UNFORGETTABLE GALA & FUNDRAISER AT THE COMMONS IN COLUMBUS
The Columbus Philharmonic's 7th Annual Unforgettable Gala & Fundraiser will be on Saturday, March 3rd, at The Commons in downtown Columbus.  Cost is $95.00 per person if RSVP by Friday, February 10th.  Cost goes up to $110.00 per person after February 10th.  Pre-dinner cocktails, hors de oeuvres, music, dancing, and the silent auction begin at 6:00 PM, and dinner starts at 7:30 PM.  There will also be a Wine Bin Raffle the Extraordinary Diamond Raffle, plus live auctions.  Black tie optional.  Proceeds will benefit the Philharmonic to help continue concerts and music education programs.  For more information, call 376-2638 Ext. 110 or visit www.thecip.org.

CANSTRUCTION 2012 AT FAIR OAKS MALL IN COLUMBUS
The Columbus Young Professionals will present Canstruction 2012 at Fair Oaks Mall in Columbus from February 18th - 26th.  Teams of architects, engineers, businesses, and community groups will compete to design and build gigantic objects made from thousands of canned foods while spotlighting hunger.  All of the food generated will be donated to local food banks. For more infromation, call Joyce Lucke at 812-390-6912 or info@paragonme.net.

DANIEL BURBRINK MEMORIAL FISH FRY AT BARTH. CO. 4-H FAIRGROUNDS
The Bartholomew County 4-H Junior Leaders will sponsor the annual Daniel Burbrink Memorial Scholarship Event on Friday, February 3rd, in the Family Arts Building at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, starting at 5:00 PM.  There will be a fish fry from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, live music featuring Whipstitch Sallies, and a silent auction from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Proceeds will go to scholarships for 4-H and FFA participants.  For more information, call the Bartholomew County Extension Office at 379-1665.

SOUTHWESTERN POST PROM CHILI SUPPER
The Southwestern (Shelby) Post Prom Committee will host A Chili Supper on Friday, February 3rd, as the Spartans will host Hauser in boys basketball action.  Serving will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and the cost will be $5.00 for a bowl of chili, 1/2 peanut butter sandwich, dessert, and a drink.  For more information, call Lori at 317-431-1499.

FRANKLIN ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR "THE BIG GAME"

Franklin is an official Super Celebration Site, and will hold 3 events leading up to "The Big Game": the Foot Bowl 5K Run/Walk, the Punt, Pass, & Party Pub Crawl, and the Franklin Tailgate Party and Competition.

*The Foot Bowl 5K Walk/Run will take place on Friday, February 3rd.  The race will be run on the Greenway Trail, and will begin and end at the Cultural Arts & Recreation Center parking lot in downtown Franklin.  Wear your favorite team's jersey, and dress accordingly to the weather!  Cost is $15.00 if registered before February 3rd, or $20.00 on the day of the race.  Cost for the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk is $2.00 per person, and T-shirts may be purchased for $10.00.

*The Punt, Pass, & Party Pub Crawl invites patrons to visit 6 bars in downtown Franklin on Friday, February 3rd, with registration from 6:00 - 7:00 PM at the Franklin City Hall, 70 E. Monroe Street.  Pre-register for $15.00 before January 18th, $20.00 after January 18th.  Registration includes a ticket to each bar for 1 free beer or 1 signature drink created by each bar, a customized lanyard, and drink koozie.  You must be 21 or over to participate.

*The Franklin Tailgate Party and Competition will be on Saturday, February 4th, on North Main Street, in front of the Artcraft Theatre.  Cost is free.  Tailgate competitions categories include: Best Tailgate Food, Team Spirit, Football Trivia, Biggest Fan, and Best Touchdown Dance.  Get into the Cornhole Tournament for $20.00 per team.  This will be a single elimination tournament.

Conclude weekend festivities with a live concert at the Historic Artcraft Theatre on Saturday, February 4th.  The Franklin Elks will host The Blue River Band at 7:00 PM, and cost is $10.00 per person.  You must be 21 or older to enter.  Proceeds will benefit the Mike Duncan Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Register for any of the 3 above events at the Franklin Parks and Recreation Dept., 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin, or call 317-736-3689.  For more information, visit www.journeyjohnsoncounty.org.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION TO HOST FREE SESSIONS AT BARTH. CO. LIBRARY
The Alzheimer's Association will host a free workshop "Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease: The Basics" on Saturday, February 4th, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM and again from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the Bartholomew County Library.  Participants may attend either session.  The sessions are free, but you need to register by calling the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900.  For more information, visit www.alz.org/indiana.

NOT ON OUR ICE AT HAMILTON CENTER ICE ARENA IN COLUMBUS

Columbus Youth Hockey & Icemen and the Lincoln Center Figure Skating Club will present "Not On Our Ice", to help end dating violence, on Saturday, February 4th, at the Hamilton Center Ice Arena from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Learn more about dating violence and watch hockey players and figure skaters compete in a hockey game and a spin/jump challenge.

CUB SCOUT FUNDRAISER AT ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN COLUMBUS

Cub Scout Pack 509 will have a Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by Fazoli's at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2555 S 300 East, Columbus, on Sunday, February 5th.  Cost is $8.00 for adults and $7.00 for children for the spaghetti dinner.  The silent auction will be from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, and the spaghetti dinner will be served from 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM.  For more information, call Kay at 812-579-9745 or Julie at 812-579-9786.

EXHIBIT OPENING AT THE INN AT IRWIN GARDENS
In celebration of their 2 year anniversary, The Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 5th Street, Columbus, will present an Exhibit Opening and Reception on Thursday, February 9th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  The exhibit will be "A Chocolate Extravaganza" by Marion-Kay Spices and Food Network Challenge Winner, Leo Cook.  There will also be Beer Tasting by Four Horseman Brewery of South Bend.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call The Inn at Irwin Gardens at 376-3663 or visit www.irwingardens.com.

HARRISON COLLEGE FUNDRAISER

The Columbus Indiana Garage Sale Site is holding a sale at Harrison College in Columbus, Friday, February 10th, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday, February 11th, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. There will be over 20 booths with a variety of items for the whole family. Clothing, fashion items, toys, video games, musical instruments, household, home decor, handcrafted items including knitted hats, artwork, paintings, mosaics. A few businesses will be on hand as well including Kids Creations, Cakes and Candy by JoJo, Rich Anthony -Live DJ, Music and Mayhem, and a live life-sized Dora the Explorer. A portion of the proceeds will go to Harrison College. For more info, click here.

SAN SOUCI ART AUCTION AT FAIR OAKS MALL
The San Souci Annual Arts Auction will be at Fair Oaks Mall in Columbus from Friday, February 10th - Monday, February 20th.  This will be the Senior Project for Mackenzie Harris of Columbus North.  Make a bid and vote online at www.auctionsandrealestate.com.  For more information, call 314-2930.

FISH FRY AT MILLHOUSEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Millhousen Volunteer Fire Department, 7935 S 250 East, Greensburg (north edge of Millhousen) will host a Fish Fry on Friday, February 10th, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.  The menu will include breaded tenderloins or all you can eat hand-breaded fish, baked beans, fries, applesauce, cookies, and drinks.  Cost is $8.00 for adults.  For more information, call 812-614-0389.

VALENTIMES 10K RUN & 5K WALK/RUN AT SEYMOUR HIGH SCHOOL
Join Leadership Jackson County and YoJack as they sponsor their 2nd annual ValenTimes 10K Run & 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, February 11th, at Seymour High School.  Register in advance before Wednesday, February 1st, for $20.00 (Pay $25.00 registration fee on day of race).  Participants may check-in from 7:45 - 8:45 AM in the Seymour High School Commons area, and the events will start at 9:00 AM in the school parking lot.  Register online at www.leadershipjacksoncounty.org and www.indianatiming.com.  Each pre-registered participant will receive a T-shirt and additional prizes will be awarded to the winners.  Proceeds will go to help with the continued growth and development of YoJack (County youth leadership program) and Leadership Jackson County programs.  For more information, email leadershipjacksoncounty@hotmail.com. 

MERIDIAN KIWANIS MAGIC SHOW AT COLUMBUS EAST'S ROBBINS AUDITORIUM
The Meridian Kiwanis Magic Show, featuring Garry & Mihaela Carson, will be on Saturday, February 11th, at Columbus East High School's Robbins Auditorium, 230 S. Marr Road, Columbus.  Doors open at 2:30 PM and the show will begin at 3:00 PM.  The Carson's show Magical Mystery Show will include their award-winning comedy, magic, and grand illusions.  Advance tickets are $10.00 and $12.00 at the door.  Purchase tickets at Rawlings Insurance, Viewpoint Books, and Walgreens or go online at www.kiwanismagicshow.com.  For more information, visit info@kiwanismagicshow.com.

KIDSCOMMONS TO HOST ANNUAL CARNIVALE EVENT 
The Kidscommons, 309 Washington Street, Columbus, will host their 9th Annual Carnivale Event Carnivale Rio! on Saturday, February 11th, from 7:00 - 10:30 PM.  Cost is $75.00 per person, and tickets are on sale at kidscommons or call 378-3046.  Tickets will also be on sold at the door.  There will be a photo booth, face painting, an Angry Birds game, live and silent auctions with many great items, and music by Chicago Samba.  Enjoy gourmet Rio dishes prepared by Gethin Thomas Catering and tropical desserts made by Piepers Gourmet Catering.  Proceeds will benefit kidscommons.  For more information, call 378-3046.

AN EVENING OF SWEET DREAMS
The Arts and Cultural Council of Decatur County presents "An Evening of Sweet Dreams" on February 11, 2012. Spend an evening listening to the 17 piece band "Sounds of Dreams" who have performed at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The band features three vocalists singing songs from the 50's, 60's, and the 70's. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus, with dinner catered by Fiddler's Three. There will be a basket raffle and a dance as well. Tickets are $40.00 per person, and include dinner and entertainment, and can be purchased at Arts on the Square, Doerflinger Insurance, or online at www.artsingreensburg.com.

SENSATIONAL SNAKES AT PETCO IN COLUMBUS
Friday, February 17th, at 6:00 PM @ Petco in Columbus. "Sensational Snakes" is an educational program to enlighten and bring awareness to the wonderful world of snakes and snake keepers. The goal of this program is to promote proper care of these wonderful reptiles and dismiss any myths and fears about them. Great for kids and adults.

CARRIE CLAYBURN MEMORIAL DINNER AT INDIAN CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
The 14th annual Carrie Clayburn Memorial Dinner will be held on Friday, February 17th, in the Indian Creek High School Cafeteria from 5:00 PM until halftime of the Brown County vs. Indian Creek varsity boys basketball game.  Pork chops will be provided by the Indian Creek FFA, and the smorgasbord dinner will be provided by area churches.  A free will offering will go to a scholarship in Carrie's name.  For more information, call Sheila at 738-9424.

JACKSON & JENNINGS "BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE"
The Jackson County "Bowl For Kids Sake" is Sunday, February 19th, at Starlite Bowl in Seymour. Get your team signed up today and begin raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Bowlers receive a free t-shirt, 1 hour of free bowling, free shoe rental, a chance to win some cool door prizes, bid on items in the silent auction and have lots of fun! The Jackson County "Bowl For Kids Sake" is sponsored in part by 104.9 The River. The Jennings County "Bowl For Kids Sake" is Sunday, March 4th, at Starlite Bowl in Seymour. It is sponsored in part by Y106. For more information, click here or call  812-522-9699. You can also visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

FISH FRY AT MILLHOUSEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Millhousen Volunteer Fire Department, 7935 S 250 East, Greensburg (north edge of Millhousen) will host a Fish Fry on Friday, February 24th, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.  The menu will include breaded tenderloins or all you can eat hand-breaded fish, baked beans, fries, applesauce, cookies, and drinks.  Cost is $8.00 for adults.  For more information, call 812-614-0389.

BUDDY BASEBALL CO-ED SLOW-PITCH TOURNAMENT
Buddy Baseball Co-Ed Slow-Pitch Tournament will be held Saturday, April 21st, from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm, and Sunday, April 22nd, from Noon - 7:00 PM at Dunn Stadium in Columbus, IN. Cost: $150 per team, and there is a 3-game guarantee. Ages: 16 & 17 (with parental consent) and 18+ (with a signed wavier). The tournament will follow ASA Rules and will use ASA Bats. Proceeds from the tournament will go to support Buddy Baseball, an organization that provides a baseball league for kids with special needs to have fun, learn the game, and meet friends. For more information, contact Danielle:  dhaddan@gmail.com, or call 317-670-0537.

RECYCLING PAPER IS A GOOD THING
The Columbus Parks Foundation encourages you to continue recycling paper.  Last year, around 93 tons was recycled in the Columbus area, enough to buy 12 trees and save enough electricity to power 189 homes for a month.  So please continue to recycle your paper at any of the designated bins at either Lincoln Park or Donner Park.

THIRD HOUSE SESSIONS AT COLUMBUS CITY HALL
The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce will host Third House Sessions in the Cal Brand Meeting Room at City Hall starting at 7:30 AM.  The Third House Sessions, held each Monday morning through March 12th, are free and open to the public.  These sessions provide an opportunity to meet the legislators who represent you and your businesses.  For more information, call the Chamber at 379-4457.

ATTERBURY BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM ADDITION CAMPAIGN
The Atterbury Bakalar Air Museum is planning to build a 3,200+ square foot addition to house more than 1,150 artifacts and a W.W. II glider that they currently have no room for.  This project is expected to cost roughly $350,000, and the facility would also contain a conference area and library.  Donations from individuals and businesses can be sent to Atterbury Bakalar Air Museum, 4742 Ray Boll Boulevard, Columbus, IN 47203.  You can also e-mail south wing project manager Jim Sellers at sellersdesign2@comcast.net.

CRAFTY READERS PROGRAM AT J-C-P-L
The Jackson County Public Library will offer a Crafty Readers program for students in grades K - 5 at 4:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month in the Seymour Library Kidz Korner Program Room.  Crafty Readers will listen to a story, participate in a literacy activity and make a themed craft that coincides with the story.  The program is free, and the library will furnish all supplies.  To register or for more information, call 522-3412, Option 1.

HOPEKEEPERS TO MEET AT COMMUNITY CHURCH OF COLUMBUS
Hopekeepers, a support group for adults who battle chronic pain and/or chronic   illness, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 10:30 AM at the Community Church of Columbus, 3850 N. Marr Road.  For more information, contact Will Henning at yhb57@yahoo.com.

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM IN SCOTTSBURG
Give love, get back so much more!  There is a great need for foster parents for teens in our community.  For more information on how you can change a life of a youth, call the National Youth Advocate Program at 1-877-NYAP-CAN or visit www.nyap.org.