the park. For more information, call 812-988-5240.

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” as well as local people who are “rising stars.”

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.

Reserve ahead for renewal retreat

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.

Church program for children includes meal, movie

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.

Lions serve pancake breakfast as fundraiser

Brown County Lions Club will serve pancakes, biscuits and gravy from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Parkview Church of the Nazarene annex, State Road 46 East.

The breakfast is $7 per person 12 and older, or $4 per child 11 and younger. Advance tickets for adults are $6.

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.

State park hosts live raptor program

From May 13 to Nov. 24, Brown County State Park will host live bird shows with representatives from the Indiana Raptor Center. Starting at 2 p.m., Saturday shows at the Nature Center include May 13 and 20, each Saturday in June and July, and Oct. 7, 14 and 21.

Shows at Abe Martin Lodge begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28, Monday, July 3, Saturday, Sept. 2, and Friday, Nov. 24.

The presentations are included with park admission.

Donations to the raptor center are welcome. For more information, call the Nature Center at 812-988-5240 or the raptor center at 812-988-8990.

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.

It will provide information about severe thunderstorm development and identification of important storm features, safety tips and more.

No preregistration in needed. For more information, call Brown County Emergency Management at 812-988-2063 or email [email protected].

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, 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 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.

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.

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].

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 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.

Firefighters to serve pancake breakfast

CORDRY SWEETWATER — Cordry Sweetwater Fire and Ambulance will serve a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 28, at the firehouse, 101 Firehouse Road.

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].