Step back in time
The longest running annual festival in Jennings County returns as the Sassafras Tea Festival and Civil War Living History event makes camp around the courthouse lawn in Vernon and surrounding areas Saturday and Sunday. The aroma of sassafras tea, brewed from the root that was abundant locally in settler times, fills the air as guests mingle among musicians, crafters and reenactors, choose from a variety of foods, learn from Underground Railroad tours, experience mock battles and more. For more information on the festival, visit jenningscounty.org.
Photo provided
Kids and teens
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Preschool Art Studio, 11 a.m., April 24; Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Poetry Month, 3:30 p.m., April 24; Introducing BCPL Beyond, 4 p.m., April 24; Family Exercise and Movement Storytime, 4:45 p.m., April 24; Cuentos y Cantos Spanish Storytime, 11 a.m., April 26, May 7; Teen DIY: Rock Painting, 3:30 p.m., April 26; Storytelling Workshop, 5:30 p.m., April 29; Family Storytime, 6 p.m., April 29, May 6; Toddler Time, 9:15 and 10 a.m., April 30, May 7; Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m., April 30; Teen Book Club, 3:30 p.m., April 30; Whatever the Weather Storytime and Playdate, 11 a.m., May 1; Teen May Day Celebration, 3:30 p.m., May 1; Library Babies, 10, 10:35, and 11:05 a.m., May 2, 9; Teen Thursgame, 3:30 p.m., May 2, 9; Tween Game Time, 3:30 p.m., May 2, 9; Sing & Play with Allie Jean, 10 a.m., May 3; Teen Flower Crowns, 3:30 p.m., May 3; May the 4th Be With You, 11 a.m., May 4; Teen Star Wars Celebration, 3:30 p.m., May 6; Homeschool Hangout, 11 a.m., May 7; Teen Taste-It Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., May 7; Tomato Buckets with Purdue Extension, 6:30 p.m., May 7; Preschool STEAM: 11 a.m., May 8; Builders’ Guild, 3 p.m., May 8; Teen Watch-It Wednesday: New Releases, 3:30 p.m., May 8; Preschool Dance Class, 10 a.m., May 9; Teen Board Game, 3:30 p.m., May 9; Sports for Littles, 10 a.m., May 10; Teen STEAM, 3:30 p.m., May 10; The Disassemblers, 1:30 p.m., May 11. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
Education
NAMI PEER-TO-PEER, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, Columbus Recovery Cafe, 1412 Sycamore St., Columbus. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is an eight-session recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions. Free and confidential and led by peers with mental health conditions. A great resource for information on mental health and recovery that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope to build on the strength and resilience of participants. To register, email [email protected], call 812-373-6055, or call or text 812-344-1542.
Sports, exercise, wellness
HEARTLAND 5K RUN/WALK, 8:30 a.m., May 11, Ivy Tech Community College, 4475 Central Ave., Columbus. The Heartland Division of Kiwanis is sponsoring its third annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit Riley Hospital for Children. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Goodie bags, random drawings for more than 40 great prizes, along with food and drink will be available to all participants. New this year is a special reduced rate of $15 for all elementary students. Riley Hospital will be on campus to distribute information about its services. For pre-registration, go to indianatiming.com. Online, hard copy and day of registration also available.
BLACKWELL PARK STORYWALK, Blackwell Park, 1550 Whitney Court, Columbus. Enjoy some fresh air while strolling the Bartholomew County Public Library’s StoryWalk. The StoryWalk is located along the People Trail near the Pollinator Park in Blackwell Park.
SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics and public swim are available. You must preregister for current swim sessions. Information: foundationforyouth.com.
Miscellaneous
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Reading with Friends, 9:30 a.m., April 24; Introducing BCPL Beyond, 4 p.m., April 24; Lights Up Sound Down Movie, 10 a.m., April 26; Flow Yoga, Noon, April 29, May 6; Adults Reading YA Book Club, 6 p.m., April 29; Chair Yoga, 1 p.m., April 30, May 7; All Book’d Book Club, 5:30 p.m., April 30; Skill Builders, 1:30 p.m., May 1; Author Talk, 3 p.m., May 1, 7 p.m., May 8; Environmental Book Club, 6 p.m., May 1; Our Community’s Mental Health, 6 p.m., May 2; May the 4th Be With You, 11 a.m., May 4; Adult Game Night, 6 p.m., May 6; Poetry with Skye, 6 p.m., May 6; Tomato Buckets with Purdue Extension, 6:30 p.m., May 7; Mindful Meditation, 6 p.m., May 9. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
PROPELLER LEGO CLUB, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mondays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, Columbus Propeller, 4760 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Come join Propeller’s ever-growing Lego Club. The club is free and open for all ages.
EARTH DAY 2024, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 26, Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center, 720 S. Mapleton St., Columbus. Bartholomew County residents only. No businesses or out of county residents. The day will include amnesty for hard-to-dispose-of wastes, educational displays, children’s activities, mulch/compost loading, document shredding, a plant swap, a tree giveaway and free hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
BREAKFAST ON THE HILL, 8 to 11 a.m., April 27, St. Johns Masonic Lodge, 4131 Rocky Ford Road, Columbus. Eastern Star of Columbus is having a breakfast. Biscuits and gravy, sausage, eggs, pancakes, hash brown casserole and drink. $8 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Bake sale items are available for purchase with proceeds going to charities.
CRAFT AND BAKE SALE, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 27, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2651 California St., Columbus. Sale includes paintings, knitted and crocheted items, jewelry, dish towels, aprons, doggie bow ties, floral arrangements, keychains, mini cutting boards, decorative drinking tumblers, plants, baked goods, candy and much more.
SASSAFRAS TEA FESTIVAL AND CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY, April 27-28, Jennings County Courthouse lawn and square and other locations, Vernon. Civil War and period reenactors, sassafras tea, music, hot meals, homemade pies, wood carvers, musicians, Underground Railroad tours, carriage rides, 5K walk and run and more. Most events are free except for a charge of $5 per vehicle for mock battles. For more information on the festival or the event sponsor, Jennings County Historical Society, visit jenningscounty.org or call the historical society at 812-346-8989.
ANNUAL SWAP MEET, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 28, Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, 750 W. County Road 200S, Columbus. The Columbus Model A Ford Club will hold its 60th annual swap meet at the Community Building. New and used car parts and related items will be for sale, along with a car display. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Entry fee at the door is $5. More information is available online at modelacolumbus.org/swap-meet
FLOWER LANE GARDEN CLUB PERENNIAL PLANT SALE AND BAZAAR, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., May 4, behind the El Nopal Restaurant, 3140 N. National Road, Columbus. Proceeds benefit local charities: Love Chapel, Sycamore Land Trust, and more.
FLOWER LANE GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PERENNIAL PLANT SALE AND BAZAAR, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 4, behind El Nopal Restaurant at 3140 N. National Road in Columbus. Proceeds benefit local charities such as Love Chapel and the Sycamore Land Trust. Information: 812-603-1749.
GARDEN CELEBRATION, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 4, Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Learn how to grow flowers, shrubs, grasses and trees that enhance your landscaping at the annual Garden Celebration. More than 70 garden-related vendors will display unique and popular varieties at Scott and Herring Halls. Also reserve time for learning how native plants nurture your property’s ecosystem and how wildlife rehabilitation can be successful. General admission is $2 per person, cash only. For breakfast and lunch, visit the Garden Cafe. In addition to free parking, free seeD packets and tree seedlings will be given away while supplies last. Sponsored by Johnson County Garden Club. Visit social media for updates regarding vendors and speakers.
RANDOM ART SPRING MARKET, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 4, Bartholomew County Fairgrounds community building, 750 W. County Road 200S, Columbus. The Random Art Spring Market will have more than 50 vendors each with unique and quality products. Handmade artisans, baked goods, food trucks, kettle corn, flowers, house plants, boutique, permanent jewelry, professional photographer, home and garden decor and more. Free entry and parking. The perfect place for a Mother’s Day outing or to pick up the perfect gift.
FIRST FAMILIES OF HOPE, 10 a.m. to noon, May 4 and the first Saturday of each month, Yellow Trail Research Center, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The Bartholomew County Genealogical Society would like to recognize the Yellow Trail Museum’s 50th Anniversary in 2025 with the First Families in the Hawcreek/Flatrock area. The First Families of Hope Talks continue through August 2025. Suggestions for names for Group 2 are welcomed. Bring photos, genealogy, documents, stories, or anything else you might want to share. With your permission, the genealogical society will scan copies during the sessions, so you can take home the originals you bring. These digital copies will be available for all attendees (bring your own jump drive), as well as the Yellow Trail Research Center.
ELKS LODGE BINGO, 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Elks 521 Lodge Bingo Hall, 4664 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The first game is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the public. Information: 812-379-4386.
VFW POST 1987 BINGO, 215 N. National Road, Columbus, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), and the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. (doors open at noon). Open to the public.
AMERICAN LEGION BINGO & KARAOKE, American Legion Post 25, 2515 25th St., Columbus. Bingo is on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. Karaoke is on Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m.
COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m., Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 16 and older. Information: 801-856-4812.
COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, noon to 4 p.m., May 18 and the third Saturday of each month. Trains will be operating layouts in four scales — HO, N, O, and On30. The club is located at the Johnson County Park headquarters building adjacent to Camp Atterbury. Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636, or on Facebook at Columbus Area Railroad Club.
GRACE’S TABLE FREE MEAL, 5 p.m., May 12 and the second Sunday of each month, East Columbus United Methodist Church, 2439 Indiana Ave., Columbus. Free meal in the youth center as well as music and storytelling. Enter the church parking lot on Indiana Avenue.
THE TABLE, 6 p.m., May 9 and the second Thursday of each month, Petersville United Methodist Church, 2781 N. County Road 500E, Columbus. There will be a free meal and a time of sharing, discussion and prayers.
AMERICAN SEWING GUILD, 9 to 11 a.m., May 4 and the first Saturday of each month. Neighborhood group welcomes sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels and walks of life, meets monthly to learn new sewing skills, network with others who share an interest in sewing and participate in community sewing projects. If you are interested in attending, email Marilyn at [email protected] for meeting location.
COLUMBUS STAR QUILTERS, 9:30 a.m. to noon, May 2 and the first Thursday of each month, First Baptist Church Columbus, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus. A lesson Claudia Lash, a quilter since the 1970’s and owner of Presto Avenue Designs. Claudia will be conducting an all-day workshop on her “Subirdia,” a quilted wall hanging. A few slots remain open. Cost for nonmembers is $50. Bring your fabric, sewing machine and supplies. For additional information call Martha Heidt to sign-up for the workshop – 812 371-4754 or email at [email protected]. Each gathering consists of a short business meeting followed by a quilting lesson/program, along with show-and-tell of finished projects. Members participate in various service projects. New and experienced quilters are invited to attend. Membership dues are $15 per year. For information, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
EVENING STAR QUILT GUILD, 5:30 to 7 p.m., May 14 and the second Tuesday of each month, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. The featured speaker is Marilyn Brackney, a CAAC Flourishing through Art Grant Recipient, who will demonstrate fabric marbleizing. The Evening Star Quilt Guild is a group of women who enjoy creating traditional and modern art quilts while learning new methods. For more, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
FRIENDS DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB, 1 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2561 N. California St., Columbus. Bridge club open to the public.
Galleries, museums, exhibits
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 524 Third St., Columbus. Through June 28, “Columbus Connections at the 1904 World’s Fair” explores local contributions to the famous exhibition 120 years ago in St. Louis. BCHS hosts two permanent exhibits that share the history and heritage of Bartholomew County. Learn about our county through interactive, hands-on exhibits that include a map table, notable people, county timeline, Then and Now, Did You Know, early industrialists and videos of Reeves steam engines. The historical society also hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year featuring items from their extensive collection. Admission is free, with a donation suggested. Information: 812-372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org.
GALLERY 506, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St., Columbus. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dutch photographer Iwan Baan’s architecturally focused work documenting Columbus’ many notable Modernist structures will be featured at Gallery 506 through August.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITOR CENTER/RESEARCH CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment. The Research Center is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. Contact the museum at 812-546-8020. Follow the Yellow Trail Museum/Hope Visitors Center Facebook page for updated information.
ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Special tours may be scheduled by calling 812-372-4356. The museum preserves the history of the former Atterbury Army Air Field, later named Bakalar Air Force Base. The C-119 Aircraft will be open to the public the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.
PERCEPTIONS YOGA, MINDFULNESS & ART, 139 State Road 3, Vernon. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Perceptions Yoga is hosting an inaugural Juried Art Exhibit this April to commemorate the Total Eclipse in our area. All entries will be in the galleries through April 26. Most works offered for sale. Information: perceptionsyoga.org or facebook.com/northvernonyoga.
T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville. Staff is offering special indoor tours — each with a limited number of people. Tours are included with site admission, but preregistration is recommended by calling 812-988-2785. Information: indianamuseum.org/tcsteele.
TRI-STATE ARTISANS, 422 Washington St., Columbus. Handmade retail gallery of more than 60 local artisans. Unique gifts, fine art, art classes for youth and adults, youth art programs, art parties and home parties. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.
JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 134 Brown St., Vernon. Museum hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Information: 812-346-8989, jenningscounty.org.
BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
THE REPUBLIC BUILDING GALLERY, 333 Second St., Columbus. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
411 GALLERY, 411 Sixth St., Columbus. The galley is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Columbus Area Arts Council, in partnership with Mental Health Matters, announces an exhibition at 411 Gallery in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. “Psyche Relics” by Columbus-based artist Kimberly Rose Free features 2D and 3D artworks that portray Free’s journey through psychiatric treatment over the past three decades. The exhibit is from May 1 to 24. The public is invited to visit the gallery during open hours. An artist reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Learn more about the current exhibition and artists at artsincolumbus.org/411.
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: hoosierartist.com.
BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Information: 812-988-4609, [email protected], browncountyartgallery.org.
CHARLENE MARSH STUDIO & GALLERY, 4013 Lanam Ridge Road, Nashville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, please call the studio/gallery at 812-988-4497 or visit charlenemarshstudio.com.
Ongoing
FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m., May 3 and the first Friday of each month. Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus. Information: 812-376-0778.
FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. The Boys & Girls Club is open to children ages 5-18. Information: 812-372-7867.
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities are all free with museum admission. Information: 812-378-3046.
