Et cetera : Good-bye to Vinton: Keep Vinton as a city of spirit

          Five and a half years ago, I arrived in Vinton on a snowy day in January.  It didn’t take me long to realize I had found a place to call home.

          Spirit is alive and well here.  There’s a spirit of energy in town.  Building the new High School, the running of the Palace Theatre, Party in the Park, BoomTown and most recently, RAGBRAI coming down 4th Street, all point to a vitality and commitment to community.

          The support of local ministries like the Vinton Area Ministerial Association’s Diaper Depot, the Summer Sack Lunch Program, School Supplies, Winter Warmth and Angel Tree Christmas all indicate a willingness to help other Vinton residents, whether neighbors, friends or strangers.  The same could be said as we met the challenges of the flood of 2008 and the windstorm of 2011.  There’s a spirit of helping others, knowing that as we serve others, we are serving the Lord.

          There’s also a spirit of friendliness and welcoming that is rarely found elsewhere.  No matter where you are, whether it’s a retail store, the library, a church, a government office, the hospital or clinic, you are greeted warmly and treated in a friendly manner.

          My mother and I have enjoyed a wonderful ministry here with the entire town of Vinton.  This is a great community and we will miss it.  Looking to the future, I can see there is so much more in store for this town of spirit.  May God richly bless you all!

Special note: There will be a community open house and card shower for Pastor Karen Larson on Sunday, June 24 at Wesley United Methodist Church from 1-3 p.m. Please stop by to wish her farewell and thank her for over 5 years of Christian service to the Vinton community.