What's Up in Wells County

Christian poetry contest taking entries
A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a special poetry contest sponsored by Christian Poets Guild. It is free to everyone. There will be 50 prizes in all totaling $5,000.
To enter, send one poem of 21 lines or less to Free Poetry Contest, 7308 Heritage Dr., Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. Or enter online at: www.freecontest.com. The deadline for entering is Feb. 28, 2009.
Poems may be written on any subject, using any style. Make sure the name and address appears on the page with the poem. For more information call 888-228-3820.

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.

Sign up for the WCPL Winter Reading Program in February
The 2009 Winter Reading Program at the Wells County Public Library runs through the month of February and it’s never been more fun to meet the challenges.
There are two programs available this year: “Your library: More than just books” is the theme for individuals ages 12 through adult, and; “Family Reading” is for families who want to work together as a team. Register anytime in February at the main library or Ossian Branch.
“Your library: More than just books” – This new challenge is for individuals ages 12 through adult. The challenge is set up like a bingo card with activities in each square. Complete all the easy activities in one row – vertical, horizontal, diagonal or four corners – and win. Select a free book for yourself or to donate to one of the Wells County elementary schools.
Everyone who registers receives a library coupon to pay fines, rent videos, buy used books. Each person who successfully completes the program qualifies for a drawing to win a cozy winter gift basket. The drawing will be held March 4, 2009.
Family Reading – Any family with at least one child in grade six or under can work as a team. Receive a free package of hot chocolate when you register. Then read to earn a family story book that is great for your home library.
All reading and challenges must be completed during the month of February, 2009. Completed forms due by March 2, 2009. Forms and rules available at the main library and Ossian Branch. For more information, call 260-824-1612 or 260-622-4691.

Girl Scouts collecting cookie donations to send to troops
Girl Scout Troop 20687 is collecting Girl Scout cookie donations as well as monetary donations to send cookies to our U.S. military troops serving in Iraq.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can call Melissa Tolson at 260-417-4895 until March 15, 2009.

Free admission with an 'A' on report card
During the entire month of f February students can bring their first semester report card that shows and 'A' in math or science and get a free admission to Science Central. Free admission is for the student only.
For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto: www.sciencecentral.org.

Model building a popular 4-H project
The 4-H Models Project continues to be a popular 4-H project in Wells County.
Participants can start off simple with their favorite kit that matches their age and skill level. As they improve their skills and become older they are encouraged to expand and try various techniques with painting, special glues or build their own model.
Exhibits at the 4-H Fair judging are divided into the following grade levels: Level 1, grades 3 - 5; Level 2, grades 6 - 8; and Level 3, grades 9 - 12.
Two models are selected each year at the county level to advance to the Indiana State Fair where they will complete with other 4-H exhibitors from across Indiana.
Youth may become 4-H members when they are in third grade and may continue their membership through grade 12 for a maximum of 10 years. (Mini 4-H members may join when they are in grades 1 & 2.)
4-H enrollment forms will be available at the 4-H Open House, Saturday, February 28, 8 AM - 12 Noon, 4-H Park, Bluffton.
For more information about 4-H, contact the Purdue Extension Service - Wells County Office, 824-6412, or rsherer@purdue.edu

Registration begins for Story Time! at Markle Library
Pre-registration is currently underway for “On the Road to Story Time!” sessions at Huntington City-Twp. Public Library in Markle.
Weekly Story Time sessions will be offered to children ages two to seven years on Thursdays at the Markle Branch Library beginning on Feb. 12.
Story Time introduces the child to children's literature and provides a group experience for the young child, while encouraging listening skills and the development of lifelong reading interests.
Programs will include picture books, rhymes, flannel board stories, finger plays, songs, and puppets. Weekly Story Time themes are featured, with complementary stories, songs and activities offered each week to highlight that week's chosen theme.
This program is offered at no charge, but pre-registration is required. Parents may come to the Library or call to sign their children up for the weekly Story Time session of their choice. Call the Markle Branch at 260-758-3332. The Markle Branch Library is located at 197 E. Morse Street in Markle.

Psi Otes Membership Drive tonight
A new membership drive is being organized by the Ossian Psi Otes. Gamma Zeta Chapter. President Jill Smith invites the public to come meet its officers and members at the Brew Ha! on Feb. 19th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Harp music will greet you as you accept a fruit smoothie to smooth your way into Psi Iota Xi with questions being answered. You are encouraged to come and learn about the Psi Iota Xi which has a rich history in Ossian since 1945. Please feel free to bring a friend whom you believe would be interested. Questions prior to the 19th can be answered by calling Carol Baker, 622-7422, or Joan Furey, 622-4903.

Baked Potato Bar & Movie Night Feb. 20
Covenant Christian School is having a Baked Potato Bar/Movie night Friday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. The movie “Fireproof” will be shown at 7 p.m. All this for a $5 ticket for adults and $3 for students. See one of our C.C.S. students for a ticket or call the school office at 824-1203 for your reservation.
There will be a movie set-up for children ages 10 and under with supervision if you wish for your child to not watch the video. There will also be hotdogs, chips and a drink available for those who do not care for bake potatoes.

Free Chili Supper Feb. 20
Members of Southern Wells Community Church will sponsor a free Chili Supper Friday, Feb. 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Southern Wells High School before the Southern Wells and Blackford boys basketball game.
For more information call 765-728-2154.

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.

Zanesville Lions Club fundraiser Feb. 21
Members of the Zanesville Lions Club will be waiting tables at Davis Restaurant in Markle Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tips and donations will go to upkeep and expenses at the Zanesville Lions Community Park and ball diamond. For more information call 260-638-4327.

Breakfast at McNatt Feb. 21
McNatt UMC will serve breakfast Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, pancakes, sausage and eggs. A free will donation will be accepted. The church is located at 9271W., 800S. in Wells County.

Notre Dame Football Smoker Feb. 22
Saint Joseph Hessen Cassel will sponsor the 13th annual Notre Dame Football Smoker Feb. 22, 2009 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Activity Center.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 or may be purchased in advance to become eligible to win a pair of tickets to a Notre Dame home game during the upcoming season.
This is a stag event with food and beverage provided. To purchase a ticket in advance call Gary at 260-639-3259 or Chuck at 260-639-3352 or stop by Nine Mile Restaurant located one and half mile south of I-469 on U.S. 27 South.

Angel Food pickup is Feb. 28
The pickup date for February Angel Food orders is Saturday, Feb. 28. Please bring a large box and pick up your order at Sonlight Wesleyan Church between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Order forms for March will be available at that time.

Model Railroad Show & Swap Feb. 28
The Maumee Valley Rail Road Club will sponsor a Model Railroad Show & Swap Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coliseum Bingo at 911 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne.
Admission is $3 for adults, $5 for families and free for children, ages 12 and under. There will be dozens of tables of model railroad bargains, at least two operating model railroad layouts and a special “Hands on Trains for Kids of all Ages” area.
For more information call 260-760-1666 or email: railcarman@verizon.net.

OUMC chicken noodle lunch March 1
Ossian United Methodist Church will have a chicken noodle lunch Sunday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meal will include chicken and noodles, mash potatoes, green beans, toss salad, rolls, mixed fruit, and assorted drinks. “Pre-ticket sale” price is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children age 5 to 10 years of age, and children under 5 years are free. At the door ticket price is $8 for adults, $4 for children age 5 to 10 years of age, and children under 5 years are free. Order tickets early. Carry-out will be available. Plan to attend and tell your friends. Call the church, 622-4326, for more information.

Oil painting class starts March 4
An Adult Beginning Oil Painting Class will be held at the South Adams Senior Center, 825 Hendricks St., Berne, for a six week period beginning on Wednesday, March 4, and continuing through April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday morning.
Gedda Starlin will be the instructor, and the cost for the six week class is $60. All supplies will be furnished. This is open to all adults and any residential location.
Deadline to sign up is Wed, Feb. 25. We need five people to conduct the class, but will accept up to ten people, male or female. Please call the Senior Center at 260-589-8877 to sign up.

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.

Mt. Calvary Fish & Chicken Strips Dinner March 7
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1819 Reservation Dr., off Bluffton Rd. in Waynedale is hosting a Fish & Chicken Strips Dinner prepared by Country Chef on Saturday, March 7, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This “plated dinner” includes a generous serving of fish and/or chicken strips, potato wedges, applesauce or coleslaw, rolls, drinks, and a variety of desserts. Cost is $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for children 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and under. Carryout dinners also available at $8.50 each. Tickets are available at the church office, 747-4121 x0, and also at the door.

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.

Soup & Sandwich
Dinner, Craft &
Bake Sale March 8
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at Friedheim is having a Soup and Sandwich Dinner with a Craft and Bake Sale on Sunday, March 8, at the Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School, 11565 US Highway 27 North, Decatur.
Menu includes homemade soups and sandwiches, as well as salads and desserts. Serving will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until 1 p.m. Drive-thru and carryout will also be available.

Redirecting Everyday Power Struggles March 12
Redirecting Everyday Power Struggles from Toddlers to Teenagers will be presented by Dr. Tim Jordan Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
Many parents today experience power struggles with their children over issues such as bedtime, food, homework, morning routines and chores. Tim Jordan, M.D., will help you understand why kids misbehave, as well as how to prevent and redirect power struggles. Dr. Jordan will also discuss the role of temperament, how to run family meetings and how to not lose it!
Reservations requested, but not required. To reserve your seat, call Betsy Needler at 260-919-3145 or e-mail betsy.needler@blufftonreigonal.com

Fish and Tenderloin supper March 14 at Zanesville
Zanesville United Methodist Church will sponsor an all-you-can-eat Fish and Tenderloin Supper Saturday, March 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tower Life Center at 11811 N. Wayne Street.
Dan's Fish Fry will provide the fish and tenderloin. Carry-outs will be available. There will be homemade scalloped potatoes and desserts, applesauce or coleslaw, green beans and bread.
All proceeds will benefit Tri-County Ministries, Cub Scouts and ZUM Youth DCLA 2009 trip.
Cost is $8 for adults, $4.50 for children, ages six through 10 and free for children age five and under.
For more information call 260-638-4108 or 260-638-4885.

Coin and Currency Show March 15
The Old Fort Coin Club will sponsor a Coin and Currency Show Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
There will be over 50 tables of numismatic material, free parking, free admission and food available.
Directions: Take I-69 Exit 111B, go north on Lima to Carroll Road. Follow the signs to the show. For more information log onto: www.oldfortcoinclub.org.

East of Chicago fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day
Gamma Zeta Chapter of Psi Iota Xi in Ossian is sponsoring a fundraiser at East of Chicago Pizza in Ossian. The event will be held on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) from 5 to 8 p.m., with proceeds going to support Ossian philanthropic projects. Adult tickets, which include the pizza and salad buffet, drink, & tax, can be purchased from any Ossian Psi Ote member for $9.29, or by calling 622-7691. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, as well as orders selected from the menu.

Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau annual meeting March 17
The 33rd annual meeting of the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Source One Solutions, 2135 Spy Run Avenue, Fort Wayne.
The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Women’s Bureau at 424-7977. All members and the public are invited to attend. Reservation deadline is March 13.
The business meeting agenda includes reports from the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Treasurer, consideration of an amendment to the Bylaws, the election of new board members, and the presentation of staff service recognition awards. The Woman of the Year award will be presented to two women who have provided exemplary service to the Women’s Bureau.

Hunter Education Course April 13-15
The dates for the Hunter Education Course are April 13, 14 and 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wells Community 4-H Building.
The course is offered at no charge. Instructors will be ICO Kenny Wireman, Darrell Reynolds, Mike and Jodi Pinkerton, Rich Falk, Rick Bergman and Tracy Myers.
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.

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.

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.

Entertainment books for sale
The 2009 Entertainment books are available for purchase from Zanesville Lions club members. Cost is $15 each. The coupons and savings are good through November 2009. For more information or to purchase a book call 260-638-4327.
Proceeds go to the annual Zanesville Lions Christmas lighting prizes.

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.