Recycle center will take bagged trash for $2
The Brown County Recycling 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.
Community garden plots open for rental
Community garden plots at Deer Run Park in Nashville are available for this growing season. Prices range from $25 to $35 for the year. For more information, call the Brown County Parks and Recreation office at 812-988-5522.
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.
Free classes for first responders planned
EMS training will be offered free for first responders at 7 p.m. Wednesdays each month in the training room at the Brown County ambulance base, 53 State Road 46 East. Classes count toward continuing education for recertification.
Sessions are scheduled as follows: May 8 — anaphylaxis; June 12 — injury to muscle and bones; July 10 — childbirth/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/pediatrics; Aug. 14 — airway and rescue breathing; Sept. 11— special operations and hazardous materials (hazmat) situations; Oct. 9 — bleeding and shock; Nov. 13 — cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/automated external defibrillator (AED); Dec. 11 — cold weather emergencies.
Hiking, picnic planned for event April 16
TREVLAC — Conservation Field Day will include some moderate hiking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 starting at Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve, 4255 State Road 45. The trailhead is between Needmore and Helmsburg. Event signs will be posted.
The morning will include an overview and information about invasive species management. The event will include Dan McGuckin of Habitat Solutions, Sycamore Land Trust staff, and representatives of the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District. They will provide a look at conservation practices to improve soil, water quality and wildlife habitat. The group will meet at the bottomland trail for discussion, then hike up to bluffs overlooking Bean Blossom Creek.
Participants should pack snacks, water, and a lunch. A tree-planting overview and tour will follow the picnic.
Hikes are free for land trust members; the suggested donation for non-members is $5 per person or $10 per family. To register, visit sycamorelandtrust.org/events or call 812-988-2211.
Presentation for smartphone users set at library
At 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, volunteer Ryan Ridge will answer questions for smartphone users at the Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, stop by or call the library at 812-988-2850.
Register children for kindergarten, preschool
All three Brown County elementary schools will conduct kindergarten and preschool roundups this month.
No appointment is needed; bring your child, the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and preschool/Head Start records if applicable, and drop in between 5 and 7 p.m. at your local school to register for next school year:
- Van Buren Elementary: Tuesday, April 16, 812-988-6658
- Helmsburg Elementary: Wednesday, April 17, 812-988-6651
- Sprunica Elementary: Tuesday, April 23, 812-988-6625
Preschool students must be 3 or 4 years old and be potty-trained to attend school. Students must be 5 by Aug. 1 to attend kindergarten next year.
Preschool costs $12 per half-day or $25 per full day. Children must attend at least two sessions per week.
Kindergarten is free.
Alliance seeks input on community needs
A needs assessment will be conducted from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane. Thrive Alliance will accept input on wellness, nutrition, outreach efforts, housing, needs of seniors, family caregivers, service providers and individuals with disabilities.
For more information or to attend, email the alliance at [email protected] or call 812-372-6918.
Career Resource Center planning open house
A community open house is planned from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the Career Resource Center of Brown County, 246 E. Main St. All are welcome to look at the newly remodeled building, new logo and new opportunities.
History programs for children 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: April 18, May 16, 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.
Participation costs $5 per child. To register, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or visit browncountyhistorycenter.org for a registration form.
Livestock showmanship clinic planned April 20
The second annual Steal the Show livestock showmanship clinic will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds.
All ages are welcome; participants do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m.
The clinic consists of a large animal session (cattle, equine, sheep, goat, swine) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and a small animal session (poultry, rabbit, cat, dog) from 1:30 to 4:25 p.m. Each session will provide hands-on experience with animals.
The clinic costs $5 for one session or $8 for both, no credit cards. Lunch and educational articles are included. Feed company representatives will be on hand to answer questions during lunch, from 12:15 to 1:25 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded at lunch and at 4:25 p.m.
To register, visit Facebook and search “2nd Annual Steal The Show-Showmanship Clinic”; click on “see discussion” and scroll down to Jan. 4 for a registration form.
With questions, contact Hannah Huber by email at [email protected] or call 812-720-1350.
‘State of the Child’ presentation set at BCCF
The Brown County Community Foundation and the Indiana Youth Institute will host a “State of the Child” presentation at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23 in the Howard Hughes Community Room at the BCCF, 209 N. Van Buren St.
The presentation will include youth well-being trends, challenges, data, and an update on the children in Brown County.
The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, email [email protected]. For a Kids Count 2019 data book, visit iyi.org.
Open house planned for Eagle Manufacturing
Brown County High School’s Eagle Manufacturing is hosting an open house this month.
The open house will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the high school. There will be food, drinks, tours of the facility along with machine demonstrations.
Eagle Manufacturing is a student-run manufacturing business in the high school. Students develop products such as key rings, T-shirts, money clips, vinyl signs and decals. The vision is for students to design and create their own products and work with local businesses and community members to make items they need.
The community is invited to attend the open house to learn more.
Library plant sale set for late April
Four community groups will combine to sell plants at the Brown County Public Library Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.
Favorite perennials, native plants and “some surprises” will be sold from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from Brown County gardens and area nurseries. All proceeds support the library and the ravine project.
The sale is being organized Friends of the Brown County Public Library, the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District, SEED Brown County and the Brown County Herb Society. For more information, visit browncountylibrary.info or call 812- 988-2850.
Learn how to help with Nashville Farmers Market
Local farmers, food vendors, artisans and community members are sought for the Nashville Farmers Market.
The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, May through October, in the Brown County Inn parking lot, 51 State Road 46 East.
“Bigger markets can be intimidating to smaller vendors, and the demands can be rigorous,” said Sarah Dye, president of the board. “Here in Nashville, new vendors can ease into a more relaxed community atmosphere with established vendors, have fun, and earn extra income, too.”
The NFM welcomes vendors of all types. Beside fresh food growers and other food vendors, producers of soaps, jellies, wreaths, bouquets, baked goods and other farm products add depth to market offerings that customers have requested. Local artisans are also welcome to share their talents.
Vendors are not required to attend the market every week. Weekly fees range from $10 to $12.
Volunteers opportunities range from acting as market ambassadors greeting customers and answering questions to being part of children’s activities or joining the logistics team. No experience, muscle or every-week commitment is required.
For more information, email [email protected].
Wildflower Foray activities coming in April
The annual Wildflower Foray will feature free hikes, nature walks and workshops all over Brown County and surrounding locations, beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, April 26 up to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28. A hike and workshop schedule has not yet been posted, but when it is, it can be found at tcsteele.org.
Friends of state park to sell plants April 27
Friends of Brown County State Park will conduct their 20th annual plant sale on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. until sold out. The sale will take place at the Nature Center shelterhouse. Some art and craft vendors also will display their wares. Proceeds will go to support park projects by the Friends of Brown County State Park. Information: 812-988-5240.
Exhibitors, photos sought for free event in April
Veterans will be the focus of Family Heritage Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Brown County History Center, 90 E. Gould St.
The Brown County Genealogical Society is seeking exhibitors to display family, military or other historical/genealogical information. There is no charge for admission, parking or exhibiting. A table and chair will be provided for each exhibitor.
Family, military and local interest photos can be scanned before, during and after the event at no charge. Each digital image will be cataloged and stored in History Center archives.
To request exhibit space and/or photo scanning, contact Rhonda Dunn at [email protected] or 812-320-6237, or Julia Ottenweller at [email protected] or 812-597-5636.
Firefighters will serve fish fries monthly
BEAN BLOSSOM — Fruitdale volunteer firefighters will host fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, April 27, May 18, June 8, 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.
The events support 17 volunteers, and 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.
Vaccine clinic for pets planned this month
The Brown County Humane Society’s annual rabies and other vaccine clinic will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28 at the ambulance base, 53 State Road 46 East next to the Law Enforcement Center. Brown County residents can get rabies and yearly vaccines for cats and dogs for $5, as well as nail trims and microchipping for $5 each.
All dogs must be leashed; all cats must be in carriers. Services are available to the first 300 dogs and 300 cats, cash only.
PTO benefit concert to honor school retirees
A concert to honor Brown County teachers and staff will start at 5 p.m. Friday, May 3 in the Brown County High School auditorium. This year’s concert will honor retiring and retired teachers and staff, especially Coral Hamlin, Brown County Junior High School librarian, and Ed Santos, president of the partnership committee for Brown County Intermediate School; both died in the past six months.
The concert is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome to help raise funds for children and community. The event is hosted by the Parent-Teacher Organization Council, a network of all PTOs in Brown County schools.
A dinner donated by local businesses for teachers, staff and their families will start at 4 p.m. prior to the concert in the high school cafeteria; this year, the public is also welcome. Local businesses also have donated gift certificates as free raffle awards for teachers and staff.
Local musicians who wish to perform at the concert are welcome; the deadline for the program is Friday, April 19. With questions or to perform, contact Clara Stanley, concert coordinator, at email [email protected] or call 312-310-3617.
Library seeks volunteers to walk in parade
The 56th annual Spring Blossom Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4 from the Brown County High School parking lot.
To promote the Brown County Public Library’s 100th birthday on July 20, library staff are seeking 100 volunteers to walk with them in the parade. The parade is sponsored by the Brown County Lions Club. This year’s theme is “Brown County Blooms.”
Volunteers can stop in at the library, 205 Locust Lane, to put their name on the list, or call 812-988-2850.
A library birthday celebration is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
Learn to grow medicinal herbs at library
At a May program at the Brown County Public Library, registered nurse Susan Clearwater will share her methods of organically growing many types of medicinal herbs and provide information to “empower people to develop their own herb gardens.” The free program will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in the lower level of the library.
Topics will include how to prepare woodland or sunny gardens; ways to fertilize and condition the soil; how to propagate plants by seeds, root division, stem cuttings and layering; and tending gardens by mulching, weeding and pruning. Clearwater will offer suggestions for specific herbs to grow at home and will bring plants to the talk.
With questions, call the Brown County Public Library at 812-988-2850.
Farm selling shares of locally-grown produce
BELMONT — Community Supported Agriculture memberships for this growing year are being accepted at Schooner Creek Farm.
Each member gets baskets of locally-grown produce each Tuesday from May 7 through Sept. 24. The 21 baskets or “shares” will contain a medley of produce designed for two to four people. A membership costs $625 for the season.
A variety of vegetables and herbs will be grown, such as heirloom tomatoes, Romaine lettuce, shallots, kale, onions, green beans, carrots, zucchini, basil and more. Substitutions in baskets are allowed only in the case of food allergies. Members can stop by the farm, 4 miles from Nashville, to pick up each week’s share.
The farm has used natural, chemical-free methods to grow food since its start in 2011. Non-GMO eggs are also sold sale. For more information, visit schoonercreekfarm.org, @schoonercreekfarmpage on Facebook or email [email protected].
Lions breakfast May 11 to aid club projects
The Brown County Lions Club will serve a pancake or biscuits and gravy breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at the Parkview Church of the Nazarene Annex, 1750 Old State Road 46.
Tickets are $6 in advance for adults and children 12 and older, or a $7 donation at the door. For children 11 and younger, the cost is $4. Advance tickets are available from a Lion or at Carmel Corn Cottage downtown.
Food manager certification classes set in May
A food manager certification class will be taught at the County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16. The Wednesday session will end at 12:30 p.m. and the Thursday session will finish around 2:30 p.m., with the test being given at 12:30.
All businesses serving food, except nonprofits or those that only carry prepackaged, non-refrigerated food, are required to have a certified food manager on staff. Certification is good for five years.
The class costs $125, which includes the book and test. The seventh edition textbook, reflecting the 2017 food code, should be picked up at the Brown County Health Department on the second floor of the County Office Building to study in advance. To take the test only, the cost is $50.
For more information, to make reservation in the class, or to pick up the book, call the health department at 812-988-2255 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Pond management workshop planned
YELLOWWOOD — Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor a pond management workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at the Yellowwood State Forest Shelter House. The event is free.
David Osborne of Ripley County SWCD and Wesley Goldsmith of Aquatic Control Inc. will cover topics such as aquatic weeds, fish biology, wildlife habitat, water quality, and more.
Bring lawn chairs and RSVP by calling 812-988-2211.
Electronics day, shredding offered at center
The Brown County Recycling Center will offer electronic recycling from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18 at the “far back” side of the Brown County Solid Waste Management District property. The center is off Greasy Creek Road near the intersection at Old State Road 46 East.
Televisions and computer monitors will be accepted for $20 each.
From 9 a.m. to noon May 18, the center also will shred paper documents at the front of the property, at 176 Old State Road 46 East.
Dawg Gone Walk, Fiesta planned in May
At the annual Dawg Gone Walk and Fiesta from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, dogs and their owners can take part in games, contests, pampering stations, information booths and shopping at Deer Run Park.
Funds raised will go directly to the feeding and care of homeless pets at the Brown County Humane Society animal shelter, thus helping maintain and improve its 98-percent save rate.
Tickets will be $15 per dog from until Tuesday, May 14; after that, tickets will cost $20 each. A goody bag worth up to $50 will be given to the first 125 to register.
For more information or to sign up, visit bchumane.org/dawg-gone-walk-fiesta or call 812- 988-7362.
Bean Blossom farmers market to open May 24
BEAN BLOSSOM — The farmers market in the St. David’s Episcopal Church parking lot will open its seventh season Friday, May 24 at the corner of state roads 45 and 135 North. The market will run from 4 to 7 p.m. each Friday through Aug. 31.
Local growers and merchants will feature fresh produce, meats, home-based products, plants, eggs, food and drink, craft items and creations for sale. Music by local musicians will add to the market atmosphere.
The St. David’s Outreach Committee will offer a community outreach booth for nonprofit organizations and service groups to share programs, services and activities. To schedule a slot, call Donna Niednagel at 812-988-6865.
Market organizers seek growers, producers, gardeners, artists, crafters and music makers to be vendors. Volunteers are also needed to help with set-up, parking, hosting and closing. Contracts are available for vendors this year at BeanBlossomFarmersMarket.com or by calling 812-988-1038.
Consult with a lawyer for free at library
The Brown County Public Library will host Talk to a Lawyer Day between 3 and 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. Local attorneys volunteer to give short, confidential, free legal consultations, sponsored by Legal Aid District 11.
Free consultations are also available from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 22 at the Legal Aid Office in Columbus.
For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850 or Legal Aid Office in Bartholomew County at 812-314-2722.
BCHS Class of ’73 reunion set for June 8
A party for alumni of the Brown County High School Class of 1973 will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8 by the pool at the Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East.
An RSVP is needed by Friday, May 31 with check or money order for $10 per person made to Jed Bessire, P.O. Box 1366, Nashville, IN 47448.
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.
