What's Up! Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014

Ouabache State Park to offer Master Naturalist Class

Those interested in learning more about nature in an indoor/outdoor hands-on setting at a State Park can participate in the Master Naturalist Program.

The Friends of Ouabache State Park, Ouabache State Park and Wells County Purdue Extension are hosting an Indiana Master Naturalist class at Ouabache State Park from March 5 through May 7 on Wednesday evenings from 6-9:30 p.m.  

The Indiana Master Naturalist Program (IMNP) is an educational/volunteer program developed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University Extension to provide Hoosier’s who love experiencing and then sharing nature with others by learning through hands-on educational opportunities.

 The mission of the IMNP is to bring together natural resources specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife and to promote volunteer service in local communities.

 Myra Myrtle, president of the Friends of Ouabache State Park, indicated that she hopes graduated participants will choose to use their newly learned skills as volunteers for the Park and the Friends group.

 The class size will be limited to 30 students and the fee for the class is $75.  Registrations will be due by Feb. 11. 

To get a registration or to learn more about the program, contact Jody Heaston, State Parks and Reservoirs volunteer coordinator, at jheaston@dnr.in.gov or 260-437-8650 or visit Ouabache State Park. 

The standard park entrance fee will be waived for students during class times.

What's Up! Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014

L.I.F.T. schedule announced

The L.I.F.T. schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m.:  Bootcamp in the City Gym. 

Monday, Feb. 3,  6 p.m.: Zumba in the City Gym, 

Tuesday, Feb. 4,  9 a.m. - Fitness Walk/Run. Meet at the City Gym (we go outside so dress warm!).

Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.: Meet to Run/Walk the Chilly Chili Run at Ouabache State Park (5.5 or 3 mile trail). This one does cost $5 but you get chili after your run/walk!

Saturday, Feb. 15, 8:30 a.m.: Bootcamp in the City Gym. 

Monday, Feb. 17: 8 a.m.: Bootcamp in the City Gym.

Deadline Jan. 31 for church’s annual subs

Super Bowl subs will be sold by the Ossian United Methodist Church and Learning Tree Academy. Call the church at 622-4326 by noon Friday, Jan. 31, to place your order. Pick up will be at the church on Sunday, Feb. 2, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. or they can be delivered within the Ossian area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Each sub consists of ham, bologna, pickles, tomatoes, mayo, American cheese, salami, onions, green peppers, lettuce, and Swiss cheese on French bread. The price for one 12 inch sub is $8 or two 12 inch subs for $14.

Proceeds will go towards a new playground for the Learning Tree Academy.

Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3

Ladies can bring that special child in their life for a memorable evening they will never forget for Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in City Hall.

Watch their eyes light up while making a stuffed animal to take home. 

Be sure to wear play clothes because those in attendance will also be working on valentine crafts.

Cost to participate is $20 per child. It is open to both boys and girls. Call 824-6069 to register and pick an animal to make. Last day to order is Jan. 17. 

Chilly Chili Run Feb. 8

Chilly Chili Run Registration is Open! 

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. for a 5 or 3 mile “Just For Fun” winter trail run at Ouabache State Park.

Following the run there will be hot bowls of chili around a fire at the campground shelter. Registration is only $5 (long sleeve tech t-shirts are available for $10). 

Call 824-6069 for more information or download a registration form at: http://www.ci.bluffton.in.usdocuments/2014ChillyChiliReg.pdf. 

Apple Dumpling Fundraiser Feb. 9

Members of the Zanesville Lion Club Apple Dumpling Fundraiser will be held Sunday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Zanesville Ballpark at 3088 W. Van Horn St.

The apple dumplings are read to eat. They can be frozen or heated up in the microwave. Cost is $2 each with caramel topping included. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Lions Club member or from Robin at Davis Restaurant in Markle or call 260-638-4327. Proceeds will be used for upkeep of Lions Community Park.

Craft & Vendor Event Feb. 9

Love to shop? Shop to give! Craft/Vendor event Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4-H Community Center, 1240 4-H Park Road.

Raffles and clown. Admission: one canned food item.  (Pd. Advt)

Deadline is Feb. 10 for senior dinner

New Hope Lutheran Church, south edge of Ossian, will again host its quarterly senior citizens’ dinner on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The dinner is for anyone in the community age 55 or better. Darlene Hacket will be playing music on her dulcimers. 

A freewill offering dinner will be served by the ladies of New Hope. RSVP 622-7954 by Monday, Feb. 10.

Discovery Crew program at Markle Library Feb. 11

Huntington City-Twp. Public Library will offer Discovery Crew programs this spring at the Markle Branch Library in Markle.

Discovery Crew members meet weekly for stories and crafts, and sessions last 45-60 minutes. The theme for this spring’s Discovery Crew program is the months of the year, with related games, silly songs, and activities. Most of all, participants will experience the joy of reading and the fun of learning.

At the Markle Branch Library, 197 East Morse St., Markle, Discovery Crew sessions will be offered for grades 1 - 4 at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons, beginning Feb. 11 and continuing through April 1.   

There is no cost to attend these programs, but registration is required and space is limited.  Stop by either library location to register, or call the Children’s Department at 260-356-2900 or the Markle Branch Library at 260-758-3332 to reserve your child’s spot on the Discovery Crew!

What's Up! Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014

Master Gardener Training Sign-up Deadline Jan. 31

 2014 Purdue Master Gardener basic training will be held at the Huntington County Courthouse Annex on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Feb. 20 and ending April 17.  The deadline for submitting applications is Jan. 31.

Participants will be exposed to a wide range of subjects including soil and plant science, diagnosis of plant problems, pesticide safety, and culture of vegetable, flower, landscape, and fruit plants. 

 There are many projects in which individuals can volunteer in the area once they have completed the Master Gardener intern coursework.  Some examples are providing gardening education at community events, teaching youth, and speaking to local clubs and organizations. Many more possibilities for volunteer service exist for those willing to help teach others through their knowledge of taking the class.

For an application or for more information contact Ed Farris at 260-358-4826 or by e-mail:  emfarris@purdue.edu. Class size may be limited.   Materials and expenses for the series of classes cost $110 per participant ($150 for couples who share materials).

Tot Time Block Party Feb. 4

A free Tot Time Block Party will be held Tuesday Feb 4 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Bluffton City Gym.

 This is a drop in event for any age child, no need to register. Block Party events provide an opportunity for parents to interact and play with their children while learning how they can help them develop a variety of skills through block play. 

Five stations are set up, each with a different set of blocks that aids the children in learning a specific skill. 

Parents are provided with parenting tips and information on how they can help their child develop each skill to the best of their ability. For more information call 824-6069.

Sock Hop at Warren Feb. 22 from 6 to 9

An old fashioned Sock Hop  will be held at the old Warren High School (Knight Bergman Center) on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is being sponsored by the Promotion  Committee of Historic Warren.

The family friendly event will include a DJ, hula hoops, contests, poodle skirts, a crooner, games and much more. Admission is $2 per person or $5 for a family.

Also offered will be a Dessert and Sweets Auction to benefit Historic Warren’s Beautification Project. The public and area businesses will be donating such items as caramel corn, pies, cookies, bread, cinnamon rolls and candy to be auctioned off during the evening.

The historic committee is excited to be adding the Sock Hop to the list of other events they have sponsored including a Holiday Walk and Festival of Trees and the Historic Scavenger Hunt.

For more information check Warren’s Historic Warren’s Face Book Page or call 260-750-1798. Those wishing to donate an item for the auction should contact Danielle Shaw at PNC or email her at danielle.shaw@pnc by Monday, Feb. 10. 

What's Up! Monday, Jan. 27, 2014

Komets report card night Feb. 14 at the Coliseum

On Friday, Feb. 14, area students may bring a copy of their report card showing an “A” or an equivalent and receive free admission to the Komets game that begins at 8 p.m.

Those planning to attend would be wise to get tickets early and in advance at the Coliseum ticket office as this event is usually a sell out.

Family and friends of the student may purchase tickets.

The event is sponsored by Comcast and a donation to the Allen County Literary Alliance will be presented at half-time on behalf of “A” students who attend the game.

The Komets will face the Cincinnati Cyclones.

What's Up! Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014

Walk to end Alzheimer’s kick-off fundraiser Saturday, March 1

Join the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana-Fort Wayne Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee on Saturday, March 1, at Captain Ron’s Corral at 4530 Bluffton Road from 5 p.m. to midnight (Adults only after 9 p.m.) for a kick-off fundraiser for the 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

Admission is a $5 donation at the door (includes door prize tickets). Variety of silent auction items will be available including Disney tickets, spa packages, scrapbooking supplies, bread for a year from Panera and much, much more. 

Facts and figures about Alzheimer’s:

• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

• More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

• One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.

• In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $216 billion.

• In 2013, the direct costs of caring for those with Alzheimer’s to the American society will total an estimated $203 billion. That number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

For more information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, this fundraiser or to donate an auction item, please contact Julie at 260-420-5547 or jtutwiler@alz.org.

What's Up! Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014

Bluffton City Gym Keys for 2014 available

New keys for 2014 can be be purchased in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in city hall. 

One-day passes are available for guests for $5 per day/per person. 

Cost for Single passes is $145 (Wells County resident). Cost for Family (Wells County Resident) is $175.

Cost for single (Non-Wells County Resident) is $185. Cost for Family is $215 (Non-Wells County Resident).

For more information please call  824-6069. 

Healthy Meal Planning and Samples Jan. 24

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion Healthy Meal Planning demonstration for any senior age 55 and older on Friday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to plan and make healthy meals as well try some samples. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. 

For more information call 260-589-4496 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

Canvas & Cookies Night Jan. 30

The Huntington City-Twp. Public Library at 255 W. Park Drive is offering teens in grades 6-12 a way to get creative at Canvas and Cookies Night Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the main library in Huntington.

Artist Caprice Erickson will take participants step-by-step through the process of creating their own original work of art, using acrylic paints and canvas.  The cost is $4 per participant, payable at the event. Space is limited, and registration is a must. Call 356-2900 to reserve a canvas. 

What's Up! Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014

Free Saturday at Muncie Children’s Museum Jan. 18  

Muncie Children’s Museum will offer free Saturday admission on Jan. 18. The museum will showcase a live animal show featuring some unlikely guests at 11 a.m. There will be a bat, an owl, aflying squirrel and a skunk. 

Bat expert, Rob Mies will be on hand that day at the musuem. Attendees will learn about the mysterious creature, the bat, and others found in their own backyard like the owl, skunk and flying squirrel during his presentation. Call 765-286-1660 ext. 213 or at www.munciemuseum.com.

Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3

Ladies can bring that special child in their life for a memorable evening they will never forget for Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in City Hall. They will make a stuffed animal to take home. Wear play clothes because those in attendance will also be working on Valentine crafts.

Cost to participate is $20 per child. It is open to both boys and girls. Last day to order is January 17.

Chilly Chili Run Feb. 8

The Chilly Chill Run will take place Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. for a 5 or 3 mile “Just For Fun” winter trail run at Ouabache State Park. Following the run there will be hot bowls of chili around a fire at the campground shelter. Registration is $5 (long sleeve tech t-shirts are available for $10). Call 824-6069 for more information or download a registration form at: http://www.ci.bluffton.in.usdocuments/2014ChillyChiliReg.pdf.

FW’s Artlink offers classes

Classes in felting and drawing will be offered by Fort Wayne’s Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery.

The Saturday felting classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 8 (wet felting), Feb. 22 (needle felting) and March 1 (nuno felting of a silk scarf). Laurel Campbell will be the instructor. Cost is $50 per session ($45 for Artlink members).

The Saturday drawing sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 29 )contour drawing), April 12 (gesture drawing) and April 26 (emphasis on the head). Suzanne Galazka will be the instructor. Cost is $40 ($35 for Artlink members).

Visit www.artlinkfw.com to download a registration form.

Regular hours for Artlink, located in the Auer Center in Fort Wayne are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

What's Up! Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014

Dog Obedience Program to begin in March

Allen County 4‑H is offering a series of workshops that begin this spring on dog obedience training. 

The program is open to youth who are in grades three to 12. Youth will learn how to teach their dog to heel on a leash and much more. The dog should be at least six months of age.

 The cost of the program is $62. The meetings will be held on Monday evenings from 6-7 p.m. at the Home Loan Bank Building, Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne beginning in March. All participants must preregister, pay fees and complete their paperwork by February 21. Class size is limited. Call 481‑6826. 

What's Up! Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014

Open Gym and Weekday Walkers

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

Also, Weekday Walkers is underway. Those interested can walk indoors out of the weather in the Bluffton City gym Monday through  Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Enter the glass door on the west side of the city hall. No membership or cost to participate. Drop in program. For more information e-mail parks@ci.bluffton.in.us or call 824-6069. 

Genealogy Society meeting Jan. 18

The Wells County Genealogy Society will meet at the Wells County Historical Museum on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. 

The annual carry-in will be held. Those attending should bring their favorite soup. Officers will bring dessert and drink. Annual dues will be collected.

What's Up! Monday, Jan. 13, 2014

Daddy Daughter Dance Feb. 16

The annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be held at the 4-H building on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.  This year’s theme is a Mardi Gras Mascarade Ball. Those attending are encouraged to wear purple, green or gold. Party favor masks, hats and beads will be handed out at the event, but feel free to wear your own too! 

Tickets are on sale in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at city hall for $10 per couple and $3 for each additional child. Don’t forget to bring a camera! This event does sell out so purchase your tickets early! For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014

Ladies in Fitness Together times announced

Bluffton Parks Department LIFT (Ladies in Fitness Together) has announced dates and time to meet. There is no cost and no registration. Those attending just need to show up.

Jan. 14: The first time slot willb e Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m.  Meet at the city gym for a 20 minute out and 20 minute back, winter walk/run. Everyone starts together then goes at their own pace for the out and back. Anyone who wants to will meet back at Grounds & Grains to chat and brainstorm other ideas! (everyone buys their own coffee).  

Jan. 18: The next time slot is Saturday, Jan 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the City Gym for Power Hour of fitness. There will be circuits set up to combine intervals of cardio and strength training for an hour of fun! Those attending can work at their own pace and level.

Jan. 22: The group will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. at the City Gym for Power Hour of fitness.

Jan. 30: The group will meet Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the City Gym for Power Hour of fitness.

Future events are being planned. Call 824-6069 to stay  informed.

Pork Chop and Pork Burger Dinner Jan. 18

The Blackford County 4-H Fairboard will sponsor a Pork Chop and Pork Burger Dinner Saturday, Jan. 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Blackford High School cafeteria before the Blackford High School basketball game. For more information call 765-348-3213.

NFAA Archery Shoot Jan. 19

The Blackford County 4-H Fairboard will sponsor a 30-Target NFAA Archery Shoot Sunday, Jan. 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Perry’s Archery Center at 102 N. Smith Street in Hartford City.

Progressive registration will be held until 5 p.m. Those attending must be nine years old or older to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

For more information call Purdue Extension Office at 765-348-3213.

Make Cards and Gifts Jan. 20

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department is offering an event where those attending can make occasions cards and gifts. The first event will take place Monday, Jan. 20.

Cost is $7 for three to four cards and a gift item. On the first night those participating will make four Valentine cards and a Valentine gift. Cards will be simple, elegant, and punch art along with easy techniques thrown in to the mix!

Classes after Jan. 20 will be held mostly on a Thursday. Call the Park office at 824-6069 to register.

Master Gardener Basic Training Jan. 21 in Montpelier

Applications are now being accepted for the Master Gardener basic training class that begins Tuesday, Jan. 21 in Montpelier.

The class will meet weekly from 6 to 9 p.m. from Jan. 21 through April 15. Participants will learn about basic gardening concepts, annual and perennial flowers, lawn care, composting, vegetable gardening and more.

For more information call 765-348-3213 or email: cluppers@purdue.edu or www.extension.purdue.edu/blackford.

Mother Son Dance Feb. 16

Back by popular demand! A Mother Son Dance will be held at the 4-H building on Sunday Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m.

This year’s theme is Mardi Gras. Those attending are  encouraged to wear purple, green or gold. Party favor masks, hats and beads will be handed out at the event, but feel free to wear your own too.  

Tickets are on sale in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at city hall for $10 per couple and $3 for each additional child.

Those attending can bring their cameras.

For more information call 824-6069.

Dog Obedience Program to Begin in March

 Allen County 4‑H is offering a series of workshops that begin this spring on dog obedience training. 

The program is open to youth who are in grades three to 12. Young people can learn how to train their family dog to be more obedient. Youth will learn how to teach their dog to heel on a leash, stand for examination, sit, stay, and much more. They will also learn about the health, care, and grooming of their dog.  The dog should be at least six months of age.

 The cost of the program is $62. The meetings will be held on Monday evenings from 6-7 p.m. at the Home Loan Bank Building, Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne beginning in March. 

All participants must preregister, pay fees and complete their paperwork by February 21. Class size is limited. For more information and registration materials, contact Samm Johnson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, at 481‑6826.

What's Up! Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014

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.

Friends of Shelter meeting Jan. 13

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, Jan. 13 in the council chamgers on the second floor of City Hall.

Topics will include recap of 2013 shelter statistics and looking forward to 2014 planned events.

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

Theater Thursday Jan. 16

The next Theater Thursday will be Jan. 16– The free movie for adults on Jan 16th will be “Trouble with the Curve”. The Bluffton Parks and Recreational Department, Wells County Public Library and Bluffton Regional Senior Circle have partnered together to offer a free monthly movie. The video will be shown at 10 a.m. at the Wells County Public Library. Free snacks, 10 minute health info and prizes will be part of the program. Call 824-6069.

Pulse auditions for ‘Annie Jr

Leaping Lizards!  Auditions for Annie, Jr. at the Pulse Opera House will be held in the lobby at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. All roles will be performed by youth age 5-18 years old.  There are roles for 17 girls and 12 boys.  Those auditioning should prepare a SHORT song.   There will be an accompanist and a CD player available. 

Rehearsals will begin the week of Jan. 20 and are held Monday-Friday beginning at 7 p.m.  Not everyone will be scheduled every night.  Those auditioning should bring a list of their conflicts to the audition.  A rehearsal schedule will be passed out at the first rehearsal.  The last two weeks of rehearsal will be every night – no exceptions.  

Annie, Jr. runs Feb. 28 & March 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15.  Additionally, there will be school performances during the day on March 13 & 14.  Those Auditioning should check with their teachers to ensure that this is an excused absence.

What's Up! Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014

Bluffton City Gym Keys for 2014 available

New keys will be needed for members by 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Keys can be now be purchased in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in city hall. Facility includes basketball court, racquetball court, weight room with lockers, showers and saunas. 

One-day passes are available for guests for $5 per day/per person. 

Cost for Single passes are $145.

Cost for Family (Wells County Resident) is $175.

Cost for single (Non-Wells County Resident) $185.

Cost for Family is $215.(Non-Wells County Resident).

Call 824-6069. 

What's Up! Monday, Jan. 6, 2014

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.

Concert at Arts Place in Portland Jan. 12

Violinist, Roxana Pavel, pianist Monica Pavel Kissinger and violist Elias Goldstein will be performing a free concert on Sunday, Jan.  12, at 2 p.m. at The Portland Center of Arts Place at 131 E. Walnut St. in Portland. 

The Pavel sisters and Elias Goldstein all have extensive backgrounds in music and have obtained multiple awards, nationally and internationally. Both Roxana Pavel and her husband Elias Goldstein hold a Doctorate Degree in Musical Arts, while Monica Pavel Kissinger has a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting and Piano Performance and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Choral Conducting at Ball State University. 

For information on Arts Place activities, performances and exhibits visit www.artsland.org or call (260) 726-4809/Toll-Free 866-539-9911. You can also find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/artsplace.

Winter party at FW art museum Jan. 17

On Friday, Jan. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will host a Winter Party. Entertainment for the evening will include Black Cat Mambo and Orchid II. The gallery and gift shop will be open. Admission is $5 for museum members and $12 for guests.

More information at www.fwmoa.org

What's Up! Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014

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. 

Tot Time Jan. 7

Bring the little ones to the city gym from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Jan. 7 for some play time and around 11:15 a.m. Those in attendance will walk over to the Wells Fargo bank together to tour the facility. This is a free event. For more information call 824-6069.

Free Racquetball Tournament begins Jan. 13

Sign up for the Parks Department annual free racquetball tournament that will begin Jan. 13. 

Brackets will be assigned. Those participating will arrange a time that works for them and their opponent to play. 

There is a sign up sheet on the racquetball court door. Call us at 824-6069 for more informaiton or email parks@ci.bluffton.in.us to sign up. Please include name, phone, and email.

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. 

Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3

Ladies can bring that special child in their life for a memorable evening they will never forget for Stuff and Fluff Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in City Hall.

Watch their eyes light up while making a stuffed animal to take home.  Be sure to wear play clothes because those in attendance will also be working on valentine crafts. Cost to participate is $20 per child. It is open to both boys and girls. Call 824-6069 to register and pick an animal to make. Last day to order is Jan. 17.

Chilly Chili Run Feb. 8

Chilly Chili Run Registration is Open! 

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. for a 5 or 3 mile “Just For Fun” winter trail run at Ouabache State Park.

Following the run there will be hot bowls of chili around a fire at the campground shelter. Registration is only $5 (long sleeve tech t-shirts are available for $10).  Call 824-6069 for more information or download a registration form at: http://www.ci.bluffton.in.usdocuments/2014ChillyChiliReg.pdf.