What's Up in Wells County

New poetry contest open
A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a new poetry contest sponsored by Friendly Poets Guild. There are 50 prizes in all, totaling $4,500.
To enter, send one poem of 21 lines or less to: Free Poetry Contest, 10499 Mills Tower Dr., Suite 35, Rancho Cordova, Calif. 95670.
To enter online at www.friendlypoets.com. The deadline is Jan. 21, 2009. Those who want a winners list needs to enclose a stamped return envelope.

Star of Bethlehem presented at University of St. Francis tonight
The Edwin E. Schouweiler Planetarium in Achatz Hall of Science at the University of Saint Francis will continue their Christmas themed Star of Bethlehem show tonight, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
The show begins under the Mideastern sky of 3 B.C. and follows the star of the Wise Men. During the live portion of the show planetarium staff will guide attendees to the wonders of this winter's Fort Wayne Night sky.
Parking is available off Leesburg Road. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and those under age 18 with a $14 maximum per family. For more information call 260-399-8068 or log onto: www.sf.edu/planetarium.
Other dates for the show include: Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.

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.
Stories with Santa Dec. 13
Huntington City-Twp. Public Library invites kids of all ages to attend a fun-filled Stories With Santa program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Main Library, 200 W. Market St., Huntington.
Each child will receive a special small gift from Santa. Registration is required, and parents are highly encouraged to bring their cameras. There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome. Parents may register their children by calling the Library's Children's Department at 260-356-0824.

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.

Semi-Formal dance at Boys & Girls Club Dec. 13
A Winter Wonderland Semi-Formal Christmas dance will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. for those age kindergarten through eighth grade at the Wells Community Boys and Girls Club at 1410 S. Wayne St., Bluffton.
There will be a dj, refreshments and fun. For more information call 824-5070.

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.

The Love of God at Christmas presented Dec. 14
The Love of God at Christmas, a Christmas musical, will be presented at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at Liberty Center Baptist Church. Choir director is Sarah Huffman. The public is invited to attend.

Salamonie holiday open house Dec. 14
Ring in the holidays with a celebratory open house at the Salamonie Interpretive Center, Dec. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Attractions include music, a live reindeer and talk about reindeer, Santa, pony-drawn carriage rides (weather permitting) and refreshments.
Visitors are invited to bring a gift for the Interpretive Center wildlife, and the birds and squirrels that visit the wildlife viewing area. The first 50 families to visit will receive a gift for the wildlife that visits their backyards.
Volunteers from Salamonie's seniors and bird-watching groups will donate holiday treats. J.M. Sounds will play holiday music from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and the center will be decorated, inside and out.
The Otter Run Tradin’ Post will offer a 10 percent-off sale. Kids will be able to make and take home “magic reindeer food,” get a picture printed with Santa and his reindeer between 2 and 4 p.m. ($5 each), attend the All about Reindeer program at 2:30 p.m., and enjoy the music.
The Interpretive Center is open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This barrier-free building features exhibits, floor-to-ceiling windows in the wildlife viewing area, and staff to answer questions. The center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County. Visit dnr.IN.gov for more information about UWIS.

Trap and Skeet Shoot Dec. 14, 28
Trap and Skeet Shoot will be held Sunday, Dec. 14 and 28 from 12:30 p.m. to closing at South West Conservation Club at 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. It is open to the public. For more information call 260-747-4677.

The Silhouettes of Christmas Dec. 14
The Dillman Sanctuary Choir will present “The Silhouettes of Christmas” Sunday, Dec. 14 during the 8:15 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. worship services. The church is located at 8888S., 1100W-90 in Jackson Twp. in Wells County.
The music director for the choir is Linda Walters. Technical directors are Bridget Schweikhardt and Amy Palmer.
The public is welcome to attend the event. For more information clal 260-375-2779.

The Nutcracker Story for kids Dec. 16
Huntington City-Twp. Public Library invites children ages preschool - age 8 and their parents to attend The Nutcracker Story at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008.
The program will include a Story Time session, a Nutcracker craft, music, the history of the Nutcracker story and ballet, a mini-booklet of coloring and activities to take home, and a special treat. This program is free, and the public is invited to attend. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Call 260-356-0824, or by email at kstine@huntingtonpub.lib.in.us.

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.

The Christmas Sweater presented Dec. 19
Glen Beck's The Christmas Sweater, will be presented Friday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at Coldwater Crossing at 211 W. Washington Center Road in Fort Wayne. To reserve a spot call Rosy Ridenour at 1-800-941-1148.
The Humana sponsored event is a play with music, based on the soon-to-be-released novel The Christmas Sweater.
It features national television and radio personality Glen Beck, a 10 piece orchestra and a Braodway gospel singer. It tells the story of real people as they come to terms with tragedy, family, redemption, love and the power of faith.
Reservations are mandatory. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.

Christmas Shopping Days at Limberlost State Historic Site Dec. 20
Limberlost State Historic Site will have a special holiday shopping day on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to shoppers and holiday refreshments will be served. All items in the gift shop will be discounted 20% with some items discounted even more.
All profits generated from the sale of gift shop items will be used to fund various projects at the site and the Limberlost wetlands. While at the site, shoppers can also see the Limberlost cabin decorated for the season.
Items available include books by Gene Stratton-Porter, videos and DVDs of movies based on her books, embroidered sweatshirts and t-shirts.
Limberlost was home to famed Indiana author Gene Stratton-Porter from 1895-1913. Mrs. Porter had a love for nature and birds and was known by her readers as the "bird woman.” Limberlost State Historic Site is part of the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites with 12 sites throughout the state. The site is located at 200 E. Sixth Street in Geneva.

Swiss Heritage Society to hold Christmas Eve services
The Swiss Heritage Society will hold two nondenominational Christmas Eve services in the historic Baumgartner Mennonite Church at 1200 Swiss Way, Berne Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008 at 6 and 9 p.m. The church will be open to the public at 5:30 p.m.
Dr. David Biberstein will conduct both 45 minute services with Bryan Fox leading the singing. Scripture lessons will be read in both German and English. Special music will feature vocalist Alex Frank and violinist Jane Summers.

Cardinal Bird Count Dec. 20
Members of the Cardinal Bird Club will hold a National Christmas Bird Count for Wells County Saturday, Dec. 20 from dusk to dawn. The compiler will be Ruth Oswalt of Poneto.

Boys & Girls Club open after school beginning Jan. 5
Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 the Wells Community Boys and Girls Club will be open Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Members will receive a hearty after school snack, however, the club will no longer be serving dinner.
The club will be closed on Fridays.

Antique Arms Show Feb. 21
Conner Longrifles will present the 26th annual Antique Arms Show Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Noblesville, just west of Highway 37 on Pleasant Street. Admission is $5.
For more information call Heber Cassidy at 317-773-8690.