Having an adopted brother with tubular meningitis has made a huge mark on the Rev. Paula Snyder Belousek's life.
"Early on, I became interested in what role people with disabilities play in the church setting," she said last week at Bluffton University.
While majoring in special education and psychology at Eastern Mennonite University, she sought out how to pair her love for people with disabilities and her love for the church.
I judged a pie contest once. Going into it was the happiest day of my life. After the 10th or so pie, I changed my mind.
I judged a chili soup contest Saturday at the library. Going into it was the happiest day of my life. Then, I caught on fire. Wow! But it was worth it. I love chili soup as much as I love pies.
Three other guys - judges - burned with me: Phil Zimmerly, Dr. Matthew Jordan and Luke Young. They like chili just as I do. We could have sat there all day.
The March calendar from Maple Crest is now available to Icon viewers. Open the attachment at the bottom of this story to view the activities planned in March.
Primetimers will hear Jane Russells, a missionary in the Ukraine, talk about her work. Primetimers meet at noon, Tuesday, March 6, at St. John Mennonite Church,
Several special music presentations are part of March worship services at Bluffton Presbyterian Church. Those follow:
On March 4, Julia and Jeremy Szabo will offer folk music arranged by Richard Cumming for mezzo-soprano and oboe. The pieces include "Lonesome Valley" (American Spiritual) and "As Dew in April" (14th century English). Jean Ann Szabo will accompany.
The choir will sing Ronn Huff's arrangement of "Sweet Hour of Prayer" on March 11. This is in conjunction with the last in a series of sermons by Rev. Zuehlke on How To Pray.
The First Presbyterian Church, Findlay, 32nd Concert Series will feature a performance by Findlay native and organist, Joshua Brodbeck on Sunday, March 4. The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the church's sanctuary, 2330 S. Main St. in Findlay. The concert is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be received.
Brodbeck began his concert career in Slovenia, Europe, at the age of 12. Since then, he has given many concerts throughout the United States. He has studied at Capital University and The Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University.
A gluten-free support group has formed and plans to meet at 6 p.m., Monday, March 19, at St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora. The guest speaker is Kristina Jumper from Apple A Day, Great Scott, Findlay.
The group offers assistance in learning about gluten-free products. Persons needing more information may contact Grace Burkholder, 239-910-8184.
Bluffton council has a new look in 2012 with two new members. Council and the mayor posed for this photo following the most recent council meeting.
From bottom to top are Eric Fulcomer, mayor, with council members, Dave Steiner, Mitch Kingsley, Dennis Gallant (council president), Richard McGarrity, Joe Sehlhorst and Everett Collier. CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.
Council's packet for Monday's meeting is an attachment at the bottom of this story. Several council committees meet in the next two weeks. Council's finance committee meets at 7 p.m. prior to Monday's meeting.
By Mary Pannabecker Steiner
As a nurse anesthetist for the past 30 years, Bill Swartley of Bluffton, has spent countless hours as a member of surgical teams in sterile environments, backed up by the latest in medical equipment and supplies.
Clearly, he has a passion for his career, which he describes somewhat tongue-in-cheek as "putting people to sleep for surgery and waking them up."
I urge Bluffton residents to join me in voting YES for the 1/4-percent income tax for water and sewer projects. If this passes it will be effective starting January 1, 2013, just one day after the existing 1/4 percent income tax for remodeling Town Hall will be terminated.
Your Bluffton income tax will not increase beyond what it is now because the proposed tax is the same percentage and based on the same sources of income as the tax that is ending.
