You would think our office would slow down a little in the winter months, but things have been crazy busy scheduling programs for the remainder of the year. Now is a great time to share any suggestions for events you would like to see offered in Bluffton. Bonus points if you or someone you know would be willing to teach a class or discuss your special interests with a group of seniors. 

There are a few more openings for the next Hue Can Paint class coming up on Jan. 30, from 6 -7:45 p.m. Kids will be painting a bear in a wintery scene using step-by-step instructions from a local artist. Not only will they leave with beautiful artwork, but they will also feel accomplished as they master the painting techniques. The $15 fee covers all materials and is due the night of the event (exact change preferred). Contact our office at 824-6069 to register. 

January crochet lessons have started, and we are now accepting registration for February’s Hooked on Crochet class. Learning to crochet will give you a lifetime of pleasure and relaxation. You can learn to create handmade items for yourself and those you love. Classes will be taught by Kathy Gehrett at City Hall (128 E Market) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 9t, 16, and 23.

Three one-hour group lessons are $20, due the first day. Yarn and instructions will be provided, and you will need to bring your size H hook. Call the park office to pre-register at 824-6069 or email events@blufftonindiana.gov. Class size is limited and open to beginners and advanced students.

Once you have learned how to crochet, ask us how you can help with our next Yarn Bomb project. What is Yarn Bombing, you ask? It is a form of street art in which the artist transforms public spaces with colorful knits or crocheted yarn to give everyday objects a whimsical look. If you are interested in helping, email us at events@blufftonindiana.gov for details. We are happy to provide yarn for participating artists. 

Join us for the next Free Theater Thursday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. The Bluffton Parks Department and Wells County Public Library have partnered to offer a free monthly movie for adults. “Death on the Nile,” Rated PG13, will be shown at 10 a.m. at the Wells County Public Library. Snacks are provided at this year-round event on the 3rd Thursday of every month. 

Mark your calendars for the next Free Toddler Time Block Party on Feb. 2 at the Bluffton city gym from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Block Party events allow parents to interact and play with their children while learning how they can help them develop a variety of skills through block play. Stations are set up, each with a different set of blocks that aids the children in learning a specific skill. Parents are provided with parenting tips and information on how they can help their children develop each skill to the best of their ability.

If you didn’t already know, the City Gym is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11-noon for tots and burn off some energy until the end of March. This free drop-in program will allow young children to play with others their age in an ample open space. Balls will be made available in the storage closet at the East end of the gym when we hear the children arrive. This is not a staff-facilitated event, and parents are responsible for their children. Please sign in on the wooden door each visit and turn off the gym lights if you are the last to leave. 

Have a great week!