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

Wells Community Gospel Benefit Jan. 3

The Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation will sponsor the third Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert Saturday, Jan. 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the 4-H Community Building at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton. There will be 10 local singing groups, a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle. Doors will open at 5 p.m. There will be concessions available. Anyone wanting to donate items for the auction can drop off or call Kelly Collision at 824-3995, Outdoor Concepts at 824-5189, Family Ford of Bluffton at 824-2300 or NAPA at 824-4460. 

Admission and childcare is free. All proceeds will go to help Wells County residents who are battling cancer.

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

Gospel benefit concert and auction Jan. 3 for Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation

This will be the third year that the Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation has held a Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert. There is no admission charge.

This year it will be held at the 4-H Community Building on Saturday, Jan. 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Doors will open at 5 p.m. for those who would like to try out the concessions—including hot dogs, chili, nachos and cheese and hot ham-n-cheese sandwiches.) Free baby-sitting will be offered.

A silent auction will offer tempting items and a live auction also will be held. Nine local singing groups will offer entertainment throughout the evening.

Scheduled to appear are the Wells Community Choir, Sherry Mann and Denise Ferguson, CC Trio, Shane Brothers, Psalm 100, Kylie Gerber, Lisa Frauhiger and Sam Steffen, Al Grogg Group and Jordan Streveler (2013 Street Fair Idol winner).

Anyone who would like to donate an item for the auction should contact Joan or Dustin Kelly at 824-3995; Steve Gerber at 824-5189; Todd Reimschisel at 8242-2300 or Bruce or Kate Stinson at 824-4450.

Last year this event raised over $40,000 that assisted with funding needs for Wells County residents battling cancer.

Knitting and crochet lessons to begin

Chicks with Sticks Knitting classes will be taught Mondays on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p.m. Cost for (3)  one hour group lessons are $12 due the first day. Classes are Jan. 12, 19 and 26. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending should bring their own  knitting needles.

Hooked on Crochet classes will be taught Tuesdays on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p.m. Cost for (3) one-hour group lessons are $12 due the first day, classes. Classes are Jan. 13, 20, and 27. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending  will need to bring their own size H hook.

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

What's Up! Monday, Dec. 22, 2014

Walking Program underway

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.

Adult Badminton

Adult Badminton is held every Thursday night until Dec. 11 (except Thanksgiving) from 7-9 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym.

Those participating can enter on the west side of the building. All equipment is provided. This is  for beginners and advanced players.  It is a free event. For more information call 824-6069.

City Gym memberships available

City Gym memberships are now available for 2015. Anyone buying a membership now will be given a key for the remaining time in 2014.  The 2014 membership is good until 9 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2015. After that the new membership begins. 

Prices have not increased and are as follows: Single Wells County residents:  $145. Family Wells County residents: $175. Single, Non-Wells County residents: $185. Family Non-Wells County residents: $215. For more information call 824-6069.

Winter garden party at Embassy Dec. 28

A Winter Garden party, inspired by  Downton Abbey will be offered as a fundraiser for the Embassy Theatre and PBS Channel 39 on Sunday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m.

A special themed “upstairs/downstairs” menu will be presented along with historic music and vintage games.

There also will be a display of authentic 1920s era dresse as well as a 1920s themed costume contest and raffle.

There will be preferred seating for a showing of the first 60 minuets of the first episode of Season 5 of Downton Abbey.

Tickets are $150 and are now on sale. Purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com or charge-by-phone at 260-424-4554 or stop by the Embassy box office. 

Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park

The annual Fantasy of Lights display at Fort Wayne’s Franke park will continue to welcome visitors through Dec. 31. Hours for viewing are 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per car, $10 for passenger vans, $25 or buses and trolleys. On weekends horse and carriage rides are available on weekends. For reservations call 260-691-3780. 

Walkway of Lights at Marion

Since 1992 the town of Marion has hosted the Walkway of Lights along the Mississenewa River from the downtown area to Matter Park. Over 120 light displays are featured through Dec. 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. each evening. There is a $5 per car charge to drive along the walkway. 

What's Up! Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Epworth to present Go, Tell it! Dec. 21

On Sunday, Dec. 21 members of the Epworth United Methodist Church Choir will present the Christmas musical “Go, Tell It! The Story of Christmas for All the World” during the 9:30 a.m. worship service at 1204 W. Cherry Street in Bluffton.

The musical was created and arranged by Marty Parks. The choir is directed by Sue Dick. Tony Garton will serve as the narrator and Brady Hunt will be a soloist.

For more information call Pastor Dick Frederick at 260-375-3154.

Sneak preview of Downton Abbey Dec. 28

On Sunday, Dec. 28, the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre will host a sneak preview of Season 5 of Downton Abby.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. screening. There is no admission charge and seating is first-come, first-served. There will be a 1920s costume contest with prizes as well as a display of historic period dresses. The event is sponsored by PBS 39 and the Embassy Theatre.

Season 5 will premiere on PBS 39 on Jan. 4, at 9 p.m.

Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park

The annual Fantasy of Lights display at Fort Wayne’s Franke park will continue to welcome visitors through Dec. 31. Hours for viewing are 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per car, $10 for passenger vans, $25 or buses and trolleys. On weekends horse and carriage rides are available on weekends. (For reservations call 260-691-3780.)

Walkway of Lights at Marion

Since 1992 the town of Marion has hosted the Walkway of Lights along the Mississenewa River from the downtown area to Matter Park.

Over 120 light displays are featured through Dec. 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. each evening. There is a $5 per car charge to drive along the walkway. 

A gift shop offers refreshments for purchase as well as holiday items for sale.

Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert Jan. 3

The Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation will sponsor the third Wells Community Gospel Benefit Concert Saturday, Jan. 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the 4-H Community Building at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.

There will be 10 local singing groups, a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle. Doors will open at 5 p.m. There will be concessions available.

Anyone wanting to donate items for the auction can drop off or call Kelly Collision at 824-3995, Outdoor Concepts at 824-5189, Family Ford of Bluffton at 824-2300 or NAPA at 824-4460.

Admission and childcare is free.

All proceeds will go to help Wells County residents who are battling cancer.

Heartland plans swingin’ singin’ New Year’s Eve

Heartland, northeast Indiana’s only professional vocal ensemble, is offering the first large-scale New Year’s Eve celebration in Fort Wayne since the gala event held in connection with the 1994 bicentennial.

Billed as “A Swinging’ Singing’ New Year’s Eve” the evening will include entertainment by jazz vocalists from Heartland and the Heartland Big Band Jazz Orchestra.

The event will be held at the Convention Hall at the Grand Wayne Center with tickets priced at $60 per person. (This includes admission to the live dynamic show from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., hors d’oeurves throughout the evening, one free drink ticket and at midnight a champagne toast. Special overnight packages available at the downtown Hilton Fort Wayne and Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown by Marriott. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.heartlandsings.org/wordpress/nye.

Gym memberships available

City Gym memberships are now available for 2015. Anyone buying a membership now will be given a key for the remaining time in 2014.  The 2014 membership is good until 9 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2015. After that the new membership begins. 

Prices have not increased and are as follows: Single Wells County residents:  $145. Family Wells County residents: $175. Single, Non-Wells County residents: $185. Family Non-Wells County residents: $215. For more information call 824-6069.

Winter Wonderland Dec. 18

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will hold a Winter Wonderland Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym. Kids can see Santa, play games and jump in a bouncy house. This is a free event. Bring a camera to capture the moment with Santa. Each child will receive a toy! 

Enter the glass door on the west side of the building. For more information call 824-6069. 

Psi Iota Xi selling Flower Cards

Members of the Bluffton chapter of Psi Iota Xi Sorority is currently selling flower cards for 2015.

Cost is $25 each and are good for 12 monthly bouquets from the Posy Pot. Cards may be purchased at the Posy Pot or by calling 820-1447 or from any Psi Ote member.

Dance exhibit  next for FWMA

Next exhibit at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will highlight Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 40-plus year history. The exhibit will be viewable December 10 to March 15.

Twenty-five costumes and accessories, set pieces, documentary video excerpts, historical photographs and tour poster will be featured. It also will include our dramatically-staged ballets that are iconic to the company—A Streetcar Names Desire, Creole Giselle, Dougle and Firebird.

Dispelling the belief that ballet could not be performed by those of African descent, Arthur Mitchell and  Karel Shook founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1960. It has since grown into a multi cultural dance institution.

Other exhibit at the museum include “Beautiful and Obsolete: Obituaries for the Machine Age” through Jan. 4 and “Crossing Liens: Contemporary Art from Coast to Coast” through Jan. 18.

The museum is open on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. (Closed Christmas and New Year’s days.) Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, $20 for families, free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and $1 the last Saturday of the month.

What's Up! Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

Saturday movie at the library Dec. 13

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.

In Bluffton on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” will be shown. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn is served at the Bluffton site. 

Holiday pops concerts at the FW Embassy in December

Five Holiday Pops concerts are being offered by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic this season.

There will be 7:30 p.m. concerts on Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 as well as 2 p.m. concerts on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20.

Sameer Patel will conduct the concerts. Tickets start at $32 and may be arranged for by calling 260-481-0777.

In addition Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rhinehart Music Center at IPFW.

The All Mozart Masterworks concert will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Embassy Theatre.

The Family: Musical Storytelling concert will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Rhinehart Music Center at the IPFW.

Bake Sale in Montpelier Dec. 12

On Friday, Dec. 12 the Montpelier Historic Preservation Association will sponsor a bake sale at Citizens State Bank to benefit the Old Church Museum project. 

Home-baked Christmas cookies, candies and cakes will be for sale.

United Way host Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13

The United Way of Wells County will sponsor Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m. at Sassafras in Bluffton. Cost is $10 per person.

Have breakfast with Santa and hear Christmas stories. All children will receive a Christmas stocking and a special gift.

Register online at: unitedwaywells.org. Seating is limited. No high chair available. Event is designed for children age 3 and older.

For more information call 824-5589.

Jay County Farm Toy Show Dec. 14

Jay County’s 28th Farm Toy Show will be held at the Jay County Fairgrounds Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

There will be over 70 dealer tables. Admission is $2 per person. For more information call Ronnie Rudrow at 260-726-6433.

Santa to visit Five Points Dec. 14

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will visit children at Five Points School Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Free admission. The school is located at Jeff Road and 1100-S. Children will receive goodie bags. 

Adults can enjoy cookies, coffee and fellowship. 

Those attending are encouraged to bring a camera. 

For more information call 765-728-5269.

Winter Wonderland Dec. 18

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will hold a Winter Wonderland Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym.

Kids can see Santa, play games and jump in a bouncy house. This is a free event. Bring a camera to capture the moment with Santa. Each child will receive a toy!  Enter the glass door on the west side of the building. 

For more information call 824-6069.

Theater Thursday Dec. 18

The free movie for adults to be shown on Dec. 18 will be “Christmas with the Kranks”, 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, a 10 minute health info and prizes will be part of the program. For more information call 824-6069.

FW’s Youtheatre dance program

“The Steadfast Tin Soldier” will be presented by the Fort Wayne Ballet for the Fort Wayne Youtheatre at the Black Box Theater at the Auer ArtsLab on Dec. 19, 20 and 21.

Curtain times are Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

To arrange for tickets call 2260-422-4226 or check out ARTSTIX.ORG

Winter garden party at Embassy Dec. 28

A Winter Garden party, inspired by  Downtown Abbey will be offered as a fundraiser for the Embassy Theatre and PBS Channel 39 on Sunday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m.

A special themed “upstairs/downstairs” menu will be presented along with historic music and vintage games.

There also will be a display of authentic 1920s era dress as well as a 1920s themed costume contest and raffle.

There will be preferred seating for a showing of the first 60 minuets of the first episode of Season 5 of Downtown Abbey.

Tickets are $150 and are now on sale. Purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com or charge-by-phone at 260-424-4554 or stop by the Embassy box office.

Knitting and Crochet lessons begin in January

Looking for a fun hobby to start this winter? The parks department will offer knitting and crochet lessons in January. 

Chicks with Sticks Knitting classes will be taught Mondays on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p.m. Cost for (3)  one hour group lessons are $12 due the first day. Classes are Jan. 12, 19 and 26. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending should bring their own  knitting needles.

Hooked on Crochet classes will be taught Tuesdays on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3-4 p,m. 

Cost for (3) one hour group lessons are $12 due the first day, classes. Classes are Jan. 13, 20, and 27th. 

Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending  will need to bring 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. 

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

Arts Place Holiday Concert Dec. 10

 Arts Place will hold its annual MusicWorks Holiday Concert Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Hall-Moser Theatre. Doors will open at 6:45 and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Arts Place is located at 131 East Walnut St, Portland, IN 47371.

Performing groups for the concert will include: The Jay County Community Band, Eastern Breeze Flute Ensemble, Brown Paper Sax Saxophone Ensemble, Brassissimo!, Trumpet Ensemble, and Distant Thunder Percussion Ensemble.

For more information call 260-726-4809 or pvogler@artsland.org. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dog Park keys go on sale Dec. 17

Dog Park keys for 2015 will be on sale during the Paws and Claus event on Dec. 17 in the city gym from 5:30-7 p.m. 

Cost is $15 for city residents and $20 for Wells County residents who live outside of city limits. 

Forms can be found online at http://www.blufftonindiana.net/parks-department/ if you want to fill it out in advance. 

Those wanting keys must provide verification that their dog has current vaccinations and parasite prevention. 

For more information call 824-6069. Keys are also available in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in city hall Monday-Friday from  8-5 p.m.

Cookie & Candy Exchange Dec. 18

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation willsponsor a free Cookie and Candy Exchange Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Bluffton. This is a way to try a variety of homemade treats and take home all of the recipes. 

To participate, e-mail your name, phone and recipe to:  parks@ci.bluffton.in.us by Dec 10. 

Expect to make about three dozen that will be divided up evenly with all the participants. 

On the day of the event bring an empty container to hold the cookies to take home while you pass yours out. Enter the glass door on the West side of City hall. 

For more information call 824-6069.

December Dash Dec. 20

People can now register for the The December Dash to be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. 

There will be a 5K Run/Walk and a one Mile Jingle Bell Jog with Santa Claus for the kids! 

Overall and age group awards will be presented in the 5K. There will be a Special Award for the runner wearing the most impressive Holiday Sweater!  

Hot chocolate & holiday treats after the run. Register online at http://raceroster.com

What's Up! Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014

City Gym memberships available

City Gym memberships are now available for 2015. Anyone buying a membership now will be given a key for the remaining time in 2014.  The 2014 membership is good until 9 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2015. After that the new membership begins. 

Prices have not increased and are as follows: Single Wells County residents:  $145. Family Wells County residents: $175. Single, Non-Wells County residents: $185. Family Non-Wells County residents: $215. Call 824-6069.

Holiday Pops at Bellmont Dec.  9

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present a Holiday Pops Concert at Bellmont High School in Decatur. The new Philharmonic Assistant Conductor Chi-Hsuan Lin will conduct and vocalists will be Fernando Tarango and Renee Gonzales. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger. Tickets available in advance at Eichorn Jewelry, First Bank of Berne and Decatur Daily Democrat They also will be available at the door.

Montpelier Christmas Tea Dec. 10

The Montpelier Friends of the Library will hold their annual Christmas Tea at the library on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the event.

Bird Count to be held Dec. 15

Wells County will be conducting their Christmas Bird Count on Monday, Dec. 15. Those participating can call their list to complier Ruth Oswalt at 260-694-6487 or mail it to Box 13, Poneto, Indiana 46781.

Homemade Card Class Dec. 11

The Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Homemade Card Class, taught by Angie Honegger, on Thursday Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at city hall. Cost is $7 per person for 3-4 cards. 

Cards will be simple, elegant, and punch art along with easy techniques thrown in to the mix! 

As always various sentiments will be available each class if you need a different occasion! 

Call to pre-register at 824-6069.

Paws and Claus Dec. 17

Bluffton Parks Department will sponsor a free event for you and your pet Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym. 

Bring a camera or purchase photos from Amanda Treasured Memories-Photography. A 5 x 7 is $5 and will be ready for pick up the next night during the Winter Wonderland event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the city gym.  

Pets will receive free treats. Pets must be clean and kept on a leash. 

For more information call 824-6069.

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

Chester Twp. breakfast Dec. 6

Members of the Chester Twp. Firehouse will sponsor a Sausage and gravy breakfast Saturday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the firehouse. 

A free will offering will be taken during the event.

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.

Montpelier Lions Club Auction Dec. 6

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. 

Craft Bazaar & Cookie Walk Dec. 6

Lifeway Wesleyan Church Craft Bazaar and Cookie Walk, will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30  p.m. at 7722 Moeller Road, Ft Wayne. 

Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. 

The Cookie Walk is $7 per box. Proceeds to benefit youth. Also available will be  homemade crafts and a door prize raffle.  

Call Jenna Geissler at 749-0363 or the church at 749-9758 for booth reservations.

Montpelier Home Town Christmas Dec. 6

This years Home Town Christmas will be on December 6 at the Montpelier Civic Center from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be food, crafts and other vendors.  There will also be entertainment by local youth. Show Time Dance Academy will perform. Santa will be there from 1-2 p.m. There will be a Best Cookie contest for adults and children with prizes and a Christmas tree decorating contest.

There will be door prizes, cookies and hot chocolate.  

This is a free event to the public. Some vendors will be selling food items for lunch. Doors will open to vendors at 10 a.m. Open to the public at noon. If you would like to have a space it is free to Chamber members and  $10 to non-members.

For more information call Renda Heyerly at 765-499-9792.

FW holiday home tour in Woodland Park Dec. 6-7

The Woodland Park area of Fort Wayne will host a Holiday Home Tour on the weekend of Dec. 6-7.

Hours on Saturday will be from 5 to 9 p.m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Advance tickets are $10 for individuals and $12 the day of the tour. Free admission to children ages 10 and younger. Tours begin at the Simpson United Methodist Church, 2501 South Harrison St. in Fort Wayne.

Markle Christmas in Our Town Dec. 6 & 7

The Markle Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the annual Christmas in Our Town Dec. 6 and Dec. 6. Activities include horse and wagon rides, craft and product vendors, breakfast and pictures with Santa, train rides for kids, Christmas crafts, Cookie Corner, soup supper, organ recital and more.
For more information call Linda Beck at 260-820-0089.

Living Christmas tree at FW church

A 100 voice choir will sing as the Fort Wayne North Park Community Church presents The Living Christmas Tree on Dec. 6 and 7. The church is located at 7160 Flutter Rd. in Fort Wayne. There will be 3:30 and 6:30 performances on both days. All seats are $10. 

Tickets available by phone at 260-484-1029, 260-486-2780 or 260-490-2490 or at trintycommunications.org.

Children’s Christmas Party at Legion Dec. 7

After an absence of several years, the American Legion Auxiliary will once again sponsor a Children’s Christmas Party Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 111 W. Washington Street in Bluffton. 

Plans are underway for a “Winter Wonderland” of games, prizes, refreshments and a special visit from Santa. The Auxiliary has been told by an anonymous source from the North Pole that Santa will have a couple surprises at the party. The party will be held in the non-smoking backroom of the Post. 

In order to make sure there are enough goodie bags for the children, registration would be appreciated. Register by emailing the Auxiliary president, Cheryl Mann; ccmann6566@yahoo.com; no later than Friday, Nov. 28.

Live Nativitiy Dec. 7

On Sunday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Montpelier Ag Advantage at 240 W. Windsor Street in Montpelier, listen to the Wisemen as they deliver gifts to the new born King born in Bethlehem! 

Members of Southern Wells Community Church welcome the public to  journey with them through Bethlehem, enjoy hot apple cider, sweet bread and visit a live, interactive re-creation of the birth of Christ.

There is plenty of parking,  including bus parking. The event is free of charge.

Christmas Bazaar in Markle Dec. 7

A Christmas Bazaar will be held at Expectations! in Markle Sunday, Dec. 7 from noon to 4 p.m.

Santa to Visit Wellness Pavilion Dec. 7

Santa will make an appearance at the Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion, with cookies and hot chocolate in hand. Santa’s visit is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2– 4 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to visit with Santa before he makes his trip back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Day. 

A photographer will be available, and each child will receive a free photo with Santa. 

Children ages 2-7 will be able to participate in a coloring contest at the Wellness Pavilion when they visit with Santa. First, Second, and Third Place Prizes will be awarded in each age category. All coloring contest entries will be posted through the Wellness Pavilion for the remainder of the Holiday Season.  

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion is located on Swiss Village’s North Campus at 1201 Emmental Drive in Berne. For more information call 260-589-4496 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

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

Saturday at the movies Dec. 13

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 on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” will be shown.

Children under age six must be accompanied by an adult. Pop con is served at the Bluffton site. 

Send Santa letters until Dec. 19

From now through Dec. 19 the Bluffton Parks Department will deliver your child’s letter to Santa between. 

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.

What's Up! Monday, Dec. 1, 2014

WCT fundraiser tonight at Pizza Hut

On Monday, Dec. 1, the Wells Community Theatre will be holding a fundraiser at the Pizza Hut in Bluffton.

Cast members will be working as wait staff and singing from 5 to 7:30 p.m. A percentage of each buffet plus tips will assist with expenses for the current production of the musical “White Christmas.” 

Tickets still are available for both performances and may be obtained at the Creative Arts Council office.

 Curtain time on Saturday, Dec. 6, will be 7 p.m. and at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Dec. 3

The Wells County Alzheimer’s support group will meet at the First United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The church is located at 325 W. Washington Street in Bluffton,  The group is intended for caregivers and family members of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases.

Contact Joyce Phillabaum at 824-4244 for more information pertaining to the support group.

Polar Express Party at the Ossian Library Dec. 4

 Come aboard as the Ossian Branch Library travels to the North Pole via a Polar Express Party on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

This program is for pre-school through fifth grades and registration is required.  Those attending will enjoy some hot chocolate, play a game, and create a take-home craft.

For more information or to register, call the Ossian Branch Library at 260-622-4691.

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. Vote for your favorite dessert or appetizer, window decorations, and decorated tree.

Parks’ Princess Party will be Jan. 31

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Princess Party at 10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2015, at Sassafras on Main, 218 S. Main St. Tickets are on sale now in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at City Hall at 128 E. Market Street. Cost is $10 per adult and $15 per child. 

The party will include sipping hot cocoa, tasting cookies, meeting the Snow Queen, dancing, singing, a craft and plenty of time for photos and autographs. Princess or dressy attire is appropriate. 

Space is limited. No reservations will be accepted over the phone. For more information  call 824-6069.

Christmas in the castle at USF Dec. 5-7

Christmas in the Castle will be welcoming visitors at the University of Saint Francis Dec. 5-7.

All three floors of the ornate mansion will be open and decorated. Fifteen trees will be located throughout the house and 13 fireplaces will be decorated as well.

The 22-room home was built by industrialist/banker John Henry Bass. In 1982 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5; noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Admission is $6 per person of $25 per family. Senior day is noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and admission is $4. Free parking at the north campus across Spring St. by the mansion.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, the lighting of the lake and live nativity scene will take place at 6 p.m. Address for the north campus parking lot is 2701 Spring St.