Summer reading challenge begins

Jay County Public Library is challenging the community to log 3,000 hours of reading this summer.

The challenge, which started earlier this week, continues through July 22. When the goal is reached, the library will donate $1,000 to purchase food for a pop-up food pantry event July 27. All ages are invited to participate by visiting the library’s front desk, 315 N. Ship St., and pick up a reading log depicting food pantry items.

Along with the reading challenge, there’s also a few events this coming week:

•Puppet-making workshop: Melly Pop Productions will be working with children at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday to design their own puppets. Register by calling or visiting the library.

•Family Fair Night: Visit the library’s parking lot between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday for a petting zoo, ice cream, outdoor games and activities/

•Family Film Friday: Take a break from the heat at 1 p.m. Friday to see a family friendly film, complete with popcorn and root beer floats while supplies last.

Flag Day celebration

Celebrate the United States’ adoption of the national flag next week.

Portland Elks Lodge is hosting a formal celebration for Flag Day at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at its building, 126 W. High St.

Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.



Blackford exhibit

A new exhibit is open at Blackford County Arts Center.

“Indiana Outdoors,” featuring the art of Mark van Dyk, opened Monday at the arts center, 107 W. Washington St., Hartford City.

An opening reception is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The exhibit features van Dyk’s paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media. His subjects include scenes from around Indiana, pieces from children’s book illustrations and abstract work.

The exhibit will run through July 20. Blackford County Arts Center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

For more information, contact director Lylanne Musselman at [email protected].



Civic theatre meets

Jay County Civic Theatre will hold its annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Asbury United Methodist Church in Portland.

The meeting will include the election of board members. Three seats are up for election this year. Anyone who would like to nominate someone for election can do so by emailing [email protected].

Jay County Civic Theatre will also seek volunteers for the show selection committee and give a brief update on our strategic planning process, followed by a meal. Members are asked to bring side dishes or desserts.

The event will also feature music, karaoke, games and an opportunity to get together with your JCCT family.



Assistance available

Families of Indiana military veterans can apply for funding to help with back-to-school expenses through Operation Back to School Military Family Relief Fund.

Assistance is available to children in grades kindergarten through 12 and full-time college students up to age 23. Students must live in the veteran’s home in order to be eligible.

For more information, visit dva.in.gov.



Dean’s list

A local student was recently named to the dean’s list at Miami University.

Morgan Litmer of Fort Recovery, Ohio, made the list. Litmer ranked in the top 20% of undergraduate students for the spring semester.



Summer day camp

Jay Community Center’s summer day camp is open.

Registration is open to children in kindergarten through seventh grade for the camp, which runs through Aug. 9. Campers attend from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. (Early drop off between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. is available at $3 per day.) Initial registration costs $30 per child, with early daily rates at $13 per day.

Campers need to bring sunscreen and a water bottle. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided through July.

For more information, visit the community center or call (260) 726-6477.



Girlhood history

Minnetrista’s newest exhibit features the history of girlhood.

An exhibition from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, “Girlhood (It’s complicated),”?showcases how girls have been on the front lines of change and how they have made an impact on all aspects of American life, according to a press release from Minnetrista. It spans a timeframe of more than 200 years and showcases about 200 objects, highlighting figures such as Minnijean Brown and Naomi Wadler.

The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 17. For more information, visit minnetrista.net.