The word we had trouble spelling and pronouncing - "sesquicentennial" - is now history.

Before it fades from the Icon's home page, we'd like to reflect on it. Here's a thought: let's take the best from our sesquicentennial and keep the momentum going.

For example:

1 - The concept of an outdoor band concert on the Presbyterian Church lawn. Could we schedule a different band one night a week during the summer? Bring our lawn chairs; maybe have a snow cone machine. Imagine the possibilities.

2 - The Will Triplett exhibit makes us wonder what other Bluffton themes could be created for similar exhibits. With a little imagination, we believe the list could be endless.

3 - Lectures, or presentations, like those held on the afternoons of last week, might be developed as a yearlong project. Perhaps once a month, hopefully in the evening, we believe there are lots of other Bluffton subjects for future programs. Think: Bluffton athletics, famous people, social movements, quilting. The list goes on and on.

4 - The showing of the WBGU TV "Bluffton" movie from the 1970s. It would be interesting to somehow make that viewing available during the evening, say in the third floor of the town hall, so more people might have a chance to view it.

5 - How about some walking history tours. Several neighboring communities (Findlay, for example) have a cemetery tour. It's not a scary event. It's simply for historic purposes. Who are some of the people and what did they do for a living, who are buried in Maple Grove?

6 - Think about all the former residents who showed up in town this past week. Perhaps its time to recreate the Bluffton High School alumni association.

Let's take the week off, go on vacation, and see how other communities celebrate. Then let's get back together and see what we can do to continue to make our community the interesting place that we call home.

Thanks Beverly Amstutz and her volunteer committee. Great job. You've inspired us, made us reconsider our roots and gave us a good time. You gave us a event to remember for a very long time.

Let's keep the momentum going.