To each and every one of you in the Village of Bluffton:

Here we are almost in the end of 2020. It has been a very challenging and interesting year to say the least. No matter what each of us faced in our personal lives or professionals lives, basically covid-19 consumed our lives, for the majority of 2020. I believe I can speak for most, to say this was something never experienced in our lifetime, and never want to experience again.

The village tried our best to stay on course with different outside projects that were lined up for this year. We successfully were able to open our pool, with visual swim meets. While it wasn’t quite the same, with many usual activities and extra parties not able to happen, we feel that our youth were able to enjoy the pool and have some summer fun.

It was also nice to see our community outside enjoying the public sidewalks and pathways that were able to remain open. Council continued to meet, but many meetings were by Zoom and not in persons. Once meetings resumed in person, it was of course, with social distancing and masks. However, none of this seemed to hinder getting decisions made and moving forward.

Bluffton businesses were asked to close their doors, for a period of time, unless designated as what the governor considered “essential” business. While I as mayor, would like to add, I believe all businesses of whatever type, retail, professional, restaurants, etc., are all considered essential, at the time we had to abide by the governor’s requests.

When, given the okay, all of our businesses reopened under new guidelines and requirements. I’m very happy with the response and creativity of our businesses, when reopening.

Especially our eating places, where they came up with so many ways to make it safe for the public to still be able to enjoy their eating establishments.

Also I’m very happy with the residents of Bluffton, who wanted to see that our establishments flourished and survived to the best of their ability, and were patient in their response to what was required to visit all businesses and establishments of our wonderful community. I thank all of you.

We are soon celebrating Christmas and are asked to be very careful as how we choose our celebrating of family Christmases, mask wearing and social distancing still being asked of us.

2020 was not a bright and wonderful year, and yet when we reflect on each and every day, hopefully there are many things that you can find to be thankful for and feel blessed.

2021 is right around the corner and the village is optimistic and hopeful that we will continue to make Bluffton successful and prosperous. Hopefully the new year will present each and every one of us a better year with good health, prosperity, hope and peace.

Thank you fellow citizens, Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Richard L. Johnson, mayor
Village of Bluffton, Ohio