Et Cetera

Name: Kindra Akridge Hometown: Hobbs, N.M. Kindra is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 1 at the Vinton Campus. She first learned about AmeriCorps NCCC while participating in a state/national AmeriCorps program at her college. She chose to participate in NCCC FEMA Corps because she wants to do her part to change the world.

  By: Krista Eichhorst Name: Kelly Besmer Hometown: Snoqualmie, Wash. Kelly is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Spruce 1 at the Vinton Campus. She first met some AmeriCorps members last year when she was volunteering with the Mountains to Sound Greenway and her interaction with them inspired her to explore national service.

Happy Time Child Development Center had a special guest this week: Officer Ron Tippett, who shared how law enforcement officers work to help our community. He also read two books about police officers to the toddler and preschool classes. The visit was part of the Communty Worker Week.

They learned how the Palace volunteers make lots of popcorn. They walked through the "secret" passageway that leads back stage. They sat in the big, comfortable stadium seat -- one child called them "nap chairs" -- in the auditorium. The students in the Little Vikes Preschool traveled from Tilford to the Palace Theater Thursday afternoon to tour the Palace and enjoy free popcorn while watching a "Peanuts" movie.

The following students were named to the fall 2012 Central College dean's list: Amy Andrews of Shellsburg, a Exploring major, is the daughter of Kenton and Pamela Andrews Alyson Garwood of Dysart, a Exploring major, is the daughter of Scott and Leann Garwood Karleigh Miller of Keystone, a History and Political Science major, is the daughter of Tom and Kimberly Miller Samantha Retz of Newhall, a Biochemistry major, is the daughter of Drew and Carmel Retz The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.

College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock projects and current undergraduate students may apply for $113,700 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA). The scholarships are available to freshmen entering any Iowa two or four-year, post-secondary institution this fall as well as current undergraduates attending Iowa State University.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Nebraska will be teaming up to offer a Feedlot Roundtable session at six Iowa locations on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 12:45-3:45 pm. The feedlot roundtable sessions are offered annually in Nebraska for feedlot operators and agri business interests. Through a cooperating agreement between ISU Extension and University of Nebraska Extension to share livestock educational resources and programs and the benefit of technology the roundtables will be offered at the following Iowa locations via internet connection.

By: Krista Eichhorst Name: Kaley Bartosik Hometown: Kettering, Ohio Kaley is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 3 at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because volunteering has been a very important part of her life and she wanted to take some time to travel, give back, and figure out the next steps for her future.

The Vinton Parks & Recreation department Celebration Park Fundraising Committee is pleased to announce that they have now reached the $175,00 figure towards the goal of $250,000.  Pictured with this story are (L-R) Jeff Peterson, committee member, and Penny & Rick Ohrt with their generous gift of $500 toward the project.  If you are interested in donating to the project, contact Duane Randall, Director of Parks & Recreation at 472-4164 or vprdrandall@vintoniowa.

Name: Jill Jaeger Hometown: Aurora and Fort Collins, Colo. Jill is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Hickory 6 at the Vinton Campus. Her first experience with AmeriCorps NCCC was in third grade when a team helped out at her elementary school. She chose to participate in NCCC FEMA Corps because she is passionate about social justice and wants her actions to reflect her values.