Family safety fair, carnival at Head Start
Brown County Head Start will host a Family Safety Fest Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Head Start, 161 E. Gould St.
It will include the Indy Colts Museum bus, a bounce house, a candy bar walk, a Columbus Regional Hospital ambulance, the fire department, Brown County Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brown County Weekend Backpacks Inc., the Brown County Health Department, Brown County Literacy Coalition, Brown County Career Resource Center, library, South Central Indiana Community Action Program, WIC office, and officers from the sheriff’s department and Nashville Police.
Parking will be available in the County Office Building lot.
Youth program meets Wednesdays at Baptist church
HAMBLEN TWP. — A program for children and teens at Unity Baptist Church begins with a meal served at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
For children ages 4 through high school, the Word of Life program includes a singing challenge, Scripture memorization and study, socializing and games. With an emphasis on “foundational truths from the Bible,” the program meets weekly through the school year at the church, 7361 Spearsville Road.
With questions, call Program Director Terry Sisson at 812-720-0299.
Jackson Township history meeting planned
HELMSBURG — Longtime Jackson Township residents and anyone with an interest in the township are welcome to an informational meeting on Jackson Township history hosted by the Brown County Genealogical Society.
The free event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St.
Members of the genealogical society plan to write a book on the history of the township and they are seeking information and photos.
GnawBrew this weekend at eXplore Brown County
At eXplore Brown County this weekend, visitors can not only explore 500 acres of woods, but also a wide variety of beers, music and art.
The eighth annual GnawBrew festival takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16 on Valley Branch Road.
This year’s festival is presented by Quaff ON! Brewing Co.
Guests get unlimited samples of beer, including regional favorites, traditional styles, unconventional flavors and home-brewed creations. Events include a beer exchange, whereby you bring your favorite six-pack or growler and sample what everyone else has brought; and a homebrewing competition that will crown a “crowd favorite” brewer. The brewing contest starts at 5 p.m. Friday.
Bands on the schedule include Bigfoot Yancey, Cut Camp, Split Rail, Earphorik, The Trip, Rainwater and several other well-loved local and regional musicians.
General admission advance tickets for Saturday are available online for $50 or at the gate for $60 cash. Tickets include 2 p.m. entry, a tasting cup, unlimited samples, art, music and entertainment, as well as a campsite.
VIP guests get an extra evening of fun beginning at 4 p.m. Friday for $100 in advance. They include unlimited samples, art, music and primitive camping on both days of the festival, as well as early bird tasting at noon Saturday before gates open to the general public. No VIP tickets will be sold at the gate.
This event is for adults 21 years of age and older.
For information and tickets, visit gnawbrew.com or call 812-340-4761.
Girls retreat planned at Bean Blossom farm
BEAN BLOSSOM — “Free To Be Me,” a retreat for girls ages 11 to 14, will be conducted at Hope for Hearts Farm, 1005 State Road 45 West.
The event, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, costs $45 per girl and includes lunch, snacks and non-riding horse activities.
Topics will include how to handle body changes; social media; abstinence from pre-marital sex, drugs and alcohol; dealing with peer pressure; and being yourself.
To register, call Lisa at 317-496-0189 or email [email protected].
Abe Martin picnic and outhouse races Saturday
The annual Abe Martin County Picnic, a benefit for the We Care Gang, will take place on the Village Green at West Main and Jefferson streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.
The day includes live music, a hog roast, corn hole and plunger toss games, and the NASHCAR Outhouse Races.
Opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m., a hog roast meal will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., the public can take rides in outhouses on Main Street from 2 to 3 p.m., the NASHCAR race for registered teams starts at 3 p.m., and awards are given at 5 p.m.
Donations will be accepted to help needy residents with food and shelter-related needs.
Free street carnival Sept. 16 on South Jefferson
A street carnival hosted by The Salvation Army of Brown County, 168 S. Jefferson St., will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.16.
South Jefferson Street will be blocked off to traffic, from Pittman House Lane to Washington Street, for the event.
The carnival will include games with prizes, a bounce house, petting zoo, dunk tank, face painting, balloons and refreshments.
The family-friendly event is free and open to the community.
Try painting or drawing at the library
Three local artists will introduce drawing, watercolor or acrylic painting techniques at the Brown County Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.
Materials will be provided for participants to try one medium. Participating artists are Ann Woods (drawing), Martha Sechler (watercolors) and Mike Watkins (acrylics).
While the workshop is free, registration is needed and can be made at the library or by calling 812-988-2850.
High school choirs to present Coffee Cabaret
The Brown County High School choirs will host their fifth annual Coffee Cabaret in the high school auditorium at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.
A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. The event includes coffee, dessert, singing and dancing.
Advance tickets cost $10 per adult and $8 per student or senior. Tickets at the door will be $12 per adult and $10 per student/senior. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
For more information, visit facebook.com/browncountychoirs.
Dance at The Commons Sept. 16
COLUMBUS — At 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Dance Indiana will host a dance with music provided by The Starlighters at The Commons, 300 Washington St.
The 17-piece band will play dance music for swing, salsa, ballroom, disco and more. Dancing can range from beginning to “elegant and talented.”
The event includes free appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 per person; to just watch, tickets are $10 per person.
For more information, visit Dance Indiana on Facebook or email [email protected].
Conservancy annual meeting planned
STONE HEAD — The annual meeting of the Stone Head Conservancy will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at Stone Head Nature Preserve, at State Road 135 South and Bellsville Pike.
President Mike Kelley and members of the board will talk about accomplishments at the preserve during the past year and goals. Director of Forest Conservation at The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, keynote speaker Allen Pursell, will talk about ways to help in nature conservation during a walk in the preserve. He’ll also introduce his concept of minimum standards for nature preserves.
At 4 p.m., a cookout with hot dogs and brats will wrap up the meeting. Bring you own non-alcoholic beverage and washable place settings.
Admission is free and open to the public; donations are welcome. In case of rain, the meeting will begin at the Brown County Public Library, 205 N. Locust Lane.
Applications open for conservation mini-grants
The Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for grants up to $3,500 for projects that enhance or educate people about natural resources and/or water quality.
Grants will be awarded to private landowners and local organizations on a first-come, first-served basis with costs shared 50/50. Plans for the project should be included with the application.
Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 22. Those who qualify will be asked to present proposals to the BCSWCD board. After all presentations, the board will determine the impact of each project on the county’s natural resources.
Best management practices that control erosion, enhance water quality, positively impact the land or otherwise improve natural resources are good choices for consideration.
For an application, email [email protected] or stop by the office, 802 Memorial Drive (shared with the Brown County Purdue Extension) at the fairgrounds. With questions, call the office at 812-988-2211.
Live bands host benefit for musician at inn
The White Lightning Boys, The Hammer and The Hatchet and Slip Me 5 will perform at the Brown County Inn’s Town Hall room from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.
The concert is a benefit for White Lightning band member Bob Adair, who has been unable to work due to health challenges. Adair is a dobro player for the band and a longtime resident of Brown County.
Vendors, volunteers sought for festival
HELMSBURG — Jackson Township Fire Department, 4831 Helmsburg Road, will host its sixth annual BucCornEar Festival from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.
Vendors are needed, including home-based businesses, volunteer groups, service organizations and activity providers. The fee is $20 for at 10-by-10-foot area. No food vendors are allowed.
No admission is charged to the family-friendly event, which celebrates pirates, popcorn and fire prevention while raising money for the volunteer fire department’s community education and training programs.
Firefighters will be on hand in pirate attire, and photo ops to meet Smoky Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog will also be available. A live power line demonstration and house burn are also planned. Carnival games, contests and challenges will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Biscuits and gravy will be sold from 8 to 10 a.m., plus hot dogs and coney dogs, pulled pork, baked beans, cheesy macaroni, assorted chips, drinks and ice cream.
For those interested in volunteering at the festival, a training session is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 20. If unable to attend, inform a JTFD member, stop by or call the station at 812-988-6201.
For vendor applications, call the station at 812-988-6201, email [email protected], or visit facebook.com/jtfd5inc.
District candidates will meet with county voters
Candidates running for the 9th District Congressional seat in 2018 have been invited to speak with Brown County voters over the next few months.
Dan Canon will be at a free breakfast, open to the public, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Brown County Public Library. A lawyer from new Albany, Canon has an interest in human rights. To learn more, visit CanonforIndiana.com.
Liz Watson will be in Brown County Saturday, Oct. 21. Watson, from Bloomington, teaches law and policy courses at Indiana University. To learn more, visit LizforIndiana.com.
Other invited candidates include incumbent Trey Hollingsworth (hollingsworth.house.gov), Tod Curtis (CurtisforCongress.org) and Tom Pappas (tomkpappas.com).
Meetings are sponsored by Brown County Indivisible Common Ground, a group “working for a progressive democracy through positive political action.” With more than 90 members, the group has been calling or writing to state legislators and members of Congress on such issues as social justice, health care, environmental protection, facilitation of voting, gun safety and taxes.
Helmsburg clean-up day planned
JACKSON TWP. — A community clean-up day in Helmsburg will begin at the green space behind Helmsburg General Store at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.
Volunteers should bring water to drink, and bring tools to cut weeds and brush. Boots, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are advised, along with a lawn chair for the lunch break.
Sign up at the general store or call Jenny Austin at 812-988-7447.
Beginning oil painting workshop offered
Bill Hastings will teach a beginning oil painting workshop on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. It will take place in the Howard F. Hughes Community Room on the lower level of the Brown County Community Foundation.
Class will held outdoors if weather permits.
PARTake is an art workshop series sponsored by Art Alliance Brown County. Classes are offered in watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, as well as jewelry making and other 3D art. Each student will create an original work, inspired by the area’s beautiful landscape and art culture.
The $40 fee includes all art materials, individual instruction and light refreshments. Register online at artalliancebrowncounty.org/events/38-paint-brown-county-in-oils.
Monthly magic shows appearing downtown
“Saturday Night Magic” shows will take place at 6:30 and 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Rich Hill’s Magic and Fun Emporium, 75 S. Jefferson St. in Antique Alley. Sept. 23 is the next show date, featuring magicians Daniel Lee, Crystal James and Rich Hill.
The family-oriented show features close-up magic and humor with different professional magicians each month. Seating is limited to 25.
Tickets are $8 per child younger than 18 and $12 per adult. For advance tickets, visit richhillmagic.com, call 812-720-7029 or stop by the shop.
Quilt show planned this month at History Center
The Pioneer Women’s Club will present the 2017 Historical Society Quilt Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24.
Visitors can come all three days for one $5 entry fee. The show includes quilt displays and hand-work skill demonstrations. Salads and homemade desserts will be sold. At the end of the show, a drawing for a Christmas quilt will take place from raffle tickets purchased.
History Center, Pioneer Village host fall gathering
The Fall Gathering at the Brown County History Center and Pioneer Village will include demonstrations such as blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, music, rope making, quilting, hearthside cooking and candle dipping. They’ll take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the village in downtown Nashville.
A rock and mineral show will be set up in the History Center on Gould Street at the same time.
State park hosts live raptor programs in fall
Brown County State Park will host live bird shows with representatives from the Indiana Raptor Center through fall.
Starting at 2 p.m., Saturday shows at the Nature Center include Oct. 7, 14 and 21. A show at Abe Martin Lodge begins at 7:30 p.m. 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.
Community band rehearses on Thursdays
Brown County Community Band rehearsals began in mid-August. They take place on Thursdays at Brown County High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The first concert of the season is Saturday, Oct. 7.
The new director is Shawn Bentz; he directs, arranges music and plays in the Columbus City Band.
New band members are welcome. Call or text Phyllis Sindlinger for more information at 812-340-4440.
Farmers market open Friday nights
BEAN BLOSSOM — The Bean Blossom Farmers Market takes place in the parking lot of St. David’s Episcopal Church from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays.
Live music is provided. Food and artisan good vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, desserts and hot food for dinner, with a place to sit, a playground and a kids’ activity table.
For booth inquiries, contact Sharon Kitchens at [email protected]. To learn more about the market, visit beanblossomfarmersmarket.org or call 812-988-1038.
Fall celebration planned at the library
Brown County Public Library, 205 N. Locust Lane, will host a fall festival in the Children’s Garden from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8.
The free event will include music performed by Robbie Bowden and Carolyn Dutton, free books, food, stories and children’s activities. Costumes are encouraged and a prize will be awarded. In case of rain, the fall fest will move into the meeting rooms downstairs.
For more information, stop by or call the library at 812-988-2850.
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, Oct. 14.
Served the second Saturday of each month, the menu includes biscuits and gravy, rolls, eggs and more.
Seed swap, workshops, presentations at inn
The Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East, will be the site of SEED Brown County’s local seed swap Saturday, Oct. 21.
Presentations and workshops will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics include backyard plant breeding, harvesting acorns for food, and SEED’s local food initiative.
Final practical history sessions for children set
The Brown County Historical Society’s children’s program, Hands on History, has been offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays once a month. Programs are geared for ages 8 to 12. The remaining session, about harvest, will take place Oct. 19.
Registration is required and the fee is $5 per child, per program.
To volunteer to help with the program, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or email [email protected]. To register online, visit browncountyhistorycenter.org.
Community harvest fest planned at church
BEAN BLOSSOM — From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, Bean Blossom Community Church, State Road 135 North, will host a free harvest festtival. All are welcome at the event that includes food, games, music and more. For more information, visit beanblossomchurch.com/harvest-fest or call 812-988-7359.
Trap shoot to benefit Shrine hospitals
The ninth annual Brown County Shrine Club Trap and Still Board Shoot will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at Pittman Farms, 6088 State Road 46 East. It will raise money for Shrine hospitals. Food will be sold. For more information, call 484-888-3622.
Chocolate walk to benefit animal shelter
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, the Brown County Humane Society will conduct its annual Chocolate Walk downtown.
Get tickets online in advance at bchumane.org.
Craft, antique bazaar planned at History Center
The third annual Abe Martin Village Bazaar is planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. It’s hosted by the Brown County Historical Society.
Items will include ceramics, art, gifts, antiques and other goods.
Free legal clinic planned at public library
Legal Aid, a nonprofit agency, will host a free legal aid clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Brown County Public Library.
People who attend will receive a 10-minute consultation to answer general questions, offer legal information or to receive other limited assistance or advice. There is no need to register in advance.
Legal Aid provides free civil legal services, lawyer referrals and domestic violence-related legal representation to low-income individuals in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Rush and Shelby counties.
With questions, contact Legal Aid staff attorney/referral director Kelly Baer at 812-314-2720.
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.
Book-a-Librarian service offered
Individuals or small groups can make an appointment with a Brown County Public Library librarian through the free Book-a-Librarian service. Sessions are limited to 30 to 60 minutes and are best used for instruction on how to use the library catalog, databases, digital resources and the Internet. Call 812-988-2850 for an appointment.
Training for a community food emergency offered
The Terrorism and All Hazards Preparedness Committee of the Indiana Environmental Health Association will sponsor free training in “Managing Food Emergencies; Strategies for a Community Response.”
Training will take place at the Brown County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 14 and 15. There is no charge to attend, but participants must register.
The course is designed to help communities develop a plan to effectively deal with a large food emergency. Training will include realizing when you need help, figuring out what resources are needed and where to get them, developing a plan to get a response, how agencies interact and who to contact.
Participants from agriculture, emergency management, EMS, fire service, law enforcement, veterinarians, laboratory, private food sector managers and public health employees are encouraged to attend.
The course will be taught by the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training of Louisiana State University under the NCBRT Homeland Security National Training Program.
To register, contact Jennifer Rugenstein at the Brown County Health Department at 812-988-2255.
Steele’s Country Christmas celebration planned
BELMONT — T.C. Steele State Historic Site will open a decorated Studio to friends and neighbors for its annual holiday celebration, Steeles’ Country Christmas.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, children and families can visit and get photos with St. Nicholas and Belsnickel, make a Christmas card, decorate an ornament and hear a holiday music program. Cookies and mulled cider will be served.
The event is free with regular site admission and includes a tour of the historic buildings. Families can receive a special discount rate. Members of the Indiana State Museum and the Friends of T.C. Steele are admitted free.
For more information, visit tcsteele.org/programs or call 812-988-2785.
