Bluffton American Legion Post 382 chaplain Gary Dipnarine has announced the post will observe the Sacrifice of Four Armed Forces Chaplains during World War II, during the Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 worship service at English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St.
The public is welcome to attend the service, which begins at 9:00 a.m.
Legion officials and clergymen are planning special programs for the observance of the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by the four chaplains.
The Legion notes, "Of the many incidents of World War II, probably none stirred the nation more deeply than the story of these four men of God whose heroic efforts were credited with the saving of more than 200 lives.
St John Bible Church, 15988 Road 4, Pandora, will host Natalie Strong, the founder and owner of Elegant & Armed for a free women’s safety program at 7:00 p.m. on February 27. Strong will provide practical advice on mindset, situational awareness and simple self-defense tools.
Organizers note, "The evening will also include how arming ourselves with God’s word and His peace is our biggest defense against living with fear."
Register by calling St. John Bible Church at 419-384-3680. The deadline to register is February 12.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is calling out all chocolate lovers and community enthusiasts: “We're thrilled to announce one of the sweetest events of the year: the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Chocolate Walk 2025. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and explore our beautiful town like never before!”
Tickets will be available for purchase beginning January 20 at Shirley’s Popcorn, Roots by Strattons, The Black Lab Trading Co., and Polished/Boutique 415. Only 200 tickets will be sold. The cost is $15.00 each.
Date: February 6
Time: Noon-7:00 p.m.
Location: Throughout the charming streets of Bluffton
Here's a twofer: make a Valentine gift for a parent, grandparent or someone special while raising funds for Bluffton Community Preschool.
Bluffton Art Company, 105 E. Elm St. is hosting a Valentine's Family Paint Night on February 6. The event is open to participants of all ages. The cost is $20 per project. A portion of all ticket sales will go to support Bluffton Community Preschool.
At 6:00 p.m. on January 23 Ron Headings will do a demonstration at Ten Thousand Villages of Bluffton on how he twists wire into roots and branches and attaches it to a base material to make a tree sculpture.
Headings started making wire trees as a teenager in Kansas, inspired by his love of horticulture and the coaching of a local county extension agent. “These trees are like people, the forest like humanity,” writes Ron. “They come in an infinite number of colors, shapes, and sizes, each one beautiful in its own way. The trees, like people, are shaped by their genetic structure and by the environment in which they live.”
Headings’ wire trees will also be on display at Ten Thousand Villages until January 31. Headings' business gives back to a cause that he cares about. For every tree sold, he donates money to plant a real tree somewhere in the world.
