Kids and teens
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Teen STEAM 4 p.m. Feb. 8; Milk & Cookies Junior Storytime Ages 1-2, 6 p.m. Feb. 11, 18; Milk & Cookies Storytime Ages 3-8, 7 p.m. Feb. 11, 18; 3’s to 5’s Storytime, 10 a.m. Feb. 12, 19, 11 a.m. Feb. 13, 20; Teen TIY at Hope: Popsicle Stick Silhouettes, 3 p.m. Feb. 5; 1’s and 2’s Storytime, 10 a.m. Feb. 7, 13,14, 20, 21; Manga/Anime Club for Teens, 4 p.m. Feb. 6; Just for Babies Storytime Ages 0-13 months, 11 a.m. Feb. 7, 14, 21; Word Nerds Grades 4-6, 4:15 p.m. Feb. 7; Please Clap! Grades 4-6, 2 p.m. Feb. 9; Art Smart for Teens: Decoupage, 4 p.m. Feb. 11; Random Tuesday: Teen Storytime with Dakota, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12; Full STEAM Ahead Grades K-2, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 12; Full STEAM Ahead Grades 3-6, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12; Watch-It Wednesday for Teens: Valentine’s Day Edition, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13; Sans Souci Storytime, 4 p.m. Feb. 13, 14; Hogwarts Prep School Grades 4-6, 4 p.m. Feb. 14; CryptoClub Grades 3 and up, 3:45 p.m. Feb. 15; Teen Service Hour Day Ages 12+ 10 a.m. Feb. 16; Teen Gaming, 6 p.m. Feb. 18; Hogwarts for Muggles at Hope Branch Library: House Scarves, 3 p.m. Feb. 19; CoderDojo BYOD Grades 2-12, 4:30 p.m., Feb. 19; CoderDojo Python on Raspberry Pi: Grades 7-12, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 19; CoderDojo: Grades 2-8 4:30 p.m. Feb. 19; Hogwarts for Muggles: House Scarves, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Register for events at mybcpl.org under “events.” Information: 812-379-1255.
TINKERGARTEN WINTER COURSE, 10:45 a.m. to noon Saturdays in February and March and 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays in February and March, Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Drive, Columbus. Tinkergarten is a six-week outdoor, play-based education course for children 18 months to 8 years old. Try a free trial class first. Information: tinkergarten.com; Breanna.17@hotmail. com.
FAMILY FORMAL, 6 p.m. Feb. 12, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Wear fancy clothes and dance to great music in the Red Room. Refreshments, a photo opportunity and craft tables make the evening enjoyable for all. Limited to 75. Pick up tickets in the Children’s Department.
PALENTINE’S DAY PARTY FOR TEENS, 6 p.m. Feb. 12, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Assemble your squad and roll out for this evening of wholesome crafts, snacks and games celebrating the true heroes in our lives: the platonic pals who tolerate our weirdness. All supplies provided
ONE-SHOT RPGs: VIPERS & VALENTINES, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Bartholomew County Public Library , 536 Fifth St., Columbus. In this new monthly program, play single-session, role-playing games. This month, using D&D 5E characters, players will attempt to charm a Yuan-Ti monstrous snake creature on a Valentine’s Day date. All materials provided. Limit eight participants. Register at mybcpl.org under “Events.”
MAD SCIENTISTS!, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Donner Center, 739 22nd St., Columbus. Hands-on science fun for the whole family. Snacks are included. Cost is $1 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration required.
CHAOTIC TUESDAY AT THE COMMONS, 5 p.m. Feb. 19, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Make paper sculptures and watch Chaos run its course.
FIRST FRIDAYS FOR FAMILIES: ‘ALICE IN NEVERLAND,’ 6 p.m. March 1, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. First Fridays for Families is a family entertainment series that introduces young audiences to a wide variety of performing arts in a fun, informal setting. March is “Alice in Neverland” with Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Music, live performances
2019 BROWN MUSIC COMPETITION, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9, First Christian Church, 531 Fifth St., Columbus. High school instrumentalists and vocalists will compete for Heritage Fund scholarship awards at the all-day event. Free and open to the public.
40 YEARS OF COLLEGE VALENTINE’S SATURDAY, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Brown County, Playhouse, 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Classic rock concert with the popular “Docs Who Rock” performing your favorite love songs. Chocolates, roses, beer, wine, champagne and mixed drinks will be sold in the auditorium.
SING-A-LONG GREATEST SHOWMAN, 7 p.m. Feb. 14, Brown County Playhouse, 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Follow the words on screen, throw your head back and belt out those hit songs. Discount for those who wear a costume. Specialty drinks (Barnum with Baileys on the rocks and Circus Mimosa), beer, wine, mixed drinks. Rated PG.
CABARET AT THE COMMONS, 7:30 p.m., The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Scheduled: Feb. 14: Broadway veteran Gavin Creel will take the audience on a journey through musical theater history for an evening of popular songs experienced in an entirely new way. The Tony Award-winning actor is known for his Broadway roles in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Hair,” the “Hello Dolly” revival, “She Loves Me,” and on London’s West End in “The Book of Mormon” and “Mary Poppins.” For tickets and complete information, visit thecip.org.
COLUMBUS CITY BAND CONCERT, 2 p.m. Feb. 24, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Join the Columbus City Band in celebrating its 175th anniversary at the annual Winter Concert. Admission is free.
COMEDIAN HEYWOOD BANKS, 7:30 p.m. March 1, Brown County Playhouse, 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Bob & Tom Radio Show’s favorite comedian returns to the Playhouse stage with his hysterical, odd sense of humor. He will perform many of his nationally celebrated recordings. Beer, wine and mixed drinks sold in the auditorium.
OPEN MIC & DROP THE MIC NIGHT, 6-9 p.m. March 2, Willow Leaves Theatre, 326 Jackson St., Hope. Open to all aspiring singers and comedians. There will be cash prizes for each category. Want to compete? Register at 812-546-0640. Be in the audience and enjoy dinner and watch the singers and comedians compete in the inaugural Open Mic & Drop the Mic event. Reservations: 812-546-0640.
‘IRISH EYES ARE SMILING,’ 7:30 p.m. March 2, Columbus North High School Auditorium, 1400 25th St., Columbus. Featuring one of the original “Three Irish Tenors,” Ronan Tynan. Attendees will be enchanted by the beautiful ballads and toe-tapping jigs of the Emerald Isle. Tickets (adult, senior, student) A Zone: $60, $55, $35; B Zone: $50, $45, $25; C Zone: $40, $35, $15; D Zone: $25, $20, $10. To purchase tickets, call 812-376-2638, visit thecip.org or stop by 315 Franklin St., Columbus.
WEDNESDAY OPEN MIC, 7 to 10 p.m. Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East, Nashville. Hosted by local musicians David Sisson and Jason Blankenship in the CornCrib Lounge. Food, drinks. Live music from singers, songwriters and performers.
Films, theater
‘ANGEL STREET’ DINNER THEATRE PRODUCTION OF A VICTORIAN THRILLER, 6-9 p.m. through Feb. 10, Willow Leaves Theatre, 326 Jackson St., Hope. In the story, Mr. Manningham is slowly driving his devoted wife, Bella, to the brink of insanity with an insinuating kindness that masks sinister motives. Will Inspector Rough from Scotland Yard be able to intervene before Bella is driven mad? Dinner theater performances will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9 and 1 p.m. Feb. 10. Tickets $26 and available at 812-546-0640. The cast includes Cheryl Baker, Jason Bowser, Gregory Andis, Kathryn Baylor and Connie Kiviniemi-Baylor.
‘CABARET,’ 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 9, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Mill Race Theatre Company presents the musical “Cabaret” to kick off the group’s 50th anniversary season. Directed by Janie Gordon, the musical is set in The Kit Kat Club in Berlin, Germany in the 1930s. Featuring John Johnson as The Emcee, Allison Kunkler as Sally Bowles, Benjamin Seiwert as Cliff Bradshaw, and Caleb Blackerby as Ernst Ludwig. Cash bar available. This show includes adult themes. Table seating from $25-$20 available at millracetheatre.org. Info: 812-379-8562
CLASSIC FILMS: ‘HIS GIRL FRIDAY,’ 6 p.m. Feb. 14, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Released in 1940 this screwball comedy stars Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant. Newspaper editor played by Grant does all he can to prevent his star reporter, Russell, from marrying again. Since this is Valentine’s Day, there might be some candy for viewers.
Talks, lectures, classes
DINING WITH DIABETES, 6 p.m. Feb. 11, 18, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Four-week course taught by Purdue Extension Educator Harriet Armstrong includes planning meals and snacks with healthy recipes, reading food labels, using seasoning to replace salt and more. Fee of $20 individual, $30 couple; partial scholarships available. To register call the Extension Office at 812-379-1665.
JAZZY INDIANA, 6 p.m. Feb. 7, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Aleta Hodge, author of “Indiana Avenue — Life and Musical Journey from 1915 to 2015,” presents the 100-year history of her African American family and the famed musical legacy of Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis. Legends such as Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Angela Brown and many others are included. This 45-minute family friendly event ends with a book signing.
DID YOU KNOW? BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT, 2:30 p.m., Feb. 9, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Cabrina’s Safe Haven for Kidz Ministries present skits about black inventors including insights into the lives of the inventors through poems, dance and song. Light refreshments follow the event.
SECRETS TO MEDITATION, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12, 19, North Christian Church, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus. Learn the “Bellows Breath” to boost your energy, calm your mind and reduce stress. Experience a unique guided meditation. Get an introduction to the Art of Living Happiness Program, a flagship course that dives deep into the power of breath and stress management techniques. Information and RSVP: [email protected].
ELEUTHERIAN COLLEGE: A ROAD TO FREEDOM, 2 p.m. Feb. 17, Bartholomew County Public Library , 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Charlotte Battin portrays Asenath Hoyt, an Indiana Underground Railroad conductor, during this reader’s theater performance. Battin ties in the history of Eleutherian College, located in Jefferson County, the second college to admit students without respect to race, into her event.
MEET MARTHA WASHINGTON, 6 p.m. Feb. 19, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Educator, historian, author and re-enactor Lori Roberts brings Martha Washington to life during this 45-minute presentation. Roberts covers Martha’s early life, marriage, and life as the wife of the commander of the Continental Army. You also receive a glimpse into the life of the Washingtons as the president and first lady of the United States.
JEREMY SMITH GUEST LECTURE, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, former Republic building, 333 Second St., Columbus. Jeremy Smith guest lecture, “Soft Architecture: Is being finished finished?” Free and open to the public.
DIGITAL DID YOU KNOW?, regular library hours through January, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Visit the Reference Desk during January to learn more about downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and more. Library also offers Book-a-Librarian by appointment for one-on-one assistance with library resources and computer skills.
VET-TO-VET DISCUSSION, 5:10 p.m., Mondays, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. Hour-long, facilitator-led group discussion with others who have served in the military. Attendees able to share problems with fellow veterans who may also be having a similar experience.
YOGA OF 12-STEP RECOVERY, classes at Recovery Engagement Center, 1951 McKinley Ave., Columbus. Donation-based class. Information: 812-447-2585.
Sports, exercise, wellness
CUPID SKATE, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 15, Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Columbus. Enjoy a Valentine’s Day-themed skate filled with love songs, crafts and door prizes. Admission: $7.50 per person; $14 per couple. Cost includes skate rental.
BEGINNER PICKLEBALL, 7 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23, or Feb. 17 and 24, Tipton Lakes Athletic Club, 4000 W. Goeller Blvd., Columbus. Preregistration required. Limit eight participants. To register or for more information, email [email protected]. Pickleball is a low impact activity that is fun for all ages. Equipment will be provided or bring your own paddle. It is a two-week clinic for two hours each week for a total of $35. There is a separate $10 drop-in fee at TLAC ($5 guest fee or $0 if TLAC member, plus $5 court fee). Participants must attend each lesson, since each subsequent week will build upon the previous week’s Beginner lesson. Follow Columbus Pickleball Club on Facebook.
YOGA BASICS AT NOON, noon to 1 p.m. third Wednesday of every month, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Explore the practice of yoga, its philosophy and benefits with yoga teacher Jenn Willhite, who will cover foundational poses, linking movement with breath, breathwork and keys to establishing a dedicated yoga practice during one-hour sessions held on the third Wednesday of each month. Bring your own mat.
SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics, public swim available seven days a week. Information: foundationforyouth.com.
Miscellaneous
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Shirley Lyster Book Discussions: “Our Town and “Spoon River,” 1 p.m. Feb. 11, 18; American Sign Language Meet-up, 10 a.m. Feb. 7, 21; Remix: Life-size Game, 2 p.m. Feb. 9; Protecting Wildlife and Animals discussion, 6 p.m. Feb. 11; Skill Builders, 1 p.m. Feb. 12, America and Roby Anderson Community Center; Painting with Marilyn, 10 a.m. Feb. 16; Columbus Viewfinders Photography Club, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Register for events at mybcpl.org under “events.”
CATHY WILLIAMS: ‘ABSTRAKS & AMBIGUITIES,’ Through May 3, Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave., Columbus. Williams is a mixed media expressionist who weaves eccentric stories within portraiture and abstractive figurative works. The exhibit may be viewed 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Admission is free. Information: Chris Beach, 812 314-8507.
AMERICAN SEWING GUILD NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING, 9 a.m. March 2, Bartholomew County REMC, 1697 W. Deaver Road, Columbus. Group meets first Saturday of the month. Each monthly meeting focuses on learning a new sewing or creative skill, or group sewing on our philanthropic sewing projects. Bring your interest in sewing, your latest project to show and tell, and your own beverage and snack. Bring your interest in sewing and your latest project to show and tell. If you want to participate in the sewing project bring two yards of fabric, basic sewing equipment and your sewing machine along with your own drink and snack. Sewing enthusiasts of all ages and skills are welcome. If you have questions contact Marilyn at [email protected].
COMMUNITY CAST-A-WAYS GARAGE SALE, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9, March 2, Donner Center, 739 22nd St., Columbus. Cost is $27 per booth. More than one may be purchased. Admission to the public is free on day of sale. Information: columbusparksandrec.com.
EUCHRE, 2-5 p.m. Mondays in February and March, America and Roby Anderson Community Center, 421 McClure St., Columbus. All levels of players welcome. No charge, donations accepted.
COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, with four operating layouts, noon to 4 p.m. third Saturday of the month (Feb. 16) except in September at the Johnson County Park headquarters building at Camp Atterbury. Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636; columbusarea railroadclub.com; or info@columbusarea railroadclub.com.
Seasonal
DID YOU KNOW? BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT, 2:30 p.m., Feb. 9, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Cabrina’s Safe Haven for Kidz Ministries present skits about black inventors including insights into the lives of the inventors through poems, dance and song. Light refreshments follow the event.
2019 COLUMBUS CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA, 3-8 p.m. Feb. 17, Columbus North High School Auditorium, 1400 25th St. Performances, dinner. Tickets: $5 to $25; eventslogbook.com: search for “Chinese new year gala”
D-VINE WINE & BEER FEST 2019, 1-6 p.m. March 2, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Annual wine and beer tasting fundraiser that showcases Indiana wineries, distilleries and breweries to benefit individuals with disabilities. Attendees will be able to sample wine and beer, enjoy some music and eat good food. Admission: $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $50 for VIP. Information: 812-376-9404 ext. 130; [email protected]; eventbrite.com/e/d-vine-wine-beer-fest-2019-tickets-51763516070?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7, International Women’s Day Celebration, Bartholomew County Public Library Red Room, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Free event celebrating International Women’s Day with booths from local women artists, entertainment from Columbus Got Talent performers, and light snacks and coffee will be provided. The event is open-house style. You do not have to be a member of the Newcomers Club to join. #BalanceforBetter RSVP on Eventbrite. Information: eventbrite.com/e/international-womens-day-celebration-tickets-54712498556.
Galleries, museums & exhibits
IU MILLER M. ARCH FACULTY AND STAFF EXHIBITION PART 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Feb. 15 to March 29, opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 15, former Republic building, 333 Second St., Columbus. This exhibition will feature works by Britt Brewer, Marleen Newman, Daniel Martinez, Etien Santiago, Kelly Wilson and Rachel Wilken. This exhibition is the second part of a two-part series. The event is free and open to the public.
GALLERY 411, winter hours, noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 411 Sixth St., Columbus. Currently on display is the Winter 2018 Exhibition, featuring recent work by Columbus native Tré Reising, a light installation by Jamie Pawlus and 50/50 including 50 unique works of art by 50 community members. 411 is a community arts gallery and cultural space for exhibitions, events, and collaborations with Columbus’ arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at artsincolumbus.org/411.
GALLERY 506, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday through April, inside Columbus Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St. Current Show: XSM: Xenia Simons Miller, a modernist patron of art and architecture.
AVENUE OF THE ARCHITECTS, regular library business hours, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. An exhibit of photographs and illustrations about Columbus’ Fifth Street.
WINDOW TO COLUMBUS, Heritage Fund courtyard, 538 Franklin St., Columbus. Small, ongoing exhibit about innovation and design in Columbus.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM DISCUSSION GROUP, 2 p.m. first Sunday of the month. All are welcome to have coffee and join in discussions about various topics from the community’s past, including stories about growing up in our community of Hope, Hartsvillle, Clifford or St. Louis Crossing. Free. Questions: 812-371-7969.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITOR CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square at 644 Main St., Hope. Research center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays and by appointment. The museum/visitor information center hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays with extended hours during special events. The museum includes thousands of items donated by members of the community to tell the story of Hope’s heritage. Information: 812-546-8020 or 812-371-7969.
IN THE BEGINNING, free art exhibit for Bob Burris’ work, WellConnect, 237 Washington St. in Columbus.
ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., is currently closed for winter upgrades. The museum will reopen at 10 a.m. March 5. Special tours, library access and media center programs may still be scheduled during the closed months by calling 812-372-4356. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.
IVY TECH GALLERY OF FINE ART & DESIGN, 4475 Central Ave., Columbus. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Information: 812-374-5139 or [email protected].
TRE BICCHIERI, 425 Washington St., Columbus. Artwork by nine local artists including Gail Plattner, Jeff Jackson, Stephen Whittaker, John Strickland, Susie Gregory, Rebecca Campbell, Cathy Schooler and Robert Baker. All artwork is for sale. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturdays.
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: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.
BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Information: 812-988-6185 or browncounty artguild.org.
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Information: 269-375-3234.
B3 GALLERY, 125 S. Van Buren St., Nashville, second floor of the Artist Colony Shops. Information: 812-988-6675.
BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, Artist Drive and Main Street, Nashville. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Information: browncounty artgallery.org or 812-988-4609.
JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 335 Brown St., Vernon. Information: 812-346-8989 and jenningscounty.org.
Fundraisers, nonprofits
GRANNY CONNECTION SCRABBLE EVENT, 2 p.m. Feb. 10, First Presbyterian Church, Seventh and Franklin streets, Columbus. Come play Scrabble to help raise money for the Granny Connection. All funds go to grandmothers in Africa raising AIDS orphans. Get your registration form for $10 at Viewpoint books and then get as much sponsorship as you can. Prizes for winners and largest donors.
VET TO VET BREAKFAST, 7 to 11 a.m., Feb. 9, Education and Training Center building, 1200 West O&M Ave., North Vernon. Vet to Vet Breakfast is a monthly fundraiser, one of whose aims is lowering suicide rates in southern Indiana. Vet to Vet is open to all southern Indiana veterans. Meetings take place every Thursday at the North Vernon ETC. The group shares knowledge and offers connections with fellow veterans.
ALWAYS READY FOR CHOCOLATE, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 22, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus, Stroll through the beautiful Commons tasting chocolate from vendors along with coffee and wine. While you’re there take in The Arc of Bartholomew County’s Disability Awareness “Works of Art” Show and entertainment from the community on the main stage. Tickets are $20 for 8 servings or advanced $3 for single serving, $4 at the door. Tickets on line at eventbrite, eventbrite.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/always-ready-for-chocolate-tickets-55047745288?aff=eivtefrnd; also at Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus; The Arc of Bartholomew County 2060 Doctors Park Dr, Columbus, 812-372-0610 or email [email protected]
BOURBONFEST, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. Whether you like yours on the rocks, neat with a splash or shaken and strained, bourbon is the event’s featured beverage served by the top bourbon distilleries in the country large and small. Information and tickets: thecip.org/bourbonfest.
DANCE MARATHON, 8 p.m. Feb. 23, Central Middle School, 725 Seventh St., Columbus. To sign up to volunteer or register for the dance, go to turningpointdv.org and click the purple button at the top of the page. The first 100 people to sign up to volunteer will have a chance to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.
BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2, Columbus Bowling Center, 3010 State St., Columbus, Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County. You can show off your bowling skills or bowl your very first frame. It’s all about raising money, having fun and celebrating the community’s support of this fantastic mentoring program. Registration is free at FoundationForYouth.com. All bowling teams are asked to set a fundraising goal of $500. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County is a program of FFY.
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, collection open during regular library hours, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Consider donating non-perishable food items, especially snack foods, at the Main Library’s checkout desk or at the Hope Branch Library. Donated items will assist library patrons in need. Remaining items go to Love Chapel and the Hope Food Pantry.
ROMANCE BOOK SALE, through February, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Buy one romance book and get two free romance books at the ongoing book sale. Open during library hours.
Ongoing
COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Most games are 10 minutes in length; equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 18 and older. Information: 812-603-3893.
FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m. the first Friday of the 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 to 18. Information: 812-372-7867.
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities, all free with museum admission: Little Explorers, 11 a.m. Thursdays and 1:30 p.m. Fridays; Art Time, 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Wacky Science, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Information: 812-378-3046.
ZOO’OPOLIS EXOTIC PETTING WORLD, 12696 W. County Road 50S, Columbus. Visit all habitats and learn about pets, feed and take pictures with more than 100 animals representing more than 40 different species and the reptile kingdom, including foxes, raccoons, timber wolves, prairie dogs, wallabies and more. Reservations required. Choose from two sessions: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2:30-5 p.m. Text to make your reservation 812-764-4980. Learn more on Facebook under Zoo’Opolis Exotic Petting World.
