Community calendar for week of March 12

New Bible study series starts March 12

Laura Stuart and Deeper Truth Ministries will offer an eight-session Bible study, “Raised Together” by Gloria Furman. The first session starts at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 at the Nashville Christian Church Lifehouse, 260 S. Van Buren St. All other sessions will take place in the lower-level conference room at Cornerstone Inn.

The study is based on Paul’s letter to the Colossians, encouraging believers to live together as new creations in Christ.

For more information, call Stuart at 812-720-0556.

Lenten schedule set at Catholic church

Stations of the Cross will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Fridays through April 12 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road.

On Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. guests can pray the Rosary at the church. Morning prayer is offered at 8 a.m. Mondays through Fridays

For more information, visit stagneschurchnashville.org or call 812-988-2778.

Chamber will host social media workshop

The Brown County Chamber of Commerce will host Bob Blass of Oornj Brandesign at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at Launch Brown County, 37 W. Main St. above PNC Bank. Blass will share tips for online marketing and explain how to set up and maintain accounts on popular social media websites.

A continental breakfast will be served.

Community garden plots open for rental

Community garden plots at Deer Run Park in Nashville are available for this growing season. Prices range from $25 to $35 for the year. For more information, call the Brown County Parks and Recreation office at 812-988-5522.

Goshen Community Church changes schedule

HAMBLEN TWP. — Goshen Community Church, 2798 Gatesville Road, is changing its worship service times. Sunday school is now at 4:30 p.m. and worship is at 5 p.m.

Meet your legislators at breakfast in Van Buren

STONEHEAD — The Southern Brown Volunteer Fire Department will host a meet-and-greet with state legislators Chris May and Eric Koch Saturday, March 16.

A biscuit-and-gravy breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. Keith Baker with the Brown County Veterans Coalition will moderate the discussion starting at 10 a.m.

The fire station is at 4040 State Road 135 South across from Van Buren Elementary.

Seed swap happening at History Center Saturday

The 4th annual Brown County Seed Swap,  hosted by SEED Brown County, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 downstairs at the Brown County Historical Society on East Gould Street.
You don’t have to bring seeds to attend the event. Plenty of seeds will be available at the Community Seed Table through SEED Brown County.

SEED Brown County also will have seeds available for partnered growers to sign up to grow out for the seed library.
Farm and local business vendors will there to sell goods; bring cash or things to trade.

Learn computer basics at free class at library

The Brown County Public Library will offer a “computer basics” class from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19. “Technology changes fast,” the program description reads. “Whether you’re just getting started or want a refresher, our computer basics program will get you off and running.”

With questions, call 812-988-2850.

Cemetery group will meet at library

VAN BUREN TWP. — Mt. Zion Cemetery Association will conduct its annual business meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 in lower-level meeting room C of the Brown County Public Library. Anyone interested in the welfare of the cemetery is welcome. The cemetery is on State Road 135 South between Stone Head and Story.

Red Cross urges donations to combat blood shortage

The next blood donation opportunity in Brown County will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at Parkview Church of the Nazarene, 1750 State Road 46 East.

The American Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are asked to make an appointment by downloading the free American Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Library to celebrate author Tolkien with activities

The Brown County Public Library will host its annual Tolkien Reading Day Celebration starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23. The theme will be “Tolkien, Silmarillion and the Great War.”

Guests can watch a short film about how World War I influenced Tolkien’s “Silmarillion,” listen to selections from audio collections read by Christopher Tolkien, and review the recently republished book “Song of Middle Earth” by David Harvey.

Other activities include writing your name in Elvish and Runes, and sharing your Tolkien talents with other enthusiasts.

For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850.

Chili supper, pie auction set for March 23

The St. Agnes Guild will serve its annual chili supper and have a homemade pie auction at 6 p.m. after Mass Saturday, March 23 at the Catholic church, 1008 McLary Road.

The guild will give 25 percent of proceeds to the St. Agnes youth program for summer activities.

Get free tax preparation through local library

The United Way of Monroe County is extending its Free Community Tax Service sites to include the Brown County Public Library now through Thursday, April 4.

Volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service are offering free tax preparation at 11 locations in Monroe, Owen and Brown counties. This service is available to low- and moderate-income residents for federal and Indiana taxes.

The Brown County library is an intake site; tax returns will be prepared remotely. To participate in this free service, an appointment is needed. Times are offered between 9 a.m. and noon. Call 812-988-2850 to get one.

In addition, anyone making $66,000 or less can file for free through the internet at myfreetaxes.com, the United Way reports.

For more information about how to utilize these services, call the number above or visit monroeunitedway.org/freetaxes.

Fourth Wednesday discussion group topics set

“Hope for the best; prepare for the worst, continuing discussions on emergency preparedness” will be the topic when the adult fourth Wednesday discussion group meets at 1 p.m. at the Brown County Public Library.

The group meets each month for about 90 minutes to discuss pre-selected topics designed to foster conversation, companionship and laughter. “Reflection: A discussion of how personal and societal expectations have changed from generation to generation” is the topic slated for March 27.

For more information, stop by the library at 205 Locust Lane or call 812-988-2850.

Girls program to meet at Bean Blossom farm

BEAN BLOSSOM — Hope For Hearts Horse Farm will offer Confident Cowgirls to help girls build self-esteem and confidence. The program, for girls ages 8 to 12, includes a non-riding activity with the horses, devotional lesson, activity or craft and snack.

The group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the farm, 1005 State Road 45. The cost to participate is $10.

For more information or to register, email [email protected] or call 317-496-0189.

Local game convention planned in March

BroCoCon, Brown County’s first game convention, is planned from Friday to Sunday, March 29 to 31 at the Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East. Most events will take place Saturday.

Hosted by The Toy Chest, the convention is intended to be family- and adult-friendly; adults are welcome with or without children. It will include booths set up by category and vendor to learn, play and/or buy games, with popular strategy, family, party and toddler games available.

Guests also can participate in a scavenger hunt around town and enjoy a 21-and-older after-party, as well as other activities.

BroCoCon tickets cost $10 per adult and $5 per child, with kids 2 and younger admitted free. The adult after-party, $10, includes a drink ticket.

For more information, visit BroCoCon on Facebook, stop by The Toy Chest, 125 S. Van Buren St., or call 812-988-2817.

Alternative medicine workshop offered at YMCA

From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Brown County YMCA will offer a free alternative medicine workshop, “Ayurveda.” Topics will include stress relief and purification programs; daily routine, diet and herbal treatments; mind/body types; pulse diagnosis and balancing “doshas”; transcendental meditation; and laughter yoga.

The program will be presented by Dr. John Peterson, Vicki Peterson and Sarah Lyttle. It will be in the multipurpose room of the Y, 105 Willow St.

For more information or to register, call Lyttle at 765-717-6314.

Fire station to host indoor yard sale in April

HELMSBURG — The Jackson Township Fire Department will host its annual Cabin Fever Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6.

Booth space (10 by 5 feet) costs $20. Bring your own table; if you don’t have one, you may rent one for $10. Setup takes place between 7 and 8 a.m. To reserve a spot, call Cathy at 317-532-7536.

The fire station, 4831 Helmsburg Road, will serve a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast, hot dogs and snacks throughout the day.

Women’s event will benefit nonprofit horse farm

BARGERSVILLE — Hope for Hearts Horse Farm will host its annual Women’s Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Sycamore of Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road.

For $5 at the door, the event will include swag bags for the first 300 guests, silent auction items, free haircuts, styles, manicures, massages and makeovers, “make it/take it” crafts, “hug a horse,” boutiques and food vendors; wine tasting from Mallow Run Winery, and samples of chips and a variety of salsas.

All proceeds will go to support the horses and programs at Hope for Hearts Farm, a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit hopeforheartsfarm.org, email [email protected] or call 317-496-0189.

BETA to visit horse farm in Bean Blossom

BEAN BLOSSOM — BETA (Brown County Enrichment for Teens Association) will travel by bus to Hope for Hearts Horse Farm in the Bean Blossom area from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 The bus will leave BETA (175 S. Jefferson St.) at 4 p.m. and will return by 6 p.m.

Any teen-aged student is welcome to join; parents/guardians (also welcome) must complete a permission slip and waiver for anyone taking the trip. Forms are available at BETA sessions from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at 175 N. Jefferson St., or at the junior high or high school offices.

With questions, contact Clara Stanley at 312-310-3617 or [email protected]. To contact the farm owner, Lisa Bowman, directly, email [email protected] or call 317-496-0189.

Register now for Spring Blossom Parade in May

The 56th annual Spring Blossom Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4 from the Brown County High School parking lot.

The registration deadline is April 15. There is no entry fee to participate. With questions, call Gene at 812-988-6865.

The parade is sponsored by the Brown County Lions Club. This year’s theme is “Brown County Blooms.”

History programs for children offered downtown

The Hands on History program, for children ages 8 to 12, will take place monthly on Thursdays at the Brown County History Center on the following dates: April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 29 and Oct. 24.

The program enables children to engage in many of the day-to-day activities experienced by children living in pioneer times. Activities take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Pioneer Village and the History Center, 90 E. Gould St.

Participation costs $5 per child. To register, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or visit browncountyhistorycenter.org for a registration form.

Library plant sale to take place in April

Four community groups will combine to sell plants at the Brown County Public Library Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.

Favorite perennials, native plants and “some surprises” will be sold from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from Brown County gardens and area nurseries. All proceeds support the library and the ravine project.

The sale is being organized Friends of the Brown County Public Library, the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District, SEED Brown County and the Brown County Herb Society.

Farm selling shares of locally-grown produce

BELMONT — Community Supported Agriculture memberships for this growing year are being accepted at Schooner Creek Farm.

Each member gets baskets of locally-grown produce each Tuesday from May 7 through Sept. 24. The 21 baskets or “shares” will contain a medley of produce designed for two to four people. A membership costs $625 for the season.

A variety of vegetables and herbs will be grown, such as heirloom tomatoes, Romaine lettuce, shallots, kale, onions, green beans, carrots, zucchini, basil and more. Substitutions in baskets are allowed only in the case of food allergies. Members can stop by the farm, 4 miles from Nashville, to pick up each week’s share.

The farm has used natural, chemical-free methods to grow food since its start in 2011. Non-GMO eggs are also sold sale. For more information, visit schoonercreekfarm.org, @schoonercreekfarmpage on Facebook or email [email protected].

Food managers certification classes offered in May

A food manager certification class will be taught at the County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16. The Wednesday session will end at 12:30 p.m. and the Thursday session will finish at 2:30 p.m.

All businesses serving food, except nonprofits, are required to have a certified food manager on staff. Certification is good for five years.

The class costs $125, which includes the book and test. The seventh edition textbook should be picked up at the Brown County Health Department on the second floor of the County Office Building to study in advance. To take the test only, the cost is $50.

For more information, reservations, or to pick up the book, call the health department at 812-988-2255 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Electronics day, shredding offered at recycle center

The Brown County Recycling Center will offer electronic recycling from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18 at the “far back” side of the Brown County Solid Waste Management District property. The center is off Greasy Creek Road near the intersection at Old State Road 46 East.

Televisions and computer monitors will be accepted for $20 each.

From 9 a.m. to noon May 18, the center also will shred paper documents at the front of the property, at 176 Old State Road 46 East.

Dawg Gone Walk, Fiesta planned in May

At the annual Dawg Gone Walk and Fiesta from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, dogs and their owners can take part in games, contests, pampering stations, information booths and shopping at Deer Run Park.

Funds raised will go directly to the feeding and care of homeless pets at the Brown County Humane Society animal shelter, thus helping maintain and improve its 98-percent save rate.

Tickets will be $15 per dog from March 20 to May 14; after that, tickets will cost $20 each. A goody bag worth up to $50 will be given to the first 125 to register.

For more information or to sign up, visit bchumane.org/dawg-gone-walk-fiesta or call 812- 988-7362.

Consult with a lawyer for free at library

The Brown County Public Library will host Talk to a Lawyer Day between 3 and 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. Local attorneys volunteer to give short, confidential, free legal consultations, sponsored by Legal Aid District 11.

Free consultations are also available from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays, March 25 and April 22 at the Legal Aid Office in Columbus.

For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850 or Legal Aid Office in Bartholomew County at 812-314-2722.

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.