Features

JCCF awards $85,000 in grants to non-profits

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:12am

The Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) celebrated a successful year of community impact with donors, non-profit leaders and community partners at its annual event on Dec. 6 at Fawn Creek Country Club in Anamosa.

“We come together for the greater good that happens in Jones County,” said Sherri Hunt, JCCF coordinator. “We want to share what we’re doing to make our county a better place.”

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Kramer honored for philanthropic efforts

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:10am

Keith Kramer, executive vice president of F&M Bank, was recently honored by The Greater Tri-State Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for his ongoing dedication to philanthropy in his community. Each year, the Association honors donors and volunteers whose gifts of time, expertise, and resources make a significant contribution to the success of the non-profit agencies and institutions they serve.

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Williams honored for 30 years with Friendship Force

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:08am

Steve Williams of Monticello was recently honored with the International Wayne Smith Award. This award was presented by the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Friendship Force chapter.

Steve and his wife, Nancy, have been active with Friendship Force for over 30 years now. They’ve been members of the Marshalltown (Central Iowa) and Cedar Rapids-Iowa City chapters during that timeframe. Steve said Nancy is just as deserving of this award as he is because of her time and effort in hosting other Friendship Force groups from around the globe.

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Starlighters II Theatre prepares for 2017 season

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:59am

Whatever you’re tapping into your mindset as to what you’re searching for, as to what may suit your fancy during the Starlighters II season for 2017, there’s one or more that will intrigue you. Or one that will make a laugh light up your face, because you think again, or even wish that you’re on stage!

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Live nativity helps bring people together

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:51am

The streets of Bethlehem are crowded with merchants and patrons, each selling and buying wares. You have someone taking a census count, and two tax collectors. (They will throw you in jail for not paying your taxes.) Then, as you make your way through the arena, you have various merchants selling herbs and spices, unleavened breads, oils, textiles, clay vessels, incense and myrrh, and carpentry tools.

After visiting the booths, someone rushes in to announce something of a “must see” over in the stable.

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Heart & Soul ranks community projects

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:42am

It was time to narrow down the list of projects that would have the greatest community impact and best feasibility options during the Dec. 1 Monticello Heart & Soul Planning Retreat (part two).

The event, with a couple dozen on hand, met at the Jones County Youth Development Center in Monticello.

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NEIBA honors

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:38am

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Consider becoming a FOL member to support the library

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:37am

The Monticello Public Library Friends of the Library board have been busy stuffing membership envelopes and gearing up for their annual membership drive. Inside this week’s Shoppers’ Guide, you’ll find a handy membership form. Simply fill it out, stop in the library, or fill it out online to become a FOL member and help support the Monticello library!

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Students collect food pantry items for chance to buzz teacher’s head

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:36am

As six second-graders took turns shaving the head of Monticello elementary vocal music director Nick Thumma, a chant went up from the full complement of Carpenter Elementary School students in attendance Monday, Dec. 5.

“Make him bald!” they repeated, several times.

Thumma wasn’t quite bald at the end of the event, but he did live up to his promise to students who participated in the Carpenter Elementary Fine Arts Night Nov. 29.