ICON OPINION PIECE
I was born in Bluffton Hospital. So was my brother, sister, wife and her brothers. Our two daughters were also born there. Many persons reading this can say the same thing about their siblings and family members.
We can't, however, be certain our next Bluffton generation can proclaim this, considering the era of which we live. It's one where small town, rural American hospitals risk closing.
That's why two major January announcements from Bluffton Hospital are cause for great cheer in our small town. We urge you to read these.
Steven Darrel Bronson, 63, of Celina and formerly of Bluffton died Jan. 25, 2016, at 5:59 p.m. at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus. Steven was born Aug. 6, 1952, in Bluffton to the late Fred and Doris (Lamb) Bronson, Jr.
Steven retired from Eaton Corp. in Van Wert as a machinist and had also worked at Crown Equipment.
The Icon went a bit crazy on this photo on the home page. This is the real Daniel Siders playing the string bass, the largest and lowest string instument in the orchestra. He's rehearsing with the Bluffton Junior High orchestra. The Icon features members of the orchestra in our daily feature photo this week.
Coaches and team members cheered on Bluffton High School junior Austin Mault at the Van Buren Wrestling Invitational Saturday. Austin scored a takedown, 2 points, in the last few seconds of his match, earning him a spot in the tournament round.
Here's some great advice from the Gardners of Bluffton and Pandora:
If you have not yet made your order for seed from the catalogues that you have received in the past few weeks or months you should expedite this as soon as you can.
The later you make your order the later (exponentially speaking) you will receive it.
Those who wait to make there order, say the middle of March may not receive the seeds till late May or early June. If you make your order now you should get them sometime in the next few weeks.
Bluffton Family Recreation offers its "Fit 4 Life" membership in February, according to Joseph Beagle, director.
The membership provides a six-week BFR membership, unlimited access to all BFR facilities including the indoor walking track, fitness center, arena and gymnasium. It also connects persons with a health coach to guide you through the six week period.
It also offers an "any class" fitness card for yoga, water aerobics, cardio and strength, total body conditioning and SilverSneakers.
Bluffton University students will report on their Fall 2015 semester experience studies in Guatemala, Washington D.C., England and Ireland during two Forums on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
The first session will be held at 11 a.m. in Founders Hall. This presentation will feature students who studied in Guatemala. The second presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall. Students who studied in Washington D.C., England and Ireland will share their experiences during this time.
Bluffton Family Recreation will hold elementary-age boys’ and girls’ basketball tournaments this winter, according to Joseph Beagle, BFR director.
A fourth grade boys’ tournament is Saturday, Feb. 20. It is a double-elimination tournament with a limit of six teams. Games will be at BFR.
A fourth grade girls’ tournament is Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28. It will involve 10 teams and three games are guaranteed to each team. Games will be at BFR.
