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.