• Article Photo. IBSSS HR Director Justin Ruegg was the high bidder for the very first Mary Ingalls Society Calendar.
    IBSSS HR Director Justin Ruegg was the high bidder for the very first Mary Ingalls Society Calendar.

The Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School Mary Ingalls Society are pleased to announce the successful bid for the No. 1 calendar of our First Edition calendars was placed by Justin Ruegg. Justin is the Human Resources Director at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.  Justin is shown here being presented the calendar by members of the Society, including Pat Barr, Mike Kelly, Barb Beau and Carolyn Hibbs.  The membership of the IBSSS Mary Ingalls Society has been very pleased with the level of support received from the school’s administration, of which Justin is a member, in our efforts to preserve and enhance the historical significance of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.

Justin said he bought the calendar (winning bid $50) to keep it at the school. He plans to donate it to IBSSS, where it will be framed and displayed. He thanked the members of the Society for their work in preserving the history of the facility, and their work on the museum, which continues to grow.

If you have not already taken the opportunity to see the Calendars, this is would be a great time to do so.  The First Edition 2015 calendar features 12 monthly pages filled with full color photos of the school.  Join Justin in selecting this method to show support of the school and the IBSSS Mary Ingalls Society in the preservation of this great treasure in the midst of our community.  Both Justin’s bid and all money collected from the proceeds of the calendars will be used to continue work in the museum located on the third floor of the south wing.  We are currently working towards purchase of UV protective coating for the 17 windows in this portion of the building.   We are also having old 16 millimeter films digitized so they can be used in the museum and for programs regarding the school’s history.  A limited supply of calendars remains available in the Front Office of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School or at the Vinton Unlimited Office, 310 A Ave.  The cost is $10 per calendar if purchased on site and $12.50 if they need to be mailed.