Van Horne Community Newsletter

June 2022

On June 11^th, our community paid tribute to Marty Junge, who dedicated the last 20 years of his life in service to Van Horne – the first 10 as a council member and the last 10 as our mayor. We also honored his wife Kris, sons Nate & Noah, and daughter Megan because we know that many sacrifices are made by family members of those who serve their city. Thanks to the following who helped make the night a success:

• The Van Horne Businessmen’s Group
• The American Legion
• The Legion Auxiliary
• The Sons of the American Legion
• Jim Magdefrau
• Lori Dicus/The Crooked Antler
• Jared Vogeler & Mike Less

Finally, a big thanks to all of Marty’s friends from near and far who came to honor him.

On Wednesday, June 29 the American Legion will be hosting a Flag Burning Ceremony at Marty Junge Memorial Park from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Bring your old flags for proper disposal. Free hot dogs and drinks will be provided.

Lastly, the city council has agreed to the purchase of a Gaga Ball pit, which from what we hear is a big hit with kids. Look for it coming to the park in the near future.

Mayor Pat Gorkow

“Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.” – Jordan Petersen

Dates on Deck:

• June 16 Storytime @ CC 9:45 – 10:45 (Blank Park Zoo)
• June 21 Storytime @ CC 9:45 – 10:45 (Blank Park Zoo)
• June 23 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• June 28 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• June 28 Senior Citizen Luncheon at the CC @ Noon
• June 29 Legion Flag Burning Ceremony at Marty Junge Park @ 6:00 p.m.
• June 30 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• July 5 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• July 6 Swim bus 12:25 Van Horne Elementary School
• July 7 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• July 11 Van Horne Council meeting at 6:30 at City Hall
• July 12 Storytime @ CC 9:45 – 10:45 (Blank Park Zoo)
• July 13 Swim bus 12:25 Van Horne Elementary School
• July 14 Storytime at the Library 9:45 – 10:45 (Sheriff Dept)
• July 19 Storytime @ CC 9:45 – 10:45 (Blank Park Zoo)
• July 20 Swim bus 12:25 Van Horne Elementary School

PUBLIC SWIM BUS: Will be running once again on Wednesdays in July (on the 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27th). Children must be at least 7 years old and if you ride the bus to Belle Plaine you must ride the bus home. If the pool is experiencing bad weather the bus will not pick children up. Bus will pick children up 12:25 (no later so be a little early) at the Van Horne Elementary. The bus will leave Belle Plaine at 4:15 for the return ride. If you have any questions please contact Lance Hinschberger at 319-444-2200.

Pop Up Saturdays : Birds of a Feather, 103 Main St.  is hosting Pop Up Saturdays June 25 , and July 9^th and 23^rd. If you have something you would like to showcase and sell please contact Mary at 319-560-5285 for details. Or if you are looking for new and unique items, don’t forget to stop in and shop on these dates.

Van Horne REC: It continues to stay busy down at the Rec complex. Soccer continues for a couple more Saturdays, finishing on the 21st. Baseball and softball games are starting next week. Check in on the Van Horne Rec Facebook page to see the games scheduled for each week and maybe even sign up to help out at the concession stand one evening! 

Thank you to everyone that ordered Van Horne apparel. Orders should be coming in within the week and can be picked up at City Hall or at your favorite player’s ball practice. 

LIONS: Have any questions about Lions and what we do in our community?  Anyone is welcome to come to our meetings on the 3rd Thursday of every month for a meal and a speaker with no obligation to join our organization.  “We Serve” is our motto, and we’re interested in sharing with you about our service in our community!

KidSight:  Every year the Lions screen eyes of pre-schoolers in our Benton Community area to search out any sight problems. This spring 150 children were screened and after sending the pictures to the U of Iowa, 53 were referred with areas of concern!  In the state of Iowa Lions Clubs screened 24, 322 children!

LIBRARY NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR: Story-time is every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Some will be at the Community Center the rest right here at the library. Check out Van Horne Public Library website for information and Van Horne Library Facebook to know what we are doing and when. Please be on time to story-time, shut off your phones, and no talking during the story please.

NEW MATERIALS:

Adult Fiction: THE CHOSEN COME AND SEE by Jerry B. Jenkins, THE HOME-WRECKERS by Mary Kay Andrews, OVERBOARD by Sara Paretsky, REVENGE TOUR by Mike Lupica, SUMMER LOVE by Nancy Thayer, THE SUMMER PLACE by Jennifer Weiner, WHEN SHE DREAMS by Amanda Quick, 22 SECONDS by James Patterson, THRILL OF THE HUNT by Rita Mae Brown, COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT by Dale Brown, TOM CLANCY’S OP-CENTER CALL OF DUTY by Jeff Brown, SPARRING PARTNERS by John Grisham, SECRETS by Fern Michaels, NIGHTWORK by Nora Roberts, I’LL BE SEEING YOU by Robin Lee Hatcher, DARK VECTOR by Tom Clancy

Adult Non-Fiction: RIVER OF THE GODS by Candice Millard

Adult Fiction Large Print Books: SALT RIVER by Randy Wayne White, SUMMER LOVE by Nancy Thayer, WHAT MATTERS MOST by Courtney Walsh, DARK ANGEL by Andrews and Wilson, A BRUSH WITH MURDER by Bailee Abbott, MULBERRY HOLLOW by Denise Hunter, LOVE IN PLAIN SIGHT by Kathleen Fuller, SUMMER AT THE CAPE by RaeAnne Thayne, KILLER RESEARCH by Jenn McKinlay

Children’s: WAIT AND SEE by Helen Frost, ELEFANTASTIC! By Jane Yolen, HOME IS WHERE THE BIRDS SING by Cynthia Rylant, IT’S A SIGN by Jarrett Pumphrey, MRS NOAH’S DOVES by Jane Yolen, THE WORLD BELONGS TO US by Jacqueline Woodson, LITTLE HOUSES by Kevin Henkes

YA: READY WHEN YOU ARE by Gary Lonesborough, LOVELESS by Alice Oseman

Juvenile Fiction: OMAR RISING by Aisha Saeed

DVD’s: DOG, UNCHARTED, TURNING RED, RESPECT, FREE GUY, LUCA, WESTSIDE STORY, CRUELLA

More City News

*Mowing Season has begun again. The City has been asked to ask residents if they could refrain from blowing grass clippings onto the alley and roadways when mowing. This is a HUGE hazard for bikes and motorcycles. Also, please keep yards mowed and weeds under control.

*The City is once again offering a discount on your sewer charges if you plant and water new trees this spring/summer. Contact City Hall at 319-228-8238, with number of trees you planted. This is for Newly planted trees and charges for sewer cannot go below the minimum charges.