By Ailing Chen, MD, Pediatrician, Primary Care at Wellness Park
Tummy time is a critically important part of your newborn's healthy growth and overall development. Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach when they are awake and under your supervision. Incorporating regular tummy time into your daily routine not only supports your baby's physical development but also encourages sensory and motor skills, fosters bonding between you and your child, and promotes optimal brain growth.
How many times have you seen a U.S. flag baking under a hot sun or stretched out in a brisk wind? The flag is considered a living symbol of the United States of America, but the fabric and thread that are the physical means of displaying love of country fade and wear under those conditions.
The 2025 Blaze of Lights festival--the 39th annual event--features many Bluffton traditions and a few new ways to celebrate the holiday season. The Blaze of Lights is coordinated by Jim Enneking and Rene Gabriel of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce with the Bluffton Cultural Affairs Committee and the support of many individuals and organizations. A list of sponsors is below.
Horse-drawn wagon rides return - Free and sponsored by GROB Systems
Free RTA Trolley rides-- the 4th year for this treat
Santa will visit with families in the little red house across from the Ream display; children may drop off letters to Santa through December 23
Hope Railway rides on Main St. - Free thanks to Ebenezer Mennonite Church
The After Blaze returns on Vine Street with a heated tent, food and beverages; live entertainment by Stedic Music is sponsored by CCR Realtors
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
Before the Blaze, local businesses will be rolling out the red carpet for shoppers, and many will stay open late. The Chamber has collected the following special opportunities:
Thousands have seen the Ream Christmas display that originated on the Ream farm in 1938 and is now displayed each year at Christmastime on the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn. This story is about its founder, Harry Ream.
I first met Harry on October 22, 2001, when he had just become a resident at Richland Manor Nursing Home near Beaverdam. I was a volunteer there, meeting with men who were residents for a weekly meeting.
PLEASE TRY AGAIN, IF YOU ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE POLL BEFORE 2:15 P.M. WEDNESDAY.
By a Thanksgiving Chef
Among the reasons to gather for Thanksgiving, the family or "friendsgiving" meal usually gets the most attention. Why the hype? What makes your taste buds the most excited among these traditional holiday dishes?
BELLEFONTAINE__Four Bluffton High School girls basketball players scored in double figures as the visiting Pirates blew out Ben Logan 72-45 in a non-league contest on Tuesday, November 25.
Pirate junior Gracie Warren led the balanced Bluffton attack with 16 points. Sophomores Maelee Miller and Taylin Goldman each netted a dozen points, while Macy Schaadt added 10 markers.
The Pirates improved to 3-0 with the lopsided road victory. BL fell to 0-1 after losing their opener.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of the Residential Lights Competition, with a more inclusive format designed to celebrate the many beautifully decorated homes throughout the Bluffton community.
In previous years, residents were required to register to be included in the competition. However, Chamber leaders noticed that many of Bluffton’s most festive homes were never officially entered. There are so many beautifully decorated homes in Bluffton, and many do not register for the competition.
Would you rather listen to what's happening at the 2025 Bluffton Blaze of Lights?
On November 25, Jim Enneking from the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce stopped by the WKXA studio in Findlay to share details about the 2025 Bluffton Blaze of Lights, which takes place on Saturday, November 29.
Highway Patrol shares tips for safe holiday travel
MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all motorists to prioritize safety as they travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
FROM FACEBOOK__Deb Wentz of the Curling Iron, 129 N. Main St., announced, "I have had the honor and pleasure of the being the owner of the Curling Iron since 2002. It is with great excitement I will be turning my leadership role over to Heidi Wise as of January 1, 2026."
Deb notes that she is not retiring and looks forward to seeing her clients from behind the chair.
