Et Cetera

  Some say it is a buyer’s market.  “Prices are low; mortgage rates are low and there are many homes on the market to pick from,” state Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Specialist.    Nearly everyone dreams of owning a home so it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy.  ISU Extension publication PM 1460 helps those thinking about home-ownership, to look at some important issues with an unemotional eye.

    On Monday, April 9th, the afternoon activity was a Pepper Card Party. There were 5 tables of players.  Bernadine Barr won 1st place with 267 points.  Darlene Werning won 2nd place with 257 points.  Bill Milne and Don Selken tied for 3rd place with 245 points.  After cards, refreshments were served by the card club and HACAP provided the beverages.

  The Vinton Community Band Wants You! We will be starting our 30th season this summer, time does fly! Many of our members are from the original band started as an event on a HS variety show back in 1982. 30 years later, it is the love of music that keeps musicians returning each summer, but the band is always eager for new members. We will have our first rehearsal on May 29th in the VS middle school band room starting at 7pm.

  The 2012 Iowa State Fair will celebrate its "Fairlicious" foods with a limited number of 3 ½ foot tall concrete ice cream cones on display throughout the grounds during the Fair, August 9-19. Individuals, clubs and companies are invited to showcase their artistic talents and love of the Fair by painting one of these sculptures.

  With summer just around the corner, parents and children alike are ready for a well-deserved break from the demands of homework, practice schedules and carpools. However, before packing away the books and pencils and leaving for summer vacation, I have an important message for parents – start saving now for your child's future college education.

Andrea Evans arrived at Tilford Elementary on Friday to pick up her son, Kail.  "Sit down," said her son's teacher. Andrea did. Her son then stood next to her, a paper in hand. He read it to her. It was a description of how much he appreciates his mom. Evan was one of the winners of the the Vinton Parks and Recreation's Mother's Day Essay contest.

  State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is excited to announce Iowa schools and students had excellent participation in a new financial literacy program. The National Financial Capability Challenge, which ran from March 12 to April 13, was designed to help students increase their financial knowledge in areas like earning, spending, saving, borrowing and risk protection.

Rose Huber of Vinton is currently in Romania, where she is continuing her World Race mission trip, visiting one country each month this year.  Fundraising Rummage Sale for Rose Huber''s mission trip began today. There is a large variety of unique items. The sale takes place. Thursday 5/10 and Friday 5/11, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 5/12, 8 to noon.

  Jamie Schoch, originally from Missouri, moved to Iowa to attend Kirkwood Community College where she received her Associates in Landscape Management. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Mount Mercy University.   Jamie currently resides in rural Vinton with her husband and two children. She is actively involved in many community organizations including the Shellsburg Parent Teacher Organization, Shellsburg Cub Scouts, Shellsburg Girl Scouts, Center Point United Methodist Church as well as singing in a Praise Band.

  NCCC’s Cedar 4 Prepares for the Summer By Jerome Frey   AmeriCorps NCCC Team Cedar 4 completed their tornado relief project in Henryville, Indiana. After meeting many incredible people, both volunteers and survivors, the team was sad to go. Still, they were excited and ready to move on to their next project.   Cedar 4 is now stationed in Loretto, Minnesota working for the YMCA of Metro Minneapolis.