April 1st - 15th

* Registration is now open for the Paoli Wesleyan, PWC Upward Sports Soccer League in Paoli. Spots are limited, with early registration ending April 12th and final registration deadline set for May 1st. The six-week league is open to boys and girls ages three through sixth grade, with all skill levels welcome. First practice kicks off May 5th, with the first game scheduled for May 16th. Games and practices will be held at 601 Southwest First Street in Paoli. To sign up or volunteer, visit registration.upward.org Upward Sports—building skills, growing faith, and having fun.

* 4H Enrollment - Looking for a way to help your child build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships? 4-H might be the perfect fit. 4-H is a nationwide youth development program that gives young people hands-on experience in agriculture, science, leadership, and more—helping them grow into confident, responsible citizens. It’s not too late to enroll for this year. Sign up by May 15th to participate in the 2026 Orange County 4-H Fair and the Indiana State Fair. Just visit 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com Enrollment is just 15 dollars per member, with a family cap of 45 dollars. And Mini 4-H, for grades kindergarten through second, is completely free. To enroll or learn more, contact Purdue Extension Orange County at 812-723-7107. Give your child the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed with 4-H.

* Entries are now being accepted for the 56th annual Orleans Dogwood Festival Parade, scheduled for Saturday, April 25th at 2 p.m. in Orleans. This year’s theme is “America 250: 1776–2026,” celebrating 250 years of freedom. Parade categories include floats, political entries, walking groups, equestrian units, classic and antique vehicles, and bands. Line-up will begin at 11 a.m. at Orleans Jr-Sr High School, with judging starting around 1 p.m. The parade will then travel down Maple Street along State Road 37 through downtown Orleans. Entry forms are available online at the festival website, at the Orleans Town offices, and inside The Orleans Progress Examiner. For more information, contact parade chairperson Jennifer Blanton 812-797-2847 

* Safe Sitter Essentials with CPR. Want to help your child become a confident and safe babysitter? Deaconess Memorial Medical Center is offering “Safe Sitter,” a class for ages 11 to 14. Students will learn child care skills, basic first aid, CPR, rescue techniques, and personal safety—all in a fun, hands-on environment. The class is Friday, April 3rd from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Southside Office in Jasper. Cost is $55, and space is limited. Register at Deaconess dot com under Classes and Events, or call 812-996-2399.

* French Lick Senior Citizen Dance, Fri April 3rd with music by Paul Smith Band.  Admission is $8.00 and Doors open at 6:00 and dancing from 630PM-9:00PM. The French Lick Senior Center Located on South Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick

* SV Meadows Easter Egg Hunt. Looking for some Easter fun? Hop on over to the Easter Egg Hunt at Springs Valley Meadows! It’s happening Saturday, April 4th at 10 a.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy a morning filled with colorful eggs, fun surprises, and prizes for kids in three age groups—from toddlers to age twelve. This event is free and open to the public, so don’t forget your basket and come join the fun. For details, call 812-936-9991. That’s the Easter Egg Hunt, April 4th at 10 a.m.—we’ll see you there!

* Higher Ground UPC located on Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick will be having their Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 4 from 12:00-4:00. Free for the public to attend. There will be an egg hunt, inflatables for the kids, and they will be grilling burgers and hot dogs for everyone. The community is welcome to attend.

* Orleans Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up will be on April 10th. Children that will be 5 years old on or before August 1, 2026 are eligible to attend Kindergarten during the 2026/2027 school year. You may call Orleans Elementary at 812-865-2688 to schedule your child’s screening time.

* French Lick Senior Citizen Dance, Fri April 10th with music by Little Mountain Band.  Admission is $8.00 and Doors open at 6:00 and dancing from 630PM-9:00PM. The French Lick Senior Center Located on South Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick

* The Daviess-Martin Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is hosting a free wildflower walk April 11th at 10 a.m. at the Bluffs of Beaver Bend Nature Preserve. Participants will learn to identify native spring wildflowers growing along the bluffs, as well as invasive garlic mustard that threatens them. The guided walk will begin near Spout Springs and last about an hour. Organizers say the route follows the roadway, making it accessible for multiple ability levels. Space is limited and RSVP is required. To register, contact Emily Finch by email or call or text 812-329-0048. The event will take place rain or shine unless severe weather is forecast.

* The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Indiana Chapter will host its annual banquet Saturday, April 11th at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a silent auction and social hour. Dinner will be served at 6:30, followed by a live auction at 8 p.m. Proceeds support wildlife conservation and habitat projects. The event will take place at 11265 U.S. 50 in Bedford. For tickets or more information, contact McKenzie Lawyer at 812-259-1127 or visit https://tickets.rmef.org

* Wildflower Hike Planned For Western Lawrence County. The White River Forestry Committee invites you to a Wildflower Hike on Saturday, April 11th at a scenic property on Coxton Road, west of Bedford. Explore one of the county’s best wildflower areas, featuring beautiful Virginia bluebells, blue-eyed Marys, and more spring blooms. The guided hike will be led by local expert Carroll Ritter.Two hike times are available—10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.—and space is limited, so pre-registration is required. The cost is 10 dollars for adults, with proceeds supporting local education efforts. To register, call the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District at 812-279-8117, extension 3.

* The Community Club of Dubois invites you to their Spring Shoot, happening Sunday, April 12th and 19th. Gates open at 10 a.m., with the kitchen opening at 11, serving fried chicken, fish, pulled pork, burgers, and more. The Money Shoot starts at noon, followed by a closed match at 3. A mower raffle drawing will be held April 19th. Top prizes include a thousand-dollar and five-hundred-dollar Merkley’s gift certificate. The Community Club of Dubois located on 5101 North Dubois Road in Dubois

* French Lick Senior Citizen Karaoke, Sun April 12th, 2PM-5PM.  Admission is $8.00 The French Lick Senior Center Located on South Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick

* Living with COPD Support & Education Meeting. Did you know nearly 16 million Americans live with COPD? This chronic lung condition makes breathing difficult and includes diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you or someone you love is affected, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center invites you to attend “Living with COPD,” an educational support meeting. The next session is Tuesday, April 14th from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mary Potter Meeting Room at Deaconess Memorial in Jasper. There’s no cost and no registration required. For more information, visit Deaconess.com or call 812-996-0552.

* The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is offering free well water testing through its 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network. If you rely on a private well, you may qualify to have your water tested at no cost. Officials say the program helps homeowners better understand their drinking water, while also improving groundwater data across the state. To learn more or apply, visit idem.IN.gov That’s idem.IN.gov

* The Orleans Town Crew will collect yard waste, grass clippings, small twigs, garden waste, shrubbery trimmings, which is placed at curb provided they are marked container of sorts that does not weigh more than 50 pounds. Small tree limbs, branches will be collected at curbside if they are reasonably stacked with the base pointing toward the street and only if they have been cut into four-foot lengths and not larger than 3 “ in diameter. Larger tree limbs, tree stumps and tree trunks will NOT be collected by the street employees.  Residents may take those type of items to the town lake area and placed on the brush pile located there by accessing a key at the town office. Limbs and yard debris may be dropped off at the town lake. NO treated or painted lumber allowed. The Town Superintendent will have the final say on what is allowed to be collected. For more information or to schedule a pick-up residents may contact the Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours M-F 812 865 2539; or via email: orleanstownhall@townoforleans.org

* Stop The Bleed. In emergency situations, the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before professional rescuers arrive.  Deaconess Memorial Medical Center’s Ambulance and Trauma Services is offering “Stop The Bleed®”. This informational program focuses on the immediate response to bleeding, recognizing life-threatening bleeding, and appropriate ways to stop the bleeding. For more information and scheduling contact Sarah.Schneider2@deaconess.com

* Change the Life You Live: Diabetes Program. Diabetes touches almost every part of your life. It’s a serious, lifelong condition, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your health.  Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is offering, “Change the Life you Live: Diabetes.”   These classes offer  the opportunity to achieve optimal health while living with diabetes.   The classes are facilitated by Certified Diabetes Educators who teach participants how to control their diabetes using medication, self-monitoring, nutrition, and physical activity.   A variety of classes are offered beginning with Diabetes Pathways, which is a baseline class for those newly diagnosed with diabetes.  Following the completion of Diabetes Pathways, additional classes are offered for a more personalized curriculum.   Participants are encouraged to bring a family member or friend.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register, call 812-996-0521.

April 16th- 30th

* Registration is now open for the Paoli Wesleyan, PWC Upward Sports Soccer League in Paoli. Spots are limited, with early registration ending April 12th and final registration deadline set for May 1st. The six-week league is open to boys and girls ages three through sixth grade, with all skill levels welcome. First practice kicks off May 5th, with the first game scheduled for May 16th. Games and practices will be held at 601 Southwest First Street in Paoli. To sign up or volunteer, visit registration.upward.org Upward Sports—building skills, growing faith, and having fun.

* 4H Enrollment - Looking for a way to help your child build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships? 4-H might be the perfect fit. 4-H is a nationwide youth development program that gives young people hands-on experience in agriculture, science, leadership, and more—helping them grow into confident, responsible citizens. It’s not too late to enroll for this year. Sign up by May 15th to participate in the 2026 Orange County 4-H Fair and the Indiana State Fair. Just visit 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com Enrollment is just 15 dollars per member, with a family cap of 45 dollars. And Mini 4-H, for grades kindergarten through second, is completely free. To enroll or learn more, contact Purdue Extension Orange County at 812-723-7107. Give your child the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed with 4-H.

* Spring is here, and the Paoli Agriculture Department and FFA Chapter are inviting the community to their Annual Greenhouse Plant Sale. Featuring flowers, vegetables, and more—all grown by students—the sale supports hands-on learning and local agricultural programs. The greenhouse will be open throughout late April and May, with special Saturday sales held at Tractor Supply. Organizers say every purchase helps students gain real-world experience while giving your garden a fresh start for the season. Stop by, support local students, and grow something great this spring. The greenhouse will be open Thursday April 23rd through May 22nd with hours 315PM-430PM Monday through Friday and at the Tractor Supply Sat April 25th and May 9th 9AM-1230PM

* Your Health and Diabetes” Education. A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Deaconess Memorial Medical Center is here to help with a monthly diabetes support group for anyone with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those wanting to learn more.The group meets the third Monday of each month to provide education, support, and tools to help you manage your health and avoid complications. The next meeting is Monday, April 20th from 2 to 3 p.m. on the third floor of the Barrett Building at Deaconess Memorial in Jasper. For details, call 812-996-0521.

* Health and Science Institute ® Adult First Aid/Adult CPR AED. Be prepared to save a life. The Health and Science Institute Adult First Aid and CPR AED course is coming up Tuesday, April 21st from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Health and Wellness Classroom inside the Memorial Southside Office in Jasper. This hands-on training teaches CPR, AED use, and essential emergency care skills—just like the professionals use. The course meets OSHA requirements and is taught by nationally certified instructors. Cost is $68.00, and space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Sign up at Deaconess dot com under Classes and Events, or call 812-996-2399.

* Volunteers are needed to help protect Orange County’s natural areas from invasive plants. The Orange County Invasives Partnership is hosting several workdays this spring to pull garlic mustard and other invasives. Events include April 15th at Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest from 1 to 4 p.m., April 23rd at Wesley Chapel Gulf from 2 to 4:30 p.m., and an evening Weed Wrangle at Orangeville Rise from 5 to 7 p.m. No experience is necessary, but volunteers should wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and gloves. Water and snacks will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District at 812-723-3311 or
orangeswcd@gmail.com

* French Lick Senior Citizen Dance, Fri April 17th with music by Little Mountain Band.  Admission is $8.00 and Doors open at 6:00 and dancing from 630PM-9:00PM. The French Lick Senior Center Located on South Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick

* The annual Lynd Schoolhouse Soup & Dessert Supper will be Friday, April 24th, from 5PM-8PM. The price a Free Will donation to support interior restoration & upgrades to electrical system of the schoolhouse. There will be a Raffle and music provided by Wyatt Blankenship, all are welcome to attend.

* French Lick Senior Citizen Dance, Fri April 24th with music by Paul Smith Band.  Admission is $8.00 and Doors open at 6:00 and dancing from 630PM-9:00PM. The French Lick Senior Center Located on South Bears Bend Rd, in French Lick

* Friday Community Health Screening. Deaconess Memorial Medical Center is inviting the community to a Friday Community Health Screening on Friday, April 24th, from 6 to 9 a.m. at the Memorial Southside Office in Jasper. This screening is open to adults 18 and older and includes a cholesterol check—covering total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides—as well as a blood glucose test, all done with a simple finger stick. A 12-hour fast is required before the screening, but participants may drink water and take prescribed medications. The cost is 33 dollars, and the screening takes about 15 minutes. Pre-registration is required. To sign up or learn more, visit www.deaconess.com and click on Classes and Events, or call 812-996-2399.

* The French Lick Senior Center is welcoming spring with a community “Spring Fling” on April 25th from noon to 5 PM. Stop by 785 Bears Bend Road in French Lick to shop local and handmade items from unique vendors and enjoy a fun afternoon of springtime shopping. Vendors are still being accepted—call Teresa now to reserve your spot at 1-864-320-9494. Come out, support local, shop small, and celebrate spring at the Spring Fling—April 25th at the French Lick Senior Center

*  Moores Ridge Bean Supper, Saturday, April 25th, 3PM to 7PM. Join us for an evening filled with delicious homemade food and heartwarming fellowship. All are welcome, bring a friend! Bring your appetite, your stories, and your spirit of community, we’ll bring the beans! Moores Ridge church located at 5906 W County Road 375 South in French Lick

* Mt. Lebanon Church BBQ Fundraiser. The Mt. Lebanon Church will be hosting a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Menu Includes: BBQ Pulled Pork Green Beans Macaroni & Cheese Roll Dessert Meals will be available for dine-in or pickup. Cost: $15 per person Tickets will be available at the door, or you may purchase pre-sale tickets from any Mt. Lebanon Church member. The church located at 9991 N. Co. Rd. 175 S. French Lick, IN For more information, call Roger Wininger 812-653-5263

* The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is offering free well water testing through its 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network. If you rely on a private well, you may qualify to have your water tested at no cost. Officials say the program helps homeowners better understand their drinking water, while also improving groundwater data across the state. To learn more or apply, visit idem.IN.gov That’s idem.IN.gov

* The Orleans Town Crew will collect yard waste, grass clippings, small twigs, garden waste, shrubbery trimmings, which is placed at curb provided they are marked container of sorts that does not weigh more than 50 pounds. Small tree limbs, branches will be collected at curbside if they are reasonably stacked with the base pointing toward the street and only if they have been cut into four-foot lengths and not larger than 3 “ in diameter. Larger tree limbs, tree stumps and tree trunks will NOT be collected by the street employees.  Residents may take those type of items to the town lake area and placed on the brush pile located there by accessing a key at the town office. Limbs and yard debris may be dropped off at the town lake. NO treated or painted lumber allowed. The Town Superintendent will have the final say on what is allowed to be collected. For more information or to schedule a pick-up residents may contact the Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours M-F 812 865 2539; or via email: orleanstownhall@townoforleans.org

* Stop The Bleed. In emergency situations, the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before professional rescuers arrive.  Deaconess Memorial Medical Center’s Ambulance and Trauma Services is offering “Stop The Bleed®”. This informational program focuses on the immediate response to bleeding, recognizing life-threatening bleeding, and appropriate ways to stop the bleeding. For more information and scheduling contact Sarah.Schneider2@deaconess.com

* Change the Life You Live: Diabetes Program. Diabetes touches almost every part of your life. It’s a serious, lifelong condition, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your health.  Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is offering, “Change the Life you Live: Diabetes.”   These classes offer  the opportunity to achieve optimal health while living with diabetes.   The classes are facilitated by Certified Diabetes Educators who teach participants how to control their diabetes using medication, self-monitoring, nutrition, and physical activity.   A variety of classes are offered beginning with Diabetes Pathways, which is a baseline class for those newly diagnosed with diabetes.  Following the completion of Diabetes Pathways, additional classes are offered for a more personalized curriculum.   Participants are encouraged to bring a family member or friend.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register, call 812-996-0521.

* 4H Enrollment - Looking for a way to help your child build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships? 4-H might be the perfect fit. 4-H is a nationwide youth development program that gives young people hands-on experience in agriculture, science, leadership, and more—helping them grow into confident, responsible citizens. It’s not too late to enroll for this year. Sign up by May 15th to participate in the 2026 Orange County 4-H Fair and the Indiana State Fair. Just visit 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com Enrollment is just 15 dollars per member, with a family cap of 45 dollars. And Mini 4-H, for grades kindergarten through second, is completely free. To enroll or learn more, contact Purdue Extension Orange County at 812-723-7107. Give your child the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed with 4-H.

* Spring is here, and the Paoli Agriculture Department and FFA Chapter are inviting the community to their Annual Greenhouse Plant Sale. Featuring flowers, vegetables, and more—all grown by students—the sale supports hands-on learning and local agricultural programs. The greenhouse will be open throughout late April and May, with special Saturday sales held at Tractor Supply. Organizers say every purchase helps students gain real-world experience while giving your garden a fresh start for the season. Stop by, support local students, and grow something great this spring. The greenhouse will be open Thursday April 23rd through May 22nd with hours 315PM-430PM Monday through Friday and at the Tractor Supply Sat April 25th and May 9th 9AM-1230PM

* 4H Animal ID Day. If your child plans to show animals in the Orange County 4-H program this year, mark your calendar now for Animal ID Day. It’s happening Friday, May 1st, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds, located at 1079 North 125 West in Paoli. All 4-H members planning to exhibit at the Orange County Fair or the Indiana State Fair must attend Tag Day and complete ID worksheets for their animal species. Goats, sheep, rabbits, and poultry must be brought in for official tagging. Swine should not be brought that day, but ID worksheets and tag pickup must still be completed during that time. All beef, dairy, goats, horse and pony, rabbits, sheep, and swine must be properly tagged and entered in 4-H Online by 11:59 p.m. on May 15th. Any animal going to the Indiana State Fair must also have a DNA hair sample on file by May 15th. For more information, call Purdue Extension Orange County at 812-723-710

* Health and Science Institute ® Adult First Aid/Adult CPR AED. Deaconess Memorial Medical Center is offering an Adult First Aid and CPR AED training course this May in Jasper. The class teaches lifesaving skills including CPR, AED use, and how to respond in a medical emergency using the same approach as professional responders. Sessions will be held Monday, May 4th and May 18th from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Memorial Southside Office. The cost is 68 dollars, and space is limited, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, visit www.deaconess.com   and click on Classes and Events, or call 812-996-2399.

* The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is offering free well water testing through its 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network. If you rely on a private well, you may qualify to have your water tested at no cost. Officials say the program helps homeowners better understand their drinking water, while also improving groundwater data across the state. To learn more or apply, visit idem.IN.gov That’s idem.IN.gov

* The Orleans Town Crew will collect yard waste, grass clippings, small twigs, garden waste, shrubbery trimmings, which is placed at curb provided they are marked container of sorts that does not weigh more than 50 pounds. Small tree limbs, branches will be collected at curbside if they are reasonably stacked with the base pointing toward the street and only if they have been cut into four-foot lengths and not larger than 3 “ in diameter. Larger tree limbs, tree stumps and tree trunks will NOT be collected by the street employees.  Residents may take those type of items to the town lake area and placed on the brush pile located there by accessing a key at the town office. Limbs and yard debris may be dropped off at the town lake. NO treated or painted lumber allowed. The Town Superintendent will have the final say on what is allowed to be collected. For more information or to schedule a pick-up residents may contact the Orleans Town Offices during regular business hours M-F 812 865 2539; or via email: orleanstownhall@townoforleans.org

* Stop The Bleed. In emergency situations, the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before professional rescuers arrive.  Deaconess Memorial Medical Center’s Ambulance and Trauma Services is offering “Stop The Bleed®”. This informational program focuses on the immediate response to bleeding, recognizing life-threatening bleeding, and appropriate ways to stop the bleeding. For more information and scheduling contact Sarah.Schneider2@deaconess.com

* Change the Life You Live: Diabetes Program. Diabetes touches almost every part of your life. It’s a serious, lifelong condition, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your health.  Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is offering, “Change the Life you Live: Diabetes.”   These classes offer  the opportunity to achieve optimal health while living with diabetes.   The classes are facilitated by Certified Diabetes Educators who teach participants how to control their diabetes using medication, self-monitoring, nutrition, and physical activity.   A variety of classes are offered beginning with Diabetes Pathways, which is a baseline class for those newly diagnosed with diabetes.  Following the completion of Diabetes Pathways, additional classes are offered for a more personalized curriculum.   Participants are encouraged to bring a family member or friend.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register, call 812-996-0521.