Villisca

Inspired by Joel Herzberg

Tonight I read the post on the CaringBridge Journal for Joel Herzberg. I've been at meetings all week where groups were struggling to do great things and then I read the Journal post where joy was found in Joel nodding his head and managing ice chips and a dum dum sucker. Are not all things relative - we all should reach beyond where we are at - but for each of us, that goal is different.  A bit of philosophy for the end of the week but I think it will help each of us evaluate our successes.  Have a great weekend everyone. And before I sign off - GO BLUEJAYS!  Congratulations on your Thursday night win and we are cheering for your success Monday evening.

Ragbrai Planning Meeting

Ragbrai is coming through Villisca on Monday, July 20. It will be a fun and eventful few hours and a great opportunity to showcase Villisca and for our non-profits and for individuals to do some significant fundraising. Jim Robinson, president of the Chamber of Commerce has announced that on Monday evening, February 23, at 6:30, there will be an organizational meeting at the Community Center.  What a day it was the last time Ragbrai came through and we want to be the same kind of hosts this time. All those who are willing to be a part of the planning process and those who represent groups which may want to have booths or an activity during the bikers short visit to our community should plan to be at the meeting.

Ragbrai news

I just can't keep the good news to myself. Villisca received word today that Ragbrai is scheduled to come through Villisca on Monday, July 20 after their overnight stay in Red Oak. Now there is some paperwork to be done by the City for it to be definite but ... surely they can get it done and there will be a concensus to "invite" Ragbrai to Villisca.   It offers such opportunity to showcase Villisca and for our various organizations to raise funds.  I recall when they last came through and it took efforts and cooperation throughout Villisca for it to happen.  And yet, a great time was had by all.  With the All-Class Reunion just two weeks earlier, it will mean huge efforts by everyone.  Stay tune for details as they develop and be ready to do your part - don't wait to be asked - volunteer. 

Villisca Joel Herzberg Family Fun Day

The following information has come to my desk today - so I am passing it along. I've also posted it on facebook so you may be getting it twice.  Anyway, for those of you from out of town, be creative in thinking what you might do.  You might put together a gift basket to be auctioned or if you work for a large company, they might contribute something for an auction. 

Villisca is planning a community wide Joel Herzberg Family Fun Day to raise funds for the Joel Herzberg family.  Joel is the 18 year old son of Jim and Jan Herzberg of Villisca and suffered a brain injury in a skiing accident on January 2.  He is making great progress but remains hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska.  The Villisca community and the Herzberg family are grateful for the kindness that has been shown from area schools and communities.  Not only his immediate family has shown support, but also his community and Corner Conference “families”.  It is wonderful to see all of Southwest Iowa pull together and show support for Joel.  The Herzberg family has agreed to a one-time fundraising event in hopes that all organizations that want to be involved can all work together.  The Joel Herzberg Family Fun Day will be held April 11, 2009.  This is Easter weekend and we hope lots of families will get involved in the many planned activities.  Tentative events include a walk/run, basketball tournament for all ages, shooting contest, pie/cake auction, game rooms, prizes, food, auction, entertainment and evening meal.  Other events are in the planning stages.  Any individual, group, organization or business wanting to donate food, auction items, or volunteer to work, please contact one of the following committee members: Shona and Clint Means 826-2526; Dawnette and Mark Herzberg 785-3239; Diane and Bill Shipley 785-3260; Mark Focht 829-2460; Becky and Vince Dolch 826-8161; Darci and Jason Poston 826-3120; Jodi and Steve Haer 826-9512; or Carolyn and Jerry Fisher 826-3122.  Donated items for the auction may be taken to City Hall in Villisca.  If you are unable to attend but would like to show your support, checks may be mailed to Joel Herzberg Benefit Fund, % Bank Iowa, 300 South 3rd Avenue, P.O. Box 46, Villisca, Iowa  50864.  More details will follow at a later date.