MHCO artists and authors prove themselves in district show
Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio artist and authors once again proved flexed their creative talents in this year's northwest district of LeadingAge of Ohio art and writing show.
Thirteen Bluffton elders entered a total of 18 works in the show. Seven of those works were awarded first place in their category. Here are Bluffton entries:
3-D
“My Red Christmas Wreath, Pat Althaus, second place
Fine Art 1
“Look for the sign,” Min Lindsey, honorable mention
“Seasons,” Gloria Bucher
Fine Art 2
“Fanciful feather,” Annie Balmer, second place
“Color in the Water,” Pat Althaus, third place
Jewelry
“Pearl Shag Carpet,” Nancy Williamson, first place
Large Quilted Works
“Snake River by Judy Martin, Ella Bazzy, first place
“Toes in the Sand,” Nancy Williamson, second place
Photography
“Hindu Temple,” Larry Burkhalter, first place
“Morning’s Surprise – Hoarfrost,” Della Salter, second place
Small Quilted Works
“Arch Echo, Nancy Williamson, first place
“Castles in Spain, Pat Althaus, honorable mention
Needle Arts
“A Sprig of Color,” Gladys Simmons, first place
Woven Arts
“Crocheted Pink Baby Afghan, Helen Driver, first place
“Prayer Shawl,” Melvin Lewis, third place
Prose – Non-Fiction
“A Pocketed Memory,” Ruth Naylor, first place
“The Remember-er,” Joanne Niswander, second place
Poetry
“Driving Home in the Dark,” Ruth Naylor, second place
The chipmunk drawing was the booklet cover of this year's show. It is in memory of Jane Hoffman, former Maple Crest elder, who died on May 27 and who would have entered several works in this year's show.
Judges:
Lauren Canaday - writing
Tanya Augsburger - writing
Vickie Garmon - art
Gregg Luginbuhl - art
Janette Reineke - art
Lois Wetherill - art
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
- Production offers a modern take on the story of St. Clare of Assisi
- Bluffton volleyball edged in 5 by Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer tie O-G
- October 16 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Bluffton Council recap: Officers honored for 25 years of service
- Bluffton Clean Up teams up with Troop 3256 Cub Scouts
- Ada FFA: Feeding the Farmers
- Nov. 7 Fall Community Day at Bluffton University
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Fall 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
- DeWine announces $200M Rural Health Transformation program award
- Herb program with Marge Lafollette, Oct. 15
- Prairie seeding activity at Bluffton University, October 24
- Food for thought: Choline for the brain
- Results for 5K on October 2, Bluffton University Homecoming event
- 15 minutes with Sherry Miller, senior center activities coordinator
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 14
- CANCELLED Main St. closure on October 15
- Frederick Clyde Warren founded True-2-Form Plastics
- Pirate boys soccer beats Wapak in regular season finale
- Pirate girls soccer defeats Liberty Center
- Mennonite pastor to explore ‘good news’ in creation
- Bluffton University earns recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings
- Obituary for Deborah "Debbie" Welch, 74
- Spirits and exorcism presentation during University Spiritual Life Week Forum
- Dodging bullets: Bluffton oral history 90+ years after Dillinger robbery
- Nora Matthews named BHS Student of the Month for September 2026
- ICAPP analysis on charter status and local autonomy