Blessed Hope Church has made it a practice to lend a hand around the community for the last several summers. This week found the congregation at several locations throughout the county.Thursday and Friday, the group helped to spruce up the mini-golf course at the skate center. The group will also be taking on the Vinton-Shellsburg football and baseball fields today and tomorrow.

If you haven't registered for this year's Party in Pink 5K Walk/Run and want a tee-shirt, today's your last chance! Registrations are accepted right up until race time, but those received through the end of today are guaranteed an official event t-shirt and packet. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 18, in Vinton's Riverside Park and coincides with the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department's annual Party in the Park celebration.

Vinton has been blessed with several food trucks that pop up during the week. But keeping the schedules straight seems a bit confusing at times. If I forgot anyone else, let me know! Thursday NightBeast and Bird 5-8:30 p.m.Logan Merchant, the owner, got into the business because, "I've always enjoyed cooking, and the last few years I've really become passionate about it! I especially love serving food to the people.

The Vinton Aquatic Club combined with the Vinton-Shellsburg high school boys and girls teams to host a swim camp for the 4th-8th graders at the Braille School Pool last week. The participants arrived at the camp from not only Vinton-Shellsburg but also from Union, and Center Point-Urbana school districts. "The participants developed their technique in various strokes and skills in various aspects of competitive swimming," said Swim Coach, Ashley Hesson.