Our Yesterdays, November 2014

Pekin beat Lisbon 47-6 last Monday to face Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the state quarterfinals last Friday. The Panthers and the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels played a tight game for the first three quarters on Friday, with Pekin trailing 14-7 going into the fourth quarter. The final quarter started with Pekin completing a pass in their opening drive after picking off a Gladbrook-Reinbeck pass. Unfortunately, the Rebels forced a fumble and recovered the ball. They took advantage of the situation, increasing their lead to 21-6. After shutting the Panthers down in their next drive, the Rebels scored with three minutes left in the game to make the final score 28-6. Stated Pekin coach Joe Donovan after the game, “I’m proud of them. We have a great senior group. We’ve had players, that for four years, have been unbelievable to coach. They’re very intelligent. They work hard. They put the time in, in the offseason. But more importantly, they love each other. You just can’t appreciate kids like this enough.”

In 2013, a new statewide initiative was introduced in Iowa 4-H. The establishment of peer groups was added as a new resource to support new staff across the state. The peer groups are led by experienced staff from across the state. Washington County Extension 4-H/Youth Coordinator, Amy Green, was one of four chosen for this honor beginning in 2014. The peer groups are designed to provide a network of support and guidance for new county youth staff. They provide a safe learning environment in which new staff can learn under the leadership of experienced team leaders and can share ideas and resources with one another. In order to be a team leader, 4-H staff must have been in their role for three or more years, as well as be nominated by another 4-H staff person. Team leaders are chosen from the nominations based on their leadership and ability to mentor new staff. Green was chosen among a field of highly qualified peer leaders because of her outstanding skillset and program success. “Washington County has a wonderful 4-H program that is recognized for its strength across the state. To have Amy nominated and then chosen as a team leader is a testa-ment to all of her hard work and innovation, as well as the strength of the Washington County 4-H program,” said Tricia Stouder, Region 15 Youth Program Specialist. Peer groups are led by two trained team leaders and consistent of six to twelve new staff members from all over Iowa. They will meet for the next two years.

Condolences to the family of Kermit Hinshaw. He passed away at Sunnybrook Living Care Center in Fairfield on November 4.

Condolences to Karen and Dick Horras. Karen’s sister Rita Carter recently passed away.

Dick and Charlotte Downey, Leroy and Phyllis Robison, Gary and Bev Neel all traveled to Branson for the Veterans Day parade.

Blaine and Allie Gill spent the weekend with Bill and Sue Gill. More things to do to help out Bill.

Some area farmers got a rest this past week. Tri Oak was closed for Saturday and Sunday. They needed to truck out the stored corn and beans so more could be brought in. Sounds like the harvest so far has been a bin buster.

Pat Remington spent Nov. 3 in Burlington with her daughter Angela Garmoe of Mount Pleasant. On Nov. 4, Pat met her sister Kathy Babberl of Chariton and friend in Ottumwa for dinner and shopping.

Travis Remington of Ainsworth visited his mother, Pat Remington, at the BP Station in Brighton on November 5.

On Nov. 4, Winifred Fritz with son-in-law Virgil Symmonds of Fairfield traveled to Ames. They went to the hospital to visit the Symmonds’ daughter Rachael and newborn son Oliver.

Mary Boatright with Bridget Hollingsworth, Greg and Deb Fritz, all of Fairfield; and Tony Fritz with friend Lynn of North Liberty visited their mother Winifred Fritz on November 2.

Three-year-old Coraline Germany is happy to announce the birth of her brother, Oliver. Their parents are Nathan and Rachael Germany of Nevada, Iowa. Oliver was born at Mary Dreeley Hospital in Ames on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 at 5:34 p.m. He weighed seven pounds, six ounces; and was 19 inches in length. Grandparents are Virgil and Jane Symmonds of Fairfield, and Ron and Pat Germany of Oklahoma. Winifred Fritz of Brighton is a great-grandmother.