Bluffton Farmer’s Market tonight and Saturday

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaze (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

BHS Class of 2003 reunion June 1

The Bluffton High School Class of 2003 will hold their 10 year class reunion Saturday, June 1 from noon to 5 p.m.at Washington Park pavilion.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Those attending should bring a dish to share. Cost is $5 per adult. The event is free for kids.

There will also be a gathering for adults only that evening at the Stag Bar in Bluffton beginning at 8 p.m.

Those wishing to attend the reunion during the day can send money to: Bluffton Parks Department, attn: Pam Vanderkolk, 128 E. Market St., Bluffton, IN 46714.

For more information call Sammi at 260-353-9709.

C&C Next Generation begins June 6

C&C Bible Fellowship will begin the NEW Next Generation Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at 4383 S.,  150 E. in Berne. They will meet each Thursday evening. 

The program will be made up of upcoming high school juniors and seniors, and college-age young adults. This program is designed for attendee participation. 

Annual Ossian garage sale day June 15

The 8th annual Ossian town wide garage sale will be held Saturday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free garage sale is open to all residents of Ossian and the surrounding area. To be included in the flier, register on-line at ossiantownmanager@comcast.net or via the drop box at the Town Hall by 5 p.m. June 7. Each ad must be limited to 20 words.

A list of garage sale locations with your advertisements and maps will be posted on the Town of Ossian website at www.ossianin.com and in a brochure that will be available for pick up in local businesses and the Town Hall.

The Revitalization Committee is offering reusable garage sale signs for $3.50 that can be purchased at the Town Hall and Do-It-Best Hardware. 

You are welcome to erect your own signs; however, remember that hanging signs on utility poles is illegal and subject to fines.

Annual Ossian trash pickup June 22

The Ossian town wide trash pickup will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 22. The drop-off site for electronic recycling is the Ossian Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 622-4251 with any questions.

What's Up Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Exchange student hosts needed

World Heritage Student Exchange Program, a public benefit organization, is seeking local host families for high school students from over 30 countries.

Couples, single parents and families with and without children in the home are encouraged to host. 

For more information call 1-800-888-9040 or email to: info@world-heritage.org or log onto the website at: www.hosts.com

AC Schools to start Memory Garden

Adams Central Community Schools is creating a Memorial Gardent for people that have passed away while a student at Adams Central. All names collected will be put on a wall plaque which will be permanently presented in the memorial garden.

Anyone who knows of a family member or a friend who passed away while a student at the school can call 260-692-6193. Adams Central is looking for names starting in 1950 to the current year of 2013. Names will be taken between May 16 and June 14.

Garage sale at Swiss Village May 23

Swiss Village will sponsor a garage sale Thursday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium. 

Items for sale include bedding, purses, clothing, fabric, home furnishings, and more. Everything will be sold at bargain prices! 

The proceeds from the sale will go towards funding Swiss Village’s activity department.

For more information call 260-589-3173.

Montpelier library book sale June 1

The Montpelier Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon duing the city wide garage sales.

Small Fruit Seminar June 1

Ricky Kemery, Purdue Horticulture Extension Educator for Allen County, will be offer a seminar on growing small fruit on Saturday, June 1 at the Allen County Extension office.  He will discuss growing fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, currents, and grapes. The seminar begins at 10 a.m. To reserve a spot call 260-481-6427. Space is limited. Free parking is available at the office located on the IPFW campus.

Chicks Run June 6

The Bluffton Parks Department will sponsor a 5K just for women on Bluffton’s River Greenway Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m.  There will be refreshments, prizes and awards. 

There will be clock to know individual times, but awards will go to winners in fun categories including: Craziest outfit, Best t-shirt slogan, First mom/daughter team, Largest girlfriend team and more.Cost is $5 per person or $15 per person with a t-shirt. Download a registration form.  at: http://www.ci.bluffton.in.us/

A few swim lesson openings left

The Parks Department has a few openings for summer swim lessons. Call 824-6069 for details. Cost is $5.50 per child. 

Cooking classes start June 6

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a variety of cooking classes this summer.

The following classes have a few openings left for adults and youth over 15 years old.  Each class is $10 due that day.  Call 824-6069 to register, space is limited.  All classes are held at the Bluffton Middle school Culinary Arts Room (enter door #9).

Thursday, June 6: Cooking with Spices from 6-7:30 p.m.                         

Thursday, June 13: Homemake Pasta from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 20: Fine Desserts from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arts Place Offering Music Class for Infants and Toddlers

Arts Place is currently accepting registrations for the parent-child music class, First Steps in Music, at its Portland Center located at 131 East Walnut Street in Portland. Classes will meet weekly on Wednesday mornings from June 12 through July 17. Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 6. Cost is $45 plus a one-time $15 materials fee.  Scholarships are available for those with financial need. For more information contact Arts Place at 260-726-4809, emailheidib@artsland.org or visit www.artsland.org.

Apple Dumpling Fundraiser in Zanesville June 9

The Zaneville Lions Club will sponsor an Apple Dumpling Fundriaser Sunday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ballpark.

Cost is $2 each. Carmel toppping is included. To pre-order call 260-638-4327. Dumplings may be purchased the day of the event. The ballpark is located at 3088 W. Van Horn Street. Proceeds will go toward the upkeep of the Lions Community Park.

Youth Track Meet June 11

A Youth Track Meet will be held Tuesday, June 11 from  5-7 p.m. at the Bluffton High School Stadium.  The event is Open to boys and girls ages five to 14. Cost is $1 per event. 

Events include: 50-m dash, 100-m dash, 200-m dash, 400-m dash, 800-m run, 1600-m run, long jump and high jump.

Ribbons will be awarded to all participants. To pre-register call 824-6069.

What's Up! May 16, 2013

Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Saturday

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaze (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Montpelier library book sale to be held June 1

The Montpelier Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon duing the city wide garage sales.

Loblolly Wildflower Safari May 18

Loblolly Wildflower Safari will be held Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve at 8323N 250W. Cost is $3 per person.

Join a naturalist for a stroll along the Loblolly Marsh trails focusing on the beautiful and varied spring wildflowers – what they are and the many incredible ways man and animal use them.  For more information call 260-368-7428 cburnette@indianamuseum.org. 

Veterans program at Wells Historical Museum May 19

Wells County Historical Society will be honoring the WWII veterans on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the museum, 420 West Market St, in Bluffton. All veterans are welcome to attend. 

The program will begin at 1:30 p.m. A short history of the “What Caused the War” will be presented by Connie Brubaker followed by a short history of the “Women who Served” by Bernice Klausky. 

 World War II vets will share their experiences while serving our great country. Refreshments will follow.

On display for this month is Bob Harter’s collection of model airplanes from several countries involved in the war. His collection contains over 100 different planes. Bob has spent several hours, days and weeks assembling  the planes. Bob will be at the museum on this Sunday for a question and answers time. The program is free and open to the public. Summer hours for the museum are Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and beginning Wednesday June 5, 1-4 p.m. Always free with donations accepted.

Senior Luncheon in Berne May 22

The monthly Senior Luncheon will be held Wednesday, May 22 at noon at the South Adams Senior Center at 825 Hendricks Street in Decatur. Entertainment will be provided by Carolyn Fletcher. The cost is $6 per person. The menu will include the following: beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, California blend, assorted pies, roll with butter,  coffee and punch.

Please call the Senior Center at 589-8078 no later than Monday, May 20.

Stars in the Park contest July 18 & 25

Stars in the Park is a five evening event planned by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce for the summer of 2013.  The concept is much like the television show America’s Got Talent.

 To register visit www.starsinthepark.com. Print out and complete an audition form and mail with registration fee to 118 S. Meridian Street, Portland, IN 47371 by May 31. Those participating will be contacted for an audtion time. Auditions will be held at the Jay Community Center on East Water Street in Portland during the last week of June. 

Peformance dates are July 18 and July 25 and Aug. 1 and 8.

Semifinals and finals date is  Friday, Aug. 16 at Hudson Family Park Amphitheater, South Wayne Street, Portland. Finalists will be selected and prizes wil be awarded.

Admission to the performances is $5 per person per session for each quarterfinal event, and the semifinal-final event. Children 12 and under are free. A season pass good for all five events is $20

 Votes for contestants are $1 each. Voting will take place at each quarter-final, the semi-finals and the finals.  $5 admission ticket price includes three votes. 

There will be three to four professional judges. The judges votes will account for 50 percent of the total votes and the audience will account for 50 percent of the total vote.  Three finalists will be selected each quarter final event and three finalists will be named in semifinal. The final performance will determine grand prize ($1,250), first runner-up ($500) and second runner-up ($250).

For audtition forms visit the website: www.starsinthepark.com.

For more information contact Vicki Tague, Executive Director, Jay County Chamber of Commerceat 260-726-4481.

What's Up! May 9, 2013

Summer Striders begins

Summer striders began May 8 and will run on Wednesday Nights through June 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The eight-week program is tailored to help striders meet their goals – whether it’s going from being a couch potato to walking regularly, or increasing from three miles to six, or going from a 20 minute mile to a 15 minute mile. The program is directed by a trained wellness coach and licensed health and physical educator. Registration is required for this program. Reserve a space today by contacting the Parks Department at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us or call 824-6069.  The program is cost is $10 due the first night. Children under 10 are free. Maximum family price is $20.  Program participants must be healthy enough to participate in moderate physical activity.

K-12 swim lesson registration May 11

The Parks Department will offer swim lessons for students in kindergarten through grade 12 this summer. Register will be Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at City Hall.  Cost is $5.50 for county residents and $11 for out of county children. The fee is due at registration. Students must have already completed kindergarten to participate.  Classes will be held in two-week sessions either June 10-21 or July 8-19 (weather permitting).

Swim lesson times are 10-10:50 a.m. or 11-11:50 a.m. Diving lessons will only be offered in July at 10 a.m. for strong swimmers. Please note that there are no early registrations. Those unable to attend can send someone else in their place to register a child or call 824-6069 Monday, May 13 to see if there are any openings left.

Toddler swim lesson registration May 11

Toddler swim lesson registration will be held Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at City Hall. 

Cost is $5.50 for county residents and $11 for out of county children due at registration. Children must be ages four –pre-K with an adult who will participate in the lesson. Lessons are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the week of June 24. Swim times are 11-11:45 a.m. Please note that there are no early registrations. Those unable to attend can send someone else in their place to register a child or call 824-6069 Monday, May 13 to see if there are any openings left.

Head Start Preschool Fundraiser May 11

Members of the Head Start Preschool will sell lemonade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courthouse plaza in Bluffton. Proceeds will go toward field trips and classroom materials.

Breakfast Fundraiser May 11

Members of the Chester Twp. Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor an All-You-Can-Eat Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Breakfast Saturday, May 11 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the fire department south of Southern Wells High School. A free will donation will be accepted during the event.

Self Defense Class May 18

Learn how to keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way as well as how to defend yourself if you find yourself in a dangerous situation during a free Women’s Self-Defense Class Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the City Gym. 

The class is open to all women ages 13 years and older. Participants will be trained on how to use pressure point techniques. 

Pre-registration is required by calling 824-6069.

What's Up May 8, 2013

Summer Sports Camp brochures available in Warren

Basketball Camp and other Sports Camp brochures for elementary, junior high and high school age athletes are available at the Warren Pharmacy.  Many Camps are sponsored by area Colleges.

Bluffton Farmer’s Market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaze (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Saturday Night at The Village May 11

Swiss Village will sponsor Saturday Night at the Village from 7–8 p.m. May, 11. 

Entertainment will be provided by vocalist, Robert Kowalczyk. He is a native of Berne, and has a bachelor’s degree in Music and Vocal Performance with a minor in Theatre Arts from Heidelberg University. 

He has studied in York, England. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at Indiana Wesleyan University. 

Kowalczyk, continues to perform locally at several churches throughout the year, as well as directing community musicals. 

The event is open to the public. For more information call 260-589-3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org.

Make a Mother’s Day Gift at the WCPL May 11

 The Wells County Master Gardeners will host a Mother’s Day craft program at the Wells County Public Library in Bluffton on Saturday, May 11. 

Children ages four to 12 can come and decorate a pot and plant flowers as a gift for their mother or other special guardian. Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon in the Children’s Room Craft Area to work on your gift. 

Registration not required. For more information please call the Wells County Public Library at 260-824-1612.

May Day Bird Count May 11

The Big May Day Bird Count is will be held Saturday, May 11. Forms and record sheets can be downloaded and printed from the Indiana Audubon Society website. Those participating can report their results by email in Wells County to Kathy Fuller at fulkat@yahoo.com or in Adams county to Terri Gorney at BandTGorney@aol.com

Comic Book Convention May 11

The Appleseed Comic Con will visit downtown Fort Wayne and the Grand Wayne Center Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 2013 convention will feature a writing workshop, a living statue workshop, and a kids’ costume contest. The regional event welcomes comic book fans of all ages and is intended to celebrate the art and craft of comic books, as well as the comics community.

Admission to the event is $10. Children age 12 and under will be admitted for free with a paid adult admission. Tickets will be available at the door.

For more information log onto: http://www.appleseedcon.com. Information regarding the ACPL workshops can be found at http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/

Mother’s Day concert May 12 in Ossian

A free Mother’s Day concert will be held May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Ossian Nazarene Church, 302 N. Metts St., Ossian. The concert will feature the premier Gospel group “The Lesters.” Every mother will receive a free gift to take home. Guys are definitely welcome too!

Sara Nordling Exhibit at Portland beginning May 17

Contemporary Fiber Artist, Sara Nordling will be exhibiting her work at Arts Place Portland Center from May 17-June 29 in the Hugh N. Ronald Gallery of Arts Place Portland Center, located at 131 East Walnut Street, Portland. An opening reception for the artist will be held on Friday, May 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., just before George Bilgere’s poetry reading event. 

All Arts Place exhibit receptions are free and open to the public. More information about this exhibit and future exhibitions can be found on the Arts Place website atwww.artsland.org, calling 260-726-4809 or visiting the Arts Place Portland Center.

What's Up May 7, 2013

Make a Mother’s Day card in Montpelier May 8

Montpelier residents can  each make a free card for their mothers, grandmothers or anyone special in their lives from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Neff Insurance office. An experienced card maker will be on hand to help participants. The event is open to the public, no age limit. For more information call 765-728-2462.

Movie Day May 11 at Sheets Museum

Sheets Wildlife Museum and Learning Center will be having a movie day at 2 p.m. Saturday. It will last about one hour. The movie will be free. Tours of the museum will be $2 per person. The movie shown will be Wild Alaska. It is a visual portrait of wildlife on The Last Frontier. 

The film was shot in some of the most remote regions of Alaska to show  areas rarely visited. There will be an easy quiz given. The top three youth will receive a gift certificate that can be used in the museum gift shop. 

Seating is limited. Reservations are suggested by calling 260-356-9453.    

Make a Mother’s Day garden gift in Huntington May 11

The Huntington City-Twp. Public Library and Huntington Area Master Gardeners will sponsor a Mother’s Day make and take gardening craft workshop Saturday at the Main Library at 255 W. Park Drive. Kids ages 4 years to grade five are invited to decorate flowerpots and listen to a gardening story. They will then fill their decorated pots with gardening soil and a plant to give away for Mother’s Day. 

This workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required to attend.  Adults and caregivers are encouraged to attend to assist younger children with their craft project. Call the library’s Children’s Department at 356-2900 to register.

Snake-apalooza May 11 at Limberlost

Learn all about snakes at Limberlost State Historic Site on Saturday, May 11, starting at 11 a.m.

Curt Burnette, Limberlost naturalist, will present a one hour Snake-Apalooza. He will share his knowledge of this often under appreciated member of the animal kingdom. 

Admission is $2 per person. It will take place in the classroom of the new Limberlost Visitor Center.  

The program will feature live snakes, a snake skin, rattlesnake fang, and rattle. Those attending can discover which snakes live in the Limberlost and the state of Indiana, including venomous snakes such as the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. They will also find out what is the biggest snake in Indiana, in the US, and in the world.  

For more information  call 260-368-7428.

What's Up 5-6-13

Bluffton Farmer’s Market begins Wednesdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaze (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Poetry entry deadline June 10

Poetryfest is the sponsor of the Free Poetry Contest. 

Those interested can send a poem of only 21 lines or less to: Free Poetry Contest, P.O. Box 3561, Ashland, OR 97520 or enter online at: www.freecontest.com. Deadline for entering is June 10.

There are 100 prizes on the line. The last poet standing will recieve a $1,000 cash reward.

Those sending entries should include their name and address on the same page as the poem. 

A winner’s list will be sent to all entrants, along with a free copy of the Contest Director’s essay “How to Win a Poetry Contest.”

Craft vendors needed for Oct. 26 bazaar

Craft vendors are needed for the Allen County 4-H Fairgrounds Craft Bazaar.  It will be held on Saturday Oct. 26, at the Allen County 4-H Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Chad at 260-704-0765.

Cooking workshop, cornhole tourney May 4

Ouabache State Park in Bluffton will host a cooking outdoors workshop and a cornhole tournament on May 4 in recognition of Welcome Back Weekend for Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs.

Welcome Back Weekend is May 3-5 and is a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring with special outdoor recreation events and hands-on programming at Indiana’s 24 state parks and eight reservoirs.

Winners of the cornhole tournament win a free weekend of camping at Ouabache. Entry forms will be at the gatehouse. Competition will be divided between youths, age 12 and younger, and adults, age 13 and older.

The double-elimination tournament will be on the campground comfort station lawn between A and B.

 At 4 p.m., “A Taste of the Outdoors” cooking workshop will be presented by the Kokomo Kookers. This hands-on opportunity is a chance to create dishes alongside seasoned outdoor chefs. Cost per person is $10 or $30 per family.

For more information, call 260-468-2127.

Ouabache State Park is at 4930 E. St. Rd. 201.

Owsley Family Historical Society Meeting June 6-8

The Owsley Family Historical Society annual meeting for 2013 will be held at Hilton Garden Inn at 8615 U.S. 24 West in Fort Wayne June 6-8. 

Fort Wayne is home of the second largest genealogical collection in the U.S., at the Allen County Public Library. 

The group has an an active DNA project on the http://www.FamilyTreeDNA.org website.  

For more information contact Sheila Patterson at lmnop9@juno.com or the website: www.ofhs.org or 417-368-6427.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 8615 US 24 West, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Grandpa & Me event June 9

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will sponsor Grandpa and Me Build a wooden vehicle event Sunday, June 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Kehoe Pavilion. It is open to boys and girls of all ages.

Those attending will need to bring a hammer and a screwdriver. 

Cost is $5 per kit due that day. Call 824-6069 to pre-register. Space is limited.

Registration opens for Camp Little Red Door July 28-Aug. 2

Little Red Door Cancer Agency will host Camp Little Red Door, a five-day summer camp for children with cancer. 

The camp will be held from July 28 through Aug. 2 at Bradford Woods in Martinsville. The registration deadline is June 14. Any child ages eight to 18 years old with cancer or in remission living in Indiana is eligible to attend. 

One sibling/friend per patient is welcome to attend, if space allows. 

The camp will include swimming, canoeing, fishing, archery, camp fires, arts and crafts and more! 

An experienced medical staff will be onsite 24 hours a day.

The cost is $25 per camper and $50 per sibling/friend. Financial assistance is available. 

Download the application at www.littlereddoor.org/camp or call 317-925-5595. 

The agency is located at 1801 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Free Senior Breakfast May 3 in Berne

In recognition of May as National Older Americans Month, Swiss Village and the Berne Rotary Club will be co-sponsor the 23rd annual Senior Breakfast Friday, May 3 from 7-9 a.m.

Last year, over 300 area seniors attended the free breakfast at Swiss Village, located at 1350 West Main Street in Berne. 

The breakfast will consist of scrambled eggs, biscuits, pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. All seniors are welcome. There will be door prize drawings and health screenings provided from 6-8:30 a.m. 

Parking will be available at the main circle drive entrance or in the north parking lot by the Social Corner. For more information call 260-589-3173.

Civic Theatre seeking helpers

Fort Wayne’s Civic Theater is sending out an invitation for volunteers to help with backstage crew for “Cinderella” May 10-19. To help with set construction come to the Arts United Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. For more information call Robert at 260-422-8641 ex. 227. To become a backstage volunteer, part of the fly crew or spotlight operator call Robert at 260-422-8641, ex. 227. Previous experience not needed.

All Civic volunteers receive 2 free tickets to the production they work on (6 hour minimum commitment) ad are invited to the annual Anthony Awards presentation and party where all Civic volunteers are recognize.

Community Plant Swap May 4

Herbs’ Friends Herb Club will host the 16th annual Community Plant Swap Saturday, May 4 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Riverside Center at 231 E. Monroe Street in Decatur.

The event is open to the public as a way to sell or swap excess plants or to buy new planitngs and cuttings. The event is held outdoors. Doors will open at 6 a.m. for participants to set up their display of plants. The sale will begin at 7 a.m. covered tables will be provided. There is a $10 fee per table to participate.

For more information call 260-724-4061, 260-724-9145, 260-724-2447 or 260-724-8574.

Women’s Dessert Bar May 4

The First Baptist Church in Montpelier will sponsor a Women’s Dessert Bar Saturday, May 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. All women are welcome to attend the event. Childcare will be provided at no cost.

A Shonda Pierce video will be the entertainment.

Door prizes will be available. For more information contact Renda Heyerly at 499-9792.

Markle Townwide Garage Sales May 18

The annual townwide Markle Community Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 18.

This event is open to all interested Markle residents. Registration forms can be picked up at Tender Gardens, Markle Library, Crossroads Pantry and Markle Town Hall.

Forms need to be returned to Teresa Beck at Tender Gardens Flower Shop at 134 E. Morse Street or emailed to: tendergardens2118@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, May 8 by 5 p.m.

A list of registered garage sales and maps will be available beginning Tuesday, May 4 at local businesses.

Blues, Brews & Barbecue April 27

The Bluffton Elks Lodge 796 will sponsor a Blues, Brews and Barbecue Saturday, April 27 at 213 S. Main Street.

Events for the evening will include a barbeque dinner by Fat Jon’s Barbecue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lost Vegas Band (live band), Charity Auction and a raffle beginning at 8 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets for the rib dinner is $13 per person. After April 19th the cost is $15 per person. The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Carry-out dinners will be available.

A raffle fundraiser will be held. Tickets are $10 each. Grand prize for last ticket drawn is $500. The winner of the first draw will receive $100 and $25 for every 25th ticket drawn after that. 

Half of the proceeds will go to cancer research and half will go to the Steve Kelly Foundation. There will also be a bake sale. 

For more information or to buy tickets call the Elks at 824-2824. (Pd. Advt.)

Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show April 27

The third annual Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show will be held Saturday, April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bluffton National Guard Armory at 500 E. Spring Street, Bluffton. Free admission! Over 30 vendors! Indiana Patriot Guard Riders will have a booth. They are proud supports and will have a military flag available to sign.

For more information contact: Deb Carson, 260-824-9219 (home), 260-273-7950 (cell), Linda Bradley: 260-273-9825. (Pd. Advt.)

National Day of Prayer Service in Montpelier May 2

The Public is welcome to  attend a National  Day of Prayer Service at the Montpelier Civic Center Thursday, May 2 from 6-8 p.m. 

Pastor Adam Carroll will give a sermon. Following the sermon those in attendance will pray together along with some local leaders and pastors.  Sarah Kline will lead the worship band. For more information call 765-728-2154.

Zanesville Lions Club Fundraiser May 8

The Zanesville Indiana Lions Club will sponsor a fundraiser Wednesday, May 8 at the Zanesville Community Church of God at 11984 Marzane Road. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Program with Vicki Kibellis will start at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for those age six to 12 and younger and free for those age five and younger.

To order tickets call 260-638-4327.

Portland’s Arts Place to offer summer classes

A variety of summer art  classes will be offered by Portland’s Arts Place beginning in May.

The sites include Arts Place, 131 East Walnut St., Portland; Blackford County Arts Center, 107 West Washington St., Hartford City; and Arts Place Collective Center, 142 East Spring St., St. Mary’s, Ohio. 

The classes are open to anyone with participants not needing to be from the listed counties. For more information call 260-726-4809 or 866-539-0011 or check out www.artsland.org.

Ryan Feeback to speak at Library April 25

Former Bluffton resident, Ryan Feeback will give a presentation about his current position of serving as a U.S. Diplomat in Abuja, Nigeria at the Wells County Public Library on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Feeback is part of the U.S. Department of State’s “Hometown Diplomats” program and will discuss the work that he does overseas on behalf of the U.S. 

Registration is appreciated. Sign up at the library, online at www.wellscolibrary.org, or call 260-824-1612. Program is free and open to all area residents. It will be best for teens and adults.

Bike Bluffton registration still open

Bike Bluffton registration is still open for Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Pickett’s Run Park. Registration is only $5. This is a 20 mile marked loop around Bluffton. 

Bikers ride at their own pace. Rest stops and refreshments at Lancaster, Roush, and Pickett’s Run Parks. The ride takes place on open city and county roads. Riders must wear helmets and follow the rules of the road.  

Forms are online at www.blufftonindiana.net or call the parks department at 824-6069 for more information.

Spring Gun League to begin April 30

The Spring Gun League will begin Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Wells County Conservation Club at 2555E., 400N., Ossian. They will meet every Tuesday evening through June 11.

The is a $10 entry fee. Cost for two rounds is $5 each. ($4 will go to the club and $1 will go to the league). Everything will be open. Activities include a 16 yard trap, 20 yard wobble, five stand, hillbilly skeet, doubles and more.

Dinner will be served during the last shoot out on June 11.

SA Pancake and Sausage Breakfast May 4

A community-wide Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will be held Saturday, May 4 from 7 to 10 a.m. at South Adams Senior Center at 825 Hendricks Street in Berne. Free will donations will be accepted. Profits will go to fund the South Adams Senior Center. Carry-outs will be available.

The menu will include: pancakes, sausage links, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice.

Giggles and Games with Grandma May 5

Create fond memories with grandma and grandchildren by spending the afternoon enjoying crafts, games and ice cream sundaes Sunday, May 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym. The event is open to both boys and girls ages 4-12. Cost is $2 per person.

Call the Bluffton Parks Department at 824-6069 or e-mail parks@ci.bluffton.in.us to pre-register, space is limited.

Card Making Class May 6

Bluffton Parks Dept Card Making Class will be held  Monday, May 6 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $5 to make three cards. The event is open to adults and youth over 15 years old. Call 824-6069 to register.

Warren High School Alumni Banquet May 11

The Alumni Banquet of Warren High School will be held in Warren on May 11. All former students, teachers and friends of the school are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The classes of 1953 and 1963 will be recognized as honored classes. All graduates 1943 and before will also be recognized.

Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program will be held at 6:30 p.m. The Salamonie Museum will be open during the afternoon and evening.

Make reservations by calling Wendell Bradford at 260-375-3333 or Jim Howell at 260-375-3048 or email: howellj@citznet.com.

Shipshewana trip May 24

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion would like to invite any senior 55-plus to take a trip Shipshewana and lunch at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus May 24.  

The bus will depart at 9 a.m.  from the Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion in Berne. The cost is $40 per person. This includes the cost of the meal. Limited seating is available. The deadline to sign up is May 6.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. For more information call 260-589-4496.

K-Third Grade Camp offered in June

 The Bluffton Parks Dept. will offer a two-week camp for students who just finished kindergarten through third grade. The half-day camp will begin weekdays June 10-21 from 8:45 to 9 a.m. Parents can drop off their children at Washington Park.

The daily schedule is as follows:

9-10 a.m.: Tennis Lessons at Washington Park.

10-10:30 a.m.: snack and guided walk to pool.

10:45- 11:50 a.m.: swim lesson according to tested ability.

11:50 a.m.: Parents pick up their children  at the city pool.

Children will need to bring a backpack with their name on it and pack a towel, a filled water bottle, and a swimsuit.

Children must eat a good breakfast each morning and wear comfortable weather appropriate clothing including socks and tennis shoes. No flip flops. Sunscreen will be provided at the pool, but children should put some on before camp. 

To register visit the city’s website parks@ci.bluffton.in.us to fill out the form and mail it with a $30 check to Park office at 128 E. Market St. Program fills up quickly, limited enrollment.

Stand Against Racism event April 26 in Fort Wayne

The YWCA Northeast Indiana will host a public stand at their 1610 Spy Run Ave. office in Fort Wayne on Friday, April 26. The public is invited to join come at 11 a.m. to create posters encouraging others to “Stand Against Racism”. 

Those attending will go out on the sidewalks along Spy Run Ave. from noon to 1 p.m. and encourage passing drivers to honk and take a stand themselves. 

YWCA Northeast Indiana is the coordinating agency and they are looking for schools, churches, and businesses to join in the stand against racism by becoming a participating site for 2013. 

This could take the form of changing the marquee in front of a building or hosting a public discussion or movie screening. All participating sites will receive free materials to help make their stand possible - any degree of involvement makes an impact! For more information log onto: www.standagainstracism.org/become_participating_site or call Sydney Weaver at 260-424-4908, ext. 287.

Artlink reception for print exhibit April 26

On Friday, April 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Fort Wayne’s Artlink, 300 East Main St. will hold an opening reception for the 33rd Annual National Print Exhibition. An artist talk will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

Ceramic Wall Work by Kristy Jo Beber will be featured in the Betty Fishman Gallery.

 Also on display will be FAMEous Artists Paint for Halo works by children. These partial paintings were done for F.A.M.E. in Northeast Indiana and sent to students who reside in Halo homes in Uganda, Africa for them to complete. The completed paintings are on display and will be auctioned with more information from F.A.M.E.

Regular gallery hours for Artlink are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 .p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. A coffee house is located in the Auer Center where Artlink is located.

Bike, Car and Truck Show April 27

Members of Living Faith Missionary Church Student Ministry will sponsor an open Bike, Car and Truck Show April 27.

All types of motorcycles, cars and trucks are welcome. Door prizes and trophies will be awarded. There is a $10 registration fee. Concessions will be available on site. Proceeds will go to the church youth so they can attend camps, conferences and missions this summer. 

The church is located at 17718 Bluffton Road in Yoder. For more information call Associate Pastor Geoff Cocanower at 260-622-7103 or geoffcocanower@livingfaithmc.info.

Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show April 27

The third annual Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show will be held Saturday, April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bluffton National Guard Armory at 500 E. Spring Street, Bluffton. Free admission! Over 30 vendors!

Indiana Patriot Guard Riders will have a booth. They are proud supports and will have a military flag available to sign.

For more information contact: Deb Carson, 260-824-9219 (home), 260-273-7950 (cell), Linda Bradley: 260-273-9825. (Pd. Advt. )

Warren UCC Spaghetti Supper April 20

Members of the Warren United Church of Christ will sponsor their annual Spaghetti Supper Saturday, April 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at 202 E. 2nd Street in Warren.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids age five and older and free for children under age five. Tickets will be available at the door. Dine in or carry-out will be available. 

For more information call 260-375-4787. (Pd. Advt.)

Children’s Free Health Fair in Muncie April 20

The Muncie Children’s Museum will sponsor a free Children’s Health Fair (Good to Go, From Head to Toe) Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, the main goal of the Health Fair is to make parents and children aware of all of the different factors that go into truly being healthy. Agencies at the event will focus on six components of kids’ health: checkups, play, safety, learning, friends and helping hands.

 When children arrive at the Health Fair, they will be given a game piece to guide them to all of the participating agencies. Once children have visited all of the booths, children can turn in their completed game piece to be entered in a drawing for door prizes, including one boy’s and one girl’s bicycle, Indianapolis Indian’s baseball tickets, a Muncie Children’s Museum family membership, gift baskets and more.

The YMCA will be on hand to give away passes for free admission to the YMCA pool and snail slide that families can use that day from noon to 2 p.m.

Parents will also be able to get car seats checked to make sure they have been fastened correctly. This will occur from noon to 2 p.m. in front of the Muncie Children’s Museum.

To learn more, call Dawn Crummett at 765-286-1660 ext. 212 or visit www.munciemuseum.com.

NCGLNAC Academic Conference April 20

 John Jay Center for Learning, 101 South Meridian Street in Portland is the site for the eighth Annual Academic Conference by National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture, Inc. to be held April 20. The conference is sponsored in part by the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau.

 The subject of the 2013 conference is “Current Research in Great Lakes Native American Culture.”  Four educators will present their current research on the pre-historic and historic Great Lakes Native peoples.  

Registration after April 13 is $35. Lunch is included, however lunch cannot be guaranteed for registrants on the day of the Conference.  

For more information contact  Kay Neumayr at 765-426-3022 or kay.neumayr@ncglnac.com for more information.

Stand Against Racism event April 26 in Fort Wayne

The YWCA Northeast Indiana will host a public stand at their 1610 Spy Run Ave. office in Fort Wayne on Friday, April 26. The public is invited to join come at 11 a.m. to create posters encouraging others to “Stand Against Racism”. 

Those attending will go out on the sidewalks along Spy Run Ave. from noon to 1 p.m. and encourage passing drivers to honk and take a stand themselves. 

YWCA Northeast Indiana is the coordinating agency and they are looking for schools, churches, and businesses to join in the stand against racism by becoming a participating site for 2013. 

For more information on how to become a participating log onto: www.standagainstracism.org/become_participating_site or call Sydney Weaver at 260-424-4908, ext. 287.

Blues, Brews & Barbecue April 27

The Bluffton Elks Lodge 796 will sponsor a Blues, Brews and Barbecue Saturday, April 27 at 213 S. Main Street.

Events for the evening will include a barbecue dinner by Fat Jon’s Barbecue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lost Vegas Band (live band), Charity Auction and a raffle beginning at 8 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets for the rib dinner is $13 per person. After April 19th the cost is $15 per person. The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Carry-out dinners will be available.

A raffle fundraiser will be held. Tickets are $10 each. Grand prize for last ticket drawn is $500. The winner of the first draw will receive $100 and $25 for every 25th ticket drawn after that. 

Half of the proceeds will go to cancer research and half will go to the Steve Kelly Foundation. 

There will also be a bake sale. 

For more information or to buy tickets call the Elks at 824-2824. (Pd. Advt.)

Spring Brunch carry-in at Berne April 19

The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion would like to invite any senior 55 and older to a Spring Brunch Carry-in Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at 1201 Emmental Dr. in Berne. Bring a covered dish to share. Members and non-members are welcome to attend this event. For more information call 260-589-4496

Warren UCC Spaghetti Supper April 20

Members of the Warren United Church of Christ will sponsor their annual Spaghetti Supper Saturday, April 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at 202 E. 2nd Street in Warren.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids age five and older and free for children under age five. Tickets will be available at the door. Dine in or carry-out will be available. For more information call 260-375-4787.

Free Pitch, Hit & Run Competition April 20

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will offer a FREE PITCH, HIT, and RUN Competition Saturday, April 20 at 9 a.m. at Roush Park. This is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14. Also that morning they can participate in a Home Run Derby for $5 hosted by the Bandits Baseball team.  Bounce house, pitching machine, concessions and more will be available. Call 824-6069.

Mandy Beeks Breakfast Fundraiser April 20

The Bluffton Masonic Lodge #145 will sponsor a Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Breakfast this Saturday, April 20 at the Lodge at 211 W. Cherry St. from 7-10 a.m. Proceeds will go to Mandy Beeks. She has four sons that go to Southern Wells. Their house burned to the ground about a month ago.  Free will offering. 

Historical museum open house Sunday, April 21

On Sunday, April 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Wells County Historical Museum, 420 West Market St. in Bluffton will be celebrating the “refreshing” of the museum as well as welcoming new board members.

Visitors will enter through the newly decorated foyer as well as be able to view new displays now in place. Refreshments also will be available. Thee is no admission fee.

From now through Oct. 27, the museum will be open every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.. And from June 5 through Aug. 28 every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Other special days at the museum during the next few months will include:

May 19, 1 to 4 p.m.—A celebration of our WW II heroes with various veterans speaking about their experiences during the war

June 20, 1 to 4 p.m. with a program at 2 p.m. Barbara Elliott will present the history of William Wells.

July 14, 2 p.m., program to be presented by employees from Ouabache State Park.

Sept. 18-21—Street Fair Week with museum open from 2 to 5 p.m. daily.

Oct. 13, 7 p.m., fall meeting with program to be announced.

Dec. 1, 8, 15 22—Christmas in the Mansion with hours from 2 to 6 p.m. The museum also will be open on he Saturdays of Dec. 7, 14, 21 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Bluffton Dinner Theater April 26 & 27

Bluffton Muscial Entourage will present “A Night on Broadway” Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner and the show are $15 for adults, $7 for children age 10 and younger. Tickets are $5 for the show only.

The dinner will include: chicken, potato, green beans, salad, dinner roll, dessert and a drink. There will be a child’s dinner offered that will include a corndog, potatoe, green beans, dessert and a drink.

Call Angi Ifer at 273-2487 to purchase a ticket for the dinner and/or show. When calling, please specify the number of adult and the number of children tickets needed as well as which night will be attended. Please leave a name and phone number when ordering. April 17 is the last day to purchase dinner and/or show tickets.

South Adams Senior Luncheon April 24

The South Adams Senior Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 24 at noon. Cost is $6 per person.

Please call 260-589-8877 for your reservation no later than Monday, April 22 at noon. Toni Brewster will be playing the piano for entertainment. The menu will include: baked ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, iced white cake, roll and butter, coffee and punch

Dunnemans to sing at Heritage Pointe April 25

Reg and Gretchen Dunneman will present a program of gospel music Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in the 2A Activity Room.

The couple is from Binghamton, New York.

For more information call 260-375-2201, ext. 252.

Photos at FW coffee shop

Michael Mettler, a photographer who has had his work on exhibit at the Balentine Gallery at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre in Bluffton, now has some of his work on exhibit at the Old Crown Coffee Roasters Gallery, 3417 North Anthony Blvd. just south of Concordia High School in Fort Wayne.

The works feature Fort Wayne parks and other area nature locations as well as his new format with 3D sculpted work. Works shown in Bluffton exhibits, that were prize winners, featured 2D sculpted entries. The coffee shop is open seven days a week and Mettler’s exhibit will be viewable through April.

Mayor Ted Ellis to speak at Christian New Light April 21

Mayor Ted Ellis will be the guest speaker at Christian New Light Church Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. The public is welcome to attend the service.The church is located at 1011 W. Washington Street in Bluffton.

Bluffton Dinner Theater April 26 & 27

Bluffton Muscial Entourage will present “A Night on Broadway” Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner and the show are $15 for adults, $7 for children age 10 and younger. Tickets are $5 for the show only.

The dinner will include: chicken, potato, green beans, salad, dinner roll, dessert and a drink. There will be a child’s dinner offered that will include a corndog, potatoe, green beans, dessert and a drink.

Call Angi Ifer at 273-2487 to purchase a ticket for the dinner and/or show. When calling, please specify the number of adult and the number of children tickets needed as well as which night will be attended. Please leave a name and phone number when ordering. April 17 is the last day to purchase dinner and/or show tickets.

Salamonie preschool to offer two classes April 24

Preschool-age children can attend Salamonie Preschool’s “Green and Growing” class on April 24.

The class will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and again from 12:30 to 2 p.m., at Salamonie Interpretive Center in Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area in Andrews.

Salamonie Preschool programs are designed to enhance the preschooler’s basic education. Activities include learning the alphabet, crafts, interaction with other children, and time outdoors, always with a nature-related theme.

 The cost per child is $2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is appreciated. Register by calling 260-468-2127.

 Salamonie Lake is at 9214 West-Lost Bridge West, Andrews, 46702.

Montpelier Legion Auxilary collecting items for soldiers

Members of the Montpelier Legion Auxiliary will have a box at the Legion Post 156 for donated items to be dropped off for soldiers during the month of April. The items will be sent to soliders first part of May.

Items requested to be donated are as follows; Jerky, CRKT Dogfish knife, Clif Bars, Boot socks, HSGI WAS/WEE Shoulder strap pads, TAS blackout point sun glasses,  CAT M-4 Cleaning Tool, Dried tropical fruit mix, hard candies. Honey roasted nuts, beanie babies (they give out to the children), sun screen, pre packaged cookies or treats.  Items from Extreme outfitters would be great, t shirts, socks, and boots.

Please do not donate home made items as they are told to throw those away.  For more information call Renda Heyerly at 765-499-9792.  

Silent Harold Lloyd film at Embassy April 14

Fort Wayne’s Embassy Theatre is offering an afternoon of silent film on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m. when they will show Harold Lloyd’s “Safety Last” and the silent short film “Impossible Voyage.”

Both films will be accompanied by Steven Ball at the Grand Page Organ. 

A question and answer session will follow led by IPFW professor Steven Carr.

The Lloyd film features the famous scene of Lloyd hanging from a clock tower in this April 1923 release. Organist Ball is senior staff organist for the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, MI.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students, available at the door.

Join Ossian Psi Otes April 11

Ossian Psi Otes will be meeting in the newly remodeled Ossian Library on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. President Karen Gerbers and members hope this will make it more convenient for community members to attend. Present members need to bring a covered dish and a shoe to tell a short story. Volunteer hours need to be turned in.

The March meeting was held in the home of Carolyn Furey Johnson. Jeani Klaus was a co-host. She taught the members how to reuse T-shirts to make scarves. Her friend, Kim, helped to teach the class. It was our 67th anniversary party!

Those looking to support the fine arts, literature and speech in our community, should attend a meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 at the Ossian Library. 

Swiss Village 5K Run/Walk & Senior 1 Mile Walk April 13

Swiss Village will be host a 5k Run/Walk and Senior One Mile Walk Saturday, April 13 at 9 a.m. Visit Swiss Village’s website at www.swissvillage.org for more details, registration materials, and course map. 

The first 100 registrations will receive a drawstring backpack. This race is part of the Adams County 5k Run/Walk Challenge. 

Unique awards will be awarded to the top three finishers per age group, gender, and overall female and male winners. The race will take place at the Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion located at 1201 Emmental Drive in Berne. 

Registration materials may also be picked up at the MuselemanWellness Pavilion Front Desk or Swiss Village Front Desk. Call 260-589-4496.

Sgt. Terry Hall presentation April 6 at St. Mark’s

Sgt. Terry Hall will present a program for all St. Mark’s United Methodist Church adult volunteers and the general public Saturday, April 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The program is free.

His program, entitled “Body Safety Program” was presented to students in the community earlier this year. It deals wil child abuse: indicators, myths, reporting, long-term effects and support for victims and their families.

For more information call the church at 260-724-7183.

Mexican art at FW Art Museum April 10

On Wednesday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m. the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will welcome Cesareo Moreno, Visual Arts Director and Chief Curator at the National Museum of Mexican Art to deliver a lecture on the museum’s current exhibit—El Caballo: The Horse in Mexican Folk Art.

The exhibit will feature ceramics, metalwork, paintings, paper art and sculpture.

Admission is $12 ($5 for museum members. Silver and gold members are invited to come at 5:30 p.m. to visit with museum director Charles Shepard.

On Thursday, April 11, the featured artist in the Paradigm Gallery from 5 to 7:30 p.m. will be ceramicist Joe Pelka. No admission charge to meet the artist and enjoy snacks.

Fundraiser for NMS band April 15 

Bluffton’s Pizza Hut will be the site for the Norwell Middle School’s band fundraiser on Monday, April 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The 7th grade band received a Gold rating at the recent ISSMA band contest at Garrett High School and the 8th grade band received a Silver. Amy Hipsher directs the 7th grade band and Cory Kelley the 8th grade band.

St. John Lutheran Church garage sale April 18-20

St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock, will sponsor a Spring Rummage Sale at 12912 Franke Road in the gym. Dates and hours are: Thursday, April 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.; Friday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A Bag and Bulk Sale will be held Saturday morning for $2 a bag or as much as you want for $5. Priced items are not included in the Bag or Bulk Sale.

For more information call 260-639-0370, 260-639-3885, 260-706-1151 or 260-749-1770.

Friends of the Shelter meeting April 8

The Friends of the Shelter, the organization that supports the Bluffton/Wells County Animal Shelter, will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Topcis will include Annual Clean up Day, upcoming Garage Sale and shelter operations.

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

Democrat breakfast April 6

Members of the Wells County Democrats will hold their monthly breakfast meeting Saturday, April 6 at Democrat Headquarters at 119 S. Johnson Sgtreet in Bluffton. Breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m. A short meeting wil begin at 8 a.m. Topics of discussion will be precinct committee people and upcoming fundraiser. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. For more information call 273-1742.

Craft vendors needed for  Oct. 26 bazaar

Craft vendors are needed for the Allen County 4-H Fairgrounds Craft Bazaar.  It will be held on Saturday Oct. 26, 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 $30.  For more information, contact Chad at 260-704-0765.

Easter Egg Hunt at River Terrace Estates March 29

River Terrace Estates will be host an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m. for children up to the age of 10. Children should meet in the chapel behind the main building at 2:30 p.m. For more information call 824-8940, ext 122.

Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt March 30

The annual Liberty Center Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at noon at the Liberty Center Park.  There will be four age groups: 1-4 years old; 5-8 years old; 9-12 years old; handicapped 1-12 years old.

Those attending should bring their own basket to collect the eggs. Rain date will be April 6. 

Bluffton Parks Easter Egg Hunt March 30

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt at Roush Park Saturday, March 30 at 12:30 p.m. sharp. Children will be divided into age groups and each group will have a golden egg to win a large prize. Come early and pet some baby animals. This is a FREE EVENT!!

Dog Egg Hunt  March 30

Bluffton Parks Department will sponsor a Dog Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. p.m. at Roush Park in Bluffton. Pets must be kept on a leash. This is a FREE EVENT. 

Norwell middle school band  fundraiser  April 15

On Monday, April 15, the Norwell Middle School band will be hosting a fundraising event at the Bluffton Pizza Hut from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Norwell Middle School’s seventh and eighth grade bands competed at the ISSMA band contest on March 15.

Car/Bike benefit set for April 27

On Saturday, April 27, the Hoffman 2 Benefit for Richard Penrod Car/Bike Show will be held at the Preble Fireman’s Park, 4333 W U.S. 224, Decatur from noon to 5 p.m.

Several awards will be given at the show and the early registration fee is $20 per vehicle/car/bike (which includes freebies, dash plaque, food, music and  live demonstrations from the local police and fire departments.

Admission is free to the public. Raffles and silent auctions will take place during the day. Registration for vehicles will be $25 after April 1. For more information contact Sarah Friedt at sarahfriedt@gmail.com or call 260-433-2746.

Easter in the FW Botanical Garden March 29

Easter in the Garden will be presented at the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun St., FW on Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Activities will include an Easter egg hunt for toddlers through elementary age, playing of games for prizes, making crafts and potting a plant, visiting the “Butterflies with an African Beat” exhibit and meeting the Easter Bunny. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and free to those 2 and younger. More information at www.botanicalconservatory.org

USF’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ begns April 5

The University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts will present “To Kill a Mockingbird” on April 5, 6, 7 12, 13 & 14 at the USF Performing Arts Center 431 West Berry St., Fort Wayne.

The Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday ones at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and those 10 and younger. Discounts for groups available. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain time.

Brand Beauchamp is directing the dramatization by Harper Lee. More information at 260-797-1699 or at sf.edu/art

Auditions for  singers for Town End Productions April 14 & 28

Bearcreek Farms will be the site of auditions for Towns End Productions of Wish Upon A Song on Sunday,  April 14 and 28.

Sign up will begin at 2 p.m. with the singing to start at 3 p.m. There is a $10 charge to participate and a $5 cover charge.

Those selected will appear on three regional Network TV stations. This will be the sixth year for the event. The programs are on NBC and FOX in Lima, Ohio and FOX/WISE-TV in Fort Wayne. Many past participants have utilized their TV performance tapes to enhance their resumes and experience. They credit the show for increased bookings and entertainment opportunities in areas as diverse as the Ministry and MTV.

A panel of professional judges will award the winner $1,000 and seven semi-finalists will receive TV sets. $200 in cash will be awarded to the weekly winners. The semi final taping will be held on May 4, at Bearcreek Farms at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and the finals will be on May 18, the kids (7-14) at 3 p.m. and adults (14 and older) at 7:30 p.m.

For more information visit www.wishuponasong.com or call 419-852-0950.

Zanesville Easter Egg Hunt March 23

The annual Zanesville Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 23 at the Zanesville Lions ballpark. The hunt will begin at 1 p.m. for all area children ages 12 and under. 

In case of rain the hunt will be held inside. Festival games will be held right after the hunt. Game tickets are 25 cents each with a prize everytime.

Tiny tot train rides will be available for one ticket each. For more information call 638-4327.

Easter Egg Hunt in Petroleum March 23

The Petroleum United Methodist Church will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. for children up to age 12.

Allen County 4-H Plant Sale begins

Allen County 4-H Clubs, Inc. is sponsoring a Plant Sale Fundraiser.  Each 4-inch potted geranium will cost $1. Colors offered this year include red, salmon, white, pink and fuchsia. 

Hanging baskets available are Boston Fern, Purple Wave Petunia, Pink Wave Petunia, Geranium Baskets in Red or Salmon, and New Guinea Impatiens Baskets in red or salmon. All hanging baskets are $13 for a 10 inch basket.

Orders must be placed and paid for by March 29 or while supplies last. Pick up location will be the Allen County Fairgrounds at 2726 Carroll Road in the Lions Club Building. Pick up will be Thursday,  May 9 from 5-8 p.m. or Friday, May 10 from 9 a.m.-noon.

No refunds for orders not picked up. Orders not picked up will be available for resale.

 For order forms and for additional information call the Purdue Extension Office, Allen County at 481-6826 or visit our website at www.extension.purdue.edu/allen to download an order form.

Bible Prophecy Conference April 7-9 in Berne

Bethel Brethren Church and West Missionary Church of Berne  will sponsor, The Beginning of the End, a Bible Prophecy Conference will be held April 7-9 at West Missionary Church at 4295-W State Road 218.

Micah Winefeld, Roanoke, Va. will present the conference. He is a man that has spent most of his life studying prophecies. The conference will look into the Bible to understand how the headlines of today’s news are pointing to the beginning of the end and ask people tp ask “What kind of people ought we to be in light of these things?”

Events on Sunday, April 7 are:

8:30 a.m. - Biblical Evidence for the Rapture.

9:30 a.m. - The Battle for the “West Bank”

10:30 a.m. - Biblical Evidence for the Rapture.

7 p.m. - Second Coming Confusion.

On Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m. the topic will be “The God of Jacob.”

On Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. the topic will be: “The Point of No Return.”

A pictorial presentation of Israel or Current Events Update will be shown 15 minutes before each evening service. Nursery and child care will be provided. For more information call 260-334-5451.

Future Gardeners Day Camp April 13

Members of the Delaware County Master Gardeners will sponsor Future Gardeners Day Camp “Down on the Farm” Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Olive Community Church at 5000 N. Nebo Road in Muncie.

The camp is for those age 10-15. Registration fee is $7 per person. Day camp is limited to 40 children. To register  or for more information go online to: www.extension.purdue.edu/delaware. Click on hot topics or local links (Master Gardeners) or mail to Sylvia Finney, 5215 N. Nebo Road, Muncie, IN 47304 or call 765-282-1011.

Noodle Dinner in Montpelier March 17

A noodle dinner will be held at the Montpelier Lions Club at the corner of High and Jefferson Streets Sunday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Available will be chicken or beef and noodles with all the trimmings. A free will donation will be accepted. Dine in or carry out available.

Spring Bazaar at South Adams Senior Center March 22 & 23

A Spring Bazaar will be held at South Adams Senior Center at 825 Henricks Street in Berne Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Six foot rectangle tables are available for $15 each. Fourteen foot round tables are available for $10 each.

Any new items, handcrafted or baked goods are welcome. Call 260-589-8877 to reserve a table. Tables are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

Bluffton Parks Easter Egg Hunt March 30

The Bluffton Parks and 

Recreation will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt at Roush Park Saturday, March 30 at 12:30 p.m. sharp. 

Children will be divided into age groups and each group will have a golden egg to win a large prize. Come early and pet some baby animals. This is a FREE EVENT!

Dog Egg Hunt March 30

Bluffton Parks Department will sponsor a Dog Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 at 12:45 p.m. sharp at Roush Park in Bluffton. Pets must be kept on a leash. This is a FREE EVENT.

5K Run/Walk  & Senior One Mile Walk April 13

The Swiss Village 5K Run/Walk and Senior Walk will be held Saturday, April 13, at 9 a.m. in Berne. This is the first race of the Adams County 5K Run/Walk Challenge.  The first 100 registrations will receive a drawstring backpack. Visit www.swissvillage.org for more details, registration materials, and course map or call 260-589-4496.

The race will take place at the Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion located at 1201 Emmental Drive in Berne. 

Registration materials may also be picked up at the Museleman Wellness Pavilion Front Desk or the Swiss Village Front Desk. Pre-registration deadline is March 31. 

SLR Camera Workshop April 1 & 2

The Parks Department will offer a SLR Camera Workshop Monday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 2 from 6-8 p.m. Class will be held on the second floor of City Hall  at 128 E. Market Street. Call to pre-register as space is limited and fills up quickly. Small fee of around $10 is due the first night. Call 824-6069.

Spring Banquet and Jay Fox Polka Band April 2

South Adams Senior Center will sponsor a Spring Banquet and Jay Fox Polka Band Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. at 825 Hendricks Street  in Berne. Tickets are $10 per person.Call 260-589-8877.

Adult badminton now in session

The Bluffton Parks Department is offering another season of badminton on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. The season just started Thursday, March 7, in the city gym.

All equipment and instructions are provided. Cost is only $5 for the eight week season. Questions call 824-6069

Texas Tenderloin dinner March 15

River of Life Youth Group and Children’s Church will sponsor a Texas Tenderloin dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the old Kmart parking lot. Costs is $10.

The meal will include a tenderloin, fries, dessert and drink. All proceeds will go to the church youth group and children’s church.

Pre-sale is not necessary, but to pre-order a ticket call 824-3903.

Book Fair March 22 in Berne 

A book fair will be held at Swiss Village Retirement Community Friday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium. 

Books will include children’s storybooks, classics, Easter books and gifts, educational books, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, graduation gifts, New York Times Bestsellers, stationary and gift items and more.

Purchases made at the fair will allow Books Are Fun to donate books to the Kinder Haus Day Care Library.  For more information call 260-589-3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org. Swiss Village is located at 1350 W. Main Street in Berne.

Spring Bazaar at South Adams Senior Center March 22 & 23

A Spring Bazaar will be held at South Adams Senior Center at 825 Hendricks Street in Berne Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Six-foot rectangle tables are available for $15 each. Fourteen foot round tables are available for $10 each.

Any new items, handcrafted or baked goods are welcome. Call 260-589-8877 to reserve a table. Tables are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

St. Aloysius Children’s Clothing and Toy Resale March 23

St. Aloysius School Children’s Clothing and Toy Resale will be held Saturday, March 23, from 8 a.m. to noon at 14607 Bluffton Road in  Yoder. The school is located just south of I-469 on Ind. 1.

For more information call 260-415-0634.

Harry Lindstrand 

drawings in CAC’s gallery exhibit begins March 8

The Creative Arts Council’s Balentine Gallery will celebrate the legacy of Wells County artist Harry Lindstrand from March 8 through April 4.

Featured will be many of his original drawings and sketches as well as matted works. All of the Lindstrand pieces will be for sale through the Creative Arts Council.

 The Lindstrand exhibit will be displayed alongside work by  current Wells County artists working in a variety of art media, but all pieces will be in black and white.

The exhibit will open with a wine and cheese gallery reception on Friday, March 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend the reception and guests are invited to wear black and white in honor of the exhibit.

The exhibit will continue to be viewable through April 4, during regular gallery hours which are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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.

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

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. 

Friends of Shelter to meet March 11

The Friends of the Shelter, the organization that supports the Bluffton/Wells County Animal Shelter, will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 

Topics will include Annual Cleanup Day, upcoming Garage Sale and shelter operation. The meeting is open to the public.  For more information call 273-1742.

What's Up March 4, 2013

Farm Bureau meeting March 5

Wells County Farm Bureau Annual Policy Development meeting will be held Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Wells County Farm Bureau building. Refreshments will be served.

Young Riders Tack, Auction & Hog Roast March 9

The Young Riders 4-H Club will sponsor a Tack and Miscellaneous Auction and Hog Roast in conjunction with Running W Tack on Saturday March 9. 

The auction will start at 6 p.m. Preview auction items and food serving at 5 p.m. All proceeds go to the Outlaws 4-H Club.

The auction will be held at Van Wert County Fairgrounds in the Jr. Fair Building. All types of horse items will be up for auction including halters, leads, saddles, brushes, hoof picks, buckets, pads, home furnishings and much more. 

The food available will include roast pork and sandwiches, hot dogs, sloppy joes, chips and more.

For more information call. 419-203-3958.

Call for Entry: Visual Art due by March 10

Artlink Art Gallery is calling all artists 18 years of age and older who reside within 300 miles of Fort Wayne to submit their original artwork in all media that can be hung on a wall to be displayed at the Arts United Center at 303 E. Main Street in Fort Wayne. The deadline is March 10.

Artwork should be no smaller than 36” in the smallest direction with a maximum size of 72” in the longest direction. Artwork should weigh no more than 20 pounds.

Winning artists will be selected to exhibit for a six-month period, either April through September, 2013, or October through March, 2014. The Arts United Center hosts performances and events and has annual attendance of approximately 40,000. 

A photo of the exhibition area may be viewed on Artlink’s website, www.artlinkfw.com where you will also find a downloadable entry form.

Make instruments out of gourds class March 11 in Zanesville

The Zanesville Lions Club will sponsor a class with guest Stephanie Shultz at 7 p.m. at the Lions Clubhouse. She plays old time music. She will also instruct those in attendance how to make old time instruments out of gourds.

The program is free. There will also be a dinner before the program. Those who would like to attend the dinner need to call 260-638-4327 to reserve a spot.