News
First Lego League: VS 5th graders do well; one team advances to State
The Floating M & M Monkeys are going to State!
For those of you who don't have children in the Vinton-Shellsburg 5th grade ELP First Lego League Program, we may need to explain.
The 5th-graders, coached by teacher Alissa Mann, traveled to Marion on Saturday, where they competed with several other teams from eastern Iowa in the annual robotics competition. Brandon's 26th Annual Christmas Festival filled with Family Fun
Friday and Saturday evenings saw Santa visiting the children in the small town of Brandon...well, Santa and Mrs. Claus I should say. Along with a couple elves that were there to help, they had visits from all ages. The festival included a mini Christmas tree auction, wreath, gift basket and tree auctions.
There were also gingerbread house judging and tree decorating contests for the community to enjoy. 5th Annual Community Christmas Dinner offered at Presbyterian Church
One of the area’s latest holiday traditions is back for a fifth time!
The Vinton Presbyterian Church will be holding its 5th-annual Community Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 25 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall at 608 1st Avenue in Vinton. There is no charge for the dinner, however free-will donations are being accepted. Pearl Harbor Remembered 77 Years Later
Each year, on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Alex Vasquez puts together a tribute recognizing the anniversary of that day. This year the students read the accounts of some that were there on that day. As the students read the thoughts and feelings of those there. Also on display at the tribute were items from that era including uniforms and a piece of the ship the USS Arizona, one of the ships bombed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Santa visits the Vinton's Skate Center for Breakfast
Just a typical Saturday morning means sleeping in, and lounging around in pj's and watching cartoons for some, but not for the kids wanting to see Santa! Santa brought breakfast and a gift bag for each child that came to see him at the Vinton Skate Center. Pancakes were a hit as well as coloring and smiling for a picture with Santa. To FSB&T Heritage Club members donate to Vinton Food Pantry
On November 28, Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Heritage Club Director, Melanie Davis, entertained 155 club members at their annual Thanksgiving Banquet at the Vinton Skating Rink. They enjoyed a full Thanksgiving feast. The Heritage Club members contributed 1100 pounds of canned food and paper products to the Vinton Food Pantry.
Speakers were John Mossman, Mossman Law Firm; Russ Nieland, Carson Wealth Investment; and Nichole McKenna, Farmers Savings Bank & Trust. VGH accepts 2018 CBJ Workforce Award
Virginia Gay Hospital was pleased to accept a 2018 CBJ Workforce award at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, December 6th. The award was given by the Corridor Business Journal after a review process involving Iowa Workforce Development and Kirkwood faculty and staff. Virginia Gay’s award was in recognition of their efforts to recruit exceptionally qualified healthcare employees for the hospital, and its family medical clinics located throughout Benton County. SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING CONTINUES; VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
We want to thank all those who helped us last year in collecting over $25,000, which 80% stayed in the county. This year 90% will stay in Benton County to help those in need.
Our bell ringing this year will end on December 22, we still have openings for the final two weeks, days and times available are Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-9:00pm. If you and/or your organization would like to sign up please contact us. VPD PLANS FIRST HOLIDAY WITH A COP EVENT; SEEKS DONATIONS
The Vinton Police Department wants to spread holiday cheer to community children in Vinton. The Vinton Police Deparment will be hosting our first ever Holiday with a Cop! With the help of the schools, the police department will select a number of children from the local schools to participate in the program this year.
Officers will be paired with children for a little holiday shopping.
Benton County's Angel Tree Seeking Community Help
This year's Angel Tree, currently has 235 children signed up to receive gifts this Christmas. Rick and Yvonne Zimpfer have agreed to loan the use of their building, the former McClure office next to the Ron-Da-Voo, to be used for the program. If you are interested in helping with this project, you can get a tag with needed clothing ideas at either US Bank or Farmers Savings and Trust.