Community Calendar for week of Nov. 24

Benefit basketball game this weekend

This weekend the Brown County Sheriff’s Department will face off against local teachers in a basketball game benefiting the annual Shop With a Cop program.

The game will begin at 3 p.m. in the Larry C. Banks Memorial Gymnasium, 235 Schoolhouse Lane.

Donations will be accepted at the door for entrance to the game.

The Shop With a Cop program will take place in December. Local police officers will take a number of children to Walmart to pick out Christmas gifts. Children will need transportation.

The Brown County Children’s Fund gives Walmart vouchers for each child in a family. At least one child in the family must attend Brown County schools.

Speak with Brown County school staff or another child-serving agency to be referred to the programs.

Donations for Shop With a Cop can be mailed to P.O. Box 1532, made out to “Brown County Shop With a Cop.” The event is its own 501(c)3 and can be used as a tax deduction. Forms are available if needed.

Healing Hearts to host activities

Healing Hearts and Memory Making, 173 S. Van Buren St., will host two activities in the coming week.

A Mini Camp consisting of kid’s crafts and activities will take place on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Children ages 5 to 11 can participate in the camp. The registration fee is $35 per child, which includes a hot dog and bag of chips from Gyros on the Courtyard for lunch. Water and fruit will also be provided.

Space is limited to 12 children.

An Open Game Night will happen on Nov. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Party, board, and card games will be available, but participants are welcome to bring their own games to share. The registration fee is $5. Snacks, water, and coffee will be available.

A Neon Glass Stone Art class will occur on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon. The class is for children ages 6 to 12. Each child will get at least two stones to paint. Games and crafts will be available while the paint dries. The registration fee is $10.

A Paper Flower Making class will happen on Nov. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants can use templates or make their own design. The registration fee is $15.

Participants can preregister for both activities by calling 812-988-6923, stopping by the shop, or emailing [email protected].

Community dinner slated this week

The 39th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals 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.

Donations toward the meal may be made at Peoples State Bank. Day of donations go to Shop with a Cop and No Name Committee.

Chamber hosting 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 infants to teenagers and boys and girls. 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, 211 S. Van Buren St. 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:

  • Carrot Top
  • Warrant

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 will be judged on Nov. 26. Anyone is welcome to participate by signing up at www.thebrowncountychamber.org/holiday-decorating-contest.html.

Information sessions set for caretakers

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 at Parkview Church

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.

Shop Small Weekend to kick of holidays

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 are 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 in the Harness Hut.

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 scheduled

The Story Inn, 6404 State Road 135 South, will host Victorian Candlelight Dinners starting on Dec. 3 that will occur every Friday and Saturday evening through February. There will be two seatings: One at 5 p.m. and another at 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.

Ho-ho-ho: Santa Train chugs to town

The Santa Train will roll into Helmsburg and stop for a visit Jackson Township Fire Department, 4831 Helmsburg Road, on Dec. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, families will not be allowed to go on board the train this year. They are invited to come watch Santa and Mrs. Claus roll in to Helmsburg. Santa’s elves will be there ahead of their arrival and children will be able to drop their letter to Santa in a North Pole mailbox at the stop.

For more information, contact the Indiana Railroad Company at 317-262-5140.

Christmas in Antique Alley returns soon

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 next month

This year’s Christkindl Market will include decorated booths, live music, tree lighting, a traditional Chistkindl Market Angel along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

This traditional European holiday market will take place on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Coachlight Square.

Visitors can purchase gifts and experience family-friendly entertainment.

Santa Claus will be at the Visitors Center, 211 S. Van Buren St., from noon to 8 p.m. on the days of the market.

For more information visit, www.browncounty.com/do/christkindl-market/.

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.

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.

Get on the calendar: Community Calendar is for events and happenings that involve and are open to the community. The deadline to make the Dec. 1 edition is noon Wednesday, Nov. 24. Email [email protected] or call 812-988-2221.