December 2014

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How did our Bluffton-Pandora Swiss ancestors celebrate Christmas?

The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society Christmas open house, “Christmas at the Homestead” will be Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1-6 p.m. at the Schumacher Homestead.

CLICK HERE FOR HISTORICAL DETAILS OF THE HOMESTEAD.

The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 house while snacking on homemade treats and listening to songs of the season.

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Icon viewers:

The Village Cultural Affairs Committee would like to thank the following volunteers who assisted in placing the Ream Holiday Folk Art cutouts on the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn.

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Stanley E. Hunt, 51, died Dec. 11, 2014, at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 7, 1963, in Defiance to Howard L. and Mary Ann (Wiseman) Hunt who survive in Lima.

He graduated from Elida High School in 1981. He was owner/operator of Top Quality Cable. Stan had coached girls basketball and softball teams for BFR and Bluffton Diamond Sports. 

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The United Way of Bluffton, Beaverdam, and Richland Township current 2014-15 campaign has raised $6,607, out of the campaign goal of $25,000. 

The percentage amount raised is 26.43 percent. 

"If you have not contributed please send your donation to Citizens National Bank Bluffton, Ohio," said Neil Reichenbach, treasurer of the United Way.

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Now here's a Bluffton Christmas tree with a special purpose.

The tree adorns the lobby of Bluffton Child Development Center. It's a "wish" tree. On it are wishes that persons stopping in the Center may choose to supply to the Center. 

If you'd like to see the entire tree, simply click on the photo below.

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NOTE: This story is reposted from the Ada Icon.

Dec. 6 was a a day of mixed emotions for students in the Ohio Northern University College of Engineering, but a good day for 4 Paws For Ability.

This fall ONU students in the College of Engineering became involved in training Viking, a now nine-month-old golden retriever.

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Fredrick J. Porzelius, 81, of Chenoa, Ill., died at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, at his residence.                                                    

He was born on May 24, 1933, in Secor, Ill., a son of Walter and Catherine Boeringa Porzelius. He married Marilyn Frobish on July 24, 1954, at the Salem Mennonite Church in rural Gridley. She survives.

Bluffton residents, who are survivors are his daughter, Janet (Tim) Schumacher and their children, Hannah, Isaac, Lily, Joseph  and Levi.

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USA College Football All-America Teams

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.

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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.

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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.

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