PRESTO! New program mixes magic, STEM, arts for youth
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Summer in Jasper County just became a little more magical with the newest program being offered by United Way of Jasper County.
The non-profit is hosting the Jasper Co. Academy of Magic Camp from June 20-24 for children 8-12 years old. The Academy of Magic will feature the award-winning and nationally recognized Discover Magic curriculum which disguises a STEM and arts program as magic classes. (Learn more about the curriculum at www.discovermagic.com) “We wanted to do something to reach children in Jasper County, offer something special and different that would not only spark imaginations but offer life-long skills,” said Jessica Lowe Vokes, UWJC Executive Director. Each course offered by Jasper Co. Academy of Magic will feature a magic trick and teach one of the eight traits of a “true magician” – respect, preparedness, authenticity, enthusiasm, creativity, humility, confidence and giving. While children will learn card tricks, make things disappear and much more, they will actually be building self-confidence, improving communication skills, using their creativity and developing friendships. The magic camp will be Monday-Friday, June 20-24. The schedule includes four days of classes wrapping up with a wand presentation and party on the final day. Each day of camp children will learn two magic tricks and magical traits, have practice and presentation time, play games, have a chance to earn rewards, and receive a snack. Children will learn card tricks, coin tricks, make things disappear and reappear, learn mentalism and much more. Registration for Academy of Magic is $75 per child and includes magic tricks, bag and folder, all supplies, daily snacks and a wand presentation and party. The program nationally costs more than $250 per child but it is being sponsored by United Way of Jasper County with the help of Discover Magic, private donations and free use of the arboretum from Project AWAKE. “We know $75 may be too much for some families. We do not want the cost to be a barrier for children to participate so we have a scholarship program established to help provide support and it is a simple process to apply for a scholarship,” she said. To apply for a scholarship, parents and guardians can email unitedwayjc@gmail.com. A limited pool of funds are available to assist with reducing cost of registration fees for families. The United Way is applying for additional grant funds, seeking sponsorships and accepting donations to help lower the cost of the program even more. For details, to register or make a donation visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uwojc/event/850782/ |
“Myself and the United Way board believe we have a really fun, educational and important program with the Jasper Co. Academy of Magic,” Lowe Vokes said. “Support from the community will help us expand the program throughout the county. I’m really excited to see the program take shape, work with children and share my love of magic with others. It is going to be a great time at our first session of the Academy of Magic.”
MORE DETAILS: WHO: Boys & Girls 8-12 years old* CLASS SIZE: 12 spots are open for the first session of Jasper Co. Academy of Magic CLASS SCHEDULE 1-3 p.m. Monday, June 20 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 1-3 p.m. Thursday, June 23 WAND PRESENTATION & PIZZA PARTY - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 24 (Pizza party - Cheese, Sausage, Pepperoni will be ordered) - Child is allowed to bring a special guest to this event! LOCATION: Newton Arboretum 3000 N. 4th Ave. Newton IA 50208 *Children must be 8 years old and no older than 12 years old by registration deadline on June 15, 2022. |
The Great Big Awesome Raffle winners announceds
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WINNERS OF THE 2021 Great Big Christmas Raffle are:
Olive Garden & UW Hat - Mary Holmes amazon & UW Hat - Ronnette Vondrak Walkie Talkies - Sean Anthony Dewalt Tool Box - Kimbra Korte On 32" Sound Bar - Brent & Brylee Magg Fareway $50 Gift Card - Greg Woods Rick's BP Oil Change - Michelle Stalzer Yeti Tumblers - Kathy Ellis UWJC hat & $50 - Liz Dodd Capitol II Movie for a Year - Liz Dood WaMart Gift Card - Julie Smith Gregg Young Oil Change & Tire Rotation* - Ashley Gipe Gregg Young Oil Change & Tire Rotation* - Lacie Dykstra JH Travel Certificate - Lonnie Portner Fareway $100 Gift Card - Lucas Hughes UWJC Hat & $100 Cash - Stacy Dhabalt |
Kate Spade wristlet - Brendan Lamont
Beats Ear Buds - Paula Arkema Goldie's For a Year - Liz Dodd DeWalt Impact Driver Kit - Catherine Ashton Adventureland Passes - Chelsie May Kate Spade Tote - Carrie Cibula RTIC Cooler & Mugs - Steve Terlouw Ryobi Tools - Eric Smith 17" Blackstone Griddle - Liz Dodd Laptop - Evelyn George Katie Jane $250 Gift Certificate - Dan Poduska Coach Millie Tote - Nathan Unsworth Roku 43" Smart TV - Travis Wesley Yeti 35 Thunder Cooler - Graham Sullivan Blackstone Griddle, Bag & Tools - Doug Woods $1,000 CASH - Liz Dodd |
Care-A-Thon underway at Newton elementary schools
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NEWTON - The Cardinals United Care-A-Thon has returned for the third year to Newton's elementary schools.
The Care-A-Thon, which runs from Feb. 7-28, is a collaborative effort between Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Jefferson, Aurora Heights and Emerson Hough Elementary schools physical education department and the United Way of Jasper County. The Care-A-Thon is aimed at teaching students about ways to care during the month long-PE program. It also provides an opportunity for students to take part in a school-wide service project raising money to support Newton’s schools and community-based health and human service programs. Since it began in 2020, the program has raised money to support the purchase of new physical education equipment, make improvements to the buildings at the schools, purchase classroom gear, and food assistance, along with support for homeless prevention, literacy programs, after-school programs, assistance for disabled individuals, access to medical care and much more. Students who raise funds can also earn a variety of prizes including collector button pins, gift cards to local businesses, a Cardinals United T-shirt, Maytag Pool pass, electronics and more! In 2021, students earned $5,000 worth of prizes. Thanks to the collaboration the money raised local stays local to help the most vulnerable in our community and improve the schools for all children to enjoy.
Learn more about the 2022 Care A Thon, register your child or make a donation at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/22cardinalsunited/ |
Newton's elementary school principals and physical education teachers accept the funds raised during the 2021 Cardinals United Care-A-Thon. Pictured front row, from left: Emerson Hough Principal Jolene Comer, Aurora Heights Principal Jim Gilbert, PE teacher Noah Thatcher
Middle row: Thomas Jefferson Principal Trisca Mick and United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
Back row: Woodrow Wilson Principal Todd Schuster and PE teacher Eric Vander Velden.
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Wing'N'Fling Disc Golf Tourney - TBA 2022What is more summer than outdoor fun and BBQ? Come enjoy a day of disc golf, BBQ, music, fun and fundraising at the first WING'N'FLING Disc Golf Tourney powered by Jersey Freeze.
The event will be announced for spring 2022. Registration is just $35/person and includes a player's pack with discs to use during the tournament, lunch and entrance into the event. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of classes so everyone will have a chance to win whether new to the game or play every day. |
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Halloween Bingo set for Oct. 14
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One of United Way of Jasper County's most popular fundraising events is back and has a fun Halloween twist.
UWJC's Halloween VIP Bingo - sponsored by Kinetic Edge in Newton & Colfax, and Megan Meyer, Newton Realtor - will be on Thursday, Oct. 14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo will begin around 6:30 p.m. and will take place at Colfax Historical Society Event Center, 900 N. Walnut St. in Colfax The event will feature Very Impressive Prizes, Halloween decorations and themed bingo games, yummy treats, and prizes for best costume (costumes encouraged but not a necessity). The new venue will allow for more participants and BYOB is welcome. Cost is $40 and includes bingo, dauber, treats and non-alcoholic beverages. The event is for adults. |
Purchase tickets at UWJC office or online at
secure.qgiv.com/for/uwojc/event/837467/ HALLOWEEN VIP BINGO: When: Thursday, Oct. 14 Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Hauntingly Good Happy Hour: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Halloween Bingo: 6:30 p.m. Where: Colfax Historical Society Event Center, 900 North Walnut St. in Colfax Admission: $40 (+$2 online processing fee) Adults-Only Event |
2020 Great Big Raffle winners announced
United Way of Jasper County hosted a new and fun event to support its mission in helping the people of Jasper County. The Great Big Awesome Raffle included prize drawings every day for the month of Novemer.
Here are the winners:
Nov. 1 - Patty McCormick - Gift certificats to Montana Mike's (donated by Montana Mike's)
Nov. 2 - Toni Peska - $50 cash** Donated back to UW
Nov. 3 - Nicky Lampe & Sveta Miller - Each a $50 Gift Card to Goldie's Ice Cream
Nov. 4 - Paula Arkema - Hamilton Beach 12-cup Coffee Maker
Nov. 5 - Toni Peksa & Doug Hill - Each a $50 Gift Certificate to Esther & Co.
Nov. 6 - Amber Beerends - Sound Bar
Nov. 7 - Deb Chance - Fire Pit
Nov. 8 - Jennifer Prendergast - Kindle Tablet
Nov. 9 - Doug & Cindy Smith - A Night of Magic & Mystery gift certificate
Nov. 10 - Kelsey Lazella - $100 Goldie's Gift Card
Nov. 11 - Lori Schutte - $50 Esther & Co. Gift Certificate
Nov. 12 - Sue Fortune - Fossil Men's Watch
Nov. 13 & 14 - Zachary Lowe - Digital Picture Frame & Nicole Terry - Montana Mikes Gift Certificates
Nov. 15 - Katie Cantu - Capitol II $50 Gift Card
Nov. 16 - Jackson/Amanda Price - Crosley Record Player
Nov. 17 - Denise Rash - Fossil Purse
Nov. 18 - Donna Cook - Magic Bullet/Montana Mike certificate AND Becky Tenckinck - Mini Frig/Montana Mike certificate
Nov. 19 - Tony & Des Cameron - Pizzazz
Nov. 20 - Shelley Koons - Crown Royal
Nov. 21- Cody Muhs - $25 gift certificate to Esther & Company
Evelyn George - travel DVD player
Nov. 22 - Kim Thomas - InstaPot Air Fryer
Nov. 23 - Lisa Fraser - 32 Inch Roku Flatscreen TV
Nov. 24 - Craig Armstrong - Coleman Cooker & $100 Cash
Nov. 25 - Doug & Cindy Smith - $100 Cash
Nov. 26 - Doug Bishop - DeWalt Impact Driver Set
Nov. 27 - Scott & Sabrina Smead -Blackstone Grill
Nov. 28 - Joe Grife - YETI Cooler
Nov. 29 - Curt Tremel - Diamond Earrings
Nov. 30 - Lee & Jennifer Barnett - $500 CASH$$$
Here are the winners:
Nov. 1 - Patty McCormick - Gift certificats to Montana Mike's (donated by Montana Mike's)
Nov. 2 - Toni Peska - $50 cash** Donated back to UW
Nov. 3 - Nicky Lampe & Sveta Miller - Each a $50 Gift Card to Goldie's Ice Cream
Nov. 4 - Paula Arkema - Hamilton Beach 12-cup Coffee Maker
Nov. 5 - Toni Peksa & Doug Hill - Each a $50 Gift Certificate to Esther & Co.
Nov. 6 - Amber Beerends - Sound Bar
Nov. 7 - Deb Chance - Fire Pit
Nov. 8 - Jennifer Prendergast - Kindle Tablet
Nov. 9 - Doug & Cindy Smith - A Night of Magic & Mystery gift certificate
Nov. 10 - Kelsey Lazella - $100 Goldie's Gift Card
Nov. 11 - Lori Schutte - $50 Esther & Co. Gift Certificate
Nov. 12 - Sue Fortune - Fossil Men's Watch
Nov. 13 & 14 - Zachary Lowe - Digital Picture Frame & Nicole Terry - Montana Mikes Gift Certificates
Nov. 15 - Katie Cantu - Capitol II $50 Gift Card
Nov. 16 - Jackson/Amanda Price - Crosley Record Player
Nov. 17 - Denise Rash - Fossil Purse
Nov. 18 - Donna Cook - Magic Bullet/Montana Mike certificate AND Becky Tenckinck - Mini Frig/Montana Mike certificate
Nov. 19 - Tony & Des Cameron - Pizzazz
Nov. 20 - Shelley Koons - Crown Royal
Nov. 21- Cody Muhs - $25 gift certificate to Esther & Company
Evelyn George - travel DVD player
Nov. 22 - Kim Thomas - InstaPot Air Fryer
Nov. 23 - Lisa Fraser - 32 Inch Roku Flatscreen TV
Nov. 24 - Craig Armstrong - Coleman Cooker & $100 Cash
Nov. 25 - Doug & Cindy Smith - $100 Cash
Nov. 26 - Doug Bishop - DeWalt Impact Driver Set
Nov. 27 - Scott & Sabrina Smead -Blackstone Grill
Nov. 28 - Joe Grife - YETI Cooler
Nov. 29 - Curt Tremel - Diamond Earrings
Nov. 30 - Lee & Jennifer Barnett - $500 CASH$$$
A Night of Magic & Mystery with Jonathan May & Goldie's Gourmet Pizzas fundraiser set for Friday, Nov. 13
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The United Way of Jasper County is hosting a virtual NIGHT OF MAGIC AND MYSTERY with Jonathan May .... and featuring Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe Gourmet Pizzas!!!!
This is a first of its kind virtual event for United Way of Jasper County where we mix a virtual magic show with a delicious dinner that you can only get by attending the event! A Night of Magic and Mystery is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Cost is $75 and includes admission to the virtual interactive magic show, a Goldie's Gourmet PIzza of your choice, chocolate chip cookies for dessert, a magic kit and a magic book by magician Jonathan May. Brad Magg with Goldie's has whipped up 5 options for pizzas including a Goldie's Pork Tenderloin Pizza. The only way to get the pizza is by attending A Night of Magic and Mystery. Those attending can order as many additional pizzas as they want. The pizzas will be take and bake and can be picked up between 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at United Way in Newton or Goldie's in Prairie City. |
United Way's coloring contest winners announced
The United Way of Jasper County hosted its second annual Christmas Coloring Contest for children up to 18 years old.
The contest was a huge success with 90 entries. Every child who turned in a completed color sheet had their name entered into a drawing for prizes. The winners are: * Daphne Forck - $10 * Emily Cantu - $5 & Coloring Book ++ * Ariana Knie - $5 ++ * Camden Clark - $5 * Kylee Johnson - $10 Taco John's Gift Card++ * Kaylee Dewitt - $10 Taco John's Gift Card * Regan Maki - $10 McDonald's Gift Card * Kinsley Meyer. - $10 McDonald's Gift Card ++ * Lennon - Legos++ * Dawson Guldbug - Legos * Isaac Pence- Legos * Liam Russell - Giant Coloring Book++ * Olivia Welch - Giant Coloring Book++ * Rory Otto - Giant Coloring Book * Oscar Padget - Giant Coloring Book++ * Quinton Thomason - Giant Coloring Book++ Congratulations to ALL our winners and we hope everyone joins in the fun again next year. Merry Christmas!!! |
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Carson King Foundation derecho relief funds to United Way of Jasper County
ALTOONA - The Carson King Foundation donated $10,000 to United Way of Jasper County to assist with relief efforts and help those impacted by the Aug. 10 derecho.
Carson King, namesake and president of The Carson King Foundation, has been working with Iowa nonprofits to support disaster relief since the derecho swept through 27 Iowa counties and caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and crops.
"The devastation left in the wake of the derecho was heartbreaking," King said. "We knew we needed to help those impacted in a meaningful way."
King presented the $10,000 check to Jessica Lowe Vokes, UWJC executive director, on Sept. 3. Lowe Vokes said the donation has been earmarked to support homeless prevention programs, utilities assistance and fight food insecurity for those hit hardest by the derecho. She added the funds will be distributed through local health and human service agencies throughout Jasper County.
"The $10,000 comes at a critical time as individuals are still reeling from the aftermath of the derecho," Lowe Vokes said. "Many are just now learning some things are not covered by insurance or they may not qualify for certain aid. These funds will serve local residents who were hit hardest by the storm."
King, most notably recognized as the sign-holding Iowa State Cyclones fan who raised more than $3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, has raised well over $60,000 so far in derecho relief funds through his foundation. The foundation has distributed funds to United Way of Johnston and Washington Counties, United Way of Eastern Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa and the Marshalltown Community Foundation. King, a native of Jasper County, said he was proud to be able to support his friends and neighbors in Jasper.
"As a Prairie City native, I’m proud to help Jasper County in any way possible," King said. "2020 has been a difficult year for so many and we hope these funds will help people get back on their feet quickly."
Those needing assistance can refer to the Jasper County Storm Resource Guide at unitedwayofjaspercounty.org, call United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or visit fema.gov. To learn more about The Carson King Foundation and its efforts follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit carsonkingfoundation.org.
"We are so grateful to Carson and those who helped make this contribution a reality because the need is out there," Lowe Vokes said. "I know many people are still struggling due to the pandemic and then the storm. These funds will truly make a difference for so many here in Jasper County."
Carson King, namesake and president of The Carson King Foundation, has been working with Iowa nonprofits to support disaster relief since the derecho swept through 27 Iowa counties and caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and crops.
"The devastation left in the wake of the derecho was heartbreaking," King said. "We knew we needed to help those impacted in a meaningful way."
King presented the $10,000 check to Jessica Lowe Vokes, UWJC executive director, on Sept. 3. Lowe Vokes said the donation has been earmarked to support homeless prevention programs, utilities assistance and fight food insecurity for those hit hardest by the derecho. She added the funds will be distributed through local health and human service agencies throughout Jasper County.
"The $10,000 comes at a critical time as individuals are still reeling from the aftermath of the derecho," Lowe Vokes said. "Many are just now learning some things are not covered by insurance or they may not qualify for certain aid. These funds will serve local residents who were hit hardest by the storm."
King, most notably recognized as the sign-holding Iowa State Cyclones fan who raised more than $3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, has raised well over $60,000 so far in derecho relief funds through his foundation. The foundation has distributed funds to United Way of Johnston and Washington Counties, United Way of Eastern Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa and the Marshalltown Community Foundation. King, a native of Jasper County, said he was proud to be able to support his friends and neighbors in Jasper.
"As a Prairie City native, I’m proud to help Jasper County in any way possible," King said. "2020 has been a difficult year for so many and we hope these funds will help people get back on their feet quickly."
Those needing assistance can refer to the Jasper County Storm Resource Guide at unitedwayofjaspercounty.org, call United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or visit fema.gov. To learn more about The Carson King Foundation and its efforts follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit carsonkingfoundation.org.
"We are so grateful to Carson and those who helped make this contribution a reality because the need is out there," Lowe Vokes said. "I know many people are still struggling due to the pandemic and then the storm. These funds will truly make a difference for so many here in Jasper County."
