Events And Activities

Commander Dale Henry of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post Smith-Geater Post 8884 and Auxiliary announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C. Studets must write and record a three-to-five-minute essay on the [sel]ed theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31.

Friends of the Center Point Library secretary Carolyn Roseberry has been working on bunches and boxes of used books for the upcoming Book Sale. At its May meeting, the Library Friends made final plans for the sale to be held on Friday, June 11, from 3 to 7, and on Saturday, June 12, from 9 to 1:30 in the Library Community Room. The Book Sale was canceled last year because of the pandemic so the supply and [sel]ion of books this year could modestly be called humongous.

Vinton Lions Club also invites the community to help us celebrate our 100 Years of Service on July 6, 2021, from 5-8 PM at Celebration Park. The Vinton Lion’s concessions trailer will have their first Tenderloin Tuesday with half-priced menu items and FREE SNO-CONES and CAKE. The Vinton Community Band will provide entertainment. Children’s activities are being planned which include Tom Pingenot’s amazing “Bubbler” skills! If you have an interest in joining Vinton Lions Club please message us through Facebook for more information.

Commander Dale Henry of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Smith-Geater Post 8884 and Auxiliary, announced the kick-off of the VFW’s annual Patriot’s Pen youth essay competition. Middle school students in grades 6-8 in this area have the opportunity to compete and win thousands of dollars in national awards. The VFW enacted the Patriot’s Pen competition in 1995 to encourage young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society by composing a 300- to 400-word patriotic-themed essay.

On Saturday, May 15, the VFW Post #8884 will hold a grand opening at 5999 25th Ave. Trail, Vinton. Doors will open at 08:00 for a freewill donation breakfast of: biscuits and sausage gravy, plain scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs with onions and peppers, sausage/egg/cheese on an English muffin, coffee, milk, juice.Following a Ribbon Cutting at 11:00 there will be an Open House as well as a lunch which includes: maid rites, baked beans, soda, water or coffee for a freewill donation.

Shellsburg is having their Big Day! Celebration on Saturday, July 17 from 8:00 am – 11:00 pmThe town is looking for Sponsors, Vendors, and all groups interested in having a booth for the day.There will be:* Parade* Pie Baking Contest (Contact: Eric Kolsrud 319.521.7418)* Beer Tent* Fireworks* BandsAnd many other attractions!The City of Shellsburg 2021 Big Day Committee invites you to participate in a day of celebration of our City.

The Shellsburg American Legion will be holding a Memorial Day Service on May 31 at the Oakwood Cemetery at 11:00 am.  The service will include the 3rd District's Tomb of the Unknown float.  The Legion will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, VA.  Also on hand will be entertainment from the Community Band and a Legionaire guest speaker.

Wesley United Methodist, 516 2nd Ave, Vinton,  will be hosting a drive-by dinner on Saturday, May 15th, 5-7. The menu is pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato salad, and bars. Due to street construction please enter the alley from the north behind the library and proceed south to order. Free will donation will go toward a church remodeling project.

Native plants and trees have many benefits including hardiness and long life. They also have very important relationships with animals, birds and insects. Learn what native plants are, what defines exotic plants, and why planting with nature is so beneficial for all of us.A Going Native: Planting In-Tune with Nature program will be held on Monday, May 17, 6 PM at the La Porte City City Park, located in the 600 block of 4th Street.

Junior Achievement’s annual Taste of Achievement fundraiser, presented by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust and Community Bank & Trust, will be held on Thursday, May 27th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Epic Event Center. Join Junior Achievement for beer, wine, and food tasting that is accompanied by live music, a $1,000 cash raffle and unique raffle packages.