4-H activities move virtually; fair still on for July

The Brown County Fair is still scheduled for the end of July, but in-person 4-H meetings, workshops, trips and other events have been postponed, replaced virtually or canceled through June 30.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to have a traditional 4-H fair and maintain the safety of our community,” said Brown County Purdue Extension 4-H educator Britt Copeland. “However, the 4-H Council, 4-H Fair Board and I will begin exploring contingency plans in case of another extension of event restrictions.”

Counties with June fairs are exploring the options of virtual 4-H fairs or postponements until July or September, not cancellations.

The decision of whether to restrict July events will be made by Purdue University leadership on or by May 15.

Clubs, groups and committees can still meet virtually, just as the 4-H Council and Jr. Leaders Club continue to do through virtual meeting rooms. If assistance is needed in setting up a virtual meeting, email [email protected].

More Brown County-specific opportunities are forthcoming, and at-home activities to help parents during this time of school closures and social distancing can be accessed at purdue.ag/4hhomeactivities.

Centerstone providing services during pandemic

Centerstone is now providing most mental health services via telephone or telehealth (video) so that those in need continue to have access to addiction and counseling services during the COVID-19 crisis.

For information or appointments, call 800-344-8802.

The number for the 24-hour crisis line is 800-832-5442.

Visitors bureau introduces new marketing initiative

The Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau is asking tourists to show their love for the county by staying at home, rather than visiting.

“Never in a million years did I think that I would be asking visitors to stay at home,” said Jane Ellis, executive director of the Brown County CVB. “Since our top priority is everyone’s safety, we’re encouraging visitors to enjoy and support Brown County in a different way. As much as you are missing us, we guarantee that we’re missing you more.”

The CVB has launched an initiative called Show Your Love and asking tourists to partake in Brown County from their homes through online shopping, virtual experiences and interaction on social media.

The CVB also is encouraging visitors share pictures and videos of themselves on social media explaining why they love Brown County. Visitors should tag @ILoveBrownCounty and use #ShowYourLove and #INthistogether in their posts.

Many of Brown County’s shops and artists are selling goods and products online. Local restaurants can be supported by purchasing gift cards to be used later, or by tipping servers virtually at tipyourserverbrowncounty.com. Additionally, Brown County is offering ways to enjoy the area’s nature, stores and activities, as well as the local characters through virtual events.

All information on how to support Brown County during COVID-19 can be found at browncounty.com/covid-19.

“Through all of this, we want our visitors to know that we love them, and we can’t wait to see their smiling faces back in Brown County when all this is over,” Ellis said.

Red Cross offering virtual learning for volunteers

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross has shifted its in-person classes to virtual classes to ensure trained volunteers are available to provide vital services.

The American Red Cross responds to approximately 64,000 disasters a year, most of them localized events. Trained volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance and information to help those affected begin the process of recovery.

There are immediate needs for volunteers. Participants can register as a new or current Red Cross volunteer and receive basic skills training to respond to local disasters, such as fires or severe weather events.

Classes will be offered virtually through Zoom. Register at surveymonkey.com/r/LearningARC.

• Disaster Basics: An Orientation, Monday, April 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• “Zero to Hero”: Begin a Trainee, Finish a Responder, Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mass Care: An Overview, Monday, April 27, 9:30 to 10 a.m.
• Shelter Fundamentals, Monday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Feeding Fundamentals, Tuesday, April 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Distribution of Emergency Supplies Fundamentals, Wednesday, April 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Disaster Assessment Part I: Conducting Detailed Damage Assessments, Monday through Wednesday, May 4 to 6 (take at your own pace)
• Disaster Assessment Part II: Map Meet-Up, Thursday, May 7, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.