By Susan Thompson | Special to the Times Vedette

Each year, the Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) conducts fundraising activities to make it possible to provide a scholarship to a Panorama Community School graduating senior. This year’s recipient is Zoey Hambleton. She is shown with Nancy Loeck, a member of the WSO scholarship committee. The other member of the committee is Deb DeBruin. 

Hambleton plans to attend The University of Iowa, majoring in nursing. Her career goal is to be a nurse practitioner.

The WSO’s annual home tour is the group’s major fundraiser and funds this renewable $500 scholarship each year, making four scholarships paid annually. This year’s home tour is Friday, June 7. Five Lake Panorama homes will be featured with four on the east side of the lake and one on the west side.

Tickets are $30 and include both the home tour and lunch at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. Tickets can be reserved by contacting Mary Beidelman at 641-757-0425.

Special to the Times Vedette

The June 1 deadline for eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition is quickly approaching, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is encouraging farm families to apply today. 

The program, which was created in partnership by the Department and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively. This is the 48^th year of the Century Farm Program, which started in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. To date, more than 21,000 farms from across the state have received this distinction. This is the 18th year of the Heritage Farm Program and more than 1,800 farms have been recognized since this program began in 2006. 

The completed applications must be postmarked or received by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by June 1, 2024, in order to be included in the Aug. 15 ceremony held during the 2024 Iowa State Fair. 

To apply, download and complete the application found on the Department’s website and return it to: 

Century and Heritage Farm Program

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Wallace State Office Building

502 E. Ninth St.

Des Moines, IA 50319  

You may also request an application from Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.

To search for previous Century and Heritage Farm recipients, visit the database on the Department’s website. Photos from past recognition ceremonies are also available on the Department’s Flickr website.

Special to the Times Vedette

The annual Wine Walk event was held Friday, May 10 from 5-8:30 p.m. in Guthrie Center. The event kicked off with registration from 5-6 p.m. at the Guthrie Activity Center (209 State St.). The Wine Walk ran from 5-7 p.m. and offered participants the opportunity to explore downtown shops while enjoying samples of wine and appetizers. From 6-7 p.m., a Beef and Beer Tasting was held at the Activity Center, followed by trivia and a $5 nacho bar.

Devan Seeck and Kim Durst assist participants in the 2024 Wine Walk.

Participants prepare for the trivia contest and nacho bar that were held at the Activity Center after the Wine Walk.

Special to the Times Vedette

Seasoned walkers and newbies are invited to participate in a 100-mile walking challenge from June 1 to Sept. 9. The challenge, which is being coordinated by Arianne Steenblock and Sara Van Effen, involves walking 100 miles in 100 days. The challenge is on the honor system, but a tracking sheet will be provided with registration, and organizers say any fitness app, pedometer or other tool can work, too. 

The Virtual Kickoff Meeting is May 30 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Participants will set goals, introduce themselves and get motivated. They can also expect follow-up support including lots of encouragement, milestone celebrations and some surprise extras. Cost is $30 per household, and deadline is May 30.  Register at https://squareup.com/appointments/book/classes/9sy1snxkvyj53g/LD7SWKA07FDT9/classes. Anyone with questions can contact Steenblock at 515-537-5330.