February 2011

Katie Basinger is talking to young Haitians via an interpreter at one of the Mission Possible schools. Click on image to enlarge.

Last month Icon viewers learned about volunteers at the Mennonite Memorial Home involved in relief efforts for Haiti.

This month the story continues. Thirty-six area residents, mostly members of St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora, along with several others from around northwestern Ohio are either now in Haiti or headed there soon.

Learn how to save a life by becoming certified in adult CPR at the Bluffton Public Library on Saturday, March 19, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Participants will receive a two year adult CPR certification upon the completion of the class.

Participants must register by Friday, March 11, and a fee of $40 is due at registration. The class, which is limited to 10 participants, is open to people ages 14 years old and above. Don't miss this opportunity to help protect the ones you love.

Elizabeth Nisly smiles behind her spelling bee trophy

What do the words slave, denim, cobalt, idiom, hyphen, algebra, opossum, dichotomy and aggregate have in common?

Here's what: Twelve-year-old seventh grader Elizabeth Nisly spelled each word correctly on her way to become Bluffton's first-ever Allen County spelling bee champ this past weekend.

The title advances her to a regional spelling bee contest on March 19 at OSU-Lima. There the top three middle school spellers from six or seven counties compete.

Here's an amateur radio plate that The Icon spotted in the Community Market parking lot.

By Kirstie Runion, Bluffton University Icon Intern

Peanut cream, hickory nut, chocolate, pecan, coconut cream-the list of entries in this year's Maple Crest Pie Baking Contest can make anyone's mouth water.

"Who doesn't want a warm pie after a winter like this?" said Julie Stratton, director of marketing and public relations at Maple Crest.

Andrea Spalllinger

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Andrea Spallinger, a Bluffton High School senior, was named student of the month for January. Andrea is a member of SADD Club, Ebenezer Mennonite Youth Group, the Beaverdam Bunch 4-H and the Renaissance Committee.

She has also participated in girls' cross country and was named the most improved member of the team. She has received an academic award in Home Economics during the annual BHS academic awards assembly.

By Keisha Holtsberry, sports information assistant

The Bluffton University men's basketball team hosted Anderson University on Monday, February 7. The Beavers fell behind 10-0 less than four minutes into the game and were down 45-19 at the break. A frantic second half comeback came up just short as the Ravens held on for an 86-78 victory in a rare Monday night contest in Founders Hall. Bluffton slipped to 14-7 overall and 7-7 in the HCAC. The Ravens improved to 15-6 overall and 11-3 in conference play.

By Mallory Kemper, sports information intern

The Bluffton University women's basketball team knocked off Heartland Conference rival Anderson University, 56-52, on Monday, February 7. It marked the Beavers' second win over Anderson in the last 20 contests with the Ravens. Bluffton improved to 9-12 overall and 6-8 in the HCAC. Anderson dropped to 4-10 in the conference and 6-15 on the season.

In the first six weeks of 2011 the Bluffton-Pandora area has experienced 25.1 inches of snowfall. According to Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer, 16 inches of snow fell in January. Add to that 9.1 inches recorded in the first seven days of February.

Here's the weather summary for the first seven days of February, from Verhoff:

Date Max temp. Min temp. Rain Snow

Free Keeping Active Programs Continue at BFR this week, according to Carole Enneking, BFR director.

The community is welcome to participate in free activities at BFR Sports and Fitness for this week and the next two weeks.

"On Feb.10, a Walking Challenge is planned for all building hours. Stop by and walk and help us to log in more than 100 miles," she said.

If walking on Thursday is not enough, stop by on Friday, Feb. 11, Sunday Feb. 13, Tuesday, Feb. 15 and Friday, Feb. 18 for free walking, as well.

Pages