What's Up in Wells County!

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.

Enjoy Salamonie Reservoir during the holidays
The Salamonie Reservoir's Interpretive Center will be open every day except Nov. 27, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 during the holiday season. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Each year people can enjoy nature's peace at the Reservoir on the day surrounding each holiday. Some visitors bring out of town guests to see the wonderful attraction.
The Otter Run Tradin' Post is open for last minute gifts. An open house will be held Dec. 14 with everything 10 percent off. For more information call 260-468-2127.

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.

Fish & Tenderloin supper Dec. 5 & 19
The South West Conservation Club will sponsor a Fish and Tenderloin supper Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The event is open to the public. It is located at 5703 Bluffton Road. For more information call 260-747-4677.

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.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 6
Norwell High School Show Choirs will sponsor Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ossian Elementary School Cafeteria. Cost is $5 per person. Infants under ages six months and accompanied by paying family members will be free.
Included in the fee will be breakfast, the chance to visit with Santa and for children to take their pictures with him.
The menu will include: biscuits and gravy, hash browns, smoky links, cereal, donuts, dutch crunch dessert, coffee, milk and juice.
Children can also visit the Little Elve’s Store where they can shop for family members. Elves will be available to help children shop and to wrap presents. All gifts are $2.

Living Water Holiday Confection Sale Dec. 6
The Holiday Confection Sale, sponsorred by the Living Water United Methodist Church Women, will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Youth Center located at the corner of State Road One and Hwy. 218 in Reiffsburg.
Confections will include candies, breads, homemade noodles, and various crafted items. A soup and Sandwich Luncheon will also be available. Proceeds to LWUM Women's Ministries. For more information call 260-824-1995.

Christmas Auction Dec. 6
A Christmas Auction will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Montpelier Lions Club. Available for auction will be toys, tools and more. The kitchen will be open.

Christmas puppet concert Dec. 6
A free Christmas puppet concert will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Bluffton Church of God located at 327 W. Cherry Street.
The public is welcome to attend this holiday event.

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.

Doug Milligan at SA Senior Center Dec. 11
Doug Milligan will be performing at the South Adams Senior Center on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.
He will be play the trombone and share traditional favorites as well as a Medley of Christmas favorites.
Persons of all ages, and from all areas are invited to attend this event. A free will offering will be received

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.

Bethlehem Walk Dec. 13
TurnPointe Community Church of the Brethren will sponsor Bethlehem Walk Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Markle Park Scout area.
The drama will depict the town of Bethlehem as it might have been on the night of Christ's birth. A cast of approximately 65 performers will bring history to life as they portray shepherds, innkeepers, Roman soldiers, merchants, a rabbi, government officials, the Holy family and more.
Admission is free. Donations are optional, but will be accepted to help defray expenses.
For more information call 260-758-2822.

Christmas Express Dec. 13
The Whitewater Valley Railroad have announced the 2008 Christmas Trains allowing three hours in Metamora will depart from Connersville Grand Central Station at 4 p.m. 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.
All coaches are heated. For more information call 765-825-2054 or log onto: www.whitewatervalleyrr.org.

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.

Senior Luncheon Dec. 17
The Senior Luncheon will be held at the South Adams Senior Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at noon.
The menu will consist of ham, cheesy potatoes, California blend vegetables, roll and butter, chocolate cake, lemonade and coffee.
Mike Wilson from the First Missionary Church will be furnishing the entertainment. December birthdays and anniversaries will be acknowledged and door prizes will be given away. The cost is $5 per person. The deadline to sign up is Monday, Dec. 15. Please call 589-8877 to register.

Walking exercise at Ossian Church
Ossian United Methodist Church will be open for walking exercise from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Public is welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

Master Gardeners looking for Garden Walk sites
Members of the Wells County Master Gardeners are looking for places to visit for the annual Garden Walk to be held in July of 2009.
Those with gardens do not have to be a master gardener themselves. They just need to have a unique flower garden to show. Locations need to be in Wells County and close to Bluffton.
Those interested in showing their gardens can contact Jim Gass by calling 260-638-4730 by Jan. 1, 2009.