Climb Aboard the Christmas Express!!

Christmas Express offered beginning Nov. 28
The Whitewater Valley Railroad have announced the 2008 Christmas Express will be held in conjunction with Metamora's annual Christmas Walk.
Trains allowing three hours in Metamora will depart from Connersville Grand Central Station at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28; Saturday, Nov. 29; Saturday, Dec. 6; and Saturday, Dec. 13. Advance reservations are required.
Cost is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages two to 12. Caboose rentals for private excursions on scheduled trains are available for $400 for a maximum of 20 guests.
The Santa Claus Express will operate Friday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each.
All coaches are heated. For more information call 765-825-2054 or log onto: www.whitewatervalleyrr.org.

Grant Workshops for Artists in Marion Dec. 1
Arts Place will offer a workshop in Marion for artists interested in applying for the Indiana Arts Commission's (IAC) Individual Artist Program grants. It will be held Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 260 Commerce Drive, Marion (I-69 exit #64)
Susan Britsch and April Blevins from the Indiana Arts Commission will facilitate the workshop. Hoosier artists have until Feb. 2, 2009 to submit applications for the IAC's Individual Artist Program (IAP) grant. A detailed explanation of the IAP program, and grant guidelines are available on the IAC website.
For more information contact Karen Niverson, Marion-Grant County CVB Executive Director at 765-668-5435.

Bye Bye Birdie Opens in St. Marys Dec. 5
Grand Lake Theatrix Community Theatre Association will present the musical Bye Bye Birdie on Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13 at St. Marys Theatre Grand Ballroom, 119 W. Spring St. in St. Marys, Ohio. Tickets are $18 for dinner and show, $16 for seniors and children, or $10 for the show alone. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. followed by the show at 8 p.m.
The local production tells the classic story of Conrad Birdie's last days before entering the Army. The events of Sweet Apple, Ohio are reenacted on the stage of the Grand Ballroom of the Historic St. Marys Theatre. For more information contact Vickie Shurelds at 419-953-7612.

Opening of 2008 Festival of Trees Dec. 5
The opening of the 2008 Festival of Trees will be held Friday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre in Bluffton. Cost is $12 per person.
Welcome a new showcase of dazzling holiday trees for our community to enjoy. Mayor Ted Ellis will announce awards at 8 p.m. Decadent desserts from the Brew Ha! will be served. Live entertainment from the harp of Erica Yaste will warm the heart of each who comes to celebrate! Over twenty beautifully designed entries will be displayed throughout the center. Greet decorators.
For more information call 260-824-5222.

Festival of Trees begins Dec. 6 & 7
Festival of Trees will begin Dec. 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. beginning at 3 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center in Bluffton. Cost is $3 per person and $2 per child.
It's time to deck the halls and trim the tree. Decorated trees are displayed en masse for the public to see from Saturday until Monday. Come and get in the holiday spirit with us! For more information call 824-5222.

Wyneken Craft Show Dec. 6
The 16th Annual Wyneken Craft Show will be Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be something for everyone with over 60 vendors displaying unique crafts and goods – quilts, jewelry, embroidered, knitted, and crocheted items, and wood and glass crafts. Pampered Chef, Tupperware & Tastefully Simple will be on-site along with MANY others! The event is sponsored by
Wyneken 8th Grade to help fund their Washington D.C. class trip in May 2009. For more information call 260-705-5264.

Handel's Messiah Dec. 6 & 7
Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the 85 voice choir of the Mennonite Choral Society on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at the First Mennonite Church in Berne.
The church is located at the intersection of highways 27 and 218. The Saturday 7 p.m. performance and the Sunday 3 p.m. performance will feature professional soloists and piano and organ accompaniment.
The Sunday family friendly performance will include only the Christmas portion and two additional choruses, the Hallelujah chorus and Worthy is the Lamb.
Nursery service is provided and a free will offering will be taken.

Community Christmas Sing Dec. 7
The Community Christmas Sing will be Dec. 7, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Bluffton High School
Chime in with neighbors and friends in a glorious uplifting of voices. Area school children and their music teachers will entertain. Mayor Ted Ellis will announce each song. Verse sheets for the audience will be provided.
Enjoy the special inspiration of piano duo Ferratt & Delaney.
Dee Dee Huffman will be directing the event.
A free will offering will be taken at the door.

Christmas at the Coffeehouse Dec. 7
St. Mark's United Methodist Church will present Christmas at the Coffeehouse Sunday, Dec. 7 with performances at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served prior to the performances. The church is located at 546 W. U.S. Hwy. 224, Decatur.
For more information or for tickets see any choir member or call 260-724-7183.

Baaa-a-a Pastures, Sheep, and Shepherds Exhibit begins Dec. 10
Baaa-a-a Pastures, Sheep, and Shepherds Exhibit will begin Dec. 10 at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. This is an art exhibit for the entire community, and it's free. Come and enjoy an exhibit that celebrates the artistic side of country life. For more information call 824-5222.

Marion Philharmonic Orchestra to present The Nutcracker Dec. 13
The Butler Ballet will join the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra in a presentation of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the F. Ritchie Walton Performing Arts Center, Marion High School, 720 West 26th Street in Marion, Indiana.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for students. For more information contact Mary Kirby at 765-662-8395.

Live Interactive Nativity Walk Dec. 13 & 14
Come walk through Bethlehem and join the people of Southern Wells Community Church as they re-live the miracle of Christ's birth Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.
It will be located across from the Feed Mill in Montpelier at the corner of Windsor Street and Old 303 (follow signed from State Road 18).
Experience the inter-active nativity and enjoy hot cider and donut holes.
Perk Up Petroleum Meets on Tuesdays
Each Tuesday morning from 8 to 10 a.m. the Petroleum Church will be open serving coffee and snacks.
This is a time for friends and neighbors to relax and visit. The public is welcome to attend the weekly event.

Moms' Morning Out Each Thursday
Moms' Morning Out is for all mothers of infants and toddlers that is held each Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Bluffton Regional Center's North Building (behind Walgreen's). Those attending need to enter on the north side of the building. There is no charge no is there any reservation needed.
This is a program designed and facilitated by Lynn Apple, BA, IBCLC with discussions about child discipline coping skills, breast feeding, health tips and any other subject that a mom might need to talk about. There is organized play and physical activity for toddlers and preschoolers thanks to many volunteers.
For more information call Lynne at 260-565-4543.

Year long walking program beginning
A year-long walking program will be sponsored by the Bluffton Parks Department to help you keep your New Years resolution.
Set a personal walking goal for the year of 200, 400, 600, or 800 miles. Cost for the year is $10 and includes a pedometer, walking log, updates on local walking events, access to the city gym during scheduled times, mileage rewards, and a year end celebration. Visit the park office at 128 E. Market St., week days 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to register and pick up an information packet or call 824-6069 to schedule a time in the evening.

Memorial Honor Bricks for sale
Do you know a veteran or a special friend, loved one or family member who served in any war or who has a MIA or KIA or POW?
You can purchase a memorial brick in their name to be placed at the Korean War Era Veterans Memorial Honor Walkway Monument located on the grounds of the Veterans Shrine Memorial at 2122 O'Day Road, Fort Wayne.
For more information call Ron Barnhardt at 260-493-7569 or email: ronirmie@verizon.net.

Fundraiser at Covenant Christian School
Bluffton Covenant Christian School is collecting any metal or aluminum you may have for a fundraiser.
You can bring any donated items to the school at 3550 South State Road 1 and place behind the school building. Please be sure to remove any freon in the air-conditioners. This will be an ongoing fundraiser until this fall. For any questions, please call 824-1203.

Lifeway Church craft bazaar looking for vendors
Lifeway Wesleyan Church Holiday Craft Bazaar will be held Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7722 Moeller Road, Fort Wayne.
Breakfast and lunch will be available, along with a cookie walk, homemade crafts and door prizes.
For booth reservations call Cindy at 260-639-6037 or the church at 749-9758.

Wells County Salvation Army looking for bell ringers
The Wells County Salvation Army is seeking a volunteer co-kettle coordinator for the upcoming bell ringing season. There are also a few volunteer advisory board spots open. For more information please contact, Billie Kay at 317-670-0893.

Entertainment books for sale
The 2009 Entertainment books are available for purchase from Zanesville Lions club members. Cost is $20 each. The coupons and savings are good through November 2009. For more information or to purchase a book call 260-638-4237.
Proceeds go to the annual Zanesville Lions Christmas lighting prizes.

Learn cheerleading at Boys & Girls Club
Do you want to learn how to do stunts for cheerleading? The Wells Community Boys and Girls Club will have a stunting program available for kids to learn to do pyramids, tosses, lifts and much more. Girls will be taught by a high school cheerleader. For more information call Shaun Gray at 824-5070.

Mileage and Walking Club underway
Mileage Clubs and Walking Club Are Underway in all Elementary Schools and Bluffton Middle School
Mileage Club and Fitness Walking are fitness incentive programs for walking held after school in all Wells County Elementary Schools and Bluffton Middle School. Mileage Club, an elementary school program, is based on individual performance and not competition. Children become fit and learn to change activity behaviors by setting and achieving personal goals. For each lap completed, students have their Mile Marker cards punched or stamped. Awards are provided as miles are accumulated. Fitness Walking is based on a group concept. The group walks together and they all accumulate the same amount of miles or steps, with awards provided as the miles are accumulated. Each school has adapted this program to best benefit their students. Students may sign up anytime and are encouraged to join the fun. All walking clubs are free of charge and all students who walk 25 miles earn a Mileage Club or Walking Club t-shirt also free of charge. Permission forms are available at all of the schools. At Bluffton Elementary and Middle Schools and Ossian Elementary you may pick them up at the office. At Lancaster Elementary you should contact Mrs. Crow and at Southern Wells Elementary you should contact Mrs. Stinson. You may also pick up a permission form at the Wells County YMCA/Operation Wellness office at 311 South Scott Street, Bluffton or call for more information at 824-5019 Ext. 7960#.

Cheese Balls available now for holidays
The famous Ossian Psi Iota Xi cheeseballs are now available for the holiday and ball game parties.
Cost is $6 each for plain or rolled in pecans. They can be purchased from any Ossian Psi Ote member or by calling Shirley at 260-639-6947 or Emmaline at 824-2005. They can also be purchased at the Ossian Deli and Ossian Hardware.

Hope Lights a Tree ornaments for sale
The Wells County Angel of Hope Committee is sponsoring the “Hope Lights a Tree” program. The program give people a way to honor a special person in their life.
For a donation in any amount, an ornament and light will be placed on the tree located at the Angel of Hope Memorial Park in Bluffton. The donation may be in memory of someone who has passed away or in honor of someone who is living.
All gifts should be received by Dec. 1, 2008. Checks can be sent to: Hope Lights a Tree, 308 W. Washington Street, Bluffton, IN 46714.
A tree lighting ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information call Mike Chaney at 824-3850 or Kurt Gentis at 827-8936.

Cookbooks for sale
The Petroleum United Methodist Church will be selling church cookbooks for $10.
The cookbooks have over 275 great recipes.
If interested you may contact Jennifer Pursifull at 346-2029 or email jennifer1963@sbcglobal.net

Sigma Phi Gamma Black raspberry pies available
Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority is taking orders for black raspberry pies. The pies are oven ready and will be made on Saturday, Nov. 22. The price is $10.
Contact Mara Jo Williams 824-2229 to place your order. All proceeds from the pie project go to A Friend’s House.

Library staff to sell holiday recipe book
Five Hour Winter Stew…Cornbread Dressing…Sugar Cream Pie…Christmas Punch… The staff of the Wells County Public Library have shared their favorite dishes in the new 2008 Holiday Recipes cookbook. Perfect to keep or to give as stocking stuffers, the cookbook has 68 tried-and-true recipes that the staff members prepare for their own families for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve.
2008 Holiday Recipes are $3 each, or two for $5. Proceeds support the Wells County Public Library programming. Stop by the main library or Ossian Branch to pick up your copies while supplies last. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612.

Warren to sell memorial bows for community Christmas tree
The Warren Chamber of Commerce and begun the annual sale for memorial bows to decorate the Warren Community Memorial Christmas tree.
Cost is $2 each and can be purchased at Town Hall. Proceeds will go toward the Chamber's Christmas lighting projects.
Each white bows purchased will be in memory of a deceased person. Each red bow purchased will be to honor a living person. The bows will be the only decoration on the tree except lights. The name of the person being honored will be written on the bow. A list of those honored will be printed in the Warren Weekly the week prior to Christmas.
Lighting of the Christmas tree and downtown lights will be held the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28, 2008).
Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. at the town hall at the corner of Second and Wayne Streets on a fire truck. After Santa greets the children, the downtown lights will be turned on and the group will proceed up Second Street to the Knight Bergman Center Auditorium for the annual “Santa at the Center” event.
Warm drinks and cookies will be available inside as Santa talks to each child. Santa will also be at the center Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.