The stage is set for the 2015 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Blaze of Lights. This year’s event, the 29th annual Blaze, begins Saturday, Nov. 28, in downtown Bluffton.
Here's everything you need to know about Bluffton's Blaze of Lights taking place on Saturday, Nov. 28.
The Blaze of Lights is more than just a one-day event. In addition to the events taking place on Nov. 28, it includes these elements that continue nightly through Jan. 1:
• the Ream folk art holiday display
• the Gift of Giving light show extravaganza
• Bluffton Main Street business district Christmas window displays
• a tour of Bluffton’s residential yard lighting
Tammy S. Persich, 53, died Nov. 23, 2015, at her Pandora residence. Tammy was born Jan. 26, 1962 in Steubenville, Ohio, to Lawrence and Barbara (Lathem) Everson who preceded her in death.
Christine H. Purves, 96 of Bluffton died Nov. 25, 2015. at Willow Ridge, Bluffton.
She was born Sept. 14, 1919, in Berne, Ind., to Carl and Martha (Baumgartner) Habegger. On Aug. 28, 1943, she married John H. Purves (Jack), who preceded her in death. They were married 58 years. Mrs. Purves graduated from Berne High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, an honorary music society.
Bluffton Family Recreation has launched its 2016 annual campaign, according to Joseph Beagle, director.
The campaign’s goal of $60,000 will assist BFR in upgrading its existing programs, fitness center and sports services.
“BFR continues to reinvent itself by adding new and upgrading our existing programs, in addition to providing the community with a fitness center and sports services,” he said.
He noted several programs in 2016 that benefit the community.
Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), celebrating its 60th annivesary year, will be recognized during the Saturday, Nov. 28, Blaze of Lights.
Terry Mullenhour, chairperson of the Village Cultural Affairs Committee, who choses the switch hitter and parade marshals said that the committee chose MHCO because of their anniversary year and their long committment of service to the community.
Paul Dyck, retired administrator, is this year's "switch hitter." In addition, several residents and associates serve as parade marshals.
Bluffton University’s Camerata Singers and University Chorale will headline “A Festival of Lessons and Carols,” the university’s Christmas choral concert, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens. They are available online, at http://tickets.bluffton.edu, or in person at the Marbeck Center information desk.
Bluffton University will present its 120th performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in Founders Hall. The event is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken.
Dr. Mark J. Suderman, professor of music and director of choral activities at the university, will conduct the oratorio for the 14th time at Bluffton, where he has taught since 2000. The 20-member orchestra includes professional players from the area and some Bluffton faculty and staff. Students join faculty, staff and community members in the 65-voice Bluffton Choral Society.
Soloists and ensembles from the Bluffton University Music Department will present a “Christmas Festival” in a Dec. 8 campus forum, free and open to the public at 11 a.m. in Yoder Recital Hall.
