All Bluffton Icon News

By Cort Reynolds

WAPAKONETA__The visiting Bluffton High School girls tennis team lost 4-1 to WBL foe Wapakoneta in a dual match on Wednesday, August 27.

Wapak improved to 8-1 with their seventh consecutive win, while the Pirates fell to 2-5 after the loss.

The Pirate tandem of Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman swept Redskins Allisa Collins and Lily Dodds at second doubles 6-0, 6-3 to provide the Bluffton win.

“Leah and Peighton stayed strong and extended their win streak to six matches,” said Pirate head coach Trish Nieman. 

AUG 23 MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University officially welcomed the Class of 2029 during Opening Convocation Forum, Tuesday, Aug. 19, with a welcoming address from Megan Bowsher, MSW, LISW, clinical psychotherapist at Creative Hope Counseling, Bluffton, Ohio. In her address, Bowsher encouraged students to embrace courage, imperfection and the transformative journey ahead.
 
Bowsher opened with words of gratitude before inviting the audience to pause and breathe. "This is our evidence of being alive," she said, before extending a message of congratulations, "You made it."

A schedule with map and schedule with addresses are below

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton PorchFest '25, is an August 30 event that coincides with an international celebration of live music, Play Music on The Porch Day. Organizers have worked with performers since last year’s event to find a host porch or other "stage" in Bluffton. Several open mic opportunities are also scheduled.

Lead organizer Erik Reneker advises attendees to bring chairs and hydration. He also encourages you to  tip the performers, who are not getting paid to play: "Tips are nice for gas money and guitar strings." He also says, "Make sure the hosts, neighborhoods and other guests will want to do it again next year." 

Bluffton Senior Center volunteers will be offering free Bridge classes starting Thursday, September 4 at 9:30. Organizers note:

"The game of Bridge can seem scary but it doesn’t have to be. If you ever thought about learning the game of Bridge, now is the time. We need at least four people to learn so registration is required.

"No card playing experience needed. We will teach you what you need to know. Stop by the office or call 419-358-8971 to register."

AUG 27 MEDIA RELEASE__Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has introduced exciting enhancements to its public-facing website's “Find-a-Doc” section, making it more convenient and user-friendly for the community.

Every member of the BVHS medical staff will be listed in the “Find-a-Doc” section, and employed physicians and advanced practice providers will be highlighted with the system’s iconic green apple symbol next to their profiles. This simple visual cue helps patients identify BVHS-employed providers at a glance.

Committee above) Emily Hilty, Rachel Skilliter, Trustworthy Schumacher, Deron Martin (DJM419), Kathy Dickson Sider, Sarah Phillips. CLICK gallery to enlarge and view at your own pace.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Organizers from First Mennonite Church (FMC) drew a broad sampling of permanent and temporary Bluffton residents to A Taste of Bluffton on Saturday, Aug. 23. The first-time event offered $5 servings from Bluffton restaurants, specialty food businesses and carryouts, as well as tunes by DJM 419, live music by Wendy Chappell-Dick and Phil Gratz, games, t-shirt dying and Bingo.

Created as a way to introduce Bluffton University students to food services in the Village, A Taste of Bluffton proved to also be a way for them to meet the people of Bluffton. The event was well received by local businesses with almost all local food purveyors participating. The FMC FUN committee spent almost a year working out the details.

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