What's Up

Turtle program for preschoolers
Jan. 20-21
Turtle Trek, a program designed for ages two to five, will be offered at the Salamonie Interpretive Center Jan. 20 and Jan. 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each day.
Children and their parent or caregiver will participate in activities focused around turtles and their survival.
No matter the weather, the program is planned to be both indoors and out, starting at the center. Participants may want to arrive early to enjoy the exhibit are and gift shop. People can choose to bring their lunch to eat together after the event. Children will be outdoors making a craft and learning about wildlife together.
There is a $2 fee per child. The standard entrance fee will be waived for program attendees. Call to 260-486-2127 to pre-register or visit 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews. Caregivers are expected to stay with their children.

Free lecture
A free lecture will be presented at the History Center Sunday, Jan. 3 from 2 to 3 p.m., Curt Witcher will present a “A Commitment to Excellence in Genealogy: How the Public Library Became a Major Tourist Attraction in Fort Wayne, Indiana.”
Dedication to top-shelf customer service as well as eccentric, non-traditional collection development propelled a local collection to national prominence. Hear the story of how the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center grew to become a national research center and how it plans to continue drawing researchers throughout the twenty-first century.
Curt Witcher is Senior Manager for Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, where he manages The Genealogy Center, serves as curator for the library's Rare and Fine Book Collection and institutional archives, and is the supervisor for the new Lincoln National Foundation's Lincoln Library Collection. He has a B.A. in History and English and an M.L.S. in Library and Information Science from Indiana University.
For more information call (260) 426-2882 or visit www.fwhistorycenter.com.

Area Things to See and Do

BRYANT
GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
Schedule of Shower of Stars available at www.bearcreekfarms.com.
For more information and reservations call 260-997-6822 or check out www.bearcreekfarms.com

FORT WAYNE’S CIVIC THEATRE
The Civic Theatre’s 2009-1010 season has been announced and includes: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 5-12; The Road to Mecca, April 2-18; Studs Terkel Working, May 7-16; and Playwright Contest, June 4-13. For more information call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

FW PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS
HEATHER HEADLEY & PHILHARMONIC—Friday, March 12, 8 p.m., $32 to $100.
For more information call 260-456-2224 or visit www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com Tickets at 260-481-0777.

FW’S SCIENCE CENTRAL EVENTS
Art Morph: Combining Art & Science—temporary exhibit through Jan. 3. Artwork out of recycled plastic and metal items. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for all except free to those 3 and under. More information at 260-424-2400 or at www.sciencecentral.org Closed July 4th.

FORT WAYNE COLISEUM EVENTS
THREE DAYS GRACE, BRAKING BENJAMIN, FLYLEAF—Saturday, Jan. 30, $39.75.
SHINEDOWN, PUDDLE OF MUDD, SKILLET—Thursday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., $29,50 or $35 day of show.
MARTINA MCBRIDE & TRACE ADKINS—Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., $49.75 & $59.75.
WINTERJAM—Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m., $10. (NewSong, Newboys, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North)
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office or by phone at 260-424-1811.

FW’S EMBASSY THEATRE EVENTS
‘MENOPAUSE’—Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., the musical, tickets $41.75 and $47.75.
THE UNDERGROUND REVIVAL—Friday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., (Darius McCrary, Angie Stone, Clifton Powell, Michael Colyar and Robert Wilson). $27.75 to $52.75.
ULTIMATE ELIVIS TRIBUTE—Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., $25.
CAMELOT—Monday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., $32 to $52.
CELTIC WOMAN—Thursday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., $38.75 and $62.75. Discounts for groups of 10 or more.
DISNEY’S ‘BEAUTY & HE BEST’—Monday and Tuesday, April 5 & 6, 7:30 p.m., $29 to $60.
LISA WILLIAMS—Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., $45.50 to $65.50. (Medium and clairvoyant as seen on Oprah.)
AVENUE Q—Monday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $27 to $52.
Ticket information at 260-424-1811 or through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more call 260-420-3344.
BRAD STINE COMEDY AT 1ST ASSEMBLY OF GOD
BRAD STINE COMEDY—Saturday March 6, 7 p.m., Fist Assembly of God, 1400 West Washington Center Rd., FW, $12 or $15 at the door.

WABASH
HONEYWELL CENTER
PASTORS PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN—Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., tickets $12 to $50.
MAD SCIENCE PRESENTS CSI: LIVE—Friday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., $5 kids and $15 adults.
JODEE MESSINA—Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., $19 to $75.
GERSHWIN ‘PORGY & BESS’—Thursday, Feb.. 18, 7:30 p.m., $20 to $40.
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE BAND—Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m., free concert
CANADIAN BRASS—Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
CANADIAN MIST BOB & TOM COMEDY ALL-STARS—Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., tickets $15 to $50.
MANCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA—Sunday, March 14, 3 p.m., free concert.
MARY WILSON—Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20 to $75. (Member of the Supremes.)
TAP KIDS—Sunday, April 18, 3 p.m.
GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS—Sunday, May 16, 3 and 7 p.m., tickets $14 to $20 with $4 discounts for kids through high school. (Note this show often sells out at venues.)
Information at 260-563-1102 or at www.honeywellcenter.org
VAN WERT, OHIO
NISWONGER ARTS CENTER ENTERTAINMENT
THE CANADIAN BRASS—Friday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m., $22.
Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert, more information at 419-238-6722 or at www.npacvw.org
PORTLAND
Arts Place is located at 131 East Walnut St., Portland. 260-726-4809 or www.artsland.org

WARSAW
WAGON WHEEL THEATRE
GLADIATOR ELITE CAGE FIGHTING—Saturday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m., $30 to $45.
SAWYER BROWN—Saturday, Feb. 13, 7 & 0:30 p.m., $38.
‘HOTEL CALIFORNIA’ EAGLES TRIBUTE—Saturday, April 24, 7 & 9:30 p.m., $19 to $29.
To arrange for tickets call 574-267-8041 or toll free to 866-823-2618. Website is www.wagonwheeltheatre.com

High School Sports

If you're looking for something to do this holiday week, consider going to a high school sporting event.
It's a good time and the student athletes love to hear a cheering crowd!

Wednesday, Dec. 30
BOYS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL: Norwell at DeKalb 4-way Tourney, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Bluffton at Adams Central, 10 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 2
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Huntington North Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell vs. Wawasee at Plymouth Shootout, 11:30 a.m.; Norwell vs. Plymouth at Plymouth Shootout, 7:45 p.m.
BOYS JV BASKETBALL: Raider Holiday Invitational, 10 a.m.
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL: Raider Holiday Invitational, 10 a.m.; Consolation, 5 p.m.; Championship, 6:30 p.m.
Bluffton at Winchester, 6 p.m.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Jan. 2
River Terrace Estate--Jeff Higginbottom playing guitar and singing; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Jan. 3
River Terrace Estates--Ed Higgins playing piano; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Tuesday, Jan. 5
Cardinal Audubon Bird Club--Wells County Public Library; 6:30 p.m. Christmas Bird Counts will be read. Jerry Moser will show a game of various items of nature entitled “What is it?”

Every Wednesday
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. Call 824-4095

What's Up? (The birds)

Adams County Bird Count Jan. 1
Ring in 2010 by counting birds in Adams County.
Members of Cardinal Audubon Society will hold their Christmas Bird County Jan. 1 from dawn to dusk in Adams County.
Bird counters of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Hike, drive or stay at home and count birds in yards or at feeders. Call compiler Larry Parker at 260-724-2445.

All you can eat dinner in Montpelier Jan. 3
An All-You-Can-Eat dinner will be held Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Montpelier Lions Club.
The menu will include chicken noodles and beef noodles with all the trimmings. A free will donation will be accepted. Proceeds will go to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The club is located at High and Jefferson Streets in Montpelier. For more information call Amber Ramseyer at 616-450-16007.

Creative Arts Council Programs

Visit the Creative Arts Council’s Balentine Gallery at the Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre, 211 West Water Street, Bluffton, Indiana 46714. (260)-824-5222 or wellscocreativearts.com Find event & membership information, view exhibits, purchase tickets, take classes, or volunteer.

BALENTINE GALLERY HOURS—Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Dec. 25 & Jan.1). Other hours by appointment.

IN THE BALENTINE GALLERY
“BAAA...SHEEP, SHEPARDS, PASTURES’—Dec. 9-28. A calming exhibit of art works on view and for sale.
‘NATURAL INTERVENTIONS’—Jan. 4-15, a tribute to the works of Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude.
‘ICE FLOWS’—Jan. 18-Feb. 26, works by Sayaka Ganz and friends. See a colony of swimming penguins and other creatures sculpted from reclaimed objects.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW—Marc 1-April 15, photography by Deb Perry.
TRI KAPPA HIGH SCHOOL ARTS EXHIBIT—April 20-May 22, sponsored by the Beta Phi chapter of Tri Kappa with reception on Sunday, April 18, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

SCHOOL OF BALLET
Classes now in session. Christmas break starts Dec. 14.

ART AS GIFTS
On the shelves in December you can select from jewelry by Katie Hacker and stained glass by Deb Charleston for the special names on your list!

EVENTS
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON—Friday, Jan. 8, noon. For volunteers and their guests with special appearance by Vickie Kebellus portraying her “Favorite Things.”
Travelogue Series—Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. with Sandy Mortimer’s program “Yellowstone Tales and Trails” adults and $3 student, Ruth Bradley Chairman. Next travelogue on Thursday, Feb. 13th.
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER & CONCERT—Saturday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., requires reservation by Feb. 8th. (Tables for 8 may be reserved.) Part of the CAC’s Series on the Ouabache and sponsored by General Manufacturing Co.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
PROGRAM—Thursday, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m., Natural Interventions: Public Art projects of Christo & Jeanne Claude, presented by the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, a free event.
TODDLER MUSIC—”Jungle Jazz” with Cindy Lemmen, beginning Jan. 11 for 8 Mondays from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
NEW MANAGEMENT SERIES FOR ARTISTS—Monday, Jan. 11, Session I, Navigating the Art World: Discovering the Systems within the system.
PHOTOGRAPHERS FORUM— Jan. 21, “Assess Your Photo” with photojournalist Cathie Rowand, all photographers welcome to attend with photo in print or on laptops, $5.
PASTEL WORKSHOP—coming in 2010 with Lisa Ransom Smith.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Jan. 8
Korean War Veterans Association Indiana Chapter One, American Legion Post 82, 3501 Harris Road, Fort Wayne--meeting at 9 a.m. Social hour at 7 a.m. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend the meeting.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. For more information call Jon Brown at 824-4095.

Every Thursday
Overcomers Outreach — South Wayne United Methodist Church, 3500 S. Wayne Ave.;7-8 p.m. 260-745-2933.

TOPS — First United Methodist Church; 6:30 weigh-in. 7 p.m. meeting.
Let's Play Bingo! — Cowboy's Restaurant in Bluffton on Main Street every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Coon Hunters Assoc.

Every Friday Evening
Parent’s Averting Crisis (PAC) — 122 West LaMar St.; 7:30-9 p.m.; $1/person.

What is Up?

Perk Up Petroleum meets on Tuesdays
Each Tuesday morning from 8 to 10 a.m. the Petroleum Church will be open serving coffee and snacks.
This is a time for friends and neighbors to relax and visit. The public is welcome to attend the weekly event.

Norwell Swim Dive flower bouquet fundraiser
A year of flower bouquets for only $30. That's right! A bouquet of flowers every month of the year - from January through December 2010! For only $30, you will receive a certificate good for 12 wrapped bouquets (one per month), and redeem at Country Squire Florist in Bluffton. Each month there is a specific bouquet available. The flowers are fresh and the arrangements are beautiful!
Certificates can be purchased at Norwell Middle School Pool during home swim meets through Jan. 22, 2010. Swim team may also have a table at home basketball and wrestling meets.
Call Jody Gates at 260-543-2218 x6004 or x6190 for more information, talk to a swim or dive team member, or see the swim team website: http://www.teacherweb.com/IN/NorwellMiddleSchool/NHSSwimDive/h7.aspx"

Thursday night bingo Dec. 31
Bingo will be played each Thursday in December at South West Conservation Club, Inc., at 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Warm-ups start at 6 p.m. Regular bingo begins at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public. Call 260-747-46777.

Ring in the New Year: Science Central style Dec. 31
Not interested in staying up until midnight? Science Central will sponsor the annual Countdonw to Noon event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31.
There will be multiple activity tables and demonstrations all centered around New Year's Eve. Then, after a brief soda pop toast, those attending will countdown the seconds until noon and end the festivities with the annual balloon drop!
Admission is $7 per person age three to adult. Bring a canned food item and receive 1/2 off admission. (one coupon per person) For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto: www.sciencecentral.org.

Women's day spa Jan. 8
BC Spa Co. will present the first annual Cloud Nine fundraiser, a day focused on the needs of women Jan. 8, 2010 from noon to 8 p.m. at Arts Place in Portland. Tickets are $15 each. To order stop by Art's Place or call 260-525-1219. The spa will include: massages, spas, manicures,, pedicures, wine tasting, food, chocolate, pampering, socializing and much more.

Angel Food orders
Orders for Angel Food Ministries' January 2010 menu can be placed at Sonlight Wesleyan Church between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (call for holiday schedule) or order online at www.angelfoodministries.com. The deadline at the church is Sunday, Jan. 10. Online orders can be placed until noon January 14. Food will be distributed Jan. 23.
For more information, call the church at 824-0068 or Margetta Stinson at 827-0382.

Evening of Wine, Roses and Jazz
Jan. 30
The 5th annual Evening of Wine, Roses and Jazz 2010 will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Lighted Gardens Banquet and Event Center on Highway 1 in Ossian.
Enjoy the music as you mingle with friends and enjoy fine wines, champagne and hors’ devours. Tickets are $35 each and are limited. Visit these Ossian area businesses to purchase tickets: The Brew Ha!, Ossian State Bank, Ossian Do It Best, Lighted Gardens, and Country Squire Florist of Bluffton.
For more informa­tion, call 622-4023. All pro­ceeds benefit Ossian Down­town Revitalization.

What's Up for the Holiday!

Bag Lunch and Book Discussion in January at Victory Noll Center
William P. Young’s novel “The Shack” will be the subject of the opening Bag Lunch and Book Discussion on Wednesdays in January at Victory Noll Center.
Participants are invited to bring their own lunch for the book talk, which is designed to stir thoughts about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit , forgiveness and eternity.
The lunchtime sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays on Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.
Victory Noll Center will provide beverages for the lunch. There is no cost and no registration is required. A free will offering will be taken. Possible discussion questions about “The Shack” may be sent to Victory Noll Center Director Sue Wilhelm at suewilhelm@olvm.
Victory Noll Center is located at 1900 W. Park Drive in Huntington.
Victory Noll Center is a ministry of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, and is dedicated to fostering spiritual and personal growth in an ecumenical and multicultural environment.

Visit Science Central before the end of 2009
Looking for family fun on a Saturday night? Check out Science Central and their extended hours until the end of the year. Science Central will remain open until 9 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 26. That means four additional hours to check out the exhibits.
Admission is $7 for children over three and adults. Children under age three are free. For more information call 260-424-2400 or log onto: www.sciencecentral.org.

Club Calendar

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. For more information call Jon Brown at 824-4095.

Every Thursday
Overcomers Outreach — South Wayne United Methodist Church, 3500 S. Wayne Ave.;7-8 p.m. 260-745-2933.
TOPS — First United Methodist Church; 6:30 weigh-in. 7 p.m. meeting.
Let's Play Bingo! — Cowboy's Restaurant in Bluffton on Main Street every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Coon Hunters Assoc.

Every Friday Evening
Parent’s Averting Crisis (PAC) — 122 West LaMar St.; 7:30-9 p.m.; $1/person.

Extension Calendar

December 24 — Christmas Holiday - County Offices Closed

December 25 — Christmas Holiday - County Offices Closed

December 28 — Wells County 4-H Jr. Leaders, Crazy Pinz, Fort Wayne. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the 4-H Park in Bluffton to carpool

December 29 — 4-H Scholarship Workshop, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 1:30 p.m.

January 1 — New Year's Day - County Offices Closed

January 4 — Extension Homemaker's Presidents' Council, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 1:30 p.m.

January 8-10 — Indiana Association of Fairs & Festivals, Marriott East, Indianapolis

January 12-14 — Fort Wayne Farm Show

January 18 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 p.m.

Puuurrrrrfect Christmas Presents

Blue is a 3 year old Siamese/Manx mix, neutered male and declawed. Housecat Only!


Angel is a 1 1/2 year old Siamese, female. Housecat Only!


*Both cats are very sweet and lovable!


Call now: 824-6063

MAYOR ELLIS ON DIAL-A-STORY

It just wouldn’t seem like Christmas without a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” by Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis on Dial-A-Story at the Wells County Public Library. Listen to the classic poem on Dial-A-Story at 260-824-2710 now through Sunday, Dec. 27. Due to many holiday listeners the line may be busy. Keep trying. And a reminder that the Wells County Public Library will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Dec. 26
River Terrace Estates--Ted Chemey violin students; 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27
River Terrace Estates--Sherry Mann playing guitar and singing; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Club Calendar

Monday, Dec. 21
Stitches of Hope monthly meeting-- First United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Bluffton; 6 - 8 p.m. Please bring holiday snacks for sharing.

Saturday, Dec. 26
River Terrace Estates--Ted Chemey violin students; 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27
River Terrace Estates--Sherry Mann playing guitar and singing; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.
The Kiwanis of Greater Bluffton Club meets at noon every Wednesday at TimberRidge Golf Course for lunch and a brief meeting. For more information call Jon Brown at 824-4095.

Every Thursday
TOPS — First United Methodist Church; 6:30 weigh-in. 7 p.m. meeting.
Let's Play Bingo! — Cowboy's Restaurant in Bluffton on Main Street every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Coon Hunters Assoc.

Every Friday Evening
Parent’s Averting Crisis (PAC) — 122 West LaMar St.; 7:30-9 p.m.; $1/person.

Jericho goes to the dogs (K-9, that is)

Deputy Randy Steele and Bluffton Police Officer Robert Morgan visited Jericho students on Wednesday, demonstrating the dog's ability to locate hidden drugs and detain suspects.
Frank Shanly was there to capture the moment.

LIVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC @ THE LIBRARY, DEC. 21-23

Enjoy live music next week at the Wells County Public Library as local pianists perform in the main gallery, Dec. 21-23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Listen to the music as you browse for holiday movies, magazines and books, or plan to sit down and stay awhile to enjoy the variety of talented performers. Here is a listing of just a few of the players (times may be subject to change – call ahead directly before times to confirm).

Monday: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Martha Paxson
12 – 1 p.m. Carolyn Engle
1 – 2:30 p.m. Phyllis Shinn

Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lana Smith
1:30 – 2 p.m. Lillian Wolf
2 – 3 p.m. Joan Swartz
3 – 6 p.m. Tab Beechler
6 – 7 p.m. Ked Moser

Wed. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Rosemary Pope
12 – 12:30 p.m. Linda Baller
12:30 – 1 p.m. Evelyn Pope
1 – 2 p.m. Ed Higgins
2 – 3 p.m. Ken Steffen
3 – 4 p.m. Arlene Stoller
4 – 5 p.m. Lana Smith

For more information, call the Wells county Public Library at 260-824-1612. Pictured above: Lana Smith is one of many talented volunteers performing live piano music at the Wells County Public Library on Dec. 21- 23.
(Submitted)

What's Up?

Wells County
Christmas Bird Count Dec. 21
Members of the Cardinal Audubon Society will hold their Christmas Bird Count Monday, Dec. 21 from dawn to dusk. Bird Counters of all skill levels are welcome to participate in the event. Hike, drive or stay home and count yard and feeders. Call Ruth Oswalt at 260-694-6487 or Kathy Fuller, president at 824-4525 with your count.

First UMC
Candlelight Service Dec. 23
A traditional candlelight service will be held at 10 p.m. Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church, 325 W. Washington Street, Bluffton.
Following the historic format of lessons and carols, scripture readings will be alternated with choral and handbell selections reflecting the spoken word. The organ prelude by Max Stuckey, director of music, will begin at 9:30 p.m.
“Worship Christ, the Newborn King” will be presented by the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir. Musical offerings will include: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” and “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” Phyllis Shinn and Max Stuckey will peform two piano duets entitled “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and a setting of “Away in a Manger.” Pastor Cindy Osgood will serve as liturgist.
The public is welcome to attend the celebration.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Dec. 19
River Terrace Estates--The Drayer Family; 9:30 a.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Dec. 20
River Terrace Estates--The Big Band Doyle and Donna Brown; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Every Tuesday
Optimist Club — Meets each Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at Corner Depot Restaurant in Bluffton.

Every Wednesday
10 a.m.-Noon — Bluffton Parks Department, City Hall on second floor. Senior Social Time. Cards, games, occasional bingo, guest speakers and crafts. Participation is free. For information, call Bluffton Parks and Recreation at 824-6069.

OES Music Program tonight

Ossian Elementary School students will be performing their annual Christmas Music Program tonight at 7 p.m.

The students had an initial performance this morning at 9:45 a.m. It featured a visit from the skinniest Santa Claus I've ever seen, but lots of great musical numbers!