Et Cetera

Summer Sun Safety

Warmer weather finds many of us spending time outdoors, increasing our exposure to damaging sun rays.  Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin in less than 15 minutes. Benton County Public Health officials are recommending several steps to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.   ·         Seek shade, especially during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Title: Swimming Safety, Guidelines for Protecting Against Illness As area sc

  As area schools are letting out for summer break and warmer weather is upon us, Benton County Public Health offers the following information to help keep children and adults healthy during the summer swimming season. Chlorine does not kill all germs instantly and there are some germs that will actually not be killed by chlorine.  With this in mind, the following guidelines should be followed when considering a trip to the pool.

AmeriCorps NCCC Maple 1 Team partners with YMCA in Wisconsin

  By: Maple One   The AmeriCorps NCCC team Maple One has begun their second round project by serving the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities in Wisconsin.  The team worked at Camp Icaghowan outside of Amery, Wisconsin for a couple of weeks before moving on to Camp St Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 24.    Maple One assisted in a variety of tasks during their time at Camp Icaghowan including the removal of an old foundation, construction of a leadership building in the woods and the painting of a new boathouse.

Oak 3 helps save the Michigan State Fairgrounds

  AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 3 arrived at their new project site at the Upper Peninsula (UP) State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI this past weekend.  Before departing Vinton, IA last week, the team experienced some last-minute changes to their travel plans:  instead of going directly to Escanaba, they instead headed first for Detroit.

4th Street Diners News

    The meal on Sunday, May 27th, will be Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Spinach, Peaches, Custard, WW Bread, Milk.   On Monday, April 23rd, the afternoon activity was a Pepper Card Party. There were 4 tables of players.  Annie Hopkins won 1st place with 324 points.  Clete Friedman won 2nd place with 275 points.

Dollars for Scholars 50-50 raffle winner at race track: Luke Paige

  The Vinton Area Dollars for Scholars held a 50-50 raffle at the Benton County Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2012, giving away $200 in prize money. Shellsburg resident Luke Paige was the lucky winner and generously donated $100 of those winnings back to Dollars for Scholars. All money raised is used to help fund scholarships for graduating seniors in the Vinton-Shellsburg area.

Teddi Newton celebrates retirement on last day at Regions Bank

Teddi and colleauges (from left) Heidi Whelan, Sherri McGowan and Angie Kirk. Teddi Newton started working part-time at Home Savings Bank 28 years, four months and seven days ago. Now, the longest-serving employee currently at Regions Bank in Vinton is at work for her last day. Teddi retires today; a day-long open house at the bank allows customers one more chance to say good-bye and wish her well at work. "This is a bittersweet day.

Area students graduate from Central; others named to Dean's List

   Jackie McMahan III. of Newhall graduated from Central College with Alpha Zeta Mu honors during the 2012 commencement ceremony.   Alpha Zeta Mu is the highest academic honor available. Students that graduate with these honors must be full time students, completed at least three semesters at Central and achieved a minimum grade point average between 3.

Vinton Garden Club tours new Nature Center

  The Vinton Garden Club member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Central Region, Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. and District II met on April 25, 2012 at the new Nature Center.  The speaker for the tour was Matt Perry. Then members drove to the home of Fran Stueck for the meeting.  President Fran Stueck called the meeting to order.

AmeriCorps NCCC Welcomes New Staff Member

  By: Rachel Lebeaux   Dave Luther is a native of Cedar Rapids but has lived outside of Vinton for the past 20 years. He worked at Duffy’s in Cedar Rapids for 25 years buying and selling collector cars and was also part owner for 10 years.   Dave is no stranger to the North Central Region campus. Prior to being hired as a full time staff member, Dave had previously worked as a short term employee with the Operations Department several times.