What's Up! Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Garage Sale May 1-3

The annual Lutheran Life Villages Bargain Bonanza Garage Sale will be held May 1-3 at the International Park and Commerce Center at 2701 S. Coliseum Blvd. in Fort Wayne. Proceeds will go to benefit residents of Lutheran Life Villages and will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Hours are May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 3, 9 a.m. to noon.

Adoption Fundraiser May 3

Greg and Lora Osborn Adoption Fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 3 at Dutch Mill Plaza, 360 N. Main Street, Bluffton. Fat Jon’s BBQ Concessions  will be available serving whole hog, pulled pork sandwich meals. Carry out available. (Pd. Advt.)

Sausage & Gravy Breakfast May 3

Members of Chester Twp. Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Sausage and Gravy Breakfast Saturday, May 3 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Chester Fire Station, south of Southern Wells High School. A free will donation will be accepted during the event.

Ernie Couch and Revival May 4

Ernie Couch and Revival will be at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 16933 Thiele Road, Fort Wayne, May 4, at the 10 a.m. EC&R is high energy in motion featuring a sound reflective of the diverse musical heritage that has made Music City internationally famous. 

Afterward a swiss steak dinner will be served in the gymnasium. Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, rolls, cake, pie, and beverage will be served for a freewill offering. For more information call Kay Disher, secretary, at 622-4886.

Zumba Classes May 1

Zumba will be held at the Bluffton City Gym at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 1; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6; and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8. Lauren Smith will be the instructor. Each session is $5 per person. For those who can only attend the morning or evening sessions, let the Parks Department know and they can discount the session price. Call 824-6069.

Rummage Vendors wanted June 7

Montpelier Town Wide Rummages will be held June 7. Nazarene Church has table space available inside and outside. They will be serving breakfast and lunch. Call 765-728-5905. 

What's Up! Monday, April 28, 2014

NMS band Pizza Hut night April 28

On Monday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. the Norwell Middle School Band will be holding a fundraising event at the Pizza Hut in Bluffton. 

Elks Blues, Brews and BBQ Cancer Benefit May 17

Schedule of events:  Fat Jon’s BBQ Rib Dinner: $15, serving from 5 to 7 p.m.

Corn Hole Tournament, $10, Blind Draw. Thirty percent to cancer fun. Seventy percent prize money. Sign up by 12:30 p.m.

Bake Sale, Live Auction, 7:30 p.m. 

Reverse Raffle, 50-50’s.

Live band with Jamie Lewis (And Kirk Potter!)

Proceeds will go to Indiana Elks Cancer Research Fund, Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation. (Free: 4/28; Pd. Advt. 5/5)

Scholarship available

Blackford County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2014-2015 academic year from students, other than high school seniors, who are enrolled in college or vocational schools and programs.

Applicants must be a legal resident of Blackford County and have a current GPA of 2.50 or greater. 

Forms are available online at www.blackfordcofoundation.org or at the Foundation’s office, 121 N. High St., Hartford City. Submission deadline is June 26. For additional questions, please contact the Foundation at (765) 348-3411.

Vendors wanted for Montpelier Rummage June 7

Montpelier Town Wide Rummages will be held June 7.

Nazarene Church has table space available inside and outside. They will be serving breakfast and lunch. Call 765-728-5905.

What's Up! Thursday, April 24, 2014

Spring Fling April 26

The fourth annual Spring Fling will be held Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bluffton National Guard Armory, 500 E. Spring Street, Buffton. Free admission, food, door prizes. Proceeds from raffle will go to the Steve Kelly Cancer Foundation. Call Deb Carson: 260-824-9219, 260-273-7950 or Linda Bradley: 260-273-9825. (Pd. Advt.)

What's Up! Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Sign up for Fall Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

The Purdue University Master Gardener volunteer program helps gardeners grow by providing them with intensive training in horticultural principles. Participants, in turn, share their knowledge by providing volunteer leadership and service to their communities. 

In 2014, volunteer training sessions will begin on Sept. 3 and conclude in early November. Training sessions will be conducted at the Allen County Extension office on Wednesday Evenings from 5:30–9 p.m.  and on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weekly classes are separate teaching sessions – not the same session)

The $125 program fee includes class material and a reference notebook.  To learn more about this program or to pick up an application, visit the Allen County Extension office (4001 Crescent Avenue-on the IPFW campus) or call 260-481-6826 and press option 3.

Additional information and an application can also be downloaded from www.extension.purdue.edu/allen. (Click on Home Yard and Garden).

Circle W Riders Membership Drive April 25-27

The Circle W Riders will hold their membership drive for anyone wanting to join the club this weekend, April 25-27 at the home of Ed Thompson. For more information call 260-273-7675.

4-H hog roast, carnival & silent auction April 26

 Allen County 4-H Clubs Inc. will be sponsor a Hog Roast, Carnival and Silent Auction Fund Raiser Saturday, April 26 in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Allen County Fairgrounds at 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. The hog roast dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. or until sold out.

The meal will include roasted pork, sauerkraut, mashed potato, green beans, applesauce, roll, butter, sour cream, assorted desserts and a beverage. 

Meal prices are $8 for adults and $6.50 for children age 6-11. Children age five and younger are free. All carry-out meals are $8. This is an “all you can eat” Hog Roast.

A Carnival with games staffed by 4-H club members will be available from 4-7 p.m. Tickets for the games cost .50 cents each or wristbands for $7.

In addition, a Silent Auction with numerous items to bid on will be held with bidding open from 4-6:45 p.m.

 All proceeds from this event will go toward Allen County 4-H Programs.

 For additional information, contact Purdue Extension – Allen County at 260-481-6826.

Dillman Church Garage Sale May 3

Dillman United Brethren Church will sponsor a garage sale Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8888S-1100W, rural Warren in Wells County.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a trunk sale at 2 p.m.

Proceeds will go to the church youth group mission trip to South Dakota and church camp scholarships.

The church is located three miles west of Ind. 3 on 900S or four miles east of the Van Buren Cemetery.

For more information call 260-375-2779.

What's Up! Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Alzheimer Conference April 25

On Friday, April 25, the Alzheimer’s Association will host an Education Conference at the Indianapolis Marriott North hotel, located at 3645 River Crossing, Indianapolis. Professionals and family members of those living with dementia can come to explore issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and communication. 

The conference will begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast, ending with a keynote speaker at 4:30 p.m. There is a registration fee of $40 for families, care partners, friends or students and $95 for professionals. 

The registration fee will include breakfast, break service, lunch and conference materials. CEUs are available for social workers and health facility administrators. Category 1 CEs are available through the Indiana Psychological Association. All other professional registrants will receive a certificate of attendance.

For a free conference brochure, or to register, visit alz.org/indiana or call 800.272.3900. Please note, registration closes on Thursday, April 24.

South Pacific auditions April 26

Auditions for Wells Community Theater’s production of South Pacific will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton.

Performances will be June 13-15 at Life Commnity Church.  Families are also encouraged to audition for this multi-age show.  For more information, join South Pacific at WCT on Facebook or call CAC at 824-5222.

Huntington Book Sale April 27

The Friends of the Huntington Library will offer a one-day Spring Used Book Sale at the Main Library from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. 

Featured at the sale will be cookbooks, travel books, gardening, hobby, craft, sewing, home decorating and maintenance, and other DIY project titles, a large selection of mass-market and trade paperback fiction, and a special collection of must-see, rare and unusual needlework patterns, including patterns for crochet and needlepoint projects and much more. 

Prices will start at 50¢ for mass-market paperbacks, $1 for hardcover books and most needlework patterns, and $2 for a small selection of gift-quality books.  

Free Senior Breakfast in Berne May 2

In recognition of May as National Older Americans Month, Swiss Village and the Berne Rotary Club will be co-sponsor their 24th annual Senior Breakfast on Friday, May 2, from 7 to 9 a.m. at 1350 W. Main St. in Berne.

Last year, more than 300 area seniors attended the breakfast. The breakfast will consist of scrambled eggs, biscuits, pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. 

There will also be health screenings provided from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., including free blood pressure checks, free lipid profile checks, comprehensive metabolic profiles $25, thyroid panel $20, and hemogram $15. 

Everyone who attends the open house will have the chance to sign up to win one of eight $25 gas cards, and will receive a coupon for a free ice cream in the Café Suisse at Swiss Village. 

Parking will be available at the main circle drive entrance or in the north parking lot by the Social Corner. 

For more information, call 260-589-3173.

Decatur  Community Plant Swap May 3

The 2014 Community Plant Swap will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Riverside Center in Decatur at 231 E. Monroe St. (U.S.-224 East).

The 2014 herb of the year is Artemisia.

The annual indoor event is open to the public as a way to sell or swap excess plants or to buy new plantings and cuttings. Doors will open at 6 a.m. for participants to set up their display of plants.

Sale starts at 7 a.m. Covered tables will be provided. There is a $10 fee per table to participate.

For more information call Sandy at 260-724-4061, Denis Franz at 260-724-9145 or Mary at 260-724-2447.

Pancake, Sausage and Egg Breakfast at Hope May 3

Hope Missionary Church Disaster Relief Team will sponsor the annual Pancake, Sausage and Egg Breakfast from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3 in the Family Life Center at 429 E. Dustman Road in Bluffton.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age five and younger. All proceeds will go toward providing relief efforts to individuals and communities dealing with catastrophic events. 

Call 260-824-1844.

What's Up! Monday, April 21, 2014

Benefit Dinner and Veterans Honor Blanket Program

A benefit dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the Decatur American Legion Post 43. Cost for the dinner is an $8 donation. The meal will consist of a baked pork chop, potatoe, vegetable, roll, dessert and drink. Dine-in or carry-out is available. Free delivery in Decatur is possible upon request. The event is handicap accessible.

Proceeds from the dinner will go to the Veterans Honor Blanket Program where an American flag blanket is used to cover the veteran one last time by the Hospice Nurse and given to their loved ones as a keepsake. 

Entertainment will be porvidby Randi Stevens. Those attending can enter a drawing for a chance to win a blanket.

To purchase dinner tickets call the American Legion at 260-724-3705 or Family LifeCare at 800-355-2817, ext. 338 or alegion@onlyinternet.net ksweney@FamilyLifeCareIN.org.

Euchre Tournament April 25 in Berne

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion in Berne will be host a Euchre tournament for any senior age 55 and older on Friday, April 25 at 2 p.m. at the Wellness Pavilion. Snacks will be provided. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event.  

Sign up at the Pavilion by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. There is no need to find a partner for this event as it will be a round-robin tournament with a different partner for each round. 

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

What's Up! Thursday, April 17, 2014

Creatures of the Night at Limberlost April 25

The public is welcome to visit Loblolly Pavilion in the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve on Friday, April 25 to learn about the creatures that roam the Limberlost when the sun goes down.  

Those attending will take a night hike in the woods to search for “glowing eyes.” Listen for and learn the frog calls of the marsh. Discover nocturnal underwater creatures with a dip-netting activity.  

There will be amphibians on display and a live animal presentation. Finish off the night with a campfire and marshmallow roasting. Be sure to bring a flashlight along.

The event begins at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person for ages 4 and older (no toddlers please).  

The Loblolly Marsh parking lot is located at 8323N-  250W, which is a half-mile north of Ind. 18 on Jay County road 250W, 3.5 miles west of Bryant.

For more information on this event, contact Curt Burnette, naturalist and program developer at 260-368-7428.

Spring Fling April 26

The fourth annual Spring Fling will be held Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bluffton National Guard Armory, 500 E. Spring St., Buffton.

Free admission, food, door prizes. Proceeds from raffle will go to the Steve Kelly Cancer Foundation.

For more information call Deb Carson: 260-824-9219, 260-273-7950 or Linda Bradley: 260-273-9825. (Pd. Advt.)

What's Up! Wednesday, April 16, 2014

The Closet taking clothing donations

With the garage sale season beginning, The Closet, a resource for free clothing for families with infants through kindergarten-aged children, has announced that they will take the kid’s clothes that do not sell at garage sales. The clothes will then be given Wells County families who are in need.

The Closet is located at 123 S. Marion Street in Bluffton on the first floor of the Washington Square building.  

For more information call Sarah Schwartz at 824-8574. 

Limberlost cabin Easter egg hunt April 19

On Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. the Gene Stratton-Porter Limberlost Cabin will host a Golden Easter Egg Hunt.

Children through age 12 are invited to bring their own basket to hunt for eggs. A special Golden Egg will have a special prize for the finder.

Cost is $2 per child up to age 12. After the hunt an “egg class” will be held to allow those attending to become official Limberlost “eggheads.”

For more information call 260-854-3790.

Easter Egg Hunt at Roush Park April 19

Bluffton Parks Department Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Roush Park in Bluffton.

The lawn at Roush Park will be full of 3,000 colorful eggs and fresh rabbit tracks. Age groups are 3 and under, 4-6, 7-9, and 10 and up. Each age group will have a “golden egg.”

Baby animals will be on hand for your child to pet.

Peep Eating Contest April 19

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor their third annual peep eating contest right after the egg hunt Saturday, April 19 at Roush Park. 

The egg hunt is 12:30 p.m. for children then 12:45 for dogs. Eight lucky adults will stuff their face full of sugary marshmallows for a chance to win a prize. Sign up that day. For more information call 824-6069.

Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt April 19

The annual Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt will be held at noon Saturday, April 19 at Liberty Center Park. The date was previously published incorrectly. The rain date will be April 26. There will be four age groups: 1-4 years old, 5-8 years old, 9-12 years old and Handicapped 1-12 years old.

Those attending should bring a basket to collect the eggs. 

Sheets Wildlife Museum Movie Day April 19

Sheets Wildlife Museum and Learning Center will be having a movie day on Saturday, April 19. The movie will be free. Tours of the museum are $1 per person. Movie will start at 10:30 a.m. and will last approximately 60 minutes.

The movie will be a two part movie on Big Cats. Both movies will be of Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler, Peter Gros and Stan Brock. The first one will be of the jaguar in the hostile terrain of Mexico. The second one will be of Marlin and Stan joining a cattle drive that is threatened by a jaguar.

There will be an easy quiz with the top three youth receiving a gift certificate to be used in the museum gift shop.

Seating is limited. Call 356-9453 to reserve a seat.  

YWCA to host free seminar April 23

From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 the YWCA Northeast Indiana at 1610 Spy Run Ave. in Fort Wayne, will host a discussion on the recent changes to what is often called the psychologist’s handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is relied upon by the medical, clinical, pharmaceutical, and legal communities as a common language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders. 

The discussion will be led by Margaret (Gret) Machlan, MSW, of Huntington University’s LifeSpring Counseling Center. It is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. For more information call 260-424-4908, ext. 254 or www.ywca.org/NEIN. 

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run April 26

The MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at Roush Park. The event is hosted by the Bluffton Parks Department and the Bandits Baseball Teams. 

The event is free to boys and girls ages 7 to 14. Overall winners and winners in pitch, hit, and run categories in each age group will advance to sectional competition. 

Registration forms available athttp://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/kids/phr_participant_registration_form.jsp. Participants can also compete in the Bandits Home Run Derby for $5.

Raptor Expo 

April 26 at 

Franke Park

Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab will host the second annual Raptor Expo from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 26 at Franke Park Pavilion No. 1 adjacent to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.

The event will feature live presentations of birds of prey, including Jefferson the Bald Eagle; Apollo the Great Horned Owl; Ruby the Red-Tailed Hawk; Mr. Peabody and Sherman, a Barred Owl and Short-Earred Owl; Peanut the Screech Owl; and other raptors. The presentations are tentatively scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information call 260-241-0134.

Special Olympics Track & Field April 26

The Bluffton Parks Department, the Wells County Family YMCA and Bluffton-Harrison High School will host a Special Olympics Track and Field Invitational Saturday, April 26. 

Entry forms will be available through Indiana Special Olympics and from the website www.blufftonindiana.net

There is no cost to participate. Ribbons will be awarded to all participants and winners. Volunteers are needed for this event. Call 824-6069 or email sports@ci.bluffton.in.us

What's Up! Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Zanesville Lions Club Rummage Sale April 25 & 26

Members of the Zanesville Lions and Friends will sponsor a Rummage Sale Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Zanesville Lions Ballpark at 3088 W. Van Horn Street. Proceeds will go to the Lions Club. Those wanting to donate items can do so Thursday morning, April 24. For more information call 260-638-4327.

Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt April 19

The annual Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt will be held at noon Saturday, April 19 at Liberty Center Park. The rain date will be April 26. There will be four age groups: 1-4 years old, 5-8 years old, 9-12 years old and Handicapped 1-12 years old. Those attending should bring a basket to collect the eggs. 

Academic  Conference April 26

 John Jay Center for Learning, 101 South Meridian Street in Portland, Indiana, is the site for the ninth Annual Academic Conference by National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture, Inc. to be held April 26.  The conference is sponsored in part by the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau.

A Community Partnership Grant from Old National Bank Foundation will make it possible for NCGLNAC to offer scholarships for interested area school teachers and youth and Native American adults and youth to attend this year’s conference.

The subject of the 2014 conference is “The War of 1812: Consequences for the Native People.” Four educators will present the consequences of the War of 1812 from the perspective of some of the tribes: Shawnee, Miami, and Potawatomi and the resulting alliances. Each hour-long presentation will be unique in its own perspective.

 Registration is $35.  Lunch is included, however lunch cannot be guaranteed for registrants on the day of the Conference.  Contact:  Conference Secretary Kay Neumayr at 765-426-3022 or kay.neumayr@ncglnac.com for more information.

PBS 39 fundraiser for antiques April 27

PBS 39 will host a “What’s It Worth” event on Sunday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lincoln Financial Event Center at Parkview Field in Fort Wayne.

Those attending may bring antique or collectible items to be appraised by a group of local experts. Cost is $10 per item or $25 for three items. There will be a limit of three items per person. Among the appraisers will be Ken Ellenberger (general antiques/collectibles) of Bluffton. Other appraisers evaluating General Antiques and collectibles will be Amy Beatty and Chad Weigmann. 

Specialities by others will include Jim Fairfield, cons/currency; Sam Hyde, books/papers; Morrison Agen, records/albums; Eileen Eichhorn, jewelry; Becky Yader, dolls/toys; Lois Eubank, quilts; and Betty Fishman, fine art/paintings.

Organizers have announced that no firearms will be evaluated at the event. The event is a fundraiser for PBS 39.

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church will sponsor their Spring Rummage Sale May 1-3 at 12913 Franke Road in Monroeville.

Hours are 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 1; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Bag and Bulk Sale will be held Saturday morning at $2 a bag or as much as one can carry for $5. Priced items will not be included in the Bag or Bulk Sale. For more information call 260-639-6404.

What's Up! Monday, April 14, 2014

Easter Dog Bone Hunt April 19

Bring the family pet to Roush Park on Saturday, April 19 for their own hunt that starts at 12:45 p.m. sharp. 

Pets must be kept on a leash. Some pet care providers will be on hand and offer free nail clipping. FREE! This is a drop in event, no need to pre-register. Questions call 824-6069.

Princess Tea Party April 27

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Princess Tea Party for all the cinderellas in the community April 27 at Sassafras in the Royal Banquet Hall located at 218 S. Main on Sunday April 27 at 2 p.m.

The day will include sipping tea, tasting cookies, meeting a real Disney Princess, dancing, singing, a craft and plenty of time for photos and autographs. Princess or dressy attire is appropriate. 

Tickets are on sale now in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in City Hall. Youth tickets cost $15 and adults are $10. 

Those attending should bring their camera!

Space is limited. For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Thursday, April 10, 2014

Friends of the Shelter meeting April 14

Friends of the Shelter, the organization that provides support for thte Bluffton/Wells County Animal Shelter, will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 14 in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 128 E. Market Street.

Items on the agenda include shelter operations and final planning on the upcoming garage sale fundraiser. Call 273-1742.

Easter in the Garden April 18

On Friday, April 18 the Easter Bunny will be on hand at Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can meet the Easter Bunny, play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant and enjoy light refreshments and look for Easter eggs in the annual Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through elementary ages. 

Kids can enter the drawing for a chance to win a “sweet” Easter basket. There will be live animals including baby chicks, ducks, bunnies, sheep and goats. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-17 and free for children age 2 and younger.

For more information, call 260-427-6440. 

Spring Fling April 26

The fourth annual Spring Fling will be held Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bluffton National Guard Armory, 500 E. Spring Street, Buffton.

Free admission, food, door prizes. Proceeds from raffle will go to the Steve Kelly Cancer Foundation.

For more information call Deb Carson: 260-824-9219, 260-273-7950 or Linda Bradley: 260-273-9825. (Pd. Advt.)

Special Olympics Track & Field April 26

The Bluffton Parks Department, the Wells County Family YMCA and Bluffton-Harrison High School will host a Special Olympics Track and Field Invitational Saturday, April 26.  Entry forms are available through Indiana Special Olympics and from the website www.blufftonindiana.net.  There is no cost to participate. Ribbons will be awarded to all participants and winners. Volunteers are needed for this event. Call 824-6069 or email (sports@ci.bluffton.in.us).

Mercer Garage Sale May 1-6

A six day garage sale, sponsored by the Mercer County Council on Aging will be held May 1-6 at the Senior Citizen Center at 217 Riley Street in Celina. Hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thrusday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information call 419-586-1644.

What's Up! Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Bluffton Dinner Theater April 25 & 26

Bluffton Musical Entourage will sponsor a Dinner Theater April 25 and 26. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. each evening. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults and children age 11 and older, $7 for children age 10 and younger.

The menu will include baked chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, green beans, salad with homemade dressing, dinner roll, and peach cobbler with ice cream. To purchase a ticket contact any choir member or Tammy Stroud at 824-4832. 

Car, truck and Bike Show April 26

Living Faith Missionary Church Youth Group will sponsor an open Car, Truck and bike Show from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26 at 17718 Bluffton Road in Yoder. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Awards will be at 2:30 p.m. All types of motorcycles, cars and trucks are welcome. Door prizes and trophies will be awarded. A registration fee of $10 will be charged for each entry. Concessions will be available. Proceeds will provide opportunities for the youth to attend camp, conference and missions trips this summer. Call 260-622-7103.

Longaberger and Vera Bradley Bingo April 26

Members of the Montpelier Lions Club will sponsor a Longaberger Basket and Vera Bradley Bingo Saturday, April 26 at the Lions Club. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Games will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $15 for 15 games. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds will go to scholarships. Call 765-728-2575 or 765-728-2104.

What's Up! Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Covenant Chapel Revival April 10-12

Covenant Chapel will hold a revival entitled “In His Presence” April 10-12 at 3550 South State Road 1 in Bluffton.

On Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. Pastor Adam Carroll will speak about “Freedom through Forgiveness” while Megan Eckelbarger will lead in worship.

On Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Pastor Arley Higginbotham will speak about “Deliverance from Evil” while Dennis Wood and friends lead in worship.

On Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m. Evangelist Ben Robbins will speak about “Healing” while Erin McGill and Tony Barnes from Indianapolis House of Prayer lead in worship. For more information call 260-273-9369 or 260-273-0600.

Trine University offers free concerts in April 

The public is welcome to enjoy two free music concerts presented by Trine University.

The Wind Ensemble will present “Tapestries” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, and the Chamber Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble will perform “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Both concerts are free and will be in the Dale Hughes Auditorium, located in the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Suite 2J.

Also scheduled to perform during the concert are the Brass Ensemble, directed by instructor Joe Peters, and the Percussion Ensemble, directed by instructor Drew Parent. The Percussion Ensemble will perform “Triskaidekaphobia” by Josh Gottry and “Lost Souls” by Nathan Daughtrey.

Free poetry contest deadline April 19

Poetryfest has announced that they have $5,000 in cash and prizes to award to amateur poets. To enter in the contest send one poem of 21 lines or less to: Free Poetry Contest, P.O. Box 3561, Ashland, Org. 97520 or enter online at: www.poetryfest.tv. A winner’s list will be sent to all entrants. The deadline to enter is Friday, April 19. For more information email markschramm@charter.net or call 541-897-0267.

Gardening Class April 22

The Blackford County Extension Service will sponsor Creative Container Gardening Tuesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Public Library.

Those attending will find out the essentials for any good container and how to select the appropriate plants for container success. The event is free. Call 765-348-3213 to register by April 21.

Redbud Trail Rendezvous April 26-27

The Redbud Trail Rendezvous will be held April 26 and 27 at Rochester at Fulton County Historical Society, four miles north of Rochester on U.S. 31 and Country Road 375 N. Call 574-223-4436 or www.fultoncountyhistory.org.

What's Up! Monday, April 7, 2014

Alzheimer’s Legal and Financial program April 9

“Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease,” a free program on care options and legal and financial issues related to Alzheimer’s disease, will be held Wednesday, April 9, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Senior Center, located at 233 W. Main St. The program is free to the public, but requires registration by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.

This program will cover important legal and financial information to consider as the disease progresses and plans are made.  

FW gallery hop April 11

Fort Wayne will host a Downtown Gallery Hop: Spring Edition on Friday, April11, from 5 to 9 p.m. No tickets or registration are needed to participaate.

The self guided tour of six galleries will feature a variety of artwork for appreciation and for purchase. The galleries will include:

3R Gallery, 111 Three Rivers East, 46802, 260-493-0913, 3rgallery.com

Artlink, 300 East Main Street, 46802, 260-424-7095, artlinkfw.com

Castle Gallery, 1202 W. Wayne Street, 46802. 260-426-6568, castlegallery.com

First Presbyterian Gallery, 300 West Wayne, 46802, 260-426-7421, firstpres-fw.org

Hedgehog Press, 1136 Columbia Ave, 46805, 260-387-5237, hedgehogpressfw.com

PottersWife Gallery, 1421 Broadway, 46802. 260-420-8300, delaneys1421broadway.com

A map of the galleries will be available at each stop on the “hop.”

Quilt Show April 12 & 13

The Historic Forks of the Wabash and the Piecemakers Quilt Club will be host the 13th Annual Quilt Show Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. –4 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 1-4 p.m. at Huntington.

 Prize money will be awarded for first and second place quilts in six different categories including Youth divisions for quilters ages 8-17, Hand Quilted quilts, sizes 72” x72” to 120” x 120”, Machine Quilted quilts, 72” x 72” to 120”120”, Medium sized quilts, 48” x48” to 72” x 72”, Wall hangings no larger than 48” x 48” and Miscellaneous Quilted items (purses, jackets, place mats, etc.)

There will be a bed turning on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. by local quilter Shirley Pratt followed by a bed turning at 2 p.m. by Pauline Pflieger, another local quilter. There will be a bed turning on Sunday at 2 p.m. featuring local quilter and author Kent Mick.  

There will also be short demonstrations throughout the show and a Quilters Garage sale both days. Admission is just $2 for adults and children under 12 are $1. Each admission paid will receive a ballot for voting on a favorite piece. For more information call 356-1903 or 224-3755.

Theater Thursday April 17

Theater Thursday, a free movie for adults, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Wells County Public Library. The movies to be shown is “The Butler”. 

There will be free snacks, a 10 minute health info and prizes. For more information call 824-6069.

Peep Eating 

Contest April 19

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor their third annual peep eating contest right after the egg hunt Saturday, April 19 at Roush Park. 

The egg hunt is 12:30 p.m. for children then 12:45 for dogs. Eight lucky adults will stuff their face full of sugary marshmallows for a chance to win a prize. Sign up that day. Questions call 824-6069 

What's Up! Thursday, April 3, 2014

Crochet Lessons begin April 9

 The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will offer Crochet Lessons April 9, 16 and 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Those attending will learn to create handmade items for yourself and people you love.  Classes will be taught by Kathy Gehrett at the City Hall building.

Cost for three (1) hour group lessons are $12 due the first day. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending should 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.

Saturday Night at The Village April 12

Swiss Village will present Saturday Night at the Village April 12 from 7 to 8 p.m.  of every month from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The entertainment will be provided by His Way II.  This free event is open to the public. Call 260-589-3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

Free Sight and Hearing Screening April 17

A free vision and hearing screening young children will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 17 at Zanesville United Methodist Church at 11811 N. Wayne Street. Operation Kid Sight and Indiana Speech and Hearing will offer the screenings for preschoolers. Call 260-638-4108.

What's Up! Wednesday, April 2, 2014

$1 night at Botanical Conservatory April 3

On the first Thursday night of the month 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 260-427-6440.

IPFW visual arts exhibit at FW’s main library April 11

Seniors graduating from the Department of Visual Communication and Design from IPFW will have their senior projects on exhibit at the Allen County Public Library’s Krull Gallery from April 11 through May 18.

On Friday April 11, at 6:30 p.m. an awards ceremony will be held for the participants.

Hours for viewing the exhibit are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

More information at www.ipfw.edu/vcd

Zanesville Easter Egg Hunt April 12

The Zanesville Lion’s Club will offer a Free Easter Egg Hunt (rain or shine) at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at Zanesville Lions Community Park.

The event is for children ages 0 to 14. Following the hunt there will be kids games inside the building. Game tickets are 25 cents each with a prize every time. Tiny Tot Train rides will be available for one ticket. There will also be a petting zoo. In case of rain the hunt will be held inside.

Community Good Friday Service April 18 in Berne

Swiss Village will host the Community Good Friday Service at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 18, in the auditorium. The public is invited to attend. Pastor Darren Kloepper, from First Mennonite Church will be providing the sermon. The service will also be broadcast live on WZBD 92.7 FM.  For more information contact, Swiss Village Chaplain Mike Wertenberger at 260-589-3173.

 ‘Into the Woods’ at IPFW theater

The Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods” will be on stage at the IPFW Williams Theatre on April 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m. with sign language provided. Admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for groups of 10 or more. No children under 6 admitted. To arrange for tickets call 260-481-6555. More information at www.ipfw.edu/tickets

Limberlost cabin Easter egg hunt April 19

On Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. the Gene Stratton-Porter Limberlost Cabin will host a Golden Easter Egg Hunt.

Children through age 12 are invited to bring their own basket to hunt for eggs. A special Golden Egg will have a special prize for the finder.

Cost is $2 per child up to age 12. After the hunt an “egg class” will be held to allow those attending to become official Limberlost “eggheads.”

More information at 260-854-3790.

Creative Container Gardening in Hartford City April 21

The Blackford County Extension Service will sponsor Creative Container Gardening Monday, April 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hartford City Library.

Those attending will find out the essentials for any good container and how to select the appropriate plants for container success. The event is free. Call 765-348-3213 to register by April 21.

What's Up! Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Mercer Council on Aging Garage Sale April 5-18

The Mercer County Council on Aging will sponsor a six day garage sale beginning April 5 at 217 Riley St. in Celina, Ohio. For hours and times call 419-586-1644.

Blues singers at Portland’s Art Place April 5

 Arts Place, the Portland Center, will present Lisa Biales and E.G. Kight in “Belle of the Blues” on April 5, at 7:30 p.m. This will be the final performance in the 2013-2014 Hall-Moser Passport Performing Arts Series. The center is located at 131 E. Walnut St., Portland.

The Cascade Blues Association writes, “Lisa Biales has one of those great voices of our times.” Lisa certainly sings from the heart, writing playful music about the simple things in life that feel like they have been around forever.  Her down-home blues vernacular and finger style guitar have been praised Blues in Britain, the Cincinnati Enquirer, and Rootstime (Belgium). Her song Playing With Angels went to No. 1 in Australia on the Independent Folk Radio Charts. Lisa is joined by EG Kight, who has performed on A Prairie Home Companion and recently opened for BB King.

For tickets visit the facility, call Arts Place, the Portland Center, at 260-726-4809, toll free 866-539-9911 or visit www.artsland.org.

Muzzleloading 4-H Shooting Sports Program deadline April 15

The 2014 4-H Muzzleloading Program in Allen County is sponsored by the Allen County 4‑H Shooting Sports Club. The program teaches safe handling of firearms, proper use of equipment, shooting techniques and ethics of good shooters.

 The program will begin Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.  Then the program will continue on May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Spencerville area.  Class size is limited to 10 participants.  This program will be held outside.  Advanced registration is required and due by April 15.

This program is open to all youth grades 3-12. The cost is: $40. Equipment will be provided.

 Please call the Allen County Extension Office at 481-6826 to request additional information. Registration form also available on our website www.extension.purdue.edu/allen

Click on 4-H Youth Development, then Calendar/Workshops/Activities.

Instructors are certified through the Indiana 4‑H Shooting Sports Program of Purdue University and the Department of Natural Resources.

Alzheimer Support Group meeting April 16

An Alzheimer’s Support Group will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Room 401 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.

There will be a question and answer session with Lori Stock from the Alzheimer Association. There will be a free gift to those who attend the meeting. The support group will meet the third Wednesday of each month to discuss the disease, recognizing symptoms, helpful resources and more. 

For more information call Markle Health and Rehabilition Memory Care Specialist Paula Morquordt at 260-758-2131.

Rummage & Flea Market April 26 in Hartford City

The Blackford County 4-H Fairboard will sponsor a Rummage and Flea Market Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blackford County 4-H Fairgrounds in Hartford City.

For more information call 765-348-3213.