Bertie Shrider Swank will celebrate her 99th birthday on April 10. She was born in Allen County near Lafayette, in 1915, and has lived her entire life in the Bluffton area.
She married Fred Swank and they had three children: Nancy (and Ed) Yeager, Linda (and Tom) Benroth, and Bill (and Joan) Swank. The family, including nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, will honor her birthday on April 13.
Anyone interested in sending birthday wishes to Bertie may do so at 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton, Ohio 45817.
David J. Berger, the mayor of Lima, will discuss “Valuing Education” in his commencement address at Bluffton University on Sunday, May 4. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in Salzman Stadium or, in the event of inclement weather, in the Sommer Center for Health and Fitness Education.
Mustard Seed Café, 562 N. Main Street, Bluffton, is open 5-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings with a full menu. This includes 7 appetizers, 8 main course items, soups, salads and house-baked desserts.
In addition to the regular menu, the April 4-5 features include:
Entree: Mahi Mahi Tacos with mango chipotle chutney and coconut rice
Dessert: Margarita crème crepe cake
The Pandora United Methodist Church Choir will be presenting their Easter Cantata, “Wondrous Love,” written by Lloyd Larson, during the 9:30 a.m. worship serviceat on Sunday, April 13, at 108 E. Washington St., Pandora.
The worship service and refreshments in the fellowship hall afterwards are open to the public. The choir is directed by Pat Basinger and accompanied by Chris Meyer. The Rev. Duane Kemerley is the pastor. Go to www.pandoraumc.com for further information.
Speaking to a Bluffton University audience on April 1, self-described “Affrilachian” writer Crystal Wilkinson shared her experiences of growing up black in rural Kentucky and learning to embrace her heritage.
Wilkinson came to Bluffton as guest author for the university’s 30th annual English Festival, an event that gives high school students the opportunity to read and write with working authors. Among Wilkinson’s work is “Blackberries, Blackberries,” which won the 2002 Chaffin Award for Appalachian Literature.
It's one of those days. But, at least it's not snowing. And, we all know what April showers bring. We also understand the sun will come out this weekend.
