What's Up in Wells County

Cheeseballs available for Super Bowl parties
You can still get those famous Bluffton Psi Otes cheese balls to serve for the Super Bowl! They store in the freezer well. Call Kim Mann at 565-4530 or Julie Holte at 824-5031.

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.

Make a bird feeder at Science Central
Visit Science Central to make an environmentally friendly bird feeder any Saturday during the month of January.
The bird feeders will be made out of natural and recycled materials to help our feathered friends. The program is free with admission.
Science Central's Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and seniors and children ages three through 12. Children under age two are free.
For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto to: www.sciencecentral.org.

Sign up now for Beginners Knitting Classes
The Bluffton Parks Department is taking registration for a knitting class scheduled for Wednesdays Feb. 4, 11, and 18. Classes will be held in the upstairs of the city hall from 3 to 4 p.m. Total cost is $10 due the first day, and students need to bring their own straight size 10 knitting needles. Call 824-6069.

Exploring Engineering and Architecture at Science Central
Visitors to Science Central will explore the world of engineering with a new temporary exhibit, Mission E: Exploring Engineering and Architecture from now through May of 2009.
The exhibit features over 20 interactive stations that will allow visitors to explore the basic concepts of engineering with real world examples within architecture and construction.
Science Central is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 or adults and students. Children under age three are free. For more information call 2600-424-2400 or visit www.sciencecentral.org.

Cookbook Club to begin meeting Jan. 20 in Ossian
If you are one who enjoys browsing through cookbooks, this group is for you.
The Ossian Library is forming a cookbook club that will meet Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.
We will scan a few of the newest cookbooks and sample a recipe.
This introductory meeting will give members a chance to participate in the future direction of the club.
For more information call Melanie Gerber at 622-4691.

Dr. Michael Spath: Lords of the Dance Jan. 20
Dr. Michael Spath: Lords of the Dance will be highlighted Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $5 per person.
Dance, sacred movement, is one of the most ancient and powerful spiritual rituals present in virtually all religious traditions.
In two illustrated presentations, Dr. L. Michael Spath, Religious Studies professor at IPFW, returns to CAC to share images of the sacred dance and their spiritual meaning from various religious traditions. Dr. Spath will discuss Bull-dancing, Lord Krishna and the dance of sacred seduction, the aesthetic poetry of Rumi that underlies the Sufi dance (“whirling dervishes.”)
Two Tuesdays, Jan. 13 and 20 at 7 p.m.; Tickets for both sessions of the two-part program are free with advance registration or $5 same day at the door.
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

Inside Tuscan Hills Jan. 22
Inside Tuscan Hills will be held Jan. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $6 per person.
Narrated by John Wilson and produced by Dakkan Abbe, view an insider's look at the elegant rural culture of Tuscany with exclusive access to the workshops, kitchens and homes of the Tuscan people.
This film reveals how the Tuscans themselves live and you’ll hear compelling stories of master craftsmen and country cooks, ancient farmhouses and rustic cheese makers, while soaking up the singularly beautiful landscape.
Discover a place where every meal honors the local beauty and pays tribute to culinary traditions; where artisans practice in the style of the masters who came before them; where residents are surrounded by the beauty and history of a mythical landscape. Sponsor: MarkleBank
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

Thursday Night Bingo Jan. 22, 29
Thursday Night Bingo will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the South West Conservation Club located at 5703 Bluffton Road.
Doors open at: 4:30 p.m. Warm-ups start at: 6 p.m. Regular Bingo starts at: 7 p.m. The event is open to the public. For more information call 260-747-4677.

Jam Session Jan. 23
Jam Session 2009 will be held Jan. 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County.
Come share your musical talent for a fun-filled night with fellow vocalists and instrumentalists. Snacks provided--public welcome to watch! The event is free.
Performers request Stephanie Young at CAC to participate, or see www.wellscocreativearts.com for details. Join her, Sam Steffen, Jeff Higginbottom and some of their students along with newcomers for the fun of a casual impromptu jam. If you enjoy this opportunity, it may become a regular thing! Free.
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

Fire & Ice Festival Jan. 24 & 25
The fourth annual Whitley County Fire and Ice Festival will be held Jan. 24 and 25 at Big G's at 602 S. Main Street, Columbia City.
Beginning Saturday morning, Jan. 24, possibly 15-16 ice carvers from three states will take part in carving over 50 blocks of ice to make the Columbia City community an “Ice Carving Paradise.”
A Fire and Ice market will be held at The Center at the corner of Market and Chauncey from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with many Whitely county crafters selling their wares. The YMCA will host crafts and childrens activities at the Center during that same time.
On Sunday there will be more ice carving from noon to 3 p.m. at the courthouse. Also there will be a Chili Cook-Off competition at The Center with cash prizes for the winners.
For more information call 260-248-8131.

Angel Food pickup is Jan. 24
The pickup date for January Angel Food orders is Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sonlight Wesleyan Church.
The group utilized a drive-thru operation last month due to the ice on the parking lot, and it was well received by almost everyone. They will continue with the drive-thru this month as well. Please allow our volunteers time to set up for distribution by 10 a.m. Order forms for those who want to order for Februarywill be available that day.
Park on the south side of the church and enter through the main entrance or request an order form from one of our "outside volunteers". Complete the order form in your car and the volunteers will take in inside for you and bring you your receipt.

Hoagland Pancake & Sausage Brunch Jan. 25
Hoagland Area Advancement Association will sponsor a Pancake and Sausage Brunch Sunday, Jan. 25, 2008.
Served will be sausage, all you can eat pancakes and drinks at the Hoagland Park Pavilion located at 11320 Hoagland Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults, $2.50 for children ages six through 12 and free for those under age five.
All proceeds will go to support Hoagland Park as well as donating to the Hoagland EMS and Fire Department. Funds will be matched by Thrivent. For more information call 260-417-7911.

Trap and Skeet Shoot Jan. 25
Trap and Skeet Shoot will be held Jan. 11, 25 at the South West Conservation Club located at 5703 Bluffton Road from 12:30 p.m. to closing. The event is open to the public. For more information call 260-747-4677.

Oodles of Noodles Family Night Fun Jan. 25
The Bluffton Parks Department wants you to bring the whole family to the City Gym Sunday, Jan. 25th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for interesting games using pool noodles.
Afterwards enjoy a spaghetti dinner. Cost is $1 per person, $5 max per family due the day of the event. Minimum number of participants must be met by Jan.19th, so please pre-register soon by calling 824-6069.

Chicken/beef and noodle dinner Jan. 25
An all-you-can-eat chicken and noodle and beef and noodle dinner with all the trimmings will be held Sunday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Montpelier Lions Club located at High and Jefferson Streets in Montpelier. A free will donation will be accepted that day.

Rhapsody, Rhythm & Rhyme Sign ups Jan. 26
Sign ups for Rhapsody, Rhythm & Rhyme will be held Jan. 26 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $64.
Under Cynthia Lemmen’s instruction, Rhapsody, Rhythm & Rhyme will begin its second session soon!
Parents/Caregivers, bring your toddlers/preschoolers and watch them enjoy singing, musical games, as well as the use of instruments, puppets, and stories with their peers. Developmental music for young children has shown great “payoffs” in further education and lifestyle. Children 18 months and younger may attend for FREE with their older siblings). Call for registration.
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

Stuff and Fluff Program deadline is Jan. 26
The Bluffton Parks Department invites girls with either mom, grandma or any other significant female adult will enjoy the opportunity to make their own stuffed animal.
You will choose an unstuffed collectible cuddly friend, hand stuff it, wish upon a special star and insert your wish into your animal and zip it closed. Name your animal on the birth certificate as we celebrate by decorating cup cakes and making crafts.
This event is held Feb. 9, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs of City Hall.
Be sure to wear play clothes since we will also be doing valentine crafts. Cost to participate is $20 per girl. Call 824-6069 to register now through Jan 26th. List of animals include bear, dog, elephant, unicorn, lamb, cat, frog, lion, tiger, cow, pig, koala or moose.

Wells County Historical Society dinner Feb. 2
The Wells County Historical Society Annual Meeting and Dinner will be held Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 at the Wells County Public Library at 200 W. Washington St., Bluffton. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $15.00 per person. There will be a brief business meeting to elect 2009 officers.
The evening program will be a round table discussion on the Palm Sunday Tornadoes-April 11, 1965. The society is pleased to have Marlene Isch, Rex Gentis, John & Judy Habegger, Rick Valasquez and Ronnie Brewster. They will be on hand to tell about their experiences. If you have any pictures that you would like to share with us please bring them that night.
Reservations are due by Jan. 26 to the Wells Co. Historical Society, P. O. Box 143, Bluffton, IN 46714 or you may call and make reservations at 824-5443 or 824-2866.

Garage sale Jan. 29-Feb. 3 at Celina
A garage sale will be held Jan. 29 through Feb. 3 at the Senior Citizen Center at 217 Riley Street, Celina to benefit the Mercer County Council on Aging.
Hours on Thursday (first day of the sale) will be until 7:30 p.m. Hours during the week will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours on Saturday and Sunday will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information call 419-586-1644.

Spike and the Bulldogs to perform at Boys & Girls Club Silent Auction and Dinner Jan. 31
The Boys and Girls Club will kick off their 2009 Operational Campaign with a dinner and silent auction Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 at Timber Ridge Golf Course.
Social hour will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. and Spike and the Bulldogs will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.
For more information call 824-5070.

Mystery Dinner Theatre Jan. 31
A Mystery Dinner Theatre fundraiser will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Parish Hall.
Tickets are $25 each and include appetizers, dinner and theatre performance with socializing after the show. A cash bar will be available.
Hors d'oeuvres will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.
For more information or to order tickets call 260-639-3169.

Nelson's BBQ fundraiser Jan. 31
Get an early taste of summer with Nelson's BBQ chicken Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the WalMart parking lot in Bluffton during the fundraiser event for Ossian Elementary School fifth graders.
Tickets prices for 1/2 chicken presale are $5.50 or four for $20. Day of sale will be $6 each.
For tickets contact Ossian Elementary fifth grade teachers at 213 S. Jefferson St., Ossian or call 260-622-4179.
Proceeds will benefit the fifth grade Brownsburg trip.

Southern Wells Super Sunday Party Feb. 1
Come enjoy the Big Game on a big 7'x10' screen at Southern Wells High School cafetorium at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 for the best Super Sunday party in the area.
There will be board games and cards. The gym will be available for basketball and other games. There will also be plenty of food and drink. The event is FREE. For more infomration call 765-728-2154.

Spring Concert of Anthems rehearsals begin Feb. 3
The Mennonite Choral society will begin rehearsals Tuesday Feb. 3, 2009 at 7 p.m. for the “Spring Concert of Anthems” which will be performed on Sunday May 3, 2009 at the First Mennonite church in Berne.
Rehearsals will continue weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. through April 28 at the First Mennonite Church. The church is located at the intersection of U.S. 27 and State Road 218. All singers are invited to join in the presentation; no tryouts are necessary.

Spotlight Academy playing guitar begins Feb. 3
The Spotlight Academy will feature lessons on the guitar beginning Feb. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $80 per person.
Sam Steffen welcomes new and returning students for a fun series learning to play the guitar. Who: Students age seven through 12 and age 13 to adult at the CAC studio. Learn the instrument, reading music, chords, basic songs Fee is $80 or $72 CAC members plus $10 for the book.
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

Adult Valentine Luncheon Feb. 9
The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will be host an Adult Valentine Luncheon at Mother’s Kitchen on Monday, Feb. 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are now available in the City Clerk’s office in the city hall building. Cost is $6 per person.
The meal will include chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, ice tea or lemonade and red velvet cake.
We will also be playing a special bingo game for prizes. Deadline to purchase your tickets is Wednesday February 4, 2009. For more information, call 824-6069.

Chess begins Feb. 10 at Huntington Library
The Huntington City Twp. Public Library invites kids in grades 6-12 to come to Chess Time with instructor Jack Oberholtzer, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10th at the HCTPL Main Library, 200 West Market Street, Huntington.
Teens can learn to play chess, build their strategy skills, and play practice games. The program is open to everyone, and no chess experience is required. Snacks will be provided, and there is no charge to attend. Registration is a MUST – call the Main Library at 356-2900 if you’d like to participate!

La Vie D'Amour Valentine Dinner Show Feb. 14
A La Vie D'Amour Valentine Dinner and Show will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $20 per person.
Calling all sweethearts to La Vie D’Amour Valentine Dinner Show at the CAC on Saturday, Feb. 14 beginning at 7 p.m.
Musical entertainers for the evening are Dennis and Susan Wood. Enjoy a Parisian style evening filled with music, delicious food and romantic French songs, like a dreamy stroll in Paris. Come celebrate with some of the best talent in Wells County!
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

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.

Hunter Education Course starts Feb. 23
Indiana Hunter Education course will be offered at no charge Feb. 23, 25 and 26, 2009 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the 4-H Community Buiding in Bluffton.
Instructors will be ICO Kenny Wireman, Darrell Reynolds, Mike and Jodi Pinkerton, Rich Falk, Rick Bergman and Tracy Myers. The sponsor is the DNR.
For pre-registration and more information call 260-824-0692.
Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Attendance at all classes is required for certification.

Indiana Beekeepers school Feb. 28
The Indiana Beekeepers' Association will hold its Indiana Bee School VII in Indianapolis Saturday, Feb. 28 at Southport Presbyterian Church at 7525 McFarland Blvd.
Randy Oliver, a commercial migratory beekeeper from Grass Valley, Calif. will be the keynote speaker. He writes for Bee Culture and American Bee Journal and maintains the website: www.scientificbeekeeping.com.
There will be four breakout sessions with each session having five different topics to choose from including introductory beekeeping tools and techniques as well as learning opportunities for the more advanced beekeeper.
There will be a raffle, an auction and vendor displays.
On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. The program will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Registration fee is $25 per person or $35 per family with lunch included. To guarantee a spot register by Feb. 20, 2009 by calling 317-485-5593 or email: jsdoty@indy.net or www.indianabeekeeper.goshen.edu.

Watercolor Painting Workshop begins March 7
A Watercolor Painting Workshop will be held March 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center of Wells County. Cost is $85 per person.
Mark Polomchak is back and taking enrollments for his newest watercolor class! Polomchak is a 1975 graduate in Fine Art at Indiana University.
His heartwarming instruction style is achieved through the simplicity and grace of his paintings of images from the serene lifestyle of the Amish. His subject matter also includes contemporary florals, abstracts, and wildlife. Call for enrollment. Price includes supplies.
For more information log onto: cac@adamswells.com-www.wellscocreativearts.com or call 260-824-5222.

USS Maddox Destroyer Reunion Sept. 9-13
The USS Maddox Destroyer Assoc. Reunion (DD-168, DD-622 and DD731) will be held Sept. 9 through Sept. 13, 2009 at Phoenix, Ariz.
For more information call Cliff Gillespie at 2118 Hines Road, Jennings, LA 70546 or call 337-616-8450 or email: cwgilles45@aol.com.