Et Cetera

Organization asking citizens to join the effort to replant and care for a new tree canopy for the next generationTrees Forever, a local non-profit organization, today announced a citizen campaign to support replanting the trees devastated by the August derecho. The Planting Hope campaign will plan for the purchase and repopulation of trees in communities including Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Marshalltown and rural areas in the derecho's path.

The Benton County Community Foundation will celebrate Community Foundation Week, November 12-18, 2020. This nationwide event recognizes the increasingly important role community foundations play in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges. The Benton County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA), which is confirmed in compliance with national standards for U.

Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the summer 2020 semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours at the college.Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction are listed below.Atkins, IA  Jennifer Davis, Benton Amy Jones, Benton Dylan Spina,

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Iowa PBS has launched a new initiative intended to celebrate the people, culture and stories of rural America by showcasing the diversity, traditions and richness of small town and rural life in Iowa. During this ongoing research project, Iowa PBS will conduct interviews with stakeholders from all across the state that serve rural Iowa as well as partner with local filmmakers and journalists to shine a spotlight on compelling, relevant and authentic stories.

 We all are living in different times which present an opportunity to slow down and think about what truly matters most to us. October is National Financial Planning Month, an ideal time to reflect on one’s financial health and to review or establish a personal financial plan. Reviewing household expenses and creating a budget, building up your savings, consolidating or paying off debt and planning for retirement are just a few components of developing a financial plan.

Registered Iowa high school seniors receive emailed tips on planning and paying for college and a chance to earn one of 30 $2,000 college scholarshipsRegistration opens today for a scholarship that offers Iowa high school seniors a chance to receive one of 30 scholarships worth $2,000 for college while learning important financial literacy skills. In addition, each recipient’s high school will receive a corresponding $100 award.

Volunteer Iowa is pleased to announce applications are now open for Volunteer Generation Fund grants. Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant funds support development and strengthening of the volunteer infrastructure in Iowa through Volunteer Centers.  Existing Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grantees as well as new organizations that have the capacity and funding to support Volunteer Center functions are eligible to apply.

Vinton Lions Club congratulates Bret Nelson and Sheriff Ron Tippett for recently receiving the “Lamplighter Award of Appreciation”. Dale Schrad, 2nd Vice District Governor of District 9E, was available to present the awards. The Lamplighter Award of Appreciation is awarded to those who are invaluable to the clubs success whether in service or fundraising.

Thirty-nine Iowa parents and guardians each received $250 in college savings deposits after their entries were randomly [sel]ed in a quarterly drawing sponsored by Iowa Student Loan®. The winners were among 408 eligible participants who entered after receiving free college and career planning information for their middle and high school students.The information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, is provided by the nonprofit student loan provider to help parents and guardians guide their students through eighth through 12th grades with an eye to the future“Parents are often unsure of how to help their student think about and plan for the future.