Van Horne Newsletter: September 2022

As the calendar turns to September, things have gotten busy in Van Horne. Home football games, youth soccer and farmers markets are bringing a lot of activity to town, so be on the lookout for extra traffic and pedestrians.

We’ll also be seeing and hearing the beginning of trees being removed in town and as the City Council recently approved a bid for removal of about 70 trees. We hope to see work begin soon.

City hall has seen increasing complaints about vehicles blocking sidewalks in town, so please be sure to keep them clear.

In American Legion news, their sandwich supper continues to be on the third Monday of each month (the 19th in September). Also, the door is always open for veterans to join the Legion. Call Don Knaack at 228-8215 for more information.

Lastly, only about 25 percent of city utility bills are set up on auto pay. It’s an easy way to save yourself a check and a trip to city hall each month. If you’re interested, contact Linda at 228-8235, or stop at city hall.

Water bills can now be paid online at: https://allpaid.com/web/allpaid/payments/#/payment/a002ur/info or you may go to www.allpaid.com and search for City of Van Horne.

“Relationships, not power, drive you forward.” — Kim Malone Scott

Dates on Deck

Sept. 18: Lions Breakfast at community center, starting to serve at 8:30 a.m.

Sept. 19: Sons of the Legion sandwich meals, 5:30-7 p.m.

Sept. 24: Farmers Market at Birds of a Feather 8:30 — noon

Sept. 27: Senior Citizen Luncheon at the community center, noon

Oct. 8: Farmers market at Birds of a Feather, 8:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. (Childrens Fall Festival)

Oct. 9: Soup at Salem, serving 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. at Salem UMC; menu includes chili, cheesy potato, chicken noodle soup, breads, and desserts. Free will donation will support various Salem ministries.

Oct. 10: Van Horne Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall

Oct. 16: ICCC Beef and Pork Dinner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Menu includes beef, barbecue beef, pork, barbecue pork, cheesy potatoes, green beans, corn, salads and desserts. Adults $12; children 5-12 $6; Children under 5, free. Carry outs available by calling (319) 228-8132.

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

Lions Club News

The Lions are the largest service club in the World. Our motto is “We Serve.” This month we contributed to the Lions’ Leader Fog Program and also to Camp Courageous. Thanks for everyone’s support with the cans and bottles — all funds are used in the community. Garbage bags are still a good bargain! 100 bags for $25.

If you want to know more about the Lions, we are having a meet and greet session at the farmers market on Sept. 24.

We are now excited to announce that we have a glass bottles receptacle at the Farm Service driveway.

Battery Up

We would also like to remind everyone that Oct. 19 is “Battery Up” night. Since October is Fire Prevention Month, we go around town replacing the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for free. We ask that you turn your porch light on, to signal us that you want us to stop. We do understand that some lights automatically turn on, but we will stop by just to check if you need any batteries.

If your detector is over 10 years old it is time to replace it. Some new detectors come with a 10-year sealed battery. We do have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for sale when we come around, if you would need one. We will also help replace it if you need us to or help put up a new one.

We will start at 6 p.m. You will see us driving around in the fire trucks. We understand not everyone is home at 6 p.m. We will make a second pass around town just to see if any new lights are on. If we miss you, just give us a call and we will set up a time to come by. For the people we missed or if you live in the country, call Larry Hlas at (319) 228-8610.

Birds of A Feather

Birds of a Feather will again be hosting three farmers markets. They were very well received last fall and we are hoping to build on that success. As with the antique show, if you or someone you know may be interested in being a vendor let me know. Please notice during the last farmers market (Oct. 8) we will be having a children’s fall festival. Stop down for family fun.

During November, there will be a food drive 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, many Christmas gifts and décor.