What's Up! Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014

Holly Trolley shopping in FW

On Saturday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. downtown Fort Wayne will offer trolly rides during the Holly Trolley Shopping event.

Dozens of shops, museums and galleries will be open for visitors to check out. Riding is free.

The Nutcracker begins Dec. 3

Audiences of all ages will enjoy a combination of dance as Ball State University’s dancers and choreographers put a twist on the age-old classic story, “The Nutcracker.” The production will kick off the holiday season at the University Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-6 and 11-13, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” cost $18 for the general public, $17 for faculty and staff, $15 for senior citizens and $13 for students. 

Tickets are available from the University Theatre Box Office, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before each performance. Contact the box office at 765-285-8749 or visit bsu.edu/theatre for more information.

Botanical Conservatory $1 Night Dec. 4

On Thursday, Dec. 4 Botanical Conservatory will off $1 admission from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Fort Wayne for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free.

For more information call 260-427-6028.

Free Tot Candy Cane Hunt Dec. 2

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a free Tot Candy Cane Hunt Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. in the city gym.

 At 11:45 a.m. participants will be brought upstairs to search for the sweet treats. 

The Bluffton City Gym is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon to give children the space to run and play with others their age. Some balls are provided in the closet at the East end of the gym, but feel free to bring your own favorite toys too. The first Tuesday of every month has a special craft or activity planned. 

For more information call call the Bluffton Parks Department at 824-6069.

Art for the  holidays at FW’s Orchard Gallery

Art for the Holidays at the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne will feature handmade ornaments and nativities as well as other artwork. 

Hours for the open house will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Other holiday hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The gallery is located at 5312 Covington Road in Fort Wayne.

What's Up! Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014

Open Mic Night Nov. 21

New Beginning Church will have an Open Mic Night Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at 2187 W. Ind. 218, Bluffton.

Elks Hoop Shoot Conest Nov. 22

This year’s free Elks Hoop Shoot will be Nov. 22 for girls. Youth must be ages 8-14 years old by April 1, 2015. 

This free throw contest is held in the Bluffton City Gym from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Age brackets are 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13. This is a FREE contest and winners will advance. For more information call 273-8277. Boys contest was Nov. 15.

Santa letters accepted beginning Nov. 24

The Bluffton Parks Department is happy to deliver your child’s letter to Santa between Nov. 24 and Dec. 19. Each child will receive a personalized letter back with a small gift enclosed. Please make sure that the child’s name and address are clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. Santa’s mailbox is blue and located near the front steps of city hall. This is a free service and no postage is needed.

Giant Stocking Coloring Contest underway

Children can enter the Winter Coloring Contest for a chance to win a giant toy filled stocking. Coloring pages have been sent to area schools or can be printed off from:  http://www.blufftonindiana.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/giantstockingcoloringcontest2014.pdf 

Coloring pages are due back by Dec. 17 to the Parks Department office at 128 E. Market St. 

A winner will be called by Dec. 19. For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014

30th year for Embassy’s Festival of Trees

The Embassy’s Festival of Trees began in 1984 as a fundraiser for the theater. The theme for this year’s festival is “30 Years of Holiday Cheer.”

Live entertainment on the stage will feature local groups. Children can get their photos snapped with characters from the movie “Frozen,” Icy Eagle and the Mad Ant on Nov. 26 and again on Tots and Trees Day on Dec. 3. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be in Santa Land. (Breakfasts with Santa are sold out.) Hours are Nov. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) from 4 to 8 p.m., Nov. 28, 29, 30 from noon to 8 p.m. and Dec. 1, 2, 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information at www.fwembassy.threatre.org

Fort Wayne Embassy’s breakfast with  Mr. & Mrs. Santa

Fort Wayne’s Embassy Theatre will host Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 28 and 29, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the Embassy stage. Admission is $12.50 per person and includes admission to the 30th annual Festival of Trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to attend as breakfast is provided by the downtown McDonalds. 

All will get a cookie from the Cookie Cottage and a chance to make a holiday photo ornamnt to take home. After breakfast there will be a sing-along and a magic show by Ronald McDonald. Reservations to 260-424-5665 by Nov. 3 or to the Embassy box office with hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fort Wayne Gingerbread Festival at  History center

Over 100 gingerbread creations will be featured at the Festival of Gingerbread to be held at the History Center in Fort Wayne from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors over 59 and students and free to those 2 and younger. More information at (260) 426-2882 or at the website of www.fwhistorycenter.com.

Christmas at Fort Wayne Old Fort & Trolley Rides

On Saturday, Nov. 29, a simpler era will be celebrated at Christmas at the Old Fort in Fort Wayne.

There will be activities for children, a bake sale and pop up gift shops featuring items crafted by period artisans.

Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is no admission charge. (Donations will be encouraged, however, to help support this piece of this Fort Wayne’s history.)

Also on Nov. 29, the Holly Trolley will be running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. connecting the downtown area with the Old Fort.

Other trolley stops will be at the Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre, Festival of Gingerbread at the History Center and Festival of Trains at the Grand Wayne Center. Trolley ride info at  DowntownFortWayne.com

Lions Club Auction Dec. 6 in Montpelier

The Lions Club annual Auction will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. New merchandise will be available. The kitchen will be open.

The club is located at the corner of High and Jefferson Streets in Montpelier.

What's Up! Monday, Nov. 17, 2014

Patsy Ray Ruch fundraiser Nov. 23

A silent auction and Thanksgiving dinner fundraiser for Patsy Ray (Ruch) will be held at Life Church, 428 S. Oak St., Bluffton, Sunday, Nov. 23, at noon. Cost is a free-will offering. Patsy is battling her second round of cancer, stage 4 lungs and kidneys. If you wish to donate an item for the silent auction contact Brenda Baumgartner at 260-273-4009 or Amanda Conner at 260-446-1555.

What's Up! Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014

Fire Safety Day at Children’s Museum in Muncie Nov. 15 

On Saturday, Nov. 15 the Muncie Children’s Museum will host a Fire Safety Family Day from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

The event will offer a number of activities and opportunities to learn about Fire Safety now that Christmas light season is here! Stations will begin running at 11 a.m., and include sound the alarm smoke detector safety, get low limbo smoke safety, Koorsen’s fire extinguisher simulator, Learn Not to Burn, Kasey the Fire Dog program, Muncie Fire Department, and much more! 

Fire Safety Family Day is a free event hosted by the Muncie Children’s Museum. 

For more information call 765-286-1660 ext. 213 or visit the www.munciemuseum.com.

Santa arrives at FW’s Glenbrook Nov. 15

Santa will arrive at Glenbrook in Fort Wayne on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. via a brand new Mercedes car. The Santa Set will be located in the Macy’s wing of the mall. Holiday events list at Glenbrooksquare.com

FW Embassy’s breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Nov. 28 & 29

Fort Wayne’s Embassy Theatre will host Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 28 and 29, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the Embassy stage. 

Admission is $12.50 per person and includes admission to the 30th annual Festival of Trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to attend as breakfast is provided by the downtown McDonalds. 

All will get a cookie from the Cookie Cottage and a chance to make a holiday photo ornament to take home. After breakfast there will be a sing-along and a magic show by Ronald McDonald.

Reservations to 260-424-5665 by Nov. 3 or to the Embassy box office with hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Weekday walk 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 turn off the light in the south west corner of the gym. One mile equals 20 laps.

For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014

Saturday at the movies at the Wells libraries

Movie goers are encouraged to bring their pillows and snacks to the Saturday afternoon free movies presented at the Wells County Public Library in Bluffton and the Saturday mornng ones at the Ossian Branch.

In Bluffton “Frozen” will be shown on Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. and on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. it will be “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.:

In Ossian the dates are Nov. 1 for “Your Dragon 2: at 10 a.m. and “Planes: Fire & Rescue” on Dec. 6, also at 10 a.m.

Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Pop con is served at the Bluffton site. (10/22)

Talent day at Saint Francis Dec. 5

The annual Talent Day hosted by the University of Saint Francis will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rolland Art Center, 2701 Spring St. in Fort Wayne.

Students who are interested in attending the university are invited to submit a portfolio or audition for scholarships. The portfolios and auditions will be critiqued by a School of Creative Arts faculty member.

From this review, outstanding students will be awarded talent scholarships to attend USF.

To reserve a time, call 260-399-7700, ext. 8001.

Holiday windows at Embassy

From Nov. 26 through Jan. 1, the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre’s windows will showcase animated elves, Santa and other holiday characters, reminiscent of the holidays in downtown Fort Wayne when Wolf & Dessauer unveiled holiday decorations.

The first two windows along Harrison Street will be decorated by Stan Sheets, long-time designer for L. S. Ayres and Macy’s. Utilized will be some of the original W & D’s characters owned by the History Center.

The remaining seven windows will feature the story Nena Brown of NDB Designs created for “Merry Mouse.” It illustrates her journey from Fort Wayne to the North Pole to become one of Santa’s toymakers.

The windows have been decorated for the holidays since 2009.

What's Up! Monday, Nov. 10, 2014

Mental health event at FW’s Embassy Nov. 16

“Mother 4 5 and 7even” will be presented at the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.

The event is a part of a creative awareness effort to provide insight into while incorporating knowledgeable and educational resources within mental health concerns. The live stage production stars Cynda Williams and introduces Sophia Plummer.

Sponsors of the first mental health awareness event at the Embassy are St. Joe Community Health Foundation and East Wayne Street Center.

Admission is $10 and may be arranged for at the Embassy box office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Swiss Days Night Out Nov. 17

The Berne Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Swiss Days Night Out Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 205 E. Main Street.

The purpose of this event is to hear from the public and merchants regarding their ideas, concerns, questions regarding Swiss Days.

The schedule is as follows:

From 6-7 p.m. Open to the public.

From 7-8 p.m. Open to the local merchants. 

Portland’s Arts Place art events

From now through Dec. 19, Arts Place in Portland will be showcasing an exhibit titled Alcove & Friends Holiday Show.

On Friday, Nov. 21 a Holiday Benefit Auction will be held at the Portland Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with free refreshments with the auction to start at 6 p.m. Jay County Beverages will be providing beer samples and Arborshire Wine wine samples. 

Items to be offered at the auction include vacations getaways, movie tickets, museum tickets, sports game tickets, candles, wine, art, gift baskets, fitness center memberships, gift certificates, hair and beauty care products and much more.

Arts Place is at 131 E. Walnut St. in Portland.

Embassy slates wine tasting event

A Sip, Savor and Selec wine tasting fundraiser will be held at the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Club Soda, Catablu and DeBrand Fine Chocolates will provide hors d’oeuvres and desserts. The theater will be open for tours from the balcony to backstage.

Picture taking on stage will be encouraged as Channel Beauty advisors from Von Maur will be on hand for last minute touch-ups.

Seating will be limited and tickets may be purchased through the Embassy, at Ticketmaster or 800-745-3000.

Dinner & Bazaar Nov. 22

Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. is the harvest dinner and bazaar at Ossian United Methodist Church. The dinner includes baked steak or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dinner roll, beverage, pie or cake, and two choices between cranberry salad, jello salad, and applesauce. Dinner prices are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10, and free for children 4 and under. Carry-out, bazaar and baked items will also be available.

Presale tickets are available by stopping by or calling the church office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Church is located at 201 W. Mill St., Ossian, and the phone number is 622-4326.

Hometown Christmas Dec. 5

The Ossian Hometown Christmas will be held Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in downtown Ossian.

Activities include Helen Witte chili at the parking lot behind BKM Realty, tree lighting featuring the Jefferson Street Singers at the library, live holiday music throughout downtown, Don Ferrell’s elf train on East Craig Street, and the Ossian Nazarene Church sponsored live nativity at the south end of downtown.

Bring cameras for pictures with Santa at the former Brew Ha plus the Psi Otes Sorority will be accepting donations for the Ossian Community Food Bank and selling fundraising cheeseballs for $7. Non-perishable food items are requested for the food bank.

Business will have open houses. Those attending will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dessert or appetizer, window decorations, and decorated tree.

What's Up! Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

Free Sports Card Show Nov. 15

A free Sports Card and Collectibles Show will be held Saturday Nov. 15 at the Hotel Fort Wayne located at 305 E Washington Center Road (exit 312a off of I-69) in Fort Wayne. Dealers from the tri-state region will be in attendance buying, selling and trading both sport and non-sport cards and collectibles.

Featured will be vintage and new singles, hobby boxes and supplies. Attendance is free and the public is invited to attend. Please feel free to bring items in for appraisal.  

For more information please contact Brian Mayne at 260-284-4867 or mcscardscomics@adamswells.com.

Model Railroad Show & Swap Nov. 15

The Maumee Valley Railroad Club will sponsor a Model Railroad Show and Swap Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coliseum Bingo at 911 W. Washington Cener Road in Fort Wayne. Admission is $5 for adults, $7 for families and free for children age 12 and younger.

There will be tables of model railroad bargains with vendors, at least one operating model railroad layout, on-site concession stand and free parking.

For more information call 260-482-2203 or email: mvrrc.ri@gmail.com.

Turkey Time Nov. 15 at Conservatory

On Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. the Botanical Conservatory will focus on turkeys. Turkeys are game birds, the largest kind native to North America. Those attending will  learn things about wild and domestic turkeys. 

Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission (members and volunteers admitted free). Cost for adults is $5, children, age 3-17 are $3. Children age two and under free. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Cooking Healthy for the Holidays Nov. 19

Learn to reduce large amounts of fats and sugar found in holiday recipes and focus more on the “star” ingredients, fruits and vegetables. With a little planning and a few simple changes, it is possible to enjoy great tasting holiday foods while avoiding the weight gain often associated with the holiday season. 

This event is held Wednesday Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second floor of city hall. Those attending will get recipes and have the chance to sample a few ‘stars’. 

Participants must pre-register by calling the Parks Department at 824-6069 and bring $3 that night.

Theater Thursday Nov. 20

The free movie for adults on Nov. 20 will be “Maleficent” rated PG. 

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. Questions call 824-6069

What's Up! Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014

Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting Nov. 5

The Wells County Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet at the First United Methodist Church, located at 325 W. Washington St. in Bluffton, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. 

The group is intended for caregivers and family members of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases.  

For more information call Joyce Phillabaum at 824-4244.

$1 Night at Conservatory Nov. 6

On the first Thursday night of the month (Nov. 6)the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne offers $1 admissions from 5 to 8 p.m. for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. 

For more information call 260-427-6028.

Jeannette Brown program Nov. 10

The Zanesville Lions will present a program by guest speaker Jeannette Brown Monday, Nov. 10, at 7:15 p.m. She will be portraying “Rosebud Slim,” a colorful Whitley County character, John Hoffman, wandered the countryside painting mailboxes with a rosebud. There is no charge to attend the program. The Lions also serve supper at 6:30 p.m. for a nominal fee. Call 638-4327 for supper reservations. After the program, play free bingo.

Fall Cooking Class Nov. 10

This Fall Cooking Class  session for adults and teens. It will cover the farm to table approach with pumpkins. 

Learn how to make a puree and then watch a demonstration on how to make a delicious pumpkin roll. 

The lesson will be held at the culinary arts room of the Bluffton Middle School on Monday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Class size is limited to the first 12 paid participants who pre-register. 

Cost is $12. Checks can be mailed to the park office at 128 E. Market. Questions call the parks office at 824-6069.

Presbyterian Women Soup and Sandwich Supper Nov. 11

The Presbyterian Women Annual Soup and Sandwich Supper will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at Five Points in Decatur.

The menu will include homemade beef vegetable soup, potato soup, ham and bean soup, sloppy joes, chili dogs, hot dogs, pies, desserts and drinks.

Carry-outs will be available. Half of the free will donations will go to Love Inc.

The public is welcome to attend the event. 

Blackford 4-H Open House Nov. 13

Members of the Blackford County 4-H Council will hold their annual Open House Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the 4-H building in Hartford City.

Extension staff, 4-H club leaders and current 4-H members will be on hand to answer questions and show visitors what type of projects are available for next year.

For more information call 765-348-3213.

Christmas Card Class begins Nov. 13

Learn how to make Christmas cards or Christmas gifts Thursday Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall building. 

The group will also meet one more time doing different Christmas cards and gifts on Dec. 11. 

Christmas cards are (4) cards for $7 or (7) cards for $12. Gifts are (2) for $7 or (4) gifts for $12. Gifts this month are a card box, tea and cookie holder, tile charm and a post it note calendar frame. 

Attendees can do both classes, but please register by calling 824-6069 or messaging the department on Facebook in advance so that there will be enough materials available.

Swiss Village Holiday Bazaar and Book Fair Nov. 14

Swiss Village Retirement Community in Berne will sponsor their annual Holiday Bazaar Friday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

A variety of handcrafted items made by Swiss Village Residents and local craft vendors from the community will be for sale. For a nominal fee, a light lunch will be served in the Café Suisse. 

New this year, author Kayleen Reusser will be at the Bazaar from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a book signing of her book called World War II Legacies: Stories of Northeast Indiana Veterans. 

In addition to the bazaar, Swiss Village will also host a Holiday Book Fair by Books Are Fun on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium. Parking will be available in the circle drive at the main entrance at Swiss Village at 1350 W. Main St. in Berne. Call 260-589-3173.

St. Joe Craft and Arts Bazaar Nov. 15

The Council of Catholic Women at St. Joseph in Bluffton will sponsor the 2014 Craft and Arts Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be over 40 vendors with a large variety of items to choose from. Lunch will be available for purchase. There will also be a  bake sale.  The church is located at 1300 N. Main St., Bluffton. For more information call 260-824-1380.

What's Up! Monday, Nov. 3, 2014

Ham and Bean Supper Nov. 8

The Poneto Community Club will sponsor a supper Saturday, Nov. 8 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The meal will include ham and bean soup, chicken noodle soup, hot dogs, coney dogs and sandwiches.

Desserts include homemade  pies, cakes and apple dumplings. There will be coffee and cold drinks available. A free will offering will be taken at the door.

Noodle Dinner Nov. 9

Members of the Montpelier Lions Club will sponsor a Noodle Dinner Sunday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Available will be chicken or beef and noodles with all the trimmings. People can eat in or carry out. A free will donation will be accepted.

The Lions Club is located at the corner of High and Jefferson Streets in Montpelier. Proceeds will go to the Furnace Fund.

Bach Collegium Nov. 9

Bach Collegium, a Baroque Music Ensemble, will be held Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church at 2313 S. Hanna Street in Fort Wayne.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for studens and free for children ages 12 and younger.

Collegium Singers and Orchestra will perform and will be featured with  Natural Trumpets with selected voices from Fort Wayne Children’s Choir.

For more information call 260-485-2143 or log onto: www.bachcollegium.org.