Events And Activities

Entries are now being accepted into the 2020 Capture the Heart of America photo contest.From day-to-day life on the family farm to the ever-changing industry, agriculture has proven to be one of America's most compelling stories. Through the contest, photographers from across the country can share their own piece of this important story as they see it through their camera lens.

he Vinton Public Library Children’s Summer Reading Program for 2020 welcomes children ages 15 and under. The program will begin on June 15th and run through August 15th.Stop in at the Library for the Children’s READO sheet and have fun! Earn chances for mysterious prizes behind three doors!The Vinton Public Library will also hold an Adult Summer Reading Program for 2020.

We are so excited to be able to partner with Classical Conversations: Explorers Digital Camp! For those of you who are not familiar with Classical Conversations, it is the world’s largest classical homeschooling organization, which is why the fact that they’re offering such a high-quality, digital camp experience is no surprise to us. They know how to capture children’s attention and engage them in having fun while learning! The camp is broken up into six sessions, each one 90-120 minutes, and includes downloadable resources, games, activities, trivia, science experiments and recipes that cover all kinds of educational topics such as geography, history, math, science, and more.

Benton County Shelter In Relay For Life: Sunday, June 7thThe American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Benton County, now Shelter in Relay for Life,will be Sunday, June 7th on National Cancer Survivors Day. With the spread of COVID-19, cancer patients are more vulnerable than ever and in desperate need of our help. Benton County resident Steve Gibney describes his current situation:“I am in year 15 of cancer survivorship and currently undergoing chemotherapy infusions.

Date: June 19, 2020Time: 5:00-7:00 pmDress Code: Semi-Formal to Formal, Students may wear their Prom or favorite "Quarantined Twenties" attire.Invitations: Designed by Eli Powers and printed by Cedar River Ink.Prom Court: Organized by Kyla Jeffery and will be done all online.Local Businesses: Are invited to decorate their windows or store fronts using the theme "Quarantined Twenties" (Originally the theme was "Roarin' Twenties")Locations: Students will start at Farmer's Savings Bank where they will receive a map and instructions for the Drive Through Prom.

The Church of Grace is sponsoring An outdoor worship and song service. May 31st. 10:30 AM  at 301 1st. Street Shellsburg.  Nic Tayor from Drop Inn Ministries will be speaking.Bring your lawn chairs or stay in your car.for this time of worship and song. EVERYONE is invited to attend.Rain location: The Church of Grace, (inside).

The Shellsburg American Legion will be doing a brief Honor Guard ceremony at the Shellsburg Oakwood Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 25 at 11:00 am.  The ceremony will honor the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II. The official date is September 2, 2020. The public is invited and will be asked to stay in their cars to stay safe during this difficult time.

In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, data and statistics have become very important. Here are some current statistics from the American Cancer Society: IOWA—AT A GLANCE: **Estimated new cases in 2020–18,460 **Estimated deaths in 2020–6,440 **Of the estimated new cases for 2020, the top five types of cancer in Iowa in order are: breast (female), lung and bronchus, prostate, colorectum, and skin melanoma.

On Friday, May 22, Nancy Baldwin will be celebrating her 85th birthday with a Drive-by Reception from 6-7 p.m. Be sure to give a honk and wave! (Please follow social distancing guidelines)If you would like to send her a card, you are welcome to send it to 1105 E Avenue, Vinton, 52349. Help spread the word. The family is requesting no gifts, please.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the George G. Luckey Post 57 of the American Legion has canceled all events normally held for Memorial Day. The Legion will put up the large flags at the three cemeteries but no services will be held.  Small flags on veteran’s graves will not be placed this year as the State level of the Legion made the decision to not place small flags on veteran’s graves at the veteran’s cemeteries, so we are following their lead in not doing it here as well.