Medicare annual enrollment period open
The annual enrollment period for Medicare advantage and prescription drug plans will run through Dec. 7.
Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their plans in order to reassess their coverage and consider new options for 2022 if they desire.
New benefits may be available upon inquiry.
For a no-cost review and comparison of Medicare plans, call Christina McGinley at 812-988-6399 or contact her via her website at www.mcginleyinsurance.com.
Pop-up food pantry happening this week
MORGANTOWN — A drive-thru, pop-up food pantry is happening at Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road, on Nov. 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., or while supplies last.
New coats from God’s Grace will also be available for boys and girls, sizes 3 to 18.
The pantry is being offered by Brown County COAD, St. Vincent de Paul, Midwest Food Bank, Brown County Food Alliance, Brown County Sheriff Reserves, Unity Baptist Church and the Brown County YMCA.
For more information, call the COAD hotline at 812-988-0001.
Healing Hearts to host several classes
Healing Hearts & Memory Making, 173 S. Van Buren St., will host several classes in the coming week.
A round fan book making class will happen on Nov. 16 at 11:30 a.m. Attendees will make a circular book that holds wallet sized photos. The shop can print photos for an extra $5 fee. There is an option to purchase additional decorations.
Admission is $10.
Open craft time and game night is planned for Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. Attendees can bring in their own crafts and games, or use those provided by the shop.
Admission is $5.
A superhero crafts and activites class will happen on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Attendees will make a mask, a picture frame, a banner, and scratch designs, as well as complete a puzzle and read a story. Each child will receive a blank book to create their own superhero story, and a superhero drawstring bag.
Admission is $20.
Register in advance for any of these events by calling 812-988-6923 or emailing [email protected].
Chamber of Commerce holiday toy drive
The Brown County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Toy Drive through Dec. 4 and they need more toys.
Donated toys will go to underprivileged families in the community. Toys and gifts are needed for boys and girls, from infants to teenagers. Gifts can include toys, books, crafts and anything else appropriate for the occasion.
Official vendors for the Drive are The Toy Chest, Weed Patch Music Company, the Clay Purl and Fallen Leaf Books. Fallen Leaf Books is offering 15 percent off all books purchased for the Toy Drive. Donations from other vendors can be dropped off at the Visitors Center. Toys will be donated to the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul charities.
The Brown County Music Center is also accepting toy donations in place of purchasing a ticket for the following shows:
- CarrotTop
- Warrant
- LindseyStirling
- MysteryScienceTheatre3000
The Toy Drive will end with a celebratory Light Parade on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. The route will loop from Washington to Jefferson to Mound to Van Buren.
A Holiday Decorating Contest for businesses will be judged on Nov. 26. Anyone is welcome to participate by signing up at www.thebrowncountychamber.org/holiday-decorating-contest.html.
Operation Christmas returns
Parkview Church of the Nazarene will host Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection Week from Monday, Nov. 15 to Monday, Nov. 22. The hours are Monday through Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. and from Monday 9 to 11 a.m.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off in the lower level of the church. Inside or curbside drop off will be available.
Library to host activities, events
The Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane, will host several activities and events in the upcoming weeks.
Novel Bunch Book Club will meet on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. to discuss “Dead Wake: The Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson. Attendees can borrow a copy or download the e-book or digital audiobook with their library card.
BCPL Craft Club will meet on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., where attendees will make metallic fallen leaves. This activity is for adults and teens 13 and over.
Weekly activities include Monday Morning Storytime on Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m., and ATLAS on Nov. 18 at 4:15 p.m.
The library will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
The lower level parking lot will be closed from Nov. 15 to Nov. 27 for construction of the power-producing solar panels in that area. Visitors will need to park in the upper level lots on Locust Lane. Curbside pick up will be available at the upper entrance for those wishing to pick up materials during the construction.
Input about future plans for library needed
As the end of the year nears, the Brown County Public Library is looking ahead to 2022 and is in need of input from residents.
Those with the library want to hear from everyone in the community, from regular visitors to those without a library card.
The Library is asking Democrat readers to take a moment to complete their long range planning survey by visiting browncountylibrary.info/survey. A paper copy is also available at either the library branch in Nashville, 205 Locust Lane, or at the Cordry-Sweetwater branch, 8751 Nineveh Road.
Worldwide Freedom Rally this weekend
Southern Indiana’s first Worldwide Freedom Rally will take place at Heart of Christ Ministries, 5181 State Road 46 East, on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rally is sponsored by DontTreadOnIndiana.org.
Speakers will include Bob Croddy and Danny Niederberger.
Croddy is a Christian conservative and host of the Bob Croddy podcast. He spearheaded the “Trump-Indiana-Ohio-Michigan People’s Grassroots Campaign,” according to DontTreadOnIndiana.org.
Niederberger is a conservative Republican candidate from Westfield campaigning against U.S. Sen. Todd Young.
“The Worldwide Freedom Rally is an international grassroots movement pushing back against globalist overreach and medical tyranny,” according to the website.
Live music and refreshments will be available.
For more information, visit worldwidedemonstration.com or donttreadonindiana.org.
Virtual information sessions for caretakers set
Thrive Alliance will offer a virtual information session for those interested in gaining tools for caregiving.
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is educational series by Thrive Alliance designed to provide caregivers with the tools needed to take care of themselves and those to whom they provide care. The program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.
Classes consist of six sessions virtually via Zoom every Tuesday through Nov. 30, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact Thrive Alliance at 812-372-6918. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is made possible in part by support from Meredith-Clark Funeral Home and Cremation in Morgantown.
Alpha courses return
Parkview Church of the Nazarene will host their eighth annual Alpha Course, every Monday through Feb. 7 from 5:50 to 8 p.m. The course includes a meal, a video, and a discussion.
Call the church office at 812-988-7797 or Mark at 812-350-9655 to register. Childcare is available.
Community night of worship
New Life Community Church, 1450 State Rd. 135 N, will host a night of worship on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. A fellowship meal will be served at 5:30 p.m.
All are welcome.
Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner returns
The 39th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will happen on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mother’s Cupboard, 646 Memorial Drive.
This year’s dinner will be drive-thru or delivery only.
All members of the community are invited to get a meal. The menu will include turkey, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie.
To request a delivery to the home bound by TRIAD volunteers, call Brown County COAD Hotline at 812-988-0001 by Nov. 22.
Donations toward the meal may be made at Peoples State Bank. Day of donations go to Shop with a Cop and No Name Committee.
This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner is made possible by the Brown County YMCA and Christopher Henderson.
Shop Small Weekend in Nashville
Shop Small Weekend includes “Brown” Friday and Small Business Saturday, which will happen on Nov. 26 and 27. Local shops will offer discounts and specials online and in-store on this annual shopping weekend.
Shoppers can visit the “Shop Small Welcome Station” at the Brown County Visitors Center, 211 S. Van Buren St., and pick up a free Shop Small tote bag while supplies last.
Most shops in Nashville will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa’s Zip N’ Sip makes jolly return
Visitors to eXplore Brown County, 2620 Valley Branch Road, can meet with Santa to take photos, as well as zipline over 80 feet in the air. After the zipline tour, visitors can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa..
Tours will happen daily during the month of December, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours are $35 to $75 per person depending on the zip tour.
Victorian Candlelight Dinners at Story Inn
The Story Inn, 6404 State Road 135 South, will host Victorian Candlelight Dinners starting on Dec. 3. The dinners will occur every Friday and Saturday evening through February. There will be two seatings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Staff will be dressed in authentic Victorian clothing with traditional live music from the piano. The evening will feature a special menu that can be found at storyinn.com/dining.
Call 812-988-2273 or visit storyinn.com for reservations.
Santa Train chugs to town
The Santa Train will make a stop in Helmsburg at the Jackson Township Fire Department, 4831 Helmsburg Road, on Dec. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Children are invited to climb aboard the train to visit with Santa. Many other holiday characters will be outside the train to visit while waiting in line.
For more information, contact the Indiana Railroad Company at 317-262-5140.
Christmas in Antique Alley returns
The second annual Christmas in Antique Alley will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. Antique Alley is a village of shops in Nashville.
Along with shopping at over 14 unique stores, visitors can enjoy the lights and decorations, and listen to live Christmas music performed by Indy Crossbones, a trombone quartet.
There will also be a meet and greet with Santa and a visit from some miniature donkeys from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Antique Alley courtyard.
Christkindl Market happening next month
This year’s Christkindl Market will include decorated booths, live music, tree lighting, a traditional Chistkindl Market Angel, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can purchase one of a kind gifts and experience family-friendly entertainment.
This traditional European holiday market will take place on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Village of Nashville.
Brown County Children’s Auction returns
The Brown County Children’s Fund Live Auction will be on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East. Participants can bid on items donated by local artists and merchants. All proceeds will buy clothes for local children.
Auction items can be dropped off at Out of the Ordinary, 61 S. Van Buren St. Cash donations will be accepted at PNC Bank.
Some items are available for online bidding. Visit facebook.com/bcchildrensauction for instructions.
