Kids can build with blocks at the library
From 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays through Oct. 11, children can build with Legos, Duplos, Keva Blocks and Magna-Tiles at the Brown County Public Library.
Creative Builders, for children 12 and younger, meets in lower-level meeting room B, 205 N. Locust Lane. For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850.
Youth movie, pizza, ice cream party planned
Junior high and high school students are welcome to a Kids on Wheels event from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. A movie will be played and pizza and ice cream will be served at the BETA Teen Center, upstairs from Hoosier Art Gallery, 45 S. Jefferson St.
Door will be open at 3 p.m. with social time, and a skate park movie by Isaiah Smith will start at 4 p.m. After movie, KOW youth will discuss future projects and volunteer organization.
With questions or to be a youth volunteer, call Emmy Snyder at 574-242-2912 or Isaiah Smith at 812-929-0596.
Teen Time planned at library Wednesdays
Teens are welcome to hang out, play games, make crafts, talk about books and do homework during Teen Time at the Brown County Public Library, Wednesday afternoons through December.
A snack is included.
For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850.
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. Wednesdays.
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.
Youth poets, writers welcome at BETA group
A new youth writing group is organizing through Brown County Enrichment for Teens Association (BETA).
The Emerging Poets and Writers group will meet Thursdays after school from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at the BETA center, upstairs from Hoosier Art Gallery, 45 S. Jefferson St.
For more information, email facilitator Lory Winford at [email protected].
‘Creative aging with art’ project in Brown County
Traditional Arts Indiana, a state program housed at Indiana University in Bloomington, is piloting a new initiative using folk art to support and improve the quality of life for older adults in 11 counties in south-central Indiana. The first installation will be in Brown County.
Leading the two-year initiative is Brown Countian Jon Kay, the director of Traditional Arts Indiana. The program builds upon TAI’s foundation in folk arts research and creative aging fieldwork, and is informed by Kay’s recent book, “Folk Arts and Aging.”
The first Traditional Arts and Creative Aging public meeting will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in rooms B and C of the Brown County Public Library. Parking is available in the lower lot at the end of East Gould Street.
Initially, TAI will interview older adults and document their creative practices. The project will also produce an arts activity guide, providing information and strategies for improving seniors’ lives through creative practice. Lastly, TAI will include a traveling exhibition for loan to public venues and agencies in the region.
For more information on TAI, call 812-855-0418.
Free chainsaw safety class offered this week
A free chainsaw safety workshop will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Brown County Purdue Extension Office, followed by a tree-felling demonstration. The speaker will be Don Carlson, the Purdue Extension forester.
Register by calling 812-988-5495.
Community band welcomes new director
The Brown County Community Band has resumed practice under a new director, Shawn Bentz.
The 2017-18 concert season kicks off with the 18th anniversary concert Oct. 7 and includes a Christmas concert Dec. 9, the annual Habitat for Humanity concert May 12, and the annual Sweetwater Homeowner’s Association concert June 23. All concert dates are Saturdays.
The band can always use additional members, young and old. Practices take place in the Brown County High School band room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays.
For more information, call or text Phyllis Sindlinger at 812-340-4440.
Donate blood at local YMCA Sept. 29
Hurricane Irma has forced the cancellation of dozens of blood drives in the Southeast. The American Red Cross has a need for donations from all blood types.
The next local opportunity will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at the Brown County YMCA, 105 Willow St.
Make an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Those who donate through Saturday, Sept. 30, will receive a coupon for a free Sport Clips haircut.
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.
Volunteers wanted for barbecue, hot dog benefit
In partnership with the Nashville Police, Kids on Wheels will host a drive-through fundraiser selling barbecue pork packages for $10 and hot dog packages for $8.
Meals will be sold from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Brown County IGA parking lot and down the street at the town police station, 200 Hawthorne Drive. The purpose is to raise money to build a skate/teen park.
Volunteers are welcome to work a four-hour shift at both locations, or to cook, Friday, Sept. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
To volunteer, call Colleen Smith, KOW fundraising chair, at 812-939-0160, or Clara Stanley with BETA at 312-310-3617.
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.
Firefighters move chicken dinner to Oct. 7
VAN BUREN TWP. — The Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department has moved the chicken dinner planned for Sept. 30 to Saturday, Oct. 7.
The fire department, 4040 State Road 135 South, will serve meals of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll and a drink from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spearsville church homecoming planned Oct. 1
SPEARSVILLE — On Sunday, Oct 1, Spearsville Church of Christ, 9330 Spearsville Road, will celebrate its annual homecoming. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. and dinner at noon, followed with special music at 1 p.m. by bluegrass gospel group Borrowed Tyme.
A freewill offering will be collected.
For more information, call Mark Smith at 317-432-8748.
Helmsburg church to serve bean dinner
HELMSBURG — After the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Oct. 1, Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main St., will serve its annual slow-cooked ham and bean dinner under the church pavilion.
Elkinsville community reunion planned
ELKINSVILLE — The Elkinsville Community Reunion will take place Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Bill Miller farm, five miles south of Story.
A pitch-in dinner will begin at 12:30 p.m. Bring table service, drinks and chairs. A collection for mowing the memorial will be made. All are welcome.
With questions, call 812-988-2313.
Local work group needed for conservation issues
The Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and Natural Resources Conservation Service will convene a local group to review project plans and develop questions for Focused Conservation Approach proposals.
The group is to include representatives from federal, state and local agencies, conservation organizations and the public, and it provides information on natural resource priorities in Brown County.
The SWCD local group will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Community Room at the SWCD/Purdue Extension Office, 802 Memorial Drive. For more information, call Allison Shoaf at 812-988-2211.
State park hosts live raptor programs in fall
Brown County State Park is hosting live bird shows with representatives from the Indiana Raptor Center through fall.
Saturday shows at the Nature Center will be on Oct. 7, 14 and 21, all at 2 p.m. 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.
Methodist church plans 46th annual FallFare
Nashville United Methodist will conduct its annual “Fall Fare” Saturday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Village Green next to the church at the corner of Jefferson and Main streets.
The fair will include live music, a kids’ carnival, a silent auction and booths. Local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will operate the Village Cafe, selling breakfast casserole in the morning and burgers or hot dogs for lunch.
A silent auction will include art, theme bags/baskets, event and attraction tickets, gift certificates and handmade items.
The “Trash & Treasures” booth will feature yard sale-type items like electronics, furniture and appliances, kitchen items, tools and sports equipment.
Other items for sale include handmade knitted, quilted and wood items, fine artwork, homemade candy, pies and other baked goods, pickles, jams, apples, antiques, live plants, cut and dried flowers, jewelry, hats, scarves, purses, holiday decor and more.
Proceeds benefit a variety of missions, local and international.
With questions, call the church at 812-988-4666.
Fall celebration planned at the library
In partnership with the Brown County Literacy Coalition, the Brown County Public Library 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.
Firefighters plan fish fry in Bean Blossom
BEAN BLOSSOM — The Fruitdale volunteer fire department, 5200 State Road 135 North, will host a fish fry from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.
For $9, diners can get meals including tenderloins “as big as your head,” hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, beverages, fish and fish sandwiches.
Final practical history session 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. The remaining session, about harvest, will take place Oct. 19. Children ages 8 to 12 are welcome.
Registration is required. The fee is $5 per child.
To volunteer to help with the program, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or email [email protected]. To register online, visit browncountyhistorycenter.org.
Foot reflexology sessions available
Simply Fitness, 59 E. Main St., will host foot massage sessions with certified reflexologist Leslie Dyar from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19.
Each 30-minute “Treat your Feet” session costs $30.
To make an appointment, visit squareup.com/store/simply-fitness or call 812-343-3560.
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.
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.
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.
Community harvest fest planned at church
BEAN BLOSSOM — From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, Bean Blossom Community Church on State Road 135 North will host a free harvest festival. 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.
Town decoration contest winners get prizes
Shop owners, businesses and churches throughout town are eligible to win money in a fall decorating contest.
The contest is sponsored by Reynolds Leather and Gifts. The first place winner will receive $500; second place, $300; and third place, $200.
An independent team of judges will vote Friday, Oct. 27.
Trap shoot to benefit Shrine hospitals
GNAW BONE — 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.
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. Oct. 28 is the next show date, featuring magicians Corbett Troyer and Ace Saturn, as well as 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.
Annual bazaar at Catholic church in November
St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road, will host its annual Christmas bazaar in the lower level Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4.
The bazaar opens at 9 a.m. both days and closes at 5 p.m. Friday and 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission and parking are free.
Items include Christmas decor; books; jewelry and accessories; a select number of collectibles and vintage dolls; hand-knitted, crocheted and quilted materials; pottery art; wall hangings, wood items; stamping and paper crafting creations; outside vendor specialties; hot tea served by Sweetea’s; cookies by the pound and other baked goods.
It also includes a silent auction of gift baskets and tabletop Christmas trees; and a raffle drawing for a hand-stitched, king-size quilt.
For more information, visit stagneschurchnashville.org or call the church at 812-988-2778.
Firefighters host annual turkey shoot
BEAN BLOSSOM — Fruitdale Volunteer Fire, 5200 State Road 135 North, will host a turkey shoot at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.
Guns can be 12 or 20 gauge, with a 32-inch barrel limit. The cost is $5 per shoot. Prizes include a 50/50 money shoot, turkey, ham and bacon.
Concessions and facilities will be available on site.
For more information, call 812-322-8865 or 812-988-1696.
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.
