All Bluffton Icon News

By U.S. News and World Report

Birchaven Village, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), has been named to the list of Best Nursing Homes 2018-19 by U.S. News & World Report. This is the fourth time Birchaven has been named to this prestigious list.

“We are committed to providing high quality and compassionate care for all of our residents,” said Bridgett Mundy, administrator of Birchaven Village and Independence House. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire care team.”

For performance leadership in quality and patient perspectives

Bluffton Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in quality and patient perspectives for the fourth time, reflecting top quartile performance among all rural hospitals in the nation.

By the time Wanda Stopher, First Mennonite pastor, turns 60 in 2019, she’ll have made 60 pieced comforters, all of which will be donated to Mennonite Central Committee. Helping her in a recent comforter knotting project  are (from left) Lori Nester, Judy Diller and Wanda Stopher. Click here for the rest of the story.

Blaze of Lights include lots of events from a parade, to entertainment to turning on the lights

For 32 years, the residents of Bluffton have held a celebration known as the Blaze of Lights, which includes a holiday parade, live entertainment, festive family activities, and the lighting of the Ream folk art display.

This year, the event is on Saturday, Nov. 24, when thousands of people will come to enjoy a warm, homestyle Christmas celebration.

"You know when the OSU football game is over," notes chamber CEO Paula Scott; "Suddenly, Main Street is swarmed with people exploring and finding their spots for the parade. It's a great place to meet family and friends.”

Come together on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27, for Bluffton Day of Giving and create momentum for the education that empowers Bluffton University graduates to make a difference in the world.

For the fifth year, Bluffton University will participate in Giving Tuesday—a global initiative which encourages charitable giving amid holiday consumerism.

With nationally accredited programs in dietetics, education, music and social work, and champion volleyball and women’s basketball teams, Bluffton continues to be a place that inspires young people to find their purpose in the world.

Do your kids need a warm place to get some energy out? 

Join a free open gym for all pre-school aged children at Trinity Lutheran School, 105 Allen St., Jenera, on Monday, Nov. 26, from 10to 11 a.m. 

There will be balls to play with, ride-on toys, mats to crawl/roll around on, a mini-trampoline, infant toys and lots of space to run around and play. 

No registration is needed.  For more information please email [email protected]

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