What's Up

Street Fair Horse & Pony Committee Meeting Aug. 21
Members of the Street Fair Horse and Pony Committee will meet Sunday, Aug. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bluffton Street Fair office. For more information call Sue Campbell at (765) 728-9049.

Dam Ride Aug. 21
A Dam Ride will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, and will start from the Truck Stop in Warren located at I-69 and State Road 5. It will begin at 9:30 a.m.

For more information contact Ivan Ivins at P.O. Box 20, Bluffton, IN 46714.

What's Up

Ossian Smoked Pork Chop Dinner Sept. 8:
Members of the Ossian Economic Revitalization Committee will sponsor a smoked pork chop dinner Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Ossian Days Event Tent in downtown Ossian. Ossian Smoked Meats will provide the half pound smoked pork chops.

The dinner will include an eight-ounce smoked pork chop, baked potato, apple sauce, roll, brownie, ice tea or lemonade when dining in or bottled water with carry out orders. Tickets are $8 in advance or $9 at the door.

All proceeds will benefit Ossian's downtown revitalization.

Tickets are available for purchase at the following businesses: Lighted Gardens, PNC Bank in Ossian, Ossian Do-it-Best Hardware, Ossian State Bank, Ossian Town Hall, the Brew Ha! espresso cafe or from any committee member.

There will also be a Helen Witte Pie Auction at 6 p.m.

Carry outs will be available for pick up on the west side of the tent on Craig Street.

Bluegrass Gospel Jamboree Sept. 10
The eighth-annual Bluegrass Gospel Jamboree will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Union Chapel Church of the Nazarene.

Featured guests will include Common Ground, Betty Jo Armstrong as “Minnie Pearl” and Ministers Quartet.

Food available will be all you can eat soup beans, sloppy joes, dessert and drinks. Bring a lawn chair. Plenty of parking. Shelter will be provided on the lawn. A free will offering will be taken.

Directions:
From State Road 1 go to Jay/Wells County Line road, go west 2.5 miles.
From State Road 18, go to the Blackford/Wells County Line road, turn north, go 1 mile, turn east and go one mile.

Bark Before Dark Sept. 14
The Bark Before Dark bone hunt will be held Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Washington Park at 6:30 p.m.

There will be prizes awarded. All dogs must be kept on a leash, and owners are responsible to clean up after their pets. For more information call 824-6069.

What's Up

Friday Night Live Aug. 19
Park United Brethren Church will sponsor another Friday Night Live Aug. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Washington Park, located at the corner of Ohio and Bennett Streets, in Bluffton.

There will be a free dinner, games, prizes, live music and a live animal demonstration by Mark's Ark.

Music at Portland’s amphitheatre Aug. 21
The Hudson Family Park Amphitheartre in downtown Portland will present the Souled Out Band on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m.

The group has 9 members with six vocalists and a 5-piece horn section. They play a variety of musical styles including classics, country, motown, soul and R&B.

People should bring their own seats and can bring picnic baskets. Tickets are $10 for premium seating and $5 for upper amphitheatre seats. Call 260-726-4809 for more details.

The Hudson Family Park Amphitheatre is the recently completed project of Arts Place in Portland and is located at 500 South Wayne St. in Portland.

Organ Recital by Brent Neuenschwander Aug. 21
Brent Neuenschwander will perform an organ recital at the First Mennonite Church in Berne Sunday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m.

This recital will take place on the 49 rank M. P. Maller pipe organ in the First Mennonite sanctuary and will feature classic organ works. Additionally, there will be several hymn settings and pedal solos throughout the program. The recital is free and open to the public, and a free-will offering will be taken.

Norwell Wrestling Chicken Fundraiser Aug. 27
Members of the Norwell Wrestling Club will sponsor a Nelson's Chicken fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walgreens' parking lot in Bluffton.

Cost is $6 for half of a barbecue chicken.

All proceeds will be donated to the Norwell Middle School and Norwell High School wrestlers to help pay for their upcoming season.

Aug. 28 is last day for Bible Times Tech Exhibit
The last day to see the Bible Times Tech exhibit at Science Central is Aug. 28.

The interactive exhibition shows the “technology” of ancient Israel and the Middle East. Hands-on exhibits and artifacts will allow visitors to play ancient board games, write in ancient letters, make music, be a shepherd, grind wheat and more.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 per person.

For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto www.sciencecentral.org.

What's Up

Vote for your Markle Grouch Aug. 15-20
Voting will be held from Aug. 15-20 for Markle's Grouch contest. Votes are 25 cents each. The “Four Grouches” will be revealed Friday, Aug. 26, during the Wildcat Festival.

Hobby & Collector Show Aug. 29
The Wells County Historical Society will hold its annual Hobby and Collector show Monday, Aug. 29, at the Bluffton Harrison Elementary School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hobbies such as Santa's, genealogy books, fishing lures, postcards, coins, political buttons and others will be on display. Several new exhibitors are taking part this year and previous exhibitors have new exhibits. Light refreshments will be available. There is ample parking. The building is also handicap accessible.

Reader's Circle Aug. 30
Reader's Circle will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Creative Arts Council. The group is asked to read "Bossypants" by Tina Fey to discuss it with Kelly Potter. Discussions are open to all readers. Bring a brown bag lunch.

For more information please contact the CAC office a 260-824-5222. Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or log onto www.wellscocreativearts.com

Neighborhood Day & Pedal ‘n Picnic Sept. 11
A National Neighborhood Day celebration will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kehoe Park.

The police and fire departments will grill hot dogs, serve chips, pretzels, cookies and drink. There is no cost to participate.

Also a Pedal ‘n Picnic family bike ride is planned before the National Neighborhood Day Sept 11.
A 6.5 mile ride will begin at 2:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile ride will start at 3 p.m. Both start and end at Kehoe Park.

This event is free, but donations will be accepted for soldier care packages.

Meal starts at 4 p.m. There will be mini goats to pet until Mark’s Ark starts at 4:30 p.m.

Fall Food and Craft Bazaar Oct. 29
The Mt. Etna United Methodist Women are planning their 2011 Fall Food and Craft Bazaar to be held Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Booth spaces are $25 for an 8x8 booth and one table. Some booth spaces do have electricity. Booth spaces, tables, and electricity are all on a first come, first serve basis upon receipt of your registration form and booth payment. All vendors (Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Discovery Toys, and more) are welcome along with homemade items. People cannot sell the following items: pies, prepared soups, and noodles.

If interested in a booth space, send your name, address, phone number, number of spaces you are requiring and the type of crafts you will be selling along with a check made payable to the Mt. Etna UM Women to Wilberta Horrell, 10629S., 500W., Warren, IN 46792.

Creative Arts Council Events

In the Balentine Gallery

• AROUND THE TOWN—Photography and other mediums by B.K. Campbell, through Aug. 30.
• BALLINGER FAMILY EXHIBIT—Sept. 1-Oct. 12, featuring the artistry of generations of kinfolk.
• 11th Annual Outdoor Showcase with the Chamber of Commerce, “Life’s a Beach!” On display through Aug. 30 on the patio of the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre. Created by businesses, nonprofits, clubs, youth and individuals.
  

School of Ballet

• Registration packets will be mailed out in mid-August for fall classes. Click on to www.wellscocreativearts.com for more information.

Events

• KEHOE PARK CONCERTS—Cook & Belle, Aug. 14. Free concerts thanks to donors and sponsors now sending in their funding support to cover the costs of the summer series. Refreshments available from TW Fable. Cook & Belle, Aug. 14; Summit City Chorus, Aug. 21; Hoosier Harmony, Aug. 28.
• LIFE’S A BEACH— umbrellas showcase on the patio through Aug. 30.
• CULINARY ARTISTS—Aug. 18, to Fort Wayne’s Olive Twist, $3 with registration needed. Jeanne Ploetz the leader.
  

Learning

• WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS—Now in session.
• DRAWING CAMP FOR KIDS—(ages 7 and up) offered by art teacher Hallie Koenig. A two day camp scheduled for Aug. 9 & 10, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., bring own lunch, $40 with single day options at $25, focusing on value, shading and proportion with attention to projects the students want to draw.
  

What's Up

Parks Department offers Zumba special
In August each Zumba class is only $3; if you bring someone, then it will be $2 each. If you bring two or more people, it is only $1 each. Zumba is held in the city gym every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Fall Senior Exploration registration begins
The Fall Senior Exploration is a six-week program designed to bring adults together for learning, socializing and fun. This year the program has been moved to the Boys and Girls Club. A free continental breakfast is served every morning at 8:30 a.m.

Class topics this fall include crochet, financial fitness, calligraphy, genealogy, and more.

The charge for the entire term is $12. Call the park office at 824-6069 or e-mail parks@ci.bluffton.in.us to register.

Craft Club begins
Each session of the Craft Club will have a craft prepared to work on that will vary from free to $3. Feel free to bring your own and enjoy socializing with others like you.

These classes are held on the third Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall.

Women's Self Defense Aug. 13
A Women's self-defense class will be held Aug. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the city gym. Women will meet to learn pressure point techniques that do not require much strength. Call to register by the Friday before at 824-6069. The event is free.

Saturday Night at The Village Aug. 13
Saturday Night at the Village will be held Aug. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Swiss Village in Berne. Bill Frauhiger will provide the entertainment. The event is open to the public. For more information call 260-589-3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

Dog Days of Summer Aug. 13
The third annual Dog Days of Summer will be held Saturday, Aug 13 ,at Pickett’s Run Park (near the splash pad) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pet vendors will offer free nail trimming, drawings and more.

Pet vendors will include Oooh la la Pet Spa, Angela’s Rooming and Grooming, Canine Crossroads, the Animal Shelter, Perfect Pet, Pampered Pets, a demonstration of the Police K9, a pet photographer and more.

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

What's Up

Regional art at HU gallery Aug. 11

Huntington University’s Wilson Gallery will showcase a Regional Art Exhibit from Aug. 11-31. Sponsors will be the LaFontaine Arts Council.

Judges for the event this year are Christopher and Sayaka Ganz of Fort Wayne. Christopher is an associate professor of printmaking and drawing at IPFW. Sayaka, a native of Japan, also is a professor of art at IPFW.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit will be viewable through Aug. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Club Calendar

Tuesday, Aug. 9

• American Legion Ladies Auxiliary — New members and old members to meet in back room; 6 p.m.
• Homemaker's Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.
  

Wednesday, Aug. 10

• Poplar Grove Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 11

• Bee Happy Quilter's — Set up day for the Wheels of Yesteryear Quilt Show at 4-H Park; 9:30 a.m. Meeting will also be held that day at the park.

Saturday, Aug. 13

• Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One — V.F.W., 2202 W. Main, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. Lunch following. Allen County Veterans Affairs Officer George Jarboe will attend to answer questions or concerns. Bring a guest. 260-485-7627.
• River Terrace Estates — Jelly Bean Clown. Hot dogs will be served. Balloons will be made; 9:30 a.m. in healthcare.
  

Sunday, Aug. 14

• River Terrace Estates — Ryan Hirschy and gospel music; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

What's Up

Rummage and Flea Market at Blackford 4-H Aug. 6
The Blackford County 4-H Fairboard will sponsor a rummage/flea market sale Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Blackford County 4-H Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone interested in setting up or needing more information can call 765-348-3213.

Jewelry Making Class Aug. 9
Becky Lehman will lead a class at the South Adams Senior Center Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 9:30 a.m. She will demonstrate jewelry making.

Those attending will have the opportunity to make one to three pieces of jewelry including necklaces at $25 each, weave or dangly bracelets at $18 each, single-strand bracelets at $12 each, ankle bracelets at $12 each, and earrings at $7 each. The class is limited to eight people and is open to the public. Call the Senior Center at 260-589-8877 to get your name on the sign-up sheet.

Friends of Animal Shelter meeting Aug. 9
The Friends of the Animal Shelter will meet Aug. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Bluffton City Hall conference room.

Agenda topics include spay/neuter clinic updates, shelter projects, and street fair plans.

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

What's Up

The last Wet Wacky Wednesday is Aug 3
Pool hours are 6:30 to 8 p.m., and the cost is $1 per person over age 5. Call 824-6069.

School Alumni sought for Street Fair meeting Aug. 3
An organizational meeting will be held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells County Public Library.

The meeting will provide information for the parade on Wednesday night of Street Fair.

Red Cross Blood Drive Aug. 3
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3 ,at Apostolic Christian Church on Dustman Road in Bluffton from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Donors of all types are needed. When you donate your name will be entered in a region-wide drawing to win $3,000 worth of free gas.

The Closet Fish and Chicken Fry Aug. 5
Tickets are now being sold for the 10th annual Fish and Chicken all-you-can-eat dinner to be held Friday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church on North Main Street, Bluffton. The event will benefit The Closet, a local program to help low income families with preschool children.

Tickets are $9 for adults in advance or $10 at the door; $6 for children age six to 12; those age five and younger are free.

The dinner will include fish and chicken prepared by Dan's Fish Fry of Huntington. There will be two side dishes, rolls, drink and homemade dessert. Tickets are available at the following businesses: Napa Auto Parts, Expert Transmission, Troxel Equipment or by calling 8284-0177.

The Closet provides support through donated clothing, diapers, wipes, blankets, bibs, baby food and other necessities on a once-a-month basis.

Trade Days in Willshire Aug. 5-7
The Willshire Sportsman's Club is getting things ready for their annual Trade Days to be held Aug. 5, 6, and 7 at the club grounds located about two miles east of Willshire, Ohio at 3383 St Rt 81.
Available for sale will be hunting supplies, crafts and all kinds of flea market items will be available. A gun smith will be available. The concession stand will be serving breakfast and sandwiches. Admission is free. For more information contact: Ron Schumm at 419-495-2730 or Ron Mihm at 419-495-2404 or email rdmihm@frontier.com

Dig and Seek Aug. 6
The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will sponsor Dig and Seek event at Roush Park Saturday, Aug. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Bring buckets and toy trucks to play in the dirt and search for hidden treasure. For more information call 824-6069.

Club Calendar

Tuesday, Aug. 2

• Cardinal Bird Club — Wells County Public Library; 6:30 p.m. The program will be on birds of Central America, featuring highlights from the trip of Earlene and Dorothy Moser.
• The Creative Quilters Quilt Guild — Country Creations Quilt Shop; 6:30 p.m. Located at 5342N-400W, Decatur. This month’s program features Carol Riley presenting a technique called ‘resist dyeing.’ In addition, there will be a show and tell segment, door prizes, sign up for the club shop hop, discussion of the Callithumpian quilt show, and a general business meeting. Anyone with an interest in quilting is invited to attend.
  

Monday, Aug. 8

• Widowed to Widowed — Corner Depot; 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13

• Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One — V.F.W., 2202 W. Main, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. Lunch following. Allen County Veterans Affairs Officer George Jarboe will attend to answer questions or concerns. Bring a guest. 260-485-7627.

What's Up

Community Service in Montpelier starts July 30

Passion for Jesus is a new worship opportunity that will start at the Montpelier Civic Center on Saturday nights from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 30. It will run every Saturday night.

This is an interdenominational ministry to encourage people to join together as a community to praise, worship, and learn the Word of God.

The service is open to all ages, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Montpelier Civic Center is located at 339 South Main Street in Montpelier.

What's Up

Doo Wop & Rock and Biff & The Cruisers at Kehoe July 31

The Kehoe Park Summer Concert Series will continue Sunday, July 31, at 7 p.m. with Doo Wop & Rock and Biff and The Cruisers.

The night will feature top ten hits from the 50’s to the 80’s, including songs of The Diamonds, Dion, Righteous Brothers, Bob Seger, The Coasters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Doobie Brothers, John Mellencamp, Elvis and other artists. Biff and the Cruisers have performed 15 years at such venues as cruises, conventions, festivals and the Foellinger Theatre.

The rain site is the Wells County Community Building at the 4-H Park.

Club Calendar

Monday, July 25

• Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. You will have the opportunity to pick up registration papers for your quilts and other items at that time. The sign-up sheets for the show will be available as more help is needed. Carol Malone, and Gail Kuhn will present the 2012 Challenge. Show and Tell. All are welcome to attend. Call 223-1403 or 589-2845.
• Stitches of Hope — First United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Bluffton; 6 p.m. Call 824-8743 or email k4storys@gmail.com.

Wednesday, July 27

• O.D.O. Club — TIME AND DATE CHANGE. Corner Depot; 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 28

• Loyal Neighbor's Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, July 30

• River Terrace Estates — Chaplain Jerry and friends; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, July 31

• River Terrace Estates — Nathan Coblentz and the Agape Choir singing; 2:30 p.m. in Chapel.

What's Up

Free Friday movies in July at Kehoe Park
Free outdoor movies under the stars. Movie starts at dusk, 8:45 p.m. Bring your own blankets and bug spray. The movie for July 15 is Yogi Bear These movies were fully funded by a grant from Wells County Foundation.

Belly Dance Lessons start tonight
The belly dance lessons are a seven-week class where students will learn two Middle Eastern rhythms, proper belly dance posture, basic movements that go with the rhythms, veil work, stretching, isolations and some basic choreography. Cost is $35 for seven weeks from 7 to 8 p.m. at Brandy’s Dance Studio at 4146 E 300 N. 824-6069.

Summer Krooz-In for Camp Blast July 15
A Summer Krooz-In for Camp Blast 2011 fundraiser will be held Friday, July 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Walmart parking lot in Bluffton. Proceeds will help send kid to summer camp. There is a $10 entry fee. There will be dash plaques, awards, door prizes, food, DJ Fast Eddie, games and contests.

Chamber of Commerce annual chicken BBQ July 18
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Chicken BBQ dinner during the Wells County 4-H Fair Monday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $9 and includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato, applesauce, roll and beverage. Half chicken only is $6. Carry out available for chicken only at Dutch Mill Plaza parking lot from 3 to 6 p.m.

James Dean Ride July 17
A James Dean ride will be held Sunday, July 17. Sign in at 8 a.m. at the Warren Truckstop located at I-69 and Ind. 5. Ride starts at 9:30 a.m. The ride will go to Fairmount Historical Museum to see the Dean home and grave sites plus an old Indian motorcycle shop. For more information contact Ivan Ivins at P.O. Box 20, Bluffton, IN 46714. Rain date is July 24.

Tie Dye Day July 22
Tie Dye Day will be held at Washington Park Pavilion Friday July 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own items to dye. Cost is $2 per item. You must call to pre-register at 824-6069.

What's Up

Thursday, July 14:

• Bee Happy Quilter's Club — Wells County Public Library; 7 p.m. Susan Lambert will present the lesson. Show and Tell. Public welcome. Call 824-1463.

Saturday, July 16

• River Terrace Estates — Petroleum Ladies singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, July 17

• River Terrace Estates — Chester and Carol Longenberger; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

What's Up

Back Road Car Show July 23
St. Marks Evangelism is sponsoring the second annual Back Road Car Show at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Thiele Rd., three miles north of Ossian between Yoder and South County Line roads, Saturday, July 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pre-registration fee by July 16 is $5. Registration is $10 the day of the show. Registration that day begins at 2 p.m. Cars, bikes, trucks, haulers and trailers are welcome. To register call Shaun at 260-450-6216 or Bill at 260-622-9116 Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Awards will be presented for best car, best truck, best classic, and best bike.

Other events include hog roast, concessions, live DJ, door prizes, and 50/50 drawing.

What's Up

Friends of the Shelter meeting Tuesday

Members of Friends of the Shelter will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall conference room. Meeting topics will include spay neuter updates, shelter number updates and upcoming events. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. For more information call 273-1742.

Educator day at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo July 19
Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo will host Educator Appreciation Day on Tuesday, July 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. The day will help teachers build scientific knowledge and discover the zoo’s educational resources. Admission is free for educators from grades pre-K through high school. Teachers can receive two professional growth plan points for participating in event workshops.

To register in advance contact the Zoo Education Department at 260-427-6808 or education@kidszoo.org

Club Calendar

Saturday, July 9

• River Terrace Estates — Ed Higgins playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Sunday, July 10

• River Terrace Estates — Arlene Stoller playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Monday, July 11

• Widowed to Widowed — Corner Depot; 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 12

• Homemaker's Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.
• American Legion Auxiliary — Bluffton Legion; 6 p.m. Installation of new officers.

Monday, July 25

• Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. You will have the opportunity to pick up registration papers for your quilts and other items at that time. The sign-up sheets for the show will be available as more help is needed. Carol Malone, and Gail Kuhn will present the 2012 Challenge. Show and Tell. All are welcome to attend. Call 223-1403 or 589-2845.

TOPS — NEW MEETING PLACE. Group will meet at Lilac Lane Clubhouse, 1550 Plaza Dr., #4, Bluffton; 6-7 p.m. (Behind Kroger). Weigh in 5-6 p.m. Call 824-1816.

Club Calendar

Tuesday, July 5:

• The Creative Quilters Quilt Guild — Country Creations quilt shop located at 5342N 400West, Decatur; 6:30 p.m.
• Cardinal Bird Club — No meeting tonight, but there will be a bird hike at River Terrace on July 12.
• Bluffton Lions Club — Corner Depot; 6:15 p.m. New members will be inducted.