Senator Mike Braun staff to host mobile office hours
Senator Mike Braun’s staff will hold mobile office hours at Town Hall, 200 Commercial St., Tuesday, June 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.
This meeting will serve to discuss the mitigation of the opioid crisis, the lowering of prescription drug prices, and the reining in of spending.
Market to feature live music, recycling
BEAN BLOSSOM — The farmers market at St. David’s Episcopal Church will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. each Friday through Aug. 31. The church is at state roads 45 and 135 North.
During the market each week, there will be a demonstration table encouraging ways to reuse and recycle, conserve and preserve, methods of growing and cooking nutritional food, household cleaning without chemicals and identifying invasive plants and encouraging native plants. Other topics on growing, gardening and protecting the environment will be introduced throughout the weeks.
This week, visit Ally Fields at the Picnic Clove booth for personalized picnic baskets, picnic treats and a cookbook for picnic recipes. Local artisans will have a variety of handmade products for sale including soaps, candles, jewelry and fabric art. Donna Copeland, of Breezy Manor Farm, raises sheep and rabbits for spinning wool to create fabric art. She will bring rabbits and a spinning wheel to the market each week.
The market café will serve dinner indoors while Lou Stant plays music.
SEED Brown County and the Sierra Club will be featured in the outreach community service booth. Torrie Rae will offer and receive seeds to help sustain food sources in the county.
SNAP, WIC and senior farmers market vouchers are honored for eligible purchases. SNAP tokens are available in the outreach booth.
For more information about participating in the market, visit BeanBlossomFarmersMarket.com or call 812-988-1038.
Brown County Community Band benefit for Playhouse
The Brown County Community Band (BCCB) will perform a benefit concert for the Brown County Playhouse as a part of Big Band Weekend at the Playhouse Friday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $12; senior tickets are $8.
The band wishes to invite all who have participated and played in the BCCB since 2000 to attend the benefit. Those who have been involved should email Bill Schnackel at [email protected] or call 812-988-7419 for more details regarding the concert.
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, or how to join the band, visit browncountycommunityband.com.
‘To Mars and Beyond’ Vacation Bible School
St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road, will be hosting VBS Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Children ages 4 through sixth grade are welcome to attend a week of fun learning about God’s word. Donations are welcome.
For more information, call 812-325-9527.
‘Roar’ Vacation Bible School at Becks Grove
BECKS GROVE — Becks Grove Christian Church, 8009 Becks Grove Road, will host VBS Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Children ages 5 through 12 are welcome to participate.
For more information, call 812-498-1088 or 812-988-7753.
‘Game On!’ Vacation Bible School scheduled
Rising Hope Baptist Church, 1267 Old State Road 46, will host VBS Tuesday, June 18 through Thursday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A family barbecue and closing ceremonies will take place Friday, June 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 812-720-1505 or email [email protected].
Neighborhood Church of God hosting VBS
HAMBLEN TWP. — Neighborhood Church of God, 7440 Sweetwater Trail, will host Vacation Bible School Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Children in preschool through the 12th grades are welcome to attend.
For more information, call 317-775-5384
Brown County Community Foundation annual report
The Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) will give its annual report to the community at the Seasons Lodge and Conference Center, 560 State Road 46 East, Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m.
Grant dollars will be presented to local nonprofits, and various Brown County residents will be rewarded for their service to the community. Refreshments are provided.
RSVP by calling 812-988-4882 or emailing Maddison at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome.
History programs for kids 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: 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.
Planned topics tied to history will include hearthside cooking; dyeing yarn and weaving; flag etiquette; household chores; Hoosier inventions; wildlife; braille and sign language; the Indiana state flag, seal, song, foods and tree; and one-room schoolhouse.
Participation costs $5 per child. To register, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or visit browncountyhistorycenter.org for a registration form.
Class of 1969 to reunite this month in town
The Brown County Class of 1969 will celebrate its 50-year high school reunion at The Seasons Lodge and Convention Center beginning Friday, June 21 at 5 p.m. A band, cash bar and dinner will start at 6 p.m.
There is no charge to attend for class members and one guest each. BCHS graduates from other years who wish to greet the 69ers should arrive after 7 p.m. Contact Ricki Miller Wilkerson at [email protected] to RSVP or with questions.
The Class of 1969 is also being honored the next day, Saturday, June 22 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Brown County Alumni Banquet, also at The Seasons. The cost for the banquet is $25 per person or $37 at the door. Send alumni banquet reservations to Linda Hobbs at [email protected] or call 812-320-1828.
Kids on Wheels fundraiser to take place June 22
Support Kids on Wheels’ effort to build a skate park by attending a Jeep Poker Run Saturday, June 22. Registration will begin at noon and the event at 1 p.m.
Participants will join in their Jeeps beginning at the Brown County State Park Nature Center and travel the back roads to Story Inn, Salt Creek Winery, Hernandia Establo, Bear Wallow Distillery and Hard Truth Hills. At each stop, participants will collect the next card to add to their poker hand.
Tickets are $35 and include poker cards and entry into all drawings, special promotions and pricing, and a T-shirt if registered by June 16. There will be prize drawings at every stop, including two admission tickets to Disney World and a $200 cash prize for the winning poker hand.
Participants will end the day at Hard Truth Hills, enjoying live music, free appetizers and tastings, a $10 gift card toward food purchases, a silent auction, and the announcement of the winning poker hand.
Some age restrictions may apply. To register, or visit kidsonwheelsnashville.com. For more information regarding the event or Kids on Wheels, call Colleen Smith at 812-929-0160 or Becky Gillenwater at 812-614-3821.
Weave-in, Spin-in planned at the library
The Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane, will be hosting weavers and spinners of all levels on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come and share projects and ideas with fellow fiber enthusiasts.
This program is free and requires no registration. It’s open to adults and teens.
For more information, call 812-988-2850.
Church hosting retreat for women of all ages
GNAW BONE — Women of all ages are invited to the Heart of Christ Ministries Women’s Retreat Saturday, June 22 at the church, 5181 State Road 46 East. The retreat will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be served.
For more information, call Melissa Duncan at 812-350-0388 or Arin Larrison at 812-371-7370.
Open house, meal at Southern Brown VFD
STONE HEAD — Southern Brown Volunteer Fire Department will have an open house from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22. The fire station is at 4044 State Road 135 South across from Van Buren Elementary School.
Sugar Creek BBQ will serve a pulled pork dinner. Donations would be appreciated.
Unity Baptist plans VBS, looks for helpers
SPEARSVILLE — Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road, will have vacation Bible school Sunday to Thursday, June 23 to 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Children ages 3 to 11 are welcome to participate. The theme is “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.” A meal is included each evening.
Unity Baptist also is looking for middle school and high school-aged teens who want to be assistants.
Register or volunteer by calling Kelly Wesley at 812-720-0352 or emailing [email protected].
Market launches weekly ‘Market Bucks’ drawing
The Nashville Farmers Market is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East.
On Sunday, June 23, the market is launching a free weekly drawing for “Market Bucks.” Market attendees can enter to win market bucks that can be redeemed at any market vendor. Vendors offer an array of local produce, meat, baked goods, plants, and artisanal crafts and gifts.
Sunday, June 23, Bloomington-based musician Steve Plessinger will play and the children’s tent will welcome young market-goers with free activities.
The market is a rain-or-shine event. For more information, email [email protected] or follow the market on Facebook at NashvilleIndianaFarmersMarket.
Chamber hosting business marketing workshop
The Brown County Chamber of Commerce will host the second of four marketing workshops at Big Woods Pizza, 44 N. Van Buren St., Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Learn the importance of marketing and building a brand from brand development expert Josh Miles. Miles is a past TEDx presenter, podcast host and author of “Bold Brand 2.0 — How to Leverage Brand Strategy to Reposition, Differentiate and Market your Professional Services Firm.” He is also an advisory board member of the Purdue University Lamb School of Communication.
Socializing begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
There is no cost for members of the Brown County Chamber of Commerce; it’s $25 per non-member.
Register by Thursday, June 20 to enter into a drawing for a copy of “Bold Brand 2.0.”
For more information and tickets, visit thebrowncountychamber.org.
Tire recycling scheduled at recycle center
Schedule a free pickup of old tires on your property for Friday, June 28 by calling the Brown County Recycle Center at 812-988-0140. Pickup is offered on first-call basis.
Residents also may drop off tires at the recycle center at Old State Road 46 and Greasy Creek Road on Saturday, June 29 between 8 a.m. and noon. Prices for tire drop-offs are as follows:
- Cars and light truck — Free, or $1 with rim
- Bus — Free, or $5 with rim
- Truck or semi — $6; or $10 with rim
- Farm tractor — $10, or $15 with rim
Touch-A-Truck fundraiser to help feed kids
A fundraiser for the Brown County Weekend Backpacks program will be set up in Brown County High School’s parking lot on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 30 trucks will be in the lot, including fire trucks, bucket trucks, tow trucks, military trucks, race cars and many more.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome. All proceeds will benefit the Brown County Weekend Backpacks program, whose goal is to provide children with meals over the weekend, ensuring no child goes hungry.
Visit browncountytouchatruck.com for more information.
Basic photography course at library
Learn the basics of photography from presenter Ryan Ridge at the Brown County Public Library Tuesday, July 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Learn tips to help take better photos and methods of managing and storing pictures. The course will cover phone cameras and DSLRs.
The course is open to all and is free. For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850.
Library to host caregiving educational sessions
Thrive Alliance is offering a six-week program of educational sessions for caregivers at the Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane, Tuesday, July 9 through Tuesday, Aug. 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Trainers Shelby Eggers, Christina Rajanayakam and Leah Boas will provide sessions on topics designed to help caregivers learn methods for ensuring they are taking care of themselves and meeting caregiving obligations. Help at Home LLC will provide care for loved ones during the program.
Topics will be:
July 9 — “Taking Care of You”
July 16 — “Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress”
July 23 — “Communicating Feelings, Needs and Concerns”
July 30 — “Communicating in Challenging Situations”
Aug. 6 — “Learning from our Emotions”
Aug. 13 — “Mastering Caregiving Decisions”
Registration is required by Monday, July 1. Call 812-372-6918 or email [email protected] to register. The program is made possible through funding by Brown County Community Foundation.
Thrive Alliance serves the residents of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings counties. Its services focus on helping older adults and individuals with disabilities remain safe and independent in their own home as long as possible. Services also include providing safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. For more information, visit thrive-alliance.org.
Store to have used stamp and craft sale
Wishful Thinking, 150 S. Old School Way, will host its annual Used Stamp and Craft Sale Wednesday, July 12 through Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Only cash will be accepted.
Visitors can sort through gently used or no-longer-wanted stamping and scrapbooking supplies. Call Wishful Thinking at 812-988-7009 if interested in selling items.
A preview party is planned on Tuesday, July 9 at 3 p.m. for those participating in the sale. Doors open on Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m. for people who are not selling their items in the sale.
Firefighters will serve fish fries monthly
BEAN BLOSSOM — Fruitdale volunteer firefighters will host fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, July 13, Aug. 24, Sep. 7 and Oct. 5 at the fire station, 5200 State Road 135 North.
Volunteers prepare the food and provide a combo plate for $9, a number of side dishes, drinks and desserts, along with hot dogs and breaded tenderloins.
Proceeds go to the general fund which pays for equipment and training. For more information, visit facebook.com/Fruitdale-Volunteer-Fire-Company or call 812-988-1696.
Required ServSafe class offered in July
A ServSafe Food Manager Certification class will be taught Tuesday and Wednesday, July 23 and 24 in the Salmon Room at the County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane. Start time for both days is 8:30 a.m., concluding at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 2:30 p.m.
ServSafe Food Manager Certification is good for five years. All retail food establishments must have a certified food manager on staff unless they are a nonprofit or serve only pre-packaged food.
The cost is $125 for the text, class and test. The class is limited to 12 participants.
For more information or to register, call the Brown County Health Department at 812-988-2255.
Game library available at the local Toy Chest
The Toy Chest, 125 S. Van Buren St., has created a game library that locals can use for a $10 annual membership fee.
Game library members can check out one game at the Toy Chest register. Games can be kept for a week or they can be renewed for another week. If the game is late, $1 will be charged each day up to the price of the game.
See the Toy Chest Game Library Facebook page for new game and other announcements.
Bluebird box sale to benefit local club
Fully assembled cedar boxes intended for bluebirds to nest in will be sold to benefit the Brown County Bluebird Club. They cost $15 each or two boxes for $25. With questions or to place an order, email Dan Sparks at [email protected] or call 812-200-5700.
Recycle center will take bagged trash for $2
The Brown County Recycle Center now accepts trash at its drive-through during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
Drop-off costs $2 per bag. The center offers prepaid sticker books for $10 or $20, with five or 10 yellow stickers to affix to trash bags up to 55 gallons.
For more information, call the center at 812-988-0140. The center is at 176 Old State Road 46.
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.
