FREE TAX AID AVAILABLE

Volunteers certified in tax preparation will again be available to assist Tax Payers with tax returns free of charge. The returns are electronically filed thanks to the IRS tax counselors program coordinated with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The client is responsible for providing all pertinent information and supporting documents to the appointment including the previous year’s tax return.

Appointments are now being taken for those who are interested in receiving assistance or for more information, may phone the Vinton Library at 319.472.4208 or the Belle Plaien Library at 319.444.2902.

With over 450 yard sale locations last year in Iowa alone, you will want to mark your calendars — even apply for vacation — for August 9, 10, and 11th 2012 That’s the weekend for the eight Annual BUY-WAY Yard Sale along the Lincoln Highway in Iowa and other states. This is Iowa’s third year.

The dates are now established to be the “second Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in August.”

“We struggled with establishing this formula for our dates, due to all the early August activities, but are convinced this will please the most shoppers and communities.” “To make the event more successful, people or groups interested in participating on an individual basis or as group effort for fundraising should contact Deb Rothmeyer as soon as possible. This way information can be distributed as planning continues, and listings of sales can be made available for shoppers to plan their stops.”

A Guide will be distributed to businesses along the corridor for pick-up by shoppers in late July.

“This event has not only introduced hundreds of thousands to the history of America’s first coast-to-coast paved road, but it provides an economic boost to the hundreds of communities that participate, and it serves the “thrifty” side of us all who shop.

Deb Rothmeyer
Iowa Lincoln Highway Buy Way Yard sale Coordinator
712-263-835

1. The wrestling meet @ English Valleys on Thursday, January 26, 2012 will be on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

2. The Jr. High Girls Basketball game that was postponed @ BGM will be on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

That is why – like teachers and administrators, United Way is encouraged by the new Connect to Complete Initiative – which will afford low-income children internet access from home. This initiative will offer these children new pathways to learning and opportunities to utilize online learning tools they wouldn’t normally have access to. Ultimately, it will help better prepare them with the 21st century skills they need to be successful in college, work, and life.

Top Left to Right: Rachel Blink, Jamie Rich, Jessie Simpson (In far right corner), Bottom Left to Right: Alexandria Brown, Katie Rich, Mitch Brehm, HLV

On November 15 at 7 p.m. I attended the SICL Conference Honor Choir Festival at BGM.  The guest conductor was Noel Fulkerson from Independence, Missouri.  All six pieces performed by the Honor Choir were beautifully done. Mr. Fulkerson had the students clapping and swaying to the music in the last two  pieces.  I left the concert feeling light and happy.  Though the concert was short, only about 1/2 hour in length, it was certainly worth the effort to attend.   Belle Plaine High School sent 14 students to participate in the Festival.  Sopranos:  Emily Coover and Melissa Stull.  Altos:  Kameo Pope, Sadie Andersen, Alexandria Brown, Jessie Simpson, Jamie Rich, Katie Rich, Rachel Blink, Miranda Pope, and Molly O’Brien.  Tenors:  Matt O’Brien and RJ Northup.  Bass:  Josh Hotz. Other schools in attendance where HLV, Keota, Sigourney, North Mahaska, Montezuma, English Valleys, Iowa Valley, Tri County, Lynnville Sully, and BGM.

Left to Right: Jon Dentel, HLV, Matt O'Brien, Josh Hotz

Top center: Emily Coover, Bottom center: Melissa Stull, Bottom right: Molly O'Brien

Benefits of Arts Education Experience by Janet E. Rubin, PhD

The arts engage students in ways that other subjects may not, providing ways into learning that complement learning styles and encourage creative risk-taking.  The arts are process-oriented, facilitate inquiry and promote self-expression.  Through the arts, children can see themselves as creators who value their own ideas and respect the ideas of others.  This gateway to learning helps them to understand that there is not always a right answer to a question or that there may be multile ways to address a problem.

The arts allow students to learn both from their successes and from their mistakes.  The positive results are tangible–both in terms of arts content learning and in the ability to understand and communicate meaning across discip0lines.  In addition, the arts can make positive social changes and open doors to knowledge.  Their talents are nurtured as their potential is realized.

TEN ARTS EDUCATION BENEFITS:

• Improves academic performance
• Results in better attendance and lowers dropout rates
• Levels the playing field for students from disadvantaged socioeconomic background
• Builds self-esteem
• Fosters self-confidence and self-expression
• Improves academic and performance skills for children with learning disabilities
• Improves literacy skills
• Fosters motivation
• Creates empathy for and understanding of others
• Improves oral and written communication skills

Howard, Bruce and John Gills, High School Today-The Voice of Education-Based Athletic and Arts Activities, Volume 4, Number 5, 2011: A Publication of  NFSHSA.

Over 37,000 individuals in the United Way of East Central Iowa’s six county service area are food insecure which represents 12% of the total population.  Food security is defined as having access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More than 50% of food insecure individuals in the UWECI service area are at or above 185% of the Federal Poverty Line.  For example, a family of four earning $39,113 or more may simply not have enough income to meet their basic needs.  Recession may be the primary factor in food insecurity, as wages and poverty are intertwined with the problem.

Some of the federal programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP-formerly known as food stamps- free and reduced-price school lunches and the Emergency Food Assistance Program that provide food assistance are at risk of being cut.

In Iowa, more than 1,160 local and regional emergency feeding organizations distribute food to those in need.

Political dynamics in Washington will likely challenge efforts to maintain adequate funding for food programs when the 2012 Farm Bill is written.  Faith-based and nonprofit organizations cannot completely fill the gap.  Federal programs are an integral part of assistance.