The sixth and final week of free wellness programs is underway at BFR Sports and Fitness. Free fitness classes and walking days are offered during the week plus demonstrations about exercise and healthy eating. Free use of the BFR indoor track is available on Sat. Feb. 20, Tues. Feb. 23, Thurs. Feb. 25, and Fr. Feb. 26. The track is open during all regular building hours (Monday through Friday, 5:30AM-9PM, Saturday 8AM-9PM, and Sunday 1-5PM). Track Passes are still available for purchase for unlimited use of the indoor track.

Dorothy Mae Schutz, 82, of Pandora, Ohio, died Feb. 16, 2010, at 12:40 a.m. at her residence.

She was born Dec. 20, 1927, in Benton Ridge to Dwight and Rozella Frech Knepper. On March 27, 1948, she married Paul S. Schutz and he survives.

She worked at Suter's Produce, Pandora. She retired from The Findlay Courier, had worked at First National Bank, Pandora, and helped her husband on the farm. She was a member of Pandora United Methodist Church. As a golfer, she had two holes in one. She was a graduate of Liberty Benton High School.

By Joanne Niswander

For additional columns by Joanne Niswander click here.

Waking to another snowy morning (I'm writing this Tuesday, Feb. 16), I am reminded of last week's snow - and the signs of spring that came with it. Signs of spring, you say? In the middle of a mini-blizzard?

Not counting snowfall on Feb. 16, the Bluffton area has seen slightly over 7 inches of snow fall since Feb. 9. According to Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer, 5 inches fell on Feb. 9, 1.5 inches fell Feb. 10 and .7 inch fell Feb. 15.

Meanwhile, high temperatures could not break freezing and the lowest low hit minus 1 on Feb. 15.

In addition, traces of snow were reported on Feb. 11, 12 and 13. High and low temperature readings from Feb. 9 to 15 follow:

Date High Low

Workplay Publishing is the newest advertiser in The Bluffton Icon. The Bluffton-based book publishing company is owned by Andre Swartley, 137 N. Mound St.

The book publishing company became a reality last summer. Workplay seeks non-fiction and fiction works from authors.

"I hope to help people like myself who have finished manuscripts (publish their works as a book)," he said. "I love to discover new writers with new talents who have the patience to get to a professional level."

Who says it's not garage sale season?

The S.H.A.N.N.O.N. Service Club will hold its seventh annual community garage and craft sale from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26, and from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Centre, 601 N. Main St.

"This annual huge garage sale event with 35 to 40 vendors has become a festive occasion for the residents of Bluffton and surrounding communities," said Duane Bollenbacher of the club. "You will find items and gadgets of every sort from A to Z, in addition to a variety of yummy food items."

Editor:
In March 2010, households across the country will receive the 2010 Census Form by mail or hand delivery. The initial form package will consist of the initial 2010 Census form, a cover letter, and a postage-paid return envelope.

Responding immediately is the most efficient way to complete the census.

Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms. Home visits cost between $60 and $70 each.

The Mennonite Memorial Home Fund has available a scholarship to persons interested in entering the field of nursing or advancing their degree in nursing.

This scholarship was set up in memory of Barbara Fleming, a nurse, by her family. The Barbara Fleming Scholarship is a minimum of $500 to be paid to the vocational school or college where the student is enrolled.