What's Up! Thursday, July 30, 2015

Tri-Bluffton Aug. 8

There are two weeks until the Tri Bluffton Triathalon on Aug. 8. There are four events to choose from: TRI Bluffton Sprint Triathlon (300m pool swim, 15 mile bike, 5k run), Bluffton Duathlon (1.8 mile run, 15 mile bike, 5k run), Team Triathlon (grab two friends and compete as a team; one person swims, one bikes, and one runs), or the Bison Bash 5K Run. All events are beginner friendly. There will be a free orientation session to answer all TRI questions Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. See the staging and transition areas, ask all your questions. Sign up online at http://raceroster.com/events/2015/4130/tri-bluffton or download an entry form at www.blufftonindiana.net.

FW’s Artists on the Plaza Aug. 13

On Thursday, Aug. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Artists on the Plaza will be held at the Indiana Michigan Power Center Plaza, 911 S. Calhoun St.

It will combine food, music and art during the lunch hour. Food trucks will provide food for purchase and music will be offered for listening.

Artlink has arranged for some Fort Wayne artists to showcase their talents by painting live. A pop-up tent will denote the location.

Workshop at Ouabache Park Aug. 15

A Monarch and Milkweed Workshop will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Ouabache State Park Lodge.

Those attending will learn all about the beautiful Monarch and ways to help in its conservation. Participants will receive milkweed seeds and a Monarch caterpillar to take home.Jody Heaston, IDNR, will be hosting the workshop. Pre-registration to jamstutz@dnr.IN.gov is encouraged. A program fee of $5 per person is due upon arrival at the workshop. Regular park entry fees also apply—$7 for in-state cars and $9 for out-of-state vehicles.

To view all DNR news released, visit dnr.IN.gov

What's Up! Wednesday, July 29, 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,  spinach, rhubarb, , fresh strawberries and other fruits,  flowers, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, kettle corn, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Free Pickleball Wednesday and Saturdays

Any adult that would like to learn/play Pickleball should meet each Wednesday at 6 p.m. or Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Lion’s Park tennis courts. All supplies and instructions will be provided. Rain site is the Bluffton City Gym.

Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. This sport combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is played on a badminton-sized court with a paddle and a plastic ball. 

For more information call 824-6069.

Wet Wacky Wednesday July 29 & Aug. 5

The pool will be open for Wet Wacky Wednesday evening family Wednesday, July 29 and Aug. 5 from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $1.50 per person over age five. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. 

Follow us on facebook at Bluffton Parks for any weather related cancellations. NEW THIS YEAR: The pool now has log rolling equipment. For more information call 824-6069.

Homemade Card Class July 30

Homemade card class will be held Thursday, July 30. 

Angie Honegger will teach those in attendance how to create their own cards on Thursday July 30 from 6-8 p.m. at city hall. Cost is $7 for (4) cards or (8) for $12. 

Call to preregister at 824-6069.

                 

Dancing with the Stars at the Embassy July 31

Dancing with the Stars: Live” will be bringing the Perfect 10 Tour to the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m.

The cast will be led by Melissa Rycroft and include pro dancers Witney Carson, Valentine Chmerkovskiy, Artem Chigvintsev, Peta Murgatroyd and Emma Slater and troupe dancers Alan Bersten, Brittany Cherry, Sasha Farber and Jenna Johnson. The 90 minute show will feature new choreography as well as memorable number from the 10 seasons of Dancing with the Stars.

Tickets will range in price from $39.50 to $97 and are on sale at the Embassy box office, online at ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000. VIP tickets available at VIPNation.com.

Last free movie July 31

The last free movie of the summer will be Paddington, rated PG. 

It will be shown at the City Gym on Friday, July 31 at 8:45 p.m. Sit in the bleachers or bring your own seating and snacks. 

This event is fully funded by the Wells County Foundation. For more information call 824-6069.

Last Pool Day is Aug. 9

Due to our Life guards returning back to school the last day for the Wells Community Pool will be Sunday Aug 9. The Splash Pad at 304 E. Washington Street will remain open until Street Fair in September as long as the weather is good from 10 a.m. to  9 p.m.

What's Up! Monday, July 27, 2015

Sauder Village Doll Show Aug. 1 and 2

 The Doll and Teddy Bear Show and Sale will be held Aug. 1 and 2 at Sauder Village. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. There is a “Show-Only” admission of $7 (senior and AAA discounts apply), which must be purchased in Founder’s Hall. 

For more information phone 1-800-590-9755, visit www.saudervillage.org.

Squirt Gun Fight & Slip and Slide Aug. 29

Due to the muddy conditions and cold temperatures the The Squirt Gun Fight and Slip and Slide has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29 at Lancaster Park (across from Lancaster Elementary School). 

Check in at 12:30 p.m. The event will start at 1:30 p.m. The Slip and Slide will be open at 2 p.m.

For more information call 824-6069

What's Up! Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Free movie at City Gym July 24

This Friday’s movie, hosted by the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will be Planes Fire and Rescue. 

The movie will be held at the City Gym on Friday, July 24 at 8:45 p.m. Those attending should bring their own seating and snacks. This event is fully funded by the Wells County Foundation.

Kehoe Concert July 26 at BHS

This Sunday’s Kehoe Concert will feature Atlanta Music Hall Band (Dixieland). 

The concert will be held at the Bluffton High School cafetorium due to the flood conditions at Kehoe Park. 

Those attending do not need to bring their own seating, as chairs are already set at the school. The air conditioning is on and there are no mosquitoes to contend with.

Sassafras will be there with refreshments. This week’s sponsor is Dutch Mill Plaza.

Northern Gospel Convention Aug. 6-8

Alan Godsey and The Northmen will present the 16th annual Northern Gospel Singing Convention Aug. 6-8 at Sunnycrest Baptist Family Life Center at 2172 W. Chapel Pike in Marion. Concert times for the event will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 6 at 1 and 5 p.m. on Aug. 7 and at noon and 4 p.m. on Aug. 8.

For more information call Alan Godsey at 260-438-5164.

Self Defense Class Aug. 8

Register now for a free Women’s Self Defense Class. Ladies 13 years and older can come to the Bluffton City Gym on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9-11 a.m. 

In this session those attending will learn pressure point techniques that do not require much strength. 

Lt. Det. Jim Paxton from the Wells County Sheriff’s Dept. will present the session. 

Each participant will also receive a free self defense stick that can attach to your key ring. 

Call to register by Friday, Aug. 7 at 824-6069 or e-mail at:  parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

What's Up! Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Annual Trade Days at Willshire cancelled

The Willshire  Sportsman’s Club Annual Trade Days, scheduled for July, 31 and Aug., 1, has been cancelled.

Due to the recent heavy rains the club grounds are too soft to hold the event.

Club members regret the inconvenience and hope to see everyone next year.

Girls Scouts community swim July 25

Members of Wells County Girl Scouts will host a Community Swim Saturday, July 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person.

Junior Indiana Master Naturalist Summer Camp July 27-31

The Junior Indiana Master Naturalist Summer Day Camp for 8-12 year olds will be held July 27-31 at Ouabache State Park Lodge.

Hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Friday.

For registration or more information about the class, contact Pastor Neil Ainslie, Friends of Ouabache State Park, atsciencepastorneil@gmail.com or (260) 740-9162, or visit Ouabache State Park. mMore information is at IndianaMasterNaturalist.org. 

Ouabache State Park is located at 4930 E. State Rd 201, Bluffton, Indiana.

Rescheduled Bison Bonanza Bash and 5K Aug. 8

The rescheduled Bison Bonanza Bash and 5K Stampede will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 at Ouabache State Park.

For more information or to fill out an advanced registration form log onto: friendsofouabachestatepark@gmail.com or mail them to: Friends of Ouabache State Park at 4930 E. State Road 201, Bluffton, Indiana 46714.

Squirt Gun Fight & Slip and Slide Aug. 29

Due to the muddy conditions and cold temperatures the The Squirt Gun Fight and Slip and Slide has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29 at Lancaster Park (across from Lancaster Elementary School). 

Check in at 12:30 p.m. The event will start at 1:30 p.m. The Slip and Slide will be open at 2 p.m.

For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up! Monday, July 20, 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,  spinach, rhubarb, , fresh strawberries and other fruits,  flowers, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, kettle corn, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

SW Community Church to offer free lunch July 22

Southern Wells Community Church will serve a free lunch Wednesday, July 22 from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Ind. 18 in Montpelier. The meal will include free sandwiches, chips and drinks. 

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

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

Wet Wacky Wednesday July 22

The pool will be open for Wet Wacky Wednesday evening family swim every Wednesday during the pool season. 

Pool hours are from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $1.50 per person over age five. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Follow us on facebook at Bluffton Parks for any weather related cancellations.

NEW THIS YEAR: The pool now has log rolling equipment. For more information call 824-6069.

ment and fully funded by the Wells County Foundation.

SummerFest Art Show July 24 & 25 at Hartford City

Arts Place Blackford County Arts Center will have the SummerFest Juried Art Show reception July 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. The judge of this show is Deborah Stapleton, Director of the Anderson Art Center. Awards will be presented at 6:30. The exhibit will be on display from July 20 to Aug. 28. Artists should submit artwork no later than July 10 to be considered for the exhibit. 

 The SummerFest events will be on Saturday July 25, on Main Street on the north side of the Court House. 

For more information about the reception contact Leslie Newton at leslovesart@yahoo.com, or 765-348-1677, or Tisha Trice at design@tricedesignstudio.com.

What's Up! Monday, July 13, 2015

James Dean Ride July 19

The James Dean Ride will be held Sunday, July 19. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. at the truck stop in Warren located at I-69 and State Road 4. Ride will begin at 10 a.m. The ride will go by James Dean’s home, gravesite and and an old indian motorcycle shop.

Rain date will be July 26. For more information write to Ivn Ivins, P.O. Box 20, Bluffton, Indiana 46714.

Girls Scouts community swim July 25

Members of Wells County Girl Scouts will host a Community Swim Saturday, July 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per person.

‘Mary Poppins’ begins July 25

Fort Wayne’s Civic Theatre will be presenting the musical Mary Poppins July 25 to Aug. 9 at the Arts United Center in Fort Wayne.

It will star Halee Shutt as Mary Poppins and Chris Rasor as Bert. There will be 8 p.m. curtain times on July 25, 31, Aug. 1, 7, 8 and 2 p.m. ones on July 26, Aug. 2, 9. Admission is $29 for adults, $24 for seniors and $17 for those 23 and younger. On Sunday, Aug. 2, at noon a luncheon and show package is priced at $38 for adults and $32 for those 10 and younger. Arrange for tickets by calling 260-424-5220 during box office hours of noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Craft Bazaar Oct. 24 

Craft vendors are needed for the Allen County 4-H Fairgrounds third Annual Craft Bazaar on Saturday Oct. 24 at the Allen County 4-H Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cost for an 8 foot booth space, with table, will be $35.  For more information or booth rental contact Chad at 260-704-0765.

What's Up! Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Downtown FW’s lunch on the plaza Thursdays

Lunch on the Plaza concerts in downtown Fort Wayne will be presented every Thursday in June, July and August from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The free concerts are held at the courtyard of the I&M Power Center Plaza, on the corner of Wayne and Calhoun streets.

The schedule includes:

July 9—Susan Mae & New Yesterday (Contemporary)

Friday nites live at Jefferson Pointe

Every Friday evening through 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.

July concerts include:

July 10—The Hubie Ashcraft Band

Glassblowing demo at FWMA July 9

On Thursday, July 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. the Paradigm Gallery at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will be presenting a Glassblowing Demo with Eran Park.

There is no admission charge to watch the demonstration of the time-honored techniques of glassblowing with his modern day influences.

Edibles and a cash bar will be available.

Exhibits now featured at the museum include Summer of Glass through Sept. 13, Dennis NcNett: Legend of the Wolfbat through Aug. 23 and America’s Spirit: Evolution of a National Style through January, 2016.

Pop Up summer market at Artlink July 11

On Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artlink will host the Summer Market Pop Up inside Artlink, 300 East Main St. in Fort Wayne.

The shopping event for art and handmade goods is sponsored by the Foxy Ladies Art Posse. Vendors will include Sucie Crace, Wrist Art, Mandy Miller, Isa Lou Lane, Rebecca Stockert, Diane Shafer-King, Amy Krucina, Erin Patton, Polly Esther Threads, Marie Gardeski and David Birkey, Imaginary Animal, Peggy Schindler, Ruby Green, Paul Demaree, Caitlin Crowley, Big Curl Studio, Laura Brandenburg, Stoneware, North Coast Organics.

Eats on the streets  at Ohio’s Wassenberg Art Center July 11

The Wassenberg Art Center in Ohio will host a food, art and music event on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 2 p.m. with an opening exhibit that will feature the works of five Fort Wayne artists.

The artists will include Gregg Coffey, Mindy Penneycoff, Terry Ratliff, Gary Travis and Joel Fremion of Ossian.

Fort Wayne musician Dan Dickerson and the Harp Condition will perform on the Central Mutual Stage during the opening. Central Avenue, just north of the Art Center, will be shut down to allow for five Fort Wayne gourmet food trucks to set up. They will include Affine, Ragin Cajun, Pizza Diva, Sol Kitchen and Whip & Chill. They will serve from 4 to 10:30 p.m.

Beginning at 4 p.m. a local DJ Real Human Robot will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by the band The One-Eyed Show from St. Marys, Ohio.

More information at www.wassenbergartceter.org

What's Up! Tuesday, July 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,  spinach, rhubarb, , fresh strawberries and other fruits,  flowers, fresh baked goods, woodworking products, handmade crafts, kettle corn, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Wet Wacky Wednesday July 8

The pool will be open for Wet Wacky Wednesday evening family swim every Wednesday during the pool season. 

Pool hours are from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $1.50 per person over age five. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Follow us on facebook at Bluffton Parks for any weather related cancellations. NEW THIS YEAR: The pool now has log rolling equipment. For more information call 824-6069.

Friends of the Shelter to meet July 13

Friends of the Shelter, the organization that provides support for the Bluffton/Wells County Animal Shelter, will meet at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July, 13 in the Council Chambers on the  second floor of City Hall at 128 E. Market Street.

Items on the agenda are Shelter operations, updates on Spay-Neuter clinics and  upcoming Summer events.

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

What's Up! Monday, July 6, 2015

Wellness Pavilion Pool Tournament July 10

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion will host a billiards pool tournament for any senior age 55 and older on Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m. at the Wellness Pavilion. 

Snacks will be provided. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. Please sign up by noon, Thursday, July 9 at the Wellness Pavilion Front Desk or call 260-589-4496. 

Zanesville 5k July 11

The Zanesville Lions Club 10th annual 5K has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 11 at Zanesville United Methodist Church. 

At 8 a.m. there will be a one mil Fun Run for kids age 12 and younger.

At 8:15 a.m. there will be a 5k Run/Walk.

At 9 a.m. awards will be handed out to participants.

Cost is $1 for the Fun Run (t-shirt not included); $10 pre-race entry (t-shirt included); $15 race day 5K (t-shirt if available). Trophies will be awarded.

Send payments to: Zanesville Lions Club, P.O. Box 361, 3088 W. VanHorn, Zanesville, IN 46799. Pre-race entries must be received by July 9. For more information call 260--638-4327.

Girl Scouts Car Wash July 17

Girl Scout members will sponsor a Car Wash fundraiser Friday, July 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Advanced Auto parking lot in Bluffton. Cost is $6 per car or $8 per truck or SUV.

BBQ Fundraiser July 18

A Nelson’s barbecue fundraiser will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following Fort Wayne locations: Peter’s Body Shop, 4392 Bluffton Rd.; St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 14623 Bluffton Rd.; and FWCS south transportation parking lot, 6006 Ardmore Ave. The fundraiser is sponsored by community helpers to help those less fortunate in our community.

Tickets are $10 each for half a chicken with baked potato. They can be purchased by calling Tim Springer at 260-403-8666 or 260-747-6361; Renee Lockett at 260-452-5979; or Erica Roberts at 260-760-4024.

Bubble Dash & Foam Party July 20

Due to the park being under water and the cold temperatures the Bubble Dash and the Foam Party has been rescheduled for Monday July 20th.

Bubble Dash registration starts at 11:30 a.m. Run will start at 12:30 p.m. The Foam Party will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Splash Pad in Bluffton For more information call 824-6069.

Rough & Muddy 5K and Soggy Jog July 25

The Rough and Muddy 5K and Soggy Jog has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 25.

If you are registered for this event, the Parks Department will automatically roll your registration over to the new date. 

If you are unable to participate on the new date, we can roll your registration over to a different Bluffton Parks Dept. sports event, or you can transfer your registration to another runner. 

If you are not registered, you can still sign up at www.raceroster.com (search for Bluffton Mud) or download an entry form at www.blufftonindiana.net.