The Blanchard Valley Health System Auxiliary recently presented a check totaling $200,000 to Myron Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System, and Karen George, chief development officer of the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, who accepted it on behalf of their organizations.

The money comes from the 2022 proceeds of sales at three stores: the gift shops at Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital, and the Nearly New Shop, a second-hand goods store located at 306 Lima Avenue in Findlay. The funds will be used to support ambulatory care as part of the overall strategic plan of the health system.

The shops are staffed by volunteers of all ages. In 2022, the volunteers contributed a total of 12,722 volunteer hours. 

They’re motivated by a desire to help, of course, but are finding it enriches their own lives, too. 

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By Dr. Robbie Puckett
Family Medicine, Carey Medical Center

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor (with the flu) by 40 to 60 percent. It has also been proven to help reduce the risk of hospitalization from the flu.

By receiving the flu vaccine, it protects not only you but all the people around you, including the more vulnerable to illness such as infants, young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised community.

It is a common misconception that the flu vaccine can cause flu. You cannot get flu from the flu vaccine. It is an inactivated vaccine. You may, however, develop flu-like symptoms due to the immune response your body produces to the components of the vaccine. This is a good sign that you are developing a strong immunity to the actual virus.

It is still possible to get the flu despite vaccination, and if you test positive shortly after vaccination, you likely were exposed to the flu virus prior to the vaccine taking full effect, which is up to two weeks.

This group of cellists was focused on the performance of other student musicians during the 2023 Bluffton Music Boosters Chicken BBQ. The Icon will post more photos of performances, but to see and hear the full event, visit the Music BEVS YouTube channel HERE

The final Wednesday evening Lenten service for 2023 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church will be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 29.

Pastor Bob Krueger from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Findlay, will lead the service under the theme:  "His Final Steps Led to a Fig Tree," based on Mark 11:12-14, 20-25.  The Choir will sing "Day By Day."  Congregational hymns are "Jesus, Refuge of the Weary, Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray and God Who Made the Earth and Heaven."