Time to turn back the clock to The Story of Us: Immigrant Experience on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Third Annual Family History Fair at the Shelby County Public Library’s Carnegie East Wing.

Participate in an interactive Ellis Island encounter for a taste of what our ancestors endured to see if they were healthy in mind and body. Will you get to stay in America, or will you be sent back?

Try out the digital photo both to “picture your heritage,” and check out the continuously running Ellis Island video. The Ellis Island encounter is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room A.

The Gallery features “Lady Liberty: Mother of Exiles.” The Indiana Room displays a collection of ceramics and glassware from Germany as well as the ever-popular “Who Is It?” table.

At 10:30 am, keynote speaker M. Teresa Baer of the Indiana Historical Society Press will speak in Room B. At 1 pm in Room B, she will join the roundtable discussion on “Your Immigrant Ancestors.”  Baer is managing editor of Indiana Historical Society Press Family History Publications, edits The Hoosier Genealogist: Connections as well as books on migration and ethnic history. She has compiled and edited the book, “Finding Indiana Ancestors: A Guide to Historical Research” (2007). Baer has a master’s degree in comparative history from Indiana University.

“Shelby County Immigrants,” a presentation by Genealogy & History Department Head Donna Dennison, will begin at 2 p.m. in Room B. Dennison will focus specifically on groups of immigrants as they moved through Shelby County on their way further west and those who decided to stay here and create a community.

Stampede String Band will bring “Indiana’s freshest modern folk and bluegrass” to the Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Band members John Bahler, Kyle Buck, and Aaron Nicely will play music from their 2023 tour, “The Last Shall Be First.” It is inspired by blind blues singers and red clay farmers who gave the nation its heart and soul. Three-part harmonies, bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo achieve that old-time sound with all the energy and finesse of modern music.

Visitors may buy a chili lunch with all the trimmings for $10 from the First Church of Pentecost. Baked good, snacks, and drinks will also be available throughout the day. 

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Local lawmakers encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to access qualified training opportunities. About 1,000 spots are available for the 2023-2024 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Sunday deadline.

"Getting work experience at a young age can really set them up for success after high school," Meltzer said. "These scholarships can make it easier for Hoosier students to learn more about and explore potential careers while also perfecting their skills for the future."

State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Shelbyville) said Career Scholarship Accounts are available to high school students who are enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Eligible students may also be enrolled in an apprenticeship, applied learning experience, work-based learning and/or credential attainment experience approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

"Many businesses are looking for additional education and training certifications beyond a high school diploma, which can make all the difference for students when looking for high-paying, quality jobs," Criswell said. "These scholarships can take some of the financial burden off when enrolling in programs or participating in work-based learning that can give them a head start after graduation."

Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:

• Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study
• Career coaching and navigation services
• Postsecondary education and training
• Transportation and equipment
• Certification and credentialing examinations
• Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State

According to State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville), approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.

"Our state will always be in need of plumbers, electricians and other skilled laborers just like we need IT and accounting professionals," Greene said. "Through CSAs, we can ensure that students have access to quality, work-based learning and courses so they can fill these and other vital positions."

The State Board of Education is also reviewing high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule, so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences.

To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Sunday deadline, click here.

For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723. 

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The Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department hosting a fish fry and tractor pull this weekend.

Serving on Friday is from 4 - 8 p.m. The tractor pulls start at 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the fish fry runs from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday's tractor pulls start at 4:30 / 5:00 p.m.

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Staff Management is teaming up with WorkOne Central Indiana on a job fair in Greenfield Wednesday.

The job fair features several area employers looking for candidates to fill a variety of positions and careers.

GIANT fm WSVX will broadcast live from the event in Greenfield.

Monday, September 11th, marks the 22 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in suburban Pennsylvania. Patriot Day serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning.

By a joint resolution approved 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) has designated September 11th of each year as "Patriot Day" which also directs the flags be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on September 11.

A section of the law is below: 

''§ 144. Patriot Day''(a) DESIGNATION.-September 11 is Patriot Day.''(b) PROCLAMATION.-The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on-

''(1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities;

''(2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and'

'(3) the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.''…

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Shelby County Arts Fest will host Arts in the Park on Saturday at Blue River Memorial Park.

Ease into autumn with the Shelby County Public Library in the next two weeks. Put on your calendars Shelby County Reads novels in library book clubs, crafts for adults, and clubs for kids of all ages.

September is Shelby County Reads, where all county residents are encouraged to read and discuss one book. Our two adult book clubs are focusing on Shelby County Reads selections.

Ken Jewell Literary Society at Morristown will discuss the adult selection, “If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name” by Heather Lende, at its regular meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

The Book Club at The Bookmark will discuss “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley, the teen selection, at noon at the café. Pick up a book at the library branches’ main desks.

Fan Favorite Upcycled Book Art returns to the Velma Wortman Morristown Branch on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. just for adults.  Then on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Morristown staff present a Fall Wreath class. Thrift Store Painting – Ghost Vision! follows a week late at 6:30 p.m on Sept. 14. Teens and adults can enjoy both of these crafts.

A new LEGO Club for elementary-age students starts Thursday at 4 p.m. in Shelbyville Youth Services. Ages 6-11 will enjoy stretching their creativity every Thursday at LEGO Club. Storytime’s focus is on oceans this week and numbers next week. On Friday morning at 10 a.m., Baby/Toddler Play Time meets again just for the littlest patrons. Teens have their Hang Out on Wednesday at 4 p.m., DND with Blake at 6 p.m. on Thursday, and Bubble Therapy at 4 p.m. on Friday. Next week, teens will make buttons on Tuesday at 4 p.m., while Wednesday will have a YAB meeting at 4 p.m.

Mark down the Pirates and Princesses Party on Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at Morristown. Drop in or stay the entire time.

Regular LEGO League for elementary-age kids meets Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., then the same age group meets Friday at 4:30 p.m. for Let’s Play a Game!

Storytime remains at 1 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Thursday with Play Date Socials on Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Teens have Make-It Monday on Sept. 11, when they will craft patriotic suncatchers.

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