Project Acorn releases fall line-up

ByFree Press Staff Reading Time: 14 minutes

A rich diversity of 15 activities are planned for the 14th season of Project ACORN.

n the fall line-up are three concerts featuring artists from Arkansas, Delaware, and Illinois; a comedy show, a DJ-led radio studio tour, a visit to a new music studio in Ferdinand, a scenic hike, a shared experience on a Canadian farm, an award-winning documentary film, a dog walk with a pet therapy talk, a climate change presentation by a Purdue agricultural meteorologist, Thanksgiving storytelling and nature poetry for children, field trips to chestnuts roasting over an open fire and caroling in a cave, and a meal and memories in a historic home.

An acronym for Art, Community, Originality, Rhythm, and Nature, the homegrown, grassroots, mostly-volunteer program offers diverse and creative events that encourage friendships, explore new ideas, and build camaraderie. Enthusiastic area and national artisans, healers, singer-songwriter-musicians, environmental advocates, etc., offer (often free of charge) classes, workshops, theatrical events, hikes, films, concerts, field trips, and more for all ages, all celebrating the themes of music, art, environmental awareness, and wellness. The spirit of Project ACORN honors and supports the gifts of citizens to plant seeds of awareness, spread joy, and nurture community. 

“We love the experiences we’ve had and the friends we’ve made through Project ACORN activities,” said Lee Webster Bult from Jasper. “We’re grateful to have this amazing program in the area.”

Thank you, all—the dozens of leaders and over 2,300 participants—for your support throughout our first 13 seasons and 195 memorable events since June of 2016.   

We hope you’re having a fulfilling autumn, and we hope to see you at one or more of these exciting, upcoming activities.

—co-chairs Rock Emmert and Kris Lasher

PROJECT ACORNAUTUMN SCHEDULE 2019
Scroll down for details.
1.BUFFALO GALS IN CONCERTOld-school country and folk concert from the Ozarks
Friday, Oct. 18, 7 – 9 pm ET, St. Benedict’s Brew Works
2. THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM Documentary FilmTuesday, Oct. 22, 6 – 8 pm ET, Ferdinand Library Conference Room
3. HIKING HEMLOCKSaturday, Oct. 26, 10 am – 1 pm ET, 9:00 am ET breakfast at Schwartz Family RestaurantHoosier National Forest
4. DOG DAY IN THE PARKSunday, Oct. 27, 2 – 3:30 pm ET,18th Street Park, Ferdinand
5. MY EXPERIENCE ON A CANADIAN ORGANIC FARMby Hailei Gehlhausen
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6:30- 8:00 pm ET, St. Benedict’s Brew Works

6. BREW HA HAComedy by Clint Hall Friday, Nov. 1, 7 – 8 pm ET, St. Benedict’s Brew Works Theatre
7. LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS  by Hans SchmitzWednesday, Nov. 6, 7 – 8:30 pm ET, Ferdinand Library Community Room
8.JOHN FLYNN IN CONCERTModern folk musicFriday, Nov. 8, 7 – 9 pm ET, St. Benedict’s Brew Works Theatre
9. LIFE OF A DJ
by Jenna SchafferWednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 – 8:45 pm ET, WBDC Studio, Jasper
10. CRANBERRY THANKSGIVING AND NATURE POETRY FOR CHILDREN by Kris Lasher and Rock EmmertTuesday, Nov. 26, 6:30 – 7:15 pm ET, Ferdinand Library
11. DREAMWEAVER MUSIC STUDIO TOUR by Phil HipskindTuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 – 8 pm ET, J. Herman Building, Ferdinand
12. CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIREField trip to Santa’s Candy CastleSaturday, Dec. 7, 7 – 9 pm ET, depart from Ferdinand Library 6:30 pm ET, return 9 pm ET
13. CAROLING IN THE CAVEField trip to Marengo Cave U.S. National LandmarkSunday, Dec. 8, 3 – 6 pm ET, depart Ferdinand Library at 1:45 pm ET, return 7 pm ET
14. WOLLENMANN HOME MEAL AND MEMORIESby Tammy Bedolla, Soup-n-Such Bistro, and Gloria (Wollenmann) Shreve
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 pm – 8 pm ET
15. SMALL POTATOES IN CONCERTContemporary folk music Sat., Dec. 14, 7 – 9 pm ET, St. Benedict’s Brew Works Theatre
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1.Buffalo Gals in ConcertOld-school country and folk from the Ozarks

Friday, Oct. 18, 7 – 9 pm ETSt. Benedict’s Brew Works theatre or outdoor stage All agesLimit: 70
Admission: $10 cash only at doorNo advanced tickets
Performing “brand new, old-time songs,” the Buffalo Gals are an old-school country and folk duo consisting of Melissa Carper (guitar, banjo, and bass) and Rebecca Patek (fiddle and guitar) formed in Austin, Texas. The pair moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where they wrote and recorded their debut album Brand New Old-Time Songs inspired by the music and nature of the Ozark Mountains. Their album reached Number 2 on the Folk Album charts for the Roots Music Report in July 2018 and reached Number 3 on the European Americana charts in August of 2018. Carper is a two-time veteran on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion and Patek a three-time winner of the Wisconsin State Fiddle Championship. Their beautiful harmonies and simple, pure approach to the classics, along with their original well-crafted songs make them special. For more info, visit http://www.buffalogalsband.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloGalsBand/. Brewery food and beverages are allowed in the theatre.
2. The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Film
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6 – 8 pm ETFerdinand Library Conference Room
Rating: PGLimit: 10FreeNo advanced registration
Released in May of this year, The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature’s conflicts, the Chesters unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imagination. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, The Biggest Little Farm provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet. For a review, visit https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/08/19/got-climate-anxiety-watch-biggest-little-farm-template-regeneration.

3. Hiking Hemlock
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 am – 1 pm ETOptional: Meet at 9 am ET for breakfast at Schwartz Family Restaurant at 6738 W Governor’s Trace, Eckerty, IN,or in restaurant parking lot at 9:45 for caravan to nearby Hoosier National ForestAll ages
Free
Limit: 10Hiking level: difficult Please wear hiking shoes and bring water.
To register, RSVP (text or call) Rock at 812-631-2856.

Join us on Saturday morning for breakfast and a scenic autumn hike to Hemlock Cliffs in the Hoosier National Forest. We will meet at Schwartz Family Restaurant at 9:00 am ET for a made-from-scratch, Amish-style, country breakfast, or—if hikers prefer to meet after breakfast—the caravan to Hemlock will depart from the restaurant at about 9:45 am ET.  Visit www.schwartzrestaurant.com/ for more info.

Hemlock Cliffs is a valley of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, created by the box canyon shape, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow there. Hemlock Cliffs has long been a popular destination for people seeking tranquility, and a chance for reflection from within a cool rock shelter or along the shady stream. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines.

A 1.2 mile hiking trail leads down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so please use caution. It takes two leisurely hours to complete the loop.  Archaeological excavations indicate Native Americans lived in this place as early as 10,000 years ago. Throughout the canyon are rock shelters, which provided protection to the early occupants of this area. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hoosier/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev3_017564 for more info.

4. Dog Day in the Park
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 – 3:30 pm ET
Meet at lower shelterhouse, 18th Street Park, FerdinandAll ages
Free (Cash or food/treat donation for the Dubois County Humane Society welcomed.)
No limit
No advanced registration

Enjoy the companionship of canine and human friends and neighbors in the beautiful autumn colors of 18th Street Park. The gathering will begin with a talk and demonstration by Leah Robling followed by a walk around the trails in the park. Water, hot chocolate, and dog treats will be provided. Leah, a massage therapist and healing arts practitioner for people, whose natural progression led her to also study pet therapy, will talk about and demonstrate how to give your beloved canine a massage. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket to sit on. Participating dogs may also be given the opportunity to receive a free, mini, canine massage. Massaging your pet creates a special bond and, like people, they receive many health benefits from massage. “My journey into working with animals has been magical, rewarding, and full of joy,” states Leah. “Animals are deeply present in the moment, ripe with instinctual wisdom and intuition, and full of unconditional love. They continue to be some of my best teachers.”

5. My Experience on a Canadian Organic Farmby Hailei Gehlhausen

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6 – 7:30 pm ETSt. Benedict’s Brew Works TheatreAll agesLimit: 40FreeTo register, RSVP (text or call) Rock at 812-631-2856.
Learn about an unforgettable summer experience on an organic farm in Canada. Hailei Gehlhausen, a Forest Park graduate and a recent graduate of the English Department at the University of Southern Indiana, started her first full-time teaching job at Perry Central Community Schools in January of 2019. As this past summer was her first summer off in nearly 10 years, Hailei decided to make use of it doing something(s) she’s passionate about, which landed her on a two-week road trip across America and another two-week stay on a farm in southern British Columbia through “WWOOF”.
WWOOF, which stands for “World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms”, is an organization that allows people of all ages to get involved in organic farming. Although workers within the program get “paid” in only room and board, they’ll most certainly walk away with a wealth of knowledge about growing their food in a sustainable manner. This talk is for anyone who enjoys gardening, traveling, and simply learning about the ways and traditions of others. 

6. Brew Ha HaComedy by Clint Hall 
Friday, Nov. 1, 7 – 8 pm ET St. Benedict’s Brew Works TheatreAll agesLimit: 70Admission: $8 cash only at doorNo advanced ticket sales

Enjoy an evening of family-friendly comedy with the 2019 Clean Comedy Challenge Nashville, Tennessee, champion. Clint Hall has appeared with the Midwest Clean Comedy All Stars and has performed at regional venues. A former professional wrestler, Clint was born and raised in rural Indiana, the youngest of four children in a very funny household. He learned at an early age, the best way to be heard by the rest of the family was to make them laugh. For more info, see https://www.facebook.com/Clint-Halls-Comedy-Page-165853420124184/. St. Benedict’s Brew Works provides one of the area’s best listening rooms along with their excellent craft beer and root beer brewed onsite, handmade pizza, and more. Food and beverages are allowed in the theatre. 

7. Local Climate Change Effects  by Hans Schmitz
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 – 8:30 pm ET
Ferdinand Library Community Room
All agesLimit: 40FreeNo advanced registration
The Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment highlights the anticipated effects of climate change around Indiana. Recently, county level data has been made available. Learn about the projected impacts for Dubois, Spencer, and Perry Counties.
Hans Schmitz received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Meteorology from Purdue University. He worked for the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study during his time in college and after graduation until his hiring into Purdue Extension. He has had official roles in five southwestern Indiana counties over 11 years with Extension, currently serving in Posey County as the Ag and Natural Resources Educator. During his tenure, he assisted in development of the “Dynamics of Climate” teaching curriculum and a series of Purdue Extension publications on basic climate science. He currently co-chairs the North Central Climate Collaborative, a 12-state team of Extension professionals with climate expertise. Hans lives in Cynthiana, Indiana, with his wife, Cindy, and son, Jackson. In his spare time, Hans assists on the family farm, a sixth-generation grain operation.8.John Flynn in ConcertContemporary folk music  

Friday, Nov. 8, 7 – 9 pm ETSt. Benedict’s Brew Works TheatreAll agesLimit: 70
Admission: $15 per person or 2 for $25, cash only at doorNo advanced ticket sales 

John Flynn combines heart-felt, prophetic lyrics with beautiful melodies that move his audiences to laugh, cry, and think. His songs share the stories of real people and give voice to their triumphs and failures. They encourage us all to seek love and understanding, peace and justice. Deana McCloud, Executive Director of the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma writes, “John Flynn is the real deal. His work follows in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson, and other social justice troubadours as he speaks the truth and gives a voice to society’s disenfranchised.” For more info, visit http://www.johnflynn.net/ and https://www.facebook.com/john.flynn.771. Enjoy an evening in one of the area’s best listening rooms—while enjoying excellent craft beer and root beer brewed onsite, handmade pizza, and more. Brewery food and beverages are allowed in the theatre. 

9. Life of a DJ
by Jenna Schaffer

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 – 8:45 pm ET
WBDC Studio, 458 3rd Ave, Jasper
All ages
Limit: 10
Free
To register, RSVP (text or call) Rock at 812-631-2856.

Ever want to be a DJ? Experience a rare look inside local radio station WBDC with DJ Jenna Schaffer. Check out where the music happens and where your favorite DJs hang out. Jenna will lead an exciting tour of all the stations in the building and share her daily activities. Participants will have an opportunity to try their hand at being a DJ and will get to keep their recordings.

Jenna graduated from North Daviess High School in 2008. After attending the University of Southern Indiana for nursing, a few years later she found her true passion when she transferred to Vincennes University’s broadcasting program. Beginning as a reporter in news, she later joined the radio business working in advertising and sales. She has been with DC Broadcasting/101 Country WBDC since February of 2017 and is currently the afternoon DJ (from 3 – 7 pm ET). Jenna also enjoys teaching dance and writing. 

10. Cranberry Thanksgiving and Nature Poetry for Children by Kris Lasher and Rock Emmert
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6:30 – 7:15 pm ETFerdinand LibraryAges 4 – 8 or parents’ discretionLimit: 15 
Free
To register, RSVP Kris (text or call) at 812-631-2020.
Cranberry Thanksgiving, written by Wende and Harry Devlin and published in 1971, is a holiday classic for children of all ages and will be read to children in a storytelling circle, followed by a discussion of the story’s themes. Light refreshments will be served, including cranberry bread, baked using the recipe featured in the book. Children will get a copy of the recipe to take home for the holidays. As time allows, the evening will also include interactive nature poetry for children.  

11. Dreamweaver Music Studio Tour
 by Phil Hipskind
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 – 8 pm ETJ. Herman Building, 6th and Main, FerdinandAll agesLimit: 15 
FreeTo register, RSVP (text or call) Phil at 812-929-2204.   
  Do you have a song, poem, or story that you’d like to record? Would you like a permanent record of a family member’s song or voice? In this unique tour in one of Ferdinand’s most historic buildings, meet singer-songwriter, business owner, and retired teacher Phil Hipskind. Experience a tour of Phil’s new studio and amenities, hear his inspiration for music and his recording space, see a demonstration of the equipment, and potentially have an opportunity for one’s own recording.
“My goal is to provide a warm, positive, and joyful atmosphere for each artist, band member, musician, songwriter, and student,” states Phil. Performing music of multiple styles for over 40 years, he has written, engineered, and produced music for 20 years. Before retiring, he also taught English and U.S. History for 30 years. He continues to write and perform original songs in the music duo Turquoise Dreams.

12. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Firefield trip to Santa Claus
Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 – 9 pm ET, Depart from Ferdinand Library at 6:30 pm ET, return at about 9 pm ETSanta’s Candy Castle, 15499 IN 245, Santa Claus, IndianaAll agesLimit: 10 in caravanFreeTo register, RSVP (text or call) Kris at 812-631-2020.  
“Experience the centuries-old Christmas tradition of roasting chestnuts over an open fire. This popular, free event is currently in its 14th year and includes the history of America’s oldest Christmas tradition, demonstration of chestnuts roasting over an open fire, taste-testing of roasted chestnuts, and an opportunity to try chestnut roasting yourself.” Santa’s Candy Castle, a gem in the region, was the first building in “Santa Claus Town” and is celebrating its 84th anniversary. Dedicated on December 22, 1935, Santa’s Candy Castle was a free attraction created to offer a magical Christmas experience to children and families during the Great Depression. For the full history and attractions, visit http://www.santascandycastle.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/SantasCandyCastle/. The “Chestnuts Roasting” events will be from 7 – 9 pm ET on these Saturdays: Nov 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21.

13. Caroling in the Cave field trip to Marengo
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 – 6 pm ET1:45 pm ET departure from Ferdinand Library, return at about 7 pm ET.
Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark
400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN  
All agesLimit: 10 in caravan
FreeTo register, RSVP (text or call) Kris at 812-631-2020.

Music Hall inside Marengo Cave, which has hosted many musical events since the early 1900s, will once again resound with seasonal music provided by local artists. Join in the 4th annual Caroling in the Cave. This free and festive event offers an afternoon of fellowship, entertainment, and refreshments. Canned food donations for local food pantries are welcomed, and a silent auction will also benefit local food pantries. Come out to experience this rare and unforgettable caroling experience.

14. Wollenmann Home Meal and Memoriesmeal by Tammy Bedolla and Soup-n-Such, memories from Gloria (Wollenmann) Shreve
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 – 8 pm ETSoup-n-Such Bistro in the historic Wollenmann Home, 1150 Main, FerdinandAll agesLimit: 24Meal: $12 for adults; children 12 and under, $6To register, RSVP (text or call) Tammy BY NOV. 26 at 812-630-3986.
Enjoy a delicious light meal—a salad, sandwich, and a seasonal dessert—along with wassail and hot chocolate. After the meal, Gloria (Wollenmann) Shreve will share information about the Swiss chalet-style home and some of her memories growing up there. Gloria was born in the home and lived there for 36 years. Her grandfather, Dr. Alois Wollenmann, emigrated to the United States from Switzerland, and her father was Werner Wollenmann. The home, completed in 1903, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named by Indiana Landmarks as the most historic home still standing in Dubois County. Many interesting family memories and even aspects of national significance are part of this home’s rich history, including the recently published Ida Hagan legacy.
15. Small Potatoes in ConcertContemporary folk music 
Sat., Dec. 14, 7 – 9 pm ETSt. Benedict’s Brew Works TheatreAll agesLimit: 70
$15 per seat, 2 for $25 No advanced ticket sales    Back by popular demand, Small Potatoes—the dynamic, Chicago-based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso—is known internationally for their powerful stage presence, superb musicianship, and award-winning songwriting. No strangers to Ferdinand, Small Potatoes has performed in regional house concert series, coffeehouses, on the main stage at the 2011 Ferdinand Folk Festival, and at the Brew Works the summer of 2018.

Touring on the folk scene since 1993 and known for “makin’ ‘em laugh, makin’ ‘em cry, makin’ ‘em think”, they’ve become sought-after regulars at many clubs and coffeehouses across the United States. They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Dirty Linen Magazine dubs them, “one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit.” “They don’t sound like anybody else,” states Warren Nelson from Wisconsin Public Radio. “They lay out a blanket and every song is a picnic.” For more info, visit www.smallpotatoesmusic.com and https://www.facebook.com/Small-Potatoes-142000521907/.
Enjoy a memorable evening of stories, songs, and laughter in one of the area’s best listening rooms—while enjoying excellent craft beer and root beer brewed onsite, handmade pizza, and more. Brewery food and beverages are allowed in the theatre.

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