Bluffton Public Library's monthly book discussion will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4. Read about an American journalist's release from captivity in North Korea in Euna Lee's The World is Bigger Now, a remarkable story of faith, family and forgiveness. The book discussion will be held at Common Grounds Coffeehouse & Caf'e.
Anyone interested in attending is welcome and a month-to-month commitment is not required. Copies of the book are available at the library.
June Marie Hauenstein Ludwig Ericson, 82, of Tucson and formerly of Bluffton, died April 6, 2011, at her residence in Tucson. She was born Dec. 31, 1928, in Bluffton to Clyde and Mary (Sutter) Hauenstein.
Mrs. Ericson was a sales manager for American Family Life, Insurance retiring in 1995. She was a member of B.P.O.E. #54 Lima, American Legion Auxiliary Post 96, Lima, where she was a past president. She was a graduate of Bluffton High School.
A parade entry form is available for printing at the bottom of this story.
You'll only see this parade once in 150 years. And you may be a part of it!
Bluffton's sesquicentennial parade, planned for Saturday, July 2, is now accepting entries.
Junior Weihrauch of Arlington, one of the best parade coordinators in northwestern Ohio, is the parade director. He handles the Bluffton Blaze of Lights parades.
The Bluffton University softball team received a pair of outstanding performances in the circle as the Beavers split a couple one-run decisions on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Bluffton moved to 13-12 on the season while Ohio Wesleyan now stands 11-7 overall.
The Bluffton Area Ministerial Association is again sponsoring the Cross Walk for Good Friday, April 22.
The carrying of the cross to commemorate Jesus' passion will begin at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. and proceed to First United Methodist Church, First Mennonite Church, Bluffton Presbyterian Church, English Lutheran Church, and ends at St. John United Church of Christ where a Good Friday service will be held.
The service will be focused on the seven last words. Anyone is welcome to join at any point along the route.
A benefit fish fry to help Stacy, Sarah and Shane Combs will take place Friday evening hosted by the Emmanuel United Church of Christ.
According to Eric Rummel, pastor of the church, all proceeds will go to Stacy, Sarah, and Shane Combs to assist their family following the recent death of Shawn Combs.
The fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 8, at the church at 8375 Phillips Road.Tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for youth under 11.
Menu consists of regular home cooked meal including fish, salads, and desserts.
The Bluffton University softball team will host its annual Strike-Out Cancer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Saturday, April 16. The Beavers will meet Ursuline College in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. at the university softball field.
Individual Bluffton players may be sponsored for any amount; checks should be payable to the American Cancer Society.
A check for the total amount raised will be presented to the cancer society before the first pitch Saturday. The event has raised an average of $1,350 per year over the last nine years.
Bluffton University junior Rachel Giovarelli, from Wauseon, placed first in the university's annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest on April 6.
In addition to earning a $175 cash prize, Giovarelli qualified for a bi-national contest with top finishers from other North American Mennonite colleges.
In celebration of National Library Week (April 10-16), the Bluffton Public Library will host three free programs for children. The first is a "Green Project" recycled t-shirt and CD craft program on April 12 at 3:30 p.m. for grades K-12. Participants may bring one or more colored t-shirts to use for craft projects. No registration is necessary for this program.
