December 2011

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When she was 23 years old, Kathy Yoder was struck with an illness that ultimately led to two liver transplants.

Those traumas reminded the Eastern Mennonite University graduate how fragile life can be. "At 23, you don't think about writing your own funeral plans," she said.

Her health issues led her to consider spirituality in a different way and, while recovering from her first transplant, she felt the call to the ministry.

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Bluffton University will present its 116th performance of Handel's "Messiah" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in Founders Hall. The event is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken.

Dr. Mark J. Suderman, professor of music and director of choral activities at the university, will conduct the oratorio for the 11th time at Bluffton, where he has taught since 2000.

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Ebenezer Mennonite Church children's choir, Disciple Singers, will present the Christmas musical "Angels we have Heard" Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.

Join Sam, Halo, Slim, Skyler, Holly, and a host of angels as they prepare to make the biggest announcement ever-the birth of Jesus. As the heavenly host prepare for the big day, they think it should be announced in Paris or Rome, anywhere but Bethlehem. Nothing ever happens in Bethlehem.

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Bluffton EMS chief, Jan Basinger, provided The Icon with the November EMS report:

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Stephen J. Halle

Stephen J. Halle, 62 of Bluffton and formerly of Lancaster died at 4:12 p.m., Dec. 4, 2011, at Richland Manor, Bluffton. He was born July 26, 1949. in Mesa, Ariz., to Lee Jaygene and Marva Willis Halle. His father preceded him in death and his mother survives in Willard, Mo. On Feb.18, 1972, he married Brenda Saunders in Mesa, Ariz. and she survives in Bluffton.

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There is a tie in the Icon NFL Contest for Week 5. Ben Reineke, Dan Smith and Nancy Armour all accumulated 10 points this week and all picked the same 4 tie-breakers.

Other contestants:
9 points - Andy Althaus, John Clevidence and Mike Burris.
8 points - Bill Edwards and Philip Keeler.
7 points - Becky Warren, Duane Bollenbacher, James Crawfis, Jim Dillman and Mark Sommers.

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How do you choose three winners with so many impressive Bluffton holiday lawn decorations glowing in the night? That task was settled over the weekend by representatives of the Blaze of Lights committee.

This year the committee selected first, second and third place winners based upon several judging categories including points for "Wow! What a great display!"

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The Bluffton elementary fourth and fifth grade school honor roll was recently released. Students on the honor roll follow:

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Saturday Morning Junior League
Scores bowled on: Nov.26
Boys High Game
Dustin Falk 174
Kaden Reneker 169
Brandon Hemry 168
Kyle Kirkendall 166

Girls High Game
Kayleigh Coughlin 97
Ashleigh King 87
Amy Marquart 82
Kennedy Coughlin 71

Boys High Series (2 Games)
Dustin Falk 343
Kaden Reneker 328
Tyler Snyder 313
Kyle Kirkendall 300

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CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Participants in the Sielschott, Walsh, Keifer, & Regula CPA ribbon cutting on Dec. 1 included members of the Sielschott staff and members of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.

From left, Aphaphanh Nussbaum, Natalie Scott, Liz Schmerge, Melissa Bowman, Barb Cosart, Beda Sielschott, Austin Sherer, Tracey Regula, Fred Rodabaugh, Bob Sielschott and Jared Walsh with scissors, Jamie Mehaffie, Branden Fortman, Katie Keifer, Matt Luke, Sally Siferd, Brendon Matthews and Phil Zimmerly.

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