What's Up! Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013

Monthly events planned at Muselman Wellness Pavilion

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion staff has planned a full schedule of events for seniors. The events will take place once a month and are open to any senior 55 and older. Those attending do not need to be a member of the Muselman Wellness Pavilion to participate.

The 2013 calendar includes Shamrock Floats and Story Telling with Will Kay Sprunger, a Spring Brunch, a  Daytrip to Shipshewana and Essenhaus in Middleberry, Golf Cart Tours, Pool Tourney, Make it and Take it Card Craft, Day Shopping Trip with Lunch, EurchreTournament, Healthy Cooking Demonstration, Christmas Carry-in, and Bus trip to see the Marion Christmas Walkway of Lights. These events are free with exception of the daytrips, and meals. 

For more details and a complete calendar of events please visit www.swissvillage.org or call 260-589-4496. 

Parks Department to offer All Sports Registrations March 9

The Parks and Recreation Department will offer an All-Sports Signup Saturday, March 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at City Hall at 128 E. Market Street, Bluffton.

Registrations will be held for the following: T-ball, Farm League, Jr. League, Sandy Koufax, Softball and Pee Wee Soccer. Also swim team information will be available.

Fees vary. Children playing for the first year in a new league will need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. 

For more information call 824-6069. Registration forms will be online soon at www.blufftonindiana.net.

Soup and Sandwich dinner March 10 at Wyneken

Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School will celebrate their 175th anniversary with a soup and sandwich dinner Sunday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 11565N,. US Hwy. 27 in Decatur.

There will be drive-through and carry-out service available. There will also be a craft and bake sale going on during the dinner.

Scholarship Applications Available in Blackford County

Blackford High School is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 academic year from students who are enrolling in college or vocational schools and programs. Applicants must be either graduating from Blackford High School or be a resident of Blackford County.  

Forms are available at BHS Guidance office at 2392 North, State Road 3 in Hartford City, Blackford County Community Foundation office at 121 N. High St., Hartford City or online at www.blackfordcofoundation.org. Submission deadline is March 8, 2013.

For more information, call (765)348-3411.

Auditions for FW Civic’s ‘Cinderella’ March 11

Fort Wayne’s Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for the musical “Cinderella” on Monday, March 11, at the Arts United Center, 303 East Main St. in Fort Wayne. Needed will be actors, singers and dancers aged 15 and older. Rehearsals will be held from March 25-May 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some Sunday rehearsals.

To sign up for an audition  time call 260-422-8611, ext. 226 or email to ewadewitz@fwcivic.org Performance dates are May 10-19, at the Arts United Center.

Hunter Education Course March 11, 13 and 14

Hunter Education courses will be offered at no charge March 11, 13 adn 14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Wells County 4-H Park in the Expo Hall. Instructors will be ICO Andrew Harmon, Darrell Reynolds, Mike and Jodi Pinkerton, Rich Falk and Tracy Meyers. To register for the class go to: www.inhea.com or www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm or call 260-824-0692.

Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Attendance at all classes is required for certification.

Crochet classes to begin March 12

The Bluffton Parks Department will offer evening crochet classes in March. The dates will be March 12,19 and 26 from 6-7 p.m. in City Hall.

Lessons are taught by Kathy Gehrett. Cost is $10 per person and due the first night. Those attending should bring a size “H” hook and we will supply the yarn and instructions. Call 824-6069 to register or message us your name and phone.

What's Up Feb. 25, 2013

Special Tot Time March 5

Special Tot Time Gold Hunt! The first Tuesday of every month the Parks Department plans a special activity for little ones. Bring children ages six and younger to the city gym for tot time from 11 a.m. to noon. At 11:45 a.m. the children will be brought upstairs to hunt for St. Patty’s day candy. The event is free. Every Tuesday and Thursday during the winter months the city gym is open to give kids a warm place to run and play with others their own age. This is a parent supervised program.  Enter the glass door on the West side of city hall and sign in on the wooden door each visit.

Bread Making Class March 11

Take a lesson March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. with culinary arts instructor Karen Reed to learn the right way to make bread at home.   Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 824-6069. Class is held at the Bluffton Middle School Culinary Arts room. Cost is only $10 due that night.

What's Up

South Adams Senior Center Spring Bazaar March 22 & 23

The South Adams Senior Center Spring Bazaar will be held Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 825 Hendricks Street in Berne. 

The cost to rent space is $15 for a six foot table or $10 for a five foot round table. 

Tables and spaces are limiited. To reserve a spot call 260-589-8877.

Chili Carry-out  Fundraiser at Jericho Feb. 23

Jericho will sponsor a Chili Carry-out Fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Cost is $6 per person. The meal will include a 12 ounce bowl of taco chili, corn chips and shredded cheese. Those purchasing a family order will receive a $5 off coupon for tuition at Jericho for 2013-2014.

Salamonie Senior Monday Luncheon March 4

People age 50 and older are invited to the monthly Senior Monday carry-in luncheon at noon Monday, March 4 at Salamonie Interpretive Center.

The interpretive center is in Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area in Andrews.

After the meal, Dan McCain will speak on the Wabash and Erie Canal. McCain is chairman of the all-volunteer group Delphi Historic Trails and president of the Carroll County Wabash and Erie Canal Association.

Attendees should bring their table service, a prepared dish to share and $1 donation to help defray costs of the provided main dish. Advance registration is required.

To register or for more information, call Upper Wabash Interpretive Services (UWIS) at (260) 468-2127.

Salamonie Lake is at 9214 West-Lost Bridge West, Andrews.

What's Up

Deadline Feb. 5 for senior citizens’ dinner at New Hope Lutheran
New Hope Lutheran Church on the south edge of Ossian will again host its quarterly senior citizens’ dinner for anyone in the community age 55 or better on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Enjoy a sing along with Ed Higgins, and naturalist Jody Heaston will talk about “The Wonder of Snowflakes.” A freewill offering dinner will be served by the ladies of New Hope.

RSVP by calling 260-622-7954 by Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Chocolate tasting at Fort Wayne church Feb. 9
The 13th annual Taste of Chocolate, sponsored by the Lincolnshire Church at 6404 South Calhoun, Fort Wayne, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Two seatings will be offered for the evening of chocolate tasting, featuring a chocolate fountain and fruit bar. Coffee, live music and a silent auction will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

The first seating will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The second seating will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A $3 carry-out is available during the last 15 minutes of each seating.

Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for kids (age 4-10) and free to those three and younger.
To order tickets call 260-456-1993.

Railroad Celebration Feb. 9 & 10
The Three Rivers Railroad Heritage Council, a not-for-profit organization, will host its fourth annual Railroad Celebration Saturday, Feb. 9, and Sunday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the restored former Pennsylvania Railroad Baker Street Railroad Station at 221 W. Baker Street in Fort Wayne.

The theme this year will be The Nickel Plate Railroad in the Tri-State Area.

Displays will include hundreds of items covering all past and present activities the railroad and its successors. There will also be three operating model railroad layouts.  This is a family-oriented, all-ages event.

The public is welcome and to attend. Admission is $5 per person. Children under age 12 are free.

For more information, call 260-747-2766 or 260-436-6158 or email cjberndt@yahoo.com.

What's Up

Art lecture at Saint Francis Jan. 19
An art lecture by artists Diana Farfan and Lisa Clague will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. in the North Campus Auditorium on the campus of the University of Saint Francis. The lecture will be part of the opening of the exhibit of Figurative Ceramics Lisa Clague, Nancy Kubale and Diana Farfan, at the Rolland Art Center. Open house hours on Saturday, Jan. 19, will be from 5 to 9 p.m.  Also featured will be photographs by Jason Swisher.

CAC's annual meeting Jan. 21
Members of the Wells County Creative Arts Council and their volunteers will meet Monday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre for their annual meeting. Director Audrey Dean announced that those attending will hear a review of activities held in 2012 and hear of plans for 2013. Light refreshments will be provided.

Master Gardener Training to be offered in February
The Purdue Extension Service will offer a Master Gardener training series that will consist of 12 to 14 weekly sessions beginning in mid-February. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton. Applications for participation are due by January 30. For more information and an application, please contact the Purdue Extension Service at 824-6412.

Mennonite Choral Spring Concert practices to begin Feb. 5
Members of the community are invited to join the singers of the Mennonite Choral society as they prepare for for the spring concert of hymns of faith. The hymns to be performed are sung widely throughout the Mennonite denomination as well as hymns that have been favorites in Christian circles  through the years.

Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church in Berne. Practices will continue weekly through Tuesday, April 30.  A dress rehearsal will be held Saturday, May 4. The concert will be held Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Jan. 16

• Kitco Ladies Retirees — Corner Depot for lunch; 11:30 a.m.
• O.D.O. Club — Corner Depot; 6:30 p.m.
• Bible Study Club — First United Methodist Church; 12:45-2 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17

• Bluffton Lions Club — Corner Depot; noon.

Saturday, Jan. 19

• River Terrace Estates — Vickie Kibellus; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Jan. 20

• River Terrace Estates — Sherry Mann; 2:30 p.m. in AL.

Monday, Jan. 28
Swiss Stitchers Quilt Guild — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Susan Lesh will present “Arrowheads, the easy Way.” There will be a review of personal goals for 2012 and the opportunity to write new goals for 2013. Also, The Noble Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild is planning The Gathering of Quilters 2013.  It will take place in Auburn on March 16. There will be will be a signup sheet at the January meeting or go to the website: www.noblenimblethimbles.com for details, and online registration. Show and Tell will be furnished.  Visitors are welcome. For more information call Susan Lesch  at 260-589-8425.

Club Calendar

Monday, Jan. 14
• Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Support Group — Wells County Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street, Bluffton; 4-5:30 p.m. All men and others interested are welcome to attend the meeting.
• Bluffton Christian Writers Group — River Terrace Estates Library; 6:30 p.m. Widowed to Widowed--Corner Depot; 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 16
• Kitco Ladies Retirees — Corner Depot for lunch; 11:30 a.m.
• O.D.O. Club — Corner Depot; 6:30 p.m.
• Bible Study Club — First United Methodist Church; 12:45-2 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19
• River Terrace Estates — Vickie Kibellus; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.
Sunday, Jan. 20
• River Terrace Estates — Sherry Mann; 2:30 p.m. in AL.

What's Up

NW Dollars for Scholars fundraiser Jan. 7 & 8 at Richards Restaurant
Richards Restaurant in Bluffton has offered to donate five percent of all sales generated on Monday, Jan. 7 and Tuesday, Jan. 8 to the Norwell Dollars for Scholars program. The public is encouraged to participate.

Hiromi Sasaki Blinchevsky Piano Recital Jan. 7
Ball State doctoral student Hiromi Sasaki Blinchevsky will perform Monday, Jan. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Place Portland Center.

For more information call 260-726-4809 or visit the Arts Place Portland Center.

Woodcarvers Exhibit Jan. 7-Feb. 15 in Portland
The Wood carvers Exhibit will be displayed from Jan. 7th - February 15 at Arts Place Collective Center located at 142 E. Spring St., St. Marys, Ohio. The exhibit includes the talents of John Andreoni, Gene Knox and Weston Hirschfeld.

There will be an opening reception in honor of the artists at the Arts Place Collective Center on Friday, Jan. 11 from 6-8 p.m. The opening reception is free and open to the public. If you have questions about the exhibit or programs of the Arts Place Collective Center, please call Mary Hone at 419-394-0707. The Arts Place Collective Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.

What's Up

Ossian cheeseballs for sale
Members of the Ossian Psi Otes have cheeseballs to sell. All proceeds go to needs within Wells County.

The cheese balls are a blend of cheeses made from a “secret” recipe that has been handed down through three generations of sorority members.

To order a cheeseball call 260-622-6712 or 260-622-7691. They can also be purchased at the Ossian Deli or the Ossian Hardware.

Paws & Claus Dec. 19
Good cats and dogs are invited to visit Santa at the annual Paws and Claus event Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym. Bring a camera or purchase photos from the photographer on site.

Pets will receive free treats and pet care providers will be on hand to visit with.

Winter Wonderland Dec. 20
The city gym will be decorated with games, a bouncy house and treats Thursday, Dec. 20, from 5-6:30 p.m. Bring a camera to take pictures with Santa and stay for punch and cookies.

Club calendar

Saturday, Dec. 8

• Korean War Veterans Association Indiana Chapter One — V.F.W. Post 857, 2202 W. Main Street, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. meeting. Lunch will follow. Spouses and friends are welcome.
• River Terrace Estates — Jelly Bean Clown; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Dec. 9

• River Terrace Estates — Joe Thomas; 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 10

• Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group — Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street, Bluffton; 4-5:30 p.m. All men and other interested persons are welcome to attend. This will be the annual carry-in luncheon.
• Bluffton Christian Writers Group — River Terrace; 6:30-8:30 pm. in the library. Share news and writing tips. Everyone will be given an opportunity to share their work for an honest, but kind critique. Children and teens who are interested in writing are welcome to attend with an adult. Call 260-824-8573.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

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

Thursday, Dec. 13

• Bee Happy Quilt Club — Wells County Public Library; 7 p.m. Christmas party. Please bring finger food to share. Show and Tell. Carol Riley will give a lesson on German bells. There will be fat quarter exchange to be brought in a sealed brown lunch bag. Turn in Rings of Splendor block for the raffle block if completed. Guests welcome. 824-1463.

Club Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 4

• Creative Quilters Quilt Club — Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, 2433 N 400 W., Decatur; 6 p.m. Members should bring their homemade pillowcase for Golden Meadows Home residents, canned goods for Pleasant Dale’s Boxes of Blessing, and a covered dish to share. Committee will provide meat, drinks and table service. Show and Tell will be held. Guests are welcome.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

• O.D.O. Club — Sassafras; 6:30 p.m. Christmas party. Bring an item for the Food Bank.
• Bible Study Club — First United Methodist Church; 12:45-2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8

• Korean War Veterans Association Indiana Chapter One — V.F.W. Post 857, 2202 W. Main Street, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. meeting. Lunch will follow. Spouses and friends are welcome.

Monday, Dec. 10

• Wells County Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group — Council on Aging at 225 W. Water Street, Bluffton; 4-5:30 p.m. All men and other interested persons are welcome to attend. This will be the annual carry-in luncheon.

What's Up

Coloring Contest underway
The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department has begun the coloring contest.

Coloring pages have been handed out at area schools . The pages can be printed out from the city’s website by visiting http://www.ci.bluffton.in.us/documents/winter.pdf.

Children 12 and under can color the picture and return it to the park office at 128 E. Market Street by Tuesday, Dec. 18, for a chance to win a four foot stocking stuffed with toys and treats. This is a free event.

Warren Roadrunner trip Dec. 3
Warren Roadrunners will take a trip Monday, Dec. 3, to Grabill to eat breakfast and browse or shop at Grabill Country Sales.

This is a bulk food store that has prepackaged items from small to large including spices, soup mixes, baking supplies, dried fruit, nuts, noodles and coffee beans. All trips leave from the Warren Church of Christ parking lot at 302 N. Wayne St., Warren, at 8 a.m. Contact Colleen Franklin at (260) 414-0223 for details. Call by Dec. 1 to reserve a seat.

Stories with Santa Dec. 8 at Huntington
Huntington City-Twp. Public Library will sponsor a Stories With Santa program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Main Library at 255 West Park Drive, Huntington. The program will include a holiday-themed story time session, and each child will receive a small gift from Santa, sponsored by the Psi Iota Xi sorority. Parents are welcome to bring their cameras to take pictures of their child with Santa Claus. There is no charge to attend, and kids of all ages are welcome, although the story time session is geared for kids ages 3 and older.

Registration is appreciated, but not required.  Parents may register their children by calling the Library at 260-356-2900.

Live Nativity at Southern Wells Church Dec. 9
A live nativity will be held Sunday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Southern Wells Community Church.

Listen to the wisemen as they deliver gifts to the new born King born in Bethlehem! The citizens of Bethlehem  will tell visitors about themselves and the miracle that has taken place in their town!

Hot apple cider and sweet bread will be available for those who visit the live, interactive recreation of the birth of Christ, located at Montpelier Ag Advantage at 240 W. Windsor Street in Montpelier.

Plenty of parking, including bus parking, will be available. This is a free event.

Crochet Registration begins Dec. 10
Crochet Lesson registration will begin Monday, Dec. 10. Learn to create handmade items. Classes are taught by Kathy Gehrett on the second floor of the City Hall building from 3 to 4 p.m.  Cost for three one hour group lessons are $10 due the first day.

Lessons will be Tuesday Jan. 15, 22 and 29. Yarn and instructions will be provided. Those attending will need to bring their own size H hook. Call 824-6069 to pre-register. Class size is limited and open to beginners and advanced students.

Club Calendar

Monday, Nov. 26

• Genetic Syndrome Support Group — Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 449-0895.
• Swiss Stitchers — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Those attending should bring mittens, hats or scarves for a child. These will be distributed in the community to children in need. Come and enjoy a surprise speaker as well as refreshments. Short business meeting and show and tell. The Noble Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild is planning The Gathering of Quilters 2013.  It will take place in Auburn, March 16, 2013. There will be a signup sheet at the November and January meetings. Or go to: www.noblenimblethimbles.com for details, AND online registration. The next meeting will be Jan. 26 (no December meeting).

Tuesday, Dec. 4
Creative Quilters Quilt Club — Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, 2433 N 400 W., Decatur; 6 p.m. Members should bring their homemade pillowcase for Golden Meadows Home residents, canned goods for Pleasant Dale’s Boxes of Blessing, and a covered dish to share. Committee will provide meat, drinks and table service. Show and Tell will be held. Guests are welcome.

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Nov. 21

• Kitco Lady Retirees — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 24

• River Terrace Estates — Sarah Gerber and Friends singing; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Nov. 25

• River Terrace Estates — Connie Strange singing; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.
• Lifetree Café — Ossian Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 123 S. Jefferson, Ossian; 6-7 p.m. (Enter off parking lot thru the double doors). Topic: “The Mystery of Prayer. Can God be Swayed?”

Monday, Nov. 26

• Genetic Syndrome Support Group — Parkwood Church, 3320 Trier Road, Fort Wayne; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 449-0895.
• Swiss Stitchers — Social Corner at Swiss Village in Berne; 7 p.m. Those attending should bring mittens, hats or scarves for a child. These will be distributed in the community to children in need. Come and enjoy a surprise speaker as well as refreshments. Short business meeting and show and tell. The Noble Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild is planning The Gathering of Quilters 2013.  It will take place in Auburn, March 16, 2013. The next meeting will be Jan. 26 (no December meeting).

What's Up

FW Phil’s ‘Passion & Paradise’ concert set for Nov. 17
“Passion and Paradise,” the third concert in the Masterworks Series by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, will be presented at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.

James Judd will be guest conductor and Grammy-nominated guest cellist Sharon Robinson will present the works of Lilburn. Lalo and Sibelius. Tickets starting at $16 will be available at the door or arranged for in advance at 260-481-0777 or at www.fwphil.org.

December Dash 5k and One Mile Jingle Bell Jog Dec. 1
December Dash 5k and One Mile Jingle Bell Jog will be held Saturday Dec. 1 at  8:30 a.m. in downtown Bluffton. Meet at the city building. Each registered participant will receive a December Dash T-shirt. The 5k awards to the top three male and female finishers and the top three age group winners (nine and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over).

Register online at www.active.com or print off a form from the city’s website at www.blufftonindiana.net to mail in. Cost is $15 for the 5K pre-registration, $10 for the One Mile Jingle Bell Jog, or $18 for the 5K on race day.

Toddler Candy Cane Hunt Dec. 4
A toddler candy cane hunt will be held Dec. 4 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The kids can enjoy playing in the city gym from 11-11:45 a.m. Enter glass door on west side of city hall). The parks department will bring the children upstairs at 11:45 a.m. to hunt for candy canes.

Paws & Claus Dec. 19
Good cats and dogs are invited to visit Santa at the annual Paws and Claus event Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym. Bring a camera or purchase photos from the photographer on site. Pets will receive free treats and pet care providers will be on hand.

What's Up

Weekday walkers welcome
The Weekday Walker program has begun in the city gym from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. every weekday now through March.

Adults may enter the glass door on the West side of the building and sign in on the wooden door to the gym. 20 laps equal one mile. Free. For more information call 824-6069.

Badminton begins
Badminton will be held every Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. in the Bluffton City. This is a league for beginners and experienced players. All equipment is provided. Cost is $5 the first night. Questions call 824-6069.

Arts Place Holiday Benefit Auction Nov. 16
Arts Place will host its 30th annual holiday benefit auction Friday, Nov. 16, in Goodrich Hall at Arts Place, Portland Center, located at 131 East Walnut Street in Portland. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bidding starts at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Free refreshments will be provided throughout the evening.

All proceeds from the auction will support the programs and activities of Arts Place in Indiana and Ohio, including Arts in the Parks, CreativeWorks, gallery exhibits, the annual performance series and more.

Individuals and area businesses donate all auction items, including: trips, gift items, collectibles, gift certificates, museums passes, sports tickets and much more.

To donate an item or service for the auction, or for more information, please contact Sue Burk at 260-726-4809 or sburk@artsland.org.

Tickets are being sold at Arts Place for a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be available at the auction. Cost of the raffle tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5.

Vendors needed for Nov. 18
Vendors are needed for the Flea Market and Craft Show planned for Sunday,  Nov. 18, at the Lions Club in Montpelier.

Tables are available inside or outside. For application information call 765-728-2104 or 765-728-2575 and leave a message.

Toddler Holiday Crafts Nov. 20
A variety of crafts will be available for tots on Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 11-11:30 a.m. and again on Thursday, Dec 13, in the city gym. Cost is $2 per child due the day of the event.
Please pre-register by calling 824-6069.

Festival of Gingerbread opens Nov. 23
The 27th annual Festival of Gingerbread opens Nov. 23 and runs until Dec. 9. This Fort Wayne holiday classic features over 100 creations crafted by persons from pre-schoolers to professional chefs.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, a Preview Party Gala will be hosted by the museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Lighting Night, Nov. 21, admission will be reduced to $2 with a sneak peek of the houses from 5 to 9 p.m. Santa will also be on hand that evening.

In addition to the Festival of Gingerbread, the new exhibition gallery “Allen County Innovation” is now open for the public to view. One low admission price provides entry to both the festival and museum with proceeds from the festival going to support of the museum and its collection.

The schedule for Festival of Gingerbread weekend events can be found on the History Center’s website at www.fwhistorycenter.com.

Contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website. Photos of past events can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.

Club Calendar

Wednesday, Oct. 31

• Bible Study Club — First United Methodist Church; 12:45-2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3

• River Terrace Estates — Chet Baumgartner singing; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Nov. 4

• River Terrace Estates — Aschliman Family singing with sermonette by Tyson Brooks; 1 p.m. in AL.
• River Terrace Estates — Hamilton Family and friends; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.
• Lifetree Café — Ossian Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 123 S. Jefferson, Ossian; 6-7 p.m. (Enter off parking lot thru the double doors). Topic: “Smile…even when you think you can’t.”

Tuesday, Nov. 6

• Creative Quilters Quilt Club — Country Creations, south of Preble; 6:30 p.m. Program be given by Kim Werling. Refreshments, show and tell and door prizes. Visitors and potential new members are always welcome.

Saturday, Nov. 10

• Korean War Veterans Assn., Indiana Chapter One — VFW Post 857, 2202 W. Main Street, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. meeting followed by lunch and social hour. 260-485-7627.

Club Calendar

Saturday, Oct. 27
• River Terrace Estates — Jim Turner; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.
Sunday, Oct. 28
• River Terrace Estates — Faithful Friends; 2:30 p.m. in AL
• Lifetree Café — Ossian Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 123 S. Jefferson, Ossian; 6-7 p.m. (Enter off parking lot thru the double doors). Topic: “Same sex marriage. When rights, morals and love collide.”

What's Up

Boys & Girls Club Chili Cook-Off Oct. 27
The Wells Community Boys and Girls Club will sponsor the second-annual Dan Weldy Chili Cook-Off Saturday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1410 S. Wayne Street in Bluffton.

There will be six different kinds of chili to taste, with no limit on the amount of chili you can eat. Drinks will be provided. There will also be a silent auction.

The six chefs to present their chili will be Jason Baker, Tony Chaney, Steve Gerber, Scott Holiday, Sam McAfee and Paul Reiff. Those attending will be able to vote for their favorite chili. Cost is $25 per couple, $15 for single and $1 for children age 18 and younger.

Trick or Trunk Oct. 27
Members of Southern Wells Community Church will sponsor a Trick or Trunk event at Southern Wells School parking lot Saturday, Oct. 27, from 4:30-7 p.m.  Kids come in their costumes and go from trunk to trunk for games, treats and goodie bags.

A meal will also provided free of charge. The event will be held inside in case of rain. Call 765-728-2154 with any questions.

Sigma Phi Gamma Black Raspberry Pie Sale begins Oct. 27
Sigma Phi Gamma annual black raspberry pie sale will start Saturday, Oct. 27. Call 824-2229 to place an order. Cost is $11 each.

Proceeds go to local charity projects including A Friend’s House.

Fish Fry in Hartford City Oct. 28
The Blackford County 4-H Fairboard and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a fish fry Sunday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Blackford County 4-H Building at 310 E. Park Ave., Hartford City.

Cost is $8 for adults (age 13 and older), $4 for those ages six to 12 and free for children age 5 and younger. For more information call 765-348-3213.

St. John Lutheran Church Dinner Oct. 28
St. John Lutheran Church (Bingen) will sponsor a church dinner Sunday, Oct. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The meal will include swiss steak and broasted chicken. Cost is $7.50 for adults, $3 for children ages six to 12 and free for those age five and younger. Drive-through and carry-outs will be available. There will also be a bazaar and bake sale held during the event.

What's Up

Limberlost Spooktacular Nature Oct. 20
Join the staff at Limberlost State Historic Site Saturday, Oct. 20 to interact with some live creepy animals and attend the “School of Scare” Skull Class to become a Limberlost skull scholar.

This family event will also host many Halloween-themed games including ‘Vampires of the Limberlost’ guessing game that helps identity what blood-thirsty things are living in the mighty Limberlost swamp. There will be Halloween candy and prizes for everyone.

The event, from 6 to 8 p.m., is $3 per child and free for adults. Children in costume will also go home with a goodie bag full of Halloween treats.

For more information call 260-368-7428 or e-mail cburnette@indianamuseum.org.
                      
Kevin Ford Launch to be broadcast live Oct. 23
Come and watch at the Montpelier Civic Center the live broadcast of Kevin Ford’s launch on a Russian Soyuz capsule with two Russian cosmonauts to the International Space Station on Oct. 23. Kevin grew up in Montpelier and still considers Montpelier his hometown. He is to remain in orbit as the commander of the International Space Station until March 2013. At 6:30 a.m. a special message Kevin recorded just for our community will be played. The launch will be at 6:51 a.m. Donuts, coffee and Tang will be provided.

Composting Workshop Oct. 23
The Purdue Extension Service of Blackford County will host a composting workshop Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Blackford County Fairgrounds in Hartford City.
Those attending will learn the principles and the practice of composting and how to turn yard waste into rich soil.

Pre-registration is needed by Oct. 22 by calling 765-348-3213 or emailing cluppers@purdue.edu. The event is free.