In recent years, Bluffton University students-both undergraduates and graduate students in business-have traveled to China seven times for short-term study.
Now, through July 18, Bluffton is the host, welcoming 16 faculty members and administrators from China West Normal University for a training institute exposing the visitors to higher education in the United States.
By Jake Dowling, Icon intern
Ready, get set, swim! That command starts Friday at the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool.
This year, Bluffton hosts the Western Ohio Aquatic League meet championships. The event, will bring hundreds of fans and swimmers to Bluffton for the next two days.
"Warms-up is at 7 a.m. followed by festivities at 9 a.m. and swimming beginning around 10 a.m." said Liz Diller, one of the two Bluffton swim team coaches. "Normally we have a couple thousand fans here, so it adds up pretty quickly."
A book signing party at Common Grounds will launch a children's book titled "Look For Something Good," written by Bluffton resident Steve Yoder. The event is from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12.
Yoder says the book is a story with a lesson, adding, "It's a parable, which deals with a tough set of circumstances involving a young boy."
Yoder, who is lead pastor of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, says that the book is written for youth, particularly at the fourth grade level.
The Buy Ada First Committee has organized a Music On Main event for Friday, July 13, from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Ada Depot parking lot on Main Street, weather permitting.
WONB 94.9 FM is providing music, several businesses are having sidewalk sales, some restaurants will be offering specials, the Ada Rotary Club is having a chicken barbecue fundraiser and more.
Planners of the event invite Icon viewers to bring lawn chairs, enjoy dinner, visit the businesses, listen and dance to music and spend time in Ada with friends and family.
Here are the recent births at Bluffton Hospital. Click here for photos. May 25 - Morgan Ann Inbody, daughter of Charles and Sierra Inbody, Bluffton, 20 1/2 inches, 8 ounces. May 30 - Derek James Dennis, son of Amy and Thomas Dennis, Ada, 6 pounds, 12 ounces, 20 1/2 inches. June 3 - Dalton Christopher Siefker, son of Christopher Allen and Colleen Marie Siefker, Pandora, 21 inches, 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
Heard any good Bluffton ghost stories lately? The Bluffton Public Library will host a Bluffton Ghost Walk, Thursday, July 12, at 8 p.m. at the library.
The event is for persons 12 and up (under 18 need a signed permission form).
Participants must pre-register at the library's front desk or the children's desk and arrive in the lbirary basement before the library closes at 8 p.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
