Van Horne community newsletter, October 2022

In May of this year, the city began a cleanup effort in town by providing dumpsters to residents. The next phase has begun with the hiring of a firm to assist the city in identifying those in violation of the current ordinances and well as strengthening the current city code regarding rubbish, junk vehicles, and properties in disrepair.

The first reading of these new ordinances was approved at the Oct. 10 council meeting. There will be two more readings — at the Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 meetings, where the council is seeking input from residents prior to possible adoption. You can find copies of the proposed changes on the city’s website — www.vanhorne-ia.com — as well as in the lobby of city hall.

A big thanks to the members of the rec department and the BYSA organization for another successful soccer season. Thanks also to residents on the west side of town for their patience and understanding on Saturday mornings.

Lastly, the community potluck is on the last Tuesday of each month at noon at the community center. I hope to see you there on the 25th of October.

“If you’re blaming, you’re not solving.” — Jocko Willink

Dates on Deck

•Oct. 19: Fire Department Battery Up beginning at 6 p.m.

•Oct. 23: Lions breakfast at the community center starting at 8:30 a.m.

•Oct. 25: Senior Citizen Luncheon at the community center at noon

•Oct. 27: Jen Loeb (author and mountain climber) at library at 6 p.m.

•Oct. 31: Lions Halloween meal at 5 p.m. at the community center

•Oct. 31: Trick-or-treating (following Lions Party)

•Nov. 8: Election Day

•Nov. 8: Soup supper drive through at St. Andrews Church from 5 — 7 p.m. Serving: chili, veg-beef and chicken noodle soup; ham salad and egg salad sandwiches; apple, cherry or pumpkin pie. Freewill donation, supplemental funds from Thrivent Financial. All profits to missions. Deliveries available to Van Horne shut-ins by calling 228-8325.

•Nov. 13: Lions bingo at the community center

•Nov. 14: Van Horne Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall

•Nov. 15: Sara Broers, author of “100 Things to Do in Iowa” at library at 6 p.m.

LIONS News

This month we contributed to the Iowa Lions Foundation that helps fund KidsSight vision screening. We collect used glasses and hearing aids to be cleaned and recycled. (Also will help a community member if in need.) The club helped sponsor the Kids Fall Festival.

Our next breakfast is Oct. 23 starting at 8:30 a.m.

We hope to see all of our area kids at the Halloween meal before Trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at the community center.

Bingo will be Nov. 13 at the community center.

Birds of A Feather

A food drive will be held during the month of November during open hours. Bring a non-perishable food item to receive 10 percent off one item.

Saturday, Dec. 3, is the Christmas open house with door prizes, hot cider and cookies plus Christmas gifts and décor.

Library news

Author Jen Loeb is coming back to talk about her climbing adventures at 6 p.m. Oct. 27. Come find out and enjoy. Last time was exciting and fun for all who attended.

Author and lifelong Iowan, Sara Broers will share all the amazing things to see and do in Iowa on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Van Horne Library. Books will be available for purchase.