Letters

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By Joyce Schumacher

What do a style show, a garden walk, a comforter knotting party and a repurposing event have in common? They were all part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Et Cetera, Inc., including the three stores, Et Cetera Shop, Ten Thousand Villages, and Book ReViews. 

The event planners thank everyone who attended events of the year-long celebration. Thank you to First Mennonite Church, the Bluffton Middle School, Bluffton gardeners, the Arthur Lugibihl Community Center in Pandora and Bluffton Family YMCA for hosting events.

With your support, the celebration was a success! Thank you!

For celebration highlights, check out our Yearlong 50th anniversary celebration of Et Cetera Inc. Facebook page and website.

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PHOTOS by Bluffton Icon / Click on gallery to view at your own pace

Redo, Renew, Repurpose event shares products and techniques

By Wendy Chappell-Dick
Manager of Bluffton Ten Thousand Villages

“What a nice dress you have on today.”

“Thank you! I got it at the Et Cetera Shop.”

This declaration is heard often in Bluffton, where purchases at our beloved thrift store are a thing of which to be proud, not embarrassed. This kind of cultural shift is essential as we make changes to protect our environment. Most changes aren’t easy. The triumph of the Et Cetera Shop is that shoppers come, not out of duty, but out of need, curiosity, and just plain fun. Bluffton, a little village in Northwest Ohio, has many people intent on reducing waste, recycling and, more importantly, by re-using what would have been trash. This wide-spread mindset is the result of a fifty-year community effort involving three stores and over one hundred volunteers. 

The Et Cetera Shop has been re-selling gently used books, household items, electronics, bedding and clothing ever since it was founded in a small storefront on Main Street. It has expanded to become three separate stores: a thrift shop, a used bookstore called Book Reviews, and a Fair Trade gift boutique called Ten Thousand Villages, which sells many recycled items from around the world. This expansion has been possible only with the enthusiastic support of churches and willing helpers along the way.

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By Wendy Chappell-Dick, Manager, Bluffton Ten Thousand Villages

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By Myron D. Lewis, FACHE
President & Chief Executive Officer, Blanchard Valley Health System

Medicare open enrollment season is upon us, and I encourage eligible community members (generally age 65 or over) to examine their Medicare health coverage plans between now and the December 7 deadline. The choice comes down to traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, and the difference may surprise you. Medicare Advantage might sound appealing due to its name, the positive portrayal on high-dollar commercials, and the promise to cover all aspects of care, including dental, vision, and prescriptions. “Advantage” does not mean the plan will be better for you or your health care provider, as these plans come with significant risk. ▶︎

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The departments and members of the Bluffton Safety Services, the village administration and the council of the Village of Bluffton would like to extend our appreciation to each resident in the Village of Bluffton and to our neighbors in Hancock County who participated in the 2024 election.

You were faced with a decision on the ballot to approve or disapprove of an issue that will provide funding for the operating and capital expenses for the Bluffton EMS, Bluffton Fire and Bluffton Police Departments for the next twenty years. ▶︎

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Allen Soil and Water Conservation District recommends soil testing

Winter is right around the corner and many homeowners are taking advantage  of the unseasonably warm temperatures to complete autumn yard maintenance before the ground freezes. This includes the last-minute application of fertilizer onto lawns.

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