What's Up! Monday, Dec. 30, 2013

Adams County Bird Count Jan. 1

The Christmas Bird Count for Adams County will be Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. Contact compiler Terri Gorney by email if you plan to participate. Her email address is bandtgorney@aol.com.

Free Tech Day at Huntington Jan. 6

Looking for help with the new smartphone, tablet, laptop, or eReader Santa left under the tree?  Need an introduction to social media or email? Interested in using the Library’s Digital Branch to research our databases, search for a new job or career, or download eBooks and eAudiobooks?

Huntington City-Township Public Library will offer a free Tech Day from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, at the Main Library, 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington. 

The Library’s technology geeks will be on hand to offer free help with all kinds of technology, from Windows 8 to iPads, Facebook to web browsing, from scanning a photo to using a smartphone, from Tweeting to researching, and much more. The event is free. Bring any gadget, device or technology question you like.

 Registration is requested by calling 260-356-0824 or by emailing the library at ask@huntingtonpub.lib.in.us.

Huntington story and craft Jan. 13

Psi Iota Xi Sorority and Huntington City-Township Public Library will sponsor a special Let It Snow! Story Time and Craft at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 at the Main Library in Huntington.

Children ages preschool to second grade can come and listen to stories and participate in a make-and-take craft.  This is a free event. All materials will be provided. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is appreciated. Call the Children’s Department at 356-2900 to register.  The Main Library is located at 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington.

Heartland Chamber Chorale Jan. 20

On Monday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Heartland Chamber Chorale will perform at the University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St., Fort Wayne, at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Call the office for tickets at 260-436-8080 or email: mike@heartlandchorale.org.  

What's Up! Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013

Open Gym available

Open Gym with supervised activities in the Bluffton City Gym for school-aged kids is available.

 All participants MUST fill out a parental permission slip. 

Follow the link to print one off  http://www.ci.bluffton.in.us/documents/opengymregistration11_000.pdf or stop in the first day your child attends to fill one out.  

Days and hours CAN VARY, but calendars are available to students to take home. Most days are 3:30 to 6 p.m. FREE.

For more information e-mail parks@ci.bluffton.in.us or call 824-6069.

Volunteer of year videos online

Now online through the Wells County Foundation’s web are the volunteer of the year videos shown at the announcement luncheon.

The brief videos feature the nominees Dr. George Babcock, Lee Coleman, Chuck King and Brian Clark  as well as the 2013 recipient Beth Lampton.

The address is http://www.wellscountyfound.org/volunteer.html.

Badminton played weekly

The Parks and Recreation department offers a FREE drop in badminton league for beginners and experienced players. 

Stop by the city gym from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday starting Nov 7.

For more information o  Questions call 824-6069.

What's Up! Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013

Chicks with Sticks begins Jan. 13

Wanting to learning to knit? Learn to create handmade items for yourself and the people you love. Classes will be taught Mondays on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p.m. 

Cost for three one hour group lessons are $12 due the first day. Classes are: Jan. 13, 20 and 27. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending will need to bring their own knitting needles. 

Call the park office to pre-register at 824-6069. Class size is limited and fills up fast.

Hooked on Crochet begins Jan. 14

Learn how to crochet with a few basic stitches and techniques and how to read a patterns beginning Jan. 14, 2014.

 Classes will be taught by Kathy Gehrett on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p.m. on Jan 14, 21 and 28. Cost for three one-hour group lessons are $12 due the first day. 

Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending will need to bring their their own size H hook. 

Call the park office to pre-register at 824-6069. Class size is limited and open to beginners and advanced students.

Today’s Weather Picture by David Acuna Bluffton Elementary School

What's Up! Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013

December Dash Dec. 21

The December Dash 5K (Run it or Walk it!) and the Kids One Mile Jingle Bell Jog with Santa will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8:30 a.m. Stay for hot chocolate and holiday treats after the run. 

Everyone who registers will receive a warm December Dash running hat. Overall and age group awards are available for the 5K and overall top three boys and girls awards for the One Mile. 

Download an entry form athttp://www.ci.bluffton.in.us/documents/2013DECEMBERDASHRegistrationForm_000.pdf or register online at http://raceroster.com/events/2013/1583/December-Dash. 

For more information call 824-6069.

Santa arrives in Ossian Dec. 24

Santa will be arriving on a firetruck on Tuesday Dec. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Ossian Fire Department. All children will receive a treat bag filled with candy.

What's Up! Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013

Red Green How to do Everything Tour in 2014

The Embassy Theatre has announced the Red Green, “How to Do Everything Tour” at the Embassy April 14, 2014, 7 p.m.  Tickets are now on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com, 1.800-745-3000, and  in person at the Embassy Box Office.

After a successful run of 139 shows throughout Canada and the USA on his “Wit and Wisdom Tour,” Red Green is back in theatres across North America in 2014 with a brand new show: “How To Do Everything (from the man that should know).”

Red Green, Canada’s foremost handyman, who became famous for such things as duct tape, Possum Lodge, and his own unique style of humor and wisdom now shares his thoughts on “How To Do Everything.”  After establishing himself in 15 seasons of his enormously popular TV show as one of the world’s handiest men, he now shows there is no limit to his specialized knowledge and advice.

What's Up! Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013

Red Green How to do Everything Tour in 2014

The Embassy Theatre has announced the Red Green, “How to Do Everything Tour” at the Embassy April 14, 2014, 7 p.m.  Tickets are now on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com, 1.800-745-3000, and  in person at the Embassy Box Office.

After a successful run of 139 shows throughout Canada and the USA on his “Wit and Wisdom Tour,” Red Green is back in theatres across North America in 2014 with a brand new show: “How To Do Everything (from the man that should know).”

Red Green, Canada’s foremost handyman, who became famous for such things as duct tape, Possum Lodge, and his own unique style of humor and wisdom now shares his thoughts on “How To Do Everything.”  After establishing himself in 15 seasons of his enormously popular TV show as one of the world’s handiest men, he now shows there is no limit to his specialized knowledge and advice.

What's Up! Monday, Dec. 16, 2013

Women’s Do-it-Yourself Class begins in January

Guys are you still looking for a unique gift for that special lady in your life? How about registering her for the Bluffton Parks Department Women’s Do It Yourself Class? 

The instructor will be Mick Jackson from Jackson Construction Co. Classes will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8 p.m. in January and February. Cost is $150 per student and includes all instructions and a 4 Porter Cable 18 volt power tool set (drill/driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and flashlight) as well as an 80 pc. Dewalt drilling/driving utility set. 

Class is limited to the first 10 paid participants! Pictures of the tools are available on the Parks facebook page. Thanks to Lowe’s for their assistance as well with this great class! Tools will be given to participants on the first night of class. For more information call 824-6069.

Women’s Fitness Group Starting In January

The Parks and Recreation Department will begin a Women’s Fitness Group for those interested in working out together (at all levels!)

Participants will “meet up” one to two times per month (more often if there is interest) and mix things up by trying different fitness activities.  Sometimes the activity will be bootcamp or yoga in the city gym, other times those participating will run the River Greenway, bike, hike a trail, maybe even swim and kayak in the summer. 

Women can join the group and attend any or all activities organized by members or women can even suggest and organize an event themselves! 

To join send contact information (name, phone, email) to the Parks Department at 824-6069. 

Meetups will be announced via facebook, twitter, and email. There is no cost and no obligation. 

Meetups will be scheduled at varying times on varying days to accommodate as many schedules as possible. For more information or to sign up call 824-6069, or email sports@ci.bluffton.in.us

Bus trip to U.S. Air Force Museum Jan. 3

A bus trip to Dayton Ohio National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will be Jan. 3. Cost is $35 per person.

Leave at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. For more information call 260 724-2520. (10/30)

Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert Jan. 11

The Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation second annual Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Covenant Chapel. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Events include Mayor Ted Ellis as MC, Rudy Frauhiger as auctioneer, 12 local singing groups, live and silent auction, plus raffle. All proceeds go to help Wells County residents battling cancer.

Call one of the following with auction donations: Joan or Dustin Kelly, 824-3995; Steve Gerber, 824-5189; Todd Reimschisel, 824-2300; Bruce or Kate Stinson, 824-4460.

The Chapel is located at 3550 S. St. Rd. 1 South in The Gospel Barn.

What's Up! Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Lost Loved Ones Seminar Dec. 15

A two hour seminar will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at Expectations Party Center at 193 E. Morse Street  in Markle for those who struggle with the loss of a loved one, especially during the holidays.

The 30 minute video will feature commentary from experienced leaders on how to cope with the loss of a loved one. 

Refreshments will be served. A 30-day devotion guide will be given. There will be a sharing time to discuss ways to cope and get through the holiday season.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information emial: pksmith92@frontier.com or call 260-402-1251.

Blue Christmas service Dec. 18

A Blue Christmas Service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. 1532 N. Main St. in Bluffton. This service is for anyone who is alone or has lost someone close.

Senior Center Christmas Luncheon Dec. 18

The South Adams Senior Center will hold its Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at noon. The luncheon is one week earlier than normal due to the Christmas holiday.  

Cost of the meal is $6 per person. It will include: baked ham, baked potato/butter and sour cream, green beans, rolls and butter,  assorted pies and beverages.

The entertainment will be Russell Strome playing the piano. Call 260-589-8877 now for reservations. Seating is limited.

HCTPL Movie Night Dec. 18

Movie lovers of all ages can recapture the magic of the holiday season at Huntington City-Twp. Public Library’s upcoming Family Movie Night Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. at 255 W. Park Drive. Featured will be Miracle on 34th Street.

Christmas cookies will be provided, but bring a beverage and a bean bag chair or other comfortable seating.  Registration is requested but not required. Call the main library at 260-356-0824 to reserve your place. Children ages 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling to attend. This film is rated PG – parental guidance suggested.

Cookie & Candy Exchange Dec. 19

Who loves to bake? The parks department is going to hold a cookie/candy exchange on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at city hall. This is a great way to try a variety of homemade treats and take home all of the recipes. If you would like to participate email us your name, phone and recipe at parks@ci.bluffton.in.us by Dec. 10. Expect to make about two or three dozen that we will divide up evenly with all the participants. Questions call 824-6069.

Basket Class Dec. 19

Wilma Rigby will conduct a Basket Class at the South Adams Senior Center in Berne on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 9 a.m.  She will show how to make  a Market Basket. Cost is $25.  Those attending will  need a ruler, sharp scissors, and a pencil, and an old cloth to use.  She will furnish all other supplies. Class size is limited to 10 people. Those participating will leave with a finished basket. To sign up call 260-589-8877.

Free Theater Thursday Dec. 19

The next free movie will be held Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Wells County Public Library at 10 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Bluffton Parks and Recreational Department, Wells County Public Library and Bluffton Regional Senior Circle. 

There will be free snacks, a 10-minute health info and prizes.

Winter Wonderland Dec. 19

A free Winter Wonderland will be held Thursday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the City Gym. Bring the kids to see Santa, play games and jump in a bouncy house. Bring a camera to capture the moment with Santa.

What's Up! Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013

Stories with Santa at HCTPL Dec. 14

Huntington City-Twp. Public Library will sponsor Stories With Santa at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Main Library at 255 W. Park Drive. The program will include a holiday-themed story time session, and each child will receive a small gift from Santa. The gift is sponsored by the Psi Iota Xi sorority.  Parents are welcome to bring their cameras to take pictures of their child with Santa Claus.

There is no charge to attend. Kids of all ages are welcome, although the story time session is geared for kids ages three and older. Registration is appreciated, but not required.  Parents may register their children by calling 260-356-2900.

What's Up! Monday, Dec. 9, 2013

Van Wert Holiday Light Show going on now

The Van Wert Holiday Light Show can be viewed each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 25 at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds in Ohio. There will be horse drawn wagon rides available for $7 per person. Santa will also visit on Saturday nights. Cost to view the show is $5 per carload, $25 for bus loads or a multi-trip pass for $10. Call 419-203-1413 or 419-203-2234.

Montpelier Friends of Library Christmas Tea Dec. 11

The Montpelier Friends of the Library will hold their annual Christmas Tea at the library Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 2-4 p.m.  This tea is a “thank you” to the community for support of our projects.  The public is welcome to attend the event.

HCTPL to present Raggedy Ann & Andy Dec. 11

Huntington City-Twp. Public Library will present Raggedy Ann & Andy: The Hoosier Heritage of a Children’s Classic, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Main Library, 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington. 

The program is free, and no registration is required.  For more information, call the library at 260-356-2900.

MusicWorks Holiday Concert at Portland Dec. 11

Students from the Arts Place MusicWorks program will perform in a holiday concert on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. 

The event will be held at Arts Place, Portland Center, 131 E. Walnut St. in Portland.  Admission is free. For more information contact Arts Place at 260-726-4809, email artsland@artsland.org or visitwww.artsland.org .

The program will consist of performances by the Eastern Breeze Flute Ensemble, Distant Thunder Percussion Ensemble, and Jay County Community Band, Brown Paper Sax, and Brassissimo. 

Days of Christmas event Dec. 12

Bluffton Parks Department will host a series of 12 Days of Christmas gifts events.  

This is another installment of the 12 Days of Christmas Class. Participants will get to create three handmade gifts with a coordinating bag or tag for $5 and/or they may also create three handmade greeting cards for $5. 

This class will meet Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Bluffton City Hall. Those participating should enter at the glass door on the WEST side of the building. 

Pre-registration is required. Children age eight and older may attend and/or participate with a paid adult. Please register by calling 824-6069.

What's Up! Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013

Winter Wonderland at Muncie Museum

Winter Wonderland at Muncie Children’s Museum invites young visitors to enter the EEB (Elf Employment Bureau) and begin their elf training now through Christmas Eve. 

Families can visit Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be open Monday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is $5 for non-members and $4 for members.  For non-member families visiting both the Museum and Winter Wonderland, admission is $9.  Check out the website at www.munciemuseum.com.

The museum is located at 515 S. High St.  in Muncie.

Wonderland of Lights on display at Ouabache

Ouabache State Park’s Wonderland of Lights can be viewed now through Dec. 29.

From now through Dec. 15 viewers can go to the state park  on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 5:30 to 9 p.m. From Dec. 20 through the Dec. 29 visitors can view the lights each evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 

There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee to drive through camp ground and view lights. Light displays have been created by local organizations and businesses.  

Ladies Day Out slated for Dec. 7

Ladies Day Out will be held at the Wells Community 4-H Building Saturday, Dec 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is free. There will be home based business on hand to answer questions. 

In addition to the vendors, there will be raffle tickets sold at the door. Proceeds from the sales will go to the Wells County Food Bank. Also, there will be children selling bracelets. A portion of those proceeds will benefit Riley Hospital.

For more information call Heather Abbott at 260-341-2824.

Lions Club Christmas Auction will be held Dec. 7

The annual Lions Club Christmas Auction will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at High and Jefferson Street in Montpelier. Auction items will be new merchandise. The kitchen will be open.

Quarter Century Christmas Party to be held Dec. 7

The Franklin Electric Quarter Century Club will hold their annual Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Bi-County Services in Blufton.

Anyon with 25 years service is welcome to attend the dinner. Those attending should bring a covered dish to share. For more information call 260-273-3877.

Tree fest weekend entertainment

During the Creative Arts Council’s Festival of Trees at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre this weekend musical entertainment will be presented on  both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, students from the MT Vocal Studio will perform from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the entertainers will be from Sus’y Cues Studio. Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. piano music will be provided by students from Studio 88.

Hours for viewing the trees will be from 1 to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. On Monday through Thursday the hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Southern Wells church plans live nativity on Dec. 8

On Sunday, Dec. 8 from  5:30-8 p.m., spectators will be able to listen to the wise men as they deliver gifts to the newborn king born in Bethlehem. 

The event will be held at Montpelier Ag Advantage, 240 W. Windsor St., Montpelier.  Refreshments will include of hot apple cider and donut holes. There is plenty of parking, including bus parking.  

The nativity is a ministry of Southern Wells Community Church. For questions call 765-728-2154.

Handel’s Messiah will be presented Dec. 8 in Berne

Handel’s Messiah will be presented by the 100 voice choir of the Mennonite Choral Society on Saturday Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church located at the intersection of highways 27 and 218. 

The Saturday presentation will be a full performance while the Sunday performance is the Christmas portion, the Hallelujah chorus, and Worthy is the Lamb. The choir will be accompanied by organ: Dr. Scott Lehman, harpsichord: Mary Beth Huser, trumpet: Nick Manwell, timpani: Karl Gilbert, and cello: Heather Scott. 

Soloists performing with the choir will be Gwen Coleman Detwiler of Cincinnati, Ohio, soprano;  from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Loralee Songer of Cleveland, Tenn., alto; Dr. Brian Pfaltzgraff of Waverly, Iowa, tenor; and Dr. H. Conor Angell of Upland, bass.

Christmas for the Animals Collection Drive

The month of December the Bluffton Animal Shelter will be collecting Wish List items during their Christmas for the Animals Collection Drive. Those wishing to donate can drop off items in the foyer during at 1613 W. Cherry Street Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wish list includes treats, toys, leashes, dog collars, blankets and towels, cat litter (non-clumping), cat scratching posts, pet combs and brushes, Advantage Flea Treatment (for large dogs), kitten and puppy canned food (for unweaned babies), cleaning supplies, bleach, pet shampoos, grooming clipper blades (size 5, 10, 30, 40 for Oster A-5 clippers), paper towels, Pine-Sol, Windex laundry soap and dish detergent.

Monetary donations will also be accepted. 

Christmas at Five Points School slated Dec. 8

Christmas at Five Points School will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 5250-W., 1100-S.-90 in Montpelier.

Kids can come and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse setting. Goodie bags for the kids and refreshments will be available. For more information call Jack Pace at 765-728-5269.

Friends of Shelter meeting Dec. 9

The Friends of the Shelter, the organization that supports the Bluffton/Wells County Animal Shelter, will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

Topics will include: Election of 2014 officers and board members, December Shelter Open House and shelter operations.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information call 260-273-1742. 

Stories with Santa at Huntington library Dec. 14

Huntington City-Twp. Public Library will sponsor Stories With Santa at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the main library at 255 West Park Drive in Huntington.

The program will include a hstory time session, and each child will receive a small gift from Santa. The gift is sponsored by the Psi Iota Xi sorority. 

Parents may take pictures of their child with Santa.

What's Up! Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013

Ossian Psi Otes collecting items for The Closet

Members of Ossian Psi Otes are collecting items for The Closet in Bluffton during the Hometown Christmas Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Ossian. Those wanting to donate items and drop them off in the Rex Harris Building next to Bloomin Boutique.

The Closet helps Wells County families with donation of diapers (great need for size four and larger), wipes, quart and gallon size zip lock bags, new and gently used winter clothing from newborn to size 6x, toys and books.

Cheese balls may also be purchased at $7 each. The Psi Otes have made a Christmas tree with canned goods to be donated to the Northern Wells Community Food Pantry at the Nazarene Church.

Free hot chocolate will be avaiable for the community to thank them for their support for the Longaberger Basket Bingo, cheese ball sale and for attending the two concerts.

Psi Otes next meeting will be Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Sassafras in Bluffton. For more information call Karen Gerbers at 403-4846.

Markle Library offers Teen Photo Contest

Youth between the ages of 12–18 who love taking photos, can get their camera out and snap away for Huntington City-Twp. Public Library’s fourth annual Teen Photography Contest. 

Themes for this year’s contest include Random Acts of Reading, photos of people reading in any way, anywhere; and Free Choice, photos of any subject or theme.

Teens can enter up to three photographs, which must be the sole work of the teen, with no outside help. Photos may be either black and white or color, and must have been taken sometime during 2013. Photos may be submitted in printed form only, and must measure 8” x 10” and may be dropped off or mailed to either library location.

 Entries will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2013.

Visit either library location: the Markle Branch Library, or the Children’s Department at the Main Library, to pick up official contest rules and an entry form. The Main Library is located at 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington; the Markle Branch Library is located at 197 E. Morse St., Markle. For more information, call the Children’s Department at the Main Library at 260-356-2900.

Fort Wayne Children Party Dec. 7

Members of the Fort Wayne chapter of the University of Dayton (UD) Alumni Association and volunteers will host a special holiday party for the children in the Hanna-Creighton neighborhood at the Fort Wayne Urban League at 2135 S. Hanna St. on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m.  

The event, Christmas off Campus, is an extension of the university’s Christmas on Campus, a campus-wide celebration that brings the joy of Christmas to the underprivileged children of the Dayton area.

Activities include an afternoon of arts and crafts, games, and snacks, and even a visit from Santa. 

Anyone wanting to give a monetary donation or provide supplies can contact Lauren Caggiano at 466-6218 orcaggialp@gmail.com.

Christ Child Society Holiday Cookie Walk Dec. 7

The Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne will be hold their annual Holiday Cookie Walk to benefit children in need in the Fort Wayne area Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Vincent Catholic Church on Wallen Road. The Cookie Walk will feature a variety of homemade cookies and baked goods.  All proceeds will be used to fund the programs of the Christ Child Society operating to improve the lives of local children in need. 

For more information, visit www.christchildfw.org.

What's Up! Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013

Black raspberry pies sold out

Members of Sigma Phi Gamma have sold all 240 pies that were made for the fundraiser. Proceeds will go to local projects. Those who would like to pre-order for 2014 can call 260-824-2229. 

Free Holiday Sing-Along Dec. 3 at Huntington

Huntington City-Twp. Public Library and the Altrusa Club will sponsor a free, community Holiday Sing Along for joyful noise-makers of all ages at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Main Library at 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington.

A song leader and accompanist will be on hand to keep the music flowing. Light refreshments will be offered.  Families and people of all ages are invited to join in the fun, and no registration is required. For more information call 260-356-0824.

Psi Iota Xi  Christmas House Walk Dec. 7 & 8

Members of the Bluffton chapter of Psi Iota Xi are preparing for the 2013 annual Christmas House Walk to be held Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Advanced ticket sales begin Monday, Nov. 18. They can be purchased at Daniel’s Jewelers, You’ve Got Style Salon and Posy Pot Florist. Cost is $7 each. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the house walk at any of the three homes on the tour.

The year Sherry Hiday, and Chip and Kim Mann have opened their homes for the tour. The third site will be the Wells County Historical Museum, which has been newly renovated. House walk viewers can sign up for the drawing to win one of the nativity scenes donated by Nelly Sleppy. The drawing is only valid for Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 participants.

Free concerts at Trine University Dec. 8

On Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. the Trine University Band will perform traditional holiday music during the annual holiday Community Jazz Concert at Fabiani Theatre on the campus in Angola.

Visitors will be able to view the 40 trees decorated and illuminated at the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center. All of the trees will be donated to Project Help of Steuben County for distribution to area families in need.

Immediately after the concert, Bon Appetite will offer a holiday dinner in Whitney Commons, also located in the university center, until 6:30 p.m. Cost is $11.25 for adults, $5.65 for children 6 to 12 and free to those 5 and younger.

Two other free holiday concerts will be presented with the Applied Studies Recital at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, in Fabiani Theatre and the Trine Music Christmas Show at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Dale Hughes Auditorium,. 317 South Wayne St., Suite 21, Angola.

At the door, concert goers are encouraged to donate paper and cleaning products to be given to the Turning Point Homeless Shelter.

Christmas Carry-in Dec 5

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion will sponsor a Christmas Carry-in and White Elephant Bingo on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. for any senior age 55 or older. 

Those attending should bring a covered dish to share and a wrapped white elephant gift. 

Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. Sign up at the front desk by Dec. 3. For more information call 260-589-4496.

Night of the Christ Child Festival Dec. 6-8

The Christ Child Festival will be held at 431 W. Berry,  Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the St. Francis downtown auditorium with Tom Didier singing the national anthem, Mayor Henry giving a proclamation and Rev. Roger Reece, Executive Pastor of Associated Churches, giving a short opening devotion.  “Witnessing the Glory of God” photo contest winners will be announced. 

The opening service will be followed by the River Dance Company. Between dance groups at 7 p.m. Curtis Smith, chief meteorologist at 21 Alive News, joined HearCare on a trip to Israel.

At 7:50 p.m. Restored to Glory Dance Ministry will be feature a group of their advanced students. 

At 8 p.m. Mariah Layne French, will be bring X-claim Dance Company from Columbus, Ohio, to the auditorium stage. 

There is no admission fee to the festival, but guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Associated Churches Food Bank. Festival hours are 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 6; noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 8.

Free parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the PAC. On-street parking is free during festival hours.

For more information about the festival, visit fwchristchildfestival.org.

What's Up! Monday, Dec. 2, 2013

Volunteer of year videos online

Now online through the Wells County Foundation’s web are the volunteer of the year videos shown at the announcement luncheon. The brief videos feature the nominees Dr. George Babcock, Lee Coleman, Chuck King and Brian Clark as well as the 2013 recipient Beth Lampton. The address is http://www.wellscountyfound.org/volunteer.html

Tot Candy Cane Hunt Dec. 3

The next Bluffton Parks Department special tot event is a Candy Cane Hunt held on Tuesday, Dec 3. 

Those attending should meet in the city gym from 11 a.m. to noon to run and play. At 11:45 a.m. the kids will be brought upstairs to find candy canes. This is a FREE drop in parent supervised event. Call 824-6069.

CTS Employees dinner Dec. 6

Employees of C.T.S. of Berne will gather for a dinner Friday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. at The Back 40 in Decatur. 

For more information call 260-824-4991.