BETA programs, teen center open at Deer Run

BETA teen center is now open in the old office of the Brown County Parks and Recreation department at Deer Run Park, 1001 Deer Run Lane.

BETA will be open on Tuesdays from noon until 6 p.m. for teens to meet, hang out and participate in activities. The building is next to Victory Skate Park; skateboards are welcome.

BETA will provide sandwich lunches, snacks and drinks throughout the afternoon.

• BETA’s new program director, Jessica George, will be on site from noon to 3 p.m. George has been involved with Do Something Brown County and is currently working on a degree in social work/pre-law at Indiana University Bloomington.
• Brown County artist MK Watkins will have a studio set up at the Deer Run building for teens to do artwork with her from noon to 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to work with Watkins on a large group painting as well as materials available to work on individual projects.
• Musician Michael Wimer will be giving drum and keyboard lessons and doing jams with teens from 3 to 5 p.m. BETA will provide keyboards and guitars will be available for students who want to participate but don’t have their own instrument.

Email BETA at [email protected] for more information or call 440-864-2345.

CRC to host celebration for program graduates

The Career Resource Center of Brown County will host a “Celebration of Success” on Thursday, July 1 at the Brown County High School Auditorium from 6 to 7 p.m. The celebration will be in recognition of the 2020-2021 graduates of CRC programs, high school equivalency, certified nursing assistant, certified clinical medical assistant and master electrician.

CRC students and their families are invited to attend. RSVP by calling 812-988-5880 by Monday, June 28.

Head Start preschool now open for enrollment

Brown County Head Start, 105 Willow St., meets at the YMCA and has openings for preschool enrollment.

Head Start is a year-round program for qualified families.

There are several ways a family can become eligible to send their child to Head Start for free.

Children are eligible if a family meets income guidelines; a child is in foster care or a ward of the state; if a family receives certain government assistance; or a child has a disability or special needs. Students age 3 through 5 can be registered for programs.

Children do not need to be potty-trained to attend. Bus pickup is available and meals are provided.

For more information or to register, call 812-988-6630.

Purdue Extension offering financial club for kids

Teens in Grades 7 to 12 are welcome to join the Money Matters 4-H SPARK Club. This opportunity to learn from a financial adviser about how to make money grow now and in the future.

The club is free for 4-H members and for the first 10 teens who are not already in 4-H. Otherwise, the cost is $20.

All participants receive a free binder and T-shirt. Visit bit.ly/MoneyMattersClub to enroll and join the GroupMe for updates at bit.ly/GroupMeMoney.

The first session was May 6 in the Exhibit Building. The last session will be July 1.

Call the Brown County Purdue Extension Office at 812-988-5495 or email Katie Finney at [email protected] with questions or accommodation needs.

Kindergarten and preschool roundup under way

Children who will enter Brown County Schools as preschoolers or kindergartners are asked to contact their schools to make an appointment to enroll:

• Helmsburg Elementary, 812-988-6651 (part of Nashville and northwest Brown County)
• Sprunica Elementary, 812-988-6625 (northeast Brown County)
• Van Buren Elementary, 812-988-6658 (part of Nashville and southern Brown County)

For kindergarten enrollment, parents or guardians must bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization record and preschool or Head Start records. The child must turn 5 years old by Aug. 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten.

Preschool is open to children who are at least 3 years old and potty-trained. Parents or guardians must bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records. Preschool tuition fees are $25 per session for each full day (minimum of two sessions per week). The preschool registration fee is $25 and is non-refundable.

For more information, visit browncountyschools.com or prek.browncountyschools.com.

CRC has free classes and more available

The Career Resource Center, 246 E. Main St., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The center is closed on Fridays and the weekends.

A free phlebotomy technician course will be offered starting Monday, July 12 at the CRC. The course meets from 6 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 27.

A free 13-week certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) course begins Aug. 24.

Students can attend in person at Broadview Learning in Bloomington or on Zoom for free HVAC certification. Those who complete the training and earn their certifications will receive a free set of tools.

Basic Electricity II and Motor Controls begins June 22 and will meet for 12 weeks. Call the CRC for more information.

One-hour SCORE webinar and business consultations are available by phone and email. Call 812-988-5880 to schedule an appointment. For SCORE webinars, visit score.org/live-webinars.

The Work One office is open for appointments only on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Connect online at in.gov/dwd/19.htm or watch the DWD Video Vault at in.gov/dwd/3436.htm.

The following resources also are available at the CRC:

• Virtual and distance learning for high school equivalency.
• Device and WiFi access
• Printing, copying and faxing
• Resume help
• Career coaching
• Interviewing assistance
• Personal financial consulting

The CRC is limiting the number of people in the building and following all social distancing guidelines including face mask usage.

Call 812-988-5880 for more information.

Enrollment open for 21st Century Scholars

Applications for the 21st Century Scholar program are being accepted. The program offers income-eligible Hoosier students up to four years of paid tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university after they graduate from high school, dependent upon financial need.

In middle school and high school, scholars are connected to programs and resources the help them stay on track for college and career success.

Applications must be received by June 30 of the student’s eighth-grade year. Scholars pledge to graduate with a Core 40 diploma and cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.5. They also pledge to abstain from illegal drugs and alcohol and illegal activities.

For more information on requirements for the program, visit scholars.in.gov.