Bluffton University junior Ryan Aelker (New Bavaria/Holgate) has been named Second Team All-American by USA College Football following his record-breaking season on the gridiron. Aelker, selected Second Team All North Region by D3Football.com, was also the Defensive Player of the Year in the Heartland Conference.
Ryan Aelker was unblockable from his defensive end position, leading NCAA Division III with a Bluffton record 13 sacks this season.
The Ohio Northern University Department of Music closes out the year with an ONU Jazz Band concert on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. and a performance by the ONU Wind and Symphony Orchestras on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Both shows will be held at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts.
The ONU Jazz Band concert, titled “Basie and Beyond,” will swing out to Basie classics and feature many student soloists, the ONU Jazz Combo and guest trumpet soloist David Sycks, current band director at Bluffton High School.
Pandora author Steve Davis will have a book reading and signing from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Bluffton Public Library.
Davis co-authored “Myles Traveled: Stories of My American Journey.” He co-authored the book with Bill Myles. At 6:30 p.m. Davis will read from the book, provide a presentation and answer questions from the audience.
The program takes place in the library main floor. It is open to the public and the library asks that persons attending RSVP.
The Pandora United Methodist Church Choir will present its Christmas Cantata, “Candles and Carols" written by Mark Hayes on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. during the worship service. The church service and refreshments in the fellowship hall afterwards are open to the public. The choir is directed by Pat Basinger and accompanied by Kira Davis. The church is located on state route 12 at 108 E. Washington Street in Pandora. The Rev. Duane Kemerley is the pastor.
The Sunday school classes of First Mennonite Church will hold a Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The church is located at 101 S. Jackson St., Bluffton.
Classes of various age groups will contribute to the program with vocal and instrumental performances, stories, as well as congregational singing of seasonal carols.
Refreshments will be available in Fellowship Hall following the program.
