| | Take a page from my father
My dad wasn’t much for gift-giving. He was a single man for much of his life, and he worked a great number of hours. Living in a small town, he also didn’t have access to much shopping. Even if he did, it would not have mattered. Shopping just wasn’t his thing. Us kids knew and understood that. Even so, he gave cards that often had cash in them, which was never expected but always appreciated. More importantly, Dad gave us the greatest gifts — his time and his love.
On the rare occasions when Dad would give physical gifts, they were wrapped in newspaper that had a slight scent of Folger’s coffee and Raleigh cigarettes. He didn’t have wrapping paper or ribbon or bows, but he did have a subscription to several newspapers, and yesterday’s news came in quite handy. He preferred to use the Sunday comics section so he could add a splash of color, but any newsprint would do in a pinch.
Several years ago, I wrote a column about the volume of wrapping paper that is produced, purchased and immediately thrown away each year. The latest estimates show that, in the United States alone, an additional 5 million tons of waste are generated over the Christmas holidays, 4 million of which are wrapping paper and shopping bags.
So where and how did this ridiculous tradition of using wrapping paper begin?
According to allthingssupplychain.com, it was first documented in ancient China, where paper was reportedly invented in the second century B.C. Gifts were wrapped with paper that formed an envelope known as a “chih pao.”
A century or so ago, gifts were typically wrapped in brown paper or fabric. In 1917, Rollie and Joyce Hall, the brothers who founded Hallmark Cards, sold tissue paper as gift wrap during the holidays in a shop in downtown Kansas City. When they ran out, they used envelope liners until they sold out of those, too. A few years later, they started printing their own decorative gift wrap. As such, they are credited with inventing the modern-day wrapping paper.
In today’s world of repurposing, maybe it’s time to take a page from my father and wrap up this year’s gifts with your newspaper of choice. If you need access to some, just let me know.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707 | |
|
|
| | Supervisors canvass RIZ election results
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec. 17, County Auditor Dani Fink reported on results of the recent Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) election for Diamondhead Lake and Lake Panorama.
“For Diamondhead Lake, Andrew Sawyer won with 12 votes, and there were five write-in votes. A total of 21 voters turned out for Diamondhead. And then for Lake Panorama, Larry Peterson won with 30 votes, and there were 30 voters,” Fink said.
[...] | |
|
|
 | | | Guthrie Center holiday lighting contest winners announced | | | | | | | | Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette
The Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce and the Guthrie Center Lions Club once again sponsored a holiday lighting contest. This year’s winners are as follows:
- Barb Gigar and Bruce Lauritsen, 1103 Oak St., Guthrie Center
- Roger and Marie Baird, 1101 North St., Guthrie Center
- Tom and Amy Rutledge, 509 S. Seventh St., Guthrie Center
- Clarence "Junior" Sidney Jr and Candy Wolfe, 307 N. 11th St., Guthrie Center
- Linda Carter, 1105 State St., Guthrie Center
- Rick Bair and Renee Webber, 506 Division St., Guthrie Center
| | | | | | | | See more photos | |
|
|
 | | | Holiday Fashion Show held in Casey on Sunday | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Sunday, Dec. 15, a holiday fashion show was held at Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar in Casey at 614 McPherson St. Attendees enjoyed wine from Twin Vines and appetizers while checking out the new fashions. A special of “buy one, get second item half off” was held on the fashion items. As shown in the photos submitted by Colleen Conrad, a variety of styles were presented. | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
|
|
 | | | Holiday open houses for Panora businesses held Friday | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Friday the 13th brought good luck to those attending the various Panora businesses that welcomed the public to stop in and enjoy holiday treats. Some businesses also had signups for prize drawings. | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
|
|
| | Upcoming holiday events in Guthrie County
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Community Meal at Faith Bible Church, Panora
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. FREE, all are welcome. Soups, salads, cinnamon rolls.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Alice’s Christmas Caroling Group
- 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stops in Guthrie Center and Panora.
Santa’s Breakfast and Workshop at Panora Community Center (Rescheduled from Dec. 14 due to weather)
- 8:30-11 a.m.: Freewill offering pancake breakfast
- 9-10:30 a.m.: Camp Candycane crafts
Have an item to add? Send to rich@gctimesnews.com or call 641-332-2707. | |
|
|
| | Area Christmas church services
Special to the Times Vedette
Adair:
First Presbyterian Church – 5 p.m.
405 Audubon St.
United Methodist Church – 5 p.m.
404 Cass St.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4 p.m.
Services at Schafer Barn on the Hill, 1459 White Pole Road
[...] | |
|
|
| | Iowa State Fair Board elections held
Special to the Times Vedette
During the annual State Agricultural Convention, held Dec. 15 in conjunction with the Association of Iowa Fairs Conference, elections were held for positions on the Iowa State Fair Board of Directors.
Two new Board members were elected to serve two-year terms. Danny Olson from Red Oak replaces retiring board member Gary Van Aernam from Exira (Southwest), and Jarrod Horning from Ainsworth replaces retiring board member Gary McConnell from Bloomfield (Southeast).
[...] | |
|
|
| | Cribbage results from Dec. 13
Special to the Times Vedette
On Friday, Dec. 13, a total of nine players participated.
- Robert Klever - 20
- Dan Webb - 24
- Rhonda Titus -16 and a 20
- Sandy Rumelhart -16
[...] | |
|
|
| | Special to the Times Vedette
Artificial Insemination Training Course
Guthrie County Extension and Outreach is offering a two-day, intensive hands-on artificial insemination class for those who wish to artificially inseminate their own cattle or gain experience to work for others. Students will spend each day of the course in classroom sessions and hands-on live practice on cattle at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Students will need to be prepared for getting dirty, as palpation of cattle will take place daily. Please dress for the temperature as the live practice on cows will be outdoors. Randy Dreher will be the instructor of this course. Register now. Friday Dec., 27 and Saturday Dec., 28 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Registration and payment due prior to course (payment to Guthrie County Extension). Contact Shelby at 641-747-2276 or shelbyvh@iastate.edu to register.
[...] | |
|
|
 | | | Panthers travel to I-35 tonight | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls basketball (4-1) will travel to Interstate-35 (3-3) tonight, Dec. 16, for a West Central Activities Conference matchup. Panorama had its home game on Friday, Dec. 13, against West Central Valley (2-3) postponed to Dec. 19. Bound’s records of the matchup between the Panthers and the Roadrunners date back to 2012. The teams have played 10 times, with Panorama winning all 10, including last season's 58-20 win.
PICTURED: No. 5 Neele Wirths gets hounded by Creston defenders in a previous game. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
|
|
 | | | Panorama wrestlers travel to Ogden on Thursday | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys wrestling had its Friday, Dec. 13 meet at Central Decatur High School canceled. The Panthers' next competition will be Thursday, Dec. 19 at Ogden. They will hit the mat against Ogden, ACGC and Southeast Valley.
PICTURED: Joel Cooper (285) has control over his opponent during the Treynor Wrestling Invite on Dec. 7. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
|
|
 | | | Nolan, Hernandez, Walker place 2nd at Saydel Invitational | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls wrestling competed at the Saydel Invitational on Monday, Dec. 16. With 22 other teams. According to Bound, Panorama’s 56.5 points earned them 11th place. Southeast Polk left the tournament with the most total points with 234. Several Panthers placed, with the best results coming from: Miley Nolan (120), Dafne Hernandez (155) — and Emma Walker (190) all earning second place at the invitational. Panorama’s next competition will be the WCAC Girls Wrestling Tournament this Thursday, Dec. 19, hosted by Woodward-Granger. WCAC teams competing against Panorama are Woodward-Granger, Interstate 35, Ogden, ACGC, Pleasantville, West Central Valley and Earlham.
PICTURED: Senior Jeslyn Ortega wrestling at the Panorama Quads earlier this season. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | See the full results | |
|
|
| | Panorama tips off against I-35 tonight
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys basketball (1-4) had its Dec. 13 home game postponed to Dec. 19 against West Central Valley (1-3). Panorama will play at Interstate 35 (2-2) tonight, Dec. 17. Panorama dominated last season’s matchup between the WCAC foes, 85-48. | |
|
|
 | | | Chargers scoring storm defeats Vikings, 82-48 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys basketball (4-0) had its home game against Ogden (2-2) canceled on Friday, Dec. 13. Missing that game had no effect on ACGC’s offense in their home game against AHSTW (0-3) on Monday, Dec. 17. The Chargers nearly doubled the Vikings point total on their way to the dominant victory. ACGC will look to stay hot on Friday, Dec. 20 when they host WCAC rival Panorama (1-4).
PICTURED: No. 54 Mason Wahl sets the pick for No. 3 Jathan South against Woodward-Granger on Dec. 6. Photo by Mark Reno | |
|
|
 | | | ACGC breezes past AHSTW, 51-19 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC girls basketball (3-0) was set to face Ogden (1-4) at home on Friday, Dec. 13, until their game was canceled. ACGC faced AHSTW (2-3) at home on Monday, Dec. 16. This game was close until it wasn’t. The score was 10-5 in favor of ACGC in the first quarter. ACGC had a dominant second quarter, outscoring AHSTW, 21-6. The Chargers carried that double-digit lead the rest of the game. Camdyn Richter led the Chargers in scoring with 22 points, aided by her efficient night at the free throw line, shooting 9/12 at the stripe. Richter nearly had a double-double with her team-high nine rebounds. ACGC continued to be a force on defense with 21 steals on the night. The Chargers next game will be at home against Panorama (4-1) on Thursday, Dec. 20. ACGC’s last win against Panorama came in 2008. ACGC only lost six games all of last season, three of which were to the Panthers.
PICTURED: No. 5 Meranda Gruber and No. 44 Olivia Mahaffey set the trap during ACGC's press against Woodward-Granger on Dec. 5. Photo by Mark Reno | |
|
|
| | Chargers travel to Pleasantville High School for triangular tonight
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC did not travel for its scheduled tournament at Riverside High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. ACGC boys wrestling will hit the mat against Central Decatur and Earlham at Pleasantville High School, tonight, Dec. 17. | |
|
|
| | More than just books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Adventure Pass
Due to issues with the software used to make reservations, the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass will be put on pause starting Dec. 31. The calendar is still open for the new reservations through Dec. 31. Reservations that were previously made for dates past Dec. 31 will still be honored. However, new reservations are not being taken for dates after Dec. 31.
We know you all love the Adventure Pass, and we are working on finding a new reservation software to get it back up and running as soon as we can.
[...]
PICTURED: The Cass Pioneers decorated a tree for the MJB Library Festival of Trees. | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | Congregate Meals are served at Sneakers Café, Monday through Friday, in the Guthrie County Hospital. No meals are available on major holidays or during inclement weather. This service is available for seniors ages 60 and older. No reservation is needed. All menus follow Elderbridge-approved menus and provide at least one-third of the nutritional needs of individuals 60 and older. Menus are subject to change. For more information on these services, call 641-332-3818. | |
|
|
 | | | 20 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Dec. 15, 2004
"TWISTED" SANTAS: Last weekend in Casey was the scene of a packed Community Building where the "Better Keep Our Day Jobs" players put on the fourth annual dinner theater production of "Twas With A Twist." The hilarious musical included many local talents including Barry Orness, left, of Casey playing the "real" Santa and Pete Fay, right, of Adair, who played Ezra "Pa" Inniscap and the "fake" Santa. Some other cast members included Gretchen Umbaugh ("Ma" Inniscap), Rita Elgin (Magic Myrtle), Jade Weber (Betsy Inniscap), all of Adair, Kayla Plagman (Sam Neer), Jeannie Larson (Mrs. Claus), Pat Pettinger (The Mouse), Shawna Tuffin (Babs Inniscap), Steven Tuffin (Mop Top), all of Casey, and a host of elves and Sugar Plum Fairies. The group also puts on a variety show each spring. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
|
|
 | | | Mickey's in Yale known for homemade food, friendly service | | | | | | | | Mickey Thompson has worked in the food service industry for 36 years.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times, December 2024
Think back to April 2020. Across Iowa, schools and businesses were closing in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That same month, Mickey Thompson bought a restaurant in Yale.
“I spent the next couple of months cleaning, updating electrical and plumbing, painting and developing my menu,” Thompson says. “I finally was able to open on July 2, 2020.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | Which did you opt for this holiday season?
- Real Christmas tree
- Fake Christmas tree
- No Christmas tree
Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
|
|
| Look for your print Times publication in your mailbox each month! |
|
|
 | | | Guthrie Center Times
Mailed to all residential and business addresses in Guthrie Center, Adair and Casey. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
 | | | Lake Panorama Times
Mailed to all Lake Panorama property owners at their permanent addresses. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
 | | | Panora Times
Mailed to all residential and business addresses in Panora, Linden, Yale, Jamaica and Bagley. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
|
|
| | To advertise in the Times Vedette email or any of our printed Guthrie County publications, contact Kerry Jacobsen at kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com, or call 515-619-2788.
©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
Add webmaster@dmcityview.com to your address book to ensure delivery.
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE! | |
|
|
This email was sent to:
beckhammiller1@icloud.com
Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131
|
|
|
|
