What's Up! Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Bluffton Farmer’s Market open

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Current features include vegetable and flower garden plants, flowers, fresh asparagus, rhubarb, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Niswonger Community Concert Series listed

The Niswonger Community Concert Series for a 2015 -2016 season will included five stage shows. The cost for all five shows is $60. The series will include Ethan Bortnick, Christmas with the Depue Brothers, The Wellington Ukulele Orchestra, Riders In The Sky’s Tribute to Roy Rogers and from American’s Got Talent fame, The Texas Tenors. 

Also available for the first time is the Willow Bend Dinner & A Show Package. Five event themed dinners are packaged together for $60. 

A Show can be purchased with the Community Concert Series through the Box Office or at NPACVW.ORG. 

The Niswonger is located at 10700 Ind.118 south in Van Wert. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call 419-238-6722.

Tin Caps Game trip June 11

Swiss Village’s Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion will be attending a Tin Caps Game in Fort Wayne against Kane County on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m. 

Seniors 55 and older will depart from the Arthur and Gloria Musleman Wellness Pavilion at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person which includes ticket and transportation.

Those interested should sign up by June 1 at the Wellness Pavilion. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event.

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

Summer exploration at FW’s Embassy June 17

A Behind the Scenes day is planned for families, daycares and summer camps at the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Wednesday, June 17, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 1 p.m.

The day is planned for childran entering grades 1 through 5 and cost is $6 per person. (Discounts for groups of 10 or more.) Reservatios to 800-745-3000 or through Ticketmaster.

From 9:30 to 11 a.m. two vinatage silent movies (The Little Rascals and Behind the Screen) with live accompaniment by the Grand page pipe organ will be shown. Popcorn will be free. at 11 a.m. a tour of the theater will be presented along with hands on projects including games and crafts.

At the conclusion of the event frozen fruit and veggie bars will be offered courtesy of Edy’s Ice Cream.

What's Up! Thursday, May 21, 2015

Bulldogs concerts without Spike

The Bulldogs continue to play the music from 1955 to 1969, without Spike (Val Asey) as the front man.

There are no plans to hire a replacement for Spike as band members Kenny Taylor and Wayne Neukom have taken over the emcee work.

Their summer schedule includes:  June 4—Mentone Egg Festival; June 6—Cold Springs Resort at Hamilton; June 12—Hartford city Heritage Days; June 14—Elwood Concert in the Park; July 4—Buck Lake Ranch at Angola; July 10—Fremont Music Festival; July 11—Cold Spring Resort at Hamilton; July 17—Kosciusko County Fair at Warsaw; June 24—DeKalb Outdoor Theater in Auburn; Aug. 29—Foellinger Theatre in Fort Wayne.

Taylor plays guitar and does lead vocals while Neukom plays bass guitar and also does lead vocals. Other members of the group are Jim Heimann with tenor sax, vocals and stunt work; Bob “Keyboard Bob” Zmyslony with keyboards and vocals; Bernie Stone, drums and Phil McDonald as the sound engineer.

Information at 260-357-3694 thebulldogs50s60s.com

Summer exploration at Embassy June 17

A Behind the Scenes day is planned for families, daycares and summer camps at the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Wednesday, June 17, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 1 p.m.

The day is planned for childran entering grades 1 through 5 and cost is $6 per person. (Discounts for groups of 10 or more.) Reservations to 800-745-3000 or through Ticketmaster.

From 9:30 to 11 a.m. two vinatage silent movies (The Little Rascals and Behind the Screen) with live accompaniment by the Grand page pipe organ will be shown. Popcorn will be free. at 11 a.m. a tour of the theater will be presented along with hands on projects including games and crafts.

At the conclusion of the event frozen fruit and veggie bars will be offered courtesy of Edy’s Ice Cream.

Charley Creek artsfest slated 

The Charley Creek Artsfest will be held in downtown Wabash on the weekend of June 26-28.

Events will include at Gallery Walk, jewelry and culinary workshops, wine tasting, showing of independent films, contemporary dance performances and musical performances. Some venues will require tickets.

For more info go to www.charleycreekartsfest.com

Tibbets Theatre at Coldwater

Tibbets Theater in Coldwater, Michigan will offer four productions this summer season:

The Odd Couple — June 25-27. July 1-3

Peter Pan — July 9-11, 15-18

Pippin — July 23-25, 29-Aug. 1

Alome Together Again — Aug. 5-6, 12-15

The theater is at 14 South Hanchett St. in Coldwater. More information at 517-278-6029 or at Tibbits.org

Jefferson Pointe Friday nites live

Every Friday evening from June 5 to Aug. 28 a free concert will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beside the Courtyard Fountain at Fort Wayne’s Jefferson Pointe.

June concerts will include:

June 5—Junk Yard Band

June 12—Sugar Shot

June 19—Trackless

What's Up! Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Parks Department needing electronic items

The Parks Department is looking for donations of medium sized broken or unwanted electronics for an upcoming tech take apart day.  Those who have anything they are willing to donate can drop it off to the second floor of city hall by the end of May. For more information call 824-6069.

Splash Pad to open May 22

The Splash Pad will turn on May 22 at the park is located at 304 E Washington Street. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to  9 p.m.

The Wells Community Pool will open Saturday, May 23. 

For more information click link: http://www.blufftonindiana.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/pool-flier-2015.pdf

Parks Department continues swim registration

For those who missed the swim registration, don’t fret. There are still a few openings. Lessons will be held Monday-Friday, June 8-19 OR July 6-17 for a total of 10 lessons. 

Class times are either 10-10:50 a.m. or 11-11:50 a.m. (July at 11-11:50 is now FULL) 

Cost for non Wells County residents is $12 and discounted to $6 for residents (due at registration).

Call the park office at 824-6069 to reserve a spot and then stop by and fill out the paperwork.

Adams/Wells Human Resource Job Fair May 28

The Adams/Wells Human Resource Group Annual Spring Job Fair will be held Thursday, May 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wells County Arts, Commerce and Visitors Centre at 211 Water Street in Bluffton.

Many Local Employers will be present to discuss available career opportunities!

Seeking 

Contestants for Miss Allen County Queen Pageant

The Miss Allen County Queen Scholarship Pageant is seeking contestants for the 2015 Miss Allen County Queen Pageant that will take place at Carroll High School on July 19th at 6 p.m. Miss Allen County is run in conjunction with the Allen County Fair and is open to young women 17-21 that live or go to school in Allen County. 

Contestants will compete in four categories: interview, professional wear, evening wear, and on-stage question. 

The winner and her court will reign over the Allen County Fair July 28 to Aug. 2 and will also represent Allen County at the Miss Indiana State Fair Queen pageant in January 2016. 

The 2015 Queen will be awarded a $1000 scholarship, her first runner-up a $400 scholarship and her second-fourth runner-up a $100 scholarship. 

Early entry deadline is June 15 and late entry deadline is July 1. Contact Michelle Love at missallencounty@gmail.com or 260-693-9407.

SW Community Church to offer free lunch this summer

Southern Wells Community Church will be serve free lunches four times this summer at the corner of Main Street and Ind. 18 in Montpelier.

The meal will include free sandwiches, chips and drinks. 

Dates for the free lunch will June 3, June 17, July 1 and  July 22 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

 If it is raining at 11:30 a.m. the lunch will be cancelled. 

For more information 765-728-2154. No donations!

Music programs offered at Arts Place in Portland June 8-July 24

Arts Place in Portland will be offering summer Music Works instruction for both adults and students beginning June 8 and continuing through July 24.

Weekly lessons are offered in bad instruments, strings, piano, voice and guitar.

First Steps in Music will be offered on Thursday mornings from June 18 to July 23.

From 9 to 9:35 a.m. it will be for those 10 months to 23 months; 10 to 10:35 a.m. for those 2 to 3 years of age and 11 to 11”35 a.m. for those 4 to 5 years of age.

The class is based on John Feierabrend’s curriculum, First Steps in Music and is designed for child and parent together. All classes are held at Arts Place, 131 East Walnut St. in Portland. Registration deadline is June 1 with more information at 260-726-4809 or at email artsland@artsland.org

Montpelier City-Wide Garage Sales June 6

The Montpelier Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the annual City-Wide Rummage Sales on Saturday, June 6.

What's Up! Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Bluffton Farmer’s Market open

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

Current features include vegetable and flower garden plants, flowers, fresh asparagus, rhubarb, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.) 

Set 2015 Fitness Goals

Set your 2015 fitness goals! Sign up with the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department and commit now.  Online registration is open for the following events:

June 27: Bluffton Mud - http://raceroster.com/…/bluffton-mud-rough-and-muddy-5k-tra.

Aug. 9: TRI Bluffton - http://raceroster.com/events/2015/4130/tri-bluffton Also download registration forms from the city websitewww.blufftonindiana.net (click Parks button)

Bison Bash at Ouabache Park June 20

On Saturday, June 20, Ouabache State Park will host a Bison Bash.

Visitors will learn the difference between a bison and a buffalo and come up close and personal with the magnificent creatures. Activities will include  a 5K Bison Stampede, a 1-mile Bison Pop fun run and a chance to create a bison craft to take home as a souvenir.

There is an admission fee is to enter the park.

What's Up! Monday, May 18, 2015

Account now set up to help  Scot Fredrickson

An account has been opened at local First Bank of Berne branches to assist in the medical and travel expenses for local resident Scot Fredrickson.

Scot has Cruetzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) which is a degenerative neurological disease that is incurable and terminal.

Scot is a former employee of Green Plains Bluffton LLC.

Checks may be written to Tera Fredrickson for deposit and the bank has local branches in Bluffton, Berne, Decatur and Portland

There is also a GoFundMe page on Facebook for Scot’s medical expenses if that’s easier for some people. 

Registration open for Wells County Girl Scout Day Camp

Register now for the Wells County Girl Scout Day Camp planned for June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camp is open to all girls, not just Girl Scouts, in grades kindergarten through senior in high school. 

The camp will be held at the Markle Fish and Game Park. The theme will be “Big Bang Theory of Wells County Day Camp.”

Girls will discover the outdoor basics of camping while exploring science.

Cost will cover all meals and snacks, crafts, a camp t-shirt and all activities including swimming.

There will be an overnight for everyone on Wednesday. Girls currently in grades kindergarten through fourth grade will camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while girls in grades five through 12 will spend every night at the camp.

Register online at: www.gsnim.org or call Carol Leeth at 227-0111 or Joyce Kammerer at 220-6884.

WANE TV Meteorologist to speak May 21

Nicholas Ferreri, WANE TV meterologist, will speak about his thoughts and experiences at Living Water Church on Thursday, May 21 after the noon carry-in meal.

The church is located a half mile south of Ind. 218 on Wells County Road 700-E. The public is welcome to attend the event.

Pool opens May 23

The Wells Community Pool will open for the season from Saturday, May 23 to Aug. 9 

Pool hours are Monday through Friday form 1 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Daily admission is as follows: Adults $2.50; students $2. Children age 5 and under are free with a paid adult. (Limit 3 Children per paid adult).

Tuesdays are $1.50 admissions for all ages.

Jazz ambassadors at amphitheatre June 26

On Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m., the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC will be appearing at the Hudson Park Amphitheater in Portland, sponsored by Arts Place. The group is the official big touring band of the United States Army. It was formed in 1969 and has 19 members. The repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, patriotic selections as well as original numbers by the group. 

They have appeared in all 50 states, at many festivals and on national TV programs. 

What's Up! Monday, May 11, 2015

Blackford  Carwash Cancelled

The Blackford County Arts Center has cancelled its fundraising carwash that was due to take place on May 16. For more information contact Arts Place at 866-539-9911.

Conservation Club Swap Meet & Garage Sale May 16 

On May 16 the Ossian Conservation Club will sponsor their fifth annual Outdoorsman’s Swap Meet and Garage Sale from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and Parking is free.

There will be old and new fishing tackle, archery equipment, fire arms, ammo, knives, antiques and general garage sale items. All venders are welcome. Spaces are $10 each. 

The club is located at 9950-N., 100-E., Ossian. Call Rose Barrick 260-622-4733 for more information. 

Food and drinks will be available from Boy Scout Troop #152.

Fort Wayne Spring Trolley Shopping May 16 

The Downtown Improvement District will program its Spring Trolley Shopping in conjunction with the second annual ‘KickStart Saturday’, a celebration of bikes, art and music, as well as other downtown activities on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at the intersection of Wayne and Barr Streets.

Park, then ride the trolley to different activities. Maps showcasing the Spring Trolley stops can be picked up on the trolleys. Log onto: www.DowntownFortWayne.com.

Bike Bluffton Ride May 17

Registration is open for the Bluffton Park’s Department’s Bike Bluffton to be held on Sunday, May 17 from 2-5 p.m. 

Event options include a 25 mile bike loop around the Bluffton Area OR a six mile family bike ride on the River Greenway. Both rides begin and end at Pickett’s Run Park on River Road and include water/refreshment stations on the course. 

Helmets are required. Cost is $5 for the 25 mile ride and $1 for the family ride. T-shirts are available for $10. 

Sign up online at www.raceroster.com (search for Bike Bluffton) or download an entry form fromwww.blufftonindiana.net (click on Parks button). 

Bike Bluffton is part of the Bluffton Parks Department Endurance Event Series sponsored by the Bluffton Regional Medical Center, the Caylor Nickel Foundation, and Subway.

Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shoot May 17

On May 17 the Ossian Conservation Club will sponsor a Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot. Shoot regular clays over the club’s new automatic thrower from noon to 4:30 p.m. 

The club is located at 9950-N., 100-E., Ossian. The public is welcome to attend the event.

Courageous Movie to be shown May 17 in Ossian

A free showing of the movie “Courageous” will be held at 6 p.m. at the Ossian Nazarene Church on Sunday, May 17. According to the church it is a “Must see for all parents.”  There will be free popcorn and pop. There will also be a free gift for those who pre-register by calling 260-622-7449 or at www.ossiannaz.org.

The church is behind the Marathon Deli in Ossian.

Theater Thursday May 21

Theater Thursday will be held May 21. Showing will be Million Dollar Arm (Rated PG). The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department, Wells County Public Library and Bluffton Regional Senior Circle have partnered together to offer a free monthly movie for adults. 

The movie will be shown at 10 a.m. at the Wells County Public Library. Free snacks, 10 minute health info and prizes will be part of the program. 

What's Up! Thursday, May 7, 2015

Bluffton Farmer’s Market open

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Current features include vegetable and flower garden plants, flowers, fresh asparagus, rhubarb, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt. )

Wildflower Day and Garlic Mustard Pull May 9

 Learn, taste and help Ouabache State Park’s wildflowers on May 9 through a series of programs. All programs start at the Trails End Shelter.  

From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. learn folklore and how to identify many of the park’s wildflowers through pictures and an easy hike.  

From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. lend a hand to pull invasive garlic mustard. Garlic mustard has become a nuisance at the park, crowding out native wildflowers and preventing tree seedlings from growing. Work gloves are recommended.  At 2:30 p.m. enjoy an edible wildflower hike ending with a taste of some of the plants. Participants can come to all or some of the events.   Programs are free of charge except for gate fee to enter the park. Participants pulling mustard will be allowed into the park free of charge.  Please sign in at gatehouse by 12:30 p.m. 

Ouabache State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2975.htm) is at 4930 E. St. Rd. 201.

School of Ballet’s spring programs May 9

The Creative Arts Council’s School of Ballet will be presenting the ballet “Copellia” and “scenes” from Degas paintings on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m. as the Bluffton High School Auditorium.

Admission is $3 for adults with those 12 and younger admitted free.

BHS Band Booster Car Show May 9

Members of the Bluffton Band Boosters will host a Car Show at the Bluffton Middle School (front) Parking lot Saturday, May 9. 

All cars are welcome. There is a $10 registration fee. Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to noon. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be available during the event.

Friends of the Shelter to meet May 11 

Friends of the Shelter will meet Monday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 128 E. Market Street in Bluffton.

Items on the agenda will be Shelter operations, updates on Spay-Neuter clinics and  results of last weeks FOS sponsored Garage Sale.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information call 273. 1742.

Preserving Nature’s Bounty May 12

 Learn to preserve foods safely. The Purdue Extension Service in Allen County will be conducting ‘Preserving Nature’s Bounty’ workshops to discuss safe home food preservation procedures and to answer the frequently asked questions on canning, freezing, and drying foods. Workshops are scheduled at the Allen County Extension Office for the following dates:

May 12 at 1 p.m.

June 18 at 7 p.m.

July 13 at 1 p.m.

August 4 at 7 p.m.

September 16 at 7 p.m.

Contact the extension office at 260-481-6826, or hadleyv@purdue.edu, or visit the web page http://www.extension.purdue.edu/allen under Food for a complete brochure and more registration information.  

Cost is $3, payable at the door to cover printing costs.  Register early, class size will be limited.

Legion Auxiliary 4th District Meeting May 13

The American Legion Auxilary 4th District Meeting will be held Wednesday, May 13 at Unit 111 in Bluffton. The meeting will be a combined Department Visitation, 4th District Meeting and Memorial Service for the Auxiliary members within the District who have passed away during the 2014-15 Auxiliary year that ends June 30. 

The memorial service will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. 

Rockcreek Alumni Banquet May 16

The 2015 Annual Rockcreek Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 16 at Norwell High School.

Registration will begin at 4 p.m. Dinner will start at 5 p.m. 

For more information or to reserve a spot call Debra Waldron at 260-758-3400 or 260-515-8088.

What's Up! Wednesday, May 6, 2015

CAC’s garage sale May 7 & 8

The Creative Arts Council is having a Garage Sale on Thursday, May 7 and Friday May 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Balentine Gallery at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre.

Offered for sale will be items that no longer have room to be stored at the CAC storage areas.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the June production of the Wells Community Theatre’s “Hello Dolly.”

Relay for Life Dinner & Auction May 8

The second annual Wells County Relay for Life Dinner and Auction Fundraiser will be held Friday, May 8 at the Wells County Public Library in Bluffton.

Dinner will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Live Auction will start at 6:45 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Children under age 3 can eat free. The meal will include: spaghetti dinner, bread sticks, homemade dessert, drink, (1) luminary bag and (1) auction paddle. There will also be live entertainment during the dinner. To purchase a ticket call 260-273-8108 or 260-273-5081.

School of Ballet’s spring programs May 8 & 9

The Creative Arts Council’s School of Ballet will be presenting the ballet “Copellia” and “scenes” from Degas paintings on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m. as the Bluffton High School Auditorium.

Admission is $3 for adults with those 12 and younger admitted free.

Auditions at the Pulse in Warren on May 9

On Saturday, May 9, auditions for musical “The Addams Family” will be held at the Pulse Opera House 127 1/2 Wayne St. in Warren.

Parts will be available for Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch, Uncle Fester and all of the wacky inhabitants of the new musical based on Charles Addams’ weird and wonderful family. 

In addition to the  main characters, there is a chorus of deceased ancestors. Roles are available for six men and four women and a chorus of five men and five women. 

Everyone who auditions must sing. Bring a short prepared song to the audition.

The show dates are July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 and Aug. 1 and 2.

Bluffton Farmer’s Market open

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Current features include vegetable and flower garden plants, flowers, fresh asparagus, rhubarb, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

What's Up! Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Register now for Summer Striders

Register Now for Summer Striders classes that will be held on Wednesday nights from May 6– June 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This 8-week program is tailored to help people meet their goals, whether it’s going from being a couch potato to walking regularly, or increasing from 3 miles to 6. 

This program is geared to help motivate people to achieve their walking goals while increasing their knowledge of nutrition, injury prevention, training strategies, and so much more. 

Registration is required by contacting the parks department (parks@ci.bluffton.in.us or 824-6069). 

The program is only $10 due the first night, children under 10 are free and maximum family price is $20.

Parks K-12 Swim Registration May 9

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will offer swim lessons this summer. Swim registration is for children who just finished grades K-12 and will take place at the City Hall from 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. 

Class lessons will be held Monday through Friday June 8-19 OR July 6-17 for a total of 10 lessons. Class times are either 10-10:50 a.m. or 11-11:50 a.m. 

Cost for non Wells County Residents is $12 and discounted to $6 for residents (due at registration). For more information call 824-6069. 

Pee Wee Swim Registration May 9

Pee Wee Swim Registration will be held at City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. Cost is $6 per child. 

Lessons will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the week of June 22. Swim time is from 11-11:45 a.m. and a parent must get in the water with each child. No unattended children on pool deck during lessons. Limited enrollment. For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Monday, May 4, 2015

Alzheimer’s Support Group to meet May 6 at Bluffton’s First UM Church

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. on Wednesday May 6th. 

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

Those in attendance will be given the opportunity to share their experiences of caring for their loved one and to ask questions of the other caregivers in attendance. 

Contact Joyce Phillabaum at phone number (260) 824-4244 for more information pertaining to the support group.