Saying ‘Goodbye’ to Ben Franklin, Winterset

Wishing Dave & Judy Trask a VERY Happy Retirement!

Next Tuesday, December 20th, will mark the end of a wonderful era in the history of Winterset when the Ben Franklin store, owned and operated for the last 44 years by Dave and Judy Trask, closes its doors, and the Trasks begin their well-deserved retirement.

You can read more about how the Trasks began their Ben Franklin journey in this post from 2019 which coincided with “National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day.” Suffice it to say, though, that in the past four decades, Dave & Judy have had an indelible impact on the community of Winterset in a variety of ways—going far beyond their operation of a staple retail store in our community.

Ben Franklin has been a sponsor and supporter of The Winterset Citizen from the very beginning, and so—from the very bottom of my heart—I say to them, “Thank you for living your lives as shining examples of how to be outstanding citizens in a community like ours. Your impact on Winterset, its residents, and the thousands of visitors who pass through here each year has been incredible, and will continue to be felt for a very long time. I will miss your friendly and helpful faces when I need a watch battery, a sewing notion (or advice on how to use said notion!), or any of the other multitude of items I could find at your fabulous store. But, mostly, I wish you all the joy that comes from having the freedom to travel, see your family, and spend your time however you desire!”

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This Weekend

Holiday Open Houses

Friday • December 16
Union State Bank and Farmers & Merchants State Bank

Beer Choir: Christmas Edition

Friday • December 16 • 7:00pm
The Drift with Madison County Music Co.

Beer Choir is a social singing event open to all, no talent required! It’s so simple—you get a beer, get a seat, and let yourself be led through a couple hours of hilarious drinking songs from the official songbook, the Beer Choir Hymnal! This time around, the choir will also be singing from the Holiday Nog Chaser Supplement!

Non-beer drinkers are also welcome—The Drift has a great selection of wines, cocktails, appetizers and soft drinks. And if you just want to drink and listen, you’re welcome, too, but don’t be surprised when you end up joining in the singing!

Christmas Concert: Madison County Community Choir

Sunday • December 18 • 4:00pm
First United Methodist Church, 309 E Jefferson

Avatar: The Way of Water

December 16 & 17 • 7:00pm, December 18 • 2:00pm (also showing December 23rd and 30th)
The Iowa Theater

Jake Sully and Ney’tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans. Rated PG-13, 3hr 12 min

Another Round | Sunday Movie Club

Sunday • December 18 • 5:30pm
The Iowa Theater

Sunday Movie Club
Enjoy a curated program of outstanding, off-the-beaten path movies, foreign films, documentaries, and art-house titles every third Sunday of the month. Following each screening, enjoy a short, lively, moderated conversation about film! Become a Sunday Movie Club member! Non-member tickets are $8 each. Members are automatically on the guest list.

Another Round

“Another Round” is about four 40-something high school teachers whose lives and relationships feel boring and stale. They decide to test a theory that suggests humans are more creative and relaxed at an elevated blood-alcohol level of 0.05%. They begin drinking secretly at school to test the theory, and all goes well…for a while. Iowa Theater board member Marianne Fons has invited local high school vocal teacher Jon Barrett (yep, that’s my hubby. No he doesn’t drink at school!) to be her sidekick and offer his perspective in the post-screening discussion. 2021, PG-13, 1 hr 48 min

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Holiday Lights on The Hill

Daily through December 31st
Madison County Historical Museum Complex

Once again, the Madison County Historical Society has decked its ‘hills’ with an outdoor light display. Open daily to the public and running through the end of the year, guests are invited to meander around the circle drive and take in the various displays near the outbuildings. There is no cost to enjoy our lighted display, however, a free-will donation can be dropped in the mailbox near the museum entrance to help defray the expense of the lights and the electricity to keep them shining. Grab the kids and a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the Holidays Lights on The Hill!

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Next Week

Watercolor Wonderland Christmas Trees

Monday • December 19 • 6:30pm
Winterset Public Library

Learn how to use watercolors to capture the beauty of a Christmas tree decorated with colorful lights in a snow covered evening scene. Watercolor supplies are provided in the this free class for teens and adults. There is a limit of 16 participants so call the library to register at (515)462-1731.

Living Nativity

Wednesday • December 21 • 6:00 – 8:00pm
Thursday • December 22 • 6:00 – 8:00pm
First United Methodist Church at the Madison County Historical Society

Celebrate the Advent season and Christmas with this unique representation of the birth of Jesus, sponsored by Winterset’s First United Methodist Church in cooperation with other Winterset churches and community members.

Follow the star to the Madison County Historical Museum complex, where you’ll be greeted by the innkeeper, escorted by the shepherds, serenaded by the angels, and have the opportunity to observe the Holy Family and the baby Jesus. You can also enjoy a display of nativity sets and refreshments inside the museum lounge before or after your tour through the Live Nativity.

There is no admission charge and all are welcome.

White Christmas • Sing-Along!

Wednesday • December 21 • 7:00pm
Way Back Wednesday at the Iowa Theater

Half off popcorn on Way Back Wednesday!

Singers Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) join sister act Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into Gen. Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys’ commander in World War II, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. So what’s the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle: a fun-filled musical extravaganza that’s sure to put Waverly and his business in the black! 1954, NR, 2 hr

The $10 ticket for this showing includes a set of personal sleigh bells for each ticket holder!

Holiday Jingle Zen Stone Painting

Thursday • December 22 • 6:30pm
Winterset Public Library

We could probably all use a little more zen in our lives right now! Take a break from the holiday kerfuffle for an evening of stone painting and relaxation. All supplies are provided. Register by calling the library at 515-462-173 or online: www.WintersetLibrary.org/calendar