What's Up! Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group to meet March 4

The Wells County Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will meet at the First United Methodist Church, at 325 W. Washington Street in Bluffton at 7 p.m. The meeting is intended for caregivers and family members of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases. Those in attendance will also be given the opportunity to share their experiences of caring for their loved one and to ask questions of the other caregivers in attendance. For more information call Joyce Phillabaum at 260- 824-4244 for more information pertaining to the support group.

Baseball and Soccer Registration March 7

Sign up for summer T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, Farm League, Jr. League, Sandy Koufax, Softball, Pee Wee Soccer (spring) and get information about Wells Community Swim Team on Saturday March 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at City Hall at 128 E Market St. 

Forms are also available on the Parks Department website at www.blufftonindiana.net under the March 7 date. For more information call 824-6069.

Orchard Gallery open house March 7 

On Saturday, March 7, from noon to 5 p.m. The Orchard Gallery, 6312-A Covington Rd. will stage an open house for 30 artists. The theme of the show is “Sky Above-Earth Below” will be viewable through March 31. 

More information at www.theorchardgallery.com

Children’s Choir spring concerts March 24

The Fort Wayne Children’s Choir will be presenting two concerts this spring.

On Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. the Young Artists Concert will be held at The History Center in downtown Fort Wayne.

The Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 4 p.m. at the IPFW Rhinehart Music Center. It will feature all of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir ensembles.

Tickets for both concerts available through the IPFW Larson box office by calling 260-481-6555 or at www.ipfw.edu/box-office

FW ballet joins FW Philharmonic in March concerts

The Arts United Center in Fort Wayne will host the Fort Wayne Ballet and Fort Wayne Philharmonic presentation of “Don Quixote” on March 27-28.

There will be 7:30 p.m. performances on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 and a 2:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 28.

Andrew Constantine is musical director for the orchestra and Karen Gibbons-Brown is artistic director for the ballet.

To arrange for tickets call  the ArtsTix box office at 260-422-4226.

‘Picnic’ at USF

March 20-29

William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize winning play “Picnic” will be on stage at the University of Saint Francis Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 West Berry St. in Fort Wayne March 20 to 29. The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on March 20, 21, 27, 28 and at 2 p.m. on March 22 and 29. Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for those 65 and older and children 18 and under and $11 per person in groups of 20 or more. Call 260-422-4226. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.

FW Philharmonic Beethoven March programs

On Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present Beethoven’s Third Symphony in a concert at the Rhinehart Music Center at IPFW. Andrew Constantine will conduct and Jennifer Montone will be horn soloist. A free pre-concert talk will be presented at 6:30 p.m. by Assistant Conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin. Tickets start at $17. Call 260-481-0777 or at fwphil.org

March concerts by the Philharmonic will include:

POPS: Great Movies, Grand Piano with Rich Ridenour—Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., Embassy Theatre

FREIMANN—Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m., Fort Wayne History Center and Sunday, march 15, 2:30 p.m., Rhinehart Music Center, IPFW.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA—Spring Concert—Sunday, March 15, 6:30 p.m., Rhinehart Music Center, IPFW.

Ticket information at 260-481-0777 or at fwphil.org

What's Up! Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015

Dollars for  Scholars launches 2015 effort

The Bluffton-Southern Wells chapter of Dollars for Scholars is launching their annual fund raising drive this week.

Students will be writing letters to donors this week. Last year, the drive produced almost $60,000 that was distributed to 84 students.

Tot Gold Hunt and Bank Tour March 3

The Parks and Recreation Department Tot Time will sponsor a Tot Gold Hunt and a bank tour will be held Tuesday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to noon in Bluffton City Gym. 

At 11:05 a.m. everyone will come upstairs to hunt for St. Patty’s day candy. Afterwards those participating will walk over to the Wells Fargo Bank for a tour. 

Tot time is offered every Tuesday and Thursday during the winter months for small children. This is a FREE parent supervised event. For more informatoin call 824-6069.

Concordia choir concert at FW site March 7

The Concordia University Choir from Chicago will be presenting a concert on Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Ave. in Fort Wayne.

The Kapelle is conducted by Charles P. Brown, director of choral activities at Concordia University Chicago.

Joining the concert will be the Jr. Choir of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School and the A Capella Choir of Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. This part of the concert will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Admission is free with a free will offering to be received.

What's Up! Monday, Feb. 23, 2015

‘Alexander’   musical, set March 29 at the Embassy

The musical of the Judith Viorst book “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Food, Very Bad Day” will be on stage at the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and are now on sale through tickemaster.com or by calling the Embassy box office at 800-745-3000.

Jirk Comedy at the FW Embassy Lobby March 18

Jirk Comedy will be presenting The Downtown Comedy in the lobby of the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre.

Featured will be DJ Dangler, a Midwesterner, and Detroit native Mike Bobbitt. 

Admission is $18 to the venue that offers the program up-close and personal for the audience.

More information about Jirk Comedy can be found on its Facebook page.

What's Up! Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015

Christian athletes program at Embassy April 28

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife Jill be the speakers for the Night of Hope event sponsored by the Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Tuesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne.

The evening will also feature Christian singer Charles Billingsley. The Kellys will be sharing how they have found true hope in the midst of trials that included the death of their son, Hunter. Tickets are free and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at www.indianafca.org and the Embassy Box office starting on Feb. 16. (There is a 10 ticket per transaction limit.)

What's Up! Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

Parks Department has summer jobs available

Time is running out to apply for summer jobs with the parks department. Applications are due back Monday Feb. 23 by 4:45 p.m. in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at City Hall.

Applicants must be 16 years old for concessions, tennis lessons and lifeguard jobs. Maintenance and mowers must be at least 18 years old. http://www.blufftonindiana.net/parks-department.

Theater Thursday Feb. 19

Theater Thursday will be held Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Wells County Public Library. The movie to be shown will be Dolphin Tale 2, Rated PG

This is a free monthly movie for adults. Free snacks, 10 minute health info and prizes will be part of the program. This is a year round event that is the third Thursday of every month. Questions call 824-6069.

Free Chili Supper Feb. 20

Southern Wells Community Church will sponsor a free Chili Supper Friday, Feb. 20 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Southern Wells High School.

The supper will be held before the Blackford and Southern Wells boys basketball game.

Jazz in the FW Galleria Feb. 20

On Friday, Feb., 20 at 7 p.m. the Heartland Jazz Q will present Jazz in the Galleria at the Jefferson Pointe Mall.

The program will feature a mix of jazz standards and new arrangements. The Heartland Jazz Q started in 2013, featuring a quintet of jazz vocals (thence the “Q”) that were combined for a special performance. The audience enjoyed it so much that the Jazz Q was born.

Though the group name refers to the original quintet of voices, it has since grown to include as many as eight singers and a small instrumental combo of piano, bass and percussion—and upon occasion a saxophone and guitar.

Singers include: Elizabeth Piercy, soprano; Kristen Miller, alto; Barry Jamison, tenor; Phil Slane, baritone; and Eric Miller, bass. Member of the combo are Maestro Robert Nance, conductor and keyboardist; Brad Kuhns, bass; Tod Ranmsey, percussion; and Keith Turner, saxophone.

Tickets are $20.

Monday Night Yoga begins March 23

Join Megan Hunter in the Bluffton City Gym on Monday nights from 6 -7 p.m. for Gentle All Levels Yoga.

It will start with an 8-week session, beginning on Feb. 23 through April 13. Free will donations accepted (recommended $5). 

Those attending should wear loose clothing to move in. Don’t have a mat? Not a problem! Yoga can be done without one, but bring a towel or blanket for cushioning. Ages 18+ recommended. For more information call 824-6069.

FW area band concert at IPFW Feb. 24

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. the Fort Wyne Area Community Band will present a concert at the Rhinehart Music Center on the campus of IPFW.

Admissionis $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for those 12 and younger and free to IPFW sstudents. 

Parking is free in the garage across from the Music Center.

Pee Wee Indoor Soccer registration open

Registration is open for Pee Wee Indoor Soccer. 

Soccer skills instruction will be taught to boys and girls ages four through fourth grade. 

Dates will be Saturday April 4, 11, 18, and 15 in the Bluffton City Gym. 

The $15 registration fee includes a t-shirt and soccer medal. 

Registration is due by March 21, or when age group session reaches capacity at 20 participants. 

The times for each group are as follows:

Age four through Pre K will meet at 9 a.m.

Kindergarten through first grade will meet at 10 a.m.

Second through fourth grade will meet at 11 a.m.

Register online at https://raceroster.com/events/2015/4827/pee-wee-indoor-soccer OR download a form athttp://www.blufftonindiana.net/parks-department/ (click on the link for Pee Wee Indoor Soccer).

Homemade Birthday Card Class Feb. 26

A Homemade Birthday Card Class will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at city hall.

Those attending will create a personalized hand-made card. Angie Honegger will be the instructor.

Cost is $7 for four cards. Call to preregister at 824-6069.

Civic Theater auditions for next production

Fort Wayne’s Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for their next production—’The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. at the Arts United Center, 303 East Main St., Fort Wayne..

The musical requires a cast of singers and actors. Dr. John Tolley will direct and choreographer will be Gary Lanier. Eunice Wadewitz will be music director.

To sign up for an audition call 260-422-8641 ext. 226.

Backstage crew persons also are being searched for with more information at 260-422-8641 ext. 227. The performance dates are May 1-10.

What's Up Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015

Cancer Services auction Feb. 21

Tickets are now on sale for the Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana’s 12th Annual Design on Life Spring Auction to be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, in the Appleseed Room at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The “Summit City Soiree” will celebrate the area as a special place. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, games and entertainment from The Paradise Trio. There will be both silent and live auctions featuring a variety of items.

All of the proceeds from this fundraising evening will benefit programs and services for people in the area affected by cancer. Last year Cancer Services helped over 2,500 individuals, including those from Wells County, with financial assistance, medical supplies and equipment and emotional support.

The evening will get underway at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $50. To arrange for tickets go online to www.cancer-services.org

FW area band concert at IPFW Feb. 24

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. the Fort Wyne Area Community Band will present a concert at the Rhinehart Music Center on the campus of IPFW.

Admissionis $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for those 12 and younger and free to IPFW sstudents. 

Parking is free in the garage across from the Music Center.

‘Tapestry’ day to host Jane Pauley

The annual Tapestry—A Day for You will feature Jane Pauley as the keynote speaker on Friday, April 24, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.

Registration for the event will begins Feb. 20 at ipfw.edu/tapestry.  More information at 260-481-6854.

Book, Postcard and Paper Show March 1

The Beech Grove Book, Postcard, Political and Paper Show will be held Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beech Grove High School gym at 5330 Hornet Ave., Beech Grove.

Available will be rare books, autographed books, cookbooks, general reading books, thousands of postcards by topics, movie posters, magazines and other paper items of interest.

For more information call 317-786-1447. (2/11)

Concordia choir concert at FW site March 7

The Concordia University Choir from Chicago will be presenting a concert on Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Ave. in Fort Wayne. The Kapelle is conducted by Charles P. Brown, director of choral activities at Concordia University Chicago.

Joining the concert will be the Jr. Choir of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School and the A Capella Choir of Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. This part of the concert will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Admission is free with a free will offering to be received.

‘Lunch with an IPFW scientist’ at Science Central

“Lunch with an IPFW Scientist” will continue this spring with three Saturday dates announced.

Check in for the programs begins at 10:45 a.m. with the program to be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following each presentation participants will enjoy their own brown bag lunch with beverages provided. Space is limited and reservations are needed to 260-424-2400.

March 14—Marcella Trentacosti, associate faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, second violinist of the FW Philharmonic, “Music”

April 11—Jacob Millspaw, physics instructor from the Department of Physics, LEGO Robotics”

May 9—Ben Dattilo, assistant professor of geology, Dept. of Geosciences, “Reefs through Time”

Science Central is located at 1950 North Clinton St. in Fort Wayne. More information at www.sciencecentral.org or at 260-424-2400.

Poneto Chili Supper March 21

Members of the Poneto Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Chili Supper Saturday, March 21 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Poneto Firehouse located at the corner of Meridian Road and State Road 218. The menu will include chili, chicken noodles, sloppies, hot dogs, homemade desserts and drinks.  A free will donation will be accepted during the event.

Quilters Gathering April 18

The Heartland Quilters are hosting the 25th Annual Gathering of Quilters this year. It is Saturday, April 18th from 8:30 a.m.–4 pm at The Northern Indiana Event Center (RV & MH Hall of Fame Complex in Elkhart). 

Pre-Registration is $20 and includes lunch and a number of special items. For the session only it is $15 at the door and does not include lunch or the special items. 

For more information: www.25thAnnualGatheringofQuilters.org. Or call 260-589-8425.

What's Up! Monday, Feb. 16, 2015

Couples Cooking Class Feb. 23

Grab your spouse, teenager or best friend and enjoy working together to make homemade pasta on Feb. 23. 

Making fresh pasta from scratch is easy to learn and a great skill for every cook to know. The simple process uses only three ingredients. 

Learn to prepare this meal and stay for dinner at the Bluffton Middle School Culinary Arts Room (enter door No. 9) on Monday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Cost for the evening is $10 per person, and limited to the first 10 paid participants. 

To register call 824-6069 or e-mail the Parks Department at parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

What's Up! Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015

Liver & Onion Dinner Feb. 14

The Liver and Onion Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Petroleum United Methodist Church. The menu will include: liver and more. A free will donation will be taken. Carry-out will be available. Proceeds to Tony Beck family.

What's Up! Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

2015 Dog Park keys available

2015 Dog Park keys are on sale in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in City Hall at 128 E Market for $15 for city residents. Keys are $20 for Wells County residents who live outside of the city limits.  Forms can be found online at www.blufftonindiana.net/parks-department/ to fill it out in advance.  Those wanting a key must provide verification that the dog has current vaccinations and parasite preventative. The dog park is located at 805 W. Market Street.

Book, Postcard and Paper Show March 1

The Beech Grove Book, Postcard, Political and Paper Show will be held Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beech Grove High School gym at 5330 Hornet Ave., Beech Grove. Available will be rare books, autographed books, cookbooks, general reading books, thousands of postcards by topics, movie posters, magazines and other paper items of interest. For more information call 317-786-1447.

Fort Wayne Dinner Theatre’s productions announced

Three productions remain in the 2014-2015 schedule for the Fort Wayne Dinner Theatre, 719 Rockhill St. in Fort Wayne.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will be on stage on March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. Christopher J. Murphy will be the director. This comedy is rated for adult content and language.

Rounding Third will be presented on May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16. Carol Wasson will direct this comedy.

Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will? will finish the season on June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. This comedy will be directed by Robert Scrimm. 

Tickets for dinner and theater are $35. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m. and the shows begin at 8 p.m. The box office open two weeks prior to each production from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The box office phone number is 260-424-5622. The website address is www.arenadinnertheatre.org

Coin and Currency Show March 15

A Coin and Currency Show, sponsored by the Old Fort Coin Club, will be held Sunday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allen County Fairgrounds. There will be over 50 tables of numismatic material, free parking and free admission. Food will be available. Directions: Take I-69 to Exit 311B. Go north on Lima to Carroll Road. Follow the signs.

What's Up! Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

2015 Dog Park keys available

2015 Dog Park keys are on sale in the Clerk Treasurer’s office in City Hall at 128 E Market for $15 for city residents. Keys are $20 for Wells County residents who live outside of the city limits.  Forms can be found online at www.blufftonindiana.net/parks-department/ to fill it out in advance.  Those wanting a key must provide verification that the dog has current vaccinations and parasite preventative. The dog park is located at 805 W. Market Street.

Book, Postcard and Paper Show March 1

The Beech Grove Book, Postcard, Political and Paper Show will be held Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beech Grove High School gym at 5330 Hornet Ave., Beech Grove. Available will be rare books, autographed books, cookbooks, general reading books, thousands of postcards by topics, movie posters, magazines and other paper items of interest. For more information call 317-786-1447.

Fort Wayne Dinner Theatre’s productions announced

Three productions remain in the 2014-2015 schedule for the Fort Wayne Dinner Theatre, 719 Rockhill St. in Fort Wayne.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will be on stage on March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. Christopher J. Murphy will be the director. This comedy is rated for adult content and language.

Rounding Third will be presented on May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16. Carol Wasson will direct this comedy.

Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will? will finish the season on June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. This comedy will be directed by Robert Scrimm. 

Tickets for dinner and theater are $35. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m. and the shows begin at 8 p.m. The box office open two weeks prior to each production from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The box office phone number is 260-424-5622. The website address is www.arenadinnertheatre.org

Coin and Currency Show March 15

A Coin and Currency Show, sponsored by the Old Fort Coin Club, will be held Sunday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allen County Fairgrounds. There will be over 50 tables of numismatic material, free parking and free admission. Food will be available. Directions: Take I-69 to Exit 311B. Go north on Lima to Carroll Road. Follow the signs.

What's Up! Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015

Old Crown Brass Band to perform  March 9

The Old Crown Brass Band will present NABBA Preview Concert on Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 2417 Getz Road in Fort Wayne.

The Band will welcome the North American Brass Band Championships to Fort Wayne where approximately 900 brass and percussion performers from 28 bands throughout the U.S. and Canada will perform at the Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne on March 13th and 14

The March 9 program will feature “Kingdom of Dragons” by Phillip Harper; “A Celtic Suite” by Phillip Sparke conducted by Dr. Dan Tembras, director of instrumental studies at IPFW. 

Also on the program is “Shenandoah” by Frank Tichelli and “ Espana Cani”.  The concert will also feature a 10-piece ensemble and a septet from the band.

The band is under the direction of T.J. Faur and Tony Alessandrini.

Admission is free and donations are encouraged.

What's Up! Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Jimmy Dean drama at IPFW

“Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean” will be on stage at the Williams Theatre at IPFW Feb. 20-28.

The play delves into the emotional core of the play’s characters as they discover who they were, what they’ve lost and who they are. The production contains adult language and subject matter. On Sunday, Feb. 22, it will be sign language interpreted.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for college students with ID, $5 for IPFW students and high school students. No children under 6 will be admitted. To arrange for tickets in advance call the box office at 260-481-6588. More information at www.ipfw.edu/theatre

What's Up! Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015

Liver & Onion Dinner Feb. 14

The annual All-You-Can-Eat Liver and Onion Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Petroleum United Methodist Church in Petroleum.

The menu will include: liver and onions, noodles, mashed potatoes, slaw, bread, dessert and drink. A free will donation will be taken. Carry-out will be available.

All proceeds will go to Tony (Pam Probst) Beck and his family as he continues to battle colon cancer.