What's Up in Wells County

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.

Vendors needed for Nov. 22 event
Vendors are needed for the Craft Show and Flea Market at the Montpelier Lions Den Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.
For an application or more inforamtion call 765-728-2104 or 765-728-2575. Deadline is Nov. 17, 2008.

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.

Adult co-ed volleyball league underway
Register now for the fall league that begins Nov. 3 at the Bluffton City Gym.
The league will meet every Monday night for 10 weeks. Cost is $60 per team (limit eight teams) and $10 per game for official fees. All due before the second games.
To enter or for more information call 824-6069.

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.

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.

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.

Four week free preschool offered at BHS
The Bluffton High School Child Developing Class will offer free preschool for children ages three to five for four weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:10 to 2:20 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 11, 13, 18 and 20 and Dec. 2, 4, 9 and 11.
Enrollment forms are available at the high school office or by calling Mrs. Sue Harris at 824-3724, ext. 7200.

Christmas Fiction contest deadline Nov. 24
The Commercial Review of Portland will sponsor their 10th annual Christmas fiction contest for area writers.
The contest is open to residents of Jay, Randolph, Adams, Delware, Wells and Blackford Counties in Indianan and Mercer and Darke Counties in Ohio. Former area residents who are subscribers to the Commerical Review may also enter.
First place prize is $250. Selected entries, including the first place winner, will be published in Portland paper's annual Christmas Greetings tabloid supplement.
Original stories with a Chrsitmas theme or setting can be sent to The Commercial Review, P.O. Box 1049, Portland, IN 47371 by Nov. 24, 2008.
Entries should be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage if the manuscript is to be returned.
All entries should be typed, double space, or be a clear computer print out. Dot matrix printer copies are not acceptable. Each entry should bear the writer's name, complete address and telephone number. For more information call 260-726-8141.

Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention Dec. 4-6
This year the Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention will be held in Evansville Dec. 4-6. Disttrict 4 Farm Bureau will sponsor a bus trip to and from the event.
The bus will leave from the Bluffton Farm Bureau office at 6:30 a.m. Dec. 4 and stop at the Wabash Farm Bureau office at 7:30 a.m. A second bus will leave the Marion Farm Bureau office at 7:15 a.m. and the Kokomo Farm Bureau office at 8 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2008. Both buses will arrive in Evansville at approximately noon.
Snacks and drinks will be provided on the bus.
The return trip will be Dec. 6 with estimated return times as Kokomo office at 7 p.m.; Marion office at 7:45 p.m.; Wabash office at 7:30 p.m. and Bluffton office at 8:30 p.m.
There will be NO cost for the bus ride. Seating is limited. Reservations must be made by calling 824-2234.

Hank Esmond fundraiser at Wabash Street Pak-a-Sak
Soup and baked good will be offered for a donation each Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the second week of December at Pak-a-Sak Convenience store located on West Wabash Street in Bluffton. The food will also be offered to third shift workers on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. Proceeds will go to benefit the Hank Esmond family for the upcoming holidays.
Available will be soups and baked goods of all kinds.

Holiday bazaar Nov. 8
Swiss Village Retirement Community will sponsor their annual Holiday Bazaar. The public is invited to attend this event Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.
A variety of handmade holiday items such as Christmas decorations, ceramics, and rugs will be on display in the Boutique and Social Corner at Swiss Village, located at 1350 West Main Street in Berne. Ample parking will be available in the circle drive at the main entrance. If you have any questions about the Bazaar, please contact Sharon Allspaw at (260) 589-3173.

Western Skies dinner/musical Nov. 8
The new builders of Calvary United Methodist Church on Airport Expressway at Winchester Road, will present a dinner and musical variety show at the church on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under age 13.
The show will feature old country and western musical classics. Deadline to purchase tickets is Nov. 3, 2008. No tickets will be available at the door. Seating is limited to 200.
Reservations can be made by calling 260-485-0799 or 747-9218.
Those with reservations need to be at the church by 6:10 p.m. on show night.

Bluffton High School dinner and show Nov. 8
Members of the Bluffton High School Musical Entourage will present “A Night of Classical Broadway” Nov. 8, 2008 at the school.
Cost for the dinner and show is $15 per person. Cost for the show only is $10.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
The performance will begin at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Look Good Feel Better meeting Nov. 8
The American Cancer Society's Northeast Indiana office will hold free Look Good…Feel Better sessions for women currently going through cancer treatment.
The meeting will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at Parkview North Comprehensive Cancer Center at 11141 Parkview Plaza Dr., Fort Wayne from 10 a.m. to noon.
The program is a free, community-based service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The program is a collaborative effort of the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association and the Personal Care Products Council.
Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to 10 women, through practical, hands-on beauty techniques. Women learn about makeup, skincare, nail care and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves. Each participant receives a free kit of high-quality, name-brand cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.
Reservations are required. Call 1.800.ACS.2345 to reserve your spot or to find out more information about your American Cancer Society.

Huntington Fall craft show Nov. 8
The Huntington Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the 2008 Fall Craft Show on Nov. 8, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Heritage Hall and the 4-H Community Building at Hier’s Park in Huntington.
Over 45 vendors will be bringing many different craft items such as, pottery, dolls, rugs, afghans, pet supplies, furniture décor, stained glass, candles, wreaths, crochet, book covers, blankets, scarves, hats, American Doll cloths, Christmas décor, pillows, night lights, wood crafts, Stampin’ Up, jewelry, lamps, gourds, and a sketch artist, plus much more.
Concessions will be available. For any questions please call Matt at 260-358-2323.

Southern Wells Community Church Free Fall Harvest Party Nov. 8
A Free Fall Harvest Party will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Southern Wells Community Church at 1750W., 1000S in Wells County.
There will be a bonfire, hayrides, games, treat bags for the kids, hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs and more. Bring a scarecrow for the scarecrow contest. The event is sponsored by the church. For more information call 765-728-2154.

Benefit dinner concert Nov. 8
A benefit dinner concert will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at Covenant Chapel. Performing will be The Yorks and CC Trio.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for students and free for those age four and younger.
The Italian dinner will start at 6 p.m. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.
Proceeds will go to the Jim Thacker family to help cover funeral and medical expenses for his wife Sherry, who died unexpectedly in October of 2008. Tickets can be purchased by calling the church at 824-1203 or Dan Eckelbarger at 260-413-1636.

Watch autumn flower arrangement creations Nov. 12
The Bluffton Garden Club will sponsor an autumn flower arrangement in a pumpkin demonstration by club member and Master Gardener Pat Wall Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. at the Wells County Public Library.
Only current club members will be able to create and take home an arrangement that they have paid for. The public is welcome to watch the demonstration and learn more about the garden club and its furture activities. For more information call 260-824-8644.

Travelogue - Prague to Paris, and a Cruise, too! Nov. 13
A Travelogue “Prague to Paris and a Cruise too!” will be held Nov. 13, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $6 per person.
It will be held at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County.
Tickets available presale and at door. For more information call 824-5222.

Mothers to Explore Temperaments Nov. 13
When a mother understands a child’s temperament, she can more easily cope with and manage many behaviors. At the Nov. 13 Mothers’ Morning Out, Lynne Apple will lead mothers on an exploration of their own and their children’s temperaments. Lynne learned this fun and enlightening information at a workshop given by the authors of a respected book, Temperament Tools.
All mothers of infants and young children are invited to attend this week or any weekly meeting of Moms’ Morning Out. They are from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Bluffton Regional’s North Building, 1935 North Main Street in Bluffton, behind Walgreen’s.
Moms’ Morning Out is sponsored by Operation Wellness and the YMCA, so there is no charge and no registration. Toddlers and preschoolers through age five are also invited to enjoy organized play.
For more information, or to volunteer to help occasionally with childcare during meetings, contact Lynne Apple at 260-565-4543.

Polar Express begins Nov. 14
The Polar Express will come to life when the train departs Connersville's Grand Central Station for a journey through the quiet countryside for a special visit to the North Pole with Santa Claus.
The holiday schedule will be Nov. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. departures. Sundays in November (16, 23, 30) will have a 5:15 p.m. departure. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 will have 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. departures. Dec. 7 and 14 will have a 5:15 p.m. departure.
Tickets are $26 for adults and $16 per child.
Guests on board will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening and reading along with the magical story.
To order tickets or for more information call 765-825-2054 or log onto: www.whitewatervalleyrr.org.

BB gun turkey shoot Nov. 15
The Zanesville Lions club will sponsor a BB Gun Turkey Shoot for all aages at the Zanesville Lions Community Park on Van Horn Street Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
People may use their own gun or one that is available on site. Only regular guns will be allowed, no air ones.
A turkey will be awarded at the end of each shoot to the one hitting closest to the bullseye on the target. Parents must be on hand for children under age 16.
Chili, chicken noodle soups, sandwiches and drinks will be available in the clubhouse. Proeeeds will go to help with expenses at the park.

Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 15 at St. Mark's in Uniondale
St. Marks Lutheran Church in Uniondale is providing a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please call 543-2245 or 543-2071 with your number attending or the number of carryout dinners needed.
If you will be needing five or more carry out dinners, please call by 4 p.m. the day of the dinner. Free Will Offering (For your holiday shopping, a Book Sale will be offered during dinner hours.)

Antique Appraisal Nov. 15
The Zanesville Lions Club will sponsor an Antique Appraisal at the club house on Van Horn Street Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tim and Chris Sheerer will be doing the appraisals. People may bring as many items as they want. The price will be three items for $10.
Chili, chicken noodle soups, sandwiches and drinks will be available. Proceeds will help with expenses at the park.

Community Harvest Supper in Markle Nov. 15
Markle United Methodist Church will sponsor the Community Harvest Supper Saturday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The meal will consist of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry relish, dessert and drinnk. A free will donation will be taken.

Salem Christmas Bazaar Nov. 15
The Salem Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come join the fun and start your Christmas Holiday Season. Many craft items; stain glass, decorative favors, tie-dye, pottery, honey and much more. Enjoy lunch at Snowball Diner featuring; sloppy joe sandwiches, hot dogs, sloppy dogs, homemade vegetable soup, and chicken noodle soup. Admission is free.
Directions: Travel west on US Hwy 224. Turn right onto 600 W. Travel 1 mile north. Church located on the corner of 600 & 750. For more information call 260-547-4177.

Zanesville Lions BB gun turkey shoot Nov. 15
Zanesville Lions Club will sponsor a BB gun turkey shoot Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zanesville ballpark. BB guns for the shoot will be provided. Turkeys will be given as prizes.
Food will be served including hot dogs, chili, chicken noodle soup and drinks.
Also Ken Ellenberger, a certified appraiser, will do antique appraisals at the clubhouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost for three items is $10. You may bring more than three items. They ask that you not bring coins or jewelry. Photos of large items may be accepted.

Sigma Phi Gamma Boutique & Craft Show Nov. 15
Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, Alpha Iota Chapter, will sponsor the 36th annual Boutique and Craft Show Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish Hall at 700 W. Maumee Street, Angola. Admission is 25 cents per person.

Fish and chicken dinner Nov. 15
The Willshire Fire Department will sponsor an all you can eat Fish and Chicken Dinner by Dan the Fish Man on Saturday Nov. 15, 2008. The dinner will be held at Praise Point Church located at State Rt. 81 and U.S. Rt. 33 in Willshire, Ohio.
Public is welcome to come and support the Willshire Fire Department. All proceeds go for the purchase of new fire equipment. Anyone wishing to donate a dessert call Jodi Berry at 419-495-2499 or Mark Mihm at 419-495-2558.

Markle Library offers Paws to Read program Nov. 15
Paws to Read program will be offers at the Markle Library at 197 East Morse Street, Nov. 15 and Saturday mornings by appointment only
The mission of the program is to improve the literacy skills of children with the assistance of registered canine reading companions in a fun and relaxed environment.
In PAWS-TO-READ, children ages 6-12 participate in one-on-one sessions in which they practice reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. Research with therapy animals indicates that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than another person. Even more, they are inclined to forget about their limitations. Children involved in PAWS-TO-READ programs nationwide have shown:
For more information call 758-3332 or to reserve a session for their child, as space is limited and registration is required. There is no charge for this program.

C&C Bible Fellowship banquet Nov. 18
The public is welcome to attend a free banquet Nov. 18 or Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at C&C Bible Fellowship located at 4383S., 150E., Berne.
To make a reservation call 260-589-9022. Free will donations will be accepted. Proceeds will go to 2009 ministry activities.

Jump, dance, cheer and chant Nov. 19
Wells Community Boys and Girls Club will sponsor a Jump, Dance, Cheer and Chant event Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. Cost is $45 per person.
The one day event is for all ages. Includes dinner, cheerleard uniform (size depend, first come), t-shirt and a performance for the community.
For more information call Shaun Gray at 824-5070.

Bargain Hut Closed Nov. 19-29 for renovations
The Bargain Hut, located at 120 W. Spring Street, Bluffton, will be closed from Nov. 19 through Nov. 29, 2008 for cleaning, painting and new carpet. It will reopen Dec. 3, 2008.
Because the Bargain Hut won't be able to handle donations during the renovation, they will not be accepted the weeks of Nov. 10, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24. Donations can resume Nov. 28, 2008.
From Nov. 5 through Nov. 8 and Nov. 12 through Nov. 15 there will be a $3 bag sales. There will be many Christmas decorations and other Christmas items for sale.
All net proceeds from the Bargain Hut sales are returned to the community for health related services. For more information call 565-3427.

Senior luncheon Nov. 19
The November Senior Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at noon. Note: this is a change of date. It is one week earlier because of Thanksgiving.
The menu will consist of turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll and butter, pumpkin pie, punch and coffee. E
Entertainment will be furnished by Paula Linn, pianist.
November birthdays and anniversaries will be acknowledged and Door prizes will be given away. The cost is $5 per person and reservations are due by Monday, Nov. 17.

Carol Sue Austin Benefit Nov. 23
A Potato Bar Benefit Meal for Carol Sue Austin will be held Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 from noon to 4 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church at 1204 W. Cherry Street in Bluffton. Free will donations and raffles will be held along with fellowship.
For more information call Andrea Grover at 824-1501 or Sarah Shupert at 824-2359.
Donations can be mailed to the Carol Sue Austin Fund, 1410 W. South St., Bluffton, IN 46714.
Proceeds will go to help Sue with her fight against Pancreatic cancer.

Festival of Trees begins Dec. 6
Festival of Trees will begin Dec. 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center in Bluffton. Cost is $3 per person.
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.

Community Christmas Sing Dec. 7
The Community Christmas Sing will be Dec. 7, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Bluffton High School
Come listen to carols and sing along. The entire town gets together to celebrate the holiday! 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 informatin call 260-705-5264.

Baaa-a-a Pastures, Sheep, and Shepards Exhibit begins Dec. 10
Baaa-a-a Pastures, Sheep, and Shepards 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.

Summit City Singers Fall Choral Concert Series
Summit City Singers will perform their third concert in their fall choral concert series Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center at 20 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The concert is free and open to the public.
The group is Fort Wayne community based, nonprofit, SATB choral group. They formed in 2006 with 30 singers under the direction of Judy King. Today the group is 65 singers strong. The group is open to anyone high school age and older who has a desire to sing, can attend rehearslas, concerts and match pitch. An audition is not required.
The group will also perform Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at TowneHouse Retirement Community at 2209 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Theatre of the Allen County Public Library at 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne.
For more information log onto the website: summit-city-singers.tripod.com.