The Buzz - 🌷🌼Vounteers Wanted To Maintain Rain Gardens, Board of Zoning Appeals

 In This Issue of the Buzz 😀 

  🌞 Local Weather

⭐ Shop Local/Buy Local - Business

 🌼 Volunteers Wanted: Help Maintain Brownsburg's Gateway Rain Gardens

 🔊  Upcoming Meeting - Board of Zoning Appeals - Mar. 11

⛔ CR 400 Road Closure Delayed

✳ School News - BHS Graduation, FAFSA Help, College & Career Fair

 📆 Upcoming Local Events

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Volunteers Wanted: Help Maintain Brownsburg's Gateway Rain Gardens

Join us for a Rain Garden Revival Maintenance Thursday, March 7, 2024 Rain gardens play a crucial role in eco-friendly landscaping, capturing stormwater runoff, mitigating soil erosion, and supporting diverse wildlife. To keep these green spaces functioning and looking their best, ongoing upkeep is necessary—and that's where your help is invaluable. Our team is on the lookout for passionate volunteers to assist in the upkeep of the rain gardens along our Gateway boardwalk, the welcoming point of Brownsburg. These gardens are designed with specific plants that naturally cleanse rainwater before it's returned to our rivers and streams. By lending a hand, you'll be directly involved in preserving these vital green spaces.

Here's the rundown:

Task Details: Volunteers will team up with our staff to clear out dead plant material and trash, ensuring the rain gardens remain beautiful and effective. We'll gather from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. You can find parking at Walmart (400 W Northfield Dr, Brownsburg, IN 46112).

Preparation and Tools: Don’t worry if you’re new to gardening; all you need is a readiness to dive in and make a difference! We'll supply all the necessary tools, including rakes, loppers, nitrate gloves, and safety glasses. Volunteers should bring their own water bottles and work gloves and dress in protective clothing like closed-toe shoes, pants, and preferably long sleeves. Our experienced volunteers will also offer tips and training on the spot.

Community Participation: This event is not just about garden maintenance; it's a chance to engage with your community, immerse yourself in nature, and meet like-minded individuals. By working together, we can enhance the beauty and ecological health of Brownsburg, creating a welcoming environment for all to enjoy.

Date: March 7, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: Parking is available at Walmart (400 W Northfield Dr, Brownsburg, IN 46112).

Address: 1090 N. Green Street, Brownsburg 46112

Link: Sign Up

Upcoming Town Goverment Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals

Mar 11, 2024  — Posted Mar 4, 2024 1:53 PM

Agenda: Board of Zoning Appeals Regular Meeting

1. Auburn Ridge Architectural Standards

2. SCHUMACHER RACE SHOP – LOT FRONTAGE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

3. SCHUMACHER RACE SHOP – LOT COVERAGE DEVELOPMENT

4. SCHUMACHER RACE SHOP – LANDSCAPING

   

What Is the Board of Zoning Appeals?

Meetings

• 6 pm

• 2nd Monday of every month (unless there is an observed holiday)

• Town Hall Council Room

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

• Marlon Webb
  Term: 2023-2026

• Jeff Humphreys
  Term: 2024-2027

• Stacey Risk
  Term: 2021-2024 

• Matthew Browning 
  Term: 2023-2026

• Brett Scowden
  Term: 2021-2024

Function of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

Under Indiana law (IC 36-7-4-900), the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is responsible for the following:

• Appeals from administrative decisions

• Granting of variances (Development Standards or Use)

Additional information regarding the function of the BZA can be found in the Citizen Planner Training Manual on the Indiana Planning Association's website.

Deadlines, rules of procedures, and applications can be found online.

CR 400 Road Improvements Project

(Road Closure Delayed)

UPDATE (February 29): The E CR 400 N. road closure has been delayed and will begin on or after March 8.

REMINDER: Starting on or after March 1, E. CR 400 N., from Ronald Reagan Parkway to 950 E., will be closed for road reconstruction and bridge replacement. The road will remain closed through the end of June. During this time, the detour route will use E. CR 300 N.

To get more information about this project, visit https://www.brownsburg.org/703/CR-400-Road-Improvements.

Project Description

This project aims to reconstruct E. CR 400 N. between Ronald Reagan Parkway and an approximate distance of 1500 feet west of Ronald Reagan Parkway. The plan includes replacing the current box culvert under CR 400 N. Additionally, the project will add a dedicated right turn lane towards the southbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway at CR 400 N. All the associated work with this addition will also be included in the project.

Schedule

Project is currently in the Construction phase. Dates are subject to change due to supply change and weather delays. 

• March 2024 - Construction Start

• June 2024 - Construction Completion

• July 2024 - Project Close-out

Funding

The project is funded in coordination with the developer. 

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

(Excerpted from the BHS Team 2024 Newsletter)

Brownsburg High School Graduation

Brownsburg High School Graduation will be at 10am on Saturday, June 8th, 2024. If there is rain the following plans will fall into place

Rain Plan B: Saturday, June 8th at 2pm

Rain Plan C: Saturday, June 8th at 6pm

Rain Plan D: Sunday, June 9th at 2pm

Graduation Practice will be on Friday, June 7th at 10am. Students who plan to walk at graduation must be present for practice.

2024-2025 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The 2024-2025 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available to file at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa .

Filing the FAFSA is the most important step in the financial aid process and determines eligibility for both state of Indiana and federal aid. Students pursuing short-term certificate training, associate/bachelor’s degrees and even some apprenticeships may receive financial aid by completing the FAFSA. The state deadline to file is April 15, 2024. Check the financial aid websites of post-secondary institutions for deadline information because some have sooner deadlines. It is recommended to file the FAFSA as soon as possible. The attached flyer includes information for how, when, and what you need to file the FAFSA. Please note the FAFSA requires 2022 tax return information.

Creating an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid log-in) is the first step, and both the student and at least one parent need an account. There is a delay from the time the FSA ID is created until you can use it, so it is recommended to do this well ahead of time before starting and submitting the FAFSA. To create the FSA ID, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch . The FSA ID is how students and parents sign and submit the FAFSA.

Here are some helpful financial aid websites to learn more about the FAFSA:

· https://studentaid.gov/

· https://learnmoreindiana.org/paying-for-college/fafsa/

A video recording of our September financial aid presentation by INvestEd can also be found on the Team 2024 website at https://bhs.brownsburg.k12.in.us/brownsburg-high-school/team-2024

Note: The Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 167-2023 which requires high school seniors to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or affirmatively opt out of filing by April 15th. If you plan to opt out, please fill out the FAFSA Waiver Form at https://www.in.gov/che/files/57326-2024-2025-FAFSA-Nonparticipation-for-Students-Graduating-2023-2024-1.pdf, and submit it to the Team 2024 office by April 15th.

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BHS FAFSA Help Night

On Monday, March 18th, BHS will be hosting another FAFSA Completion Help Night. Seniors and families are encouraged to attend for FREE help in completing this crucial financial aid form. Experts from INvestEd will help you file the FAFSA with confidence while avoiding common mistakes. Families may come in anytime between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. for assistance. It will take place in the BHS Cafeteria and entrance is through Door 6. This is not a presentation, but rather a time for students and families to receive assistance with the FAFSA. We will have laptops available for this event.This is also a great opportunity should you have financial aid questions.

Important note from INvestEd: There is a delay from the time the FSA ID is created until the family is able to use it (possibly 1-4 days). Therefore, we strongly encourage students and parents create this account well ahead of the FAFSA workshop. If you need help, you can use INvestEd’s Creating your FSA ID worksheet or call their team at 317-715-9007.

INvestEd is an Indiana not-for-profit and has offered FREE help to families for over 40 years. For more information on INvestEd check out their website: https://www.investedindiana.org/ .

We look forward to seeing you!

Upcoming Local Events

March 2024

• VITA Free Tax Prep

  • Date: (Ongoing through various dates)

  • Description: Free tax preparation for individuals and families with a combined household income of $66,000 or less in 2023, by IRS-certified volunteers.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Public Library website​​.

• Little Sprouts Nature Discovery

  • Date: March 5, 2024

  • Description: A nature discovery session for little ones with story time, nature walk, and a take-home craft.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Parks​​.

• 2024 WSTC Transition Fair

  • Date: March 5, 2024

  • Description: This event will provide information about community resources and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

  • More Information: AllEvents.in - 2024 WSTC Transition Fair​​.

• The HR Lab

  • Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

  • Location: Eiteljorg Museum

  • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

• Brownsburg Hiring Fair

  • Date: March 7, 2024

  • Description: A hiring fair featuring over 20 local businesses and non-profit organizations, including free headshot photos for job seekers.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Parks​​.

• Rain Garden Maintenance - Volunteer Opportunity

  • Date: March 7, 2024 - 12pm - 3pm

  • Description: Our staff will cut dead debris while volunteers help rake out and remove the material and litter pick up.

  • More Info: Sign Up

  Improv Now

  • Date: March 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

  • Description: An improv event promising a night of entertainment and laughter.

  • Location: Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• Board of Zoning Appeals - Monthly Meeting

  • Date: March 11, 2024 - 6:00pm

  • Description: A public meeting held by the Board of Zoning Appeals

  • More Info.: Town of Brownsburg

• Park Authority Meeting

  • Date: March 14, 2024

  • Description: A public meeting held by the Park Authority.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Parks​​.

• Teen Glow Egg Hunt

  • Date: March 15, 2024

  • Description: A nighttime glow-in-the-dark egg hunt for teens aged 12-16, featuring a color blast battle, sword fights, and a glow dance party.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Parks​​.

• Morning Bird Hike

  • Date: March 16, 2024

  • Description: A morning birdwatching hike led by a naturalist, encouraging all birders to join.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Parks​​.

• GRP Cars & Coffee

  • Date: March 16, 2024

  • Description: Hosted by Graham Rahal Performance, this event features free admission, free donuts and coffee, a bounce house, and a lineup of GRP’s latest inventory. A family-friendly event encouraging guests to bring their cars or motorcycles.

  • More Information: AllEvents.in - GRP Cars & Coffee​​.

• Flea Market

  • Date: March 16, 2024

  • Description: Shop home goods, clothing, props, costumes, new shoes, Disney collectibles, Loungefly bags, and much more at the Flea Market. Multiple families & vendors will be present, with space available for vendors to rent.

  • More Information: AllEvents.in - Flea Market​​.

• Lock-In

  • Date: March 22, 2024, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

  • Description: An overnight event filled with various activities for attendees.

  • Location: The Flow Space, 8131 Kingston Street; Suite 500, Avon, IN 46123

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

• Experience FC

  • Date: March 29, 2024

  • Description: An opportunity for individuals to experience what Florida College has to offer through various presentations and activities.

  • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club