Fiber arts festival is now virtual

One of the community’s annual events has been canceled.

Jay County Fiber Arts Festival, which was scheduled for March 12 and 13, will not be held in person this year. The decision to cancel was made because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We understand that choosing to cancel has been a difficult decision especially when you have spent time and effort into the planning and promotion,” Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau said in a press release. “However, we feel it is important to keep our attendees safe and to flatten the curve of the pandemic.”

Instead of the in-person event, a virtual show is now scheduled for April 24. For more information, visit fiberarts.visitjaycounty.com, email [email protected] or call (260) 726-3366.



Guitar lab returns

There’s a new opportunity for kids to learn how to play guitar.

The Blackford County Arts Center is hosting a group guitar lab this spring for students in 4th through 6th grades who are beginning or intermediate guitarists.

The class begins Feb. 22. It was not held last semester due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more, visit artsland.org/musicworks or call (765) 348-4154.



JCPL baby shower

The Jay County Public Library is hosting a month-long baby shower to collect needed items for the Jay County Pregnancy Care Center.

Among diapers, the library is seeking donations of baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby wipes, baby food, baby snacks, baby formula, baby gas drops, baby Orajel and toothbrush and toothpaste for baby teeth.

Gifts can either be dropped off at the baby display table at the library or mailed to 315 N. Ship St., Portland. The first 24 who donate items will receive a gift from the library.



New FRHS play

One of Agatha Christie’s most famous works will be on display this month in Fort Recovery.

Tickets for the Fort Recovery High Schools drama club’s production of Christie’s “And Then There Were None” are now on sale.

Show dates are 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27 in the Fort Recovery Elementary/Middle School auditeria. There will also be a matinee at 3 p.m. Feb. 21.

Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the Fort Recovery High School office. Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, seating for each show will be limited to allow for social distancing.





Donors get gifts

In February, donors to the American Red Cross will receive a $5 Amazon gift card via email.

The effort comes as a measure to thank its donors for helping to ensure a stable blood supply, according to a press release from the organization.

The following are nearby blood drives scheduled in February:

•Bryant: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bryant Wesleyan Church, 209 S. Hendricks

•Redkey: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Redkey Faith Ministries, 9811 Indiana 67

•Berne: Noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at South Adams Senior Center, 825 Hendrick St.

•Bluffton: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at First Presbyterian Church, 215 East Dunman Road; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center, 303 South Main St.; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 Bluffton-Wells County Public Library, 200 W. Washington St.