Monday, February 28, 2011

Fort Wayne Center For Learning - Sixth Annual Brain Game 2011

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This event, the Brain Game, benefiting the Fort Wayne Center For Learning had it all: 49 Teams in costumes, 56 Donors & Supporters, 40 Volunteers, 10 Sponsors, carnival games, cotton candy, ice cream, a unicyclist, hot dogs, hamburgers, hot pretzels, a Barbershop Quartet, onion rings, ballerinas, a juggler and a challenging competition of trivia and knowledge.









If you are looking for an interactive event that has the feel of a Jeopardy Game on steroids and with 10 times the fun, this is the event for you.  To learn more about the Brain Game click here.

Teams answered questions on History, Sports, Entertainment, Science, and more.  The team that ended the evening with the most points and taking home the traveling trophy was Fort Wayne Radiology (team1).  But the real winner of the evening was the Fort Wayne Center For Learning which raised money for a worthwhile cause which helps children in the Fort Wayne area overcome their challenges with learning.  To see more photos of the event click here.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Plank-a-Palooza! in Fort Wayne Benefiting Early Childhood Alliance - ECA

Several area Fort Wayne teams registered to secure their spot in this challenging event that raises money for Early Childhood Alliance.  You have to see the Plank-a-Palooza! structures they constructed to believe them! 

Click on any photo for a larger view.

But first, what is a Plank-a-Palooza!?  It's a challenging event in which teams use 500 KEVA planks to design and build a structure in 30 minutes. No glue is needed, just gravity. This highly energized construction event creates interest in math and science and encourages creativity and collaboration.

And what are KEVA planks?  KEVA planks are precision cut maple blocks (about 1/4" x 3/4" x 4 1/2") that stack on four different planes with surprising stability.

Where do the teams come from?  You can start and register your own team.  Teams come from many and any areas of interest: all levels of education, business, non-profits, families, friends, clubs... almost anywhere. 

A half-hour goes by really fast when you are trying to construct something of the magnitude these teams were attempting.  The judges had a very hard time choosing a winner in the three award categories.

Best Engineering Award went to IPFW:

Most Creative Award went to Trine University:

Best Overall Design went to Irwin Math Science Magnet - FWCS

See more photos of this event by clicking here and see why this is a fun event to participate in or sponsor.  To learn how you can get involved contact: Jane McGraw, Marketing and Development Director, 260.458.0125 or jmcgraw@ECAlliance.org.

American Heart Association's 2011 Heart Ball in Fort Wayne

The day started out with a fresh new six inches of snow on the ground and closed schools all around the Fort Wayne area, but by the afternoon the sun was out making way for a wonderful evening in support of a worthy cause, "Rhythm of the Heart" - 2011 Heart Ball in Fort Wayne.  Dr. Rudy and Rhonda Kachmann welcomed guest as they arrived for an evening of Learning and Living.

The evening started out with old and new friends mingling while bidding on wonderful silent auction items, sipping drinks, eating hors d'oeuvres, and listening to smooth jazz provided by Fort Wayne area musicians.

During dinner three local families that have been personally touched by heart disease gave testimonials to how the American Heart Association has helped them during their most difficult times.  After dinner everyone enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of local favorite, Prime Time.

To find out more about the American Heart Association or the 2012 Heart Ball and Gala, contact Mary Pat Leonard by email or calling (260) 485-9890.

Take a look at more photos by clicking here and see what you missed and why you will want to mark your calendar to attend next year!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

EGGSTRAVAGANZA! Botanical Conservatory from April 1-24, 2011 in Downtown Fort Wayne

EGGSTRAVAGANZA! is back, and serving up a healthy dose of protein with all newly decorated eggs, designed by local artists.  The 15 inch tall eggs are made of Poplar wood, and made locally courtesy of FLARE, Inc.  These uniquely designed eggs will be on display at the Botanical Conservatory from April 1-April 24, allowing plenty of time for you to check them out and vote for the Best of Shell, Most Egg-squisite, and The One That Cracks You Up.  This year EGGSTRAVAGANZA! is being presented by Sweetwater Sound and ProFed Credit Union.

A community-wide art project, EGGSTRAVAGANZA! is complete with area businesses sponsoring different egg art, local artists designing them, an auction with eggs going to the highest bidder and the proceeds going to Easter Seals Arc.  A win-win for all, allowing local businesses the promotional impact of having an egg reflect them, artists to showcase their creativity in very public fashion, and Easter Seals Arc will continue to bring awareness to the 18,000 children and adults with disabilities in Northeast Indiana.

“It’s amazing to give everyone the same piece and to watch the creativity unfold,” says Valerie Magana, Special Events Coordinator at Easter Seals Arc.    “EGGSTRAVAGANZA! is a true testament to the talent of the artists that call Fort Wayne home.”

For more information about EGGSTRAVAGANZA! please call Valerie Magana, Special Events Coordinator, at 260.456.4534, ext 267.

Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana’s mission is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs and their families.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Children's Clothing (and Much More) Resale in Fort Wayne - Benefiting Children in Need

The FMC Children’s Resale Committee at Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana is once again sponsoring its annual Children’s Clothing Resale on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 8 a.m. to Noon.

This huge community event offers excellent quality children’s clothing, maternity clothing, toys, baby furniture, and miscellaneous baby equipment at affordable prices.

Over 100 sellers from the community are registered to participate, and all items are inspected to ensure excellent quality before being accepted for the sale. The massive amount of items are then displayed according to size and gender in a professional, well-organized manner that turns the facility’s large Activity Center into a shopper’s paradise. Those who attend can expect to find children’s clothing from newborn infants to girl’s junior size 7 and boy’s size 20, much of which is designer name brand, and all at greatly-reduced prices. Furniture will range from cribs, rockers and dressers to strollers, playpens, swings, and more! Toys, bikes, books videos, bedding and miscellaneous items offer shoppers options galore. The check out process is organized and adequate as numerous registers expedite a time efficient experience. Only personal checks and cash are accepted.

Not only does the sale benefit the shoppers looking for a deal and sellers recycling their children’s clothing, but a percentage of the proceeds raised at the sale reach children in need through three different organizations. Donated, unsold clothing and items from this year’s sale will be given to Forgotten Children International Ministry. Proceeds from the resale will be donated for supplies for refuge children at Autumn Woods Apartments as well as for scholarships for inner-city children to attend camp at Stillwater Retreat. An additional amount of the proceeds will go to FMC’s Benevolence Fund, created to help families in need in our local community.

Kerri Combs, FMC Children’s Resale Committee Chair, stated, “Our goal is to exemplify God’s love by demonstrating good stewardship and helping meet the needs of our community in providing good quality used items.”

There are still spots available for those who would like to volunteer. E-mail FMCResale@gmail.com and someone will contact you to coordinate.

Located at 2536 East Tillman Road in Fort Wayne, IN., Fellowship Missionary Church (FMC) exists to reach lost people and to develop them into fully devoted followers of Christ.

For further information contact: Angela S. Hudson, FMC Children’s Resale Committee Member (C) 260-437-6658, tnahudson@gmail.com

Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow (STLF) to Volunteer at Turnstone in Fort Wayne

On March 13th, a group of 45 students from the University of Minnesota will stop in Fort Wayne to volunteer their time at Turnstone.  From 9 am to 12 pm, the students will help the agency clean-up from its Casino Night fundraiser, which will be held the prior evening.  The students are traveling across the nation as a part of the organization, Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow (STLF) and the Pay it Forward Tour.

STLF’s mission is to reveal leadership through service, relationships, and action.  The Pay It Forward Tour represents the core of STLF on all levels.  The Tour is a community service road trip that travels from city to city doing different service projects.  Students on a charter bus will visit cities of various sizes and learn about a variety of social issues, with the hopes of learning more about themselves, their own community, and the world.  The hundreds of service hours carried out on each Tour are meaningful, but the true impact of the program is through lasting friendships and commitments to paying it forward of each student impacted by their experience.

For more information on this group, please contact Beth Moody at 260-483-2100.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

History Center in Downtown Fort Wayne Restored to Original 1893 Grandeur

A nice crowd turned out to witness the ribbon cutting and dedication of the newly restored Shields Room at the History Center, in downtown Fort Wayne on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

The project, which encompasses the former City Council Chambers and Courtroom at  302 East Berry Street, was financed by local foundations and individuals.  The Old City Council Chambers and Courtroom is in the  Old City  Hall Building, which was built in 1893 and has been home to the History Center since 1980. The turreted, arched and towered Richardsonian-Romanesque structure is one of the oldest in downtown Fort Wayne and stands as a symbol of the civic pride and confidence in the community at the turn of the 20th century. The city vacated the building in 1971.

The newly restored, second floor room is 2,700 square feet with 22 foot high ceilings. The beginnings of the restoration project were to analyze paint, woodwork, wainscoting and decorative elements in a “reveal slice” to show the room’s Victorian-era décor. The Journal Gazette Foundation funded this phase of the restoration in 2003, allowing the History Center to secure funding for the final phases of the restoration in the following years.

Click on any photo to see a larger view.
The total cost of the project, which can be viewed via photographs on the organization’s Facebook page, was over $250,000. James and Margaret Shields, the Journal Gazette Foundation, the John and James Knight Foundation, the Edwin M. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation, and numerous private donors provided the funding for the project beyond its initial phase.

Building Arts and Conservation of Saline, Michigan performed the bulk of the restoration work with finishing touches supplied by Knox Decorative Painting of Fort Wayne.

The room is available for rent as a venue for meetings, parties, receptions, weddings or other events. Rental of the room includes viewing of displays and exhibits throughout the museum.

For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website at www.fwhistorycenter.com.

Monday, February 14, 2011

International Silver Stick Sled Hockey Finals 2011 - Fort Wayne

If you're looking for inspiration, you should have been at the 3rd Annual Bob Chase Frostbite Sled Hockey Championship and the Inaugural Silver Stick International Sled Final at the Canlan Ice Sports Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Sled hockey is designed for persons with disabilities.
Click on any photo to see larger view.
On February 12 and 13th, 11 sled hockey teams from Buffalo, Johnstown, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Chicago, as well as the home team, the Turnstone Flyers, competed in the 3rd Annual Bob Chase Frostbite Sled Hockey Championship.  This event is the only sled hockey tournament held in Indiana.  The tournament is sanctioned by Fort Wayne Youth Hockey.  It has combined two first time events: International Silver Stick Sled Hockey Finals and the Inaugural MAGL (Mid-American/Great Lakes) Sled Hockey League Games.

Fort Wayne's MR. HOCKEY, Bob Chase
1st Annual International Silver Stick Sled Hockey Final:   
Silver Stick is a youth organization that promotes citizenship and goodwill through the sport of hockey.  Teams are from both the US and Canada. This is an inaugural event for the Silver Stick organization and another great step to promote the sport of sled hockey.   As such, the tournament plans to do its best to make this a very special “First” event.   Youth players received participant pins, and awards were handed out to the winner and runner up.   In addition, the winner will get the first ever championship trophy and banner for a Silver Stick Sled Event.   

Inaugural MAGL (Mid-American/Great Lakes) Sled Hockey League Games:
MAGL is the 4th Intermediate level sled hockey league to be created in the USA. This April for the 1st time the top two teams from all four leagues will qualify to compete for the National Championships at the Disabled Festival.

Admission to the tournament was FREE.
More information about the Bob Chase Frostbite Sled Hockey Championship can be found at www.fwyh.org or contact Chuck Reddinger, Tournament Director at 260-615-4652 or fortwaynesled@gmail.com, or check back here in late January 2012 for information on the schedule for the second annual event.

Click here to learn more about Turnstone, volunteer or donate.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Artlink VISUAL Art Awards Party on Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Artlink VISUAL Art Awards will honor local and regional visual artists for the work they do.  The public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists in 11 categories during the month of January 2011.  View the art by clicking here.  The awards will be presented at a ticketed party at Artlink.

What:  Artlink VISUAL Arts Awards Party
When:  Thursday, February 17th, 7-10 p.m. 
Where:  Artlink and Fort Wayne Cinema Center
437 E. Berry St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Ticket Cost:  $20 for Artlink Members, $25 for non-members. 
RSVP:  Call 260-424-7195 for your tickets today!

All proceeds raised will benefit Artlink's exhibition and educational programming!  Party features a cash bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres by Club Soda, and music by Possum Trot Orchestra.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

An Evening in Fort Wayne With Jane Hoeppner Benefiting ACS and IUAA

Everyone is invited to attend an evening with Jane Hoeppner to benefit American Cancer Society and the Northeast Indiana Chapter of Indiana University Alumni Association.

Former IU Football Coach Terry Hoeppner and Jane Hoeppner
Guests will enjoy an evening with Jane Hoeppner, wife of former IU Football Coach Terry Hoeppner who passed away from cancer. A meet and greet with Mrs. Hoeppner will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and a brief program at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and $750 per table.  Buy your tickets early and help raise money for these great organizations.

What:    An Evening with Jane Hoeppner, a fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society and Northeast Indiana Chapter of the IUAA
When:    Tuesday, March 1, 2011, 6 p.m.
Where:    Ceruti’s 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne
Costs:  Tickets are $75 per person, $750 per table, $100 at the door
Register:  To reserve YOUR tickets click here

 Guests can also reserve luminaries in honor or in memory of friends and loved ones who have battled cancer.

 Contact Nicholas Gray at nicholas.gray@fwcs.k12.in.us or Tracina Smith at Tracina.Smith@cancer.org for more information.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Fort Wayne Ballet Presents COPPÉLIA and the Youth Company Performs MADELINE

Fort Wayne Ballet, northern Indiana’s oldest and premier academy and performance dance organization, will present its spring production, Coppélia, sponsored by the Madge Rothschild Foundation, at the Arts United Center, March 18-20, with 8 p.m. performances on March 18 & 19 and 2:30 p.m. matinee performances on March 19 & 20.  Also on March 19, the Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company will present Fort Wayne Ballet Family Series: Fables, Folk & Fairytales: Madeline at the Ian Rolland Gallery at Arts United Center, with two morning performances times, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Coppélia, the comic ballet about “the girl with the enamel eyes,” is based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann and provides a whimsical showcase for the talents of Fort Wayne Ballet in its spring collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. With a romantic triangle, a mysterious toy maker, a life-size doll, and a spirited village girl named Swanhilda, Coppélia has been delighting audiences since it first premiered at the Paris Opera in 1870.

            Hoffman, who also brought the original story of The Nutcracker to life, originally wrote a darker, more tragic ending to the story of Coppélia, making the character of Dr. Coppélius more sinister. But, seeing the need for a “happily ever after” finale, a third act allowed for a final, joyful wedding scene and features scenes from a peasant life, including “Valse des Heures” (“Waltz of the Hours”).  The relationships at the heart of the story are also more light-hearted, with the betrothed Franz inexplicably falling in love with a girl from afar, unaware that she is a creation of the lonely doctor. His beloved, Swanhilda, becomes aware of the confusion and what follows is both a charming tale and a coming of age for the story’s heroine.

            “Coppélia is a fun, lively ballet and has all the elements of a great story,” says Karen Gibbons-Brown, Artistic/Executive Director of Fort Wayne Ballet. “A love triangle, a tale of good vs. evil, and an ultimate message of hope and joy. There are a lot of great parts for dancers, especially Swanhilda who matures into a young woman during the course of the story. The part requires a lot of the dancer.  When I performed the role I went through three pairs of pointe shoes at each performance.”

            Coppélia was last performed by Fort Wayne Ballet in 2004, and its continued popularity is demonstrated by how frequently it is performed around the world each season. The Léo Delibes score is but one reason why the ballet has endured for more than a century, a fact which is ironic in itself.

            “Delibes was a master of ballet works, and he had written the score for Sylvia, which was very popular at the time,” says Ms. Gibbons-Brown. “He hoped to write a score as well-known and as well-hummed as Sylvia, and of course Coppélia is now the far better known of the two.”

            The matinee performances on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 will be followed by Toy Shop Parties, an opportunity for the young and young-at-heart to meet the dancers and enjoy some treats and a gift bag. An Opening Night Champagne Reception, catered by Club Soda, will follow the March 18 performance.  All post-performance events take place at the Ian Rolland Gallery at Arts United Center.

Madeline features the popular heroine of Ludwig Bemelmans’ series of children’s books. Performances run approximately 35 minutes and are followed by an interactive party with the characters. Guests can have their photos taken with the cast, autographs and a special treat. The Fort Wayne Ballet Family Series provides an excellent entrée into dance for audiences of all ages. Families are invited to bring blankets and sit informally while the fun of Paris begins right before their eyes!  The Fort Wayne Ballet Family Series is sponsored by WAJI Magic 95.1 Radio.

For more information, please contact Fort Wayne Ballet at 260-484-9646 or visit their website at www.fortwayneballet.org.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Fort Wayne Area League of Women Voters Dinner Meeting - February 16, 2011

 The Fort Wayne Area League of Women Voters (LWV) has scheduled a dinner for those wanting to learn more about the new Fort Wayne League and to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the organization's founding at the national level. 

When:  February 16, 2011, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m
Where:  The History Center, 302 East Berry, Fort Wayne
Cost:  $15 per member, $18 visitors and guests 
RSVP by:  On or before February 14, 2011
RSVP to:  call 260.494.8209 or nmccammonhansen@frontier.com 
  
Speaker for the evening is Geoff Paddock, executive director of the Headwaters Park Alliance and a member of the board of directors of the Indiana High Speed Rail Association.  Paddock will speak on the efforts to bring high speed rail service to northeast Indiana.  Paddock has been a long time advocate of returning passenger rail service to Fort Wayne, which has seen a 20-year absence in service, and has worked to see that Fort Wayne was added as an important link in a proposed high speed rail route between Chicago and Cleveland. He is a founding board member of the Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association.

LWV is a non-partisan political organization created 91 years ago to encourage informed and active participation in government, to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.  Membership in the LWV is open to both women and men. A membership form is available on the organization’s website at www.lwvfw.org.

Information is also available from LWV convener, Nancy McCammon-Hansen, at 260.494.8209 or nmccammonhansen@frontier.com.