Can you see the smile on my face? Finally, a glimpse of spring in the air! I actually spied a convertible, a few motorcyclists reveling in the warmer weather, lots of people outside walking and everyone in good spirits with the sun shining down on them. I’m a southern girl from Arkansas and anyone who knows me is aware that I do not like to be cold.
My family moved to Vinton about 16 years ago, my first experience living in what I considered a northern rural area and not knowing what to expect. You see, my family church growing up in a larger metropolitan city was the size of Vinton, around 5000 people. Many of my friends and family would ask me about living in a rural area. It has never taken me long to describe and present a visual image because my initial impression of Vinton was like a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post illustration, and I still believe that is the best depiction. We are far from the lights and intensity of the big city. The kind of place one wants to have a family, raise their children, make friends and participate in a wealth of community activities facilitated by numerous volunteers, Vinton Unlimited and a wide variety of active organizations and businesses.
I often wonder if we Vintonians truly comprehend how lucky we are to live in Vinton and are aware of the tremendous community spirit, solid economic and business structure, and opportunities that thrive in our city. Vinton-Shellsburg Schools are committed to excellence in education, Virginia Gay Hospital is committed to quality healthcare and business entrepreneurs are committed to providing a gamut of services that support a strong and healthy economy.
Volunteerism was instilled in me at an early age, and is one of my favorite past times, and I am happy to say volunteerism is alive and well in Vinton. Daily I encounter dozens of citizens who give happily and freely of their time to support a tremendous number of events and organizations.
Recently I joined the VU Board and am excited about the full calendar of events scheduled this year. Invite your family, friends and colleagues to experience Vinton. Vinton is a destination! So much to do, so much to see! Mark your calendars, become a VU Member, sign up for Vinton Unlimited emails or like Vinton Unlimited on Facebook to receive information on the following 2015 events:
• Tuesday, April 28 VU After Hours @ Cedar Valley Bank
• Saturday, May 9 Community Job Fair 8am-Noon @ Vinton Skate Center
• Tuesday, May 12 VU After hours @ McClure Financial
• Saturday, May 30 Taste Of Vinton/Celebration Park Concert
• Saturday, June 6 Bellamy Brother Concert @ Fairgrounds
• Saturday, June 20 Arts in the Park @ Celebration Park
• June 25-27 Party in the Park
(Pink 5K –Friday, Friday June 26)
• Thursday, July 9 Celebration Park Evening Concert Series
(Zach Freedom Performing)
• Friday, July 10 VU Annual Golf Tournament
• Saturday, July 18 4th Street Car Cruise
• July 22-26 Benton County Fair
• Thursday, July 23 RAGBRAI Rolls Thru Vinton
• July, 31, August 1 & 2 2nd Annual Mary Ingalls – Her Journey Pageant
• Thursday, August 6 Celebration Park Evening Concert Series
(Strait Run Performing)
• August 28 & 29 Boomtown & Boomfest
• September TBD After Hours @ Benton County Historical Society
• September 18-20 Vinton Fine Arts Festival
• Saturday, October 10 Flaughless 5K
• Tuesday, October 20 After Hours @ Bethlehem Lutheran Church
• Thursday, Nov. 19 Lighted Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
• Sunday, Nov. 22 Holiday Open House
I encourage you to be an active participant and a volunteer supporting our community. As you can see by the list there is much to be a part of and enjoy. Say yes when someone asks you to volunteer. Let Spring Begin!