What's up

Community Plant Swap May 5
Herbs' Friends will host the 15th annual Community Plant Swap Saturday, May 5, from 7 to 11 a.m. at Riverside Center in Decatur located at 231 E. Monroe Street.

The annual event is open to the public as a way to sell or swap excess plants or to buy new plantings and cuttings. Doors will open at 6 a.m. for participants to set up their display of plants. Sales start at 7 a.m. Covered tables will be provided. There is a $10 fee per table to participate. Call 260-724-9145 or 260-724-4061 for more information.

Forks of Wabash Fish Fry May 5
The Forks of the Wabash Fish Fry will be held May 5. The all-you-can-eat event will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Forks of the Wabash Park, 3011 West Park Drive in Huntington.

Adult tickets will be $7.50 in advance or $8 at the door, and children ages 6 - 12 will be $5. There is no charge for children age 5 and under. Carry outs will be available. Advance tickets may be purchased from any Forks of the Wabash board member or by calling 260 356-1903.

All proceeds raised from this project will be matched by the Modern Woodsmen of America up to $2,500 and will be used for collection preservation and furnishing the Archive Room at the Historic Forks of the Wabash.

Free Air Show at Fort Wayne Sept. 1-2
The 122nd Fighter Wing will host the Fort Wayne Air Show Sept. 1-2.

For more information, please contact Maj. Elizabeth Johnson, 122nd Fighter Wing, Base Public Affairs Officer at (260) 478-3279.

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For Him: A Concert of Praise and Adoration May 4 & 6
The River Dance Company will present a free concert titled "For Him: A Concert of Praise and Adoration" at Central Ministries in the Family Life Center Church on Ind. 37 May 4 at 7 p.m. and May 6 at 6 p.m. A love offering will be collected.

The concert will celebrate a decade of dancing for God when 64 dancers from more than 20 area churches will join together with the Doug Hood Band during the event. The church is located off I-469 at exit 25, just east of the interstate. For more information call 260-466-2705 or visit www.RiverDanceCompany.org.

Bargain Bonanza Extravaganza May 4 and 5
Thousands of items — antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, glassware, and much more — will be available during the 21st Annual Lutheran Life Villages Bargain Bonanza Extravaganza Garage Sale, May 3-5.

Sale hours are Thursday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the 20,000-square-foot warehouse at the International Park and Commerce Center at 2701 South Coliseum Blvd.

The event is the largest fundraising event of the year for Lutheran Life Villages. Proceeds from this all-volunteer fundraising event benefit the residents of Lutheran Life Villages. Matching funds are contributed from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Club calendar

Thursday, April 26

• Loyal Neighbor's Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 28

• River Terrace Estates — Bluegrass gospel music; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, April 29

• River Terrace Estates — Jeff Higginbottom and youth band from Church of God; 3 p.m. in ALD.

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Pancake and sausage breakfast for Youth Campers April 29

Liberty Center United Methodist Church youth group will host a pancake and sausage breakfast Sunday, April 29, from 8 to 9:15 am. All proceeds will go to the youth camping fund, which will enable them to attend church camp this summer.

Fish & Tenderloin Supper April 26

Members of Liberty Center Methodist Church will sponsor a Dan’s Fish and Tenderloin supper Thursday, April 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall.

 

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Cost is $8.50 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children ages 5 and younger.

Proceeds will go to the park maintenance for insurance, mowing and repairs.

Pizza Hut fundraiser April 30

Members of the Northern Wells Young Guns Baseball Team will sponsor a fundraiser at Pizza Hut in Bluffton Monday, April 30, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

All proceeds will go to fund the 2013 trip to Cooperstown Dreams Park.

Free breakfast for seniors May 4

In recognition of May as National Older Americans Month, Swiss Village and the Berne Rotary Club will co-sponsor the 22nd annual Senior Breakfast Friday, May 4, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Swiss Village, located at 1350 W. Main Street, Berne. Last year, more than 300 area seniors attended the free breakfast.

 

The breakfast will consist of scrambled eggs, biscuits, pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. All seniors are welcome. Those attending can sign up for door prize drawings and take advantage of health screenings that will be provided, including free blood pressure checks, Chem 30 Screens for $30, Chem 30 + TSH Screens for $40, PSA Screens for $20, and CRP Screens for $20.

 

Parking will be available at the main circle drive entrance or in the north parking lot by the Social Corner.

 

For more information, please call 260-589-3173.

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Senior Luncheon April 25 in Berne
The Senior Center in Berne will sponsor a luncheon Wednesday, April 25, at noon. Cost is $6 per person. The meal will include baked swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, assorted pies, roll and butter and a drink. Entertainment will be provided by Phil Sprunger.

Senior Citizen Dinner May 3
Members of New Hope Lutheran Church will host its quarterly senior citizen dinner Thursday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The church is located on the south edge of Ossian. Entertainment will be provided by Ed Higgins and the Goldenaires. A freewill offering will be taken by the ladies of New Hope. Make a reservation by Tuesday, May 1, by calling 260-622-7954.

Free breakfast for seniors May 4
In recognition of May as National Older Americans Month, Swiss Village and the Berne Rotary Club will co-sponsor the 22nd annual Senior Breakfast Friday, May 4 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Swiss Village located at 1350 W. Main Street, Berne. Last year, more than 300 area seniors attended the free breakfast.

The breakfast will consist of scrambled eggs, biscuits, pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. All seniors are welcome. Those attending can sign up for door prize drawings and take advantage of health screenings that will be provided, including free blood pressure checks, Chem 30 Screens for $30, Chem 30 + TSH Screens for $40, PSA Screens for $20, and CRP Screens for $20. Parking will be available at the main circle drive entrance or in the north parking lot by the Social Corner.

For more information, please call 260-589-3173.

Club calendar

Wednesday, April 18

• O.D.O. Club — Corner Depot; 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 19

• Bluffton Lions Club — Corner Depot; noon.

Saturday, April 21

• River Terrace Estates — Hailey Hitt playing guitar and singing; 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 22

• River Terrace Estates — Wells County Children's Choir; 3 p.m. in ALD. Sue Coolman, director.

Monday, April 23

• Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. This is our last Row Robin meeting. Visitors are welcome. Bring magazines you are willing to donate to the magazine sales table at the quilt show. Show and tell.

What's up

Engraved veteran's brick available
Anyone wanting to honor a deceased or living veteran can call Ron Barnahart at 260-493-7569 for information on placing an engraved brick on the Memorial Walkway on O'Day Road in Fort Wayne.

Cooking up a story April 17, 24
"Cooking Up a Story" will be held every Tuesday in April from 11 a.m. to noon in the city gym. Toddlers will hear a story and make an edible craft. This is a free event, but parents must pre-register by calling the parks department at 824-6069.

After snacks children will have the opportunity to play with balls, parachutes, tunnels and hula hoops. Adults must supervise their own children.

Free soup and sandwich thank you supper April 14
A free spring soup and sandwich supper will be held at the Montpelier Lions Club Saturday, April 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is the group's way of saying thank you to the community. There will be entertainment available.

"Is Your Ash Tree Worth Saving?" program April 17
Members of the Purdue Extension Service of Blackford County will host a program Tuesday, April 17, titled “Treat It-Keep, Leave it or Lose It” at 6:30 p.m. at the Blackford County 4-H Fairgrounds in Hartford City. The program will assist homeowners on how to decide the fate of their ash trees to prevent the emerald ash borer. The program is free, but those attending need to reserve a spot by April 13 by calling 765-348-3213 or email cluppers@purdue.edu.

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Blackford County Coloring/Essay Contest deadline May 1
The Blackford Agriculture Outreach is sponsoring a coloring/essay contest for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Entries must be received at the Extension Office at 119 N. High Street, Hartford City, IN 47348 by May 1. The theme is “Farmers Feed the World.”

There are three monetary placings that will be awarded in each category. Winning entries will be on display during the 2012 Blackford County 4-H Fair. For complete details go to www.extension.purdue.edu/blackford or call 765-348-3213 or cluppers@purdue.edu.

Easter Cantata April 8 at Liberty Center Baptist
The Liberty Center Baptist Church Choir will be present an Easter Ccantata entitled “O What a Savior” Sunday, April 8, during the 10:15 a.m. service. The public is welcome to attend the event.

Basket Making Class offered April 11
Deb Gerber will be lead a basket making class Wednesday, April 11, at 9 am. at the South Adams Senior Center in Berne.

Participants of the class will be make a Market Basket Cost is $25. Supplies needed are tape measure, sharp scissors, pencil, towel and a spray bottle of water.

All reed and materials to make the baskets will be pre-cut and furnished. The class size will be limited to 12 people. Call the South Adams Senior Center at 260-589-8877 by Monday, April 9 to reserve a spot.

Rummage/Flea Market April 14 at Taste of Auburn April 14
The Olive Twist will sponsor “A Taste of Auburn” at its Auburn location, 115 North Main Street Saturday, April 14, from noon to 3 p.m. The free event will feature chefs from Auburn area restaurants. They will provide free samples of food prepared using extra-virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar from The Olive Twist.

The event is open to the public. A “People’s Choice” award will be given to the restaurant with the best dish, as voted by attendees. Each vote is worth one penny, with proceeds going toward a scholarship fund to be awarded to a DeKalb County student aspiring to be a chef. For more information visit www.theolivetwist.com or call 260-436-3866.

Warren UCC Spaghetti Supper April 14
Members of the Warren United Church of Christ will host their 45th annual spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Knight-Bergman Center Saturday, April 14.

All-you-can-eat spaghetti and endless garlic bread sticks along with a salad, drink, and home-made desserts are on the menu. Dine in and visit with friends. Carry-outs are available by calling 260-375-3550. All proceeds to benefit future projects of the church.

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First Mennonite Church to celebrate 100 years April 8
On Easter Sunday, there will be a 100-year birthday party at First Mennonite Church from 8:30 to 9 a.m. before regular worship, with cake and punch served, following at the Family Life Center time capsule installation. The public is welcome to attend the event.

The church was built 100 years ago. It was the largest of its kind in the state of Indiana and was capable of seating more people than lived in the small town.

REACH Arts Academy to begin classes April 10
REACH Arts Academy will begin its last monthly art class of the semester Tuesday, April 10, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bluffton Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.

This class is set design and is for students in grades fourth through 12 who are interested in visual art. Students will design and construct part of the set for Wells Community Theater's production of Music Man Jr. in June. The art instructor is Nancy Wagner and special guest speaker is Ted Smith.

Any student may register for this class by e-mailing REACHarts@hotmail.com. Cost for the class is $40 for students who are already registered in the Academy. Students who are not registered can still register through April 9.

For more information call 260-346-9924.

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Fish and Chicken Dinner April 7
Members of the Southern Wells Music Department will sponsor a Dan's All-You-Can-Eat fish and chicken dinner Saturday, April 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Southern Wells High School cafetorium. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children age 10 and younger. To reserve a ticket call 765-728-5534. In addition to the dinner, bands and choirs from the elementary, junior high and high school will perform.