Now that the kids are out of school and I can hear the jubilant noise of the Aquatic Center from my house on W. Jefferson, let’s talk about some great opportunities for our community’s youth this summer. Regarding the pool itself, remember that you can find all the information you need about hours, special events and more at cityofwinterset.org/aquatic-center. Regular open hours at the Aquatic Center this season will be 12:30 to 5:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays, and 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays (except July 4th, which closes at 5:00).

Toddler Time is also available in the shallow area at the Aquatic Center for parents and toddlers age 5 and younger from June 12 through August 4, 5:15 to 6:00 pm. No registration is required, just check in at admissions. Purchase a season pass, or admission is $3.50 per person at the gate. For dates of other Aquatic Center activities for youth and families, as well as other summer programs by the Winterset Parks & Recreation Department (everything from tennis to skateboarding), see cityofwinterset.org/parks-recreation-programs-and-activities.

Madison County ISU Extension and Outreach is offering Summer Day Camps throughout the county in St. Charles, Earlham and Winterset. These camps fill up fast, but there may still be space available. In June, upcoming 4^th through 7^th grade youth will have the opportunity to learn about computer science and coding in Blockly using tablets and robots. They will learn about debugging, algorithms, and order of operations. Participants will explore coding using Dash and Dot and practice communication and collaboration by working with peers toward a common goal. You can check out what Dash and Dot are all about on Monday June 19^th in Winterset, Wednesday June 21^st in St. Charles, and Friday, June 23^rd in Earlham. Workshops will run from 8am-4:00 pm. Registration is $20 ($15 for additional registrations). Seats are limited to the first 16 registrants in each location, so again, don’t delay!

At the end of summer, upcoming 5^th through 8^th grade youth will have the opportunity to solve real-life engineering challenges by constructing bridges, boats, and towers while practicing collaboration with their peers. Kids will be shown how to build, test, revise, and retest prototypes. Join them for a fun day of building on Monday, July 31st in Winterset, Wednesday, August 2nd in St. Charles and Friday, August 4th in Earlham. This day camp will start at 8 am and end at 4 pm. Registration is $25, and for this camp, additional registrations will be just $20.

Trained educators provide practical, hands-on experience and ideas. Youth are asked to bring a sack lunch. Madison County Extension will provide snacks, all equipment and materials needed.

For more information on, call 515-462-1001 or email us at xmadison@iastate.edu.

The Winterset Art Center is hosting a series of three Day Camps for kids of all ages starting on June 13th. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Angela Newman at 804-380-8079 or wintersetart2016@gmail.com. Click to download a printable pdf of the flyer shown below.

There are so many wonderful programs for youth happening at the Winterset Public Library that I don’t have room to share them all, so be sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with what’s available each week for kids of all ages. Here’s a few of their summer offerings, which kick off this weekend with the Touch a Truck event on Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00 am to Noon. The theme of the 2017 Summer Reading Program is Build a Better World.

A cool challenge by the Winterset Library for teens: the June Instagram Photo Challenge:

Or if your teen is up for a mental challenge, maybe they’d like to learn Latin. Could be an activity for the whole family!

The Madison County Conservation Board is hosting a series of camps for kids, ranging from ages 3 (Tadpole Camp) to 15 (Outdoor Adventures) and everything in between (Night Owls Camp, Chipmunk Camp, Water Rocks! Camp, and more). Some of these camps are now full, but contact Amy Holley, the MCCB Naturalist, for information about what opportunities still remain. You can also reach her at naturalist@madisoncountyparks.org. To see the full lineup of what they have planned, visit madisoncountyconservation.org/2017-summer-programs. Be sure to check out the River Alliance and Events pages on their website for more family activities coming up at the Madison County Parks.

Finally, the Winterset Area Skate Park, “Rotary Plaza,” is now nearing completion, and open for skating!

Brand new skate park on the first day of summer vacation may be the happiest place on earth.

This Weekend

Now that The Iowa Theater is officially open, I will have movies and events to share with you every week! This week’s movie is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (PG), and it will show TONIGHT (Thursday) and Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 11:00, 2:00, and 7:00, and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime, and tickets are $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 12 and under, adults 62 and older, and all matinees before 5:00 pm. I look forward to bringing you this weekly information in a fancy graphic very soon.

The Winterset Optimists meet at the Montross Cafe every Friday morning before the work day begins, with a meeting and program beginning at 6:45 am. On Friday, June 2nd (TOMORROW), you are invited to be their guest! If you’ve ever been interested in becoming an Optimist or learning more about the organization, this meeting is designed to answer your questions. Breakfast will be provided for your first meeting — just enter the cafe anytime after 6:15 am through the alley entrance, and you’ll be welcomed. Optimist Club is a voluntary organization of civic-minded men and women working together in community service, and its members come from all walks of life. Known for their dedication to being “Friends of Youth,” some of their most visible local projects include Family Fun Night at the Elementary school, Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments, the annual Turkey Dinner, Fishing Derby, Toys for Tots, a Food Bank Drive with the Junior Optimists, Little League Sponsorship, and course, the annual Holiday Flag service they provide in conjunction with the Winterset Lions Club. Take them up on this opportunity and visit them bright and early tomorrow morning at Montross for more information.

Thank you Winterset Optimist Club, Winterset Lions Club, Boy Scouts, and all who participate in the Flag Service program! Learn more about Winterset Optimists on June 2nd at 6:45 am at Montross Cafe.

On Friday night in Winterset, something new and awesome is starting in Winterset City Park! Co-hosted by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Winterset Parks and Recreation Department, the “First Friday” concert series means that once a month, on the first Friday of the month from June through August, the North Shelter area at City Park will be alive from 6:00 to 10:00 pm with live music, hot food, and cold beverages (beer, wine coolers and bottled water). The event is free, just bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax on the gently sloping hillside facing the Cutler-Donohue bridge. The first event this Friday evening is hosted by Rainbow International and will feature music by Hot Tamale & the Red Hots and food by Hy-Vee. The First Fridays series is sponsored for the summer by Fareway.

And at the Winterset High School on Friday evening, the Madison County Relay for Life event will be in full swing from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, with registration starting at 5:00. It looks like it will be a beautiful night to participate!

On Saturday morning from 10:00 am to Noon, the Winterset Public Library will be kicking off their “Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program with a special Touch a Truck event. Kids and families can visit the library and sign up for Summer Reading, and then touch and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build the Winterset community. Bring a camera for fun photo opportunities with a tractor, snowplow, fire engine, police car, pet rescue van, school bus, semi cab, and more.

The annual Mayor’s Bike Ride will be held this Saturday morning, June 3rd. Kids and adults are welcome to participate and should check in at 8:00 am at the parking lot of the Winterset Aquatic Center. There is no fee. The ride will be to City Park and back, emphasizing bike safety and the need for a bike/walking/jogging trail in our area. The event is co-sponsored by the Winterset Police Department, Madison County Cycling Club and the Winterset Parks & Recreation Department. Kids wearing a helmet will receive a certificate for a free ice cream cone.

Madhaus Gallery is hosting a “Two-Part Flowers & Grillin’” event from 9:00 am to Noon on Saturday morning, June 3rd for $20 per person ($30 per couple). Experience is necessary for this particular event, open to anyone who has taken glassblowing classes in the past or used studio time at Madhaus. Spouses are welcome to come watch and enjoy the day also. Lunch is included (brats, chips provided – bring a pot luck item to share if you like). Reserve your spot by e-mail to glassideas@mchsi.com.

The Madison County Farmers Market is now held every Saturday morning from 8:00 am to Noon, through early October, on the Winterset courthouse square.

Groth’s Gardens & Greenhouses at 2451 Cumming Road is having a Spring & Summer Season Closeout Sale this weekend, June 2-4. This year they’re taking a summer vacation during June and July, opening back up for the fall season on August 21st. That means there are close-out specials of 50% off perennials and tropicals, and $1.00 per pot on all remaining annuals. Stop by this weekend from 9:00 to 6:00 on Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 4:00 on Sunday.

Also this Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, join the Iowa Quilt Museum in celebrating its first anniversary with a Military Fashion Show in conjunction with its current patriotic Quilts of Valor exhibit. A selection of military uniforms from the State Historical Museum of Iowa will be displayed, and curator Leo Landis will be on hand for a presentation about these historical artifacts. Winterset resident and owner of White Lions Bed & Breakfast, Kayla Hawkins, will supply refreshments for this event and Covered Bridges Winery will be on hand to serve their native wines. There is no admission charge, and a free-will donation will be taken to support the mission and work of the Iowa Quilt Museum. If you’re interested in attending, an RSVP would be appreciated to museum director Megan Barrett: director@iowaquiltmuseum.org or 515-462-5988.

Happy One Year Anniversary to the Iowa Quilt Museum!

Covered Bridges Winery has increased its summer Tasting Room Hours for the season, and is now open Wednesdays and Thursdays from Noon to 6:00 pm, Fridays from Noon to 7:00 pm, Saturdays from Noon to 6:00 (or until 10:00 pm for Music at the Winery events), and Sundays from Noon to 5:00. This Saturday, June 3rd they will feature live music by Brick Imerman from 7:00 to 10:00 and food by Up in Smoke BBQ from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. A talented musician, Brick captures a full-band sound as a solo playing multiple instruments while utilizing midi technology. He plays everything from the 50’s to present, classic rock to rocking country and originals. Weather permitting, music will be held outside. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

Coming Soon

Community Band Lawn Chair Nights will kick off for the 2017 season on Thursday, June 8th on the east side of the Madison County Courthouse lawn. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm, with food starting at 6:30 pm. The first week’s food, walking tacos and desserts, will be offered by the Madison County Republicans. The following week’s entertainment, mid-way through the concert on June 15th, will be the Greater Madison County Community Foundation grant awards ceremony.

Friday, June 9th is Ladies Night Out on the Winterset square! Pre-register here to receive a gift bag with coupons, samples and goodies, and be sure to stop by the Chamber office to pick it up before you head out around the square.

The Madison County Conservation Board is leading a Backpacking/Primitive Camping Trip on Friday, June 9-10 at Clanton Creek. This trip is open to people of all backpacking skill levels and will include a pre-trip informational session on Monday, June 5 at 6:30 pm in the Pammel Park Nature Center. This informational session will cover what to pack for the overnight, tips on packing a backpack, clothing recommendations, and how to fit your backpack. During the trip, participants will hike approximately two miles in to Clanton Creek and set up camp at one of the primitive camping sites. The trip will depart from a designated meeting spot around 5:30 pm on June 9th. Naturalist Amy Holley will lead the hike, and there will be an evening meal and campfire under the full moon. The group will plan to hike out of the area after breakfast on Saturday morning and be back to the parking area before noon. Registration fee is $15 per person and includes the guided hike and campout, friday night campfire meal, and simple breakfast provisions. A limited number of backpacks will be available for use during the event. Backpack rental will be $15/backpack and they will be available for pickup during the Monday night pre-trip session. To register, complete the registration form found at www.madisoncountyconservation.org/calendar and return with registration fees to MCCB, P.O. Box 129, Winterset, IA 50273.

The annual recital for students of Winterset Ballet & Dance will be held Friday, June 9th at 6:00 pm and Saturday, June 10th at 3:00 pm in the WHS Auditorium. They will be performing Alice in Wonderland for the ballet, and the theme for the jazz, hip-hop and modern part of the recital is Moms, because all the moms are dancing in each of these dances! For the first time, tickets will be available for purchase online in advance here, starting Monday, May 8th. This means reserved seating! Tickets are just $5.00, and will also be available at the door.

Members of Madison County Cycle Club (MCCC) look forward to welcoming cycling enthusiasts to the community on Saturday, June 10, as hosts of BRAMCO (Bike Ride Around Madison County). This year’s event—the club’s twenty-first annual—begins and ends as usual at the Winterset City Park. In addition to the usual two paved route choices, this year’s BRAMCO will (for the second year) include a separate gravel ride titled “BRAMCO on the Rocks.” Many participants have already registered, but pre-registration is not required. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. at City Park’s North Shelter. Riders head out as a group at 9 a.m. The cost of the ride is $35, which includes a commemorative patch; morning coffee, fruit, and muffins; sports drinks, water, fruit and cookies at the rest stops, and lunch served back at the park until 4 p.m.

The paved routes go south from town on John Wayne Drive. Riders can choose either a 45-mile or a 60-mile loop, returning to the park for the famous lunch that is included with registration. Towns on the shorter ride are St. Charles, Truro, and East Peru. The long loop includes Podunk Center and Macksburg. Three rest stops along the route, staffed by MCCC members, provide sports drinks, water, snacks, and shade. Motorists are asked to watch out for cyclists on the routes through early afternoon. This year, the route for the gravel ride includes two loops—a 19-mile loop and a 25-mile loop—which can be ridden separately with a break for lunch in between. The route also includes rest stops, three covered bridges, a rural, one-room schoolhouse, a stop at the new Winterset Cidery, and more.

Proceeds from this year’s BRAMCO will be donated to the Cedar Lake Trail project. For more information about Madison County Cycle Club, visit madisoncountycycleclub.org.

BRAMCO = Bike Ride Around Madison County, coming June 10th, 2017

Finally…

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talents and attention to provide a wonderful Memorial Day service in Winterset on Monday, fitting of our beloved veterans and fallen heroes.

That’s all for now. Thank you for reading The Winterset Citizen! All community announcements are provided at no charge, courtesy of the following sponsors: