What's Up! Wells County

Friday, February 26, 2010

What's Up!

Free Tax Assistance for the Elderly
The Ossian Branch is again offering Tax Counseling for the Elderly now through April 12 at the Ossian Branch Library. Ed Goetz offers free tax help to those ages 60+ on Mondays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The service is provided through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program and is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call the Ossian Branch Library at 260-622-4691.

YA Greek Night @ the library
It’s Greek Nights with a sampling of Greek food and culture on Thursday, March 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Wells County Public Library. A fun night out for teens ages 12-18. Free. Pre-register by 3/5/10 so there is plenty of food to go around.

PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest
PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest — formerly, the Reading Rainbow Young Authors & Illustrators Contest — is ready for your child’s new story! Children in grades K-3 are eligible and they can get started at the Wells County Public Library. One local winner from each of the four grade levels will be chosen at the library. Local winning stories will be sent to regional judging in Fort Wayne. Winners there will go on to national competition. Rules and entry forms are available at the main library and the Ossian Branch. Hurry! The deadline is 3/29/10. For more information, stop by either library today.

Help choose the book for the next One Book, One County project




Calling book enthusiasts of all ages and interests! You can help shape the 2010 One Book, One County community read project at the Wells County Public Library. Last year, the selection committee choose the humorous and inspiring memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam. Now you can help choose the book for 2010.
The first meeting is Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Selection committee members will attend approximately four meetings from March through May and commit to reading the final four to six titles in consideration. Volunteers from teens to seniors and all walks of life are welcome.
For more information or to volunteer for the committee, contact library director Stephanie Davis at 260-824-1612 or sdavis@wellscolibrary.org.

Mother/Son Pirate Dance


Shiver me timbers it’s time to buy tickets for your little swashbuckler to attend the annual buccaneer bash in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at City Hall. This event is held Sunday April 11th from 6-8pm, at the 4-H building. Cost is $10 a couple and $3 each additional sea dog pirate. Enjoy a night of music, games, photos, door prizes, treat bags and grub. Dress is theme based or casual. Mother / Son Dance sponsored by Bluffton Parks Dept and 4-H

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Saint Francis Financial Aid Workshop set

The University of Saint Francis Financial Aid staff will host a workshop in the Pope John Paul II Center, Room 110 Friday, March 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The public is welcome to attending for help in completing the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Parents, current students and prospective 2010-11 students from any college are invited. For more information call 260-399-8003.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Feb. 27
River Terrace Estates--Marion Williams playing piano. Fred Sprunger singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Feb. 28
River Terrace Estates--Leann Johnson piano students. She will bring refreshments; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Tuesday, March 2
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 3
Bible Study Club--United Methodist Church; 12:45-2 p.m.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. For more information call Jon Brown at 824-4095.

Every Thursday
Overcomers Outreach — South Wayne United Methodist Church, 3500 S. Wayne Ave.;7-8 p.m. 260-745-2933.
TOPS — First United Methodist Church; 5:30 weigh-in. 6 p.m. meeting.
Let's Play Bingo! — Cowboy's Restaurant in Bluffton on Main Street every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Coon Hunters Assoc.

Every Friday Evening
Parent’s Averting Crisis (PAC) — 122 West LaMar St.; 7:30-9 p.m.; $1/person.

What's UP!

Railroad Celebration Feb. 27 & 28
The non-profit Three Rivers Railroad Heritage Council will hold a two-day celebration of railroading in the greater Tri-State Area. Railroad historians, preservationists, operators, and modelers will be present to discuss all aspects of railroading from past through present activities and events.
The event will be held in the large concourse of the restored former Pennsylvania Railroad passenger station, 221 West Baker Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to the public: admission is $4 per person, under 12 free. Themes for 2010 will be: The Freedom Train; Passenger Train Service and The Kingsland Wreck of 1910; Pennsylvania Flyer Wreck at Swinney Park 1911.Contact Craig Berndt, 260-489-2392 or cjberndt@yahoo.com

Neil Case to present program at
Salamonie Feb. 28
Join Salamonie Bird club to welcome property manager Neil Case, Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center. He will present a program about National Wildlife Refuges. He has traveled the country and provided bird counts for many different wildlife areas. He is also a writer whose articles can be found in “Indiana Bird Watching.” Call 260-468-2127 or log onto: www.IN.gov/dnr/uwis.

Free dinner at Life Church Feb. 28
Life Community Church will serve a free dinner Sunday, Feb. 28 from 5 to 6 p.m. at 428 S. Oak Street, Bluffton. Meals can be eaten at the church or carried out. There is a limit of five carry out meals per person. Call 824-2252.

Kelly New House Auction Fundraiser Info meeting March 2
An informational meeting for the Kelly New House Auction Fundraiser will be held Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene at 1515 Clark Ave., Bluffton.
The meeting is for those who are interested in helping with Kelly with a new home auction fundraiser scheduled for April 24th. The event will be held to benefit Rob and Karen Kelly family to build a new handicapped accessible home for their son Robert who has many challenging disabilities. The meeting is open to anyone who would like to volunteer at the auction or just want to know more about it. For more information or to make a donation call Hal Mason at 260-438-7468.

Yes You Can!
March 4
A free informational meeting entitled “Yes You Can!” will be held Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at C&C Bible Fellowship at 4383S., 150E., Berne. The program is an anxiety, panic and depression support group that teaches coping skills and truths as well as provides support to those who suffer from these conditions. For more information call 260-589-9022.

Prom dress exchange March 6
All Wells County high school girls are invited to participate in the Wells County Prom Dress Exchange Saturday, March 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 325 W. Washington Street, Bluffton.
Co-chairs Becky Goshorn and Suzanne Feeback believe every girl should have an opportunity to attend the prom and be able to have an affordable dress. A $10 donation is suggested to help defray expenses, but not required.
Dresses, shoes, purses and other accessories may be donated up until the day of the event. Dresses do not have to be dry cleaned. Steve Arnold of OK Modern Cleaners will clean the dresses free of charge.
Dresses can be dropped off at the church between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at Fashion Bug. For more information or for dress pickup, call Becky at 824-0187 or Suzanne at 824-5703.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

T-Ball and Pee Wee soccer league registration

Registration for summer T-Ball, Farm, Junior and Baseball Leagues will be held at the City Hall building on the following dates and times:

Saturday, February 27th 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Saturday, March 6th 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Thursday, March 11th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Sandy Koufax Baseball (13-14 yr old) and Girls Softball will also be accepting registration on the March 6th day and time. The Wells Community Swim Team will also be available for information on their program that day.

Sandy Koufax will continue to accept registration at the Parks Dept. office until April 2nd. Girls Softball will be sending registration forms home with students through the area schools.

Tryouts for Farm and Junior League Baseball will be at the Bluffton Middle School on Saturday March 13th. Junior League will be from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and Farm League from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Age is determined by what the participant is on May 1st. T-Ball is for 5 years (parent must help coach) – 8 years, Farm League is 8 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for T-Ball) – 10 years of age. Junior League is for 10 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for Farm League) – 12 years of age. Sandy Koufax is for youth 13-14 year olds. Girls Softball is for grades 2nd – 12th.

For more information please call the park office at 824-6069 or email us at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

**************************************************

The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. will be registering girls and boys currently in grades K – 3rd for their Pee Wee Soccer League at the City Hall Building on Saturday, March 6th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Cost is $15.00 per child and includes a T-shirt. The league will be held on 6 Saturdays, April 3rd – May 8th at the Bluffton City Gym . There are some changes to the program this year. The games will be in the afternoons (starting at 1:00 p.m.)so not to conflict with the Upwards program and the participants will be assigned a time instead of a team. They will come the same time each week and will run through drills (by paid staff) for the first part of the time, then divided into 2 teams to scrimmage. They will be with the same group of children each week, but will be divided differently each week for the scrimmage. They will still be divided into grade categories of K-1st and 2nd-3rd. If you have further questions, call or email our office at 824-6069 or parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

(Submitted Information)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

County wide Phone-A-Thon coming soon!

If your phone rings on Sat­urday it may very well be a local high school student rais­ing money for a great cause. The Bluffton-South­ern Wells Chapter and the Norwell Chapter of Dollars for Scholars will be holding their countywide fundraising phone-a-thon on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.
For the Bluffton-Southern Wells chapter, this will be the 19th year their phone-a-thon will be held. For Norwell’s chapter this year marks the fourth year return of the phone-a-thon program after a hiatus of sev­eral years.
In addition to seeking donations through phone calls, the program is sponsored by many area businesses.
All of the money raised during the phone-a-thon benefits students in Wells County. The chapters have been able to give a scholarship to every applicant. While most students seek scholarships for college educations, the organization has also funded trade school students, ranging from beauty school and cosmetology pro­grams, to funeral home or motorcycle repair programs.
If a call is picked up by voice mail or an answering machine, the calling student will leave a message and a mailing will be sent to the resident.
The Bluffton­/Southern Wells chapter typi­cally raises between $50,000 to $60,000 during the year of which between $10,000-12,000 comes from the annual phone-a-thon event.
Students from the Wells County public high schools will begin calling residents at 9 a.m. and the fund drive will end in the early afternoon hours.
Students have been asked to be very cordial in their requests for donations and the organization asks that the public give the stu­dents the same respect. Local students will be making the calls to help each other for a worthy program and not a telemarketer in a cubicle far away.
By making a donation, res­idents can help students offset some college tuition costs and stimulate their desire to con­tinue their education. One hundred percent of the money raised in Wells County will go to benefit local Wells County students.
To donate to Dollars for Scholars, contact any of the three high schools and ask for a guidance counselor or principal.

Creative Arts Council Programs

Visit the Creative Arts Council’s Balentine Gallery at the Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre, 211 West Water Street, Bluffton, Indiana 46714. (260)-824-5222 or wellscocreativearts.com Find event & membership information, view exhibits, purchase tickets, take classes, or volunteer.
HOURS—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by arrangement with the CAC office.

IN THE BALENTINE GALLERY
Exhibit through Feb. 26—“Suspended: works of Sayaka Ganz, Angela Leed and Adam Parsons” See a colony of swimming penguins and other creatures sculpted from reclaimed objects, detailed pastel works and abstract paintings to spark your winter.
Exhibit March 1-April 15—Photography of Deb Perry exhibiting a narrated show “Un-Scenes” of hidden places in Wells County. Listen to the story of these unique sites with the photojournalist at a dessert reception Sunday, March 14 at 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the gallery
Exhibit of Wells County student artwork April 20-May 22—sponsored by Bluffton Tri Kappa, reception Sunday, April 18 at 2 to 3:30 p.m.

CAC SCHOOL OF BALLET
Now in session.
Mark 2010 calendars for “Cinderella” performance May 2 at Life Auditorium at 2:30 p.m.

EVENTS
READERS CIRCLE PRESENTS—Sunday, April 11, 3 p.m., “The First Ladies: Their Lives and Legacies,” a book by Deborah Jones Sherwood and a display of inaugural gown reproductions displayed on dolls from a collciotn by Melvine Zink.
OPEN MIC POETRY READING—Monday, April 26, recent original writings, public welcome.
Annual fundraising art auction dinner—Friday, April 23, tables 5 p.m.; dinner 6 p.m.; gavel 7 p.m.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
MORE JUNGLE JAZZ—Mondays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. with Cindy Lemmon. A few space available. Download or pay at the website.
YOGA WITH BALANCE—with Susy Jones on Monday evenings, now in session.
ARTIST WORKSHOPS—In the works for workshops in watercolor, oils and acrylic.

GROUPS
CAC BOARD—Monday, March 15. 5:15 p.m., fundraisers meeting at 6 p.m. Lynn Elliott presiding.
BOOK CLUB—Tuesday, March 9, noon. Read any book by Suze Orman.
CULINARY ARTISTS—Thursday, March 11, Slow Down Dinner” cooks share a crockpot recipe with a table of friends, $3 per guest. Thursday, April 8, featuring guest cook Fancheon Resler offering “Breakfast for Supper,” $8 per guest.
Artists in Action—paint (or other medium) on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Studio B by arrangement.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S FORUM—Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., informal chat for amateur photographers, information about summer photo exhibit. Open to the public free of charge.

What's UP

Free blood pressure checks offered on Tuesdays in Berne
The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion will provide free blood pressure checks every Tuesday in February and March from noon to 2 p.m. You do not need to be a member of the Wellness Pavilion to benefit from this free service.
For more information contact Sarah Conrad, Wellness Pavilion Director at 260-589-4496. The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion is located on Swiss Village’s North Campus at 1201 Emmental Drive, in Berne.

Club Calendar

Monday, Feb. 22
Wells County Republican Women--Gabriel's Pancake House; 5 p.m. All Republican women are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Genetic Syndrome Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Services and resources for special needs kids. Speaker: Kevi Hughes, Turnstone. 580-3152.
Stitches of Hope--1st United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Bluffton; 6-8 p.m. Monthly Meeting. Crochet, knit or sew? Call 824-8573 or 824-8743.

Tuesday, Feb. 23
Montpelier Historical Society at the Community Building; 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker, Lavina Kershner, will speak about the history of the Montpelier E.M.T. Unit.

Wednesday, Feb. 24
O.D.O. Club--Bluffton Senior Villa Community Room; 7 p.m. (correct date).

Thursday, Feb. 25
Loyal Neighbors Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Busy weekend for Blufftonites




News-Banner reporters were spread all across Wells County this past weekend, covering dances, sporting events and school competitions. Look for more videos spread across the Blog Bank.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Dollars For Scholars

The 20th Annual Phonathon is going to be held Saturday, February 27, 2010, from 9:00 A.M.
to 2:00 P.M.. The Bluffton and Southern Wells Dollars for Scholars (DFS) is a locally based organization of volunteers representing both Bluffton and Southern Wells districts. The local chapter is affiliated with Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America. Their purpose is to raise, manage, and distribute Scholarship funds to local high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement, are involved in activities within/outside the high school, plan to seek higher education, and need financial assistance.

(Submitted)

B.S.A. Venturing Crew 2149 Popcorn Sell

During this 100th anniversary of scouting year, B.S.A. Venture crew 2149 from Bluffton are planning a series of fund raisers to support the activities of our members. The first fund raiser is a Boy Scout Popcorn sale.
Sunday, February, 21 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., outside the entrances to the Bluffton Walmart. There is a limited supply and limited varieties, so come early for the best selection. This fundraiser will help our members pay for their Scuba Diving courses.
Venturing is a co-ed program focused on high adventure activities for 14 to 20 year olds. Crew 2149 meets every other Wednesday from 7:00 P.M. thru 9:00 P.M. at various locations. If you ere interested in joining call Matt Day at (260)-760-0123. Our past activities have included Scuba Diving, both local and in the Florida Keys, Backpacking, white water rafting, water skiing, and downhill skiing.

(Submitted)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Club Calendar

Saturday, Feb. 20
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.
Wells County Republican Breakfast--Rittenhouse Restaurant; 8 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 21
River Terrace Estates--Marlene Lobsiger playing piano and Dave Blackwell playing saxaphone and horn; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Feb. 22
Genetic Syndrome Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Services and resources for special needs kids. Speaker: Kevi Hughes, Turnstone. 580-3152.
Stitches of Hope--1st United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Bluffton; 6-8 p.m. Monthly Meeting. Crochet, knit or sew? 824-8573 or 824-8743.

Wednesday, Feb. 24
O.D.O. Club--Bluffton Senior Villa Community Room; 7 p.m. (correct date).
Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Area Things to See and Do

GRAND WAYNE CENTER EVENTS
BRADIAL EXTRAVAGANZA—Sunday, Feb. 21, noon to 4 p.m., Grand Wayne Center, Fort Wayne. Tickets $12 at the door. Over 100 vendors on hand with brides to receive a planning workbook.
IPFW THEATRE—FORT WAYNE
EURYDICE—Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 28, 2 p.m., Williams Theatre at IPFW.
NOISES OFF—April 23, 224, 29, 30, May 1, 8 p.m. and May 2 at 2 p.m., Williams Theatre.
More information at 260-481-6551.

WABASH HONEYWELL CENTER
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE BAND—Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m., free concert
CANADIAN BRASS—Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
CANADIAN MIST BOB & TOM COMEDY ALL-STARS—Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., tickets $15 to $50.
MANCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA—Sunday, March 14, 3 p.m., free concert.
MARY WILSON—Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20 to $75. (Member of the Supremes.)
TAP KIDS—Sunday, April 18, 3 p.m.
GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS—Sunday, May 16, 3 and 7 p.m., tickets $14 to $20 with $4 discounts for kids through high school. (Note this show often sells out at venues.) Information at 260-563-1102 or at www.honeywellcenter.org

VAN WERT, OHIO
NISWONGER ARTS CENTER ENTERTAINMENT
LE GRAND CIRQUE—Saturday, March 13, 3 & 7:30 p.m.
NEW YORK BALLET THEATRE—Life of Agnes DeMille, Saturday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert, more information at 419-238-6722 or at www.npacvw.org
PORTLAND
VISHTEN—Friday, March 12.
THODOS DANCE CHICAGO—Saturday, April 12.
JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT—March 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 & 25.
ALISON BROWN QUARTET—Saturday, Oct. 9.
RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM—Saturday, Nov. 13.
EXHIBIT—Gwen Gutwein Barns, Jan. 22 to Feb. 22.
Arts Place is located at 131 East Walnut St., Portland. 260-726-4809 or www.artsland.org

WARSAW WAGON WHEEL THEATRE
‘HOTEL CALIFORNIA’ EAGLES TRIBUTE—Saturday, April 24, 7 & 9:30 p.m., $19 to $29.
For more information or to arrange for tickets call 574-267-8041 or toll free to 866-823-2618. Website is www.wagonwheeltheatre.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Backyard Fruit Production March 4

Backyard Fruit
Production March 4
The Purdue School for Back Yard Fruit Growers will take them through “Adventures in Backyard Fruit Production” in a series that offers opportunities to learn about modern fruit production practices including general fruit culture, variety selection, harvesting and storage, and pest ID and control.
The programs will be held March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Blackford County Extension Office at the Annex in Hartford City. To make a reservation call by Feb. 26, 2010 to: 765-348-3213.

Club Calendar

Thursday, Feb. 18
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; noon.

Saturday, Feb. 20
River Terrace Estates--Alex Mendez playing blues and jazz; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.
Wells County Republican Breakfast--Rittenhouse Restaurant; 8 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 21
River Terrace Estates--Marlene Lobsiger playing piano and Dave Blackwell playing saxaphone and horn; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Feb. 22
Genetic Syndrome Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Services and resources for special needs kids. Speaker: Kevi Hughes, Turnstone. 580-3152.
Stitches of Hope--1st United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Bluffton; 6-8 p.m. Monthly Meeting. Crochet, knit or sew? Everyone welcome. Call 824-8573 or 824-8743.

What's Up?

Robins sited
David Bradley of Bluffton reported seeing at least 40 robins out by the IMI Erie Stone the weekend of Feb. 13th.

Farm Fresh forms available in
Blackford County
The Blackford County Extension Service now has the 2010 Farm Fresh forms available to sign up for the Farm Fresh Directory for Blackford County and surrounding communities.
The directory helps people find locally grown produce, flowers and other farm commodities. It lists growers, producers, products available and their contact information.
To be in the directory, stop by the Extension Office at 119 N. High Street by March 1, 2010. There is no cost to be in the booklet.

“Knowing God from Creation and
Revelation” lecture Feb. 18
A free public lecture entitled “Knowing God from Creation and Revelation” will be offered Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the North Campus Auditorium at 2702 Spring Street, Fort Wayne.
There will be a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served. For more information call 260-339-8066 or email: aspringer@sf.edu.

Planetarium offers laser light shows Feb. 19-21
The Schouweiler Planetarium at the University of Saint Francis is offering laser light shows Feb. 19-21 featuring music for adults and children. Tickets sales begin 45 minutes prior to the show at 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne.
Friday, Feb. 19: Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon at 5, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Cost: $5.
Saturday, Feb. 20: Laser Zeppelin at 5, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 21: Laser Mania with music by Will Smith, Celine Dion, Sting, Weird, Al Yankovic, Ricky Martin at 5 and 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21: Children and adults: Legends of the Night Sky at 2 and 3 p.m. Cost is: $4 each with a maximum of $18 for a family (two adults and children). For more information call 260-399-7700, ext. 8211.

View Lisa Dinhofer art Feb. 22-March 21 at IPFW
Guest artist Lisa Dinhofer, a contemporary still life painter based in New York City, will exhibit her ingenious and highly detailed drawings, paintings and prints at IPFW. There will be a lecture Thursday, Mar. 18 at 5 p.m. in VA 204 and an artist's reception immediately following in the Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibit can be seen from Feb. 22-March 21 at IPFW Visual Arts Gallery from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information log onto: www.ipfw.edu/vpa/finearts or call 260-481-6705.

Free H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Clinic at the Warren Pharmacy Feb. 22
The Huntington County Health Department will sponsor an H1N1 Flu Shot Clinic at the Warren Pharmacy on Monday, February 22. from 1 to 4 p.m. The H1N1 Flu shot is available to anyone free of charge. (The seasonal Flu vaccine is not available). If you have questions about vaccinations call the Health Department at 260-358-4831. Residents of neighboring counties are welcome! You do not need to be a Huntington County resident.

IPFW Department of Music Student and Faculty Vocal Showcase Feb. 23
Members of the IPFW Voice Faculty and outstanding students in Vocal Division will sing solos, duets from classical literature as well as Broadway and other popular genres Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Rhinehart Recital Hall. Admission for IPFW students with ID is free $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (60 and older), $3 Non-IPFW Students (Children ages 5 and younger are free) For more information call Schatzlein Box Office at 260-481-6555 or log onto: www.ipfw.edu/vpa/music.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Club Calendar

Thursday, Feb. 18
Wells County Master Gardener's--4-H Building; 7 p.m. Steve Gerber, Owner of Outdoor Concepts will present a program on Landscaping for the group.

Tuesday, Feb. 20
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; 6:15 p.m.
Chester Nightclubbers--Home of Pat Mounsey; noon.

Wednesday, Feb. 21
Kitco Retirees--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.
O.D.O. Club--Corner Depot; 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 22
Loyal Neighbor's Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.
Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild--7 p.m., Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne. Gail Kuhn will present “What You Can Do With Stripes”. Show and Tell will follow the program. Bring projects and a friend and enjoy learning something new. Call Gail Kuhn (260-589-2845).

Saturday, Feb. 20
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins playing the piano; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare

What's UP!

Library Used Book Sale Feb. 17-20
The Friends of the Library’s annual Winter Used Books Sale will be held Feb. 17-20 at the Wells County Public Library.
Open during normal library hours, the sale is a great time to stock up your home library with gently-used books, magazines, movies, music and art prints. Come early for the best selection.
For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612 or visit the website at www.wellscolibrary.org

IPFW Student
Recital Feb. 18
IPFW Department of Music Music Therapy Student Recital will be held Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at IPFW Rhinehart Recital Hall.
IPFW music therapy majors will perform a varied repertoire including selections in their individual areas of music expertise and selections appropriate for the clinical music therapy setting. Admission is free for everyone
For more information call 260-481-6555 or visit www.ipfw.edu/vpa/music.

Liver & Onion
Supper Feb. 20
A Liver and Onion Supper will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Petroleum United Methodist Church.
The menu will include: mashed potatoes, noodles, vegetable, salad, dessert and drink and plenty of liver and onions.
A free will donation will be accepted at the event. The original event date was Feb. 6, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Eurydice Play
Feb. 19-28 at IPFW
As Eurydice, Sarah Ruhl re-imagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Dying on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists and breathtaking visual effects, Eurydice is a fresh look at this timeless love story.
Play times are Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. (sign language offered) at IPFW Williams Theatre. Admission for IPFW students with I.D. is free, $14for adults, $12 for seniors and Faculty/Staff/Alumni. $10 Groups of 10 or more $5 Students 18 and under $10 Other “college” students with ID. Children under 6 will not be admitted.
For more information call Schatzlein Box Office at 260-481-6555 or log onto: www.ipfw.edu/vpa/theatre

Dad/Daughter
Disco Dance Feb. 21
Gentlemen dig out your polyester leisure suit (we know you kept it) and hurry on down to the City Clerk Treasurer's office in City Hall to purchase your tickets starting for the super-groovy Dad/Daughter Disco dance Sunday Feb. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Building (co-sponsored with the 4-H).
Enjoy an evening of music, refreshments, door prizes, photos and treat bags. Escorts may be father, grandfather, or other significant adult role model. Dress for this event is theme based or dressy. The price for a couple is $10 ($3 for each additional daughter). Call 824-6069.

St. Benedict,
Ferdinand open house Feb. 26-28
February 26-28, 2010 is a free weekend for high school girls, freshmen through seniors, who would like to see what being a sisters is like.
For more information or to register online, visit www.thedome.org/vocations, or call Sister Agnes Marie Dauby or Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-734-9999, or email vocation@thedome.org. Come & See Event Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana.
From March 19-21, 2010 single, Catholic woman between the ages of 18 to 40 are welcome to get to know the Benedictine sisters, share in our community life and prayer, and meet other women who are considering religious life - no pressure, no commitment, no cost! For more information or to register online, visit www.thedome.org/vocations, or call Sister Agnes Marie Dauby or Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-734-9999, or email vocation@thedome.org.

NMS Port-a-Pit
Feb. 27
Members of the Norwell Middle School Crusader parents will sponsor a Nelson's Port-a-Pit fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Villa Plaza in Bluffton.
Preorder tickets for $5 for half chicken. Day of sale - tickets will be $6 per half chicken. Call 402-3247 to order tickets or stop by NMS office during school hours.

Norwell FFA Chapter

NORWELL FFA CHAPTER
CELEBRATING 2010 NATIONAL FFA WEEK

Friday, Feb. 19
FFA Blue and Gold Dress Day-Wear your FFA T-shirt
Chapter Activity-FFA Breakfast

Monday, Feb. 22
Official Dress Day

Tuesday, Feb. 23
College Team Dress Day
Chapter Activity-Pizza & Bowling

Wednesday, Feb.24
Farm Spirit Dress Day
Chapter Activity-FFA Petting Zoo

Thursday, Feb.25
Hunter Orange/Camouflage Dress Day
Chapter Activity-Recreation Night

Friday, Feb 26
Carhartt Dress Day
Chapter Activity-Tractor/Truck Drive-In

Monday, February 15, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE
PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS
POPS CONCERT—Friday & Saturday, Feb. 27 & 28, 8 p.m., Cirque De La Symphonie.
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, March 6, 8 p.m., Brahms concert.

WCPL evening computer classes

Become friends with your computer in a fun, friendly atmosphere at the Wells County Public Library. Classes are free but you must register. Each class requires individual registration. Class size is limited so sign up today.
Don’t be afraid of the mouse: Introduction to computers — Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. A very basic introduction to computers. Learn to maneuver the mouse, parts of the computer and the lingo. Great for seniors and those new to the computer.
Copy & Paste: Basic word processing — Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. An introduction to word processing for beginners. Learn to copy & paste, edit text and more using Microsoft Word 2007. Note: you MUST be able to comfortably use a mouse to get the most out of this class.
Beginning Internet — Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. Learn what the internet is and how to do basic web searching. You MUST be able to comfortably use a mouse to get the most out of this class.
Intermediate internet — Thursday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. Take online searching a step further, discover interesting sites (travel, cooking, games, etc) and learn how to keep your computer healthy online. You MUST be able to use the mouse comfortably to get the most out of this class.
Register for classes at the Wells County Public Library online at www.wellscolibrary.org, by calling 260-824-1612 or stop by the library.

Club Calendar

Monday, Feb. 15
Sigma Phi Gamma Business Meeting--Mary Huffman’s home; 7:30 p.m.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topic: Resiliency and Special Needs Kds. Guest speaker: Rob Pettibone, Administrator, Family Restoration, SCAN. 447-7116.

Tuesday, Feb. 16
Chester Center Nightclubbers--Home of Pat Mounsey; noon.

Wednesday, Feb. 17
Kitco Retirees--Corner Depot; noon.
Bible Study Club--United Methodist Church; 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; noon.

Saturday, Feb. 20
River Terrace Estates--Alex Mendez playing blues and jazz; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Feb. 21
River Terrace Estates--Marlene Lobsiger playing piano and Dave Blackwell playing saxaphone and horn; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.

What's Up? Chess time!!

Chess Time at
Huntington Library set for Feb. 26
Huntington City-Township Public Library invites kids in grades six through 12 to come to It’s Chess Time at Your Library, with instructor Jack Oberholtzer, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the HCTPL Main Library, 200 West Market Street, Huntington.
Teens can learn to play chess, build their strategy skills, and play practice games, as well as take part in a chess tournament, which will then continue on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
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!

Registration due
Feb. 26 for Indiana Master Naturalist Class
Those who would like to learn more about nature in an indoor/outdoor setting can register for Master Naturalist Program. The Upper Wabash Interpretive Services, serving J. Edward Roush, Salamonie and Mississinewa Lakes, will hold the class at Salamonie Reservoir Interpretive Center on Thursdays, March 18-May 13, from 6 to 9:15 p.m.
It is an educational/volunteer programs developed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University Extension to provide Hoosiers who love experiencing and then sharing nature with others, learning through hands-on educational opportunities.
Marvin McNew, Upper Wabash Interpretive Services Director, hopes graduated participants will choose to use their newly learned skills as volunteer interpretive naturalists, working with the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services.
Class size will be limited to 30 students. The fee will be $65 per person. Registrations are due by Feb. 26. For more information call 260-468-2127 or 260-358-4826 or email: jheaston@dnr.in.gov.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Free Evening Computer Class @ the Library

Become friends with your computer in a fun, friendly atmosphere at the Wells County Public Library. Classes are free but you must register. Each class requires individual registration. Class size is limited so sign up today.

Don’t be afraid of the mouse: Introduction to computers — Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. A very basic introduction to computers. Learn to maneuver the mouse, parts of the computer and the lingo. Great for seniors and those new to the computer.

Copy & Paste: Basic word processing — Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. An introduction to word processing for beginners. Learn to copy & paste, edit text and more using Microsoft Word 2007. Note: you MUST be able to comfortably use a mouse to get the most out of this class.


Beginning Internet — Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. Learn what the internet is and how to do basic web searching. You MUST be able to comfortably use a mouse to get the most out of this class.

Intermediate internet — Thursday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. Take online searching a step further, discover interesting sites (travel, cooking, games, etc) and learn how to keep your computer healthy online. You MUST be able to use the mouse comfortably to get the most out of this class.

You can register for classes at the Wells County Public Library online at www.wellscolibrary.org, by calling 260-824-1612 or stop by the library.

(Submitted)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

What's Up!

The Channel rescheduled
Ossian Church of the Nazarene, 302 N. Metts St., has rescheduled The Channel to Feb. 13. OCN blend will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and The Channel will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Contact Pastor Bob Miller at 622-7449.

Bereavement Education Series Feb. 23
Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home at 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, will sponsor a Bereavement Education Series starting Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. The topic will be “Learning to life after the death of a spouse” by Kay Cozad, Grief and Loss Educator, Founder of Hope in the Morning. A light lunch will be served. To reserve a space call 260-435-3222 or email: bonniedavis@vnhh.org/lilicarroll@vnhh.org.

WCPL Events and Info

LIBRARY USED BOOKS SALE IS FEB. 17-20
The Friends of the Library’s annual Winter Used Books Sale is Feb. 17-20 at the Wells County Public Library. Open during normal library hours, the sale is a great time to stock up your home library with gently-used books, magazines, movies, music and art prints. Come early for the best selection. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612 or visit the website at www.wellscolibrary.org


MOST READ BOOKS @ THE LIBRARY
Do you ever wonder what everyone else is reading? Take a look at the top 10 books for adults checked out at the Wells County Public Library during the month of January 2010.

Fiction
1) She drives me crazy by Leslie Kelly
2) Noah’s compass: a novel by Anne Tyler
3) Fearless fourteen by Janet Evanovich
4) The lost symbol: a novel by Dan Brown
5) The last song by Nicholas Sparks
6) Ice: a novel by Linda Howard
7) Finger lickin’ fifteen by Janet Evanovich
8) This side of heaven by Karen Kingsbury
9) Take two by Karen Kingsbury
10) Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Non fiction
1) Have a little faith: a true story by Mitch Albom
2) Easy makeovers: 101 quick design fixes you can do in a weekend by Michele Keith
3) When the game was ours by Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson
4) Tropic of Capricorn: a remarkable journey to the forgotten corners of the world by Simon Reeve
5) Taste of Home: comfort food diet cookbook by the editors of Taste of Home
6) Remodeling a kitchen by Sam Clark
7) Organizing plain & simple by Donna Smallin
8) Open: an autobiography by Andre Agassi
9) The National Parks: America’s best idea: an illustrated history by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns
10) Mennonite in a little black dress: a memoir of going home by Rhoda Janzen

All you need is an active library card to check out books from the Wells County Public Library – and the cards are free to county residents. Popular books that are already on loan can be placed on hold with a library card at the library or online at www.wellscolibrary.org. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612 or stop by today.
(Submitted Info)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wells Co. Council on Aging

Office Hours Monday through Friday are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2008
2010 Senior Discount Cards are now available at the Wells County Council on Aging from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cards are $7 and are not transferable or $8 laminated. Many local vendors participate in this senior discount program.
If it is impossible to go to the Council on Aging office to purchase a card, you can receive it by mail Send the agency a stamped, self-addressed legal sized envelope; enclose the $7 per card and the additional $1 fee if lamination is desired. The discount card and list of sponsors will then be mailed to you.
Sale of Senior Citizens Discount Cards are a fundraising project for the local Council on Aging. The money raised by the sale of the cards supports many services the organization has to offer within the Wells County Community, including programs such as transportation and in-home services. If you are a business owner and are interested in sponsoring a discount, contact Margaret Whitesel at 824-1070.

Wells on Wheels (WOW) Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon. Call 824-4WOW or 824-4969.

Monday through Friday
11:30 a.m. — Nutrition Program at Capri II Sponsored by Aging & In-Home Services of NE Indiana. Those age 60 and over are free will donation. Under age 60 meals are $5.25. Menus available at Council on Aging. Contact the Nutrition Site 24 hours in advance between 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 824-2260.
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.—Pathways, Wells County Senior Citizen Activities Guide may be picked up at the Wells County Council on Aging, 225 W. Water Street.

Friday, Feb. 12
1-4:30 p.m.—Pool: 8 Ball at Christian Care Retirement Community. Participation is free. For informatin call Marcia Meyer at 565-3000.
1-4:30 p.m.—Cards: All kinds at Christian Care Retirement Community. Participation is free. For information call Marcia Meyer at 565-3000.

Monday, Feb.15
Closed in observance of President’s Day.

Wednesday, Feb. 17
10 a.m.-Noon—Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. Call 824-6069.

Thursday, Feb. 18
9 a.m.-4 p.m.—Tax Preparation Services offered by Ed Goetz and Elizabeth Diehl at Wells County Council on Aging. Call 824-1070.

Arts Place workshop for all ages


Arts Place at 131 E. Walnut Street, Portland, is offering a full day of workshops on Saturday, Feb. 20 for artists of all ages. Classes will take place at both the Portland and St. Marys centers. For more information on these programs call 260-726-4809. Kid workshops include:
Fantastic Fiber: 10-10:45 a.m. Little Arts: Polymer Clay Workshop This class is for the little artist ages four through six. Students will squish, roll and mold colorful clay into fantastic projects. Cost for the workshop is $20 which includes all supplies. Instructor Kate Morgan will lead the session.
Basketry Workshop: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Spend this workshop making a wall (hanging) basket with instructor Wilma Rigby. Participants may bring lunch for a break. Cost is $35 and includes most supplies. Please bring a sharp scissors and a flat head screwdriver.
Art School for Kids: Fantastic Fiber Workshop: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Led by Kate Morgan, students age seven through 13 will tell stories with cloth. Stamp, fold, cut, glue, sew and embellish cloth into art! Participants may bring lunch for a small break. Cost is $35 including all supplies.
Make Your Mark Workshop: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Kate Morgan will lead adults (age 14 and older) through a session of finding personal creativity. This class is all about getting started or getting “unstuck”. Cost is $35 and includes all supplies.
Tattoo You Workshop: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Instructor Kat Koeller will teach this workshop for ages 10 and older. Design your own tattoo and learn the history of tribal art. Participants will use glitter tattoos, body paint and henna pens for designs that will last up to two weeks. Cost is $30 and includes all supplies.
Little Arts: Flower Pounding Workshop: 10-10:45 a.m. A one day adventure into fun! Students ages four to six will pound flowers into cloth to make pretty designs. Fabric artist Cathy Jeffers can direct your child’s imagination into a wonderful work of art. Cost is $20 and includes all supplies.
Art Doll Workshop: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Fond of creatures big and small? Some that fly, some that swim...a hero or an imaginary friend? Instructor Cathy Jeffers will teach how a simple cloth body is designed and sewn, stuffed and embellished. Teachers this is a great tie-in to your classrooms. Cost is $40 and includes all supplies. Participants are asked to bring lunch for a small break.
Arts School for Kids: Fantastic Fiber Workshop: 2:30 -4:30 p.m.
Led by Cathy Jeffers, students age seven to 13 will tell stories with cloth. Stamp, fold, cut, glue, sew and embellish cloth into art! Cost is $30 and includes all supplies.

Club Calendar

Thursday, Feb. 11
The Bee Happy Quilters--Wells County Public Library; 7 p.m. Lesson: Seminole Patchwork with Anita Haddix. Public welcome. Call 824-1463.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One--Legion Post 82, 3501 Harris Road, Fort Wayne; Breakfast at 7 a.m. Meeting at 9 a.m.
River Terrace Estates--Tab Bechler playing piano and singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Feb. 14
River Terrace Estates--Kay Bower singing group from Petroleum Church; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Feb. 15
Sigma Phi Gamma Business Meeting--Mary Huffman’s home; 7:30 p.m.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Support Group--Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information call 447-7116.

Random Acts of Kindness @ the library

Give-a-ways, drawings, used book sale & Fine Free Friday

Kindness will be overflowing at the Wells County Public Library during Random Acts of Kindness Week, Feb. 16-20.

The library is closed on Monday for President’s Day but activities beginning bright and early on Tuesday with daily give-a-ways. Patrons checking out items will receive a different give-a-way gift each day including candy, flowers, cookies and library bucks good toward video rentals, copies or used book purchases. And while at the library, be sure to register for a chance to win a gift basket door prize.

Donations for the World Relief International Relief Agency for efforts in Haiti will be collected in a coin jar at the front desk throughout the week. Adults, teens and children are encouraged to share what they can. All proceeds go towards disaster relief.

The library’s annual Friends of the Library Winter Used Book Sale begins Wednesday and continues through Saturday during regular library hours. The Friends of the Library members-only pre-sale is Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m. Not a member? Why not stop by the library today to join so you can enjoy the pre-sale too?

Be sure to take advantage of the library’s kindliest act: Fine Free Friday on Feb. 19. If you have a library item at home with an overdue fee, hand it directly to a librarian at the front desk and the fine will be “forgiven” (damaged items not included). Remember, the item (s) must be handled through a staff member and not just dropped into the return box. Feel free to call 260-824-1612 with questions.

And while you’re at the library, be sure to sign up for the Winter Reading Program. The program runs through the month of February and there are challenges for adults, teens and children. Just completing the simply challenges earns you a free book to keep for yourself or to donate to a local school library.

For more information about Random Acts of Kindness Week at the Wells County Public Library, contact the library at 260-824-1612 or visit online at www.wellscolibrary.org

(Submitted)

Olixus Inc. announces the “Nominate the Olixus' Education Ambassadors to China” event!

Nominate School Principals as ‘Olixus' US Education Ambassadors to China” & help build a bridge of friendship to share and inspire the best in our children's education!

Your PTA and your team can each win $1,000!

WHAT: Honor Teachers this Valentine's Day - “Nominate the Olixus' Education Ambassadors to China”
WHEN: Nominations are accepted online through Sunday, Feb 14th, 2010
WHO: Anyone who has attended grades K-12, even if not currently enrolled!
WHERE: http://www.olixus.net

Olixus Inc., Mountain View, CA, is pleased to announce, in partnership with a private education foundation “ Loudi Culture Development Foundation - in Loudi, Hunan Province, P.R.China, will sponsor the “Nominate the Olixus' Education Ambassadors to China” event. Nominations are being accepted until Sunday, February 14th, 2010, Valentine's Day. Our goal is to help build a bridge of friendship to share and inspire the best in education. Our vision is a world with the best from both East and West, a world of love, peace and harmony, giving everyone the opportunity to excel to his or her best potential.

Olixus.net is a community education portal - a knowledge bridge. In 2009, we sponsored several education seminars to help our communities learn from each other and get inspired by some of the best among us, to build the knowledge together of what it takes to provide a multicultural education to our children and inspire them to get the best education possible.

We need help from communities nationwide to nominate educators as Education Ambassadors to lead this invited team to China; people who are role models for us in fostering a healthy culture and education exchange programs. Two principals will be chosen by the Advisory Board to be “Olixus' Education Ambassadors to China” based on criteria determined by the member majority and input from the community.

Educators, parents, students and others who are passionate about supporting this good cause can all participate by nominating. The nomination process is simple: just visit www.olixus.net, and follow two-steps process: (1) choose a school by choosing your State, your school district and your specific school, then (2) fill your principal's name if you are the first one to nominate. After that, be sure to share with the community a short story of why you nominated the principal and how she/he made a difference to you encouraging you to reach out and learn more.
“It takes a village to raise a child”. The nominations will help identify the outstanding communities, including the Superintendent of the school district, Principals, teachers, parents and students who share the same belief that reaching out and learning new ways of thinking from the other side of the world helps build a bridge of knowledge, ultimately helping us build a bridge of friendship to share and inspire the best in education. Only when the whole community is aligned behind such a mission to explore and learn can the long term benefits be seen from such enormous efforts.

(Submitted)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Feb. 10
Poplar Grove Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11
The Bee Happy Quilters--Wells County Public Library; 7 p.m. Lesson: Seminole Patchwork with Anita Haddix. Public welcome. Call 824-1463.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One--Legion Post 82, 3501 Harris Road, Fort Wayne; Breakfast at 7 a.m. Meeting at 9 a.m. Bring Valentines for veterans. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend the meeting.
River Terrace Estates--Tab Bechler playing piano and singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

What's Up

Family Bowling Night to feature Charlie Cardinal Feb. 14
Join Adams-Wells Area Ball State alumni and friends for a Family Bowling Outing at The Bowling Center with special guest Charlie Cardinal, Sunday, Feb. 14. at 2 p.m. Those attending will have two hours of unlimited bowling (bumpers available), shoes, and a coupon for a soft drink. The Bowling Center will have food available for purchase. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 16 years and younger. Remember to bring your camera for photos with Charlie Cardinal! Reservations are due by Wednesday, Feb. 10. Call 824-9966.
Family Bowling Night is presented by the Ball State University Alumni Association and the Adams-Wells Alumni Chapter. A portion of the event is being underwritten by Stan and Deb Kunkel and the BSUAA.

Bingo and Euchre at Freidheim Feb. 20
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church will sponsor bingo and two euchre tournaments Saturday, Feb. 20 at Hoagland Park Pavilion in Hoagland.
Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Euchre tournaments will be at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person per tournament. Bingo will be start at 3 p.m. at 50 cents per card. Food, for a free will donation, will be served throughout the day. The menu will include: brats, kraut, hot dogs, German potato salad, chips, baked beans and desserts. Proceeds will go to the church's planned expansion.

Special Needs Dance Feb. 21
Put on your bell bottoms and plan to boogie down at the Special Needs Dance Sunday, Feb. 21 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Building (co-sponsored with 4-H). Friends and family will enjoy music, refreshments and photos. Cost is $1.00 per person. Dress for the evening is theme based or dressy. Ticket are available in the City Clerk/Treasurer’s office at 128 E. Market St. For more information call 824-6069.

Dad/Daughter Disco Dance Feb. 21
Gentlemen dig out your polyester leisure suit (we know you kept it) and hurry on down to the City Clerk Treasurer's office in City Hall to purchase your tickets starting for the super-groovy Dad/Daughter Disco dance Sunday Feb. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Building (co-sponsored with the 4-H).
Enjoy an evening of music, refreshments, door prizes, photos and treat bags. Escorts may be father, grandfather, or other significant adult role model. Dress for this event is theme based or dressy. The price for a couple is $10 ($3 for each additional daughter). For more information call 824-6069.

Parks meeting cancelled

Tonights Parks Department Board meeting has been cancelled due to inclement weather. It has not yet been rescheduled.

KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

KOHL’S ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 1 – MARCH 15, TEN NATIONAL WINNERS TO RECEIVE $10,000 EACH

Marking the tenth anniversary of its Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) will award more than $410,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl’s gift cards to ten $10,000 scholarships, recognizing youths who make a difference by volunteering in their communities. Nominations for kids ages six to 18 will be accepted Feb. 1 – March 15 at kohlskids.com. Kohl’s continues its scholarship program and will double national scholarship amounts to $10,000 each during a time when rising tuition costs, tightening credit and less financial aid availability makes footing the average $60,000 bill for a four-year degree increasingly difficult.*

To nominate young volunteers ages six to 18 for a Kohl’s Kids Who Care scholarship, visit www.kohlskids.com. Nominations are accepted Feb. 1 through March 15, and nominators must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of Kohl’s 1,059 stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl’s gift card, and more than 190 of them will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. This year, Kohl’s is increasing the national winner scholarships where ten national winners will each receive $10,000 in scholarships, and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each winner’s behalf.

Through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, Kohl’s aims to recognize deserving kids who have invested in their communities by giving them a jump start on investing in their own futures. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has awarded nearly 11,000 youth volunteers with more than $2.2 million in scholarships and prizes.
Last year’s Kohl’s Kids Who Care scholarship winners included 8-year-old Hannah Turner who collected 100,000 clothing items for homeless people, 12-year-old Rocco Fiorentino who contributed to advocacy efforts that led to legislature dedicating $1.2 million to Braille education and services in New Jersey and 17-year-old Dallas Jessup who raised nearly $1 million and founded a community service project empowering girls to fight back against abduction and assault. (Submitted)

Jericho Fundraiser

Jericho Advanced Training Center for Ministry, Inc.

Monday Feb 15 from 5pm-9pm, join Jericho at Pizza Hut for some delicious pizza from the buffet. $1 from every buffet, plus all tips and donations go towards raising funds for Jericho! See you there!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Creative Arts Centre Events

Visit the Creative Arts Council’s Balentine Gallery at the Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre, 211 West Water Street, Bluffton, Indiana 46714. (260)-824-5222 or wellscocreativearts.com Find event & membership information, view exhibits, purchase tickets, take classes, or volunteer.
HOURS—Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Other hours by appointment.

IN THE BALENTINE GALLERY
Exhibit through Feb. 26—“Suspended: works of Sayaka Ganz, Angela Leed and Adam Parsons” See a colony of swimming penguins and other creatures sculpted from reclaimed objects, detailed pastel works and abstract paintings to spark your winter.
Exhibit March 1-April 15—Photography of Deb Perry exhibiting a narrated show “Un-Scenes” of hidden places in Wells County. Listen to the story of these unique sites with the photojournalist at a dessert reception Sunday, March 14 at 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the gallery
Exhibit of Wells County student artwork April 20-May 22—sponsored by Bluffton Tri Kappa, reception Sunday, April 18 at 2 to 3:30 p.m.

CAC SCHOOL OF BALLET
Now in session.
Mark 2010 calendars for “Cinderella’s Ball” performance May 2 at Life Auditorium at 2:30 p.m.
Ballet Guild will meet Monday, Feb. 8, 5:15 p.m .and Thurs. Feb. 18 at 5:15 p.m..

EVENTS
“Iran Then and Now” Thurs. Feb. 11 with Buddy Hatton, sponsored by National Oil and Gas Co., part of Travel Adventure Series at 7 to 9 p.m. $6 adult/$3 student.
Valentine’s Day dinner concert — Thurs. Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. $25 per guest for dinner and concert. Reservations can be paid online at www.wellscocreativearts.com Requires reservation by Feb. 9. (Tables of 8 may be reserved.) Part of CAC’s Series on the Ouabache, sponsored by General Manufacturing Co.

MYSTERY DINNER THEATER—Thursday, March 18, with Bower Productions. Time to be announced.

OPEN MIC POETRY READING—Monday, April 26, recent original writings, public welcome.
Annual fundraising art auction dinner—Fri. April 23, 2010: tables 5 p.m.; dinner 6 p.m.; gavel 7 p.m.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
MORE JUNGLE JAZZ—Mondays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. with Cindy Lemmon. A few space available. Download or pay at the website.

YOGA WITH BALANCE—with Susy Jones on Monday evenings, now in session.
ARTIST WORKSHOPS—In the works for workshops in watercolor, oils and acrylic.
GROUPS
CAC BOARD—Monday, Feb. 5:15 p.m., fundraisers meeting at 6 p.m. Lynn Elliott presiding.
BOOK CLUB—Tuesday, Feb. 9, noon. Ruth Bradley to review “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson.
Artists in Action—paint (or other medium) on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Studio B by arrangement.

CULINARY ARTISTS—Saturday, Feb. 13, cooks to help set up for Valentine dinner; March 11, “Slow Down Dinner” with cooks sharing crockpot recipes with a table of friends, $3 per guest; April 8 featuring guest cook Fancheon Resler offering “Breakfast for Supper” at $8 per guest.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S FORUM—Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., informal chat for amateur photographers, information about summer photo exhibit. Open to the public free of charge.

Club Calendar

Monday, Feb. 8
Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer support group, Wells County Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street; 4-5:30 p.m. All prostate cancer survivors, newly diagnosed, interested parties and significant others are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Feb. 9
Homemaker's Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10
Poplar Grove Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11
The Bee Happy Quilters--Wells County Public Library; 7 p.m. Lesson: Seminole Patchwork with Anita Haddix. Public welcome. Call 824-1463.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One--Legion Post 82, 3501 Harris Road, Fort Wayne; Breakfast at 7 a.m. Meeting at 9 a.m. Bring Valentines for veterans. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend the meeting.
River Terrace Estates--Tab Bechler playing piano and singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Feb. 14
River Terrace Estates--Kay Bower singing group from Petroleum Church; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.

What's UP!

NHS cookie dough fundraiser begins Feb. 10
Norwell High School will kick-off an Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough fundraiser Feb. 10. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the students through attendance and academic improvement incentives, graduation expenses, and other various student awards.
Cookie dough will be sold for two weeks beginning Feb. 10 and ending Feb. 24. At that time, all money must be turned in with the orders. Students will be responsible for delivery of the frozen cookie dough. No orders will be placed without payment.
Cookies come already pre-formed in a reusable tub, there is no scooping and no mess.

Read-a-Thon
Lock-In Feb. 12 at BHS
The 54-member Book Review Club at Bluffton High School will hold a Read-a-Thon lock-in Friday, Feb. 12, in the school library!
Members are requesting sponsors to donate money for each hour the student reads. The Read-a-Thon will begin at 6 p.m. and read until 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Readers will take breaks and perhaps even a nap, but there is the potential for a member to read eight to 10 hours.
Sponsors can pledge an amount for each hour of reading or may choose to make a donation of a set amount. All monies collected will be used to buy books for the school library.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a reader, but have not been approached directly, can still contribute by calling the high school at 824-3724 and asking for the library.

Bake sale in
Montpelier Feb. 12
Members of the Montpelier Friends of the Library will sponsor a Valentine Bake Sale Friday, Feb. 12 at Pacesetter Bank beginning at 9 a.m. Come early for the best selection.

Farm Bureau Spring Conference March 12 & 13
The Farm Bureau 2010 Spring Conference will be held in Indianapolis on March 12 and 13. Cultivating a Field of Champions will be the theme for the event.
The kickoff will begin March 12 at 1 p.m. and end March 13 at noon. Speakers will include Donya Lester, Bob Ash and Andrew McCrea.
Any Farm Bureau member interested in attending this event must contact Kim Barger at 565-3804. All meal and hotel reservations must be made by Feb. 12.

Adopt-a-Pet


Mokie is a 8 year old all white DSH. Neutered and declawed male.


Baby is a 2 year old DSH, spayed and declawed female.




*Both are very sweet and love attention!

Call now: 824-6063

Friday, February 5, 2010

Pigeon Forge ‘Sets Up Camp’ for Festival of Cowboy Poetry

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Cowboy poets, western singers and chuckwagon cooks are just over the horizon from Pigeon Forge, Tenn., preparing for the 10th celebration of Saddle Up!, a perhaps unexpected celebration of cowboy ways east of the Mississippi River.
Saddle Up!, Feb. 25-28, 2010, is the last major component of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, a four-month season of activities that started in November. The entire Winterfest celebration is on the American Bus Association’s list of the Top 100 Events in North America.
Like stars over a clear prairie sky, the entertainment lineup sparkles with Don Edwards, Waddie Mitchell, R.W. Hampton, Dave Stamey, Ray Doyle and Jeff Gore. Two western swing dances will get guests showing off their best two-stepping techniques.
The pop culture side of the cowboy life will be featured through appearances by James Drury and other stars of “The Virginian,” the 1962-1971 hit TV Western. “The Virginian,” the first 90-minute Western, told the story of the fictional Shiloh Ranch near Medicine Bow, Wyo.
Autograph sessions and question-and-answer opportunities are planned with Drury, Roberta Shore, Gary Clarke and Randy Boone. Drury appeared throughout the series.
A competitive chuckwagon cookoff is another Saddle Up! highlight. Teams of chuckwagon cooks will prepare an authentic trail hand lunch for guests’ enjoyment—and the critical evaluation of judges.
The closing event is Cowboy Church, a non-denominational service preceded by strong coffee and a chuckwagon breakfast.
Admission information: Concert day passes are $20 per day and $50 for the weekend (free through age 17). The chuckwagon cookoff lunch, chuckwagon breakfast and western swing dance are $5.
Admission to “The Virginian” event is free.
The complete festival schedule is online at www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup. Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-251-9100.

Free Pancakes for National Pancake Day!

Free short stacks of IHOP buttermilk pancakes and A Hope Center-Crisis Pregnancy Center of Fort Wayne will be the focus of the 2010 National Pancake Day celebration at three Fort Wayne IHOPs (located at 6839 West Jefferson Boulevard, 4403 Coldwater Road, and 1535 West Washington Center Road) on Tuesday, February 23rd. The local restaurants, owned by Womack Restaurants, will join 1,400 IHOP restaurants nationwide in the celebration.

Fort Wayne residents are invited to visit one of the local IHOP restaurants between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to receive their free short stack of (three) IHOP signature buttermilk pancakes and to consider making a voluntary contribution to A Hope Center-Crisis Pregnancy Center of Fort Wayne. National Pancake Day has been celebrated by IHOPs nationwide since 2006, raising nearly $3.25 dollars to support the Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities.

“National Pancake Day has become a tradition for many families who come to their local IHOP for great food and service, states Scott Womack, president of Womack Restaurants, an IHOP franchisee with 9 Indiana and two Ohio locations. “This event also allows us raise money and awareness for some important local charities. In 2009, our IHOP restaurants raised $9,000 on National Pancake Day, nearly doubling the donations raised during our 2008 event, said Womack. “We also served up over 9,400 free short pancake stacks to our local communities.”

Pancake Day has been celebrated for centuries in England, as people prepared for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products; hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Club Calendar

Saturday, Feb. 6
River Terrace Estates--Rev. Roy Nevil in Healthcare; 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 7
River Terrace Estates--Arlene Stoller singing and playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Feb. 8
Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer support group, Wells County Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street; 4-5:30 p.m. All prostate cancer survivors, newly diagnosed, interested parties and significant others are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Feb. 9
Homemaker's Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10
Poplar Grove Club--Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Every Thursday
Let's Play Bingo! — Cowboy's Restaurant in Bluffton on Main Street every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit Coon Hunters Assoc.

Parents Night Out Feb. 13

Members of the First Church Of the Nazarene Youth Group will sponsor a Parents Night Out Saturday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. for those age sixth grade and younger at 1515 W. Clark Street, Bluffton.
Cost is $5 per child up to $15. per family for the night. Dinner will be provided. Games, sports, activities and crafts will be available. Procededs will help the teens go on a mission trip this summer. For more information call 260-565-4333.

Read-a-Thon at BHS

The Book Review Club (54 members) at Bluffton High School is having a a Read-a-Thon lock-in Friday, February 12, in the school library! Members are requesting sponsors to donate money for each hour the student reads. We'll begin at 6 P.M. and read until 8 A.M. Saturday morning. Of course our readers will take breaks and perhaps even a nap but there is the potential for a member to read 8-10 hours. Sponsors can pledge an amount for each hour of reading or may choose to make a donation of a set amount. All monies collected will be used to buy books for the school library. We've chosen not to "sell" anything as a fund-raiser so this is our one-and-only funding project other than working a ball game.

Our members are excited about this chance to raise money for new books and also share a fun evening together reading. If you would like to sponsor a reader but have not been approached directly, you can still contribute by calling the high school at 824-3724 and asking for the library. We'll be happy to include your pledge in our total support. Thank you.

(Submitted)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

What's Up

Bluffton Christian Writing Club to meet Feb. 8
The Bluffton Christian Writing Club will meet on the second Monday of each month at River Terrace Estates Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
We will discuss various writings of the group in progress
Visitors welcome. No cost. We allow members to read for five minutes, then critique each other's work in a loving, helpful way for 15 minutes.

South Adams Winter Band Festival Feb. 8
The South Adams Music Department hold their 15th Annual Winter Band Festival Monday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the South Adams Burkhalter Auditorium.
This year the Bellmont and Southern Wells Concert Bands will be joining the Southern Wells Concert Band for a day of music instruction and rehearsal with the concert capping off the event.
Dr. Chad R. Nicholson, Associate Professor of Music at IPFW will be the guest conductor and clinician for the event. Dr. Nicholson is the Director of Instrumental Studies at IPFW where he conducts the wind ensemble and teaches conducting and music education courses. The concert is free.

Preschooler program Feb. 17 and 18
Children, ages two to five are invited for “Winter White, Winter Light” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 and 18 at Salamonie Interpretive Center. The program will include indoor and outdoor activities focusing on winter enjoyment, past and present. Participants will make candles, step back in history and spend time outdoors. Be sure to dress for the weather.
Caregivers must remain with their child throughout the program. There is a $2 fee per child. Gate fees are waived at this time. For more information call 260-468-2127 or visit: www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

BHS Band Pork Chop Dinner Feb. 20
The Bluffton High School Band Boosters will sponsor a pork chop dinner Saturday, Feb. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. in conjunction with the home boys basketball game.
Tickets are $7 each. Included in the dinner is: pork chop, au gratin potatoes, applesauce, roll, cookie and drink.Dine in and carry-out are available. Those going to the dinner should enter Doors 1 and 6 only.

Bingo and Euchre at Freidheim Feb. 20
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church will sponsor bingo and two euchre tournaments Saturday, Feb. 20 at Hoagland Park Pavilion in Hoagland. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Euchre touranments will be at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person per tournament. Bingo will be start at 3 p.m. at 50 cents per card. Food, for a free will donation, will be served throughout the day. The menu will incude: brats, kraut, hot dogs, German potato salad, chips, baked beans and desserts.
Proceeds will go to the church's planned expansion.

Pork Chop Dinner Feb. 20
A pork chop dinner will be held Sunday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blackford County 4-H Building in Hartford City. The menu will include: pork chop, cheesy potatoes, green beans, roll, dessert and beverage.
Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call 765-348-3213.

Road Runners breakfast Feb. 23
Members of the Road Runners Bus Ministry of the Warren Church of Christ will meet for breakfast Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Norm's Preble Gardens, just outside of Decatur. Meet at 302 N. Wayne St., Warren at 8:30 a.m. to travel to Preble. A free will offering will be taken to cover transportation costs.

Area Things to See and Do

MON COMMUNITY DANCERS AT
ST. FRANCIS
On Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m., the Mon Community Dancers will perform at the North Campus Auditorium at the University of Saint Francis, 2702 Spring St., FW. The free performance will feature 12 types of dances sponsored by the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor group of Fort Wayne. This is part of the Fort Wayne Global Village on Stage event celebrating diversity in the arts. Call 260-399-7700, ext. 8001.

FW HEARTLAND
SINGS LINCOLN
CELEBRATION
A LINCOLN CELEBRATION—Saturday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, 4 p.m., University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium. Tickets $19 and $24. A multimedia performance. To arrange for tickets call 260-436-8080, 866-745-7013 with more information at www.HeartlandChorale.org.

BRYANT GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
SANDY PATTY—Sunday, June 13, 2 & 4:30 p.m., tickets go on sale on Feb. 1.
Schedule of Shower of Stars available at www.bearcreekfarms.com For more information and reservations call 260-997-6822 or check out www.bearcreekfarms.com

FORT WAYNE’S CIVIC THEATRE
The Civic Theatre’s 2009-1010 season has been announced and includes: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 5-12; The Road to Mecca, April 2-18; Studs Terkel Working, May 7-16; and Playwright Contest, June 4-13. Call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

Club Calendar

Saturday, Feb. 6
River Terrace Estates--Rev. Roy Nevil in Healthcare; 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 7
River Terrace Estates--Arlene Stoller singing and playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, Feb. 8
Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer support group, Wells County Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street; 4-5:30 p.m. All prostate cancer survivors, newly diagnosed, interested parties and significant others are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE COLISEUM EVENTS
.BOAT SHOW & SALE—Thursday, Feb. 4, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 6, Sunday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SHINEDOWN, PUDDLE OF MUDD, SKILLET—Thursday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., $29,50 or $35 day of show.
WOMEN’S & FOOD EXPO—Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MARTINA MCBRIDE & TRACE ADKINS—Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., $49.75 & $59.75.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW—Thursday, Feb. 25 & Friday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WINTERJAM—Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m., $10. (NewSong, Newboys, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North)
CARRIE UNDERWOOD—Monday, April 12, also Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia.
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office 1-800-745-3000.

Club Calendar

Tuesday, Feb. 2
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; 6:15 p.m.
Cardinal Bird Club--Corner Depot Restaurant; 6 p.m. Following the meal Kathy Fuller will present a program on Hawks of Indiana.

Wednesday, Feb. 3
Bible Study Club--United Methodist Church; 12:45 p.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6
River Terrace Estates--Rev. Roy Nevil in Healthcare; 9:30 a.m.

What's Up!

Place Angel Food Feburary orders now
Orders for Angel Food Ministries’ February menu can be placed at Sonlight Wesleyan Church between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or order online at www.angelfoodministries.com. The deadline at the church is Sunday, February 14, 2010.
Online orders can be placed until noon February 18. Food will be distributed Feb. 27 and will be drive-thru.
For more information, call the church at 824-0068 or Margetta Stinson at 827-0382. (Pd Advt.)

Pancake and
Sausage Breakfest Feb. 6
Little Lights Childcare Ministry will sponsor a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at 1225 W. Washington Street, Bluffton.
Dine-in, carry-out or delivery will be available. A free will donation will be accepted during the event.
For delivery call 260-273-7594.

Bluffton Optimist Tri-Star Basketball Contest Feb. 6
All Wells County boys and girls, age eight to 13 (as of March 15, 2010), are welcome to participate in the Bluffton Optimist Tri-Star Basketball Contest Saturday, Feb. 6 at Bluffton City Gym at 128 E. Market Street, Bluffton.
Registration and warm ups will begin at 3:30 p.m. Contest starts at 4 p.m. Sign up forms are available at the door.
The top three boys and girls from each age group will receive trophies. First place winners will advance to the regional contest, date to be announced.
For more information call Larry Tschannen at 824-4713 or Doug Cale at 824-5650.

Valentine Senior Lunch Feb. 11
Come and enjoy a hearty lunch Thursday, Feb. 11 prepared by the culinary art students at Bluffton High School.
Lunch will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Pre-registration is required by calling 824-6069 by Feb. 8.
In honor of Lincoln’s birthday month, Brian Dirck from Anderson University will be talking about his life and law practices. Cost is $6.

Have some pizza and support Jericho

Jericho will be having a fundraiser for the school at Pizza Hut in Bluffton on Feb 15 from 5pm-9pm. For every buffet purchased $1 will go towards Jericho. All tips and donations will also go to supporting the school.

Winter program for preschoolers, Feb. 17-18, at Salamonie Interpretive Center

Indiana DNR Release:

Children ages 2 to 5 are invited for “Winter White, Winter Light” on Feb. 17 and 18, at the Salamonie Interpretive Center, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The same program is offered once each day to accommodate more children.

The program includes indoor and outdoor activities focusing on winter enjoyment, past and present. Participants make candles, step back in history and spend time outdoors. Participants should be dressed appropriately for the weather, are welcome to arrive early to enjoy the exhibit area and gift shop, and may bring a lunch to eat will others after the event.

Caregivers must remain with their child throughout the program.

There is a $2 fee per child. Gate fees are waived. Register by calling (260) 468-2127 or visit the Salamonie Interpretive Center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, 46702.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center and Otter Run Tradin’ Post is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Visit the Upper Wabash Reservoirs Interpretive Services (UWIS) Web site, www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for information on other programs.

Monday, February 1, 2010

BLUFFTON OPTIMIST TRI-STAR BASKETBALL CONTEST

Who: ALL Wells county boys and girls age 8-13 (as of March 15, 2010)

When: Saturday February 6, 2010
Registration/warm up at 3:30 pm
Contest at 4:00 pm

Where: Bluffton City Gym, 128 E. Market

Registration: Sign up forms available at the door

Top 3 boys and girls from each age group receive trophies. 1st place winners advance to the regional contest. (location, date and time TBA Feb. 6th)

Questions: Larry Tschannen 824-4713 or Doug Cale 824-5650

Club Calendar

Tuesday, Feb. 2
Bluffton Lions Club--Corner Depot; 6:15 p.m.
Cardinal Bird Club--Corner Depot Restaurant; 6 p.m. Following the meal Kathy Fuller will present a program on Hawks of Indiana.

Wednesday, Feb. 3
Bible Study Club--United Methodist Church; 12:45 p.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6
River Terrace Estates--Rev. Roy Nevil in Healthcare; 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 7
River Terrace Estates--Arlene Stoller singing and playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot.

Extension Calendar

February 1 — Applications due for 4-H Poland Exchange

February 1 — Extension Homemakers By-laws Committee, Community Center, 4-H Park, 12:30 p.m.

February 1 — Extension Homemakers Executive Board Meeting, Community Center, 4-H Park, 1:30 p.m.

February 1 — Master Gardeners Training Class Orientation, Wells County Community Center, 6:30 p.m.

February 2 — 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

February 4 — Reservations due for 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Night

February 5 — Go Red for Women Day

February 9 — 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

February 11 — 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Night, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m. Meal

February 16 — 4-H BB & Rifle Safety Club, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

February 20 — 4-H Open House - Enrollment Day for Youth, 8 a.m.-Noon, Community Center, 4-H Park

February 20 — 4-H Horse & Pony Tack Auction, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5 p.m. Doors Open, Auction 6 p.m., Food Available

What's Up

Winter Gymnastics Registration Feb. 8
If you want your child to have fun while working on their strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power and discipline, then gymnastics is the sport for them. Registration for children ages three through sixth grade will be held at city hall Monday, Feb 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $30 or discounted to $25 for city residents. There will be eight lessons and a T-shirt.
Classes will be held March 8 to 11 and March 15 to 18.
Students ages three to pre-K are 6:15-7 p.m., grades K-2 will tumble from 7 to 8 p.m. and grades three through six will go from 8 to 9 p.m. Class size is limited and every group will practice tumbling on the floor, vault and balance beam. Call 824-6069.

Eagle Watch Feb. 20
Join an eagle watching field trip Feb. 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. Meet at Salamonie Interpretive Center in the Lost Bridge West Recreation Area. Fill up the gas tank for a 30 mile trip. Bring snacks and drinks. Dress for the weather and don't forget the binoculars.
The session will begin with a talk about bald eagles. Then those attending will travel to some well-known eagle spots. The group will end up at a nearby roost site to watch the bald eagles fly in for the night. For more information or to pre-register call 260-468-2127 or log onto: www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

NORWELL STUDENTS SELECTED FOR THREE RIVERS HONOR BAND FESTIVAL

Three Norwell Middle School band students have been selected to perform in this year's IPFW Three Rivers Honor Band Festival. Representing Norwell will be eighth grade students Nicole Moser and Tim Glenn playing trumpet and seventh grade student Natasha Chemey playing flute.
Students who tried out for the band were required to learn two major scales as well as one fast and one slow piece of music of their choice and send individual audition tapes to IPFW. Hundreds of auditions were submitted from area schools.
IPFW Three Rivers Honor Band Festival weekend is February 4-6 in Auer Hall on the IPFW campus in Fort Wayne. The final performance will be February 6 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Tests offered for certified lifeguards to work at state parks

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs lifeguarding tests for already-certified lifeguards who want to work at DNR State Park and Reservoirs properties will be held at no cost to the participants on April 11 in Corydon, and April 25 in Muncie.

Applicants must already be certified in Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer to be eligible to attend the test at either site; the tests are not a recertification of any type. Testing will include blood borne pathogens, a written test and a water test.

The Corydon option is on April 11 is at the Harrison County YMCA. The test in Muncie is at Ball State University's Lewellen Aquatic Center.

To get to the Corydon site, take I-64 to Exit 105. Go south on Hwy. 135, turn left onto Hwy. 337 South toward downtown Corydon. Follow Hwy. 337 South approximately 1 mile, then turn left on Foundation Way, which is between a restaurant and insurance office, and follow to the YMCA.

To get to the Muncie site, go down the main road on campus, called McKinley. Enter by the pool and follow signs to room HP 100.

Registration at both sites starts at 8:30 a.m. The actual test will start at 9 a.m. at both sites and should conclude by 2 p.m.

LIVER & ONION SUPPER


Pastor Greg Andrews and his wife, Ann, join members of the Petroleum United Methodist Church in welcoming the public to an all-you-can-eat Liver & Onion Supper on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church in Petroleum. The menu includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert, drink and, of course, all the liver and onions that you can eat. Tickets are not needed. Free will donations are accepted. The PUM Church is a designated Red Cross Emergency Shelter and proceeds from the supper go towards additional improvements. (Photo Provided)