What's Up! Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014

Farmer’s Market Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Current features include herbs, flowers, fresh fruits, fresh local vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash, fresh baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, locally produced BBQ sauces and spice mixes, locally grown meat, woodworking products, candles, lotions, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Twin Bridges Conservation Club dinner Oct. 4

A Fish, Chicken and Tenderloin Supper will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Twin Bridges Conservation Club in Mt. Zion.

Cost is $5 for children and $9 for adults. Fish will be provided by Dan’s. For more information call 260-375-2237.

Free hats and headbands Oct. 4

Members of the Nifty Knitters of Murray Missionary Church will be giving away free hats and headbands in front of WalMart in Bluffton on Saturday, Oct. 4 beginning at 9 a.m. The hats are free to anyone needing or wanting a winter hat. All sizes of hats will be available that day. The rain date will be Oct. 11. Hats will be handed out until gone.

BHS Musical Entourage Fundraiser Oct. 6

Members of Bluffton High School Musical Entourage will sponsor a Pizza Hut Fundraiser in Bluffton on Monday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

They will serve as waiters and might even sing a tune if asked.

The group will receive a portion of every buffet sold, all tips and donations that night. They will also have sponsorship forms available for those interested.

The cost of the buffet is $7.99 per person. Drinks are an additional $1.99.

What's Up! Monday, Sept. 29, 2014

Wells Alzheimer’s Support Group to meet Oct. 1

The Wells County Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will meet at the First United Methodist Church, located at 325 W. Washington St. in Bluffton, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The meeting is intended for caregivers and family members of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases.  Those in attendance will also be given the opportunity to share their experiences of caring for their loved one and to ask questions of the other caregivers in attendance.

For more information contact Joyce Phillabaum at 260- 824-4244.

Weekday Walking Program begins

The Parks and Recreation Department will begin Weekday Walking Oct. 1. The city gym will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., free of charge, to any adult who would like to get some exercise during the cold months. 

Participants can enter the glass door on the Westside of the building and sign in on the wooden door each day you attend. If you are the last to leave the gym please turn off the light in the south west corner of the gym. One mile equals 20 laps.

For more information call 824-6069.

Free toddler fire department visit Oct. 7

On Oct. 7th there wil be a free Toddler Fire Department visit for those participating in Toddler Time. Those attending will start in the city gym at 11 a.m. with free play and social time. They  will then head over to the fire station for a visit. Parents should bring a camera.

The gym will then be open every Tuesday and Thursday all winter long from 11 a.m. to noon for toddlers to burn off some of that pent-up energy. 

Enter through the glass door on the west side of city hall and sign in on the wood door each visit. This is a parent supervised event. For more information call 824-6069. (9/18)

Great Pumpkin Hunt & Hay Ride Oct. 11

The Bluffton Parks Department’s Great Pumpkin Hunt and Hay Ride will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. at Lancaster Park (200 E Jackson).

There will be 2,000 orange and black Halloween stuffed eggs hidden in the yard. Children will be divided up into age groups to search for eggs. The hunt starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp!! Bring a flash light and a bag to hold the treats. 

Following the hunt there will be hayrides and s’mores. Dress warm or bring a blanket for the hayride. This is a FREE event. (No restrooms). For more information call 824-6069. 

Willshire Turkey Shoot Oct. 12

The Willshire Sportsman’s Club will sponsor a Turkey Shoot on Sunday Oct. 12 starting at noon. It will be held on the club grounds located two miles east of Willshire, Ohio on State Road 81.

Only 12 gauge shotguns will be permitted and shell will be furnished. Youth shoots for children, age 16 and under will be held. Only 20 gauge shotguns will be permitted for the youth shoots and shells will be furnished. 

A lunch stand will be available. The public is welcome to attend the event. 

What's Up! Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014

Farmer’s Market Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Current features include herbs, flowers, fresh fruits, fresh local vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash, fresh baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, locally produced BBQ sauces and spice mixes, locally grown meat, woodworking products, candles, lotions, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Pumpkin Dunkin Oct. 22

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will offer a Pumpkin Dunkin Swim Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Those participating can swim in a pool of pumpkins before they decide which one to take home. 

The event is held at the Bluffton Middle School pool at 6:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required  by calling 824-6069. Admission is $3 each. Everyone who swims will get to take home a pumpkin and stay for family swim time until 8 p.m. Children must come with an adult.

What's Up! Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

Whitetails Unlimited Event Oct. 25

Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the Wells County Whitetails Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Wells County 4-H Expo at 1240 4-H Park Road in Bluffton. 

The event will feature a buffet dinner, auction, and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork, and collectibles only available at WTU events. A WTU mission-related grant from this event will go toward Local 4-H shooting sports and other youth education and conservation events. The social hour begins at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 each, $25 for a spouse, or $25 for juniors 15 and under. Ticket order deadline is Oct. 23, and tickets will not be sold at the door. To order tickets locally, call Dave Penrod at 260-273-3943 or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com. 

Fall Coloring Contest 

Bluffton Parks Department is offering a Fall Coloring Contest for children. The coloring page has been handed out at the schools. It can also be found online at the city’s website at www.blufftonindiana.net.

The page is due back in the Park Office at 128 E. Market St. by Sept 30.  The winner will be called by Oct 3rd. 

Free toddler fire department visit Oct. 7

On Oct. 7th there wil be a free Toddler Fire Department visit for those participating in Toddler Time.  

Those attending will start in the city gym at 11 a.m. with free play and social time. They  will then head over to the fire station for a visit. Parents should bring a camera. The gym will then be open every Tuesday and Thursday all winter long from 11 a.m. to noon for toddlers to burn off some of that pent-up energy. Enter through the glass door on the west side of city hall and sign in on the wood door each visit. This is a parent supervised event. For more information call 824-6069.

Great Pumpkin Hunt & Hay Ride Oct. 11

The Bluffton Parks Department’s Great Pumpkin Hunt and Hay Ride will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. at Lancaster Park (200 E Jackson).

There will be 2,000 orange and black Halloween stuffed eggs hidden in the yard. Children will be divided up into age groups to search for eggs. The hunt starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp!! Bring a flash light and a bag to hold the treats. 

Following the hunt there will be hayrides and s’mores. Dress warm or bring a blanket for the hayride. This is a FREE event. (No restrooms). For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014

Farmer’s Market Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Current features include herbs, flowers, fresh fruits, fresh local vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash, fresh baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, locally produced BBQ sauces and spice mixes, locally grown meat, woodworking products, candles, lotions, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Willshire Turkey Shoot Oct. 12

The Willshire Sportsman’s Club will sponsor a Turkey Shoot Sunday, Oct. 12 starting at noon. It will be held on the club grounds located two miles east of Willshire, Ohio on State Road 81. Only 12 gauge shotguns will be permitted and shell will be furnished. Youth shoots for children, age 16 and under will be held. Only 20 gauge shotguns will be permitted for the youth shoots and shells will be furnished. A lunch stand will be available. The public is welcome.

What's Up! Monday, Sept. 15, 2014

American Legion Flagpole Fund

Grover Sheets American Legion Post 111 is in need of a new flagpole. The current one has proudly flown Old Glory for many, many years, obviously through all types of weather, but its years of service will soon come to an end. 

Along with the new flagpole will also be the need to replace the cement securing the pole in place. The Legion is looking at a cost of $4,000 for the combined projects. Because of that, the Legion has established a Flagpole Fund for anyone wishing to contribute.

Checks can be made out to American Legion Post 111 and mailed to the Finance Officer, Rodger Popplewell; 415 E. Cherry St., Bluffton. Note “Flagpole Fund” on the memo line.

BHS Class of 1994 reunion Sept. 20

Members of the Bluffton High School Class of 1994 will have a reunion Saturday, SEpt. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Billy Anns restaurant in Bluffton.  Call Sarah Pickell at 260-602-6132.

Holiday, Craft and Farmer’s Market Nov. 1

Members of Blackford County Extension Homemakers will sponsor the annual Holiday and Craft Bazaar and Farmer’s Market Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blackford County 4-H Building in Hartford City. Anyone interested in booth space can all 765-348-3213 by Oct. 1 to request an application.

What's Up! Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014

SW Class of 1969 looking for classmates

The Southern Wells graduating class of 1969 will hold  a 45th class reunion Saturday, Oct. 18. There are two classmates’ addresses still needed. They are Sedonna J. Love and Donald W. Huffman.  Anyone who has their addresses can call Susan Siebold at 765-728-5213 or e-mail her at sds@onlyinternet.net.

Mitchell Davis benefit at Pizza Hut Sept. 15

A Cancer Benefit for Mitchell Davis will be held Monday, Sept. 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Pizza Hut in Bluffton. 

Mitchell, who lives in Poneto, has stage 4 lung cancer and has been battling it for a year. Proceeds from the event will help defray medical expenses.

MCCOA Garage Sale Oct. 2-7

Members of the Mercer County Council on Aging will sponsor a garage sale Oct. 2-7 at the Senior Citizen Center at 217 Riley Street in Celina, Ohio. Hours are Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those interested in donating items can call 419-586-1644.

What's Up! Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014

Radio Station broadcast Sept. 17-19 from museum

Bluffton residents may have noticed a radio antenna on top of the Wells County Historical Museum. The Wells County Amateur Radio Club will be operate a station set up at the Historical Museum during the Bluffton Free Street Fair. 

The station will be operational at the museum from 2-5 p.m. daily on Sept. 17, 18, 19, and 20. Contacts are expected with other amateurs from around the world. 

Max Dawson, N9AHO, will be one of the licensed radio hams that will be operating the station. Richard and Ruth Stroud were in charge of setting up the station and broadcasting.

Displays and information on amateur radios will be available during this time. “Hams” have typically supplied communications when normal channels are disrupted during emergencies.

Regular museum hours during the Street Fair will be  2-6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 17-20.

What's Up! Monday, Sept. 8, 2014

Fall Coloring Contest underway

Bluffton Parks Department is offering a Fall Coloring Contest for children. The coloring page has been handed out at the schools. It can also be found online at the city’s website at www.blufftonindiana.net. The page is due back in the Park Office at 128 E. Market St. by Sept 30.  The winner will be called by Oct 3rd.

Farmer’s Market Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Current features include herbs, flowers, fresh fruits, fresh local vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash, fresh baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, locally produced BBQ sauces and spice mixes, locally grown meat, woodworking products, candles, lotions, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Bark Before Dark Sept. 10

The Bluffton Parks Department will host Bark Before Dark Wednesday, Sept. 10.  People can bring their dog to Jefferson Park by 6 p.m. for a dog bone hunt. Dogs must be kept on a leash and owners are responsible to clean up after their pets.  For more information call 824-6069.

Dig and Seek Sept. 10

A FREE children’s Dig and  Seek event will take place during the Bark Before Dark on Wednesday Sept 10 at Jefferson Park at 6 p.m. Kids can search for dinosaur bones, plastic snakes and other toys in a mound of dirt.  They can bring theirtrucks and digging tools for an evening of fun! For more information call 824-6069.

Ossian Psi Otes to meet Sept. 11

Members of the Ossian Psi Otes will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Ossian Library Thursday, Sept. 11. Hostesses will be Karen Gerbers and Lynette Esslinger.

During the meeting there will be a discussion about Longaberger Basket Bingo on Oct. 20, Cheeseball making, a visit with Wanda in Angola and an invitation to have a meeting in November at The Closet in Bluffton (with a tour). For more information call 260-622-4903.

Wellness Pavilion Pool Tournament Sept. 12

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion will be host a billiards pool tournament for any senior age 55 and older on Friday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. Snacks will be provided. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. Sign up by noon, Thursday, Sept. 11 at the pavilion front desk or call 260-589-4496. 

This will be a singles, double-elimination tournament. For more information contact Sarah Conrad, Wellness Pavilion Director at 260.589.4496 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

What's Up! Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014

Kaitlynn Weimer benefit Sept. 6

A Karing for Kaitlynn  Weimer Benefit Breakfast will be held Saturday, Sept. 6 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Ossian  from 7 a.m. to noon. There will be a silent auction, a bounce house, face painting, a balloon artist, games and more. A free will donation will be taken during the event.

Kaitlynn is the 17-month-old  daughter of Tia and Justin Weimer of Ossian. She has  Cerebral Palsy, Microcephaly and is cortically blind. 

The family is trying to raise funds for HBOT therapy, which is not covered by insurance. For more information call 260-704-0409.

National Neighborhood Day Sept. 7

The Bluffton Parks Department welcomes Wells County families to Kehoe Park for a free meal and entertainment from Science Central Sunday, Sept. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Those attending can learn about Amazing Air Pressure and Matter.  Demonstrations will reveal the way air pressure influences everything around us.  Liquid Nitrogen is always a smash hit and kids will learn the changing states of matter down to the molecular level.

Dinner includes hotdog, chips, cookies and a drink funded by the United Way of Wells County. This event is scheduled on Sept. 7 from 4-6 p.m. Be sure to bring your lawn chair for a comfortable seating.

C&C Fellowship offers event Sept. 13

Stable of Hope, a division of C&C Bible Fellowship in  Berne, is planning a special event to honor kids with disabilities on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4383S-150E, Berne. 

The free event will give kids a chance to pet a pony, ride a horse, ride in a pony cart or an Amish buggy. 

There will be a  hay ride in a special built wagon just for kids a petting zoo, free lunch and more.  For more information call 260-589-9022. Parental release form signed required.

Black Box theater in September

“Over the River and Through the Woods” will be presented at the ArtsLab Black Box Theatre on the weekends of Sept. 12-14, Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28.

The Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday ones at 2 p.m. Jeffery Moore directed the production and members of the caste are Cory Schmidt, Carolynn Stouder, John Brennan, Maggie Kole Hunter, James Del Priore and JoAnne Kircher.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $17 for those age 23 and younger. The box office is open from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and the phone number is 260-424-5220.

What's Up! Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014

Farmer’s Market Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is now open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Current features include herbs, flowers, fresh fruits, fresh local vegetables, including sweet corn and tomatoes, fresh baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, locally produced BBQ sauces and spice mixes, woodworking products, candles, handmade crafts, locally grown meat, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Aliners Rally at KOA Sept. 4-7

Members of the Aliners Owners Club, Central Great Lakes Region, will hold their fall camper rally at the Bluffton KOA Sept. 4-7. 

There are 43 A-Frame folding campers from five states registered for this rally. There will be an open house on Saturday, Sept. 6 for tours of the campers. 

The Regional Directors are John and Jan Pfeil of Belleville, Ill. For more information email lewandellie@yahoo.com or call 260-827-0688.

Norwell Show Choirs Dinner Fundraiser Sept. 6

Members of Norwell Show Choir will sponsor a Nelson’s Chicken Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, from 4 to 7 p.m., Sept 6 during Ossian Days in the big tent.

 Pre-sale tickets can be purchased by show choir members or purchased day of event till gone. Entertainment will be provided by Show Choir members.

For more information call Sonja Drew at 260-622-9080 or email: tsgd79@frontier.com.

Stargazing night Sept. 6

A stargazing night is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at Lancaster Park (across from Lancaster Elementary school) starting at 8 p.m.  There will be a variety of large telescopes to view Saturn, Venus, the stars and more.  A suggested donation of $1 per person will be given to the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society.  This program is recommended for children ages 8 and up. Watch our Bluffton Parks facebook page for any weather related cancellations. Call 824-6069.

St. Mark Rally Day Sept. 7

Rally Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 7 at St. Mark Lutheran Church at 5912 N. Sugar St. in Uniondale. There will be a special service at 10 a.m. with music by Ryan Hirschey Ministry.

A carry-in meal with homemade ice cream will be held following the service.

The church will provide the chicken and drinks. Those attending are asked to bring a hot dish or a side dish to share.

Liberty Center Days Sept. 7

The 13th annual Liberty Center Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 7.

Area bands will perform from noon to 5 p.m. The bands include: Austin City, Mountain Dewe Boys, Dave Liles Band and 7-Shadows. Special guest will be Jamie Lewis and Dan Mossburg.

Raffle tickets will be drawn throughout the day. Proceeds will go toward improving the park. 

Admission is free. Those attending should bring their own lawn chairs. No alcohol will be allowed that day.

Historical Society meeting Oct. 12

The fall meeting of the Wells County Historical Society will be held Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at the museum.

Richard Stroud will talk about his experiences during WWII in the Atomic Testing area. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome. A free will offering will be taken.