Bentley’s Buddies and Friends will be at local libraries in April. Certified reading animals can help children gain confidence while reading and create a fun and relaxing learning environment.
Submitted photo
April programs lined up for kids at libraries
HANCOCK COUNTY – Several programs are coming up for children at local libraries across Hancock County.
The Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield will host a Lego free build event April 11, Read to Cleo the opossum April 14, a Mo Willems party April 22 and National Superhero Day April 29. The library is at 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield; learn more and register at hcplibrary.org.
The New Palestine branch of the HCPL is offering a grass heads event April 30, a music/craft workshop April 18, a pajama event April 10 and a shark event April 4. The Sugar Creek branch is at 5731 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine; visit hcplibrary.org.
The Vernon Township Public Library is hosting several Lego clubs and a homeschool STEAM club April 26. The library is at 625 E. Broadway St., Fortville; visit vtpl.lib.in.us for more.
All three libraries are hosting story times for young children, as well as Bentley’s Buddies and Friends for reluctant readers to improve literacy skills by reading to dogs.
NASA ambassador to speak on eclipse
GREENFIELD – A local space enthusiast will speak on the solar eclipse in two upcoming community events.
Norm Dingle, a New Palestine resident and a solar system ambassador for NASA, will speak at the Twenty North Gallery at 5 p.m. March 30 at 20 N. State St., Greenfield (event hosted by the Hancock County Arts Council). He will also speak at 3 p.m. April 6 at the Chapel in the Park, 28 Apple St., Greenfield (hosted by the Hancock County Historical Society). Both events are free and open to the public; each will delve into what an eclipse is, safety procedures, photos and tales of the eclipse from 2017 when Dingle traveled to Kentucky, and a question-and-answer session.
EMT academy begins in May
GREENFIELD – Those who want to kickstart a career in the emergency medical field might consider the Greenfield Fire Territory’s 2024 EMT Program.
The class is May 14 through Nov. 26 on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Tuition is $1,250 and includes uniform shirts and textbooks; payment plans are available.
The program provides basic skills on being a first responder, prehospital care provider and/or emergency department technician. Applications are due April 30; the link for applications can be found on the GFT social media site, facebook.com/GreenfieldINFD, or call 317-477-4430.
Heroes for Health run April 27
FORTVILLE – The first Heroes for Health 5K/1M Fun Run/Walk is coming up April 27.
The event is hosted by Mt. Vernon schools and the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation, and is designed to champion the mental health and overall well-being of students and staff. All proceeds benefit the foundation’s Tony May Legacy Fund, a resource for mental health and wellness programs within the school community.
The event begins at 9 a.m. April 27 on the Mt. Vernon main campus in Fortville. Early bird pricing is $30 per adult and $20 per youth; price increases after March 25. Sign up at onecau.se/wermv or learn more at mvcsc.k12.in.us by clicking the link under “News.”
Pennsy Trail work days scheduled
GREENFIELD – Volunteers are needed to spruce up the Pennsy Trail this spring.
A work day at the Schramm Nature Preserve is scheduled for March 30; the preserve one mile south of the trail in New Palestine will remove invasive multiflora rose.
The trail will also have workgroups on Tuesdays, and several other community work days are scheduled in April. Visit pennsytrails.org to sign up and connect.
