Archive for April, 2009

More than 20 people were on hand at the Halcyon House yesterday to hear about the Pure Water for All Foundation from John and Mary Jo Hays. The Washington couple formed the non profit organization in 2005. Mary Jo says its rewarding to bring safe water to underdeveloped parts of the world. If you’d like to get involved, contact John and Mary Jo Hays. Monetary donations can be sent to the Pure Water for All Foundation, at 403 West Main Street in Washington.

The Kalona Quilt Show brought thousands of people to the community over the weekend. Katie Karnes with the Wooden Wheel in Kalona says they had over 1000 people visit the quilt show. She says people come from all over to view the quilts, including Texas, California and Utah. Two-thirds of the quilts on display were new, meaning they haven’t been part of the show before, and the rest are antique quilts. Karnes says all in all it was a good 3 day event with the weather steady and many nice people enjoying not only the quilts but Kalona as well.

The Kalona Elementary Arabic Program federal Grant is running out. Zahra Alattar is the Arabic Teacher and says that this year will be the last for the program. She says the students have been learning more than just a language. She says it teaches students to open their minds to other cultures in the world and to look at things a different way. Alattar is hopeful the district can find an alternative funding source.

A traumatic event can impact a child for the rest of their life. Likewise, healthy activities can have a positive effect. Shalon Hoyle, with the YMCA of Washington’s early childhood program, says having kids just play together can be significant. Hoyle says they one of their biggest goals is to have preschoolers learn how to interact socially with their peers, so they are more comfortable when they get to kindergarten.

The Iowa Legislature wrapped up their session this weekend. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says every aspect of this session was affected by the deepening national recession. She says Iowa’s revenue was cut short, while their was a sharper demand for state services. Schmitz says this session was historic, because they are still in the process of trying to help areas that were impacted by last year’s floods. The Fairfield Democrat says she’s pleased that the legislature approved items such as the alternative energy plan, and offering health insurance to 30-thousand people without coverage.

Washington County’s Sheriff says he’s pleased with legislation that will modify Iowa’s sex offender laws. Jerry Dunbar says the previous law, which didn’t allow sex offenders to live within two thousand feet of an area where children were likely to be, was difficult to enforce. Dunbar says the new law creates “exclusion zones,” which are areas where sex offenders are not allowed to be. They include places like playgrounds, schools or daycares.

Economic development and environmental health are on the Washington County Board of Supervisor’s plate this week. They’ll hear a report from Washington County Environmental Health Department and the Washington Economic Development Group at tomorrow’s meeting. They’ll also consider approving a fireworks permit and make an appointment to the Washington Library Board. The meeting begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning at the Washington County Courthouse.

The Washington County Hospital and Clinics Board will be discussing an identity theft prevention program at this week’s meeting. They’ll also hear a financial report, and consider a new bathing system and digital mammography. Board members will also hear about annual performance improvements. There will be a closed session to discuss either patient improvement initiatives, or marketing or pricing strategies. There will be a second closed session to consider personnel issues. The meeting is this Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Robert Nicola Conference Room.

The Keokuk County Small Business Network Program is tomorrow evening. The seminar will feature Healing Arts Massage owner Gini Garrett and Sigourney School Superintendent Todd Abrahmson, who will discuss the school’s E Seal Program. They’ll also be discussing location and timing and how it’s factored into business decisions. The event is tomorrow evening at the Sigourney Pizza Ranch. To find out more contact the Keokuk County Extension office.

The Kalona Chamber of Commerce is promoting shopping locally. Larry Moehler, Chamber President says at the last chamber meeting there were discussing having a Sidewalk Sale and have decided to hold the event today. Moehler says they have also submitted an application for a grant from The Riverboat Foundation to start advertising Kalona and promote tourism.