What's Up in Wells County

Enjoy Salamonie Reservoir during the holidays
The Salamonie Reservoir's Interpretive Center will be open every day except 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.

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 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.
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.

Thursday Night Bingo Dec. 18, 31
Thursday Nigh Bingo will be played Thursday, Dec. 11, 18 and 31 at South West Conservation Club, Inc. It is open to the public.
Doors open at: 4:30 p.m. Warm-ups start at: 6 p.m. Regular Bingo starts at: 7 p.m.
Note: 31 December is our special "Bingo in the New Year" Event.
The club is located at 5703 Bluffton Road. For more information call 260-747-4677.

Winter Wonder Program Dec. 17 & 18
A Winter Wonder program for preschoolers will be held Wednesday, Dec. 17 or Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10 to 11:30 am.. for those ages two to five years old at Salamonie Interpretive Center.
During the hour and one half program, children and their parent or caregiver will enjoy activities and crafts focused around the joys of winter. Children are encouraged to bring a gift for nature such as a suet cake, popped popcorn, oranges or unsalted peanuts.
No matter the weather, the program is planned to be both indoors and out beginning at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.
There is a $2 fee per child per program. The entrance fee is waived for program attendees. For more information call 260-468-2127 or log onto: www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

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 natioanl 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.

Angel Food pickup Dec. 20
Angel Food pickup for December is Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sonlight Wesleyan Church. Please bring a large box and pick up your order at that time.

A Celebration of Carols Dec. 21
A Celebration of Carols, The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, will be presented Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. at Christel deHaan Fine Arts Center at the University of Indianapolis at 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis.
For more information log onto: www.cccindy.org.

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.

Liberty Center to holdChristmas Eve service
The Liberty Center Baptist Church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 9 p.m.
The walkway to the church will be lighted with luminaries for this event. There will be a live manger scene inside the church. Three wisemen will arrive in full costume.
Christmas carols will be sung by the congregation. There will also be a performance by the choir.
Following the service, the congregation will take part in a pass the light ceremony and singing of “Joy to the World” will conclude the service.
The public is welcome to attend the event.

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 dawn to dusk. The compiler will be Ruth Oswalt of Poneto.

The River Christian Church Giving Out
Presence
The River Christian Church will be having two special services this Christmas season to challenge everyone to re-think Christmas this year. The River will be meeting at Homestead High School on Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m. and again on Tuesday, December 23 at 7 p.m. in the Homestead High School Auditorium for the Christmas service.
The public is welcome to attend the event for a casual time of praise music, Christmas classics, relevant teaching and a challenge to invest more in relationships this Christmas season.
On Tuesday, December 23 at 7 p.m. in the Homestead High School Auditorium for a relaxed evening of music and celebration to prepare for the Christmas holiday. There wil be a special offer taken with all proceeds being used for our compassion and kindness efforts throughout the coming year.
Homestead High School is located on the corner of Homestead and Aboite Center in southwest Allen County. For more information, check out our website at www.theriverchurch.us or call 260-348-5067.

Library Christmas Open House Dec. 22
You’ve been decking the halls and wassailing all over the town. On Monday, Dec. 22 take a moment to relax and stop by the Wells County Public Library for our annual Christmas Open House from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Pick up your last minute music CDs, movies, magazines and books to enjoy over Christmas. And while you browse, let us pamper you with delicious homemade cookies and fresh popcorn. There will be a live puppet featuring Ellen Adney and her friend “Lucy”, stories for kids under the stars in the “Twinkle Room”, and the renown Librarian Choir will sing from the balcony at 7 p.m.
Mingle with friends and let the staff of the Wells County Public Library wish you happy holidays during our Christmas Open House. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612.

Trap and Skeet Shoot Dec. 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.

Children's Day Camp Dec. 29-31
Natural New Year Children's Day Camp will be held at Salamonie Reservoir for children ages seven to 11 Dec. 29 through Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There will be fun learning about nature and winter. There will be a theme for each day. Children will learn about squirrels, the winter night's sky and a natural New Year's celebration. The will even make a mini-planetarium and learn safe shooting skills with a bow and arrow.
The camp will feature indoor and outdoor activities, movie time, snacks, crafts and games.
For more information or to sig up call 260-468-2127. Cost is $30 per child. A payment of $15 is required at registration.

Fire Proof movie to be shown Dec. 31 at Living Faith
The hit movie “Fire Proof” will be shown New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2008 at 4 and 6 p.m. at Living Faith Missionary Church.
The public is welcome to attend the free event. The whole family is welcome. Nursery service will be available. There will also be games for the kids.
The church is located on State Road 1, north of Ossian. For more information call 260-622-6820 or 260-622-7103.

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 snakc, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Bluffton Psi Iota Xi cheeseballs available
Members of the Bluffton Psi Iota Xi have cheeseballs made from their secret recipe and are available for the holidays.
The price is $6. Hurry, we have less than 100 left. Please call Kim Mann at 565-4530.
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

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.

Boys & Girls Club has a website
The Wells Community Boys and Girls Club now has a website to check out to see what the club offers area youth. The website is: www.wellsbgc.com.
In addition the club will be closed on the following dates: Dec. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 2008, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2, 2009
For more information call 824-5070.

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.