All Bluffton Icon News

The Swiss Community Historical Society hosts their annual Christmas Open House from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8. Entertainment includes the Riley Creek Strummers, 4 Gals and a Guy, Michael and Sharon Wildermuth, Wendy Chappell-Dick, BHS Strings and a Brass Quintet. At 4:00 p.m. there will be a visit from Father Christmas. The homestead is located at 8350 Bixel Road.

Provided by Bluffton High School

Bluffton High School proudly recognizes Liliana Liberato as the November 2024 student of the month. Liliana is a junior with a 4.0 GPA and is the daughter of Gesse and Leslie Liberato of Bluffton. 

Liberato’s array of accomplishments showcase both her diverse talents and commitment to academics. She is heavily involved in the performing arts, participating in show choir, symphonic choir, chamber choir, high school ensemble, marching band, concert band and orchestra. Her passion for music extends beyond the classroom. She earned a one rating at solo and ensemble competition and enjoys writing music in her free time. 

In addition to her musical talents, Liliana is a dedicated student who excels in academics. She received awards in freshman geometry and English as well as the Spanish I honors award, highlighting her versatility across subjects. As a member of the National Honor Society and Student Senate, she demonstrates leadership and commitment to her education, peers and school. She is taking college courses at the University of Findlay and Rhodes State College and plans to attend Rhodes State College, majoring in Occupational Therapy.  CONTINUES ▶︎

Check out special and regular programs including Holiday Dulcimer Music, Crafternoons, Movies in the Stacks, "Let's Skate" Watercolor Workshop, Open Chess and Hummin' & Strummin'

Provided by Bluffton Public Library

SANTA’S FIRE TRUCK
The Bluffton Fire Department is helping Santa get his sleigh ready for his annual trip around the world. While he is in town, Santa and the Bluffton Fire Department are coming to visit the library! Join us on Tue., Dec. 10 at 6:00 p.m. for a FREE night filled with reading, stories, and crafts. Register online, at the library front desk, or by call 419-358-5016 by December 9. Space is limited.

HOLIDAY DULCIMER MUSIC
The Riley Creek Strummers will be performing Holiday Dulcimer Music on Tue., Dec. 10 at 1:00 p.m. on the main floor of the Bluffton Public Library. Light refreshments provided by The Friends of the Bluffton Public Library.

NOON BOOK GROUP (R)
Meets Wed., Jan. 8, the group will discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book, and to receive email information on other exciting opportunities!   CONTINUES ▶︎

Submitted by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

A special Advent service will be held on Wednesday evening, December 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 301 North Main Street, Jenera.

The theme is" Tree of Christmas--The Trees of Promise and Life."  The readings are: Isaiah 111:1-10, 2 Samuel 7:8-19, Matthew 1:1-17, Genesis 3:16-24, John 20:30-31 and Revelation 22:1-5. 

Submitted by Et Cetera Inc.

Click to enlarge photo. L-R) Book Reviews:  Jim Enneking, Joyce Daniels, Danielle Hodges, Tim Byers, Lori Nester. Ten Thousand Villages: Jim Enneking, Lowell Hostetler, Wendy Chappell-Dick, Tim Byers, Lori Nester, Ray Raeburn.

On December 3, ribbon cuttings were held at Bluffton’s Ten Thousand Villages and Book Reviews Et Cetera as part of 50th anniversary celebrations by Et Cetera Inc., which is also the parent company of the Et Cetera thrift store.

Most noticeably, Ten Thousand Villages has a new awning on the 115 S Main St, Bluffton storefront. Also in 2024, the retailer also received a new floor, lighting, paint and signs. In the renovation process, a mural painted by Beth Boehr in 2000 was uncovered. The artwork shows a map marking the country of origin of many products, along with pictures showing the diversity of artisans who benefit from the sales at Ten Thousand Villages. The mural is now restored for shoppers to enjoy.

Book Reviews, 123 S Main St, has a new checkout counter, back room floor and kitchenette, and renovated bathroom and processing area. Volunteers painted the space with a new color scheme and artist Carolyn Hodges created a mural showing the fantasy world of books. 

These makeovers follow on the heels of a major facility project for the Et Cetera Shop, 327 N Main St. In 2018, Et Cetera Shop purchased the old glove factory on Main Street Bluffton. Over the next 12-14 months, the thrift store got a major upgrade, offering its customers a large boutique-style shopping experience. The renovation cost a total of $750,000. 

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From the American Red Cross; First Mennonite Blood Drive December 12 

As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month.

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