The Monroe County Board of Commissioners invites area residents to join us for a birthday party to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first meeting of county government and the founding of the Town of Bloomington! The birthday party will be held at the County Courthouse (outdoors, if weather permits). The party is geared toward families and area youth. “This is a great opportunity to join us in a celebration, with activities for everyone,” said Monroe County Commissioner Julie Thomas. “This is a community celebration of the past, with an eye to our future.”

Participating local agencies will host games and activities. Food truck vendors will be parked on the south side of the Square. Rhino’s Youth DJs will provide musical entertainment and the Hudsucker Posse will show off their hoola-hoop skills. Bicentennial merchandise will be available for sale and children ages 4–14 are invited to submit an entry for the “Name the Courthouse Fish” contest! There will also be a short program commemorating the first meeting of Monroe County government.

Participating agencies include: the Youth Service Bureau, Boys & Girls Club, CASA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, the Community Orchard, Life Designs, Area 10, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m., The Venue will host a presentation by Yulia Azriel and Gabriel Lantz.

Modern-day life creates many challenges that overwhelm our minds, bodies and emotions, putting us into a chronic state of stress that we take as a norm. Come for this enlightening and stress-relieving presentation and short seated demonstration/practice to learn about ancient yogic techniques for optimal health, vitality and happiness. You will gain experience with two simple breathing techniques in combination with a body awareness process to powerfully and systematically relieve your chronic tension and infuse vitality.

Join us for this free and enlightening experience.

About presenters:

Yulia Azriel, M.S. E-RYT 500, founder of Gentle Heart Yoga and Wellness, inspires students to trust their bodies, relax deeply and connect with their innate vitality and joy. Yulia’s mission is to help people realize that their worth and value are not a result of their skills, achievements and successes – self-worth is a birthright. Her calming presence and gentle approach provide a safe space for students to heal and grow. Discovering the holistic approach of yoga has been one of her life’s most transformational experiences.

Gabriel Lantz, RYT 200, began taking yoga classes in 2002 after a very serious automobile accident that left him with severe back and neck pain. He learned that yoga was not only a means to heal himself but also a path of empowerment to gain control over his life. He first studied yoga with the Art of Living & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He later studied yoga & yoga therapy at the Amrit Yoga Institute. As a teacher, Gabriel loves to merge the healing power of yogic techniques with modern day understandings to bring a practical ‘real world’ approach to yoga.

Whimsical, witty and just a little bawdy – join us for a rollicking review of comedy through the ages! “A non-stop two hour laugh fest!”

Visit cardinalstage.org for more information.

We have TIM GRIMM on the program this evening! Tim has recruited some of his favorite singer/songwriters to share the stage, including Osprey Florida’s Bill Isles, Canada’s Jon Brooks, and Tim’s son, Jackson Grimm. This will be a well attended program so come early and get a great seat! The show is free and open to those 21+ in the Bears Place Back Room at 1316 E. 3rd St.

Join us Tuesday, April 10 at 8 p.m.