August 2010

Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retired individuals, is beginning its 20th year with a number of course offerings from Sept. 20-Nov. 11.

The eight-week fall term costs $80, which enables participants to take as many of the courses as they wish and to join in other ILR activities. Individuals may take either one course or two for $30 each.

A bit of Bluffton history is disappearing this week. Demolition of original 1896 drinking water storage basins at 111 Triplett Drive (north of Steinmetz soccer field) is being razed.

The following information from Nathan Jordan: Rebar in walls was large diameter and closely nested, as one would expect to see. Rebar in roof (now resting on the bottom) was narrow, as if drawn through a die-like wire or cable. Reportedly, the poured roof sections were added somewhere around the 1940s.

Bluffton Public Library is busy making plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary during the month of September. "This is a significant milestone to celebrate, though a challenging one to plan, with the loss of nearly 30 percent in state funding last year and further cuts this year," library director Cindi Chasse said.

Former Bluffton resident Patricia Kay Hilty, 66, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, after an illness with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mitchell Todd Hilty. She is survived by her children, Michelle Pekel of Fremont, Mich., Angela and Andrew DeMeester of Zeeland, Mich., Jeremy and Kristin Hilty of Wyoming, Mich.; grandchildren, James and Jennie Pekel Makenna and Christian DeMeester; brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces.

A memorial service took place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, at Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th St., SE, Caledonia, Mich. 49316.