March 2023

The Bluffton Icon and Ada Icon do not publish anonymous letters to the editor.

In rare cases, the editor will consider using a pseudonym but still requires the name, place of residence and contact information for the writer.

This policy is important whether the letter is a statement of opinion or an account of something that has happened.

Letters to the Icon may be submitted at [email protected] or to Bluffton Icon Media LLC, PO Box 31, Bluffton OH, 45817.

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio offers the following volunteer opportunities. Those interested may contact Chris Moser at [email protected], 419-358-1015 extension 263.

At Mennonite Memorial Home

Medical Transport drivers (Licensed driver to take residents to Bluffton, Pandora, Lima and Findlay doctor appointments):

  • Volunteer drivers help take residents to appointments during the week using the MHCO handicap accessible van or 15 -passenger bus. (Help on the days you are available.)

By Thomas Kindl, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management

You’ve heard of a “pain in the neck,” but did you know that back pain is more common, affecting eight out of every 10 adults during their lifetime?  With a statistic like that, learning to prevent back injuries is important to your health and well-being.

There are six key steps to avoiding back injuries at work or at play.

Frequent position changes 
Prolonged positioning places increased stress on your back. So, get up and move, frequently change positions and take breaks from repetitive activities.

Pushing/Pulling  
Stand up straight and push whenever possible. Pushing is easier on your back.

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Jazzercise Bluffton at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, March 24. The event will take place at the Jazzercise Bluffton studio, located at 122 Thurman Street, lower level. The event will mark the official opening of the business's first dedicated Jazzercise location in Bluffton.

Joan Parker Montgomery, 75, passed away March 17, 2023, at Bridge Hospice Care Center of Findlay.

Joan was born September 16, 1947 in St. Mary's, to Bernie L. and N. Jane (Rader) Parker who preceded her in death. She was married to Jerry Wieman; and on September 6, 1975 she married Gene Montgomery who survives.

David Carl Reddick, age 69, of rural Jenera, died peacefully at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at his residence with his wife at his side. He was born on May 10, 1953, in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Carl and Arlene (Schaller) Reddick. On July 20, 1974, he married Mary Lou Fisher and she survives.

Also surviving are his 3 daughters: Amanda (Joshua) von Stein of Jenera, Allison Reddick of Delaware, Ohio and Anna Reddick of Delaware, Ohio; 3 granddaughters: Annika, Elowyn and Inara von Stein; brother, Dan (Tammy Chiow) Reddick of rural Findlay and sister, Julie Reddick of Ft. Myers, Florida.

CORRECTION: Jack Eiden was misidentified as Ben in the original version of this article.

The Bluffton 5th and 6th grade quiz bowl teams participated in the 34th annual Academic Challenge at Shawnee Middle School on February 6, competing with teams from Allen East, Bath, Elida, Liberty, St. Charles, St. John’s, Shawnee, South, Spencerville and Wapakoneta.

The 6th grade team, coached by Robin Ault, won first place over Shawnee by only 10 points. Both teams had the same 8-2 record.

6th grade players are:

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

COLUMBUS–As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take place this week throughout the state, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and local law enforcement will work together to remove impaired drivers from the roadways. The effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.  

Bluffton University has named the students who will serve as President’s Ambassadors during the 2023-24 academic year. Selected students assist in recruiting prospective students, welcoming and greeting campus guests, and engaging alumni and donors. 

President’s Ambassadors receive extensive training in networking, professional development, etiquette, conversational skills and interviewing. They also are partnered with a faculty/staff mentor and connect with President Jane Wood on a regular basis. 

Cory-Rawson Vocal Music will present "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium, 3930 County Road 26.

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