August 2023

By Emilee Shoemaker, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA 
Occupational Therapist, Julie A. Cole Rehab and Sports Medicine Clinic

After a patient has been through the rigorous diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, sometimes they are looking forward to returning to their typical physical activity or workout routine. Their medical support team has usually educated them on the signs and symptoms of lymphedema, but the patients are still not sure how to return to their daily activities and workout routine safely. 

It is important for individuals recovering from breast cancer, with or without lymphedema, to return to their physical fitness level, as well as return to their desired quality of life. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) has guidelines to follow when starting and maintaining an exercise regimen. 

General guidelines to follow include increasing your workouts gradually, progressing them slowly, and monitoring the size of your “at risk” limb during and following your exercises. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema and have been prescribed a compression garment for the affected limb, please wear it while you are exercising. Stay well hydrated and avoid becoming overheated. 

Deborah "Debb" A. Herr, 68, passed away August 10, 2023 at her residence. Debb was born September 24, 1954 in Bluffton to the late Millard and Julia (Burns) Herr. 

Debb was a 1972 graduate of Bluffton High School and attended Bluffton College. She worked for ODOT for over 36 years where she had been a union steward. Debb was a talented cellist for the Lima Symphony Orchestra for many years and also taught private lessons for cello. She was passionate about music and assisted with the Bluffton Schools music programs. Debb was a poll worker for the Allen County Board of Elections and enjoyed watching NFL football, especially the Baltimore Ravens. 

Bluffton will host Tiffin Calvert on Monday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m.

By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School girls tennis team defeated Kenton 4-1 to earn its first win of the season Thursday afternoon, August 10.

The Pirate netters improved to 1-2 on the season with the convincing win.

Chief Jan Basinger reports that the Bluffton EMS had 45 calls for service in July with the following details:

  • 29 Medical
  • 5 Transports
  • 1 MVA
  • 9 Fire
  • 1 Mutual Aid
  • 30 patients transported

2023 Totals

  • 446 calls
  • 321 patients transported

From the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools: Due to a new state law passed this summer, "reduced price" meals for qualifying students will be free this year.

To apply for Free and Reduced Meals, please go to www.blufftonschools.org/ and click on payschools central. Once you log into your account, the application should pop up on your screen. Please call the office with any questions 419-358-4871.

The Bluffton Public Library will host a session on Kindergarten Readiness on Wednesday, August  16 at 11:00 a.m. Registration is required.

This program will focus on the alphabet letters and sounds, sight words, numbers and their amount, and handwriting. Children will rotate through stations of each section and get a chance to become familiar with the routine of classes. 

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Take My Breath Away was the love ballad written for the 1986 movie Top Gun.  The song was performed by the Berlin.  The song won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for the best original song.  

Some Top Gun fans wondered why the song did not make the soundtrack for the 2022 Top Gun: Maverick release.  The music producer gave a logical explanation as to why it was not repeated.  In the movie, Maverick has a new love interest so the song would not fit.  

RSV or respiratory syncytial virus can take your breath away.  

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association and its six District Athletic Boards have awarded $169,000 in college scholarships to 169 recent high school graduates following selections made by each of the OHSAA’s six District Athletic Boards. 

Athletes from the Bluffton and Ada Icon readership areas receiving OHSAA scholarships are:

Arda Dastan, Findlay 

Jared Griggs, Arlington 

Jacob Hershberger, Harrod Allen East 

Hailey Hochstettler, Findlay Liberty-Benton 

Samantha Scoles, Bluffton

Gabriella Wetherill, Kenton

Each of the 169 scholarships is a $1,000 award. The OHSAA’s college scholarship program, now in its 29th year, returned in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to pandemic-related financial constraints. 

Don’t touch that dial! Don’t leave town this weekend without first considering your Bluffton options including a street fair celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. John’s UCC and the introduction of Bluffton History Day.

If you’ve ever needed a wanted poster with your photo on it, Saturday is your chance to fulfill this unusual dream.

One feature of Bluffton History Day on Saturday, Aug. 12, is the availability of a print-on-site Dillinger wanted poster with your photo printed on it.

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