Send your appreciation

Add these names to your Christmas card list this year. Tell them their friends and neighbors in Bluffton and Wells County appreciate their efforts.


PFC Whitsitt, Geoffrey
HHC 3BSTB
118th MPCO (ABN)
3-10 FOB Shank
APO AE 09364

Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Whitsitt
2820 Hornet Way
San Diego, CA 92106

Cpl Nelson Trevor D.
MASS 1 Det
Unit 78076
FPO-AE 09510-8076


Andrea Elliott
1203 Fidler Lane
Apt. 603
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Josh Paquette
8 MXS
PSC 2 Box 3491
APO AP 96264

Celeste Paquette
1640 Yaupon St.
Sumter S.C. 29154

Vincent Everett
Alpha Troop/2-6 Calvary
COB Speicher
APO AE 09393


Do you know of a local serviceman or servicewoman who won’t be home for Christmas? Submit their name and complete mailing address to: The News-Banner, P.O. Box 436, Bluffton, IN 46714; or via fax: 260-824-0700; or vial email: calendar@news-banner.com; or drop off at our office at 125 N. Johnson Street. (24-hour drop slot at front door).
We will publish their names and addresses in the News-Banner as they are received. We encourage our readers to send them a card. Standard cards that take a 44 cent postage; non-standard sized cards should be taken to the post office to be weighed. Cards mailed to service members stationed overseas should be mailed by Dec. 4, so please submit addresses as soon as possible. New names will appear in bold as they are received.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Nov. 21
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins playing piano; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.
Wells County Genealogy Society--Wells County Historical Museum-420 West Market St,, Bluffton; 10 a.m. Anna Fullhart will present the program entitled “Collecting Christmas Ornaments Through the Years”. Those attending the meeting should bring an ornament that is special to them and to just tell why it is so special. Call Connie Brubaker 260-543-2423.

Sunday, Nov. 22
River Terrace Estates--Tim Mann, inspirational and humorous speaker; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Nov. 23
Genetic Syndrome Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Influenza and more by speaker Deb McMahan, M.D.
Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild--Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Program: “Adding Color for the Holidays” will be given by Valerie Bailey. Bring baby blankets, baby shampoo, lotion or bath wash for the current needs of the Hope Clinic or blankets for Agape Respite Care.
Stitches of Hope--First United Methodist Church 325 W. Washington St. Bluffton; 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone welcome. Call: 824-8743.

Tuesday, Nov. 24
Montpelier Historical Society--Community Building; 6:30 p.m. Following the business meeting, the president will display photographs and other articles recently donated to the museum for discussion and identification. Those attending the meeting should bring canned goods or paper products for the Food Pantry.

What's UP

Farmer's Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Next to Subway. Woodcrafts, pet pillows, baby, doll clothes, greeting cards, jewelry, breads, cakes, cookies, candies, caramel corn, noodles, pies, nuts, gourds, apples, cider, broomcorn. (Pd. Advt.)

Science Central extends hours
Looking for some family fun on Saturday night? Check out Science Central during November and December as they remain open until 9 p.m.
That means four additional hours to check out exhibits and see the new exhibit "ArtMorph: Combining Art and Science.
Admission is $7 for children age three and older and adults. Children under age three are free. For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto: www.sciencecentral.org.

Living Lights display starts Nov. 27 in Zanesville
Zanesville United Methodist Church and Tower Life Center will present Living Lights, a Celebration of The One True Light.
Beginning Nov. 27 and continuing through Jan. 2, 2010 there will be a display of lights at the church parking lot.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the "Cocoa Corner" concession stand will provide free cookies and hot chocolate to all who attend. Tune your radios to 88.9-FM when you enter the church campus to hear the music with the lights.

Holiday Memorial Tree Lighting Nov. 29
The Holiday Memorial Tree Lighting and program will be held Sunday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. at historic Baker Street Train Station in Fort Wayne. The 24th annual event will include music, guest speakers and refreshments in the renovated train station in downtown Fort Wayne and the lighting of an evergreen tree outside.
Hundreds of twinkling lights, shinig bright in memory of loved ones, will adorn the tree througout the holiday season. Lights can be purchased for $25 each or two lights for $40. Proceeds help fund hospice care for patients in their home, in long-term care facilities or in the 14-bed Nurse and Hospice Home. Call 260-435-3222.

Trap and Skeet Shoot Nov. 29
Members of the South West Conservation Club, Inc. will sponsor a Trap and Skeet Shoot event Nov. 8 and 29 at 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne from 12:30 p.m. to close. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Call 260-747-4677.

Christ Cathedral performances
Nov. 29 & Dec. 6
Christ Church Cathedral at 55 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, will offer Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m. and A Cermeony of Carols Gloria Sunday, Dec. 6. For more information log onto: www.ccindy.org.

What's Up!

Free poetry contest offered
A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a special poetry contest. It is open and free to poets of any age.
Poems of 21 lines or less on any subject and in any style will be accepted. Entries must be received by Dec. 20. They can be submitted to: Free Poetry Contest, 584 James St., Talent, OR 97540 or enter at: www.freecontest.com.
Your name and address must appear on the page with the poem. To receive a winners list, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your entry.

Chinese Calligraphy Erhu Music Nov. 22
Chinese Calligraphy and Erhu Music will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Arts Commerce and Visitors Centre Gallery. Dr. Yang will demonstrate his passion for the ancient art of calligraphy which he characterizes as a performance that leaves a visible record. Later he will explain the erhu instrument (a two-string box often called “Chinese violin”) and will offer its delicate, heart-stirring music for the audience to enjoy.
Tickets to this event are $7 before Nov. 20; $10 at the door. This Series on the Ouabache Event is supported by Bluffton Psi Iota Xi. www.wellscocreativearts.com. For more information call 260-824-5222

Make & Take folded gift box class Nov. 23
Learn to create four unique, beautiful boxes out of folded heavy paper on Monday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells County Public Library.
This free class for adults is just in time for Thanksgiving fun and the boxes are perfect for holiday gift-giving.
The library furnishes the templates, paper, punches and decorative scissors. You bring straight scissors, double-sided tape and your own small decorations (ribbons, pine cones, etc).
Adults may bring a child to work together as a team. Instructor is Deb Perry.
Registration required so we have enough supplies so sign up today at the library, by calling 260-824-1612 or online at www.wellscolibrary.org.

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Nov. 18
O.D.O. Club--Lois Biberstein's home; 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19
Loyal Neighbor's Club--Home of Lana Miller; noon.

Saturday, Nov. 21
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins playing piano; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.
Wells County Genealogy Society--Wells County Historical Museum-420 West Market St,, Bluffton; 10 a.m. Anna Fullhart will present the program entitled “Collecting Christmas Ornaments Through the Years”. Those attending the meeting should bring an ornament that is special to them and to just tell why it is so special. For more information about the meeting call Connie Brubaker 260-543-2423.

Sunday, Nov. 22
River Terrace Estates--Tim Mann, inspirational and humorous speaker; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Nov. 23
Genetic Syndrome Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Influenza and more by speaker Deb McMahan, M.D.
Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild--Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Program: “Adding Color for the Holidays” will be given by Valerie Bailey. Bring baby blankets, etc. for the current needs of the Hope Clinic or blankets for Agape Respite Care. Refreshments will be served.
Stitches of Hope--First United Methodist Church 325 W. Washington St. Bluffton; 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone welcome. Call: 824-8743.

Tuesday, Nov. 24
Montpelier Historical Society--Community Building; 6:30 p.m. Following the business meeting, the president will display photographs and other articles recently donated to the museum for discussion and identification. Those attending the meeting should bring canned goods or paper products to be delivered to the Montpelier Food Pantry

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. Call Jon Brown at 824-4095.

Bluffton Street Fair Celebrates 100th Year

The Bluffton Free Street Fair Association and the Wells County community will be celebrating the 100th Fair September 21 through September 25, 2010. It is the longest running and largest Street Fair in the state.

The Wells County Historical Society and the Street Fair Association are collaborating to have a beautiful pictorial history book published in honor of the 100th Fair which will be available for purchase by the general public.

Because of this joint venture, we are asking for sponsors for the book, with the levels of sponsorship being gold-$500 and above; Silver $250 through $499; and bronze $100 through $249. A special recognition page for the sponsors will be a part of the book. Each gold sponsor will receive a free copy of this historical book.

The Street Fair requests that a commitment from you as a sponsor of the book be made by December 31, 2009.

Checks should be made out to
Bluffton Free Street Fair Association, Inc.
Attention: Jon M. Brown
222 W. Market St.
Bluffton, Indiana.

Any questions can be directed to Jon Brown at 260-824-0500 or jonmbrown@adamswells.com

All sponsorships for the book are tax deductible.

Jon M. Brown, President
Bluffton Free Street Fair Association, Inc.

Wells County Council on Aging

Office Hours Monday through Friday are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2008
2009 Senior Discount Cards are available at the Wells County Council on Aging. Cards are $7 each or $8 laminated. Many local vendors participate in this senior discount program.
Wells on Wheels (WOW) Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and
Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon. Call 824-4WOW or
824-4969.

Monday through Friday
11:30 a.m. — Nutrition Program at Capri II Sponsored by Aging & In-Home Services of NE Indiana. Those age 60 and over are free will donation. Under age 60 meals are $5.25. Menus available at Council on Aging. Contact the Nutrition Site 24 hours in advance between 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 824-2260.
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.—Pathways, Wells County Senior Citizen Activities Guide may be picked up at the Wells County Council on Aging, 225 W. Water Street. This will also be available at the Senior Citizen Expo May 7th.

Friday, Nov. 20
1-4:30 p.m.—Pool: 8 Ball at Christian Care Retirement Community. Participation is free. Call Marcia Meyer at 565-3000.
1-4:30 p.m.—Cards: All kinds at Christian Care Retirement Community. Participation is free. Call Marcia Meyer at 565-3000.

Wednesday, Nov. 25
10 a.m.-Noon—Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. Call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.

Thursday, Nov. 26
Closed to Observe the Thanksgiving holiday.

Friday, Nov. 27
Closed to Observe the Thanksgiving holiday.

Send your appreciation

Add these names to your Christmas card list this year. Tell them their friends and neighbors in Bluffton and Wells County appreciate their efforts.

Cpl Nelson Trevor D.
MASS 1 Det
Unit 78076
FPO-AE 09510-8076

Andrea Elliott
1203 Fidler Lane
Apt. 603
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Josh Paquette
8 MXS
PSC 2 Box 3491
APO AP 96264
Celeste Paquette
1640 Yaupon St.
Sumter S.C. 29154

Vincent Everett
Alpha Troop/2-6 Calvary
COB Speicher
APO AE 09393


Do you know of a local serviceman or servicewoman who won’t be home for Christmas? Submit their name and complete mailing address to: The News-Banner, P.O. Box 436, Bluffton, IN 46714; or via fax: 260-824-0700; or vial email: calendar@news-banner.com; or drop off at our office at 125 N. Johnson Street. (24-hour drop slot at front door).
We will publish their names and addresses in the News-Banner as they are received. We encourage our readers to send them a card. Standard cards that take a 44 cent postage; non-standard sized cards should be taken to the post office to be weighed. Cards mailed to service members stationed overseas should be mailed by Dec. 4, so please submit addresses as soon as possible. New names will appear in bold as they are received.

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Nov. 18
O.D.O. Club--Lois Biberstein's home; 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19
Loyal Neighbor's Club--Home of Lana Miller; noon.

Saturday, Nov. 21
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins playing piano; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Nov. 22
River Terrace Estates--Tim Mann, speaker; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Nov. 23
Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild--Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Program: “Adding Color for the Holidays” by Valerie Bailey. Bring baby blankets, baby shampoo, lotion or bath wash for the current needs of the Hope Clinic or blankets for Agape Respite Care. Refreshments.