By Jake Dowling
Bluffton Icon summer intern
With the summer fast approaching, the Bluffton Family Recreation hosts a t-ball league starting in July for youth ages 5-7 to join and have fun with other youths their own age.
"We have a class right now, just the kids learning how to play t-ball before this summer, which is a league this summer where they play games and have scrimmages," said Maranda Miller of BFR.
Bluffton's annual family-oriented spring arts and crafts show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 12, in downtown Bluffton. The 41st annual show, sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, offers several family-oriented activities.
Over 60 craft and business booth displays will line Main Street Bluffton from the post office to the town hall. Craft displays range from jewelry, yard art, paintings, sand art for kids, antiques, plants and rugs.
Ever wonder about how the interstate was constructed around Bluffton? Actually this photo might be pre-interstate. First there was the Dixie Highway from Lima through Beaverdam, through Bluffton (Main Street) and onto Findlay. It was two-lanes all the way.
In the early 1950s a bypass of Bluffton was created. That bypass eventually became part of the future Interstate 75, which came later in the 1950s.
Here's a photo near Bluffton of either the bypass or Interstate as the cement goes on the future highway.
Lois Jean Hoover Triplett of Bluffton, Ohio, died on Friday, May 4, 2012. She was born in Rittman, Ohio, on Oct. 18, 1926, the daughter of Lloyd and Zelda Hoover. She was a 1947 graduate of Bluffton College. On July 18, 1948, she married M. Morris Triplett, who predeceased her in 1996.
In addition to raising her family, Mrs. Triplett engaged in many projects supporting the Bluffton community, and worked for social justice through many venues, particularly through the United Presbyterian Church at local, state and national levels.
When you see Katie Hohenbrink ask her for a piece of her banana pecan pie. It took the cake, so to speak, the April 30 Richland Manor pie baking contest, according to Barry Schneck.
"Nearly 20 pies were entered, said Schneck. "We are very thankful for all those that entered and made the pies as it was great fun and fellowship with the community staff and residents."
Judges were Mary Hackworth from Ada, Michael Richards, superintendent of Allen East schools and Tracey Jordan, Richland Manor staff member.
The Bluffton Sportmen's Club's annual trout derby is Sunday at the Buckeye Park. This year the club will honored Tom Augsburger as the number one tagged trout.
"Ole Augie" honors Augsburger, who has served as the club president for over 22 years. Tom is part of the first "father-son" team to share the number one trout honor. Tom's father, Ralph, was recognized by the club when it named the number one trout in his honor in 1983.
Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio's Home Health, Bluffton, has the perfect gift for anyone over 55 needing assistance for around the home tasks. It's especially timely as a gift for a mother or a special woman in your life during the season of Mother's Day.
Mennonite Home Health and Senior Services is offering gift certificates for assistance with housekeeping, running errands, personal care, companionship, pet care or with shopping.
"Our home care assistants can provide a wide range of help to assist you or your loved ones," said Daren Lee of MHCO.
Saturday, May 5, means Bluffton's Farmers' Market returns to Main Street for 2012.
Peter Previte, Bluffton farmers' market coordinator, told The Icon that hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon. The market continues each Saturday - rain or shine - through the final Saturday of October, which is Oct. 27.
Located in Citizens National Bank parking lot between the bank and the Bluffton Post Office, the family-friendly market showcases farm fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, local entertainment, local community causes and information about the Bluffton community.
"The earth has been leveled around the homes and the detention pond has been created. Siding is nearly complete on both homes and stone work has begun. The drywall is nearly finished in House A while the ceilings and walls of House B are being painted. Appliances have been ordered."
That's the latest update on the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio Green House construction project on Augsburger Road, across from Maple Crest Senior Living Village.
First National Bank's newest banking center opened quietly on Feb. 27 on Trenton Avenue in Findlay. Now it is ready to make a splash, talk about Kasasa, and celebrate with the neighborhood.
On Tuesday, May 8, from 6-8 p.m., First National will offer $5 off orders for the first 50 guests at Jac & Do's Pizza on Trenton Avenue.
On Wednesday, May 9, from 6-8 p.m., the Bank will offer $5 off orders for the first 50 guests at Culver's in Findlay.
